Lok Sabha Election 2024 Highlights: Amit Shah and 4 other leaders face charges for violating EC guidelines

Rudra Narayan Pani, the BJP Lok Sabha candidate for Dhenkanal, filed his nomination papers today.

While addressing a public meeting in Hyderabad, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said, “He (PM Modi) can speak against any party and candidate, but why is he targeting only one community in his speeches. PM Modi has created a new MCC (Modi’s Criminal Code), under which he can say anything to anyone, and no one can stop him."

Madhya Pradesh Congress chairman Jitu Patwari was arrested today for allegedly making insulting statements about state BJP politician Imarti Devi, which created outrage and drew censure from Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and other ruling party officials.

The FIR against Patwari, who has now apologised for the statement, was filed in Dabra town in Gwalior following Imarti Devi's complaint, according to a senior police official.

T Yaman Singh, the BJP's Hyderabad candidate Madhavi Latha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, state party chairman G Kishan Reddy, and party leader Raja Singh have all been charged with breaking Election Commission guidelines while campaigning.

Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader who filed his candidature for the Lok Sabha elections from Rae Bareli today, reported assets worth more than Rs 20 crore in his papers, including Rs 4.2 lakh in gold, but claimed he does not own a residential flat or a car.

Gandhi declared movable assets at Rs 9,24,59,264, comprising shares worth Rs 4,33,60,519, mutual funds worth Rs 3,81,33,572, a bank balance of Rs 26,25,157, and gold bonds worth Rs 15,21,740.

The former Congress president disclosed immovable assets with a current market value of Rs 11,15,02,598. These include self-acquired assets valued at Rs 9,04,89,000 and inherited assets of Rs 2,10,13,598.

A case is registered against T Yaman Singh, BJP's Hyderabad candidate Madhavi Latha, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, state party chief G Kishan Reddy and party leader Raja Singh for violating guidelines of Election Commission during election campaigning.

The Election Commission announced today that it has "doubled up" its voter involvement interventions to offset the "small" drop in turnout in the first two rounds of the Lok Sabha elections.

The turnout was 66.14 per cent in the first phase and 66.71 per cent in the second phase. This is "among the best" compared to previous voter turnout, but "somewhat lags" behind the high benchmarks set by the 2019 general elections, according to the report. In 2019, voter turnout was 69.43% in the first phase and 69.64% in the second phase.

Deepak Adhikari, an actor and TMC's Ghatal MP, had a close call today when his helicopter caught fire shortly after takeoff from the Malda helipad, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing, according to police.

Adhikari, also known as Dev, was unharmed and later proceeded by vehicle to his next stop in Raninagar for another electoral rally, officials added. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called Dev and inquired about the issue.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge replied to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Daro Mat Bhago Mat" (Don't be afraid, don't run away) remark on Rahul Gandhi's Rae Bareli candidature, claiming that the "PM himself has run away to Varanasi". Earlier in the day, PM Modi ridiculed Rahul Gandhi for "dropping" Amethi, claiming that the Congress leader is seeking another seat out of fear of losing in Wayanad.

ECI has already held meetings with senior IMD specialists, and health and disaster management organisations to discuss the impact of the heatwave on the election process, particularly voter turnout during phase three. According to the factual facts presented by IMD, there is no big fear about a heat wave during Phase 3 of the General Elections, which are slated for May 7, 2024. The weather forecast for the 11 states/UTs going to polls in Phase 3 is expected to remain normal.

As Rahul Gandhi is going to contest this election from Amethi where he lost the 2019 election, to the Raebareli seat left vacant by his mother Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi insulted the Congress leader in his own words.

During a speech in Bengal, PM Modi said that Rahul Gandhi had "run away" from Amethi due to fear of defeat. "Today I also want to tell him, Daro Mat (don't be afraid), and Bhaago Mat (don't run)," the Prime Minister mocked.

Congress MP & candidate from Wayanad and Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi addressed a public rally in Pune saying, "Electoral Bond scheme is illegal. Corruption has taken place. Shut it down. Do you know what was happening in the Electoral Bond scheme?...PM Modi says that he is cleaning politics. If he is cleaning politics, why did he hide the names of all donors? When their names come to light, it comes to be known that a company receives contract worth thousands of crores of Rupees and soon after the company gives money to the BJP. CBI opens a case against a company, that company gives thousands of crores of Rupees to the BJP and the case closes. Narendra Modi is doing corruption openly before the country. But media says nothing..."

The Lok Sabha elections will be held in Dhubri, Assam, on 7 May, with one of the primary electoral topics being transportation from the Char area. Dhubri's Char region contains about 100 settlements. In the morning, schoolchildren travel by boat from one bank to the other before arriving at school. People residing in these settlements must take a boat to Dhubri town.

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) declares candidates for the Odisha Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the state. Anjani Soren, the sister of former Chief Minister Hemant Soren, will contest from both the Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha and the Saraskana Assembly constituencies.

On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi competing from Raebareli, BJP sitting MP and Gorakhpur candidate Ravi Kishan said, "I am very sad on hearing that Rahul Gandhi is not contesting from Amethi. Till last night we were all excited hoping for a competitive election in Amethi, but you ended the game before it even began... It would have been fun had you contested from Amethi against Smriti Irani..."

The Congress claimed that abolishing reservation has long been a "clear goal" of the BJP-RSS, and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi if he would remove the 50% quota for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh argued that the prime minister's use of "indecent language" demonstrates that he is "rattled and afraid".

While talking to the media, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma said that due to Rahul Gandhi's huge popularity in Pakistan, he would have won with a large margin if he had contested elections in Pakistan. "We cannot defeat Rahul Gandhi in Pakistan... Rahul Gandhi would win in Pakistan... How can that happen in India what Pakistan wants? Whatever Pakistan wants, the opposite will happen in India...," he added.

During a rally in Singhbhum, Jharkhand PM Narendra Modi said, "Singhbhum and Jharkhand are the lands of revolutionary Adivasis, but Congress has never respected the sacrifices of Adivasis. Congress wants to give the credit for Independence to one family. It is the BJP that gave one more identity to the birth of Lord Birsa Munda; we started observing this day as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas".

Speaking to the public during a rally in Badaun Lok Sabha constituency, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said, "... In Uttar Pradesh, if anyone is unwell...and sends a letter asking for treatment, the money is transferred directly to his Jan Dhan account opened by PM Modi... 50 crore bank accounts have been opened through the Jan Dhan scheme... The commission system, which existed under the Congress and SP governments, has since been discontinued..."

“If he has done such a big service, then why are their candidates not contesting from here (Srinagar),” replied JKNC vice president Omar Abdullah on PM Modi’s latest remarks on the abrogation of article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL) announced today a 10% discount on tickets for commuters on May 20, when the city votes in the fifth round of the Lok Sabha election.

According to an MMMOCL announcement, passengers commuting on Metro lines 2A and 7 would receive a 10% discount on polling day.

Mumbai's five Lok Sabha seats will vote in the last phase of the general election on May 20.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition challenging Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in a money laundering case arising from the excise policy fraud, stating that it is not maintainable.

The high court stated that Kejriwal has the means and wherewithal to approach the court and initiate necessary actions. The high court ruled that the petitioner's request for the Centre to notify the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the arrest of a political party leader or candidate while the model code of conduct (MCC) is in effect contradicts their legal understanding of the rule of law.

The Supreme Court has asked the ED to prepare for a hearing on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's interim bail plea on May 7.

Due to forthcoming elections, the Supreme Court may consider hearing arguments on interim bail for Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. As discussions on Kejriwal's challenge against arrest by the ED and consequent remand in the excise policy issue may take some time, the Supreme Court might as well hear arguments on Kejriwal's interim bail. Speaking on this Justice Khanna said, “We are not saying anything today. But we may ask. Please be prepared on Tuesday.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said during a rally that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is fighting the Lok Sabha elections in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, after fleeing Amethi, and predicted that he will lose by a large majority to the BJP candidate. He also stated that former AICC President Sonia Gandhi's previous attempts to "launch" Rahul Gandhi had failed and that this was the twenty-first attempt.

Raj Babbar, a Congress leader, has filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha constituency in Gurgaon, Haryana. Haryana will vote on all 10 Lok Sabha seats on May 25. The BJP has fielded Rao Inderjit Singh in the constituency.

While speaking at a rally, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pointed fingers at the West Bengal Governor for allegedly molesting a woman. "My heart bleeds for the woman molested at Raj Bhavan, it's a shame...Before talking about Sandeshkhali, BJP must answer why the Governor did this to a woman working at Raj Bhavan," she said.

Chirag Paswan, president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), threatened legal action against RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Friday for making "false" claims concerning the former's reservation policy.

At rallies, particularly in Paswan's Lok Sabha constituency of Hajipur, Yadav has claimed that the LJP (R) chairman has called for the abolition of reservations for affluent Dalits. When the media brought Paswan's attention to the statement, he responded, "It is false. Tejashwi Yadav is speaking lies at rally after rally. He must stop it, else I may resort to legal action."

The BJP attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today, claiming that he is contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Wayanad in Kerala because he is certain to lose the race in the southern state.

"Bhag Rahul bhag, Rahul bhag, Rahul bhag (run Rahul run) -- this is what will go on now," Dushyant Kumar Gautam, the national general secretary of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), told a press conference at the party headquarters here when asked about Gandhi contesting the elections from Rae Bareli.

Uttar Pradesh BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary remarks on Rahul Gandhi's choice of Rae Bareli, suggesting it's to avoid questions in Amethi.

The Election Commission of India instructs all states and Union Territories to ensure timely issuance of 'No Dues certificate' for intending candidates' affidavits.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj addresses Rahul Gandhi's candidature from Raebareli, stating it's Congress's prerogative. He questions why the Prime Minister isn't contesting from South India, adding such discussions dilute election focus.

Karan Bhushan, son of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and candidate for the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat, expressed gratitude, calling it one of the biggest moments of his life. He thanked the people of Kaiserganj and requested their continued blessings.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi is leaving a guest house in Raebareli to file his nomination shortly from the Raebareli Lok Sabha seat.

Amethi MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani said in her parliamentary constituency, "If development was possible in Amethi in the last five years under BJP MP, then why did Congress do so much harm to Amethi over the last many decades?" Today marks the Amethi people's victory. Congress' top leadership has not been present for the public over the last three years. Jinhe Amethi ne aswikaar kar diya; Amethi chhor ke Wayanad chalegaye, woh Raebareli ke purnatah kabhi nahi ho paayenge."

"No member of the Gandhi family contesting from Amethi in itself indicates that Congress has accepted its defeat in Amethi even before the elections," says Amethi MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani.

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the CBI & ED regarding AAP leader Manish Sisodia's bail plea related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. The court noted ED's statement allowing Sisodia to meet his wife once a week while in custody.

Speaking in Bardhaman-Durgapur, PM Modi accused Rahul Gandhi of running away from challenging seats like Amethi and Wayanad, opting instead for Rajya Sabha and Raebareli. He questioned the Congress leader's courage and mocked the party's slogan "Daro Mat."

Amethi Congress President Pradeep Singhal responds to inquiries about Amethi's candidate for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, stating, "...Yeh Congress hai kuch bhi ho sakta hai...If it was in our hands we would have announced the candidate from Amethi two months ago..."

Congress worker Yogendra Yadav expresses optimism about KL Sharma's candidature, stating, "There is no disappointment...KL Sharma is also a part of the (Gandhi) family now...There is no resentment among the workers...The Gandhi family is coming for KL Sharma's nomination. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will be here," as reported by ANI

Here are the winners from the Amethi parliamentary constituency spanning from 1980 to 2019, including notable figures like Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Smriti Irani.

Here are the winners from the Amethi parliamentary constituency spanning from 1980 to 2019, including notable figures like Sanjay Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Smriti Irani.

On Rahul Gandhi's candidature from Raebareli, BJP's Manjinder Singh Sirsa states, "Rahul Gandhi is losing from Wayanad and this is why is going to contest from Raebareli. Earlier, he accepted defeat from Amethi, now he is running away from Wayanad. The situation is such that no one from Congress wants to contest from Amethi, which was Congress' traditional seat...Rahul Gandhi will also have to leave Raebareli, and people will give him a befitting reply, he will be defeated in Raebareli too."

KL Sharma, a long-time loyalist of the Gandhi family, has been nominated as the Congress candidate from Amethi. Having previously served as the constituency representative for Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli, Sharma is known as the go-to person in both Raebareli and Amethi for Gandhi-related matters. His nomination aims to signify the Gandhis' continued association with Amethi indirectly.

Preparations for Rahul Gandhi's nomination roadshow in Rae Bareli intensify as the Congress declares him the Lok Sabha candidate.

- Raebareli, a significant Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, holds historical and political significance. It remains the sole constituency that the Congress managed to secure victory in the 2019 elections in Uttar Pradesh, a state known for its volatile political landscape. The legacy of the seat traces back to 1952 when Feroz Gandhi, a prominent figure in Indian politics, clinched the victory.

- The historical importance of Rae Bareli extends to 1975 when India experienced its first-ever national emergency, a pivotal moment in the nation's political history. Over the years, Rae Bareli witnessed the ebb and flow of political power. Notable figures like Indira Gandhi and Raj Narain have left their mark on this constituency, symbolizing the region's political dynamism.

- In the electoral journey of Rae Bareli, Indira Gandhi's presence was deeply entrenched. She secured victory in 1967 and reclaimed the seat in 1980, reflecting her enduring connection with the constituency. Later, the baton passed to Sonia Gandhi, who served as the torchbearer of the family's political legacy in Rae Bareli for a significant period.

- However, with Sonia Gandhi's decision to step back from electoral politics and transition to the Rajya Sabha, a new chapter begins for Rae Bareli. Speculation is rife about who will fill the shoes of the Gandhi family in this crucial constituency. Reports suggest that Priyanka Gandhi might step in to continue the family's political legacy in Rae Bareli, although neither the Congress nor Priyanka Gandhi has confirmed this.

After weeks of anticipation, the Congress announced its candidates for the Amethi and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi will contest from Rae Bareli, while Kishori Lal Sharma will represent the party in Amethi. This decision completes the Congress' list of candidates for the 17 Lok Sabha seats it's contesting in Uttar Pradesh as part of its seat-sharing agreement with the Samajwadi Party (SP).

In the 'Central Election Committee' meeting, Rahul Gandhi named Congress candidate for Rae Bareli, while Kishori Lal Sharma chosen for Amethi.

According to sources, Rahul Gandhi is likely to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Rae Bareli seat vacated by his mother, while a loyalist of the Congress leader could be fielded from Amethi. The party is yet to announce its nominees for the constituencies in Uttar Pradesh.

With the deadline for filing nominations set for Friday, May 3, for the seats going to polls on May 20 in the fifth round of the seven-phase general elections, preparations for nomination filing in both seats have commenced.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the deadline for filing nomination papers is 3 pm on May 3, when asked about the developments.

Traditionally held by members of the Gandhi-Nehru family, both Rae Bareli and Amethi constituencies are significant for the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi is expected to contest from Rae Bareli, the constituency previously held by his mother, Sonia Gandhi, who has now become a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to West Bengal includes three election rallies scheduled for Friday, May 3. He arrived in the state capital, Kolkata, on Thursday evening and stayed overnight at the governor's house, as confirmed by an official. Modi is set to address public gatherings in the Krishnanagar, Purba Bardhaman, and Bolpur Lok Sabha constituencies.

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