Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting in June for first time since 1991. Here's why
last phase of voting will be held on June 1, and the votes will be counted on June 4. This will be the first time in three decades that polling to elect a new government at the centre will be held in June. This will also be the longest Lok Sabha polls since 1951-52 when the country's first Lok Sabha elections were held.
The first general election to Lok Sabha was held over 68 phases for about four months between October 25, 1951 and February 21, 1952. The only time the voting during Lok Sabha polls was held in June was in 1991. That year, the voting was held on May 20, June 12 and June 15 after the then Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar-led government at the Centre was dissolved on March 13.
Polling, however, was postponed in three states due to security reasons. The poll dates in the last three Lok Sabha elections have not been beyond May. In 2019, the last date of polling was May 19, and results were announced on May 23.
In 2014, the seven-phase election was held until May 12, and the results were declared on May 16. In 2009, the last phase of polling was held on May 13. The 1991 general elections are often referred to as the 'Mandal-Mandir' elections after two key issues: the fallout over the Mandal Commission on reservations and the Ram Mandir movement.
The Mandal Commission report implemented by Prime Minister VP Singh's government gave 27 per cent reservation to OBCs in government jobs. The country also witnessed riots over the Ram Mandir issue. Also Read: 'I will be back': PM Modi exudes confidence of winning 3rd Lok Sabha term No party could secure a majority in the 1991 elections.
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