India Prepares For 3rd Phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key Details and What's Open or Closed on May 7

As the nation progresses through the phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections , the first two phases have concluded, marking significant milestones in India's democratic journey. Here's a recap of the latest developments and preparations for the upcoming third phase.

Phase One and Two Recap: Voter Turnout and Candidate Participation

The electoral process kicked off with the first phase on April 19, covering 102 constituencies, followed by the second phase on April 26, encompassing 89 constituencies. Initial data from the Election Commission indicates a 62% voter turnout during the first phase and approximately 60.96% during the second phase. The two phases saw robust participation, with 1,625 candidates contesting in phase one and 1,198 candidates in phase two.

Anticipation Builds for Phase 3: Voting Date and Seat Distribution

Looking ahead, the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for May 7, with voters across the nation gearing up to cast their ballots. This phase will witness voting in 94 Lok Sabha seats spread across 12 states and Union Territories. Notably, all 26 seats of Gujarat will undergo polling on this day.

State-Wise List of Constituencies in Phase 3

Gujarat: Kachchh, Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Surat, Navsari, Valsad

Karnataka: Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davangere, Shimoga

Madhya Pradesh: Bhind, Bhopal, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Rajgarh, Sagar, Vidisha

Maharashtra: Baramati, Raigad, Osmanabad, Latur (SC), Solapur (SC), Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Hatkanangle

Bihar: Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Khagaria

Chhattisgarh: Sarguja, Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Korba, Bilaspur, Durg, Raipur

Goa: North Goa, South Goa

Uttar Pradesh: Sambhal, Hathras, Agra (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Budaun, Aonla, Bareilly

West Bengal: Maldaha Uttar, Maldaha Dakshin, Jangipur, Murshidabad

Dadra and Nagar Haveli/Daman and Diu: Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu

Jammu and Kashmir: Anantnag-Rajouri

2024 Lok Sabha Phase 3 polls May 7: Here's what's open

With the imminent approach of the third phase of Lok Sabha elections, certain sectors and institutions will continue operations as usual. Stock markets, for instance, will remain open on May 7, ensuring uninterrupted financial activities. However, it's noteworthy that the National Stock Exchange (NSE) will observe closure on May 20, coinciding with voting in Mumbai.

2024 Lok Sabha Phase 3 Elections May 7: Here's what's closed

In preparation for the electoral process, certain closures and adjustments will take place to facilitate smooth voting procedures. Banks in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Goa will be closed as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday schedule for 2024. Moreover, some state governments have declared public holidays on May 7, leading to the closure of government offices in those areas. Additionally, schools and colleges will remain closed during the polling day, ensuring the safety of students and staff and facilitating the movement of election officials and voters. Liquor shops will also remain shut on the voting day, with a dry period enforced in the polling constituencies 48 hours preceding the election.