The 2024 Lok Sabha elections began on Friday, with voting for 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories in the first phase. Over 16.63 crore people are eligible to vote. The BJP aims to challenge Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu and retain its strongholds, while the opposition INDIA bloc seeks to dislodge the NDA. The first phase includes 35.67 lakh first-time voters and 3.51 crore young voters aged 20-29. Voting will conclude on June 1, with results announced on June 4. Key candidates include Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal, Congress’ Gaurav Gogoi, BJP’s Annamalai, and DMK’s Kanimozhi. Polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with over 18 lakh polling personnel deployed. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar urged people to vote, emphasizing the significance of each vote in democracy.
Photos: PTI, TH, Bijoy Ghosh.