Second Phase of Lok Sabha Elections: Key Battles and Candidates

As the second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections kicks off, 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories are abuzz with electoral fervor. Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir are all in the electoral spotlight.

The rescheduling of polling in Madhya Pradesh's Betul constituency following the untimely demise of a Bahujan Samaj Party candidate has shifted the electoral landscape, now slated for the third phase.

Intriguing battles await as prominent figures throw their hats into the ring. Congress stalwart Rahul Gandhi seeks re-election from Wayanad, Kerala, while BJP's rising star Tejasvi Surya aims to secure Bangalore South, Karnataka. Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan witness the participation of stalwarts like Hema Malini, Arun Govil, and Om Birla.

The electoral scene in Karnataka is further enlivened by the presence of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.

A headline clash looms large in Thiruvananthapuram, pitting Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar against Congress heavyweight Shashi Tharoor.

With the first phase recording a commendable 64% voter turnout across 21 states, anticipation runs high for the unfolding drama of democracy.