Lok Sabha polling dates announced, Narendra Modi wishes political parties, candidates for elections

He urged new voters to cast their votes in record numbers.

" The festival of democracy, Elections are here. I urge my fellow Indians to enrich the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with their active participation. I hope this election witnesses a historic turnout. I particularly call upon first time voters to vote in record numbers," Modi tweeted.

"Best wishes to the Election Commission, all those officials and security personnel who will be on the field, across the length and breadth of India assuring smooth elections. India is very proud of the EC for assiduously organising elections for several years," he said.

Targeting the UPA government, Modi said people had rejected the Congress-led government in 2014 polls.

"In 2014, the people comprehensively rejected the UPA. There was unprecedented anger over the UPA’s corruption, nepotism and policy paralysis. India’s self-confidence was at an all-time low and the people of India wanted to rid the nation of such decay and pessimism," he said.

Wishing all candidates, he said, "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!"

Speaking on the upcoming polls, Modi said: "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."

Apart from Modi, ruling Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah said his party welcomed the declaration of elections for the 17th Lok Sabha.

"We welcome the declaration of elections for the 17th Lok Sabha. I call upon the people of India to turnout in record numbers and enhance the vibrancy of India's electoral process," Shah tweeted.

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati tweeted: "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," she said.

Mayawati and her BSP made a crucial move ahead of the Lok Sabha polls as she announced to tie up with Samajwadi Party to contest the general elections in Uttar Pradesh.

The Big Announcement:

In a seven phased Lok Sabha (lower house) polls, India will vote to choose the new Prime Minister of the country and a government with the first phase of voting starting from Apr 11, the Election Commission announced on Sunday.

The seventh phase of polling will be held on May 19.

Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner, said, "Total electorate this time is 900 million."

"Approximately 10 lakh polling station thhis year," he said.

"NOTA option will be there," he said.

15 million voters are this time aged between 18 and 19, said Arora.

"The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect from today itself in the entire country. Any violation will be death strictly," he said.

"Elaborate arrangement has been made for peaceful conduct of elections," Arora said.

Arora said: "Efforts are made to make voting process comfortable, specially for senior citizens."

List of states going to polls in various phases

Single Phase Polls: 22 states and UTs

Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh,  Goa, Gujarat, Haryana , Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Chandigarh, Pondicherry

Two Phase Polls: Four States

Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tripura.

Three Phase Polls: Two States

Assam, Chhattisgarh

Four Phase Polls: Four states

Jharkahand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha

Five Phase Polls:

Jammu and Kashmir

Six Phase Polls:  No state

Seven Phase Polls: Three States

Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal