Hyderabad: The bustling metropolis of Hyderabad witnessed a significant moment on Monday as Padma Vibhushan awardee and noted film star Chiranjeevi exercised his democratic right by casting his vote at the Jubilee Hills polling booth. The event was part of the broader fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is currently underway with noticeable enthusiasm.
Accompanied by his wife, Surekha Konidela, Chiranjeevi arrived at the designated polling station early in the day. Both were captured with ink-stained fingers, marking their participation in one of the largest democratic exercises in the world. The Bollywood icon’s presence at the polling booth created a stir among fans and the general public alike, drawing significant attention to the importance of voting.
Polling for this phase began at 7 am and will continue uninterrupted until 6 pm, covering all Lok Sabha constituencies and select assembly seats. This particular phase of voting is taking place across 96 Parliamentary Constituencies, with states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Jammu and Kashmir being key participants.
A whopping 4,264 nominations were filed for this round, highlighting the fierce competition and high stakes involved. Andhra Pradesh contributes 25 seats, followed by Telangana with 17, and other states such as Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra providing 13 and 11 seats respectively. Other prominent contributors include Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal with eight seats each, Bihar with five, and Jharkhand and Odisha with four each.
Key electoral battles are brewing in this phase, featuring some of the most high-profile political figures. Leaders such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leaders Mahua Moitra, Shatrughan Sinha, and Yusuf Pathan, BJP’s Giriraj Singh, JDU’s Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), among others, are in the fray, making this phase particularly intriguing.
The local populace has been actively participating, with significant voter turnout observed since the early hours. Polling booths were equipped with necessary amenities, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for voters. Security measures were also enhanced to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure a safe voting environment.
The election, crucial for determining the next government, has witnessed an enthusiastic response from voters, reflecting the high political awareness among the citizenry. The concurrent assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha add another layer of importance to this phase, as voters also decide the fate of 175 seats in Andhra Pradesh’s State Legislative Assembly and 28 in Odisha’s.
As the day progresses, the electoral process continues to be the focus of not just regional but national attention. The presence of celebrities like Chiranjeevi at polling stations underscores the significance of every single vote, reinforcing the message that every individual’s participation is crucial in shaping the future of the country.
Chiranjeevi’s involvement in the Lok Sabha elections stands as a testament to his civic consciousness, an inspiring gesture that resonates with millions of his fans and citizens alike. The film star, known for his extensive charitable work and towering presence in Indian cinema, exemplified the ideal citizen by turning out to vote, alongside his wife, stressing the importance of being part of the democratic process.
By the time the polling closes at 6 pm, millions of voters will have voiced their choices across various constituencies, further underlining the robust democratic framework of the nation. As tallying progresses and results begin to trickle in, the nation will be a step closer to knowing the political future that awaits.
In conclusion, the ongoing fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is a vital chapter in India’s democratic journey. The active participation of eminent personalities like Chiranjeevi serves as a powerful reminder of the individual’s role in democracy. As the votes roll in, the anticipation mounts, leaving the nation eager for the outcomes that will define its next parliamentary term.
