Bengaluru: Bengaluru, known for its vibrant political landscape, saw a significant voter turnout as citizens flocked to polling booths for the ongoing second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accompanied by her uncle, cast her vote at the BES polling booth here on Friday. In her post-voting remarks, Sitharaman interpreted the significant voter turnout as a clear indication of the electorate's desire for a stable government, emphasising the importance of good policies, progress, and development.
The Union Finance Minister voiced her support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued leadership, citing his administration's proven efficiency and commitment to a corruption-free governance model.
Expressing her views on the proposal for an inheritance tax, Sitharaman criticised it as outdated and reflective of a lack of innovative ideas from the Congress party.
She accused the Congress that has governed the nation for four decades, of resorting to policies driven by animosity towards the Prime Minister and his administration rather than focusing on constructive proposals for national advancement.
Actor Prakash Raj, another prominent figure in Bengaluru, also cast his vote and highlighted the pressing necessity for change, particularly in response to the 'divisive politics' and 'animosity' that have characterised the past decade.
"I have voted for the candidate I believe in and to the manifesto they have brought in and for the change, because of the hatred and divisive politics we have seen in the last decade," he told reporters here.
Prakash Raj also underscored the critical need for voters to select candidates whom they believe in, aligning with their values and the manifesto they uphold. He emphasised his commitment to voting for a candidate who embodies his ideals and advocates for positive change.
Asserting the importance of voting as a fundamental right and a means to choose representatives, Raj articulated, "My vote stands for my right, for my power to choose who represents me, who will be my voice in the Parliament."
Soumya Reddy, the Congress candidate from Bengaluru South, echoed similar sentiments, appealing to voters to fulfill their responsibility in choosing representatives who uphold the values of the Constitution and prioritise the welfare of the people.
Meanwhile, JDS candidate Prajwal Revanna also participated in the democratic exercise, posing for the cameras after casting his vote at Paduvalahippe village in Holenarasipur taluk.
BJP candidate from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya, cast his vote. After completing the democratic ritual, he delivered a scathing assessment of the Congress party's political standing and electoral prospects in the forthcoming elections.
He asserted that the Congress has reached a state of frustration, citing surveys that suggest the party may not secure more than 30 seats in the upcoming polls.
Addressing the tactics employed by the Congress, Surya denounced personal attacks and baseless allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that historical trends indicate such tactics only bolster the Prime Minister's popularity and the BJP's appeal among voters.
Of particular note was Surya's commentary on Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge's intention to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss the Congress manifesto. Surya interpreted this move as a tacit admission by the Congress of the Prime Minister's influence and the BJP's capacity to implement beneficial policies, even from their opponent's proposals.
Shobha Karandlaje, BJP candidate from Bengaluru North, reiterated her firm endorsement of PM Modi's leadership as the country braces for the upcoming elections.
Emphasising the critical link between security, development, and Modi's leadership, Karandlaje stated, "For its security and development, the country needs PM Narendra Modi for the third time. So, we are celebrating that festival today."
Opposition leader (LoP) R Ashok also cast his vote and underscored the profound significance of the electoral process, particularly in the context of nation-building and development. He stated, "People of the country and especially people of Karnataka want to vote for nation-building and development. This is a very prestigious election."
Ashok highlighted a positive trend in voter turnout, expressing satisfaction with the level of engagement from the electorate. "I see a good response and a good number of voting," he observed, reflecting an encouraging outlook towards the democratic process and civic engagement in Karnataka.
He expressed confidence in the electorate's ability to make informed choices, asserting, "I think the people of Karnataka will vote for a good person." He also extended congratulations to first-time voters, urging them to exercise their democratic rights. "Please come and vote," he urged, emphasising the importance of voter participation in shaping the future of the state and the nation.
As Bengaluru gears up for the upcoming elections, the voices of these key figures reflect the diverse perspectives and priorities shaping the political landscape of the region.
