1 / 10Election Kickoff: The Lok Sabha elections entered their second phase, covering 88 seats across 13 states. Despite technical issues with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and allegations of false voting in Kerala and West Bengal, the polling percentage exceeded 60% by 5 pm. (PTI photo)
2 / 10Voter Boycott: In certain villages of Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, Rajasthan’s Banswara and Maharashtra’s Parbhani, villagers initially refused to vote due to various local issues. However, election authorities managed to convince them to participate in the democratic process. (PTI photo)
3 / 10Heatwave Challenge: The elections are taking place during a period of intense heat in several states. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the polling process is scheduled to continue until 6 pm. (PTI photo)
4 / 10Tripura Tops: Among the states, Tripura recorded the highest voter turnout with 77.53% polling till 5 pm. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh reported the lowest turnout at 52.74%. (PTI photo)
5 / 10Key Candidates: Prominent candidates in this phase include Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil. From the BJP, Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are seeking re-election from their respective constituencies. (PTI photo)
6 / 10Kerala’s Turnout: In Kerala, the voter turnout was 63.97%. The election process was largely peaceful, with isolated incidents of false voting and EVM breakdowns reported in some booths, causing minor delays. (PTI photo)
7 / 10Tragic Incidents: Sadly, three individuals reportedly passed away in Palakkad, Alappuzha and Malappuram after casting their votes. Additionally, a polling agent collapsed and died at a booth in Kozhikode. (Image: twitter)
8 / 10Wedding Booth: A unique sight was observed at a polling booth at Sivni village in Balod district, which was decorated like a wedding ‘mandap’. Several newlyweds, still in their wedding attire, were seen casting their votes at various polling booths. (PTI photo)
9 / 10Controversy: In Bangalore, BJP MP and Bangalore South Candidate Tejasvi Surya faced legal action for allegedly soliciting votes on religious grounds. Meanwhile, various restaurants in the city offered discounted food items to customers who had voted. (PTI photo)
10 / 10Looking Ahead After the conclusion of Friday’s phase, the polling process will be completed in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. The third phase of elections, covering 94 seats across 12 states and Union territories, is scheduled for May 7. The counting of votes will take place on June 4. (PTI photo)
