'You are real changemakers…': Kharge's message to first-time voters
Amid the second phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday urged voters not to get swayed by the "diversionary tactics" of the Bharatiya Janata Party. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kharge said, "Do not forget that this is not an ordinary election. It is an election to protect Democracy from the clutches of Dictatorship." He called on the people to come out in record numbers and exercise their democratic right.
Kharge's message to first-time voters: 'You are the real changemakers'
Kharge specifically addressed first-time voters in his message, stating, "My dear first-time voters, cut the clutter and distance the din, for you are the real changemakers and I welcome each one of you in this movement for Democracy." Kharge also listed the five "Nyays" that have been promised in the Congress's manifesto for this year's election. "Everyone, please come out and VOTE in large numbers. BADLEGA BHARAT, JEETEGA INDIA," Kharge said in his post.
Read Kharge's post here
Second phase of voting began at 7 am
The second phase of voting began at 7:00am on Friday across 88 constituencies spread over 13 states and union territories. Originally, 89 constituencies were set for polling but due to unforeseen circumstances involving a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate, voting in Madhya Pradesh's Betul was delayed. Kerala has the highest number of seats heading to polls at 20, followed by Karnataka at 14 seats.
Voter turnout 66.1% in first phase, lower than 2019
Notably, the first and the largest phase of the Lok Sabha elections registered an underwhelming voter turnout of around 66.1%, which is a drop of nearly four percentage points compared to 2019. The number of voters in 93 of the 102 seats that went to polls was less than that in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. According to reports, extreme heat, localized violence, and specific regional demands may have contributed to the subdued voter enthusiasm.
