India kicked off the fifth phase of its extensive general elections on Monday, with voting underway in key cities like Mumbai and political strongholds of the Gandhi family. The world’s largest election, which started on April 19, will conclude on June 1, with results to be announced on June 4. With 49 seats up for grabs in this phase, over 89.5 million voters will make their voices heard.
Some notable candidates, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, are vying for seats. The Election Commission has urged urban residents to overcome voter apathy and participate in the democratic process.
The Congress party’s Nehru-Gandhi dynasty is also in the spotlight, with Rahul Gandhi contesting seats in Uttar Pradesh. Sonia Gandhi is appealing to voters to support her son in a region traditionally dominated by the BJP. The high-stakes elections have seen increased voter turnout in recent phases, challenging earlier predictions of a landslide victory for the ruling party.
As the election fever grips the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi faces criticism from opponents for alleged discrimination against minority Muslims. However, Modi has refuted these claims, emphasizing his commitment to inclusive governance. The opposition INDIA alliance, led by the Congress party, received a boost with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal joining their campaign efforts after legal battles. The political drama continues to unfold as India gears up for the final showdown in this electoral marathon.