India Gears Up For 2nd Phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Complete Schedule and List of States Closing Schools on April 26

India is set to continue its democratic journey with the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections slated for April 26, 2024. Following the successful completion of the first phase which saw active participation from several states, the Election Commission of India has meticulously planned the upcoming polling across multiple regions.

The first round on April 19 encompassed a diverse range of states from the Northeast - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Sikkim - extending to significant others including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, with close to 60% voter turnout reported by the evening.

Looking ahead, the electoral process enters its second phase covering 89 constituencies across 13 states. This includes states like Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir. Each region prepares to undertake this democratic exercise with zeal, showcasing the nation's commitment to a robust electoral process.

As the nation braces for another significant voting day, educational institutions across the aforementioned states will remain closed. This measure ensures the smooth functioning of polling activities, as many schools and colleges are transformed into polling stations. The closure also aims to safeguard students and staff by minimizing disruptions and maintaining security during this sensitive period.

Here's a detailed look at the constituencies going to polls and the corresponding states where educational institutions will take a pause:

• Assam: Karimganj, Silchar, Mangaldoi, Nagaon, Kaliabor
• Bihar: Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur
• Chhattisgarh: Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund, Kanker
• Karnataka: Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davanagere, Shimoga
• Kerala: Kasargod, Kannur, Vadakara, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ponnani, Palakkad, Alathur, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Mavelikkara, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram

Madhya Pradesh: Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, Hoshangabad, Betul

Maharashtra: Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, Parbhani

Manipur: Outer Manipur

Rajasthan: Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota, Jhalawar-Baran

Tripura: Tripura East

Uttar Pradesh: Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura

West Bengal: Darjeeling, Raiganj, Balurghat

Jammu and Kashmir: Jammu

This extensive arrangement underscores India's vast and varied electoral landscape, highlighting the Election Commission's pivotal role in facilitating a fair and orderly voting process. As the nation readies for another day of democratic duty, the spirit of participation is palpable, set to shape the future course of the world's largest democracy.