Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Highlights: PM Modi slams Congress over Sam Pitroda's remark, Congress' response, and more

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The BJP released its 19th list of candidates in Punjab for the Lok Sabha Elections this evening. It has nominated Dr Subhash Sharma from Anandpur Sahib, Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi from Firozpur and Arvind Khanna from Sangrur.

Congress today nominated Devinder Singh Jaggi as the party's candidate for the by-election to Dharamshala constituency in Himachal Pradesh, PTI reported.

INDIA bloc leaders are scheduled to meet with the EC tomorrow to address their demands regarding the prompt release of absolute voter turnout figures in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls after each phase.
According to sources, they will also raise concerns about the alleged "use of religious symbols" by the BJP in their campaign. The leaders will meet with the full bench of the EC tomorrow afternoon, where they will submit a memorandum and discuss these issues with the poll panel.
Parties within the INDIA bloc, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), have separately written to the poll panel expressing their concerns over the perceived delay in the release of the voter turnout data in the first two phases.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is set to kick off the next phase of its "Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se" Lok Sabha poll campaign on May 13 with various events planned in the four Delhi constituencies where it has fielded candidates. Gopal Rai, a party leader and Delhi state convenor, announced this during a press conference, outlining events such as "Mahila Samvad" and "Trade Town Hall".

The campaign, which has previously included door-to-door outreach and "Sankalp Sabha" events featuring jailed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, will now progress to its next phase from May 13 to May 23.

Microblogging site X has removed the animated video posted by the BJP Karnataka unit, following a directive from the EC regarding the controversy surrounding reservation for the Muslim community. The poll panel instructed the microblogging site to promptly remove the video, and in a letter to the nodal officer of X, expressed dissatisfaction with the platform's failure to comply with the directive from the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer to take down the video.

EC officials confirmed on May 8 that X has removed the controversial video from its platform in response to the fresh directive.

BJP's Mandi Lok Sabha face, Kangana Ranaut also slammed the Congress today, in an interaction with the media.
"The Congress' mindset seems to view India as fragmented, which is why it is often associated with the 'tukde-tukde' gang. Are they attempting to impose an international identity on all Indians simply because Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi have Italian origins? The recent remarks by Sam Pitroda, which seem to belittle Indians, are highly condemnable. We are all Indians and we each have our own unique identity", she remarked.

Union Minister Smriti Irani, slammed the Congress today for Sam Pitroda's recent controversial remarks on skin colour.
"The recent remarks made by a Congress leader, which attempt to divide people based on their skin colour and region of residence, are not only condemnable but also indicative of the mentality of Rahul Gandhi and his family," said Irani, in an interaction with the press.

Lashing out at Sam Pitroda's remarks, PM Modi said, "A close aide of the Congress and a prominent adviser to Rahul Gandhi made extremely shameful remarks. The Congress seems to believe that people from the Northeast resemble Chinese, and that individuals from South India resemble Africans. This attitude is unacceptable to our nation. I urge the Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Telangana, as well as the Tamil Nadu CM, who often speaks about Tamil Nadu culture, to consider whether they can tolerate such discriminatory views".

"Will the DMK sever ties with the Congress for the sake of Tamil Nadu's dignity, and does the CM have the courage to do so? Furthermore, the Congress perceives individuals from the West as resembling Arabs. I want to remind the so-called leader of Shiv Sena about Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy. Will the people of Maharashtra tolerate such divisive statements? The Congress is now resorting to making racist remarks, which is highly condemnable", said the Prime Minister.

Amit Shah, further attacking the Yadav family, said, "The Yadav family declined the invitation for the Ram Temple ceremony due to concerns about their vote bank, but we do not fear such considerations. Our true vote bank is the people. PM Modi has not only overseen the construction of the Ram Mandir but has also undertaken the reconstruction of the Kashi Vishwanath Mandir, previously demolished by Aurangzeb. Additionally, work is underway at the Somnath Mandir. The decision to abolish Article 370 was made to integrate Kashmir fully into India".

Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj today, launched an attack on former CM Mulayam Singh Yadav.
"For years, you have supported the family of Mulayam Singh Yadav, but they have not visited you, regardless of their victory or defeat. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, did Dimple Yadav or Akhilesh Yadav come to check on you? When the vaccination drive was initiated, Akhilesh Yadav discouraged people from getting vaccinated, labeling it the 'Modi vaccine'. Fortunately, people chose not to heed his advice," he said.

Addressing another public rally in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi, Home Minister Amit Shah, took a dig at Opposition leaders, calling them out for not attending the Ayodhya Ram Mandir consecration ceremony.
"Despite invitations extended to several political figures such as Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and others for the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Mandir, they did not attend, allegedly due to concerns about their electoral support base. The speaker asserted that they are not intimidated by any constituency. Additionally, Prime Minister Modi's efforts have extended beyond the Ram Mandir, including the restoration of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, which was damaged during Aurangzeb's reign. This initiative has been credited with revitalising India's spiritual hubs," said Shah.

Reacting to Sam Pitroda's recent South Indians' remark, Union minister and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in an interaction with the media, stated, "Sam Pitroda is the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. He is a very senior leader of the Congress party. He is, in addition, a philosopher, mentor to Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi and drags Rahul Gandhi abroad very frequently. Rahul Gandhi faithfully amplifies and echoes what Sam Pitroda thinks in tearing down India, in abusing India, Indian system, Indian Constitution, Indian EVMs, Indian judiciary. This is a devised plan by the Congress party to create divisions between people in India on the basis of caste, region."

Addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri today, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "After the completion of three phases of polling, Prime Minister Modi has secured more than 190 seats. Under his leadership, the BJP and NDA are expected to gain momentum towards reaching 400 seats in the upcoming fourth phase. The Samajwadi Party, BSP, and Congress have seen significant losses and are virtually eliminated".

Addressing a public meeting in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur, Union Minister Anurag Thakur says, "Those who used to say, repress Sanatan, won't leave Hindus, Ram is an imaginative figure, Ram Setu doesn't exist and even today they are saying that we will build Babri Mosque at the place of Ram Temple. I want to ask, when the land for Babri mosques has been allotted separately, why do these people want Babri mosque at the place of Ram temple, why these people are doing appeasement politics...Their intentions will never be fulfilled."

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a public rally in Lakhimpur Kheri and says, "The polling for three phases have been completed... PM Modi has crossed 190 seats. Under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP and NDA are moving towards 400 seats in the upcoming 4th phase of elections. Samajwadi Party, BSP and Congress have been wiped out."

"When the BJP talks about '400 paar', everybody thinks about the EVMs. I don't hear them say this anymore, only people who want to echo what the prime minister says...they will echo it. I don't think the prime minister says it at all because he knows the ground reality has changed. People do not want to give a chance to the BJP. They are very disappointed with the candidates like Kangana (Ranaut), who is talking complete rubbish, who doesn't know who the first prime minister is... by being obnoxious about Nehru ji, Indira ji... people are not going to like that," says Robert Vadra.

Goa CM Pramod Sawant says "I want to thank the people of Goa for the 75.5% voting took place in the third phase. Goa witnessed the highest voter turnout in the country. Despite the extreme heat, everyone came out to cast their votes. I thank everyone for this... I can say with certainty that the voting percentage will increase in the coming phases"

If you make mistake in LS polls, Congress will put 'Babri lock' at Ram temple: Union Home Minister Amit Shah at rally in UP's Lakhimpur

Here's what Robert Vadra said on wanting to contest Lok Sabha election from UP's Amethi or Raebareli seat.

"Yes, I found a lot of people in Amethi and Raebareli who were very happy, excited and hopeful that I might take part, stand (in election) and represent them but the good news is that Rahul (Gandhi) is amongst them, and I am very happy for Kishori Lal Sharma, who has worked there (Amethi) forever. He knows every little area, he knows every person. He definitely can bring the progress what Smriti Irani was not able to do."

Addressing a public meeting in Lakhimpur Kheri, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Congress Party, Samajwadi Party and BSP ... are trying to malign the image of PM Modi and BJP. They are saying that if you give 400 seats to PM Modi, then you will lose the reservation. If there is anyone who is trying to rob the reservations of Backward Classes, it is the Congress Party. In Karnataka, they have given 5% reservations to Muslims. The reservations of Backward Classes are compromised there... The BJP will remove this unconstitutional Muslim reservation and give it to Backward Classes..."

PM Modi won court case, performed 'bhoomipuja' and 'pran pratishtha' was also done of Ram temple in Ayodhya: Amit Shah in UP's Lakhimpur

Addressing a public gathering in Warangal, Telangana, PM Modi says "...'Shehzade aapko jawaab dena padega'. My country will not tolerate the disrespect of my countrymen on the basis of their skin colour and Modi will never tolerate this..."

"It is not a matter of politics, votes or religion for us, it is a matter of humanity. Today, there's no triple talaq in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Iraq and Indonesia. Triple talaq was not being practiced in all these Islamic countries. But, triple talaq was being practiced in India because of Congress' appeasement. No one dared to abolish this, except PM Modi who freed Muslim sisters," says BJP chief JP Nadda while addressing an election event in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.

Here's what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an election rally in Telangana's Warangal.

"Congress had promised pension to family of people sacrificing in Telangana movement, provide 250 sq yard land, 2,500 rupees to women every month. Did they fulfil it? The power cuts have increased here. Since the time Congress came, situation worsened in Telangana. Loot happening on the name of RR Tax. It is being said that the money is being sent to first R in Hyderabad and to second R in Delhi."

Addressing a public gathering in Warangal, Telangana, PM Modi says "Nobody knows it better than Telangana how Congress deceives people. Congress had promised to waive off farm loans. Now they are delaying it until the Lok Sabha elections are over so that they can keep that promise hanging in mid-air. They swear on our Gods to keep their promises, while on the other hand, they demean Sanatana Dharma..."

After third phase of polls, Cong leaders searching for seats using magnifying glass: PM Modi at Warangal rally in Telangana.

In fourth phase, Congress leaders will have to use microscope to search for their seats: PM Narendra Modi in Telangana.

This time INDI Alliance came out with a formula "Five years- five PMs": Modi attacks opposition bloc in Telangana.

Whether Congress or INDI Alliance, wherever they came to power, those states became their ATMs, alleges PM Modi.

Here's what Andhra Pradesh Congress chief YS Sharmila said about campaigning in Kadapa Lok Sabha seat. "Kadapa Lok Sabha (election) is about finding justice in the court of the people. My uncle was murdered five years ago, and the CBI is showing evidence and included incumbent MP as the accused. The CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has fielded him again and this is something that the family, myself can not digest. This battle is about justice."

On the third Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal says, "So far the reports are very clear that we are getting majority seats in the third phase also. Our party leaders are very confident that we have done very well in the third phase. Even though the Govt has tried to do several things to sabotage the normal election procedure but people have voted for the INDIA alliance..."

On Congress' manifesto, Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey says, " Congress' manifesto marks this clearly that they have made up their minds to give reservations based on religion. They want to misuse reservations... They will not be able to form the government. PM Narendra Modi's government will be formed, and we will become the third superpower..."

Here's what Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said during the campaigning in Mandsaur-Neemuch.

"I am in Mandsaur-Neemuch since yesterday. We did roadshow in Neemuch. We will go to Malhargarh, Samgarh, Bhanpura. The kind of atmosphere is here, I am sure Mandsaur constituency will break all of its records. People are appreciating us. We are in a position to win all the seats where elections have happened. Malwa-Ujjain-Indore have been BJP's bastion. People should vote."

Entire BJP machinery is engaged in spreading lies against Rahul Gandhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in UP's Rae Bareli.

In Hyderabad, the family of former PM PV Narasimha Rao met PM Modi. They expressed gratitude on Shri Narasimha Rao being conferred the Bharat Ratna. They also discussed a wide range of other issues including culture, India’s development strides and more.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini says, "We will make PM Narendra Modi Prime Minister for the third time. Congress lies to us. It did not do any work in its ruling tenure... PM Modi has empowered women, strengthened farmers and gained the trust of youth in the last 10 years. Now, Congress has no issues. Its leaders only lie to us... We have given Rs. 12,500 crores to the farmers as compensation for damaged crops..."

In his address to a public meeting in Telangana's Karimnagar, PM Narendra Modi says, "...For all these years, both these parties (Congress & BRS) have given Hyderabad to AIMIM on lease. If someone has challenged the AIMIM for the first time, it's BJP. More than AIMIM, it's Congress & BRS who are rattled by the challenge from the BJP. Both are helping AIMIM to win in Hyderabad."

In his address to a public meeting in Telangana's Karimnagar, PM Narendra Modi says, "'Shehzada' of Congress, since his issue of Rafale grounded, he started talking about '5 industrialists' all the time in the last five years...later he started saying 'Ambani-Adani', but after the elections were announced, he stopped abusing 'Ambani-Adani'. I want to ask him, 'Shehzada ye ghoshit karein ki Ambani-Adani se kitna maal uthaya hai'...What has been the deal that you stopped abusing 'Ambani-Adani' overnight..."

BJP fields Gujjula Premender Reddy as its candidate for the Telangana Legislative Council biennial elections in Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Graduates' constituency.

After third phase of polls, third fuse of Congress and INDI Alliance was off, says PM Modi at rally in Telangana.

Four phases of polls are to be held. With blessings of people, BJP and NDA moving towards victory: PM Modi.

BJP runs on 'nation first' principle. But, for Congress and BRS it is 'family first', says PM Modi.

Corruption is common factor between BRS and Congress: PM Modi in Telangana.

In his address to a public meeting in Telangana's Karimnagar, PM Narendra Modi says, "Due to this policy of 'family first', Congress has disrespected PV Narasimha Rao, even after his death, they denied the entry of his dead body in the Congress' office. BJP-NDA govt respected PV Narasimha Rao by awarding Bharat Ratna to him..."

"Whether it is India or Telangana, there was no dearth of capabilities in our country. However, for all these years, Congress governments did only one work - to destroy each and every capability of the country. You tell me the Congress destroyed the country's economy or not? Agriculture and textile sectors were India's strength since ages, Congress destroyed them too. Congress is the mother of all problems in the country," says PM Modi addressing an election rally in Karimnagar, Telangana.

In his address to a public meeting in Telangana's Karimnagar, PM Narendra Modi says, "BJP always works on the 'nation first' policy whereas Congress and BRS work on the principle of 'family first'. Their political parties are like 'by the family, for the family, of the family'. Congress and BRS are no different and what connects them? Corruption, appeasement politics and the model of zero governance connect these two parties..."

"Yesterday, the third phase of voting (for Lok Sabhal elections) took place in the country. In the third phase, the third fuse of Congress and INDI alliance has blown up. Four phases of voting are still left, people's blessing is pushing the victory chariot of the BJP and NDA with great pace," says PM Modi addressing an election rally in Karimnagar, Telangana.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says "...'Ulta chor kotwaal ko daante'. Everyone is aware that 'divide and rule' has been inherited by the Congress party. Congress allowed the devious ploy of the British to succeed in 1947 and partitioned the country. As UPA chairperson from 2004 to 2014, Sonia Gandhi constituted Justice Ranganath Mishra's committee to put a dent in the OBC reservation and the committee had recommended that 6% of the OBC reservation should be given to Muslims. BJP and NDA had protested at that time, their plans could not be fulfilled, then these people also tried to intrude on the rights of SC, ST and that in the Sachar Committee Report some castes of Muslims should be included in the Scheduled Castes...Congress manifesto is divisive...The plans of Congress will not be fulfilled and at least Sonia Gandhi should develop the habit of speaking the truth..."

Here's what BJP candidate from Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat Dilip Gosh said on Lok Sabha elections 2024.

"The voting is happening peacefully. Those who are trying to insinuate any trouble will not succeed."

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal says, "...Prime Minister not should make statements. He said that he wants 400 seats as only then would Congress not be able to put up the locks of Babri Masjid on Ram Mandir...What kind of statement is this?...What is the need for you to make such a statement? It seems your expiry date is here too otherwise you would not make such statements...You make such statements as you are worried about your expiry date..."

Hitting back at Congress parliamentary party chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a poll rally in Beed said the Congress leader cried for terrorists over Batla house encounter.

Earlier in the evening, Sonia Gandhi blamed the BJP for the 'prevailing' situation in the country. Her statement comes amid the ongoing voting in the third phase of general elections.

In his address to a public meeting in Maharashtra's Beed, the PM said: "None of the nationalist forces are with Congress. The original Nationalist Congress Party is with the BJP and the original 'nationalist' Shivsena of Balasaheb Thackeray is with the BJP. Who all are with Congress? Fake Shivsena, fake Nationalist Congress party. And what they are doing, making fake promises and fake videos. Congress has this habit, 'na kaam karo, na kaam karne do'..."

Here's what former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar said on three Independent MLAs withdrawing support from Nayab Singh Saini-led state government.

"There will be no impact of who is going where amid the election season. Several MLAs are in touch with us too. No one should worry about this."

Former Haryana CM and BJP candidate from Karnal Lok Sabha seat Manohar Lal Khattar holds a roadshow in Nilokheri.

The highest polling station in Raireshwar has been set up for 160 voters. The polling team trek for an hour with the help of an iron ladder to reach the polling station.

Unfazed by confusion over the split in two key parties and switchovers galore across all political forces, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has exuded confidence that the ruling alliance is way ahead of the opposition bloc in Lok Sabha elections in the state and his single-point agenda is to achieve 'Mission-45' to help Prime Minister Narendra Modi reach his 400-plus target in the Lok Sabha elections.

He also said the voters are clear in their mind about whom to choose between someone who ran his government on Facebook Live while sitting at home or those who are working on the ground.

- A voter allegedly tried to set an EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) on fire in Sangola tehsil of Solapur district when polling was underway for Madha Lok Sabha constituency in Maharashtra on Tuesday, an official said.

- No damage was caused to the ballot unit, VVPT unit and control unit but the EVM was replaced, he said, adding there was no need for repolling at the concerned polling station. The voter was taken into police custody. The voter was taken into police custody.

Gandhi’s grand promises include giving a legal guarantee to the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) announced by the government every year as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission, launching a Mahalakshmi Scheme to provide Rs 1 lakh per year to every poor Indian family as unconditional cash transfer, increasing wage under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to Rs 400 per day, guaranteeing a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day, increasing pension under the National Social Assistance Programme from Rs 200-Rs 500 per month to Rs 1,000, and writing off student loans. Read the entire report here.

District administration organised a lucky draw yesterday at a polling booth in Bhopal in an attempt to increase voter turnout in the third phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Ritesh Sharma, Assistant Nodal Officer says "Keeping in mind the low voter turnout in the last two phases, this is an initiative from the Bhopal administration to encourage voters to come out and cast their votes. We are conducting a lucky draw and three voters at each booth are going to get gifts. At booth number 211, a voter won a diamond ring..."

- Enthusiastic voters reached polling booths trekking steep hilly paths, crossing a river and even on a horse to cast their votes in remote areas of the tribal-dominated Balrampur district in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, officials said. Balrampur district falls under the Surguja Lok Sabha constituency which was among seven seats where polling was held in third and last phase of Lok Sabha elections in the state.

- The Surguja Lok Sabha recorded 74.59 per cent voting, as per the Turnout application.Voters, belonging to Pahadi Korva, a particularly vulnerable tribal group, including Rajesh, Madan, Sukhu, Gopal and Nandlal, crossed a river to exercise their franchise at a polling booth in village panchayat Amera under the Samri assembly constituency, a government official said.

- Similarly, electors, including Lakhan Nagesia, Sahu, Phulsai and Kalesh of Bachwar village under the Ramanujganj assembly constituency walked through hilly terrain for about two hours covering 8 kms to reach a polling booth and cast their vote, he said.A voter, Parimal Dey, reached a polling booth in Sagarpur village under the Ramanujganj assembly seat on a horse, the official said.

- Voting was held on Tuesday in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka and a turnout with over 70 per cent was recorded, as the Congress and the BJP locked horns again on the electoral battleground in less than a fortnight.

- Poll officials said that as per figures available till 10.53 pm, an estimated 70.03 per cent of voters cast their ballots. "This is tentative. It will vary slightly based on the detailed reports of the PRO (presiding officer)," an official said.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, on May 7, removed her nephew Akash Anand as the party national coordinator, as well as her political successor until he "attains maturity".

The BSP Chief took to microblogging site X, announcing her decision in a series of posts. Read more.

- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday asked voters of the Ferozepur Lok Sabha seat to vote for the AAP and end the Akali Dal supremacy in the constituency.

- He also said the luxury hotel Sukhvilas, built by SAD chief Sukhbir Badal, will be converted into a school. Mann made the remarks while addressing a public meeting in support of AAP candidate Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar, who is contesting the Ferozepur seat.

- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday claimed the BJP-led NDA wants a 400-plus seat mandate so that they can change the Constitution.

- "For them (BJP) the Constitution of India is a burden. They think why should they follow the Constitution written by a Dalit? They want 400-plus seats so that they can change the Constitution written by Dr B R Ambedkar," Thackeray claimed.

- He accused the Centre of betraying farmers by not giving adequate prices to farm produce.

- The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) on Tuesday lodged more than 200 complaints against the NCP led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati constituency of Pune district for allegedly indulging in malpractices like cash distribution to voters, party MLA Rohit Pawar claimed.

- Voting for the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency along with 10 others in Maharashtra was held on Tuesday.Baramati is the home turf of the politically influential Pawar family. Sharad Pawar has represented the Baramati Lok Sabha seat several times in the past. His daughter Supriya Sule has been the Baramati MP since 2009 and is seeking to retain the seat for the fourth term.

- Nearly 65 per cent voter turnout was recorded on Tuesday in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union Territories with stray incidents of violence in West Bengal.

- Assam recorded the highest turnout at 81.71 per cent followed by West Bengal at 76.52 per cent and Goa at 75.20 per cent, while Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest at 57.34 per cent, with Bihar at 58.18 per cent, Gujarat at 59.51 per cent and Maharashtra at 61.44 per cent doing slightly better, according to the figures from the Election Commission at 12.15 am.

- The overall voting percentage was 64.58 per cent. According to the EC, the figures are an "approximate trend" and are likely to rise as data is being collected.

- While the official time for the voting to conclude is 6 pm, it can go beyond to enable voters who have come in the queue before the end of fixed polling hours to exercise their franchise.

- Among other states and UTs, Chhattisgarh recorded 71.06 per cent polling, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 69.87 per cent, Karnataka 70.41 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh 66.05 per cent, according to the EC.

- Three Independent MLAs on Tuesday withdrew support to the BJP government in Haryana and announced they would back the Congress, reducing the Nayab Singh Saini government to a minority in the state assembly.

- The government which has the support of two other Independents is now two short of the majority mark in the 90-member House which has a current strength of 88.

- In recent days, some Jannayak Janata Party MLAs have indicated support to the BJP though the JJP pulled out of the coalition government in March. The BJP has 40 MLAs, the Congress 30 and the JJP 10 in the House.

- A bus carrying polling officials and electronic voting machines caught fire in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district, causing damage to a few EVMs, according to a senior official.

- However, no polling staff and the driver of the bus suffered any injury in the incident, Betul Collector Narendra Suryavanshi told PTI over phone.

- The incident took place near Gola village in the district around 11 pm on Tuesday, he said.

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday address an election meeting in Andhra Pradesh's Annamayya district and hold a roadshow at Vijayawada in NTR district.

- The meeting is scheduled around 2 pm at Kaliri near Rajampeta while the roadshow is expected to commence around 5 pm from the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium on Bandar Road in Vijayawada.