India Votes In Second Phase Of Massive Election: Focus On Modi’s Record And Opposition Promises

• India votes in second phase of massive election, focusing on Modi’s record and opposition’s promises.
• Modi’s BJP faces off against a coalition pledging affirmative action and subsidies.
• Rahul Gandhi contests in Kerala amid concerns over voter turnout and campaign intensity.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that India commenced voting in the second phase of its massive election, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opponents amplifying their campaigns on contentious issues like religious discrimination, affirmative action, and taxes.

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With nearly a billion eligible voters, the seven-phase election started on April 19 and will conclude on June 1, with results declared on June 4.

Modi, vying for a third consecutive term, banks on his economic policies, welfare initiatives, nationalistic fervor, and personal popularity, likely securing a comfortable majority according to surveys.

However, his challengers, comprising a coalition of over two dozen parties, pledge increased affirmative action, more subsidies, and an end to what they deem as Modi’s autocratic governance.

Today’s voting spans 88 out of 543 parliamentary seats, involving 160 million voters across 13 states and federal territories.

The campaign has intensified, shifting towards communal issues, with Modi accusing Congress of favoring minority Muslims and attempting to undermine affirmative action.

Congress refutes these allegations, asserting that Modi is diverting attention from pressing concerns such as unemployment and rural distress.

Rahul Gandhi, representing Congress, emphasized the party’s manifesto as a reflection of public sentiment.

Gandhi, contesting from Wayanad in Kerala, faces tough competition from Annie Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and BJP’s K. Surendran.

Despite Congress’s victory in Kerala in 2019, the party aims for an improved performance in Karnataka, where it secured only one seat previously.

However, internal discord and corruption allegations have impeded Congress’s nationwide challenge to Modi.

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Furthermore, concerns linger over voter turnout, with the Election Commission urging citizens to vote responsibly and proudly amidst the summer heat and wedding season distractions.