“India’s national election is Maha Kumbh Mela of Democracy”: US Diplomat Atul Keshap
First Published: 19th April, 2024 12:28 IST
The world's largest democratic exercise kicked off in the country today, with the first phase of polling in 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories.
Congratulating the people of India, American diplomat, and the President of US-India Business Council (USIBC), Atul Keshap has said that the country’s national election is the Maha Kumbh Mela of Democracy.
In a post on X, Keshap posted a picture of the Indian tricolour and wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to the great people of India as they begin the largest exercise of electoral choice in the entire history of our species.”
“With 970 million eligible voters and 1.2 million polling places, India’s national election is the Maha Kumbh Mela of Democracy,” he added.
The world’s largest democratic exercise kicked off in the country today, with the first phase of polling in 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories.
This Lok Sabha election, being held from April 19 to June 1, is set to be the second longest polling exercise in the country’s electoral history after the first general election, which was held over five months between September 1951 and February 1952.
The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. Vote counting will be done on June 4.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA- a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, is looking to oust him from power.
Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1 accordingly. (ANI)
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds likely over all NE states in next 7 days
17th May 2024Live Tripura: Man refuses to pay for petrol, killed by wife and son
17th May 2024Live Tripura: Man refuses to pay for petrol, killed by wife and son
17th May 2024Live Neeraj Chopra set to compete in Ostrava Golden Spike athletics meet on May 28
17th May 2024WE RECOMMEND
‘Let’s get ready to Rumble’: Trump, Biden set to debate in June, September
The first debate by CNN will be held on June 27, while the second debate will be held on September 10 by ABC News.
16th May 2024France declares state of emergency in New Caledonia as violent protests rage
The state of emergency came into effect at 8 pm (Paris time) on Wednesday and 5 am in Noumea, the island's capital.
16th May 2024US: Donald Trump’s former lawyer wants him convicted in ‘hush money’ case
Trump said, "'Don't worry. I'm the president of the United States,'" according to Cohen.
15th May 2024‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ plays in White House, samosa, golgappa served
The Indian food items which were served on the occasion of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month
14th May 2024Over 300 killed in Afghanistan floods as humanitarian crisis unfolds
Following the deadly floods in four districts of Baghlan, at least 130 people have died, and approximately 100 others have been injured.
12th May 2024