The massive vote counting for the Lok Sabha elections commenced at 8 AM, marking the conclusion of an extensive voting process that spanned seven phases across the nation. The elections encompassed the 543-member Lok Sabha as well as Assembly elections in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. With stringent guidelines and security measures in place, counting centers across different cities are geared up for the smooth conduct of the electoral process.
Rahul Gandhi vs. Dinesh Pratap Singh in Rae Bareli
In Rae Bareli, a key constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress party chief, is contesting against BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh. This seat is highly significant as it was the sole victory for Congress in Uttar Pradesh during the 2019 national polls. Dinesh Pratap Singh, who previously contested against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul’s mother, in the last election, poses a formidable challenge this time as well.
Rae Bareli, along with Amethi, represents the stronghold of the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh, being closely associated with the Gandhi family. Rahul Gandhi previously represented Amethi in the Lok Sabha for three consecutive terms until his defeat by BJP’s Smriti Irani in 2019. However, he secured his place in Parliament by winning the Wayanad constituency in Kerala in the same elections. This year, Gandhi is contesting from both Rae Bareli and Wayanad.
Sonia Gandhi, who previously held the Rae Bareli seat, moved to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year due to health reasons, thereby paving the way for her son’s candidacy from this constituency. Both Rae Bareli and Amethi voted on May 13 as part of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections held between April 19 and June 1. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal were the only states where polling took place across all seven phases.
Exit polls indicate a favorable outcome for Rahul Gandhi in Rae Bareli, predicting an advantage over his BJP opponent, Dinesh Pratap Singh.
Rahul Gandhi vs. Annie Raja and K Surendran in Wayanad
In Wayanad, Kerala, Rahul Gandhi is vying for re-election against CPI leader and women’s rights activist Annie Raja and BJP’s K Surendran. This contest garners significant public interest as both Congress and CPI are part of the INDIA alliance. Gandhi’s victory in 2019, where he defeated CPI’s P P Suneer by a substantial margin, bolsters his position in this election.
Exit polls suggest that Rahul Gandhi holds a favorable standing against his opponents, including BJP state party chief K Surendran and veteran CPI leader Annie Raja.
Early Results: Rahul Gandhi Leading in Rae Bareli
As the vote counting progresses, early trends show that Rahul Gandhi is leading by 211,185 votes from the Rae Bareli constituency. This lead reinforces his prominence in the region and augments his position as a key player in the ongoing elections.
Stay tuned for live updates and comprehensive results as the vote counting continues throughout the day, determining the future course of Indian politics.
