The campaigning for the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha elections is in full swing in Madhya Pradesh with the rallies of star campaigners. Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally in Balaghat today.

Air correspondent said that Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was arriving in Madhya Pradesh for the second time in three days. He led a roadshow in Jabalpur on Sunday. Mr Modi will address a public rally at Utkrisht Maidan in Balaghat this afternoon. Extensive security arrangements have been made for the Prime Minister’s rally in this Naxal-affected area.

On the other hand, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi started his campaign in Madhya Pradesh and addressed two rallies in Seoni and Shahdol yesterday, mentioning the promises made in the Congress manifesto.

State leaders of all parties, including BJP and Congress, are campaigning vigorously for the first phase.

Meanwhile, 88 candidates are in the fray for seven Lok Sabha constituencies in Madhya Pradesh in the second phase.

On the last day of withdrawal of nominations, 5 candidates withdrew their names yesterday. The polling for the second phase will be held on April 26.