The anticipation mounts as India gears up for the second phase of voting in the 18th Lok Sabha elections, slated for April 26. Building on the momentum of the initial phase held on April 19, which witnessed an impressive turnout of approximately 64 per cent, this upcoming phase will encompass 89 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 13 states.
The geographical scope of this phase is expansive, encompassing diverse regions including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir. Each of these regions brings its unique blend of culture, demographics, and political dynamics to the electoral landscape.
In Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, voters will exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives. The electoral process promises to be a crucial exercise in shaping the future trajectory of the nation.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has meticulously outlined the schedule for subsequent phases of voting, with the third phase slated for May 7, followed by phases on May 13, May 20, May 25, and concluding with the final phase on June 1. Vote counting will take place on June 4, marking a significant milestone in India’s democratic journey.
Among the key constituencies up for grabs in phase 2 are Assam’s Karimganj, Silchar, Mangaldoi, Nawgong, and Kaliabor; Bihar’s Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia, Bhagalpur, and Banka; Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund, and Kanker; Jammu & Kashmir’s Jammu; Karnataka’s 14 constituencies including Udupi Chikamagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, and others; Kerala’s 20 constituencies such as Wayanad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram; Madhya Pradesh’s Tikamgarh, Damoh, Khajuraho, and others; Maharashtra’s 8 constituencies including Buldhana, Amravati, and Nanded; and many more across the other states.
One of the most closely watched contests is in Wayanad, Kerala, where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is contesting. His opponents include Annie Raja from the CPI and K Surendran, the BJP’s Kerala state president.
As the nation braces itself for this pivotal phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the spotlight shines brightly on the candidates, constituencies, and issues at stake. Stay tuned as India embarks on yet another historic chapter in its democratic journey. #LokSabhaElections #Phase2 #IndiaVotes #Democracy
