What’s Open, What’s Closed As Polling Begins For 102 Lok Sabha Seats?

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Polling for a total of 102 Lok Sabha seats across 21 states and Union Territories marks the initiation of India&rsquo;s extensive seven-phase election process on Friday (April 19). In the midst of this electoral fervour, certain establishments such as liquor shops, banks, schools, and colleges will remain closed in the polling constituencies.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The election schedule dictates that banks, government offices, and private offices will operate according to the specified dates in the respective states. Notably, polling day is also designated as a paid holiday for voters.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h3><strong>First Phase Of Polling Begins In 21 States</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The states participating in the first phase of polling include Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1), and Lakshadweep (1), Rajasthan (12), Uttar Pradesh (8), Madhya Pradesh (6), Assam (5), Maharashtra (5), Bihar (4), West Bengal (30, Manipur (2), Tripura (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), and Chhattisgarh (1).</span></p>
<p><strong>READ | <a title="Lok Sabha Elections: PM Modi Urges Nation To Cast Ballots As Phase 1 Polling Begins Today" href="https://news.abplive.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-urges-nation-to-cast-ballots-phase-1-polling-begins-1681039" target="_self">Lok Sabha Elections: PM Modi Urges Nation To Cast Ballots As Phase 1 Polling Begins Today</a></strong></p>
<h3><strong>102 Lok Sabha Seats Go To Polls: What’s Open, What’s Closed?</strong></h3>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For April 19, certain states have declared a state holiday due to all constituencies in those states going to polls. Specifically, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, and Uttarakhand have marked April 19 as a state holiday. Mizoram has also announced April 19 as a paid holiday for all non-government employees.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While stock markets will remain open on April 19, the NSE has confirmed that markets will only close on May 20 when Mumbai holds its elections. Additionally, banks in cities other than the specified list (Chennai, Agartala, Dehradun, Aizawl, Itanagar, Jaipur, Kohima, Nagpur, and Shilong) will operate as usual.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Essential services will continue to function, but government offices will remain closed in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and Nagaland. Furthermore, schools, colleges, and Liquor shops within the polling constituencies will also be closed, with dry days beginning 48 hours before the voting commences. </span>Click&nbsp;<a title="Here " href="https://news.abplive.com/elections/first-phase-lok-sabha-polls-2024-live-updates-first-phase-voting-bjp-congress-nda-india-1681031" target="_self"><strong>Here</strong>&nbsp;</a>For All Live Updates.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>READ | <a title="Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Kick-Off: 102 Seats Across 21 States, UTs Begin Voting" href="https://news.abplive.com/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-1-voting-begins-102-seats-across-21-states-1681041" target="_self">Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Kick-Off: 102 Seats Across 21 States, UTs Begin Voting</a></strong></p>