Kanhaiya Kumar throws his weight behind Prakash Raj as actor makes his maiden electoral foray, in Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha polls. Here's his message

As many as 12 states and union territories exercise their franchise in the second phase of voting in Lok Sabha election 2019 on Thursday. Of the 95 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are in Karnataka where the ruling JD(S)-Congress and BJP have been campaigning with full force. 

Actor-turned-politician Prakash Raj is contesting as an independent candidate from Bengaluru Central constituency in Karnataka. Ahead of polling, CPI leader Kanhaiya Kumar took to Twitter to extend support to Prakash Raj, adding that revolutionary voices are needed in the Parliament. 

Quoting novelist George Orwell in his tweet, Kanhaiya Kumar wrote:

Earlier, AAP convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal extended best wishes for the actor-turned-politician ahead of his debut electoral foray. 

READ: Here's Why Arvind Kejriwal Is Backing Prakash Raj For Parliament As The Actor Contests Phase 2 Of The 2019 Lok Sabha Polls

In Bangalore Central, there is a triangular contest between BJP’s sitting MP PC Mohan, Congress’ Rizwan Arshad, Prakash Raj, who is contesting as an independent candidate. While it is the maiden election battle for Prakash Raj, Mohan will have a face-off with Rizwan Arshad of the Congress for the second time in the constituency.

In Karnataka, 14 seats are going to polls on April 18, while the remaining 14 seats will see polling on April 23. These 14 seats will see polling on Thursday: Bangalore, Central Bangalore, North Bangalore, Rural Bangalore, South Chamarajnagar, Chikballapur, Chitradurga, Dakshina, Kannada, Hassan, Kolar, Mandya, Mysore, Tumkur, Udupi and Chikmagalur. 

Voting for the 543 Lok Sabha seats is being held in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

READ: 2019 Lok Sabha Elections Begin: India Goes To Polls For Phase 2 Of General Elections - Voting To Be Held For 95 Seats