madhya-pradesh-braces-for-2nd-phase-of-lok-sabha-polls-with-80-contenders

Madhya Pradesh gears up for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections with 80 candidates vying for victory, including four women and a third-gender candidate.

 

Polling will commence from 7 am onwards on Friday, covering six parliamentary constituencies: Tikamgarh (SC), Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, and Hoshangabad.

 

According to Anupam Rajan, the Chief Electoral Officer of Madhya Pradesh, Satna boasts the highest number of candidates with 19 contenders, while Tikamgarh has the lowest with seven. Polling will be conducted from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, with polling teams dispatched to all stations in the state.

 

Rajan highlighted the robust arrangements in place, including 12,828 polling stations and identification of 2,865 critical stations. Additionally, 1,136 pink polling booths, exclusively staffed by women, aim to ensure inclusivity and efficiency.

 

The voter demographics reveal a diverse electorate, comprising 1,11,62,460 voters, including 58,32,333 male, 53,29,972 female, and 155 third-gender voters. Notably, 1,18,167 differently-abled voters and 64,703 voters aged above 85 underscore the need for accessible and comprehensive electoral facilities.

 

Madhya Pradesh's Lok Sabha elections span four phases, with the first phase held on April 19. Subsequent phases are scheduled for May 7 and May 13, with vote counting slated for June 4. 

 

The state, boasting 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, plays a pivotal role in India's parliamentary landscape, with 10 reserved seats for SC and ST candidates and 19 unreserved seats.

 

As the electoral process unfolds, stakeholders anticipate a dynamic contest, reflecting the diversity and democratic ethos of Madhya Pradesh.