The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday issued a Gazette notification for the fourth phase of general elections. Polling is set to take place for 96 Lok Sabha seats across 10 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir. The voting for this phase is scheduled for May 13, with polling booths open from 7 AM to 6 PM. 






As the campaigning concluded on Wednesday evening for the first phase, attention now turns towards the forthcoming stages of the electoral battle. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spearheading the BJP-led NDA campaign, embarked on whirlwind tours across various constituencies in recent days. Addressing rallies across the country, the PM reiterated his message of “hope, trust, and guarantee”. 


READ | Lok Sabha Elections: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Go All Out On Last Day Of Campaigning For First Phase


Accompanying Modi in the campaign trail were prominent leaders of the saffron party, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and other cabinet ministers. 


On the opposition front, notable names such as Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rahul Gandhi from the Congress actively canvassed for their candidates. 


The BJP, in its manifesto titled, “Modi ki Guarantee”, underscored developments and welfare while refraining from populist measures. Conversely, the Congress presented its manifesto titled, “Nyay Patra”, focusing on five-justice pillars highlighted by the party earlier. The promises included legal protection for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a constitutional amendment to increase reservation. 


The electoral battleground witnessed heated exchanges between the BJP and the opposition bloc, with allegations and counter-allegations dominating the discourse. While the BJP targeted the opposition over issues like corruption and dynasty politics, the opposition hit back, citing electoral bonds and unemployment concerns. 


In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M K Stalin of the DMK likened the elections to a “second freedom movement”. Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Modi reassured the populace of the impending assembly elections and restoration of statehood. 


The fourth phase of elections is expected to witness intense campaigning as the parties vie for the electorate’s mandate.


ALSO READ | 'Godown Of Corrupt': On Last Day Of Lok Sabha Polls Phase-1 Campaign, Akhilesh Yadav Targets Turncoats In BJP