"Support positive politics of democracy, constitution," Priyanka Gandhi appeals to voters to cast franchise in large numbers

New Delhi [India], May 20 (ANI): As the voting got underway for the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi urged the voters of Raebareli and Amethi to cast their franchise in record numbers, stressing to support the positive politics of democracy, constitution and development.
"My dear family members of Raebareli and Amethi! The golden history of '100 years of service' says that you always stood for democracy and the Constitution. You always supported the sacred spirit of service, dedication, struggle and martyrdom. We are proud of your awareness. You are that power of Jan Gan Man in front of which even the biggest illusion of lies fails. You show the mirror to the politics of misguidance and count on your fingers who did how much work and who did only the politics of deception," the Congress leader posted on X.
"Today is the time to turn this awareness into a mandate. Vote in large numbers and send a message to the entire country that you support the positive politics of democracy, constitution and development," she added.
Voting across 49 parliamentary constituencies spread over six states and two Union Territories (UTs) amid tight security and arrangements began on Monday morning.
BJP leader Smriti Irani, who defeated former Congress President Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019 is up against Gandhi family loyalist KL Sharma. Rahul Gandhi is contesting the election from Rae Bareli and Wayanad.
Raebareli is considered the Gandhi family bastion. Sonia Gandhi, the then Congress chief, won Raebareli last time in 2019.
The BJP has fielded state minister Dinesh Pratap Singh against Rahul Gandhi, who has also contested from Wayanad in Kerala, while BSP has fielded Thakur Prasad Yadav.
The Raebareli Lok Sabha Constituency comprises five Assembly segments, including Bachhrawan, Harchandpur, Raebareli, Sareni, and Unchahar. The constituency is a general seat.
The Raebareli constituency was represented by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi from 2004 to 2024. Before that, Sonia Gandhi had represented the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency after she entered politics and contested for the first time in 1999.
The Amethi seat comprises five assembly segments, including Tiloi, Salon, Jagdishpur, Gauriganj, and Amethi. The constituency is a general seat. The voting started at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, with those in line by the closing time still allowed to vote.
The results of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4. (ANI)