Polling for one Lok Sabha seat in Punjab and four assembly seats across Meghalaya, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh began on Tuesday, May 10, 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged voters to participate in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote.
The Lok Sabha seat that is up for grabs is the Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab, which has a total of 1,14,3659 registered voters. The seat was left vacant after the death of BJP MP Sunny Deol in April this year. The main contest is between the ruling Congress party and the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance. The outcome of the by-election is being closely watched as it is seen as a litmus test for the political parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
In Meghalaya, polling is being held for four assembly seats – Shillong East, Mawryngkneng, Mawphlang, and Nongkrem. The state has a total of 3,05,673 registered voters, and the election is being held amidst tight security. The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) is contesting in all four seats, while the opposition Congress party is contesting in three seats. The United Democratic Party (UDP) is also in the fray, contesting in two seats.
In Odisha, polling is being held for the Pipili assembly constituency. The constituency has a total of 2,44,747 registered voters, and the election is being held amidst tight security. The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is contesting in the seat, while the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress parties are also in the fray.
In Uttar Pradesh, polling is being held for the Noorpur assembly seat. The seat has a total of 2,53,701 registered voters, and the election is being held amidst tight security. The ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) is contesting in the seat, while the opposition BJP and Congress parties are also in the fray.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged voters to participate in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote. In a tweet, he said, “Elections are taking place in Punjab, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh. I urge all voters in these areas to come out and vote in large numbers. Your participation strengthens our democracy.”
In conclusion, the polling for one Lok Sabha seat in Punjab and four assembly seats across Meghalaya, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh began on Tuesday amidst tight security. The outcome of these by-elections is being closely watched, as it is seen as a litmus test for the political parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged voters to participate in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote.
