The 18th Lok Sabha elections kicked off on April 19 across 21 states and Union territories, with an estimated voter turnout of around 64%. This electoral exercise encompassed diverse regions including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
The Election Commission of India has declared the schedule for the second phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Madhya Pradesh.
The election is set to take place on April 26, 2024, across various constituencies in the state. Notably, this phase encompasses seven key constituencies: Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, Satna, Rewa, Hoshangabad, and Betul.
| S. No. | Constituency |
| 1 | Tikamgarh |
| 2 | Damoh |
| 3 | Khajuraho |
| 4 | Satna |
| 5 | Rewa |
| 6 | Hoshangabad |
| 7 | Betul |
Seven Phases of Election
The Lok Sabha Elections in India are set to unfold in seven phases. Phase 1 took place on April 19, followed by Phase 2 scheduled for April 26. The third phase is slated for May 7, followed by the fourth phase on May 13. Phase 5 is scheduled for May 20, with Phase 6 following on May 25.
Schools and Colleges Closed on Polling Day
As part of the election arrangements, schools and colleges in the aforementioned constituencies will remain closed on the day of polling, i.e., April 26, 2024. This decision is made to facilitate the smooth conduct of the electoral process and to ensure the safety and security of students and staff members. Closing educational institutions on polling days helps in minimizing disruptions and allows polling booths to function efficiently without any hindrance.
The closure of schools and colleges also encourages greater participation from the community, as families can plan their day around voting without any concerns about educational activities. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students to witness the democratic process firsthand by accompanying their families to polling booths and observing the electoral proceedings.