Phase 2 Voting: As the voting for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway, the Congress party on Friday urged the people to seize upon the “golden opportunity” and turn in huge numbers to exercise their franchise. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that these elections would decide the country's fate, and each vote would determine whether the next government would represent “a few billionaires” or the vast population of 140 crore Indians. Echoing similar sentiments, his party mates also urged people to vote.
Speaking at a poll rally in Maharashtra's Amravati, Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the BJP with his "Billionaires" jibe, claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 10 years of rule saw 22-25 persons becoming "arabpatis" (billionaires).
In an X post, Gandhi said, “Today is the second phase of this historic election which is going to decide the fate of the country. Your vote will decide whether the next government will be of 'a few billionaires' or '140 crore Indians'.”
“Therefore, every citizen must step out of their homes today and become a 'soldier of the Constitution' and vote to protect democracy,” his Hindi post translated into English read.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel joined Gandhi in urging people to exercise their voting rights. “Voting day is a golden opportunity for all of us when we can choose our right representative. We can decide who will raise your issues boldly in the House,” Baghel said in an X post.
“We can choose such a candidate who does not go missing after the elections. Today there is voting in other places including the Rajnandgaon Lok Sabha constituency. All of you should come out of your houses and exercise your right to vote under all circumstances. Your one vote will decide the future of farmers, tribals, youth, women and children. Your one vote has a lot of power. Get out of your house and vote,” his post read.
In a separate post on X, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge echoed similar sentiments. “We, the people of India' - this soul of the Constitution of India, should reverberate in your hearts and minds, before you push the voting button. Do not forget that this is not an ordinary election,” his post read.
“It is an election to protect Democracy from the clutches of Dictatorship. To all my dear citizens, from 89 Constituencies in 13 States and UTs, do not get swayed by any diversionary tactics and lies,” it added further.
He also urged the first-time voters to “cut the clutter and distance the din”. “Everyone, please come out and VOTE in large numbers,” Kharge appealed.
The voting commenced at 7 am on Friday, marking the beginning of the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, which are scheduled to take place in seven phases until June 1. Vote counting is slated for June 4. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), 88 constituencies spread across 13 states and Union Territories are participating in the second phase of polling. Originally, 89 constituencies were set to conduct voting on this day, by the EC announced the postponement of Madhya Pradesh’s Betul seat due to the death of a candidate from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).