With just a day remaining for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, let’s examine the key players in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA versus the opposition’s INDIA bloc.
In the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai is facing off against DMK leader Ganapathy P Rajkumar and AIADMK’s Singai Ramachandran, making it a high-stakes battle. Annamalai’s candidacy indicates the BJP’s efforts to expand its presence in South India. He faces tough competition from parties like DMK and AIADMK, which are significant in Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai expressed his vision for change in Tamil Nadu, urging voters to support the Lotus symbol for honest political change, youth politics, equal opportunities, and development in Coimbatore.
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, seeks a third consecutive victory from Maharashtra’s Nagpur seat. He faces Congress candidate Vikas Thakre. Gadkari recently unveiled a manifesto for Nagpur, promising an organic market among other initiatives. Confident in his victory, he aims for a margin exceeding 5 lakhs, citing public support and party efforts.
Jitin Prasada, who joined BJP in 2021, replaced Varun Gandhi in Pilibhit. In Uttar Pradesh, where BJP has shown dominance, Prasada faces Bhagwant Saran Gangwar of Samajwadi Party and Anees Ahmes Khan of BSP. Prasada won in 2004 and 2009 and aims to continue BJP’s success in the region.
Former Bihar Chief Minister, Jitan Ram Manjhi, is contesting from Gaya, Bihar, a seat of political significance for him. Facing former minister Kumar Sarvjeet of RJD, Manjhi aims to regain the seat lost to JD(U) in the last election. He is optimistic about winning with slogans like ‘Abki Baar 400 paar’.
In Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara, Nakul Nath, son of former CM Kamal Nath, seeks to retain the seat against BJP’s Vivek Bunty Sahu. Nakul expressed confidence in receiving love and blessings from Chhindwara’s people.
In Assam’s Jorhat, Congress’ deputy leader in Lok Sabha, Gaurav Gogoi, is contesting against Topon Kumar Gogoi of BJP. Despite being a BJP stronghold, Gaurav’s decision to contest from Jorhat adds intrigue to the contest.
These contests highlight the intense battles and strategic maneuvers shaping up in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.