Daman and Diu Lok Sabha election 2024: Date of voting, result, candidates, main parties, schedule

NEW DELHI: As the electoral fervor engulfs Daman and Diu, the recent announcement by the Election Commission on March 17 has ignited anticipation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. With polling day set for May 7, Daman and Diu constituency braces itself for a high-stakes showdown between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC), led by Lalu Bhai Patel and Ketan Dahya Bhai Patel respectively.
In the political landscape of Daman & Diu, the parliamentary constituency witnessed a fascinating electoral journey between 2014 and 2019. These two elections showcased the fervor of democracy as candidates vied for the support of the electorate.
In the 2019 parliamentary elections, a total of 121,740 electors were eligible to cast their votes, reflecting an increase from the 111,827 electors in 2014. Out of these, 87,469 votes were deemed valid, underscoring the active participation of the electorate in shaping the region's political destiny.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in both elections, with Lalubhai Babubhai Patel securing the MP seat in 2019, following in the footsteps of Patel Lalubhai Babubhai, who clinched the victory in 2014. However, while the party retained its position of power, there were notable fluctuations in the vote counts.
In 2014, Patel Lalubhai Babubhai garnered a substantial 46,960 votes, showcasing a strong mandate from the electorate. His counterpart from the Indian National Congress (INC), Ketan Dahyabhai Patel, trailed behind with 37,738 votes, indicating a significant margin of victory for the BJP.
Fast forward to 2019, the electoral dynamics witnessed a shift. While Lalubhai Babubhai Patel maintained his position as the MP-elect, there was a noticeable decrease in his vote count, securing 37,597 votes. Similarly, Ketan Dahyabhai Patel from the INC also experienced a decrease in his vote tally, garnering 27,655 votes. Despite these fluctuations, the BJP candidate managed to secure a victory margin of 9,942 votes, showcasing the enduring support for the party in the constituency.
Overall, the electoral journey of Daman & Diu between 2014 and 2019 exemplifies the vibrancy of democracy, marked by dynamic shifts in voter preferences and the enduring presence of political stalwarts vying for the mandate of the people.