Key Developments in Lok Sabha Elections on May 7
The third phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 took place on May 7, encompassing 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories. The day saw a voter turnout of 60.19% by 5 p.m., with the highest participation in Assam (74.86%) and the lowest in Maharashtra (53.63%). Despite the general smooth conduct of the elections, West Bengal experienced sporadic incidents of violence.
Major Events and Statements
- Congress Promises to Abolish Agniveer Scheme: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced that if the INDIA bloc is voted to power, the Agniveer scheme would be abolished. He claims it was not initiated by the army but by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Prime Minister’s Push for 400 Lok Sabha Seats: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for securing 400 Lok Sabha seats to prevent Congress from affecting the OBC quota for their vote bank. He emphasized the success in removing Article 370 when the NDA coalition held nearly 400 seats.
- Violence in West Bengal: Sporadic incidents of violence were reported in four constituencies as workers from TMC, BJP, and Congress-CPI(M) clashed in areas such as Murshidabad and Jangipur.
- High-Profile Candidates: The elections featured several prominent political figures, including Union ministers Amit Shah (Gandhinagar), Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Vidisha), Digvijaya Singh (Rajgarh), and Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna).
Nomination Process Begins for Future Phases
- In Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, the nomination process began for 13 Lok Sabha seats and 6 assembly bypolls. The process will conclude on May 14, with May 15 reserved for scrutiny and May 17 for withdrawal of nominations.
Allegations and Accusations
- Mamata Banerjee Accuses Election Commission: The West Bengal Chief Minister accused the EC of turning a blind eye to hate speeches from BJP leaders, turning the Model Code of Conduct into a “Modi Code of Conduct.”
- Repolling in Rajasthan: Due to a breach of confidentiality of vote, repolling was ordered for a polling booth in Dudhwa Khurd village in Barmer on May 8.
Controversial Statements
- Prime Minister Modi claimed the opposition is snatching reservations from SC, ST, and OBC communities to benefit their vote bank. He criticized Congress for allegedly giving a clean chit to terrorists.
- PM Modi also accused Congress of disrespecting the martyrs of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks due to recent controversial remarks made by party members.
Congress and BJP’s Plans for Reservation Policies in Election 2024
FAQs
Q: What was the overall voter turnout in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024? A: The overall voter turnout was 60.19% as of 5 p.m. in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections held on May 7, 2024.A: The overall voter turnout was 60.19% as of 5 p.m. in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections held on May 7, 2024.
Q: Which state recorded the highest voter turnout? A: Assam recorded the highest voter turnout at 74.86%.
Q: What are some major incidents of violence that occurred during the elections? A: Sporadic incidents of violence occurred in West Bengal, particularly in constituencies such as Murshidabad and Jangipur.
Q: What did Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promise during the elections? A: Rahul Gandhi announced that the INDIA bloc would abolish the Agniveer scheme if they are voted to power.
Q: What controversial remarks did PM Modi make about Congress during the elections? A: PM Modi accused Congress of disrespecting the martyrs of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and of snatching reservations from SC, ST, and OBC communities to benefit their vote bank.
Q: What did West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accuse the Election Commission of? A: Mamata Banerjee accused the Election Commission of ignoring hate speeches by BJP leaders, turning the Model Code of Conduct into a “Modi Code of Conduct.”
