Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 2: What all will be open and closed today? Check Here

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 2: Polling commenced Friday in 88 constituencies spread across 13 states and Union Territories in the second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections. 

Kerala has the highest number of constituencies as all 20 seats will poll today, followed by Karnataka with 14 seats. The other states that will go to poll on Friday include Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Tripura, and Manipur. The poll for the Jammu parliamentary seat will also be held on Friday.

As many as 1202 candidates, including 1098 males and 102 females are in the fray.

There are 8.08 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters among the electorates who will decide the fate of candidates. As many as 5,929 third-gender electors will also exercise their franchise in the second phase of polls.

The apex poll body further said that 34.8 lakh first-time voters are registered to cast their votes.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 2:  What all will be opened? 

On April 26, 2024, during the Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 2, certain establishments will remain open 

• Stock markets will remain open on April 26
• Private offices may or may not close, depending on their policies. However, eligible voters are entitled to a public holiday and can take the day off to cast their vote.
  

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 2: What all will be closed? 

• As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), banks to be closed in Bangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Jammu
• Schools, colleges, and liquor shops will also be shut
• In areas where state governments have declared public holidays, government offices will remain closed. 

Are banks closed on April 26? Check Here 

As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday schedule, banks in Bangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Jammu will remain closed.

Notably, April 27 falls on the fourth Saturday and April 28 is a Sunday, therefore in certain cities, banks will remain closed for three consecutive days. 

Online Banking Services to continue 

On the above-mentioned holidays, although the banks will be closed, the online banking services will be active which will allow customers to access their bank accounts and perform various transactions at any time, day or night, from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.

Notably, as per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the third phase is scheduled to be held on May 7, fourth phase on May 13, fifth phase on May 20, sixth phase on May 25 and the last phase on June 1. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.