General Elections India 2024: Key Factors & Issues

The world’s largest democracy, India, is currently conducting its mammoth parliamentary elections. The second phase of voting is underway, with all eyes on the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka. Voters are heading to the polls in 88 seats across 12 states and one union territory, where several prominent contestants are vying for victory

Indeed, the ongoing Indian parliamentary elections are a significant democratic exercise. In the second phase, voters in 88 constituencies across 12 states and one union territory are casting their ballots. Let’s take a closer look at some key aspects:

Kerala Elections:
- Kerala, known for its high literacy rate and political awareness, is witnessing intense competition. The state has a history of alternating between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) in power.
- Key issues include development, welfare programs, and social justice. The contest is fierce between the LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and the UDF, led by Ramesh Chennithala.
Karnataka Elections:
- Karnataka, a state with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, is witnessing voting in 14 constituencies.
- Issues such as infrastructure development, farmers’ welfare, and regional identity are crucial. The BJP, Congress, and JD(S) are the major contenders.
Exit Polls and Predictions:
- Exit polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections are yet to be conducted.
- In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP secured a significant victory in Karnataka, winning 25 out of 28 seats. However, Kerala remained a stronghold for the Left parties.

Remember to stay informed and participate in this democratic process! 🗳️🇮🇳

Key Issues in India General Elections 2024:

The 2024 Indian general elections are witnessing several key issues that are shaping the political discourse. Some of these include:

Economic Recovery: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Indian economy and efforts towards recovery.
Agricultural Reforms: The contentious farm laws and their implications.
Unemployment: Addressing job creation and employment opportunities.
Healthcare: Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and access.
National Security: Ensuring safety and stability.
Environment and Climate Change: Policies related to environmental conservation and climate action.

Number of Phases:

The India General Elections 2024 are being conducted in seven phases. Each phase covers different states and union territories, allowing voters across the country to cast their ballots in a staggered manner.

Real-Time Updates on Election Results:

For real-time updates on election results, you can visit the official website of the Election Commission of India. Additionally, news outlets and reliable sources like Firstpost and Al Jazeera provide live coverage and updates on election outcomes.

Major Parties Contesting in India General Elections 2024:

The 2024 Indian general elections feature a multi-party system, with two major parties dominating the national politics:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): The BJP has governed the country with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the helm since 2014.
Indian National Congress (INC): The INC is another significant party in the electoral landscape.

Additionally, there are other parties contesting the elections, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), National People’s Party (NPP), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). All except the BSP are part of one of the two major alliances.

Voter Turnout:

The voter turnout during the 2024 Indian general elections has been substantial. In the second phase of polling, which covered 89 constituencies across India, the voter turnout was recorded at over 64.16%. In the first phase, the tentative voter turnout across 21 states and union territories was reported to be over 60%. These numbers may vary as final figures are obtained after scrutiny.

Notable Candidates:

Some notable candidates include:

Manoj Tiwari: Contesting from North East Delhi for the BJP.
Ramvir Singh Bidhuri: Contesting from South Delhi for the BJP.
Bansuri Swaraj: Contesting from New Delhi for the BJP.
Kamaljeet Sehrawat: Contesting from West Delhi for the BJP.
Praveen Khandelwal: Contesting from Chandni Chowk for the BJP.

India General Elections 2024

Let’s delve into the key aspects of the India General Elections 2024:

Key Battleground States:

Three states are emerging as crucial battlegrounds in the 2024 elections:

West Bengal: The BJP and Trinamool Congress are locked in a fierce contest here. The BJP made significant inroads in 2019, but the final outcome remains uncertain due to various factors.
Bihar: Political realignments, including Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) rejoining the NDA, have added to the unpredictability in Bihar. The state has always been a wildcard in elections.
Maharashtra: Splitting of state-based parties since 2019 has made Maharashtra a pollsters’ nightmare. These splinter groups are part of both the NDA and the INDIA bloc, making the state hard to predict.

Social Media Influence on Voter Behavior:

Social media has transformed the way voters and political parties engage during elections. While its direct electoral impact is hard to measure, it presents both opportunities and challenges.
Misinformation and Disinformation: False information spreads through social media, impacting election integrity. Deepfake videos and manipulated content can mislead voters and create echo chambers.
Fact-Checking: Independent fact-checking platforms like AltNews play a crucial role in verifying information and countering misinformation.

Exit Polls and Predictions:

The Mood of the Nation (MOTN) survey predicts that the BJP-led NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is poised to secure a third term with a commanding majority, projected to win 335 seats. The INDIA bloc (including the Congress) is expected to secure 166 seats.

Exit polls are banned until June 1, 2024, following the conclusion of polling in each phase. However, these predictions provide insights into voter sentiment and trends.

West Bengal General Elections 2024

Let’s delve into the key aspects of the West Bengal General Elections 2024:

Key Issues in West Bengal Elections:

Separate Statehood for Gorkhaland: The Darjeeling hills are witnessing a four-cornered contest, with BJP’s sitting MP Raju Bista aiming for a second term. The demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland remains a significant issue in this region.
Tea Industry Challenges: The ailing health of the tea industry, closed gardens, socio-economic discontent, and stagnant wages for plantation workers are critical issues in North Bengal.
Water Shortage, Landslides, and Soil Erosion: These environmental concerns impact the lives of people in the region.
Women’s Safety: Ensuring safety for women is a pressing issue.
Corruption Allegations: Allegations of corruption have been raised by various parties.

Social Media Influence on Voter Behavior:

Social media plays a crucial role in West Bengal elections. It allows parties to reach out to voters virtually, especially during the pandemic.

Identity Politics: Identity-based narratives are prominent, shaping voter behavior.
Impression Management: Candidates consciously present themselves on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, influencing public perception.
Visual Communication: Visuals on social media convey messages, evoke emotions, and mediate political discourse.

Notable Candidates:

Abhishek Banerjee: Representing TMC from Diamond Harbour.
Yusuf Pathan: Contesting from Baharampur for TMC.
Nirmal Kumar Saha: BJP candidate from Baharampur.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury: INC candidate from Baharampur.
Raju Bista: BJP candidate from Darjeeling.
Gopal Lama: TMC nominee from Darjeeling.
Shatrughan Sinha: Contesting from Asansol for TMC.
Haji Nurul Islam: TMC candidate from Basirhat.
Satabdi Roy: TMC candidate from Birbhum.
Dr. Munish Tamang: INC candidate from Darjeeling.

Bihar General Elections 2024

Let’s explore the key aspects of the Bihar General Elections:

Key Issues in Bihar Elections:

Jobs Crisis: Unemployment remains a pressing concern for voters.
Flood Fury: Bihar faces annual floods, and voters expect effective disaster management.
Leadership: The contest between incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav is crucial.
Migrant Issue: The return of migrants during the pandemic has implications for employment and welfare.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Handling the pandemic and healthcare infrastructure are key issues.
New Farm Laws: The impact of agricultural reforms on farmers’ livelihoods.

Social Media Influence on Voter Behavior:

Rise of Social Media: Social media plays a significant role in political discourse and information dissemination.
Hate Speech and Misinformation: While it accelerates information spread, it also exposes users to hate speech and fake news.
Campaign Strategies: Political parties actively use social media for campaigning, especially during the pandemic when physical rallies were restricted.

Exit Polls and Predictions:

In the 2020 Bihar Assembly Elections:

Grand Alliance (RJD-Congress): Predicted to secure a comfortable victory with around 137 seats.
NDA (JD(U)-BJP): Projected to fall short of a majority with around 116 seats.
LJP: Expected to win only a few seats.

Exit polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections are yet to be conducted, but stay tuned for updates after voting concludes.

Maharashtra General Elections 2024

Let’s explore the key aspects of the Maharashtra General Elections 2024:

Key Issues in Maharashtra Elections:

Maratha Reservation Demand: The Maratha community’s demand for reservation in education and jobs remains a significant issue.
Infrastructure Development: Voters are concerned about improving infrastructure, including roads, public transport, and urban amenities.
Farmers’ Problems: Agricultural distress, crop prices, and farmer welfare are crucial issues.
Political Alliances: The contest between the ruling Mahayuti alliance (BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP) and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress, NCP, and Shiv Sena) shapes the political narrative.
Constituency-Specific Concerns: Each constituency has its unique challenges and priorities.

Social Media Influence on Voter Behavior:

Marathi social media influencers are actively engaging voters through platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
They use songs, memes, and humor to discuss ongoing political activity in Maharashtra.
Content creators collaborate with the Election Commission to create voter awareness and encourage participation.
Social media plays a role in shaping perceptions and influencing voting decisions.

Notable Candidates:

Supriya Sule (NCP): Contesting from Baramati.
Dr. Heena Gavit (BJP): Representing Nandurbar.
Raksha Khadse (BJP): Running in the Raver constituency.
Pritam Munde (BJP): Vying for the Beed seat.
Navneet Rana (Independent): Representing Amravati.
Dr. Bharati Pawar (BJP): Contesting from Dindori.
Bhavana Gawli (Shiv Sena): Running in Yavatmal-Washim.
Poonam Mahajan (BJP): Representing Mumbai North-Central.

Tamil Nadu General Elections 2024

Let’s delve into the key aspects of the Tamil Nadu General Elections 2024:

Key Issues in Tamil Nadu Elections:

Federalism: The DMK-Congress alliance emphasizes federalism, advocating for greater state autonomy.
BJP as a Threat: The opposition portrays the BJP as a potential threat to minority and Dalit communities.
NEET Controversy: Criticism centers around alleged bias against Tamil students in exams like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

Social Media Influence on Voter Behavior:

Social media platforms play a significant role in Tamil Nadu politics.

WhatsApp groups organized by political parties have an impact on political knowledge and preferences.

These groups influence voters, particularly moderates who were initially indifferent between parties.

Exit Polls and Predictions:

Exit polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections are yet to be conducted.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance secured a resounding victory, winning 38 out of 39 seats in Tamil Nadu.

Kerala General Elections 2024

Let’s explore the key aspects of the Kerala General Elections 2024:

Key Issues in Kerala Elections:

Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA): The contentious CAA has been a topic of debate, with parties taking different stances on its implementation.
Electoral Bonds Controversy: The use of electoral bonds has raised concerns about transparency and political funding.
Manipur Unrest: The situation in Manipur has implications for regional stability and security.
Human-Animal Conflicts: Kerala faces challenges related to wildlife conservation and conflicts between humans and animals.

Social Media Influence on Voter Behavior:

Kerala voters are influenced by social media campaigns.
While there may not be prominent political social media influencers like Dhruv Rathee, parties effectively utilize social media for messaging.
The CPI(M) and BJP actively engage voters through social media, while the Congress lags behind.

Exit Polls and Predictions:

Exit polls for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections are yet to be conducted.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the LDF led by Pinarayi Vijayan secured a significant victory, winning around 104-120 seats, while the UDF won 20-36 seats.