Lok Sabha election, the world’s largest democratic exercise, are set to take place in India in 2024. The elections are held every five years to elect members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s bicameral Parliament.
The elections are significant event in the country’s political landscape, and the outcome has far – reaching implications for the country’s governance, economy, and foreign policy. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Lok Sabha elections 2024, including the election process, key parties, and issues at stake.
Election Process
Lok Sabha elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India ( ECI ), an autonomous body responsible for managing elections in the country. The ECI is responsible for preparing the electoral roll, registering political parties, and ensuring free and fair elections. The election process is a complex and challenging task, given the country’s vast geographical area, diverse population, and logistical challenges.
The Lok Sabha elections are conducted in multiple phases to ensure smooth and efficient conduct. The ECI announces the election schedule, and the election process begins with the filling of nominations by candidates. The nomination are scrutinised, and candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are allowed to contest the elections. The elections are conducted through a secret ballot system, and the counting of votes takes place after the polling is completed.
Key Parties
India’s political landscape is dominated by two major national parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) and the India National Congress ( INC ). The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is currently in power and is expected to contest the elections with a strong mandate. The INC, led by Rahul Gandhi, is the main opposition party and is expected to mount a strong challenge to BJP.
Apart from the two major national parties, there are several regional parties that play a significant role in the Lok Sabha elections. These parties have a strong presence in their respective states and are crucial in forming governments at the state and national levels. Some of the key regional parties include the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam ( DKM ) in Tamil Nadu, the Telegu Desam Party ( TDP ) in Andhra Pradesh, the Shiromani Akali Dal ( SAD ) in Punjab, and the Nationalist Congress Party ( NCP ) in Maharashtra.
Issues at Stake
Lok Sabha elections are platform for political parties to present their vision and agenda for the country. The issues at stake in the 2024 elections are likely to be similar to those in previous elections, with some new challenges emerging.
Economic Development: Economic development is a critical issue in the Lok Sabha elections. The Indian economy has been facing several challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, and a slowdown in growth. The BJP government’s economic policies, including the Goods and Services Tax ( GST ) and demonetisation, have been criticised by the opposition. The INC and other opposition parties are expected to focus on economic issues and present their vision for economic development.
Foreign Policy: Foreign Policy is another critical issue in the Lok Sabha elections. India’s relations with its neighbours, including Pakistan and China, have been strained in recent years. The BJP government’s foreign policy, including its stance on the Kashmir issue and its relation with the United States, has been criticised by the opposition. The INC other opposition parties are expected to present their vision for India’s foreign policy.
Agrarian Crisis: The agrarian crisis is a significant issue in the Lok Sabha elections. Farmers in several parts of the country have been protesting against the government’s policies, including the farm laws. The BJP government’s handling of the agrarian crisis has been criticised by the opposition. The INC and other opposition parties are expected to focus on the agrarian crisis and present their vision for addressing the challenges faced by farmers.
Conclusion
Lok Sabha elections 2024 are a significant event in India’s political landscape. The elections are a platform for political parties to present their vision and agenda for the country. The election process is a complex and challenging task, given the country’s vast geographical area, diverse population, and logistical challenges. The key parties in the elections are the BJP and the INC, with several regional parties playing a significant role. The issues at stake in the elections are likely to be economic development, foreign policy, and the agrarian crisis. The outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for the country’s governance, economy, and foreign policy.