Actor Prakash Raj, known for his vocal criticism of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), exercised his electoral right by casting his vote in Bengaluru during the second phase of polling on Friday.
Arriving at his designated polling station in Bengaluru, clad in a red printed shirt and white trousers, the actor got his finger inked, signifying his participation in the democratic process.
Speaking to the media after casting his vote, Prakash Raj emphasized the importance of voting for a candidate one believes in. He stated, “My vote is my right. It gives me the power to choose who will represent me, be my voice in Parliament.” He further added, “It is very important that you vote for a candidate you believe in. And, I voted for the candidate I believe in, the manifesto that promised change from the divisive and hate politics we have seen in the last decade.”
Currently, exactly one-half of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Congress-ruled Karnataka are polling in the second phase. Karnataka, an electorally crucial state, is conducting its 18th Lok Sabha elections in two phases.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP emerged victorious, securing 25 out of the 28 seats in Karnataka. However, this time, the BJP has allocated three seats to its alliance partner, the JDS.
Polling for the second phase, covering 88 seats across 13 states and Union Territories, commenced at 7 am on Friday and will conclude at 6 pm.
The first phase of voting, conducted successfully on April 19, witnessed a voter turnout of over 62 percent across 102 constituencies in 21 states and UTs.
The upcoming third phase of elections is scheduled for May 7.
