Lok Sabha Election 2024 Highlights: Congress intends to send Ram Lalla to tent again, says PM Modi

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BJP president JP Nadda today questioned whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi could be loyal to Rae Bareli when he wasn't to his previous constituency.
Nadda further commented on a candidate who left the area, insinuating that this individual didn't just leave once but relocated multiple times.
"There was also a candidate who ran away from here. He didn't run away just once. From here he went to Wayanad, from Wayanad to Rae Bareli and even then did not return to Amethi," he said.
In the 2019 elections, Rahul Gandhi lost the Amethi parliamentary seat, which was once considered a family stronghold, to BJP's Smriti Irani. However, he secured victory in the Wayanad constituency in Kerala.

Asserting that people are voting for change, senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot today exuded confidence that an INDIA bloc government would be formed at the Centre and claimed his party will secure more seats than the BJP in both Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
The AICC general secretary in-charge of Chhattisgarh and former Rajasthan deputy chief minister stated that there was a "sea change" from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, with voters seeking real change this time.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed today that the BJP is losing ground nationwide and will not win more than 230 seats in the upcoming elections. He urged the people of Haryana to initiate the "revolution" to unseat the BJP-led alliance from the Centre.
Kejriwal made these remarks during a roadshow for party candidate Sushil Gupta in Kurukshetra's Pehowa, where he slammed the BJP-led central government for his imprisonment, asserting that they are afraid of him.
This visit marked Kejriwal's first trip to Haryana after being released on bail.

The Left and AAP have pledged support for the Congress Lok Sabha candidates in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a joint press conference today, Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Surjeet Singh Thakur, former MLA and CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha, and CPI state secretary Bhag Singh announced that the INDIA bloc partners will support and campaign for the Congress candidates in the state, PTI has reported.
Voting for all four constituencies in Himachal Pradesh will be held in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on June 1.

The Left and AAP have pledged support for the Congress Lok Sabha candidates in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a joint press conference today, Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Surjeet Singh Thakur, former MLA and CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha, and CPI state secretary Bhag Singh announced that the INDIA bloc partners will support and campaign for the Congress candidates in the state, PTI has reported.
Voting for all four constituencies in Himachal Pradesh will be held in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections on June 1.

Addressing an election rally in UP's Jaddishpur today, Union Minister Smriti Irani said, "This is the same Jagdishpur where Congress MP's goons used to cause trouble, and miscreants would harass the daughters of Hindu families. Today, under Yogi Adityanath's government, there isn't a single family whose children are harassed. I express my gratitude on behalf of these families to the Chief Minister."

Keeping up with the times, the Delhi poll body has enlisted social media influencers to encourage youth to vote on May 25, when the national capital goes to the polls.
Speaking to PTI, Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P Krishnamurthy said the poll body has been conducting activities under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation programme (SVEEP) to spread voter awareness. In a novel initiative this time, various districts have engaged influencers to promote this cause.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi today, while addressing an election rally in Amethi, stated, "It is the BJP's history to make tall promises but deliver nothing. PM Modi has made lofty promises of providing employment, increasing farmers' wages, and bringing back black money. However, after 10 years of Modi's government, unemployment is on the rise, with 70 crore youth in this country currently unemployed".

A civil society delegation today submitted a petition signed by over 4,000 people to the Election Commission, calling for greater transparency in the disclosure of voter turnout figures during the ongoing general elections. The petition pointed out fluctuations in the reported voter turnout figures during the first two phases of the elections.

The letter, physically delivered to the poll panel office, emphasised that discrepancies between initial estimates and subsequent revisions have raised doubts and concerns among the public about the accuracy and transparency of the electoral process.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated during a rally, "On 4th June, Modi govt will not be formed...the movement to remove dictatorship from the country will begin from Haryana...INDIA alliance needs all 10 seats (in Haryana)...I am giving you Kejriwal's guarantee, INDIA alliance will form govt in the centre on 4th June."

During a public rally in Koderma, PM Modi said, " JMM, Congress, INDI alliance they are the biggest role models of wrong things. Mountain of cash was discovered in the house of the servant of Minister's PA...I have never seen that many notes in real life, I saw it on television for the first time...such people are supported by the 'royal family'...this is just the beginning, I will dig out more treasures like this."

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said, "On one side there is our government which is working for the poor and on the other hand there is SP and Congress government, who oppose lord Ram and support Pakistan. They say don't oppose Pakistan because they have atom bomb. If they have atom bomb we too have it. If their atom bomb is to throw, then ours is not to keep in fridge. They are supporting Pakistan, these people are not even ashamed of this..."

BJP national president JP Nadda stated while addressing a public meeting in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, "Today we are number three in petrochemicals & manufacturing of automobiles...Today on all your mobiles it is written made in India. This is the India that is changing. Smriti Irani is important to strengthen the changing India..."

During his campaign trail, Union Minister and Sambalpur-born BJP Lok Sabha candidate Dharmendra Pradhan did a roadshow at Chhendipada in the Angul district.

Dharmendra Pradhan asked people to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a third term, emphasising that only a double-engine government could guarantee Odisha's rapid development.

AAP MP Sanjay Singh remarked on the alleged accusation that yesterday Delhi CM's staff member misbehaved with Swati Maliwal. He said, "Yesterday, a condemnable incident took place. Swati Maliwal had gone to Arvind Kejriwal's residence to meet him. While she was waiting for him in the drawing room, Vibhav Kumar allegedly misbehaved with her. The CM has taken cognisance of the matter, and he will take appropriate action."

"For the first time, the election is about saving the Constitution. Whatever poor, farmers, labourers, backwards, Dalits, Tribals, minorities, poor general cast people have, has been provided by this book (Constitution). The INDIA alliance, Akhilesh Yadav, Mallikarjun Kharge are working to safeguard the Constitution," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while addressing an election rally in UP's Jhansi.

Kurukshetra

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal held a roadshow in Kurukshetra during which he said, "Elections were announced on March 16 and they put me in jail on March 21. This means they wanted to stop me from election campaigning; this means they are afraid of Arvind Kejriwal."

The Election Commission of India has resolved 90% of 425 complaints in the past two months. The commission was pleased that, over the previous two months, there has been no violence, less noise, less clutter and intrusion, and no ostentation or temptation.

A second report on the two months of MCC enforcement during GE 2024 was provided by the Election Commission of India suo-motu as a measure of increased transparency and disclosure. On April 16, 2024, the first report was made public.

In the past two months, the Commission, under the direction of CEC Rajiv Kumar, has cleared the campaign space in a way that is more comprehensive and systemic than just episodic prescriptive.

The Election Commission restates that in the upcoming stages, National Party stars should set a positive example and refrain from undermining society's fragile foundation. The citizen-focused C Vigil app proved beneficial, promptly identifying and addressing over 4 lakh infractions. Level playing fields are ensured by political parties obtaining permission through the Suvidha portal.

On INDIA Alliance, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma said, "Any Alliance can continue to form but you have to understand that in every coalition or any alliance that you may have, you need to work with an understanding. We don't say that everything is perfect in NDA. But we also ensure that through dialogues and discussions, whatever concerns and issues come up - we resolve those issues and we find a way to work on it. When you look at the INDIA Alliance, there is no process of resolution. There is a lot of misunderstanding between the partners and under those circumstances, it's difficult for the coalition to survive."

The Supreme Court declined to consider the plea to bar Prime Minister Narendra Modi from campaigning because he made hate speech while campaigning.

In the 60 days since the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the ongoing general election, the Border Security Force (BSF) has either shot down or recovered 49 drones along the India-Pakistan international border. These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mostly of Chinese origin, have been intercepted while entering India's Punjab territory and some in Rajasthan, originating from Pakistan. The total recovery of drones has surged approximately 13 times since 2022 in the January-May period. The MCC was implemented on March 16.

BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut submitted her nomination papers on Tuesday for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh, marking her entry into the fray for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah remarked on May 14 that the decision of the Narendra Modi government to abrogate Article 370 is visibly impacting the poll percentage in Jammu and Kashmir, instilling greater trust in democracy among the people. Shah's statement follows the recording of about 38% polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency during the fourth phase of the general elections. Comparatively, Srinagar witnessed significantly lower polling percentages in previous Lok Sabha polls, highlighting the shift in sentiment following the abrogation of Article 370.

Mohan Lal Badoli, the BJP's candidate from Sonipat, asserted on May 14 that his party is poised to claim victory in all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. Drawing parallels with the previous election, Badoli confidently predicted the obliteration of the Opposition's "so-called bastions." As the sitting MLA from the Rai Assembly segment, Badoli emphasized the overwhelming support the BJP is receiving from the electorate, driven by the desire to see Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for the third consecutive term. Referring to Sonipat and Rohtak as bastions of the Congress and the Hooda family, respectively, Badoli reiterated his belief that these strongholds would once again crumble under BJP's dominance.

In the serene village of Purba Jaynagar in Bongaon, situated near the Bangladesh border, a sense of disillusionment pervades the Matua community regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Sixty-year-old Srikanta Sarkar, seated outside his humble thatched-roof home, reflects on his aspiration for a permanent homeland, free from persecution. While the implementation of CAA in March briefly ignited hope, the complexities of the citizenship application process dashed Sarkar's dreams. The requirement for proof of residency in Bangladesh proves insurmountable for Sarkar and others, leaving them frustrated and uncertain about their future.

Asha, the mother of BJP candidate and actor Kangana Ranaut, expressed confidence in her daughter's electoral success, stating, "We always wish well for her. She is getting a good response. She will win by a huge margin." Asha condemned the crass comments made by Congress leaders, urging them to refrain from attacking her daughter. She emphasized the widespread support Kangana is receiving, not only in Mandi but throughout Himachal Pradesh, assuring that people's love will translate into votes.

A lineup of NDA allies, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chandrababu Naidu, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Omprakash Rajbhar, Sanjay Nishad, and Ramdas Athwale, congregated at the Varanasi collectorate, where Prime Minister Modi is set to file his nomination.

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu hailed Prime Minister Modi's nomination filing from Varanasi as a historic event. Expressing confidence in the NDA's prospects, Naidu predicted a sweeping victory with over 400 seats. He concluded by affirming their belief in the NDA's overwhelming victory in Andhra Pradesh.

The Srinagar constituency, holding its first general election since the abrogation of Article 370, witnesses a remarkable voter turnout of 37.99%, marking the highest in several decades. According to the Information and PR Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, this turnout surpasses previous records, with participation standing at 40.94% in 1996, 30.06% in 1998, 11.93% in 1999, and subsequent lower percentages in following years until 2019.

The Varanasi Lok Sabha contest witnesses its third face-off between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai. Rai, representing the Congress once more, steps up to challenge the incumbent Prime Minister in the electoral arena.

In Nashik's Govardhan village, residents have declared their intention to boycott voting in the May 20 polls, citing allegations of corruption against the Gram Sevak. This decision comes amidst preparations for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, wherein Nashik, along with 12 other Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, is set to participate. Nashik District Magistrate Jalaj Sharma responded to the boycott announcement, assuring residents of the administration's dedication to resolving their concerns and urging them to refrain from boycotting the polls.

Security measures have been significantly intensified outside the district magistrate's office in Varanasi, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi readies himself to submit his nomination for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections today.

Following the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, contesting from Kannauj, remains steadfast in his belief in the victory of the INDIA bloc. He asserts that people's backing for the alliance is rooted in a feeling of being "cheated by the BJP." Kannauj, alongside 12 other parliamentary constituencies in the state, witnessed polling during this phase. Yadav emphasizes the resilience of the alliance despite initial hurdles with faulty EVMs, affirming that deceitful tactics won't prevail against the electorate's response. Amidst the polling in Kannauj, Yadav personally visited the constituency, underscoring his dedication to the electoral process.

Twelve Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states are anticipated to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he files his nomination for a third consecutive term from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat today. Alongside, several Union Ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Presidents of various NDA allies, are expected to grace the occasion. The list of attendees includes Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and others.

Vistara Airlines has cautioned its travelers to anticipate delays on the way to Varanasi airport due to heavy traffic congestion expected on May 14th. The advisory comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to file his nomination for the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat on the same day. Preceding his nomination filing, PM Modi conducted a grand roadshow, spanning five kilometers, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP state president Chaudhary Bhupendra Singh. The event witnessed enthusiastic chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Jai Shree Ram' from a large gathering of supporters and residents lining the road.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking at a public rally in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that while the BJP can create billionaires, his party aims to empower millions. Gandhi expressed confidence in Congress' victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, boldly stating that Modi won't retain the Prime Minister's office come June 4. Promising financial empowerment, he pledged to credit Rs 1 lakh annually to the bank accounts of selected women from each family if his party comes to power. Accusing Modi of favoring big businesses, Gandhi criticized the alleged diversion of funds meant for soldiers to Adani through defense contracts under what he termed as the "Agniveer scheme."

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