Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Check out phases, constituencies and comprehensive information on Punjab polls
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Punjab, a state with a rich political history, has often played the role of a bellwether, reflecting national trends during the Lok Sabha elections. From the unexpected triumph of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in 2014 to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) impressive performance in 2019, Punjab's electoral landscape has witnessed shifts that reverberate on the national stage.
Unlike a traditional two-party or alliance-based contest, Punjab's political canvas is adorned with multiple players. The Congress, a stalwart in the state, competes with the incumbent AAP, resilient BJP, and regional actors like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), making the electoral scenario intricate and multifaceted.
Post-Assembly Election Scenario: Varied Political Fortunes
Despite facing defeat in the 2022 Assembly elections, the BJP remains a formidable contender in Punjab. The AAP, having secured victory in the state Assembly, stands as a significant player. The Congress, despite its established roots, experienced a dip in popularity over the last five years. Regional parties such as the BSP and SAD add further complexity to the political narrative.
Election Schedule: Anticipating May 2024 for 18th Lok Sabha Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) traditionally schedules the Lok Sabha elections in Punjab in the later half of the election period. If the conventional pattern continues, May 2024 is the expected month for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in the state.
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Punjab Likely to Witness a Single Phase
Historically, Punjab's Lok Sabha elections have been contested in a single phase. The trend is expected to continue in 2024, with the state likely to conduct its Lok Sabha polling in a unified phase.
Number of Lok Sabha Constituencies: Punjab's 13 Seats
Punjab, ranking 16th in the list of states with the most Lok Sabha seats, boasts a total of 13 constituencies. Four seats are reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, while nine seats are unreserved. In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the INC-led UPA alliance emerged victorious, securing eight seats, while the NDA managed to win four. The debutant AAP clinched one seat in its first electoral outing.
Shifting Alliances and Independent Contestants
The political landscape of Punjab in 2024 differs significantly from that of 2019. The AAP, which secured only one seat in the last elections, is now the ruling party in the state Assembly. The popularity of the INC has seen a decline over the last five years. The BJP, separated from the SAD in 2023, will be contesting the elections independently. Despite being part of the newly formed I.N.D.I.A alliance, both AAP and INC will be in opposition in the upcoming elections.
List of Constituncies for 2024 Elections
Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Khadoor Sahib, Jalandhar (SC), Hoshiarpur (SC), Anandpur Sahib, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib (SC), Faridkot (SC), Ferozepur, Bathinda, Sangrur, Patiala
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