Record-Breaking Candidate Numbers in India's 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have seen the highest number of candidates since 1996, with 8,360 individuals contesting from 744 parties, including six nationally recognized parties. National parties fielded 16% of candidates while state and independent candidates accounted for 6% and 47% respectively. The elections were held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with vote counting set for June 4.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have shattered records with the highest number of candidates since 1996. According to PRS Legislative Research, 8,360 individuals are contesting from 744 parties, including six nationally recognized ones. National parties fielded 16% of the candidates, while state parties and independents accounted for 6% and 47% respectively.

The elections were conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with vote counting scheduled for June 4. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has fielded the highest number of candidates (488) among national parties, followed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with 441 candidates. Other significant participants include Congress with 328 candidates, Communist Party of India (Marxist) with 52, Aam Aadmi Party with 22, and National People's Party with three.

In the state party category, the Samajwadi Party leads with 71 candidates, followed by Trinamool Congress with 48. Various other unrecognized parties and independent candidates add to the candidate pool, bringing the average candidates per constituency to 15. The report also highlights demographic details, noting that 13% of national party candidates are below 40 years old and that many candidates have previously been MPs.