New Delhi:

The nomination process for 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union territories for the 2024 general elections with the Election Commission on behalf of the President issuing its notification.

Candidates contesting in the elections must file their nomination papers within a specified timeframe. The last date for filing nomination papers for most constituencies is March 27. However, in Bihar, due to a festival, the deadline is extended to March 28. Candidates also have the option to withdraw their nomination before a specified deadline. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is March 20 for most constituencies, and April 2 for Bihar.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in seven phases, starting on April 19 and concluding on June 1. Each phase will cover different constituencies across various states and Union territories. The results of the election will be announced on June 4.

The first phase of polling includes states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.

Simultaneous Elections

Simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and assembly will be held in four states: Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Jammu and Kashmir, under President’s Rule since 2018, will not have simultaneous elections due to security concerns.

By-elections will also be conducted for 26 assembly seats across multiple states, including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.

Election Commission’s Measures

The Election Commission has taken several measures to ensure fair and transparent elections. Special attention is given to combatting fake news on social media, with severe penalties for dissemination.

Strict guidelines are in place to prevent hate speeches and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Special provisions are made for elderly voters above the age of 85 and persons with disabilities, allowing them to vote from home.
Approximately 82 lakh voters fall under the category of those above the age of 85.
 

Jodhpur, a significant Lok Sabha constituency in Rajasthan, has seen a rich electoral history marked by intense competition between political parties. The constituency, which comprises eight assembly seats, holds a unique political landscape, with one assembly seat in Jaisalmer district and the remaining in Jodhpur.

Electoral Composition

The electorate of Jodhpur reflects a blend of rural and urban demographics, with rural areas constituting 58 per cent and urban areas 42 per cent of the total constituency. Additionally, the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) communities represent 15 per cent and 3.9 per cent, respectively. In terms of religious demographics, Hindus form the majority with 80 per cent, followed by Muslims at 15 per cent, and other religious groups at 5 per cent.

Political Dynamics

Over the years, Jodhpur has been a battleground for political supremacy, seeing a tug-of-war between the Congress and the BJP. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, a stalwart in Rajasthan politics, has won from this constituency five times. Despite being the Congress’s stronghold historically, BJP has made significant inroads, winning five times, with independents clinching the seat four times.

Legacy of Royal Representation

Jodhpur’s political legacy boasts three members of the royal family ascending to the position of MPs, including a couple and their daughter. Hanumant Singh, Krishna Kumari, and Chandresh Kumari have all left their mark on Jodhpur’s politics.

Ministerial Representation

MPs from Jodhpur have often translated their electoral success into ministerial roles at the Centre. Ashok Gehlot, Chandresh Kumari, Jaswantsinh Jasol, and the current MP Gajendra Singh Shekhawat have all wielded influence at the national level.

Current Scenario

The upcoming elections in Jodhpur present a compelling narrative, with the BJP fielding Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for a third consecutive time. The Congress faces an uphill battle, with only one out of eight assembly seats under its control. The presence of Ashok Gehlot’s stronghold, Sardarpura, underscores the fierce competition expected in this constituency. As the electoral fervour intensifies, Jodhpur emerges as a pivotal battleground where political legacies collide, and electoral fortunes hang in the balance.