Gandhis hope to keep seats in fifth phase of general election
LUCKNOW: Polls opened for the crucial fifth phase of India’s marathon elections, including in two constituencies in the voterich state of Uttar Pradesh where opposition Congress party president Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi hope to retain seats.
Voting began amid scorching summer temperatures and tight security in Uttar Pradesh yesterday, where over 25 million people are registered to cast ballots for 14 parliament members.
Rahul is seeking re-election for a fourth consecutive time in Amethi.
He is the son of assassinated former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Rajiv’s widow Sonia is running from neighbouring Rae Bareli.
Both constituencies are considered Congress party bastions.
India’s multi-phase elections, which started on April 11 and will last five weeks, are seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which controls Uttar Pradesh.
Modi’s party is trying hard to defeat the top Congress leadership both in Amethi and Rael Bareli to gain ascendancy for years to come.
Modi has adopted a nationalist pitch in trying to win votes from the country’s Hindu majority, by projecting a tough stance against Pakistan, India’s Muslimmajority neighbour and archrival.
The opposition is challenging him over India’s 6.1% unemployment rate – the highest in years – and distress of farmers aggravated by low crop prices.
They have also made alleged corruption in a deal to purchase French fighter jets as one of the major election issues. — AP