Key Personalities in Focus as Lok Sabha Polls Enter Second Phase
New Delhi: The second phase of Lok Sabha elections witnesses prominent figures from various political spheres vying for electoral victory. From Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad to Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, and Hema Malini in Mathura to Arun Govil in Meerut, several well-known personalities have their electoral fortunes at stake on Friday.
This phase encompasses 88 Lok Sabha constituencies across states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Rahul Gandhi Wayanad, Kerala, sees a competitive race between allies turned rivals, the Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI), for the key parliamentary seat. The BJP’s candidate K Surendran seeks to challenge Rahul Gandhi in this significant electoral battle.
Arun Govil Renowned actor Arun Govil, known for his portrayal of Lord Ram in the epic Ramayana, contests from Meerut on the BJP ticket. He faces competition from candidates of the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Hema Malini Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini seeks a third consecutive victory from Mathura. She faces opposition from candidates of the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party.
Shashi Tharoor Former UN diplomat and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor seeks re-election for the fourth term from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency. He faces a two-front challenge from the Union Minister of State, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, and CPI(M) leader Panniyan Ravindran.
Tejasvi Surya BJP leader Tejasvi Surya aims for a repeat victory from Bangalore South, a traditional stronghold for the party. He faces competition from the INC candidate Soumya Reddy.
Bhupesh Baghel Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel seeks to stage a political comeback by contesting from Rajnandgaon. He faces the incumbent BJP MP Santosh Pandey.
Om Birla Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla aims for a third consecutive win from Kota, Rajasthan, facing opposition from the Congress candidate Prahlad Gunjal.
Voting commenced at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled in seven phases, with votes to be counted on June 4.
