Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Highlights: India braces for second phase amid sweltering heat

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Five Lok Sabha seats, contested by 86 candidates, in Bihar will go into polls tomorrow. These constituencies are Bhagalpur, Banka, Purnia, Kishanganj, and Katihar. Candidates from the JD(U), in coalition with the NDA, are running in all of these seats. Additionally, there are three Congress candidates and two RJD candidates in the fray. Notably, there will be direct contests between the Congress and JD(U) on two seats, while the JD(U) will face off against the RJD on one seat.

Key candidates in the second phase of elections include Congress figures Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor contesting from Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram respectively. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar is also in the fray in Thiruvananthapuram, while BJP's Tejasvi Surya competes in Bengaluru South. Other notable candidates include Hema Malini in Mathura, Arun Govil in Meerut, DK Suresh, the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, in Bengaluru Rural, and former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in Mandya.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anurag Goel announced today that a total of 141 complaints regarding violations of the model code of conduct (MCC) have been filed in Assam. Speaking at a press conference, he mentioned that 136 of these complaints have been successfully resolved, while the remaining have been forwarded to the Election Commission for further guidance.

The Congress party has unveiled a list of 40 star campaigners for the Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha elections. Among these leaders are Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

In the second phase of voting, several significant constituencies will be covered, including Wayanad (Kerala), where Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is seeking re-election, and Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), where a high-profile contest between Shashi Tharoor and Rajeev Chandrasekhar is anticipated. Other key battleground constituencies going to polls include Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh), Barmer (Rajasthan), Kota (Rajasthan), Amravati (Maharashtra), Thrissur (Kerala), Purnia (Bihar), Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka), Nagpur (Maharashtra), and more.

Uddhav Thackeray unveiled the election manifesto of the Shiv Sena (UBT) today, highlighting key priorities such as farm loan waivers, job creation, and putting an end to what they perceive as the exploitation of Maharashtra's resources, PTI reported.

Nomination filing for Nashik and Dindori Lok Sabha constituencies will commence on Friday, according to collector Jalaj Sharma. Candidates can submit nomination forms until May 3, with scrutiny scheduled for the following day and the option to withdraw candidature until May 6. Voting is set to take place on May 20.
In Dindori, there are 18,51,972 voters, comprising 9,59,658 males, 8,92,297 females, and 17 transgender persons, with 1,922 polling centers. Meanwhile, Nashik has 20,24,085 voters, including 10,56,006 males, 9,68,001 females, and 78 transgender persons, with 1,910 polling centers.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) today announced its latest list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, naming Thakur Prasad Yadav as their nominee for the Rae Bareli seat. Both the ruling BJP and the Congress have yet to announce their candidates for Rae Bareli, which is currently represented by Sonia Gandhi in the outgoing Lok Sabha. The constituency is scheduled to vote in the fifth phase of the ongoing general elections on May 20.

Eight constituencies in Maharashtra go into polls tomorrow as part of the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Around 1.49 crore voters from the state will have the opportunity to vote, determining the fate of 204 candidates.
Voting will take place in Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, and Yavatmal-Washim seats in the west Vidarbha region, as well as Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani constituencies in Marathwada. Polling will be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm across 16,589 polling centers, according to officials. Notably, Buldhana, Yavatmal-Washim, and Hingoli will witness direct contests between the Shiv Sena, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT).

The Prime Minister, further slamming the Opposition, said, "Have you noticed that the Samajwadi Party and Congress never provide an account of their accomplishments? While I've established medical colleges and overseen the construction of Lord Ram’s Temple in Ayodhya, during the reign of the SP and Congress, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur were plagued by bomb blasts and terror attacks".

"Once again, Congress is resorting to its old tactic of stirring up controversy in the name of the nation and the Constitution whenever they plan to carry out significant wrongdoings. This strategy is reminiscent of their actions in the 1970s when they imposed the Emergency, resulting in the suppression of democracy, the incarceration of numerous activists, and the censorship of the media. Congress seems to have repeated this pattern by releasing what can be deemed as another unsuccessful attempt", said PM Modi while addressing an election rally in Shahjahanpur today.
He also said, "Their narrative includes baseless claims such as predicting dictatorship if Modi wins or suggesting that reservations will be abolished under his leadership. However, as soon as people read their manifesto, the true intentions of Congress become apparent, revealing their hidden agenda to the nation. It's becoming increasingly clear that Congress's deceitful tactics are being exposed one by one for all to see".

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) announced today that Kalpana Soren, the wife of incarcerated former chief minister Hemant Soren, will run in the by-election for the Gandey assembly seat. The seat in Giridih district became vacant after JMM MLA Sarfaraz Ahmad resigned. The by-election for the Gandey assembly seat is set for May 20, coinciding with the parliamentary elections in the state.

The Aam Aadmi Party's Lok Sabha election campaign is expected to receive a significant boost as Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is likely to conduct roadshows in the national capital starting this weekend. With Arvind Kejriwal's absence due to his judicial custody in a money laundering case, Sunita is stepping forward to play a more prominent role in bolstering the AAP's campaign efforts. The Delhi CM's judicial custody has been extended until May 7.

In the second phase of elections in Uttar Pradesh, a total of 1,67,77,198 eligible voters are set to cast their votes. Among them, there are 90,26,051 male voters and 77,50,356 female voters, along with 791 voters identifying as transgender, as stated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa at a press conference in Lucknow today.

YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy submitted his nomination for the Pulivendula Assembly seat today. He was joined by YSRCP's candidate for the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat, YS Avinash Reddy, and other party members.
A press release announced that CM Jagan Mohan Reddy has officially filed his nomination papers in Pulivendula, presenting his candidacy to the Pulivendula Returning Officer. Earlier in the week, local YSRCP leaders had submitted a set of nomination papers on behalf of the party chief.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing an election rally today, lashed out at the Congress, stating, "The actions of the Congress party in Karnataka are indeed concerning, as they have allocated 32 percent reservations to Muslims within the OBC quota. This move raises questions about the equal distribution of opportunities among various communities. When the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) were allies of the Congress-led UPA government, they supported the formation of the Justice Ranganath Mishra committee which recommended including Muslims in the category of backward and scheduled tribes, potentially at the expense of the existing reservations for Hindus, scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, and other backward classes. Such political maneuvers appear to prioritise electoral gains over the broader interests of the nation".

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) unveiled its Lok Sabha campaign song titled 'jail ke jawab mein hum vote denge,' today, aiming to evoke sympathy following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The song, written and performed in a rap style by AAP MLA and the party's chief whip in the Delhi Assembly, Dilip Pandey, was launched at the AAP headquarters by party leaders. The overarching theme of the party's Lok Sabha campaign, 'Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se' (we will respond to jailing Kejriwal through voting), resonates with the sentiment expressed in the song.

Manish Kashyap, a YouTuber from Bihar who faced arrest last year over the alleged dissemination of fabricated videos depicting Bihar migrants encountering harassment in Tamil Nadu, officially became a member of the BJP today. Despite being out on bail, Kashyap joined the BJP in the national capital. The event was attended by Anil Baluni, the party's national media department in-charge, along with co-in-charges Sanjay Mayukh and Manoj Tiwari. Kashyap's mother was also present at the joining ceremony.

In the second phase of elections, three Lok Sabha constituencies in the northern region of West Bengal, including the strategically significant Darjeeling seat, are set to go to polls tomorrow. The electoral fate of two incumbent BJP MPs, including BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar vying for re-election from Balurghat, will be decided through the polling in Darjeeling, Balurghat, and Raiganj. Majumdar faces stiff competition from veteran TMC leader and Minister Biplab Mitra in Balurghat.

Against the backdrop of a shifting political landscape, the Darjeeling hills are once again at the forefront of an election, with the longstanding demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland gaining prominence. Electoral prospects are now intertwined with pledges for a political resolution to this demand.

BJP National President Shehzad Poonawalla, in an interaction with reporters today, said, "Prime Minister Modi has effectively exposed the double standards of the Congress party. The party had claimed to have abolished the inheritance tax in 1985, supposedly to facilitate the transfer of Indira Gandhi's wealth to the Gandhi family after her tragic death in 1984. Now, the same party is considering reinstating this law through advisors like Sam Pitroda, despite having benefited from its abolition in the past".

Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge has penned a letter to the Prime Minister today, requesting a meeting to explain the party's 'Nyay Patra'.
He expressed concern that there might be misinformation circulating, pointing out that certain matters are not even included in the Congress manifesto. Additionally, Kharge highlighted a pattern of taking statements out of context and using them to sow communal discord, urging the PM to refrain from such practices.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted today that the difference between his party's assurances and 'Modi Ki Guarantee' is evident. He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aware that the elections have slipped out of his grasp.
In a Hindi post on microblogging site X, Gandhi emphasised that the Congress pledges a "government for Indians." Highlighting several commitments, the Wayanad MP mentioned that women will receive Rs 8,500 monthly, youth will secure jobs with an annual income of Rs 1 lakh, recruitment will be conducted for 30 lakh vacancies, and farmers will be ensured a legal Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a rally in Medak Lok Sabha constituency, Telangana, stating, "BJP intends to abolish Muslim reservation implemented by BRS and Congress, replacing it with reservation for SC, ST, and OBC. The comprehensive progress of Telangana is feasible only with BJP in power at the center. He says, "BJP has decided to end the Muslim reservation imposed by BRS and Congress. BJP will bring the reservation for SC, ST and OBC... The holistic development of Telangana can only happen when the BJP government will be formed in the centre."

In a public address in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi denounces appeasement politics, stating that it has fragmented the nation and deprived the honest of their rights. Modi asserts his commitment to ending appeasement politics and transitioning towards a culture of satisfaction and inclusivity.

"Our country has seen a lot of appeasement politics, it has divided the country into pieces. Appeasement politics has taken away the rights of the truthful and honest. So Modi is ending appeasement and moving towards satisfaction," he said.

Speaking at a public gathering in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterates his commitment to "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Collective Effort, Inclusive Growth). He contrasts this inclusive approach with the SP-Congress INDI alliance, accusing them of favoring specific vote banks. Modi emphasizes the BJP's focus on welfare schemes aimed at reaching every citizen without intermediaries or corruption. He highlights the party's "saturation model," which ensures that all deserving individuals receive the full benefits of government initiatives.

Addressing a public rally in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Panchpran" initiative, aimed at eliminating colonial influence in India and preserving our cultural heritage. He contrasts this with the INDI alliance, accusing it of harboring an anti-India stance, historical betrayal, and fostering societal division based on caste and religion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a public gathering in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, emphasises, "Certain forces are displeased with India's growing strength. With the establishment of a Defence Corridor here, we aim to produce weapons for our armed forces, fostering self-reliance and facilitating exports worldwide. These forces oppose the idea of our military achieving self-sufficiency."

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav asserts, "The BJP government intentionally halted the development initiated by the Samajwadi Party. BJP's negative politics and disrespect towards the people are evident. I've previously dedicated myself to serving the people of Kannauj, and they have witnessed the progress firsthand."

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav responds to BJP candidate Subrat Pathak's "India vs Pakistan match" analogy, stating, "If he can't hit a six on the first ball, then we are not Samajwadi. We will hit sixes on all six balls, whether he can throw or swing the bat." 'Agar pehli ball par chhakka nahin maara toh hum bhi Samajwadi nahin'. We will hit sixes on all six balls."

During the address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, alleging their intentions to target women's savings and introduce an inheritance tax. Referring to Rahul Gandhi as the 'shehzada' of a royal family, PM Modi claimed that Congress plans to scan homes and lockers to seize valuables, including sacred items like the 'mangalsutra'. He warned against their purported agenda to redistribute inherited property. "They have their eyes on your ‘stree dhan’, be it the pious 'mangalsutra', or other small ornaments made of gold and silver. The Congress is publicly announcing that they will take away your belongings and distribute them to strengthen their vote bank. They are also planning to take away more than half of your rightfully owned property after your death and distribute it in the name of inheritance tax," said Modi.

(PTI)

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh denies the inclusion of Inheritance Tax in their manifesto, clarifying that it's not their agenda. He highlights that PM Rajiv Gandhi abolished the tax in 1985. Ramesh asserts that there's no mention of it in their manifesto and it's not part of their agenda going forward.

"I want to clarify one thing. There is no mention of Inheritance Tax in our manifesto, it is not our agenda. The truth is, that in 1985, PM Rajiv Gandhi abolished the Inheritance Tax... We never mentioned anything about Inheritance Tax and it is not a part of our agenda."

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated action on alleged Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) have accused each other of spreading hatred and divisiveness based on factors like religion, caste, community, or language.

The ECI has requested responses from both parties by 11 AM on April 29. Invoking Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, the ECI has held the party presidents accountable as the first step to rein in star campaigners. Allegations concerning MCC violations against PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi have been exchanged with BJP President JP Nadda and INC President Mallikarjuna Kharge, respectively. The commission is awaiting their responses by the specified deadline. Political parties will have to take primary and increasing responsibility for the conduct of their candidates, star campaigners in particular. Campaign speeches by those holding high positions are of more serious consequences, says ECI

Jairam Ramesh, Congress leader, asserts that the BJP is facing challenges, suggesting that the Prime Minister is facing confusion. "BJP is in trouble. The PM is baffled," Ramesh said, highlighting the Prime Minister's attempts since April 19 to shift the agenda, including adding a communal angle to their manifesto and raising issues not present in it. "He is publicising our manifesto during his election rallies. Even though this publicity is wrong, it is based on lies, still, this is the first time that the PM is publicising the opposition's manifesto," he adds

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav files his nomination from Kannauj, Subrat Pathak.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, expresses confidence in the electorate's desire for change." I am confident that the people of Thiruvananthapuram will vote for change, from this 20-25 year of having MPs just making promises not delivering and then asking to be re-elected based on lies and fear," he said. Chandrasekhar criticises the long-standing trend of unfulfilled promises by MPs over the past two decades, pledging a comprehensive plan for development, prosperity, job creation, investments, and skill enhancement. "We have put out a 5-year agenda of what I intend to do or what PM Narendra Modi's government intends to do for the people of Thiruvananthapuram," he added. Chandrasekhar condemned Congress and its affiliates for spreading fear through propaganda leaflets targeting the vulnerable segments of society, labeling such tactics as shameful. "This is absolutely shameful... I'm confident in this election the people of Thiruvananthapuram will reject this type of third-rate politics."

At the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Congress for allegedly plunging Madhya Pradesh into the category of 'Bimaru Rajya' during its rule. Modi credits the BJP for transforming the state's fortunes, asserting that the party has provided a new identity to regions like Chambal and revitalized the state's development trajectory. He emphasises the contrast between the perceived stagnation under Congress and the progress witnessed under BJP governance, particularly highlighting the experiences of residents in Bhind, Morena, and Gwalior, who, according to him, have seen a notable improvement in their lives. "The people of Bhind, Morena and Gwalior, who have seen the dark period of the Congress," he said.

Modi asserted BJP's unwavering commitment to the nation, contrasting it with the Congress party's prioritisation of familial interests. "Nothing is greater than the country for BJP. But for Congress, it is family first," said Modi. Modi criticised the Congress for allegedly neglecting the demands of army personnel, such as the One Rank-One Pension scheme, accusing the party of sidelining those who contribute the most to the country. He highlights the BJP's swift action in implementing One Rank-One Pension upon assuming office.

Speaking at the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights the challenges faced by the people of Chambal during the Congress rule, emphasizing the region's struggle with bad governance. "During Congress' rule, Chambal's identity was bad governance," Modi says. Modi underscores the importance of steering clear of problems once they are overcome, labeling the Congress party as an obstacle to development in Madhya Pradesh. "Congress party is such an anti-development party," he added.

(ANI)

In response to BJP MP Subrata Pathak's reported comparison of political matchups to an 'India vs Pakistan cricket match,' Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav has criticized the statement, suggesting that individuals making such remarks should not be eligible to contest elections. Yadav implied that Pathak's comment indicates a lack of sanity, stating that those expressing such views should be sent to a mental health facility.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath criticizes the Karnataka government's decision to include all castes and communities of Muslims in the state's list of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). He condemns the move as a part of divisive efforts towards the Islamisation of India. Adityanath accuses the Congress of orchestrating similar attempts during their tenure. "Be it Justice Verma committee report or Sachar Committee Report - they were all attempts by Congress to loot the reservation of OBCs, SCs, STs, he added. "Truth is coming out...These show that their intentions towards the country are not good...Country and the public will have to be alert," he said.

Prior to filing his nomination from the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah asserts that the decisions made in 2019 were not accepted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating they were imposed rather than agreed upon.

Subrata Pathak, BJP MP and candidate from Kannauj, expressed that elections are the biggest festival in a democracy and should be engaging. Reflecting on the dynamics of the upcoming contest, Pathak referred to Akhilesh Yadav's decision to field Tej Pratap and likened it to a cricket match between India and Japan. However, with Pathak now facing off against Akhilesh Yadav himself, he compared it to an intense match akin to India vs Pakistan, "When Akhilesh Yadav sent Tej Pratap here he understood...If the match had been with Tej Pratap it would have been India vs Japan's cricket match. Now that the match would be like India vs Pakistan."

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has initiated various outreach efforts to convey the party's message to the residents of Delhi. Today, alongside Somnath Bharti, the candidate for the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, Bharadwaj unveiled a hoarding near a metro station bearing the slogan 'Jail ka jawab vote se.' Additionally, the party's campaign song for the parliamentary elections was launched today. "The people of Delhi are highly upset about the fact that their favourable CM has been put behind bars and they want to give a befitting reply to the central government. AAP and Delhiites have decided to respond with the power of vote," Bharadwaj said.

K Madhavi Latha, the BJP candidate contesting from the Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, has revealed her family's assets amounting to Rs 218.38 crore, inclusive of both movable and immovable assets. Additionally, her family has liabilities totaling Rs 27 crore.

Latha, who submitted her nomination papers on April 25 for the upcoming election scheduled on May 13, disclosed that her family possesses 2.94 crore shares of Virinchi Ltd valued at Rs 94.44 crore. Her husband, Vishwanath Kompalle, an alumnus of IIT Madras, serves as the founder of a fintech and healthcare company.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla criticizes the INDI alliance, stating that it lacks a clear mission for the country. He accuses them of promoting corruption, dynastic politics, and personal ambition, leading to confusion within the alliance. "There is such a fight between confusion and ambition that we saw what happened in Ranchi," he said. "They want to auction PM Modi's post...They should announce their candidate for the Prime Ministerial post," he added.

According to a report by Times Now on Wednesday, Balkaur Singh, father of the late singer-turned-politician Sidhu Moosewala, is expected to run for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Punjab's Bathinda constituency. It is anticipated that he will run as an independent candidate.

Bathinda is slated to go to polls in the final and seventh phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on June 1.

The second phase of voting for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is scheduled for April 26 (Friday). This phase will cover 89 Lok Sabha constituencies across 13 states, including Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir.

BJP leader Shishir Bajoria files complaint against Abhishek Banerjee, General Secretary, Trinamool Congress for making misogynistic and derogatory remarks against Sreerupa Mitra Chaudhury, MLA and BJP candidate from the 8 Maldaha Dakshin.

The Congress Central Election Committee revealed its list of candidates on Wednesday for three Lok Sabha and 11 Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh.

The party's selections for Lok Sabha seats feature Korlapati Brahmananda Rao Naidu (K.B.R. Naidu) contesting from Narsapuram, S.K. Basheed in Rajampet, and M. Jagapathi in Chittoor (SC) constituency.

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah is set to commence his party's campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha from Sonepur on Thursday.

Scheduled to arrive at Veer Surendra Sai Airport in Jharsuguda from Hyderabad at 3:45 pm, Shah will then travel to Sonepur via helicopter. He is expected to address a public gathering at Rameswaram Stadium in Sonepur around 4:35 PM, party sources told PTI.

The choice of Sonepur as the meeting venue holds strategic significance, aiming for a broader impact on Bolangir and neighboring Lok Sabha constituencies. Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will contest from the Kantabanji Assembly segment within the Bolangir parliamentary constituency.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to eradicating corruption, terrorism, and Naxalism through tough decisions. Speaking at a party gathering in Kashi, Shah also highlighted PM Modi's efforts in enhancing the city's global standing. These remarks were made during the inauguration of Modi's election office, where Shah addressed party workers.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav has criticised the BJD government, alleging failures in the agriculture sector, women's safety, employment opportunities, and education facilities during its 25-year tenure. He questioned why consumers in Odisha are charged more for electricity compared to the rates provided to Tamil Nadu by the state. "The people of Odisha are questioning the promise made by BJD regarding cold storage in each block...We have raised all these issues in the charge sheet," Yadav said highlighted concerns about the promise made by the BJD regarding cold storage in every block, stating that these issues have been raised in the charge sheet.

In preparation for the Lok Sabha elections polling scheduled for April 26, police and paramilitary forces conducted a flag march yesterday evening (Wednesday) in different areas of Reasi town.

The purpose of the flag march was to reassure residents about their safety and to demonstrate the maintenance of law and order in the town.

BJP leader Pankaja Munde, who has been fielded by the party from the Beed parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination yesterday.

In a move aimed at boosting voter turnout, the Election Commission announced Wednesday an extension of polling hours in parts of four parliamentary constituencies in Bihar by two hours.

As per a gazette notification, polling in certain polling stations in Banka on Friday, Madhepura and Khagaria on May 7, and Munger on May 13 will now be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm instead of the earlier 7 am to 4 pm schedule.

The decision comes in response to lower turnout recorded in the first phase of polling on April 19, including in the four Bihar constituencies, compared to the 2019 figures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to headline a mammoth rally in Agra today. Anticipating a massive turnout, the BJP aims to draw around 2 lakh attendees to the event, emphasizing its significance in western Uttar Pradesh. Extensive arrangements have been made by the party, including provision for transportation from each booth of all nine legislative assemblies in the district to ensure maximum participation. Ahead of the rally, BJP leaders conducted a ceremonial 'Bhoomi Pujan' at the Kothi Meena Bazaar ground, the designated venue for the Prime Minister's address.

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