The Election Commission has commenced the nomination process for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, covering 102 Parliamentary constituencies across 21 States and Union territories. Polling for these constituencies is scheduled for April 19, with the nomination filing deadline set for March 27, as per the notification issued on behalf of the President.
However, in Bihar, where four out of 40 seats are slated for polling in the first phase, the last date for nominations is March 28 due to a festival. The scrutiny of nomination papers for Bihar will take place on March 30.
Candidates have until March 20 to withdraw their nominations, while in Bihar, the deadline is extended to April 2.
The election process for the 18th Lok Sabha will unfold over several phases, with subsequent phases scheduled for April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Vote counting will take place on June 4.
The States where polling will occur in the first phase include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
