2024 Lok Sabha Elections Phase 2: Voting on 88 Seats, Key Contests in Mathura and Wayanad

The Lok Sabha Election Phase 2 is significant for states such as Karnataka and Kerala. These states are crucial as a considerable number of seats are up for grabs.

In this phase, the election will be held in all seats of Kerala, a portion of Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. As of 11 am, the voter turnout has averaged 39%, with certain constituencies voting in this phase but with a rescheduling in Betul, Madhya Pradesh after the unfortunate demise of a candidate from Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party.

Notable candidates in this phase include Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Bhupesh Baghel, Ashok Gehlot’s son Vaibhav Gehlot, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Shashi Tharoor, Hema Malini, Arun Govil, Tejasvi Surya, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. For both BJP and the Opposition, Karnataka and Kerala stand out as crucial states in this phase.

In 2019, BJP won a significant number of Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, making it a key focus area for both the BJP and the Congress. The BJP is also striving to make inroads in the bipolar politics of Kerala, a state where it has never held a parliamentary seat.

The upcoming election is pivotal as it may shape the BJP’s aspirations to expand its influence in the southern and eastern regions of India. The election is being held amidst a contentious face-off between the Congress and the BJP, marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comments on wealth redistribution and contentious statements from both parties.

The next phase of the election is scheduled for May 7, with the counting of votes set for June 4.