Google’s Doodle Marks Commencement of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
Google commemorated the beginning of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections with a special Doodle released on Friday. As over 16.63 crore voters, comprising 8.4 crore men and 8.23 crore women, prepare to cast their votes across 1.87 lakh polling stations today. The first phase of voting unfolds across 21 states and Union Territories, making it the largest phase of all. To signify the inauguration of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections, Google replaced its iconic logo. With an image depicting an uplifted index finger marked with ink, symbolizing the democratic essence of Indian elections.
The identity of the Doodle designer remains undisclosed, and upon clicking on it. Users are directed to search results providing the latest updates on the elections in India. The general elections to elect 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha will span seven phases. From April 19 to June 1, with Phase 2 voting scheduled for April 26, Phase 3 for May 7, Phase 4 for May 13, Phase 5 for May 20, Phase 6 for May 25, and Phase 7 for June 1. The results are slated for announcement on June 4.
Google’s Doodle Marks Commencement of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
In a significant move, the elections for the five seats in Jammu and Kashmir will occur across five phases, nearly five years after the abrogation of Article 370. Notable candidates in the first phase include Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Bhupendra Yadav, Kiren Rijiju, Sanjeev Baliyan, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Sarbananda Sonowal.
Also vying for seats are Congress’s Gaurav Gogoi, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and BJP’s Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai. Prime Minister Modi seeks a strengthened majority, while the opposition INDIA bloc anticipates a resurgence. In the 2019 elections, the UPA secured victory in 45 out of 102 contested seats, while the NDA claimed 41. Six of these seats have been redrawn as part of the delimitation exercise.