The forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in India, slated to unfold in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will determine the composition of the Lower House of Parliament, with results anticipated on June 4.
In the inaugural phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 21 states and union territories will witness polls. Among these, notable states include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
High-profile Constituencies in Phase 1
Uttar Pradesh: Saharanpur, Rampur, Pilibhit, Muzzafarnagar
Maharashtra: Ramtek (SC), Nagpur, Chandrapur
Assam: Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, Jorhat
Chhattisgarh: Bastar
Bihar: Jamui, Gaya
Jammu and Kashmir: Udhampur
Madhya Pradesh: Chhindwara
Tamil Nadu: Chennai North, Chennai South, Chennai Central, Coimbatore, Thoothukkudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari
Rajasthan: Bikaner, Sikar, Churu, Nagaur, Alwar
West Bengal: Cooch Behar, Alipurduars, Jalpaiguri
Phase 1 of Lok Sabha elections 2024: Notable candidates vying for victory
Here are some notable candidates who are seeking victory in Phase 1:
Nitin Gadkari (Nagpur-Maharashtra): Nitin Gadkari, the Union road transport and highways minister, is aiming for his third consecutive victory from the Nagpur constituency. Having demonstrated his political prowess by securing significant wins in 2014 and 2019, Gadkari faces competition from various quarters as he seeks to maintain his lead.
Jitin Prasada (Pilibhit-Uttar Pradesh): Once a loyalist of the Congress party, Jitin Prasada's move to the BJP marks a significant shift in Uttar Pradesh's political landscape. Contesting from Pilibhit, Prasada's candidacy has injected new energy into the electoral dynamics, setting the stage for a competitive race against opponents from the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Tamilisai Soundararajan (South Chennai-Tamil Nadu): Stepping down as Telangana governor to re-enter active politics, Tamilisai Soundararajan represents the BJP in Chennai South. With a political lineage tied to her veteran Congress leader mother, Soundararajan brings experience and dedication to her electoral pursuits, aiming to serve the people of Chennai South.
K Annamalai (Coimbatore-Tamil Nadu): As the BJP state president in Tamil Nadu, K Annamalai emerges as a formidable candidate in Coimbatore. Confronting opponents from the DMK and AIADMK, Annamalai's candidacy symbolises the BJP's aspirations in the region, showcasing his political acumen despite being relatively new to the field.
Dayanidhi Maran (Chennai Central-Tamil Nadu): Seeking to maintain the DMK's stronghold in Chennai Central, Dayanidhi Maran faces a spirited contest against the BJP's Vinoj P Selvam. With a tenure as the incumbent MP and a legacy tied to his family's political history, Maran's commitment to the welfare of Chennai Central's residents remains a focal point of his campaign.
Nakul Nath (Chhindwara-Madhya Pradesh): Son of former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, Nakul Nath aims for re-election from the Chhindwara constituency. Despite the BJP's dominance in the state, Chhindwara's allegiance to the Congress and the Nath family legacy continues to resonate, reaffirming the constituency's trust in Nakul Nath's leadership.
Jitendra Singh (Udhampur-Jammu and Kashmir): Holding multiple portfolios as a Union minister and a two-term MP, Jitendra Singh gears up for another electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur constituency. With a track record of significant wins against prominent opponents, Singh's bid for a third consecutive victory sets the stage for an intriguing electoral contest in the region.
Bhupendra Yadav (Alwar-Rajasthan): Union minister and Rajya Sabha member who replaced sitting MP Balak Nath, is in a contest with sitting Congress MLA Lalit Yadav, who belongs to Matsya region of Alwar district in Rajasthan and enjoys the support of the Yadav community. Yadav will compete against Lalit Yadav, a rising star in the Congress party, who clinched victory in the December Assembly elections from Mundawar constituency in Rajasthan.
Kiren Rijiju (Arunachal West constituency-Arunachal Pradesh): Seeking re-election from the Arunachal West constituency, Kiren Rijiju, a Union minister of earth sciences, faces competition from Nabam Tuki, the former chief minister and current president of the Arunachal Pradesh Congress. With past victories under his belt, Rijiju's campaign aims to secure another resounding win for the BJP in Arunachal Pradesh.
Gaurav Gogoi (Jorhat-Assam): A notable contest emerges in Jorhat, Assam, where Gaurav Gogoi, Congress's deputy leader in Lok Sabha, faces off against the incumbent BJP MP Topon Kumar Gogoi. Transitioning from the Kaliabor constituency due to delimitation exercises, Gogoi's bid for victory highlights the electoral battle brewing in Assam's political landscape.
Sarbanada Sonowal (Dibrugarh-Assam): Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sonowal is seeking a return to Lok Sabha from Dibrugarh in Assam. Sonowal, a Rajya Sabha member, was fielded from Dibrugarh after Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli, was not given a ticket. Sonowal will contend against Lurinjyoti Gogoi of the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) in a heated electoral battle.
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