Voting begins in 88 constituencies as part of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 2

In the ongoing Lok Sabha Election 2024, Phase 2 is set to see a significant turnout as voters across 88 constituencies in 13 states and Union Territories cast their votes. The electoral contests in Wayanad and Mathura are particularly noteworthy, drawing national attention. The Lok Sabha, also known as the House of the People, represents a critical gauge of public opinion and the democratic engagement across India.

Voting began in several key areas, including all seats in Kerala, select areas in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Originally, 89 constituencies were scheduled for this phase; however, following the death of a Bahujan Samaj Party candidate in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, the polling there has been postponed to May 7, during the third phase.

Among the notable candidates in this round are Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Congress‘s Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, and BJP’s Hema Malini and actor Arun Govil in other regions. High-profile contests also include Rahul Gandhi and K Surendran in Wayanad, showcasing the strategic importance placed on these seats by major parties.

The elections are particularly critical in Karnataka and Kerala. In Karnataka, the BJP aims to maintain its stronghold following a dominant performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, whereas the Congress is optimistic about its prospects following a recent assembly election victory. Kerala remains a battleground for the bipolar politics between the Left and the Congress, with neither side having ceded ground to the BJP historically.

The Congress and other opposition parties are hopeful that victories in these states could significantly bolster their positions nationally, particularly through the INDIA bloc, aiming to aggregate regional opposition successes into a formidable challenge against the BJP.

This phase of elections unfolds amid escalating tensions between the Congress and the BJP, highlighted by a heated exchange over the BJP’s manifesto promises and the controversial issue of inheritance tax. Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s remarks about wealth redistribution have ignited further debates, reflecting the high stakes and polarized atmosphere of this election cycle.

The Lok Sabha Election 2024 is a pivotal event for India, with subsequent phases expected to intensify the political battles. The next phase is scheduled for May 7, with the final vote count slated for June 4. These elections not only reflect the immediate political landscape but also set the trajectory for India’s broader strategic and developmental agendas.