AS the high-decibel campaigns for the seventh and final phase of Lok Sabha elections draw to a close on Thursday, all eyes are on verdict day on June 4, when the fate of the incumbent NDA government and the INDIA alliance will be decided. The last phase of polling will be held on June 1 for 57 seats across eight states and Union Territories.
The concluding day saw frenetic campaigning with top leaders of the BJP-led NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc making last-ditch efforts to woo voters. While Prime Minister Modi held rallies in Punjab before heading to Kanyakumari for a three-day meditation trip, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed rallies in Punjab, where 13 seats are up for grabs.
With the BJP and Opposition parties sharpening their campaign rhetoric, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge asserted on Thursday that an INDIA bloc government will be formed after June 4 and the PM face will be decided after reaching a consensus with the constituents of the alliance.
Political observers point out that the tone and tenor of the two-month-long electoral battle have undergone a drastic change since it began on April 19. Perceived to be a one-sided election at the beginning with the BJP-led NDA expected to win the third consecutive term, the INDIA bloc's campaign gained momentum with burning issues such as unemployment, the burgeoning rich-poor divide, and inflation taking the centre stage. The Congress' campaign primarily centred around its Nyay schemes.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
"The worlds of Marmadesam and Aindham Vedham are similar
NOT long before the 1000-episode Tamil television serials, a novel concept with a riveting treatment got encapsulated in just 80-100 episodes with Marmadesam.
JOHN WICK ANIME FILM IN THE WORKS
AN anime feature film based on the action franchise John Wick, which stars Keanu Reeves as the titular character, is in development.
Chellamae-fame Gandhi Krishna's next titled Break Fast
Gandhi Krishna, known for helming films like Nila Kaalam (2001), Chellamae (2004), and Anandha Thandavam (2009), returns to direction after 14 years for Break Fast.
A SOLDIER'S LIFE
Director Rajkumar Periasamy speaks about his upcoming Sivakarthikeyan-Sai Pallavi-starrer Amaran, bringing Major Mukund Varadarajan’s life to screen, the help from the Ministry of Defence, and more
REFLECTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
The seven-day cultural festival Vaazhiya Vayigham, revolving around the theme of protecting the Earth, nudges people to introspect while the performances pay tribute to the planet
CALLOUS COMMENTS AND POLITICAL PROPAGANDA
Contrary to national population control campaigns of several decades, including ones that he supported, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu recently stated that couples should be encouraged to have more than two children, in order to stabilise population growth in the state.
A HEALTHCARE PAW-TNER
Whenever Vivek Srinivas P returned home after a long trip, he would find his dog, Bruno, sick.
Mission accomplished
WHERE the clear sky meets the deep blue sea, soft waves cradle us as sunlight dances across the ocean, inviting us to swim.
SECRETS OF SUCCESS
After a few heartbreaking losses, long-term planning and adapting to conditions led to TN U19 women’s triumph
India looking to spin narrative
With Pune's bald black soil surface likely to aid spinners, hosts will be looking to adapt quickly and draw level in the series vs NZ
