In the ongoing second phase of India's 18th Lok Sabha elections, 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union territories are voting. With over 1,200 candidates competing, voter turnout stood at 50.3% by 3 pm. Notably, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Bengal, Assam, and Tripura saw over 53% turnout, while Maharashtra lagged at 31%. Key contenders include Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Tejasvi Surya, Rahul Gandhi, and Hema Malini. In 2019, NDA secured 56 seats and UPA 24. Tomorrow, 103 seats in different states will go to polls. The first phase saw a turnout of 65.5%, marking a significant engagement in the electoral process.

The Supreme Court is set to review a PIL calling for elections to be nullified if NOTA votes outnumber those for any candidate. Activist Shiv Khera leads the plea to give citizens more power to reject inadequate candidates and push parties to nominate better choices. The bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, has summoned the Election Commission to respond. The petition highlights the influence of NOTA in Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, and Puducherry. This move aims to enhance citizens' rights and encourage improvements in candidate selection processes.

Voters in Bengaluru faced heat wave-like conditions as temperatures soared between 36.4 and 38.4 degrees Celsius during the voting day. Although not officially declared a heat wave zone by the IMD, Bengaluru saw temperatures spike 4.5 degrees above normal. A.Prasad, a scientist at IMD Bengaluru, highlighted this departure from the norm. Bengaluru falls under the Aw category in the Koeppen-Geiger classification, with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Despite not meeting all heat wave criteria, the city's residents endured sweltering conditions while exercising their democratic rights.

In a remarkable display of civic duty, Bengaluru witnessed extraordinary voters during the second phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. P. V. Ayyar, a retired civil servant aged 94, turned up to cast his vote, emphasizing the importance of participation. Meanwhile, engineer Divya Kamat journeyed 12,000 miles from abroad, leaving her toddler behind, just to vote in Bengaluru. Urging fellow citizens to follow suit, Kamat's social media post went viral, calling on Bengaluru residents to exercise their democratic right. These instances underscore the significance of voter engagement and civic responsibility in the electoral process.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to vote in large numbers in the ongoing second phase of the Lok Sabha polls, emphasizing that a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. He specifically called upon young and women voters to participate actively. Voting is underway for 88 seats across 13 states. The Election Commission aims to improve turnout following a lower participation rate in the first phase compared to 2019. PM Modi's plea underscores the importance of every vote in shaping the nation's future.

Phase two of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections started with 88 constituencies across 13 states and one Union Territory heading to the polls. The India Meteorological Department forecasts normal weather, but heatwaves persist in many areas. The Election Commission assured voters of comfortable conditions at polling stations, with extended voting hours until 6 PM in selected areas of Bihar due to the heatwaves. Adequate facilities, including water, shade, toilets, ramps, and assistance for the elderly and disabled, are in place. Special measures are implemented to tackle the hot weather, ensuring a smooth voting experience for all.

The second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections is underway, covering 88 constituencies across 13 states and union territories. Over 1,200 candidates, including 4 from Outer Manipur, are vying for seats. Key battlegrounds include Kerala's 20 seats, Karnataka's 14, and Rajasthan's 13. Notable contenders are Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP's Tejasvi Surya, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor. In 2019, NDA won 56 of the 89 seats, with UPA securing 24. The first phase, held last Friday, saw a 65.5% voter turnout across 102 seats in 21 states and Union territories.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) names Kalpana Soren, wife of jailed former CM Hemant Soren, as candidate for Gandey assembly bypoll. Sameer Mohanty nominated for Jamshedpur Lok Sabha seat. The bypoll, triggered by JMM MLA's resignation, is set for May 20. Kalpana, an MTech and MBA holder, gained prominence for her vocal stance against BJP after Hemant's arrest. Previously considered for CM role, she faces opposition from Shibu Soren's daughter-in-law. Her political debut highlighted alleged conspiracy against Hemant's government. At INDIA bloc rally, she criticized central agencies' misuse and BJP's handling of tribal issues in Manipur.

The Election Commission issued notices to BJP and Congress over alleged Model Code violations in speeches by PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi. Notices sent to party presidents, seeking responses by April 29. Notable that neither notice named accused leaders. This marks the first time party heads are held accountable for violations under Section 77 of Representation of People Act. ECI emphasizes parties' responsibility for their candidates and star campaigners' conduct. Star campaigners, including Modi and Gandhi, expected to maintain quality discourse. ECI aims for fair election conduct amid heated campaigns.

Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi's CM Arvind Kejriwal, is set to hit the streets for roadshows in the capital, stepping up her involvement in AAP activities since her husband's arrest by the ED on March 21 in the Delhi excise policy case. She's been active, attending rallies and briefings, signaling a larger role in the party. Scheduled for her first roadshow in Kondli, she aims to garner support. This move comes amidst heightened tensions with China, emphasizing the party's efforts to maintain focus on domestic politics despite external challenges.