Rae Bareli, a constituency from which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vies, became the locus of his visit on Monday. At the Peepaleshwar Hanuman Temple, he fervently offered prayers. Notwithstanding, Gandhi concurrently contests from Wayanad in Kerala, where he presently holds the seat. His journey commenced at the Lucknow airport, a transition from the National Capital’s hustle.

Traversing the distance by road, Gandhi arrived at Rae Bareli, the electorate currently in the throes of electoral decisions. He undertook a tour of various polling stations, engaging with those who had exercised their franchise. It is noteworthy that Rae Bareli holds historical significance for the Gandhi family, as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul’s mother, served as its elected representative for five consecutive terms before her ascension to the Rajya Sabha earlier this year.

Today, the ballot drums resound across Rae Bareli and other constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, marking the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The electoral landscape encompasses diverse regions including Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Amethi, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj, and Gonda.

Simultaneously, Gandhi is embroiled in a re-election bid in Wayanad, Kerala. Venting his convictions on X, he metaphorically articulated a rising “storm of change” gripping the nation. “India’s populace unites in this electoral struggle, swept by the winds of transformation. My earnest plea resonates across the length and breadth of the nation, including Amethi and Rae Bareli – emerge in multitudes, casting your votes in favor of familial prosperity, fundamental rights, and the nation’s advancement,” Gandhi asserted.

Reflecting on the electoral dynamics, Gandhi reiterated the populace’s resolute stance in upholding constitutional principles and democratic values, heralding a setback for the BJP. Uttar Pradesh, commanding a lion’s share of parliamentary seats, participates zealously across all seven phases of the electoral marathon.

Amidst stringent security measures, the fifth phase commenced, encompassing 49 constituencies sprawled over six states and two Union Territories. The electoral saga unfolds in seven phases, spanning from April 19 to June 1, with the much-anticipated reckoning slated for June 4.

As the Narendra Modi-led BJP pursues a third term in governance, the opposition INDIA bloc endeavors to curb its hegemony, pivoting the narrative towards a potential upheaval.