India Enters Second Phase of General Elections Amidst Intensifying Political Rivalry

The second phase of India's general election has begun, with 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union territories going to the polls. The voting process started at 7 am, with eligible voters lining up outside polling stations. Turnout is expected to increase as the day progresses. Most polls predict a win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi is running in Wayanad constituency in southern Kerala state. The second phase of the election comes after the first phase, which took place on April 19 and ends on June 1. The election is being held to elect members of the lower house of parliament, with a total of 543 seats up for grabs. Modi is seeking a record-equalling third straight term as Prime Minister, citing his economic record, welfare measures, national pride, Hindu nationalism, and personal popularity. The southern states of Kerala and Karnataka are among those going to the polls in this phase, with all eyes on these regions. The election process will continue over seven phases, with the final results expected to be announced after June 1.