Lok Sabha Polls 2024: On 4 June, opposers of CAA will lose, opposers of UCC will lose, says PM Modi

“I believe INDI alliance is not there anymore. It does not matter who comes out (of jail) or goes inside. Undoubtedly, PM Modi will become the Prime Minister for the third time.”

Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav on Friday said his party will not only focus on the three Lok Sabha constituencies in Delhi where it has fielded candidates but will also campaign along with AAP for the four other seats as well. Congress and AAP candidates will conduct door-to-door campaigns, he said, adding that when the INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre, the promises made to youth, women, farmers, the poor, the downtrodden, the marginalised and others will be fulfilled.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who filed his nomination on Friday for re-election from the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha seat, declared in his affidavit a total income of a little over Rs 82 lakh in the 2022-23 financial year. Banerjee stated he earned Rs 71,52,200 in 2018-19, while in 2020-21, it had gone up to a trifle over Rs 1.51 crore.

BJP candidate from Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat Madhavi Latha said to news agency ANI, "We are not even that weak.This time neither our Muslim brothers nor our Hindu brothers should be harmed. If anything happens we will not sit quietly.We will safeguard our people.We will win with a huge margin and will create history."

Union Minister & BJP candidate from Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat, Piyush Goyal says, "People's support and their blessings for PM Modi has been on a rise. It is because of the work done in ten years by PM Modi that there is so much trust in the people..."

On Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's statement, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said, "Congress Party has always given Pakistan an opportunity to promote terrorism in the country since independence till today... Today, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, Pakistan has been defeated. Today Pakistan is in a very bad condition. At the same time, the people of Congress want to strengthen Pakistan again and want to make India bow before Pakistan. I want to tell them that till the Bharatiya Janata Party is there, we will never bow down to Pakistan, we will never lose, we will defeat Pakistan at every step, we will keep telling Pakistan what is India's power, what is Indian power."

An INDIA bloc storm is arriving in Uttar Pradesh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Friday and asserted that Narendra Modi will not make it to the post of prime minister this time. “You take it as a written guarantee that Narendra Modi is not going to become the prime minister of India. It’s over,” he said at a rally in Kannauj, where Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav is contesting the Lok Sabha polls.

“We started a scheme for the benefit of women here. They (BJP) say that we started the scheme to grab your land. What land have we looted? We have been serving you for generations.” said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra while addressing a public gathering in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

JKNC Chief Farooq Abdullah says, "They (BJP) want to divide Hindus and Muslims of the country, but they will not apart they are united. This is not PM Modi's India, this is Mahatma Gandhi's India, Jawaharlal Nehru's India, Rajendra Prasad's India."

Addressing a public rally in Hyderabad, PM Narendra Modi says, "The results of 4th June are absolutely clear. On 4th June, the country will win... The resolution of 140 crore Indians will win, and the opponents of India will lose. On 4th June, opposers of Atmanirbhar Bharat will lose, opposers of CAA will lose, opposers of UCC will lose, those who talk about vote-jihad will lose, supporters of article 370 will lose, supporters of triple talaq will lose, supporters of corruption will lose, supporters of appeasement will lose."

Congress's track record is "loot, appeasement and dynasty first", PM Modi alleges in Hyderabad poll rally

Congress leader & senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "There should not be four days of delay in the release of voter percentage data.If the data is released on time there will be no speculations or doubts."

On Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole's statement regarding Ram Temple, Former Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam says, "Apart from hating Narendra Modi has Congress now started hating the President of India also? Till the time Droupadi Murmu has gone to Ram Mandir, they have started hating her. Coming from a tribal community she holds the highest positions in India.I think they have a problem with Droupadi Murmu going to Ram Temple.If Congress has stopped to this stage of mental state, then I think 'Congress ka Ram Naam hona sunishchit hai."

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "Since 1950 till now the population of Hindus has decreased in the country. There has been a government of one party in the country for 60 years, in which one family has ruled for more than 55 years, they have always tried to promote appeasement and discourage Sanatana."

Federation of Retailer Association of India (FRAI), a representative body of about 80 lakh micro, small and medium retailers from across the country with a membership of 42 Retail Associations today organised an event in New Delhi to support Praveen Khandelwal BJP’s candidature for the Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha constituency. FRAI is aligning with Khandelwal so that he can highlight the interests of its numerous retailers in the Indian Parliament.

West Bengal: Addressing a public rally in Nadia, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Mamata Banerjee should be ashamed that women were exploited based on religion for years despite having a woman Chief Minister in the state and this was done by her own leaders. CBI is investigating the matter. The women of Bengal should not be worried now. We will punish each and every accused in the Sandeshkhali incident."

BJP announces Gejja Ram Valmiki as its candidate from Fathergarh Sahib Lok Sabha seat.

Addressing a public rally in Mahbubnagar, PM Narendra Modi said, "Congress hates Hindus and Hindu festivals so much that it is now being exposed daily. The shahzada's guru even went ahead to say that the Ram Temple should not have been built. he went on to say that the construction of Ram Temple and celebrating Ram Navami is anti-India, it is against the idea of India. If you want to visit Ayodhya and celebrate Ram Navami, are you anti-India? Congress wants to make Hindus second-class citizens in their own country. Is this why they talk about vote-jihad?"

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says, "BJP will win 22 out of 25 seats in Northeast. In Assam we will win 12 out of 14 seats, we might win 13 seats. There is no NRC proposal, I don't know from where Mamata Banerjee is making this issue. Supreme Court, High Court have said that Sandeshkhali (case) should be investigated by CBI. What problem does she (CM Banerjee) have with the CBI investigating the Sandeshkhali?..."

On a video released by TMC claiming the Sandeshkhali incident a 'conspiracy', West Bengal BJP chief and Lok Sabha candidate from Balurghat, Sukanta Majumdar said to news agency ANI, "TMC will release several such videos to mislead the people.They will try very hard to save Sheikh Shahjahan, this is just the politics of appeasement. Mamata Banerjee is doing this for the Muslim vote bank."

Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Friday accused the BJP of "conspiring" in the Sandeshkhali issue for defaming West Bengal. He alleged that BJP made women sign on blank paper and then complaints were sent to the NCW alleging sexual atrocities on them at Sandeshkhali.

Addressing a public rally in Khunti, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Today Mani Shankar Aiyar is threatening us, he is asking us to respect Pakistan because they have an atomic bomb. A few days ago, Farooq Abdullah asked us to not talk about PoK because Pakistan has an atomic bomb. I want to tell INDI alliance leaders that PoK belongs to India and no one can take it away from us. Instead of talking about integrating PoK with India, Congress threatens us with an atomic bomb.Our Parliament has passed a proposal with majority votes that PoK is a part of India. By talking about the atom bomb, they are questioning PoK. BJP's stand is very clear. Every inch of land of POK belongs to India and it shall remain so."

BJP leader Shaina NC said, "The Congress party does not know anything about faith, belief or cultural ethos. Nana Patole has always made ridiculous comments and to say that Ram Lalla needs to be purified first I would say that the Congress party & its thought process need to be purified, only then should you comment on Ayodhya & Ram Lalla."

Election Commission of India, today castigated Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for obstructing the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024. ECI called his statements “aggression on vitals of live election operations”

Baseless allegations regarding release of voter turnout data in middle of ongoing polls are designed to create confusion, misdirection and impediments in the conduct of free and fair polls. Utterances can have negative impact on voters’ participation and demoralize the large election machinery across states.

ECI takes cognizance of Kharge’s letter addressed to leaders of INDIA alliance on voter turnout data, and finds it highly undesirable. Commission categorically rejected Kharge’s contentions, calling them insinuations and innuendos. It asserts no lapse or deviation in collection and dissemination of voter turnout data; pilots all past and present procedure and practices; provides point by point counters to reject Kharge’s contentions.

Election Commission refutes any delay in giving turnout data and points out that updated Turnout data has been always higher than poll day; provides factual matrix from 2019 general election onwards. Commission says, with all facts in place, Congress President is attempting to push a biased narrative.

ECI rejects charges of mismanagement and delay in release of turnout data; says Kharge’s allegations are unwarranted, without facts and ‘reflective of a biased and deliberate attempt to spread confusion’.

"Both the seats (Amethi and Raebareli) are equal for us, members of our family have worked on both the seats for generations. Kishori Lal Sharma has worked here for 40 years, he is familiar with every village. I think no there candidate can be better than him for Amethi, I think he is like family to us. We see both the seats the same way," Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra tells PTI on Rahul Gandhi not contesting from Amethi.

After filing his nomination, BJP sitting MP and party's candidate from Patna Sahib (Bihar) Lok Sabha seat, Ravi Shankar Prasad said to news agency ANI, "I am fortunate that two seniors and our guardian, former governor Ganga Babu and former Union Minister CP Thakur...have proposed my name. I seek blessings from the people of Patna. I will continue to work for the country as I have done earlier."

On interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Congress leader Pawan Khera said, "We welcome the intervention by the Supreme Court in granting interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal.We hope that the former chief minister of Jharkhand Hemant Soren also gets due justice."

While speaking to news agency ANI, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "BJP is their attributing their imagination to our manifesto. It is speaking of buffaloes. It is listing things that are nowhere in our manifesto. Why is it not listing things from their own manifesto?...They should list what they did...Why are they fixated on our manifesto? They have their own.All their leaders know that if the election comes to concrete issues - unemployment, inflation, farmers' issues, they will not be able to win at all because they have not done anything."

BJP leader C R Kesavan said to ANI, "Mani Shankar Aiyar’s outrageous statement makes one seriously wonder whether the Congress leadership is contesting the Lok Sabha election in Raebareli or Rawalpindi. Is the Congress leadership contesting the election in India or in Islamabad? Mani Shankar Aiyar outrageously says that if India does not respect Pakistan, it (Pakistan) may drop an atom bomb on us. This is exactly a deliberate pattern of what the Congress leaders have been doing. They are indulging in pro-Pakistan propaganda, giving a clean chit to Pakistan-based terrorist organisations & terrorists. They are also insulting the sacrifice & martyrdom of our Jawans and Police personnel.But, the people of Bharat have implicit faith in PM Narendra Modi. They know that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is not only safe, strong and secure, but it is on its way to become a developed nation."

Addressing a public gathering, Akhilesh Yadav, the President of the Samajwadi Party and the party's candidate from the Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency, stated, "The significant developments in Kannauj are all thanks to the efforts of the SP community. Anyone who has traversed the highways here knows that they are the creation of the Samajwadis. Despite this, we have never sought recognition for these infrastructural advancements. I am confident that the people of Kannauj will respond to those individuals who are attempting to create barriers between us and them."

During a joint rally with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav in UP's Kannauj, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, "In the coming 10-15 days, watch closely as the BJP attempts to divert your attention with various distractions. However, let's be clear: India's election revolves around one central issue, and that is the Constitution. This document bestows rights upon India's underprivileged communities - the poor, the backward, Dalits, Tribals, farmers, laborers, and small business owners. Every other issue is intricately linked to this fundamental matter."

Addressing a gathering in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, Congress MP and candidate from Wayanad & Raebareli, Rahul Gandhi, asserted, "I can confidently state, in writing, that the INDIA Alliance and Akhilesh Yadav will emerge victorious here. Uttar Pradesh is on the brink of witnessing a formidable surge from the INDIA Alliance. Mark my words, the BJP is destined to suffer its most significant setback in the nation right here in Uttar Pradesh. The state often sets the tone for the entire country's political landscape. The people of Uttar Pradesh have decisively chosen to usher in change, not just here but across India. The public's resolve is firm."

During a public gathering in Maharashtra's Nandurbar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "Following the elections in Baramati, a prominent Maharashtra leader appears deeply troubled, as indicated by a recent statement. It seems he must have consulted extensively before making such a declaration. He seems so disheartened that he suggests smaller parties should align with Congress if they wish to remain relevant in public life post-June 4. This includes what he terms as 'fake' NCP and 'fake' Shiv Sena, who he claims have already decided to merge with Congress."

The INDIA bloc is gearing up as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav are scheduled to hold joint election rallies in Kannauj and Kanpur today.

Agencies citing various sources report that the first of these joint rallies will commence in Kannauj at 1 pm, followed by another in Kanpur at 3 pm.

Of particular importance is the rally in Kannauj, as it is the constituency from which the SP president is contesting in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Polling in Kannauj is slated for the fourth phase of elections, scheduled to take place on May 13.

Union Minister & BJP candidate from Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat, Piyush Goyal holds a roadshow in the constituency

"Sharad Pawar can see that they are going to lose in Baramati. After that there will won't be much which will remain of their party as only 2-4 people will be left in it...," says Goyal on NCP-SCP.

Union Minister and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrashekhar has sharply criticized Congress in the wake of recent remarks by its leaders. Chandrashekhar highlighted Mani Shankar Aiyar's call for India to fear Pakistan and show it respect, alongside Sam Pitroda's previous controversial stance on terrorism. Chandrashekhar emphasized, "Today, he is in the limelight for his racist comments but what's clear is that slowly and surely Congress' and Rahul Gandhi's ideology is becoming clear. Congress party has become an apologist for Pakistan and its terrorism."

"I believe that all the leaders of INDIA alliance should be cautious before making any comment, especially, as it looks like we are going to win the election. Today, the party workers of BJP are not coming out of their houses to campaign as in all the BJP campaigns across India, they are not taking the names of any candidate, not even the party. They are only taking the name of Narendra Modi."

Modi also took aim at the Congress party's alleged discrimination against tribal communities, citing the case of Droupadi Murmu, a tribal woman whose candidacy for the presidency was purportedly obstructed by Congress. He referenced recent controversial remarks made by a Congress leader, Sam Pitroda, insinuating bias based on skin color. Modi accused Congress of derogatory attitudes towards individuals with darker complexions, alleging that those resembling Lord Krishna were unfairly labeled as African by the party.

Addressing a pressing health concern in tribal regions, Modi criticized the Congress party for its alleged neglect of sickle cell anemia, a prevalent disease in these areas. He credited the BJP for initiating efforts to combat the ailment, stressing that his actions were driven by a desire to safeguard future generations rather than electoral gains.

In a public address held in Maharashtra's Nandurbar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted his commitment to safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). He proclaimed, "I want to affirm with utmost responsibility that Modi is the guardian of their rights. When a guardian like Modi is present, who dares to snatch away what rightfully belongs to you?" Modi, reflecting on his humble upbringing, contrasted himself with what he referred to as the affluent background of Congress' 'shashi parivar', emphasizing his dedication to serving the underprivileged, whom he likened to family members.

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi criticized Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's remarks urging respect for Pakistan, stating that it reflects a recurring pattern of support for Pakistan by certain political elements aligned with a specific family. Naqvi emphasized that such affiliations with Pakistan and anti-India forces do not benefit the people of India and are detrimental to national interests.

Nandurbar constituency, situated in Maharashtra, is a significant Lok Sabha seat within the state's 48 parliamentary constituencies. Comprising six Assembly segments - Akkalkuwa, Shahada, Nandurbar, Nawapur, Sakri, and Shirpur - it holds prominence as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) seat. The primary contenders in this constituency are the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress.

During the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Dr. Heena Vijaykumar Gavit of the BJP emerged victorious with a substantial margin of approximately 95,629 votes. Dr. Gavit secured 50.00% of the votes, totaling 6,39,136 votes, defeating Adv. KC Padavi from the Congress, who garnered 42.31% of the votes, amounting to 5,43,507 votes.

Similarly, in the 2014 Lok Sabha Elections, Dr. Heena Vijaykumar Gavit of the BJP clinched victory by securing 51.88% of the votes, totaling 5,79,486 votes. The Congress candidate, Gavit Manikrao Hodlya, trailed behind with approximately 4,72,581 votes, accounting for 42.31% of the total votes cast. Dr. Heena Vijaykumar Gavit secured the seat with a significant margin of 1,06,905 votes.

The rally is slated to kick off at 11:30 am at the grounds near Shree Swami Samarth Seva Kendra on Dondaicha Road in Nandurbar. Gavit, contesting for the Nandurbar Lok Sabha constituency for the third consecutive time, faces competition from Gowaal Padavi, the Congress candidate and son of former state minister KC Padavi.

BJP candidate from Ghazipur, Paras Nath Rai files his nomination for the Lok Sabha Elections. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami accompanies him to the nomination filing.

A surveillance team deployed for the Lok Sabha elections seized cash of Rs 47 lakh from a vehicle in Mumbai's Mulund suburb, an official said on Friday.

The members of a static surveillance team searched the vehicle on B R Road in Mulund on Thursday evening on the suspicion that it was carrying cash, the official said. The surveillance team officials recovered Rs 47 lakh from the vehicle, which was later seized and handed over to the police, he said.

Police have also informed the Income Tax Department about the seizure, he added. Police have also informed the Income Tax Department about the seizure, he added.

BJP MP and candidate from Patna Sahib (Bihar) Lok Sabha seat, Ravi Shankar Prasad, exuded confidence in BJP's victory in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have an unprecedented '400 paar' win.

On May 13, Maharashtra will witness the fourth phase of the ongoing general elections. This phase will encompass voting across 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state, including Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, and Beed.

Commenting on the recent statement by Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar regarding Pakistan, BJP MP and Lok Sabha candidate from Gorakhpur, Ravi Kishan, remarked, "Currently, Pakistan is grappling with a food crisis and is struggling to secure food grains for its own population. Mani Shankar Aiyar should seek treatment for himself. This is not the India of the Congress era. Under the leadership of PM Modi, India has emerged as a powerful nation."

A polling station was set up for the first time in the remote hamlet of Burudmal under the Baramati Lok Sabha constituency. This polling booth is situated 35 km away from Bhor town in the Velhe Taluka of Maharashtra's Pune district.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey fulfilled his promise by arriving to file his nomination in Deoghar via train for the first time. He attributed this accomplishment to the assurance provided by PM Modi's leadership. Dubey criticized the Congress, accusing them of exploiting the Muslim community solely for their votes. He alleged that Congress' policies from 1947 to 2015 resulted in a decline of 8% in the Hindu population, while the Muslim population surged by 43%. Dubey asserted that Congress aims to establish a "Muslim Rashtra," a notion vehemently opposed by the BJP and the public at large.

In the backdrop of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has expressed concern over the prevailing issues of inflation and unemployment. Criticizing the current government led by PM Modi, Yadav highlighted the escalating hardships faced by the people despite a decade in power. He emphasized the RJD's commitment to addressing these pressing issues and working towards alleviating the distress of the populace. Yadav underscored the importance of discussing these real concerns, lamenting the reluctance of the NDA to address them adequately.

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy addressed a public gathering, emphasising the importance of maintaining harmony and unity amongst Hindus and Muslims. He urged them not to succumb to divisive tactics orchestrated by the BJP and advocated for collective efforts to safeguard the peace and security of the state. Reddy called upon the Election Commission to take legal action against an MP who made inflammatory remarks and demanded her immediate arrest. Additionally, he urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi to take decisive action against the BJP leader who threatened harm to millions of citizens, suggesting her expulsion from the party if they do not disapprove of her statement.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded to the promises outlined in the BJD manifesto, including the pledge of 100-unit free electricity in Sambalpur, Odisha. He remarked, "There is nothing groundbreaking in their manifesto; it lacks innovation. When an organization faces an ideological crisis, such documents are often produced. They have attempted to imitate BJP's agenda to some extent and compete with us. While we don't oppose this, it's evident that the ruling party, after years in power, falls short in delivering substantive commitments. These are empty assurances, aimed at enticing and misleading the public. Their credibility is now in question. People have lost faith in them."

A bus, carrying polling personnel, burst into flames while returning from Goula Village in the Multai assembly constituency of Betul Lok Sabha constituency on May 7. The polling personnel jumped off the bus and were safe. However, four EVMs suffered damage to their parts.

Amritpal Singh, Chief of Waris Punjab De (WPD), presently incarcerated at Dibrugarh jail in Assam, has filed a plea in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He seeks temporary release for seven days to submit his nomination for contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Sri Khadoor Sahib constituency.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on Friday before Justice Vinod S Bhardwaj's bench. In his petition, Amritpal has emphasized that the deadline for filing nominations is May 14.

Shehzad Poonawalla, spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), criticizes Congress leader Kantilal Bhuria's approach, alleging that Bhuria has revealed the true intentions behind Congress' schemes. Poonawalla accuses Congress of using women merely as objects and claims that their promises to respect women were aimed solely at securing votes. He further contends that Congress' schemes incentivize population growth and imply that having multiple wives will lead to increased financial benefits. Poonawalla condemns what he describes as Congress' endorsement of polygamy, labeling it as a repugnant ideology.

Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, reassured the public on Thursday, dismissing apprehensions regarding democracy in India. Speaking at an event organized by the Council on Foreign Relations, Garcetti expressed confidence in India's democratic processes, asserting that Indians excel in certain aspects compared to Americans.

Addressing concerns raised about democracy in India, Garcetti highlighted the nation's commitment to free and fair elections, expressing optimism about India's democratic future. He acknowledged differences between the two countries' systems, noting India's law that mandates polling stations within a two-kilometer radius, ensuring accessibility even in remote areas.

Garcetti's comments came in response to queries regarding the state of democracy in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a campaign trail across multiple states today, May 10, as part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) efforts for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. His itinerary includes public meetings in Narayanpet and LB Stadium in Telangana at 5:30 PM, followed by a roadshow in Bhubaneswar, Odisha at 8:30 PM.

However, Modi is going to kick start the May 10 multi-state campaign glitz with Maharashtra. as he will address an election rally in Nandurbar district, Maharashtra, extending support to Heena Gavit, the BJP's candidate and incumbent Member of Parliament (MP). The rally is slated to commence at 11:30 am near Shree Swami Samarth Seva Kendra on Dondaicha Road in Nandurbar. Gavit, seeking re-election for the third term, faces competition from Gowaal Padavi, son of former state minister KC Padavi, representing the Congress party.

Addressing recent personal attacks directed at him and his son Shrikant Shinde by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, Eknath Shinde remarked, "They appear to have lost their footing, confidence, and composure. Their relentless focus on targeting me reflects their own insecurities. My ascendancy to the Chief Minister's position seems to irk them, but the people's support speaks volumes. However, their barrage of baseless accusations is beneath the dignity of Maharashtra's culture, which Balasaheb Thackeray upheld. Their deviation from our father's principles is evident. I choose not to engage in their mudslinging; instead, I let my work speak for itself. My dedication to serving the people remains unwavering, regardless of their rhetoric."

Bhubaneswar Mayor and BJD leader Sulochana Das hailed the party's newly unveiled manifesto as a historic milestone, citing several groundbreaking initiatives. Notably, the manifesto pledges a dedicated budget allocation for youth empowerment, marking a first in the party's history. Additionally, the promise of providing 100 units of free electricity is expected to significantly benefit the middle class and underprivileged segments of the state. Das articulated the party's overarching vision of propelling Odisha to the forefront of national development, emphasizing that the manifesto not only comprises commitments but also underscores the party's unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people and the state.

Kalyan Kale, Congress leader and candidate for the Jalna Lok Sabha constituency, voiced confidence in the increasing backing for the INDIA alliance among the populace. Reflecting on the overwhelming support garnered in the initial three phases, Kale anticipates continued momentum in the fourth phase as well. Expressing a shift in public sentiment, he remarked, "People placed their trust in them (NDA) five years ago... Now, after a decade, people are awakening to the flaws of this administration."

In an effort to infuse a festive atmosphere on voting day, election authorities in Srinagar district have introduced 32 theme-based polling booths, each adorned with a specific color scheme aligned with its message.

The booths, decked out in vibrant shades of pink, red, and blue, cater to various voter demographics, including women, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and young voters. Additionally, eight polling stations have been specially designated to promote environmental sustainability.

Srinagar constituents will cast their votes to elect their Lok Sabha MP during the fourth phase of polling scheduled for May 13th.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed confidence in the Mahayuti alliance's performance across all three phases of the state's elections, predicting success in all five phases. Shinde asserted that the Mahayuti alliance is poised to secure the maximum number of seats in Maharashtra, thereby playing a significant role in realizing Prime Minister Modi's vision of surpassing the 400-seat mark.

During an election rally held in the Medak parliamentary constituency of Telangana, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leveled accusations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging a decade-long trend of awarding various infrastructure projects, including ports, airports, and defense contracts, to businessman Gautam Adani. Gandhi further pledged to "distribute money among the poor" if the Opposition INDIA bloc secures victory in the ongoing general elections.

Thane's Mulund area witnessed the seizure of Rs 47 lakh during a routine check conducted by the Static Surveillance Team (SST) in the Vaishali Nagar locality on Thursday, officials reported. Prompt action was taken, with the Income Tax Department being notified immediately. The police took custody of the money for further investigation.

In a separate incident, SST officials seized cash amounting to Rs 45,90,000 from a vehicle in Ramgarh, Jharkhand, on Wednesday.

The United States has rebuffed claims made by Russia suggesting American interference in the ongoing Indian elections. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller categorically denied any involvement by the US in India's electoral process during a routine press briefing on Thursday.

Miller stated, "No, of course, we don't involve ourselves in elections in India as we don't involve ourselves in elections anywhere in the world. Those are decisions for the people of India to make."

The remarks came in response to inquiries regarding statements made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova in Moscow. Zakharova's comments were prompted by a recent article published in The Washington Post, alleging the involvement of a Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) officer in an alleged plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on American soil last year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant political journey as he gears up to file his nomination papers from the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh on May 14. Preceding this event, on May 13, he will engage in a grand roadshow within his parliamentary constituency. District officials have disclosed that Prime Minister Modi will commence the roadshow by paying homage to the statue of Madan Mohan Malviya situated at the main entrance of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Lanka. The roadshow is anticipated to culminate at the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, marking a symbolic passage through the heart of Varanasi.

Good morning and welcome to Moneycontrol's Live Blog covering the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Stay tuned for the latest updates and significant developments as we navigate through the electoral process and bring you important updates.