Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for Monday, May 20, covering 49 constituencies across six states and two Union Territories. This phase marks a pivotal moment in India’s democratic process, as voters in these regions exercise their right to choose their representatives in the parliament. As citizens prepare to participate in this significant event, it’s essential to be aware of what’s open and closed on election day to ensure a smooth voting process.
What’s Closed:
Businesses and establishments within voting areas are mandated to grant a holiday on election day, as per the Representation of People Act, 1951. This ensures that employees have the opportunity to cast their votes without any hindrance. In specific cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, and Belapur, banks will remain closed for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha Election. Additionally, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will be closed on May 20 due to the fifth phase of voting. Moreover, a public holiday is declared in designated regions, including Lucknow. Schools and colleges will be closed on election day, serving as polling stations, and liquor shops in polling constituencies will be closed 48 hours before voting.
| Closed | Details |
|---|---|
| Banks | Banks in specific cities like Mumbai, Lucknow, and Belapur will remain closed. |
| Stock Market | Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will be closed. |
| Public Holiday | A public holiday is declared in designated regions, including Lucknow. |
| Educational Inst. | Schools and colleges will be closed on election day. |
| Liquor Shops | Liquor shops in polling constituencies will be closed 48 hours before voting. |
What’s Open:
While certain businesses and services are closed for election day, others will continue their operations as usual. Banks in cities not mentioned in the specified list will operate as usual, ensuring that essential financial services remain accessible to the public. Essential services such as hospitals and medical facilities will remain operational on polling day to cater to any urgent healthcare needs. Private offices are expected to operate normally unless they have been declared holidays, allowing businesses to continue their activities seamlessly.
| Open | Details |
|---|---|
| Banks (Unspecified) | Banks in cities not mentioned in the specified list will operate. |
| Essential Services | Essential services like hospitals and medical facilities will be open. |
| Private Offices | Private offices will operate normally unless declared holidays. |
List of Constituencies Going for Polls:
In Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections, voters across various states and Union Territories will have the opportunity to elect their representatives. Here’s a breakdown of the constituencies that will be going for polls:
| State | Number of Constituencies Going for Polls | Constituencies |
|---|---|---|
| Bihar | 5/40 | Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Saran, Hajipur |
| Maharashtra | 13/48 | Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi, Thane, Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South-Central, Mumbai South |
| Odisha | 5/21 | Bargarh, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Kandhamal, Aska |
| Uttar Pradesh | 14/80 | Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Amethi, Raebareli, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj, Gonda |
| Jammu and Kashmir (UT) | 1/5 | Baramulla |
| Jharkhand | 3/14 | Chatra, Kodarma, Hazaribagh |
| Ladakh (UT) | 1/1 | Ladakh |
| West Bengal | 7/42 | Bangaon, Barrackpur, Howrah, Uluberia, Srerampur, Hooghly, Arambagh |
In Phase 5, voting starts at 7 am and ends at 6 pm, with provisions for those in line by 6 pm to vote. Businesses in voting areas must grant a holiday, as mandated by the Representation of People Act, 1951.
Conclusion:
Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections presents a crucial moment in India’s democratic process, with significant constituencies up for voting across various states and Union Territories.