Seventh phase of Lok Sabha election campaign to end today; last day of campaigning for 2024 Lok Sabha elections

NEW DELHI: Campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections will enter its final lap today. The campaign for 57 parliamentary constituencies in seven states including Varanasi, and one union territory which will go to polls on June 1, will end today. 904 candidates including Modi are contesting at this stage.

The polls will be happening for thirteen seats each in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, nine in West Bengal, eight in Bihar, six in Odisha, four in Himachal Pradesh and three in Jharkhand, along with one seat in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

June 1 marks the conclusion of the seven-phase polling process, which started from the first phase on April 19. So today can also be described as the last day of campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go to Kanyakumari for a two-day meditation after campaigning. Today to the counting day of June 4th will be days of reckoning for BJP-led NDA and Congress-led 'INDIA' front.

Allegations and counter-allegations

The last phase also saw a vigorous campaign that did not give up despite the claims. The allegation that Congress and 'INDIA' come to power is only good for minorities was repeated in the Prime Minister's rallies. In interviews given to the media, he also shared the concern that reservations will be subverted. Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of wanting to end reservation for the marginalized and make religion the basis of reservation.

The Prime Minister's rallies were held in constituencies of UP including his constituency Varanasi, and in Bihar and West Bengal. BJP also paid more attention to Odisha.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh held joint rallies for the 'INDIA' front, pointing out unemployment and price rise as failures of the Narendra Modi government. Another important issue raised by the front is the protection of constitution. Allegations that the Agniveer scheme has created unemployment was made a powerful weapon against the NDA government by the opposition in UP, Bihar and Himachal Pradesh. Priyanka Gandhi also became active in the Congress campaign.

At the same time, the Election Commission also came out with a cautionary warning when the allegations crossed the line.