AMN

Campaigning for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections ended today. 97 constituencies, spread over 12 States and one Union Territory, will go to polls in this phase on Thursday April 18.

Polling in this phase will be held in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar and Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Tripura and Puducherry.

In Karnataka, over two crore 67 lakh voters will decide the fate of 241 candidates in this phase.

In Uttar Pradesh, political parties made all-out efforts to woo voters.

In Maharashtra, ten constituencies will vote in this phase.

Meanwhile, electioneering is gaining momentum for the third phase in which 115 constituencies across 12 states and two Union Territories will go to polls on the 23rd of this month.

Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, while Congress President Rahul Gandhi campaigned in Kerala.

Addressing a public meeting at Sambalpur in Odisha, Mr Modi said, his government is moving ahead with the aim that every poor, disadvantaged, backward, tribal family should have a Pucca house by 2022.

He also said, if his party voted to power, it will set up a fisheries ministry for the welfare of fishermen.

Later, addressing an election rally at Korba in Chhattisgarh, Mr Modi said Congress was siding with Naxals and people who wanted to divide India. Referring to Congress’ poll promise to review and repeal the sedition law, he said it will give an open license to those who misguide peaceful tribals in forests.

On the other hand, Congress President Rahul Gandhi, speaking at Pathanapuram in Kollam, said the money for NYAY scheme will come from corrupt businessmen and people.

Mr Gandhi said, Congress will make sure that those who have stolen money from people must pay back to people.

Mr Gandhi said if the Congress comes to power, it will provide great help to flood victims in the state.

Later, he campaigned at Alappuzha for UDF candidate Shanimol Usman and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor at Thiruvananthapuram.