News Highlights: CEC Rajiv Kumar emphasizes importance of each vote

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"I am not nervous; it is a first experience for me so I am really excited. We have been in the field and we are pretty confident from the kind of response we have received that we are going to win by a big margin," says LJP (Ram Vilas) candidate from Bihar’s Jamui seat Arun Bharti.

“I am going to India’s last polling station in this direction near (India) Bangladesh border. We walked till here, then we’ll take a boat to the other end and then ride a ‘tonga’ to the polling booths,” says Sector Officer Arvind Sarkar, ahead of the first phase of polling on April 19.

Terrorists came, wreaked havoc during Sonia-Manmohan regime; Modi govt conducted surgical, air strikes inside Pakistan: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressing a public rally in Gujarat’s Vejalpur, where voting will be held on May 7.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah a day ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, says, "The BJP will perform its best in South India this time. We will win all 26 (Lok Sabha) seats along with increased margin in Gujarat. There is immense faith for PM Modi across the country. Farmers, women, poor and youth trust him. Since we are going to cross 400 (seats), you can imagine what will be left for them (INDIA bloc)."

"I would like to appeal to people to form a government that can provide employment, not a government that gives false promises. I would also like to appeal to people to support candidates of Samajwadi Party and (INDIA) alliance in the first phase of voting," says Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar emphasized the significance of each vote on the eve of the Lok Sabha polls' first phase.
He highlighted instances where a single vote made a critical difference in election outcomes.
Kumar described elections as the most beautiful expression of India's democracy, emphasizing the importance of voting.
About ongoing heatwave, Kumar urged people to take precautions while expressing confidence in the spirit of Indian voters to overcome the weather challenges.
He reiterated that in a democracy, the power to choose the government belongs to the people, emphasizing the responsibility individuals hold in shaping the nation's future.
Kumar encouraged voters to participate in the electoral process for the betterment of themselves, their families, communities, and the country as a whole.

Bastar IG P Sundarraj on preparations for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls 2024, says, "We are prepared to conduct the elections in a free, fair and secure manner. All the security deployment plans are done. The patrolling parties are doing their work at the border areas... The polling stations of Bastar were classified as general, sensitive and hyper-sensitive based on sensitivity... The deployment plan has been done accordingly."

Former Maharashtra CM and Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan about the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance in Maharashtra, said, "They tried to break the Congress party but they could not break it. Congress is the largest group in the Assembly today and we have a very strong Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance within the INDIA bloc. We are sure that the results will surprise everybody. We will do very well.”

"As of now, we have installed web cameras at 50 per cent of the polling booths for surveillance. We are also tracking the EVM that are being taken to the booths," says Rajasthan Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Gupta on arrangements at polling centres in Jaipur, where voting will be held in the first phase tomorrow.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri after participating in nomination filing of BJP candidate from Malkagiri Etela Rajender, said, "It is my fortune that the party has sent me for nomination filing of BJP candidate from Malkagiri Etela Rajendar. This constituency is a special one. It is not only the biggest constituency but a mini India. He's been Minister for 7 years. I congratulate him for good work done during coronavirus pandemic. I hope you will make him victorious."

BJP leader and former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa during nomination rally of BY Raghavendra in Shivamogga, said, "BJP and JD(S) have come together. PM Narendra Modi is very close to (HD) Deve Gowda ji. Because of this coalition, we are going to get almost all the 28 Lok Sabha seats (in Karnataka). There is no doubt about it."

"I am happy to say that almost 70 per cent area of the Northeast is now out of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)," says BJP president JP Nadda addressing a public gathering in Assam's Kokrajhar.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain reacting to viral video where abuses were hurled towards LJP Chief Chirag Paswan's mother, said, "RJD is irritated as they are losing the election. They're now abusing people. RJD people abused the mother of Chirag Paswan in presence of their leaders including Tejashwi Yadav. Nobody stopped. It has never happened in Bihar. It is unacceptable."

BJP leader CT Ravi on the upcoming polls, said, "We will all 28 Lok Sabha seats from Karnataka in the upcoming elections. The trend is on the BJP’s side and the voters are saying that they will vote for Modi. Overall, in the national interest and for development, the people will vote for us.”

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi constantly attacking PM Modi amid campaign for Lok Sabha Polls, said, "Rahul Gandhi has again doing what he was doing in 2019. That time as well he was attacking PM Modi. They lost that time, they'll lose this time as well. The way he has been attacking PM Modi, the people will answer to him."

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed confidence in the Congress' electoral prospects, stating that voter response is "very good," and the party is expected to win up to 20 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the state. He affirmed that the guarantee schemes initiated by his government would persist without interruption, emphasizing the Congress' determination to retain power beyond the current term. Siddaramaiah made these remarks while addressing reporters, noting Karnataka's allocation of 28 Lok Sabha constituencies.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP orchestrated violence during Ram Navami celebrations in the state, particularly in Murshidabad district. She accused the BJP of pre-planning the violence ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, claiming that the removal of the DIG of Murshidabad facilitated the BJP's violent agenda. Banerjee further stated that BJP-affiliated individuals assaulted police officers in the district. She made these remarks during an election rally in the Raiganj Lok Sabha constituency.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the Congress, accusing it of straying from its secular roots. He claimed that the party had become a "B-team of the BJP" and was not effectively countering the BJP's ideology. Vijayan made these remarks while speaking to the media in Malappuram district on April 18th.

Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that after losing the Amethi Lok Sabha seat in 2019, Gandhi lacked the courage to contest from there again. Singh remarked that Gandhi had moved to Kerala from Uttar Pradesh after his defeat but claimed that people in Wayanad had decided not to elect him as their MP. Singh made these comments while campaigning in Pathanamathitta Lok Sabha constituency to support BJP candidate Anil K. Antony.

"To all Congress Karyakartas,

You are the backbone and DNA of our party. BJP-RSS threaten India's idea, attacking our Constitution, democratic structure, institutions, including ECI, and legal framework.

Fight RSS ideology everywhere, defend our values!

Your input shaped our 2024 Manifesto.

We rely on you, love you!

Best wishes. Together, we'll defeat BJP & their ideology!"

Supriya Sule, NCP-SCP MP from Baramati, to file nomination papers today. Focuses on water crisis, confident in public support. Sunetra Pawar also contests.

Union Minister and Maharashtra BJP leader Narayan Rane will vie for Lok Sabha seat from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, confirms BJP.

The Thoothukudi Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu is poised for the upcoming elections scheduled for April 19. Comprising six assembly segments, including Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Vilathikulam, Kovilpatti, Srivaikundam, and Ottapidaram (reserved for a Scheduled Caste candidate), this constituency holds significant political importance in the region.

Traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties like the AIADMK and DMK, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw Kanimozhi Karunanidhi of the DMK securing victory, defeating the state BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan by a substantial margin. Kanimozhi, contesting as part of the UPA alliance, aims to retain the seat against tough competitors from AIADMK and NDA.

Thoothukudi's demographic mix, including urban and rural areas and diverse caste groups, makes it a politically dynamic constituency. Recent elections have seen issues like environmental concerns over the Sterlite Copper plant and devastating floods influencing voter sentiment. The closure of the Sterlite Copper smelter remains a key election factor this year.

In the midst of these factors, Thoothukudi braces itself for yet another significant electoral battle, reflecting the broader political landscape of Tamil Nadu.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to conduct three roadshows and address a rally in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, before filing his nomination papers from the constituency. The roadshows will span Sanand, Kalol, and Ahmedabad, covering key areas.

Union Home Minister and BJP candidate Amit Shah will conduct three roadshows and a rally in Gandhinagar constituency on April 18. The roadshows will be held in Sanand and Kalol towns, followed by another in Ahmedabad covering Ghatlodia, Naranpura, and Vejalpur. Shah, seeking re-election, will file his nomination on Friday.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav suggests that Rahul Gandhi might have to seek a safe seat outside India, as he lost his Amethi seat in the last election. Yadav made the statement while addressing reporters after campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the commencement of the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections on May 13. This phase encompasses 96 constituencies across 9 States and one Union Territory, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's wife, Sunetra Pawar, will file her nomination from Baramati today, challenging NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule. Meanwhile, PM Modi penned personal letters to NDA candidates, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on Ram Navami.

Western Uttar Pradesh plays a pivotal role in shaping the state's political landscape, with data from previous elections highlighting the BJP's dominance. However, recent shifts, including the rise of alliances and the passing of influential leaders like Ajit Singh, indicate evolving dynamics that could impact electoral outcomes in the upcoming polls.

As Uttar Pradesh gears up for the Lok Sabha elections across all seven phases, the state authorities have arranged for the deployment of ambulances and helicopters. Air ambulance services will be stationed at various locations during each phase, ensuring quick response to emergencies. Helicopters are scheduled for deployment in Moradabad for the upcoming voting, while Bareilly will have air ambulance services tomorrow. Further arrangements include air ambulance facilities in Aligarh and Meerut during the second phase of voting. This initiative aims to provide prompt medical assistance to both paramilitary and police forces in case of any contingencies, underscoring the state government's commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process.

Bhupendra Singh Choudhary criticized the opposition, stating that their past failures will not be overlooked by the public. He questioned their ability to fulfil promises and doubted their sincerity towards the welfare of the poor and farmers. Referring to their inability to present a unified manifesto, he dismissed their chances of success. Choudhary expressed confidence in BJP's electoral prospects, predicting significant victories in Uttar Pradesh and nationwide.

Akhilesh Yadav, the SP leader, distanced himself from Rampur's mosque Imam, Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, who is now a candidate. Akhilesh didn't attend any meetings and didn't visit Rampur. SP chose Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi, the Imam of Delhi's Parliament Mosque, as its candidate.

Honourable BJP State President Shri Bhupendra Singh Choudhary announced a revised migration schedule in Lucknow on April 17, 2024. Shri Choudhary will visit Ghaziabad on April 18, participating in programs at Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Nehru Nagar, and Kite Engineering College, Muradganar.

Phase One features crucial constituencies such as Arunachal West and East, Assam's Kaziranga and Jorhat, Bihar's Aurangabad and Gaya, and Chhattisgarh's Bastar. Additionally, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, and other regions contribute significantly to this phase.

Starting today, the nomination process for the fourth phase of elections in Lucknow will begin. Nominations will be accepted in various constituencies including Shahjahapur, Kheri, Dhaurahara, Sitapur, Misrikh, Unnao, Farukhabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, and Bahraich. The deadline for nominations in the fourth phase is April 25th.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is set to conduct a rally in Sisauli of Kithore assembly constituency on Thursday as part of his Mission 2024. The public meeting, scheduled for 3 o'clock, will last for 50 minutes before CM Yogi proceeds to Pilkhuwa. Additionally, massive rallies are also planned in Ghaziabad and Bulandshahr on the same day.

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