The 5th phase of the Lok Sabha elections has commenced, with polling starting in a short while for 49 constituencies across six states and two union territories. This phase is crucial for the BJP as 40 of these seats are NDA strongholds.
Key Details
States and Constituencies:
Uttar Pradesh: 14 seats
Maharashtra: 13 seats
West Bengal: 7 seats
Bihar and Odisha: 5 seats each
Jharkhand: 3 seats
Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh: 1 seat each
Total Candidates: 659
Prominent Candidates
Rahul Gandhi: Congress leader contesting from Rae Bareli
Rajnath Singh: Defense Minister from Lucknow
Smriti Irani: Union Minister from Amethi
Rohini Acharya: RJD leader and daughter of former Bihar CM Lalu Prasad from Saran
Omar Abdullah: Vice President of National Conference from Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir
Voter Participation
Polling Stations: 94,732
Eligible Voters: 8.95 crore
In Odisha, along with the 5 Lok Sabha seats, polling is also being held for 35 Assembly constituencies. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is contesting from two places.
Prime Minister Modi's Call to Action
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged voters to participate enthusiastically in this democratic festival and create a new voting record in this phase.
