News Highlights: Ghulam Nabi Azad won't contest polls from Anantnag-Rajouri seat

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Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Former CEC advocates National Election Fund amidst striking down of electoral bond scheme

Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi bats for a National Election Fund after Supreme Court striking down electoral bond scheme. He said: "I have suggested that after the electoral bonds were declared unconstitutional, we are back to the situation as it existed in 2018. Was it a happy situation before that? We (referring to the Election Commission), concerned citizens like me, think-tanks, ADR, civil society organisations, were all fighting against the money power in elections. In 2017 and before, 70% of the fund collection was by cash - that is dangerous, because nobody knows where is the money coming from. Our reform demand is now revived, as it existed in 2017. We have to do away with this cash system. In that context, I have suggested that we set up a national election fund. There, nobody will be scared to donate, it's going to be a national fund."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Electoral Bond Scheme failed to deliver promised transparency, says SY Quraishi

Former Chief Election Commissioner of India SY Quraishi on electoral bond scheme, said, "The electoral bond scheme, when it was introduced in 2017, talked about transparency. If you recall, the then Finance Minister (Arun Jaitley) started his speech very beautifully and said that without transparency of political funding, free and fair elections are not possible. This was music to our ears because this is what we were saying. His second statement was equally good and he said that for the last 17 years, we have failed to achieve the transparency. That was also nice and we expected his third statement to be that they will introduce transparency and how they will do it. What he did instead was to decimate whatever transparency existed till then."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy predicts landslide victory for Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy while campaigning in Kerala's Wayanad earlier today, said, "Rahul Gandhi will get a majority of over 5 lakh (votes) because people here are not casting their votes for an MP, but for prime minister. People know that the INDIA alliance will form government (at the Centre) and Rahul Gandhi will become the PM."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Bhojpuri Singer Gunjan Kumar seeks victory with youth support in Nawada

Bhojpuri Singer and Independent candidate from Nawada Gunjan Kumar says, "This time the youth of all caste is with me, they are ambling with me step by step...I am fighting the election for the first time...I am already ruling in the hearts of people through my songs; places where I won't be able to visit as there are 1200 villages, hence I appeal to everyone to make your son triumph."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Rajnath Singh pledges support to Kerala rubber farmers, slams LDF and UDF

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing a public meeting in Vadakara, Kerala, says. "Rubber farmers of Kerala have been struggling, but the LDF (Left Democratic Front) and UDF (United Democratic Front) have closed their eyes. We will resolve their problems as soon as we form a government at the Centre (again)."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: DPAP chief Ghulam Nabi Azad not to contest polls from Anantnag-Rajouri

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Rajnath Singh urges support for BJP in Kerala, highlights state's Ffnancial crisis

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "...Supreme Court categorically said that if someone is responsible for the financial crisis of Kerala then it is the state government. I want to say give enough strength to the BJP; LDF, UDF can be only checked by the BJP and we can give them a befitting reply. UDF and LDF have looted the people of Kerala in their successive regimes...The people of India have decided 'abki baar 400 paar'"

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: First phase campaigning concludes

The election campaigning for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections concluded at 3pm today in the North East, and in other areas, it ended at 6pm: Election Commission of India

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Uttarakhand CM says country predicts Modi's third term

Uttarakhand CM and senior BJP leader Pushkar Singh Dhami while addressing a public rally in Haldwani, said, "This is a historic election and and the entire nation is saying that Narendra Modi will become the PM for a third term with a huge majority. People of Uttarakhand will support in achieving the '400 paar' target."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: AAP, TMC, and BRS have emrged amid Congress' stagnation, says Shiv Sena's Milind Deora

"The political battle of Delhi was mainly between BJP and Congress. However, AAP has emerged as a new option. Similarly, TMC and BRS have emerged in West Bengal and Telangana, respectively. Because the Congress has refused to change itself, a new party has started to emerge in every state every year," says Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) Milind Deora.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Ghulam Nabi Azad slams Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah for backing Kathua rapist supporter

Chairman of Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad takes on Rahul Gandhi and Omar Abdullah for backing Lal Singh, who supported the Kathua rapists. He said, "They are even worse than BJP...Rahul Gandhi once said that to make the arrest until we won't leave; Omar Abdullah stated that unless he goes to jail, we cannot breathe; what happened to jail? Today they are walking in the streets madly..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: EC advises West Bengal Governor against visiting Cooch Behar on polling day (April 19) as it violates model code of conduct: Sources

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Anurag Thakur highlights five-year achievements of BJP

"Look at the changes that took place (in the country) in the last five years, the Somnath Temple was redeveloped, the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor was completed, and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has also been built," says Union Minister Anurag Thakur addressing a public gathering in Nadaun, Himachal Pradesh.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Himanta Biswa Sarma forecasts BJP sweep in first phase Assam elections

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on the first phase election campaign, says, "In Assam, the five constituencies will go for election in the first phase. BJP will win on all five seats with a great majority...This is a heritage and iconic city. The first phase of the election campaign has come to an end here. With everyone's blessings PM Modi will become the Prime Minister for the third time."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: TMC manifesto DidirShopoth vows ensures dignity for all

Trinamool Congress says:

We are delighted to present our Manifesto for the Lok Sabha Elections, 2024!

With DidirShopoth, we pledge to uplift every Indian with guaranteed employment, universal housing, free LPG cylinders, assured MSP for farmers, scholarships for SC, ST, OBC students and much more.

Together, let's overthrow the BJP Zamindars and pave the way for a dignified life for all!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Rajasthan Minister Rathore lauds PM Modi's transformative leadership, forecasts BJP sweep

Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore says, "You can see this enthusiasm. The public for whom PM Modi has been working day and night for the past 10 years - he brought a great transformation within politics as well as society. He has empowered each and every individual...People are waiting for the day of voting - hence this enthusiasm."

On Rahul Gandhi's "I think they will get 150 seats" remark for the BJP, he says, "His world and he are different. Let him be in his world. But he tries to break India in that world. This is not acceptable to us. India is secure and prosperous today. It is being seen as one of the most economically strong countries in the world. This economic strength is reaching every village today...BJP is getting all 25 seats in Rajasthan."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla criticizes Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over EVM remarks

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla on Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's remarks, says, "First of all, statements like these prove that she is conceding that Congress is not even getting more than 100 seats... INDI alliance has done what it does best, to attack the constitutional authorities of the country. if the same INDI alliance leaders win an election in Telangana, Punjab, and Delhi, the EVM is fine but when they lose elections or when they know they are going to lose, then they try to raise doubts on Constitutional bodies. EVM toh bahana hai, Priyanka ji ne Rahul ko haar se bachana hai..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: AIADMK's J Jayavardhan says voters favoring their party amid rising inflation

AIADMK candidate from South Chennai, J Jayavardhan on the upcoming polls, said, "People are extremely angry at the incumbent DMK government due to their anti-people stand. Inflation has skyrocketed, and people are very much affected by this increase. The people of this constituency have decided to vote for AIADMK. Not only in this constituency but there’s an anti-DMK wave in the entire state.”

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: BJP's Jagadish Shettar expects landslide victory in Belagavi

BJP leader Jagadish Shettar says, "When I entered the Belagavi Lok Sabha constituency last month, on that day more than 10,000 people gathered and welcomed me...All the leaders of the BJP are supporting...I am confident that with a bigger margin, I am going to win..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Rahul Gandhi accuses PM Modi of favoring millionaires over farmers in loan waivers

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi while addressing a public meeting in Mandya, says, "Farmers said to me that millionaires' loans are waived off. PM Narendra Modi has waived off 16 lakh crores of loans of the 25 wealthiest people of India, which means the money is worth 24 years of MGNREGA. Farmers are asking if the millionaire's loans can be waived off, why can't it be for farmers..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Rahul Gandhi unveils Congress' 'Pehali Naukari Pakki' scheme

While addressing a public meeting in Mandya, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi says, "I am here to tell the unemployed youth of Karnataka, Congress party is going to do a historic work for you, the name of the scheme is 'Pehali Naukari Pakki'. It means, that the youth who are unemployed, Congress is going to give them the right to the first job. If you are a diploma holder or graduate from college, Congress party is going to give you a right (right to the first job)..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: PM Modi delights in Ayodhya temple's milestone on Ram Navami

PM Modi while addressing a public meeting in Agartala, said, "After a wait of 500 years, such a Ram Navami has come when Lord Ram is sitting in the grand temple of Ayodhya. Today, the Sun rays have illuminated the forehead of Lord Ram. It is our good luck that we are here in the Northeast where the Sun rays fall first."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Tejashwi Yadav criticizes PM Modi's rally, calls for focus on people's issues

Former Bihar Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on PM Modi’s rally in Bihar yesterday, said, "PM Modi has no achievement in the last 10 years to present before the people. He has been repeating the same allegations against the opposition parties over and over again since 2014. Why is he not talking on the core issue of the people here?”

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Leaders of INDI alliance aren't avoiding to humiliate India and its culture, says BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi

Rajya Sabha MP & BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi says, "When the entire India and the world is celebrating the Ramnavami, the leaders of INDI alliance aren't avoiding to humiliate India and its culture. West Bengal CM, Mamata Banerjee has made a post on social media appealing to maintain peace, this is demeaning the festival of Ramnavami as on the other religious occasions you (Mamata Banerjee) have given the message of peace, but here you are asking 'to maintain peace' instead of giving the message of peace and prosperity, by doing this you're trying to humiliate the Indian & Sanatani culture."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann holds a roadshow in support of AAP candidate from Gujarat's Bharuch seat Chaitar Vasava

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann holds a roadshow in support of AAP candidate from Gujarat's Bharuch seat Chaitar Vasava in latter's constituency.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: I discussed religion, society, elections and candidates with various religious leaders, says Karnataka's Dharwad Dingaleshwar Swami
"I discussed religion, society, elections and candidates with various religious leaders. Tomorrow, I will file nomination (for Lok Sabha polls) before 3 pm," says independent candidate from Karnataka's Dharwad Dingaleshwar Swami.

Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: Kerala has benefitted a lot from PM Modi's schemes, says Union Minister V Muraleedharan

During election campaigning in Kerala's Attingal, Union Minister & BJP candidate from the Lok Sabha constituency, V Muraleedharan says, "Kerala has benefitted a lot from PM Modi's schemes. Every time the PM visits the state, the people get reminded of the schemes. This visit of the PM to my constituency has given a surge in support to BJP...My constituency has a large expat population. Every Indian abroad feels that the esteem of every Indian passport holder has gone up in the last few years. After the evacuation of students from Ukraine, the parents of many of those students came to meet me. Now, many of them have come forward to deposit the amount to be submitted for contesting elections." Kerala votes on all 20 Lok Sabha seats in single phase on 26th April.

Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: Rajnath Singh's vouches for BJP's Credibility

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted in Kerala that the BJP stands as the most credible party in India. Addressing a public gathering in Kasaragod, he emphasized the BJP's consistency in aligning manifesto promises with actions, contrasting it with perceived discrepancies in the Congress and left political parties. Singh labeled the existing political crisis as a challenge that the BJP confronts head-on, underscoring the party's credibility.

Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: Tamilisai Soundararajan on INDI alliance and PM Face

BJP candidate from South Chennai, Tamilisai Soundararajan, stated, "Best of our party going to start. This is Lok Sabha polls but the INDIA alliance is on the field as if it is the state elections. Whatever may be the situation they should have a central face... We are very confident because we are facing the elections under a strong leader PM Modi... They do not have any PM face... one of the party functionaries is saying either Rahul Gandhi will be the PM or MK Stalin will be the PM... MK Stalin cannot function as a CM then how will he function as PM..."

Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: We hope to cross 80% voter turnout in this election as the voters here are really aware, says Arunachal Pradesh Chief Election Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain

Chief Election Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain speaks in detail on preparations for simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state "...We hope to cross 80% voter turnout in this election as the voters here are really aware. 185 companies of security forces are deployed in the state. Those with a history of electoral offences have been bound down. Export and import of liquor is banned in the state. Till now, more than Rs 16 crores worth of cash, liquor etc seized..."

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Union Minister Rajnath Singh addresses a public gathering in Kasaragod, Kerala

Union Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh addresses a public gathering in Kasaragod, Kerala. "There is a gap in the words and deeds of Congress and left political parties resulting in a political crisis in the country. But BJP has taken this crisis as a challenge. There has never been a gap between our manifesto and our deeds. BJP is the most credible party in the country."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: The public is ready to choose PM Modi as the PM for the third term, says Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "The public is ready to choose PM Modi as the PM for the third term..." On 'Surya Tilak' ritual of Ram Lalla being performed in Ayodhya, he said, "This year's Ram Navami is very special for all the lord Ram devotees, and today I have also performed 'Kanya Pujan'. It is a proud moment for all of us that after 500 years lord Ram's birth anniversary is being celebrated in Ayodhya..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: 95% of the total licenced arms have been deposited, says Inspector General of Police Chukhu Apa

On Lok Sabha & Assembly elections preparations, Inspector General of Police Chukhu Apa says, "We started the preparations about 6 months ago. Since January when we started taking preventive measures like identifying troublemakers who were involved in incidents in the last elections. We set up a dedicated police team at the HQ. Preventive action taken is satisfying. 95% of the total licenced arms have been deposited. We have 65 companies of CAPF deployed for the polls. 567 critical polling stations The state votes in simultaneous Lok Sabha & Assembly elections on 19th April.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: BJD announces fifth list of candidates for Odisha Assembly elections 2024

BJD announces fifth list of candidates for Odisha Assembly elections 2024. BJD (Biju Janata Dal) chief and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik to contest from Kantabanji seat in Western Odisha apart from his home turf Hinjili.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Congress fueled separatism and Modi made efforts for peace and security, says PM in Assam’s Nalbari
Addressing a public rally in Nalbari, PM Narendra Modi says, "Today Modi's guarantee is going on in the entire country and the North East itself is a witness to Modi's guarantee. The North-East, which was given only problems by Congress, has been transformed by the BJP into a source of possibilities. Congress fueled separatism and Modi made efforts for peace and security. What Congress could not do in 60 years, Modi did in 10 years..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Modi came with hope in 2014, trust in 2019 and guarantee in 2024, says PM in Assam’s Nalbari

Addressing a public rally in Nalbari, PM Narendra Modi says, "Modi has given a guarantee that all the elderly people above 70 years of age will get free treatment facilities up to Rs 5 lakh under Ayushman Yojana. Modi will take care of their treatment without any discrimination..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: New atmosphere in the entire country and this birthday of Lord Ram has come after 500 years, says PM Modi in Assam

'Jai Shri Ram' slogan being raised by PM Narendra Modi and people present at the rally as PM speaks about the 'Surya Tilak' ritual of Ram Lalla being performed in Ayodhya.

PM Narendra Modi says, "...There is a new atmosphere in the entire country and this birthday of Lord Ram has come after 500 years, when he got the privilege of celebrating his birthday in his own home."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Lord Ram has finally been seated in his grand temple, says PM Modi in Assam

Addressing a public rally in Nalbari, PM Narendra Modi says, "...Today is also the historical occasion of Ram Navami. After a wait of 500 years, Lord Ram has finally been seated in his grand temple and in just a few minutes from now, his birth anniversary will be celebrated in the Ram temple in the holy city of Ayodhya by applying 'Surya Tilak' to Lord Ram."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Health is the main issue, says Congress candidate from Ghaziabad Dolly Sharma

Here's what Congress candidate from Ghaziabad Dolly Sharma said on problems in her constituency. "Health is the main issue, we don't have any hospitals. There's only one big hospital in Ghaziabad called MMG (District Hospital) which was given by the Congress rule."

Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: Today is the last day of campaigning and we are confident of winning all 40 Lok Sabha seats, says AIADMK spokesperson Sasi Rekha

Here’s what AIADMK spokesperson Sasi Rekha said on party’s campaign for the upcoming polls.

“As an AIADMK spokesperson, I am proud of the campaigning work that we have done for the upcoming elections. There is an anti-incumbency against both the DMK government in state and BJP government in the Centre, and people are not interested to vote for them again. Today is the last day of campaigning and we are confident of winning all 40 Lok Sabha seats (including Puducherry) in the elections.”

Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: We have one Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland. The elections are to be conducted by our alliance partner NTPP, says BJP leader Sunep C Jamir

BJP leader Sunep C Jamir on upcoming Lok Sabha elections "We have one Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland. The elections are to be conducted by our alliance partner NTPP. It is confirmed that our alliance will win in Nagaland. We are working day & night in the true spirit of alliance. We have activated all our party workers for voting. All MLAs have come together for our candidate." Nagaland votes on 19th April.

Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: These decisions are being taken in the party’s CEC meetings, says Rahul Gandhi

Here's what Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said responding to a question whether he will contest Lok Sabha election from UP's Amethi seat.

“These decisions are being taken in the party’s CEC meetings. As far as Amethi is concerned, it is the decision of the party; whatever order the party will give me, I will act on it.”

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: We are ready for the elections, says Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Congress Lok Sabha candidate

Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Congress Lok Sabha candidate says, " We are ready for the elections. During my visit to the entire Andaman & Nicobar islands, I observed that this time the voters had made up their minds about whom to vote for...I believe Congress will register a win here. BJP's manifesto in 2014, 2019 and 2024 has been alike."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: 'I think BJP will win ...': Rahul Gandhi's prediction for Lok Sabha polls

Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that BJP will win just 150 seats in the coming Lok Sabha elections while Congress and other opposition parties will see a bump in their numbers.

Gandhi made these remarks while addressing a joint press conference along with INDIA bloc ally and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad. Read more.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Arvind Kejriwal has been working to fulfil the promises he made to the people of Delhi and Punjab, says Atishi

“For the last 9 years, Arvind Kejriwal has been working to fulfil the promises he made to the people of Delhi and Punjab. Lord Ram had to overcome many obstacles to make the dream of ‘Ram Rajya’ come true.The same way Arvind Kejriwal also had to overcome many obstacles,” says Delhi Minister Atishi while addressing a press conference in Delhi.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: The people who came in 2014 will be gone in 2024, says Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says "PDA is going to defeat NDA. As far as 'Pariwarwaad' is concerned, I want BJP to take a resolution that they will neither give a ticket to 'pariwar wale' nor take votes from 'pariwar wale'. They (BJP) cannot even take the name of the INDIA alliance properly...The people who came in 2014 will be gone in 2024..."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Chhindwara is ready to welcome Amit Shah today, says BJP candidate from MP's Chhindwara Vivek Sahu

Here's what BJP candidate from MP's Chhindwara Vivek Sahu said on his contest with Congress' candidate Nakul Nath in Lok Sabha elections.

"Chhindwara is ready to welcome Amit Shah today. People are with PM Modi, Amit Shah, JP Nadda. We will win under their leadership. Nakul Nath called Adivasis a traitor. 38 pc population is of Adivasis here. We are with Adivasis. I have pledged to wear yellow towel on head (which is a symbol of Adivasis) to the Parliament."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: AAP has launched 'AAP ka Ram Rajya' website as part of LS poll campaign to highlight Kejriwal govt's work, says Atishi

Here's what AAP MP Sanjay Singh said while addressing a press conference on the launch of 'AAP ka Ram Rajya' website. "On the occasion of Ram Navami, we are launching a website 'AAP ka Ram Rajya'. Arvind Kejriwal has done amazing work to fulfil the dream of 'Ram Rajya' in Delhi and has presented an example to the world. This is the first Ram Navami on which Arvind Kejriwal is not us; he is in jail."

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE: Nobody had even imagined that electricity could be given free, says AAP MP Sanjay Singh

AAP MP Sanjay Singh says, "...nobody had even imagined that electricity could be given free. This was the first government after independence to implement free electricity scheme, free water scheme, and free bus travel scheme. Delhi is the only state to give a profit budget. We are determined to fulfil our vision of Ram Rajya on the ground..."