The EC said 91 constituencies will go for polls in first phase on April 11, followed by 97 constituencies in second phase on April 18. In 2014, the Lok Sabha elections were held across nine phases, beginning on April 7 and ending on May 9. The counting of votes took place on May 16.
The total contestants in fray were 8,251, with an average of 15 candidates in each constituency. However, deposit was forfeited in case of 7,000 contestants. A total of over 55 crore voters (66.3 per cent) exercised their vote, while there were 9.27 lakh polling stations. There were nearly 60 lakh NOTA' votes.
Here is what politicians wrote on social media sites:
Narendra Modi:
The last five years have shown that with the blessings and participation of 130 crore Indians, what was earlier deemed impossible has now become possible. 2019 polls are about a spirit of confidence and positivity with which India is fulfilling the aspirations of its people.
Wishing all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. We may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same- the development of India and empowerment of every Indian!
Amit Shah:
Under the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi ji, Indian economy has emerged as the fastest growing economy. NDA government undertook unprecedented reforms which made doing business in India easier than ever before. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar
I urge 130 crore people of India to bless @BJP4India in the up-coming polls. Under the leadership of PM @narendramodi, NDA government has achieved phenomenal results in various spheres of governance.
Yogi Adityanath
Nation will vote for the leadership which is tirelessly working to build New India and New Uttar Pradesh. People will vote against opportunistic and corrupt forces that promote casteism, corruption, nepotism and dynasty rule. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar
Uttar Pradesh and India will vote for a stable and strong government by actively participating in the greatest festival of democracy to further accelerate the development journey that began under the visionary leadership of Hon. Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji in 2014.
‘Mahakumbh' of democracy starts with announcement of poll dates by Election Commission. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar
Amrinder Singh
Really happy about #ElectionCommission advisory to political parties to refrain from using defence personnel pics in election propaganda. Let’s follow it up with an end to politicisation of the armed forces, which I find to be equally wrong.
Arvind Kejriwal
Ultimately back to We the people -the real power of our democracy. Time to throw out the most dictatorial and anti-federal govt in the history of India. Time to seek answers on demonetisation, jobs, destruction of traders n destroying brotherhood amongst different communities
Mayawati
ECI declaring 7-phase schedule for general election to elect 17th Lok Sabha in the country is a welcome move. Crores of poor, labourers, farmers, women, youth etc participate in great strength in polling. Respecting them, free, fair and peaceful polling is utmost necessary.
Anti-poor & pro-capitalist Modi govt functioning disturbed peace & tranquillity, causing unrest & anger among masses. India's 130 crore peace loving people certainly deserve a better govt. Hence new govt must honour constitution, respect democratic values & care sarvasamaj.