Tag: Lok Sabha Election 2024

In Ayodhya, voters talk of a promise fulfilled and yearning for development

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

The year began with Ayodhya getting ready for the Ram temple consecration ceremony. Almost four months later, the excitement has settled down and some voters are crediting the BJP for fulfilling its promise while others feel that development should reach every corner of the district.

Prajjwal Singh, a resident of Arhgarha Chauraha, told PTI that Ayodhya’s transformation began on January 22, when the Ram temple consecration ceremony was held.

“On January 22, 2024, the promise that was made to us by various BJP leaders was fulfilled in a grand manner. From that day, Ayodhya set out on the path of development,” he said.

“The hospitality sector has seen visible growth. A number of eateries and food joints have come up. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath deserve a round of applause for such a positive transformation of Ayodhya,” Prajjwal Singh told PTI.

He said there are some traffic woes in the area but they are temporary and will be resolved subsequently.

Tulsinagar resident Amit Pathak said growing up, he has witnessed the political and physical transformation of Ayodhya.

“No prime minister or chief minister has visited Ayodhya as many times as Narendra Modi and Yogi Adityanath. Electric buses, railway station beautification and airport inauguration are some examples of this transformation,” he said, adding that today, it is easier to reach Ayodhya from any other part of the country.

Himanshu Varma, a resident of Nirmochan Chauraha, said Ayodhya has witnessed development and it will take time to reach the entire district.

Yashvendra Pratap Singh, a resident of the Khajurhat area of Ayodhya said there is no doubt the Ram temple has had a positive impact on the minds of people and that it has given an edge to the BJP over its rivals.

“However, infrastructure development should also take place in the outskirts of Ayodhya,” he said.

“Holistic development of the entire district should take place. For example, the pilgrims who come to visit the Ram temple have to walk a few kilometres in scorching heat. There should be arrangements to provide water to them,” he added.

Homepathy doctor Indroneel Banerjee said issues like parking and sewerage system need attention.

“These elections will definitely be fought by the ruling party in the name of Lord Ram. A number of positive things have happened. The service sector has benefited in the last four months thanks to the Ram temple,” he said.

“But some problems like lack of parking space remain. For a city which wants to take the next step in road traffic management, having parking lots is essential. The sewerage system could be a challenge in the days to come. We will come to know what steps have been taken to tackle waterlogging,” he said.

Shailesh Singh, a resident of the Balapakauli area, said rest houses should be built for pilgrims and steps should be taken to minimize traffic jams.

For Adarsh Prakash, inflation and income tax relief and not Ram temple are the main issues in this election.

Polling in the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency will be held in the fifth round of the seven-phase elections on May 20. It comprises five assembly segments — Dariyabad, Rudauli, Mikipur (SC), Bikapur and Ayodhya Of these, Dariyabad is located in neighbouring Barabanki district and the remaining four assembly segments are in Ayodhya district.

There are 19,27,459 eligible voters in the Faizabad constituency.

Thirteen candidates are in the fray, including sitting BJP MP Lallu Singh and Samajwadi Party’s sitting Milkipur MLA Awadhesh Prasad.

Lallu Singh is eyeing a hat-trick from the seat.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: What rural Delhi wants

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Fight of heavyweights in Sambalpur where farmers, weavers hold the key

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Unemployment and distress sale of paddy are the pressing issues in Odisha’s Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, where Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan of the BJP and influential BJD general secretary (organisation) Pranab Prakash Das are poised for a showdown. The candidates’ attention is squarely on farmers and weavers, who are crucial in a region that encompasses the catchment area of the Hirakud reservoir and has a thriving handloom industry.

The majority of Sambalpur’s population, concentrated in five of its seven assembly constituencies, relies either on agriculture or the harvesting of Kendu and Sal leaves for their livelihoods. Pradhan, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar, is contesting elections after a gap of 15 years. He had last unsuccessfully contested assembly elections from Parlahara assembly segment in 2009.

Das, on the other hand, is the sitting MLA of Jajpur seat in the coastal region. He is known to be an influential organiser of the party. The prestigious Sambalpur parliamentary constituency was represented by the BJD during its alliance with BJP three times in a row in 1998, 1999 and 2004.

In 2009, 2014 and 2019, however, voters of the constituency elected Congress, BJD and BJP candidates respectively. Pradhan, a resident of Talcher town in Angul district and son of former Union minister Debendra Pradhan, has been a central minister since 2014 and is banking on the initiatives of the Union government to register a victory.

“We are optimistic that people will vote on the lotus symbol. The BJP-led Centre has established IIM Sambalpur and people are happy with the developmental work of the Union government,” he said. Das, a three-term Jajpur MLA and son of former Janata Dal state president Ashok Dash, claimed that people love Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and have been benefited from the BJD governments’ schemes for farmers, weavers, students, youths and women.

“The BJD government’s Kalia scheme for farmers is very popular in this region,” Das said. Although a total of 14 candidates are in the fray, the contest is directly between Pradhan and Das.

Congress has nominated former BJD MP and ex-minister Nagendra Pradhan, who quit the ruling party in the state and joined the grand old party a few days before filing his nominations. The Congress had first named Dulal Chandra Pradhan from the seat but later changed its candidate to Nagendra Pradhan, who had won from the constituency in 2014 on a BJD ticket, after he joined the grand old party. Aggrieved by the party’s decision, Dulal Chandra Pradhan later joined the BJP.

Nagendra Pradhan was elected from the Athamalik assembly segment three times, in 1990 on a Janata Dal ticket and in 2004 and 2014 as a BJD candidate. He had also served in the Naveen Patnaik cabinet. The Sambalpur parliamentary constituency was reorganised in a delimitation exercise ahead of the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

It comprises Sambalpur, Rairhakhol, Kuchinda and Rengali assembly constituencies in Sambalpur district, Athamallik and Chhendipada assembly segments in Angul district and Deogarh assembly constituency in Deogarh district. BJD had won the Rairhakhol, Kuchinda, Chhendipada and Athamallik assembly seats, while the BJP bagged Sambalpur, Deogarh and Rengali assembly seats in the 2019 elections.

In the 2009, 2014 and 2019 elections, Sambalpur sent three different party candidates to the Lok Sabha. In 2009, the Congress won by a margin of 14,874 votes, while the BJD secured the seat in 2014, winning by 30,574 votes. The BJP bagged the seat in 2019 by a margin of only 9,162 votes.

The candidates of the three major parties were seen campaigning in the scorching heat, reaching out to representatives of various communities, entrepreneurs, artistes and sportspersons.

Also Read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: What rural Delhi wants

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Odisha: Fight of heavyweights in Sambalpur where farmers, weavers hold the key

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Unemployment and distress sale of paddy are the pressing issues in Odisha’s Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, where Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan of the BJP and influential BJD general secretary (organisation) Pranab Prakash Das are poised for a showdown.

The candidates’ attention is squarely on farmers and weavers, who are crucial in a region that encompasses the catchment area of the Hirakud reservoir and has a thriving handloom industry.

The majority of Sambalpur’s population, concentrated in five of its seven assembly constituencies, relies either on agriculture or the harvesting of Kendu and Sal leaves for their livelihoods.

Pradhan, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Bihar, is contesting elections after a gap of 15 years. He had last unsuccessfully contested assembly elections from Parlahara assembly segment in 2009.

Das, on the other hand, is the sitting MLA of Jajpur seat in the coastal region. He is known to be an influential organiser of the party.

The prestigious Sambalpur parliamentary constituency was represented by the BJD during its alliance with BJP three times in a row in 1998, 1999 and 2004.

In 2009, 2014 and 2019, however, voters of the constituency elected Congress, BJD and BJP candidates respectively.

Pradhan, a resident of Talcher town in Angul district and son of former Union minister Debendra Pradhan, has been a central minister since 2014 and is banking on the initiatives of the Union government to register a victory.

“We are optimistic that people will vote on the lotus symbol. The BJP-led Centre has established IIM Sambalpur and people are happy with the developmental work of the Union government,” he said.

Das, a three-term Jajpur MLA and son of former Janata Dal state president Ashok Dash, claimed that people love Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and have been benefited from the BJD governments’ schemes for farmers, weavers, students, youths and women.

“The BJD government’s Kalia scheme for farmers is very popular in this region,” Das said.

Although a total of 14 candidates are in the fray, the contest is directly between Pradhan and Das.

Congress has nominated former BJD MP and ex-minister Nagendra Pradhan, who quit the ruling party in the state and joined the grand old party a few days before filing his nominations.

The Congress had first named Dulal Chandra Pradhan from the seat but later changed its candidate to Nagendra Pradhan, who had won from the constituency in 2014 on a BJD ticket, after he joined the grand old party. Aggrieved by the party’s decision, Dulal Chandra Pradhan later joined the BJP.

Nagendra Pradhan was elected from the Athamalik assembly segment three times, in 1990 on a Janata Dal ticket and in 2004 and 2014 as a BJD candidate. He had also served in the Naveen Patnaik cabinet.

The Sambalpur parliamentary constituency was reorganised in a delimitation exercise ahead of the 2009 Lok Sabha polls.

It comprises Sambalpur, Rairhakhol, Kuchinda and Rengali assembly constituencies in Sambalpur district, Athamallik and Chhendipada assembly segments in Angul district and Deogarh assembly constituency in Deogarh district.

BJD had won the Rairhakhol, Kuchinda, Chhendipada and Athamallik assembly seats, while the BJP bagged Sambalpur, Deogarh and Rengali assembly seats in the 2019 elections.

In the 2009, 2014 and 2019 elections, Sambalpur sent three different party candidates to the Lok Sabha.

In 2009, the Congress won by a margin of 14,874 votes, while the BJD secured the seat in 2014, winning by 30,574 votes. The BJP bagged the seat in 2019 by a margin of only 9,162 votes.

The candidates of the three major parties were seen campaigning in the scorching heat, reaching out to representatives of various communities, entrepreneurs, artists and sportspersons.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Over 50 onion farmers detained in Nashik ahead of PM Modi’s visit

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Over 50 farmers were detained in Nashik as they planned to stage a protest against Centre’s poor decisions on export prices of onions. The incident took place just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nashik in Maharashtra.

The state has 22 onion-producing districts across 13 parliamentary constituencies where growers have been impacted by the Centre’s moves over the kitchen staple.

A representative of onion farmers said the ruling dispensation as well as the Opposition did not do their bit to alleviate their problems. “There is a tremendous unrest among the onion growers who will vent their ire through the EVM (electronic voting machine),” founder-president of Maharashtra State Onion Producers Association Bharat Dighole told PTI.

Elections to the 48 seats in the state are being held in five phases of which four have been completed. Polling in the last phase will be conducted on May 20.

Earlier, the Centre had imposed a 14% duty on onion exports to control prices of the bulb in the domestic market. Following agitation by farmers, it withdrew the duty and fixed a minimum export price of $850 per tonne. However, farmers claim this did not benefit them.

In December 2023, the Centre completely banned the export of onions. While it lifted the curb on May 4, the government kept the minimum export price at $550 per tonne besides levying a 40% export duty.

“Due to such policies, farmers’ expenditures increased two-fold and their income halved,” said an agriculture expert from Nashik. He said drought-like conditions prevail in the state, adding, “These are not good signs.”

Maharashtra is the largest producer of onions in the country, accounting for about 40% of the national production.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Why Google CEO is cautiously optimistic about the election year

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

At a time when Lok Sabha elections are underway in India and UK and US elections are due later in the year, fake videos of actors and politicians have been going viral on the internet. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai says given the pace of the progress with the technology, everyone is worried about deepfakes.

“So far, I think we are fortunate…we still are in a moment where as a society we are able to more easily adjudicate what is real versus not. And in combination with all the work we (Alphabet) are doing, I’m cautiously optimistic. We will be able to do our part in handling all of this well,” he told CNBC-TV18 in an exclusive interaction on the sidelines of Google’s developer conference in California on May 15.

He warned that the stakes will get higher.

The Alphabet CEO acknowledged that the world is going through a year where one in three people across the globe is participating in the electoral process, which on its own, is worth celebrating.

“At Google, we have invested in election integrity as one of our highest priorities, particularly in our products like Search and YouTube. As we deploy AI…one of the reasons we are doing work like Synth AI, or AI-assisted red teaming is to stay ahead of these problems,” he added.

He also pointed out that his firm undertakes a lot of research through projects like Jigsaw and that it is the first time that it has understood patterns in the world, reporting and sharing information with appropriate authorities or the government.

Pichai’s remarks come at a time when a report has claimed that nearly one in four Indians (25%) encounter political deepfakes, only to realise later that they were fake.

A report in April from online security firm McAfee shed light on the growing menace of deepfakes and their profound impact on Indian consumers. The study delves into the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the proliferation of deepfakes, exposing alarming trends in misinformation and cyber scams.

McAfee’s study highlights a sharp uptick in deepfake scams targeting ordinary citizens and high-profile figures spanning business, politics, entertainment, and sports.

Meanwhile, Google has partnered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to disseminate critical voting information through Google Search and YouTube. It also announced that it is supporting Shakti, the India Election Fact-Checking Collective and became a steering committee member of the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), a global standards body dedicated to certifying the provenance of digital content.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Mark Mobius reveals how markets will react if NDA wins 400+ Lok Sabha seats

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Ace investor Mark Mobius said on Wednesday, May 15, Indian markets will do well and move up if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) gets more than 400 seats and it will be good for the economy.

“It will be good news for the market. More importantly, it will be good for the economy,” Mobius told CNBC-TV18, while discussing why there has been a volatility in the Indian markets and the reason for heavy selling by foreign institutional investors (FIIs).

So far in May, FIIs have sold shares worth ₹33,540 crore, according to data available on Moneycontrol. Since April when the election process began, FIIs have offloaded $6 billon.

Mark Mobius attributed this to the prevailing uncertainty arising from the election.

“It’s probably because of the uncertainty arising from the election. Investors, not only foreign investors, but investors anywhere in the world, including Indian investors tend to hate uncertainty. They don’t want it to be uncertain.”

Mobius emphasised that a strong NDA mandate will help the government pursue ambitious policy objectives aimed at fostering growth and accelerating technology adoption across sectors.

The ace investor highlighted the importance of the government’s role in creating an environment conducive to attracting foreign investors.

“There is an incredible opportunity for India to become the centre for technical innovation and technical manufacturing. And that will depend on the degree to which the Indian government is able to attract these large manufacturers, from China, Taiwan US, Japan, etc. And that, of course, depends on the degree of bureaucracy and restrictions that the Indian government imposes. And my reading is that the Modi government will probably try to make it more attractive and loosen up these restrictions, which will attract more foreign investors.”

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Wine shops and bars to remain shut for 4 days in Mumbai in 4 weeks, check details

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

Ahead of the fifth phase of the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the administration in Mumbai city has reportedly announced dry days to be observed from May 18 to 20. Maharashtra will go to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha Elections on May 20. Here’s a look at when dry days will be observed in Mumbai.

Wine shops and bars will remain shut in Mumbai city on May 18 from 5 pm onwards. They will continue to be shut on May 19 and will open only on May 20 at 5 pm.

On the day of polling, all wine shops and bars will remain shut through the day. The restrictions on sale of alcohol are in place to maintain public order. Moreover, a dry day will again be observed in Mumbai on June 4, amid counting of votes, until the results are declared.

Also read: Metro services to remain suspended from 6 pm on May 15 due to PM Modi’s Mumbai Roadshow

Mumbai North Lok Sabha district has around 16 lakh voters and has considerable sway in Maharashtra politics. It covers key segments like Borivali, Dahisar, Kandivali East, Charkop, and Malad West.

Traditionally, the BJP has dominated this parliamentary constituency, with Ram Naik winning the seat on five occasions.

Drones, paragliders banned during PM Modi’s visits to Mumbai

Meanwhile, in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visits to Mumbai, the police have banned the use of drones, paragliders, balloons, kites and remote-controlled microlight aircraft in the city, an official said on May 15. PM Modi is scheduled to hold a campaign roadshow in Ghatkopar in eastern Mumbai on Wednesday and address a public meeting in the city on Friday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) has issued prohibitory orders banning the flying objects under section 144 of CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) from 00.01 hrs till 24.00 hrs of May 15 (Wednesday) and May 17 (Friday), the official said. According to the orders, it is apprehended that during PM Modi’s visits to Mumbai, terrorist/anti-social elements might launch attack using drones, paragliders, remote-controlled microlight aircraft and there is a likelihood breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity.

There is a grave danger to human life, health, safety and injury to public property on that account, as per the orders. A large number of VIPs and officials are expected to attend PM’s programmes on Wednesday and Friday.

According to the orders, the curbs will be in force under the jurisdiction of Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Parksite, Ghatkopar, Pant Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Chembur, Chunabhatti, BKC, Kherwadi, Vakola, Vile Parle, Sahar, Airport, Bandra, Worli, Mahim, Dadar and Shivaji Park police stations in Mumbai.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Lok Sabha Election 2024 — how regional parties are challenging national giants in Phase-4

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

Listen to the Article (6 Minutes)

As the dust settles on the fourth phase of India’s Lok Sabha elections, the southern states stand out as a crucial battleground shaping the national political landscape. With voter turnout hitting 67.71% in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh conducting simultaneous assembly elections, this phase holds immense significance in both state and national politics. Andhra Pradesh, in particular, is not merely electing a new government but asserting its regional voice on the national stage.

This phase not only determines the regional political dynamics but also holds national implications, especially for non-aligned parties like YSRCP, Biju Janata Dal, and Bharat Rashtra Samithi. The outcome of this phase could potentially make these regional parties kingmakers in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Their strategic positioning as neither aligned with the ruling NDA nor the opposition’s I.N.D.I.A bloc gives them a unique leverage to influence national politics. This phase has showcased the growing influence and autonomy of regional parties, especially in states like Andhra Pradesh where they play a decisive role. 

Across the 96 constituencies in this phase, the overall voter turnout of 64.60% showcases a vibrant democratic process despite sporadic reports of violence and EVM malfunctions. West Bengal notably recorded the highest turnout at 76.89%, reflecting intense political engagement. Conversely, Srinagar’s 38% turnout, the highest in years, hints at evolving electoral dynamics post Article 370’s abrogation.

Beyond numbers, Phase IV also marks a shift in political dynamics where regional parties assert autonomy and influence. Their performance here could sway the course of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, steering clear of national alliances to carve their unique path. In essence, this phase not only determines the fate of southern states but sets the stage for broader political realignments. Regional parties, through strategic positioning and impressive turnout, signal their role as pivotal players capable of tipping the scales in what promises to be a closely contested electoral battle. The south emerges as the cradle of potential kingmakers shaping India’s political future.

 Not A Favourable Phase For BJP

In the intricate chessboard of Indian politics, the fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has positioned itself as a critical juncture, especially for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With a staggering 44% of the phase’s seats located in the southern strongholds of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the BJP is navigating through a political labyrinth.

Reflecting on the 2019 elections, the BJP’s triumph in securing 42 seats now casts a long shadow, as the party grapples with a diminished vote share of 28.3%. This is juxtaposed against the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) more favourable 53% vote share in the seats it clinched, setting a high bar for the BJP to match its past performance.

The regional parties, unaffiliated with the major national coalitions, stand their ground, defending 33 seats with a commendable vote share of 32.3%. This not only signifies the burgeoning clout of regional forces but also underscores the unique political tapestry of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where the BJP’s imprint is relatively faint against the backdrop of regional titans like the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The Congress, albeit with a modest presence of six seats and a 15.1% vote share, cannot be dismissed as it continues to vie for influence in select constituencies. The BJP’s strategic alliance with the TDP is a testament to the complex political calculus required to penetrate these regional bastions.

The electoral duel in Andhra Pradesh is predominantly a contest of regional hegemons, TDP and YSRCP, further complicating the BJP’s quest for dominance. The concentration of seats in this phase underscores the pivotal role that regional dynamics will play in sculpting the narrative of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

To sum up, the fourth phase is a litmus test for the BJP, pitting it against formidable regional parties and a constrained presence in pivotal states like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The party’s adeptness in surmounting these obstacles will be instrumental in dictating its fortunes in this electoral chapter and shaping its trajectory in the grander electoral saga.

Important Phase For Non-NDA-INDIA Parties

The conclusion of the fourth phase of India’s Lok Sabha elections has shed light on the pivotal role played by non-NDA and non-I.N.D.I.A bloc parties like the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). This phase saw these parties collectively secure 39 seats, underscoring their significance in shaping the national political scenario.

Of these parties, the YSRCP emerged prominently with 22 seats, followed by the BJD (2), BRS (9), and AIMIM (2) seats. Notably, most of these parties, except AIMIM, have aligned with the BJP on various bills in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. However, a significant development is the BJP’s alliance with the Telugu Desam Party and Jana Sena in Andhra Pradesh, indicating a potential divergence from relying on YSRCP support. The outcome of YSRCP’s seat count in Andhra Pradesh will be critical, as it could influence their stance in the formation of the national government. Analysts suggest that they may align with any group that commands a clear mandate for central governance, which reduces BJP’s concerns regarding their support.

Similarly, in Odisha, the electoral battle primarily revolves around the BJP and BJD. Despite this, Navin Patnaik’s consistent support for the BJP at the centre suggests a stable relationship that is unlikely to shift drastically.

The significance of this election phase lies in the potential seat gains for these parties. If they secure substantial seats and the BJP-led NDA or the INDIA bloc fall short of a majority, these parties’ numbers could become crucial in government formation. This scenario underscores the strategic importance of their performance in this phase.

Looking ahead, the role of regional parties in national politics cannot be underestimated. Their ability to sway alliances and influence government formation highlights the evolving dynamics of Indian democracy. As the electoral journey progresses, the outcomes of these regional players will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of governance in the country.

Many Regional Issues

The fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has emerged as a pivotal juncture in India’s political landscape, with states like Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand taking centre stage. Beyond merely electing representatives, this phase encapsulates the nuanced regional aspirations and the evolving political ethos that shape India’s democratic fabric.

Starting with Maharashtra, where 11 constituencies are in focus, the political tapestry reflects a diverse array of interests. From urbanisation challenges to agrarian concerns and the assertive Maratha community’s aspirations, Maharashtra encapsulates India’s broader socio-political dynamics. Here the main narrative will be around finding out the real Shiv Sena and NCP. 

Moving to Bihar, with its 5 constituencies, the state epitomises the enduring vigour of regional politics. Despite the electoral weariness associated with prolonged polls, Bihar witnesses an impressive voter turnout of 55.9%. Here, the BJP, RJD, and JD(U) engage in a multifaceted narrative encompassing themes of social justice, development, and identity politics, reflecting Bihar’s complex socio-political mosaic. It is important to note that the election outcome will determine the political future of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. If the JDU performs very poorly, he will lose his political relevance. 

West Bengal’s 8 constituencies emerge as a crucible of intense political discourse, primarily between the ruling TMC and the BJP. With a robust voter turnout of 75.94%, the highest in this phase, West Bengal reaffirms its reputation as a political hotbed where grassroots connections and cultural undercurrents play a defining role in electoral outcomes.

In Jharkhand, featuring 4 constituencies, the narrative shifts to tribal identity and the battle against naxalism. While the state’s electoral weight may seem modest, its symbolic significance in addressing tribal concerns and internal security policies cannot be overstated. Parties like the BJP, JMM, and Congress navigate this intricate landscape, presenting contrasting visions for Jharkhand’s future trajectory. The arrest of former CM Hemant Soren is bound to evoke a sympathy factor for the JMM. However, the extent of this sympathy and its potential impact on sweeping the election remains to be seen. 

The fourth phase’s significance extends beyond mere seat allocations; it serves as a litmus test for India’s democratic resilience and the vibrancy of its political discourse. As regional parties assert their influence and national parties seek to reaffirm their relevance, the outcomes in these pivotal states will reverberate across the national political spectrum, shaping policy trajectories and power equations in the upcoming Lok Sabha. 

In essence, the fourth phase encapsulates the democratic ethos of India, where diverse voices converge to chart the nation’s course, making it a testament to the enduring spirit of Indian democracy.

 Decoding Voter Turnout Of Phase-4

As the curtains close on the fourth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout figures of 67.25% beckon a closer examination. This turnout, though slightly lower than the 68.8% witnessed in 2019 in the same constituencies¹, unveils a tapestry of trends and challenges that parties across the political spectrum must navigate.

For the ruling BJP, this modest decline might spark a period of reflection and strategic recalibration, especially in states like West Bengal, where voter participation soared to a commendable 76%. This high turnout underscores the fierce battle for dominance in West Bengal and signals both opportunities and hurdles for the BJP’s electoral ambitions in the region. Regional players, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, stand poised to interpret this voter engagement as a validation of their stronghold within their territories. Parties like the YSRCP and BJD, alongside other non-aligned entities, have a unique chance to amplify their influence on the national stage, potentially wielding significant influence in post-election scenarios.

In essence, the fourth phase’s voter turnout serves as a nuanced barometer, offering insights into the electorate’s pulse while spotlighting the regional intricacies that will undoubtedly shape the final narrative of the Lok Sabha elections. The dip in participation, juxtaposed with pockets of heightened engagement, paints a complex picture that demands astute political manoeuvring from all contenders.

— The author, Prof. Sayantan Ghosh (@sayantan_gh), is a political observer and columnist who teaches journalism at St. Xavier’s College,  Kolkata. The views expressed are personal.

Read his previous articles here 

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow