May 23rd 2024.
The campaigning for the second to last phase of the Lok Sabha elections in India has officially ended. This phase covers 58 constituencies in six states and two Union territories, including all seven seats in Delhi. On Saturday, these areas will cast their votes in the sixth round of the seven-phase elections. This round will include 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, all 10 seats in Haryana, eight seats each in Bihar and West Bengal, six seats in Odisha, four seats in Jharkhand, and one seat in Jammu and Kashmir.
So far, voting has taken place in 25 states and Union territories, covering 428 out of the 543 constituencies. The final phase of voting will take place on June 1, and the counting of votes will begin on June 4. Among the notable candidates in this phase are Dharmendra Pradhan from Sambalpur, Manoj Tiwari and Kanhaiya Kumar from North East Delhi, Maneka Gandhi from Sultanpur, Mehbooba Mufti from Anantnag-Rajouri, Abhijit Gangopadhyay from Tamluk, and BJP's Manohar Lal Khattar, Naveen Jindal, and Rao Inderjit Singh.
With the campaigning in full swing, the Election Commission has taken notice of some concerning statements made by star campaigners. On Wednesday, they directed the ruling BJP to avoid making speeches that focus on religious or communal lines. They also cautioned the opposition Congress to refrain from making divisive statements about the socioeconomic composition of the armed forces.
On the last day of campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held rallies in Punjab and Haryana. In his speeches, he took a dig at the INDIA bloc, saying that they are too focused on their own interests rather than the good of the country. He also assured the people that their reservation rights will be protected as long as he is in power.
The day before, he brought up the Calcutta High Court's decision to revoke the OBC status granted to "77 classes" in West Bengal since 2010. He used this as an example to criticize the INDIA bloc's obsession with appeasement and vote bank politics.
In Delhi, the BJP's campaign was in full swing, with Modi holding two rallies and other high-profile leaders like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani canvassing for the party. The Congress's campaign was led by their chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sachin Pilot. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was released on interim bail until June 1, also participated in roadshows in support of Congress candidates. AAP's South Delhi candidate Sahi Ram Pahalwan also received support from Pilot.
AAP's campaign received a boost with the release of Kejriwal from Tihar jail. While he was incarcerated, his wife Sunita Kejriwal held roadshows for party candidates, and senior party leaders conducted jansabhas and outreach activities as part of their "Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se" campaign. After his release, Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann led roadshows in some constituencies, and Sunita joined her husband for poll meetings.
The alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal at Kejriwal's official residence has also become a hot topic in the elections. The BJP has criticized the party for being "anti-women," while Kejriwal has stated that he expects a fair investigation and justice to be served.
In Odisha, BJP's Puri candidate Sambit Patra made a controversial statement that "Lord Jagannath is a devotee of Modi." He later clarified that it was an inadvertent remark and expressed regret. The ruling Biju Janata Dal was quick to react, saying that Patra's comment has severely hurt the sentiments of millions of Odias worldwide. They also lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Patra for using a photo of the Jagannath temple in an advertisement.
Meanwhile, during his campaign in Uttar Pradesh, Modi accused the Congress and the Samajwadi Party of being more concerned about their vote bank than the Kumbh Mela. BSP chief Mayawati also criticized both parties for being anti-Dalit and anti-backward and stated that their intentions and thoughts are against reservation.
In his rallies, Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that in the five rounds of polling so far, the BJP has crossed 310 seats, while the Congress is struggling to reach even 40 seats. He also accused several leaders from opposition parties of nepotism, stating that they are only interested in promoting their own family members rather than working for the betterment of their constituencies.
The BJP has also made it clear that they will not rest until Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is taken back and made a part of India. As the country eagerly awaits the results of this crucial phase of the Lok Sabha elections, all parties are making their final efforts to secure the votes of the people.
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