As India's Lok Sabha elections continue, millions head to the polls on May 7 for the third phase of the seven-phase election. Notable figures like Amit Shah, India's Minister of Home Affairs, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, are in the fray alongside personalities like Badruddin Ajmal, owner of the perfume brand Ajmal.
The third phase covers 93 seats in the Lok Sabha across 11 states and union territories. Gujarat, Modi's home state, is a focal point with 25 seats, although one seat in Surat won't be contested as the ruling BJP candidate already secured victory due to withdrawals by opponents.
The previous phases saw lower-than-average voter turnout and concerns over hate speeches and Election Commission impartiality. Despite this, the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintains popularity, with inflation and job shortages cited as growing concerns.
Key constituencies include Gandhinagar, Gujarat, a BJP stronghold since 1989, contested by Amit Shah. Jyotiraditya Scindia, having switched from the Congress to the BJP, contests from Guna, Madhya Pradesh. Badruddin Ajmal vies for reelection from Dhubri, Assam, advocating for Muslim rights in a region with a significant Muslim population.
Phase 3 voters hail from states like Karnataka, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Goa, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and union territories.
Voting starts at 7 am and ends at 6 pm, with results expected on June 4. The BJP governs several states in this phase, while West Bengal is under the All India Trinamool Congress Party.
In 2019, the BJP secured 80 seats out of the 93 being contested in Phase 3, with Congress and allies claiming 11. One independent candidate also won in Assam.
With 190 MPs already decided in the first two phases, the nation progresses through this democratic exercise, shaping the future leadership and direction of India.
​Phase 3 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voter Turnout and Key Contestants Update
Phase 3 Voting Begins in 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Key Candidates and States
PM Modi's Transit Visit: Meeting Booth Workers, Public Meeting in Dhar-Khargone