After a marathon six-week, seven-phase voting process, the counting of votes for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections begins today, with results expected to be known by the afternoon. The counting commenced at 8 am amid tight security arrangements.
Voting took place between April 19 and June 1 across 543 Lok Sabha seats, with each seat sending one representative to the Lower House of Parliament. To form the government, a party or coalition needs a majority of 272 seats.
This year’s Lok Sabha election was the second-longest in India’s history since the first election in 1951-52.
The BJP has set an ambitious target of winning 370 seats for itself and 400 seats for the NDA. The party’s campaign was spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who participated in over 200 public meetings, including rallies and roadshows.
Facing off against the BJP is the Opposition bloc INDIA, which includes the Congress party. Weakened by poll losses and defections, the Congress joined forces with other Opposition leaders for joint rallies to challenge the BJP.
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