The Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Saturday that voting for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will take place in seven phases in the southern region, starting from April 19. The results of the elections will be declared on June 4, ahead of the June 16 deadline for forming a new government. The voting schedule for the southern states will be as follows: April 19 (1st phase), April 26 (2nd phase), May 7 (3rd phase), May 13 (4th phase), May 20 (5th phase), May 25 (6th phase), and June 1 (7th phase), with the aim to elect 543 members for the Lower House.
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Karnataka will cast their ballots in these seven phases, contributing to the electoral process that will determine the composition of the new government. According to Election Commission data, Karnataka will go to polls on April 26 and May 7, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 19, Telangana on May 14, and Kerala on April 26.
The upcoming Lok Sabha Elections hold significant importance for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially in the southern states. While the BJP has secured victories in several northern states in the past, its influence in the southern belt needs enhancement. PM Modi has actively campaigned in South India, addressing public gatherings and launching developmental initiatives to garner support for his party.
However, politics in South India is primarily dominated by regional parties rather than national ones like the Congress, BJP, and CPI(M). These national parties have sought to form alliances with regional players to strengthen their presence in the region. In Tamil Nadu, for instance, the BJP has formed an alliance with the Tamil Maanila Congress, while the ruling DMK has partnered with the Congress and Makkal Needhi Maiam.
Similarly, alliances have been forged in other states like Telangana, Kerala, and Karnataka, where various parties are vying for electoral success. The political landscape in these states has witnessed dynamic shifts over the years, with parties like the BJP, Congress, and regional outfits competing for power.
A recent opinion poll conducted by News18 suggests that the NDA government is likely to make significant gains in the southern states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. While the BJP is expected to perform well in Telangana, the DMK-Congress alliance is projected to secure victories in Tamil Nadu. In Karnataka, the NDA is anticipated to replicate its performance from 2019, securing a substantial number of seats.
Overall, the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the southern region are poised to be closely contested, with various political parties vying for electoral dominance and the opportunity to shape the future of the country.