Election wrap: PM Modi's five big guarantees for the people of West Bengal, Arvind Kejriwal's 10 poll promises and more

PM Modi

A day before India votes in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held four back-to-back rallies in West Bengal, promising five big guarantees to people of the state.

Here are the other big political developments of the day:

'PoK belongs to India and...', Amit Shah reiterates amid 'atom bomb' remarks

Home Minister Amit Shah, in a resolute address delivered at a public meeting in Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli on May 12, emphatically declared India's sovereignty over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), firmly rejecting any notions of relinquishing the territory despite Pakistan's possession of nuclear capabilities.

Speaking to a gathered crowd, Shah posed a question, "I want to ask you, if Pakistan has atom bombs, should we leave PoK?" He further reinforced India's stance on the matter, stating unequivocally, "I promise you today, we don't get scared of atom bombs, PoK belongs to India and no one can take it away from us."

Also speaking during an election rally in Pratapgarh, Shah asserted that while Rahul Gandhi may be intimidated by Pakistan's "atom bomb," the BJP is not.

'PM Modi gave nation's wealth to...', alleges Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given away the nation's "entire wealth" to "four or five affluent individuals", alleged Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on May 12.

Speaking at a rally in support of her brother Rahul Gandhi, the Congress candidate for the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took a dig at PM Modi, stating, "Narendra Modi has been the Varanasi MP for the past 10 years, yet he has not visited any village there or inquired about the well-being of the farmers".

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra further remarked, "Privatisation is not negative, but if the prime minister allocates the nation's entire wealth to just four or five wealthy individuals, then it's unacceptable". She went on to allege that essential sectors such as coal, electricity, ports, and airports are now under the control of individuals close to PM Modi.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announces '10 guarantees' for Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday unveiled AAP's '10 guarantees' if his party wins the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Kejriwal's assurances encompass a broad spectrum of public welfare initiatives, including pledges for free electricity and improved healthcare.

He said "Out of the 10 guarantees, the first guarantee is that we will provide 24-hour electricity in the country. The country has the capacity to generate 3 lakh MW of electricity but the usage is only 2 lakh MW. Our country can produce electricity more than the demand. We have done it in Delhi and Punjab, we will do it in the country also. We will provide up to 200 units of free electricity to all the poor. It will cost Rs 1.25 lakh crore, we can arrange it..."

"BJP has always failed on its promises; my guarantees have proven track record," Mr Kejriwal said. "People have to take a call whether to go for 'Kejriwal ki Guarantee' or 'Modi Guarantee."

Kejriwal categorically said better healthcare will be his third guarantee.
We will arrange good treatment for everyone. Mohalla clinics will be opened in every village, every locality, said the Delhi CM. “District hospital will be converted into a Multispeciality Hospital. Every person born in this country will get free treatment. Treatment will not be done on the basis of insurance as this is a big scam. We will create infrastructure.

Here's a look at PM Modi's five big guarantees for the people of West Bengal

Addressing a public rally in Barrackpore, West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi came down heavily on TMC-led state dispensation for taking away the designated quota for the SC/STs and OBCs and giving to the Muslim community.

The BJP is going to get a bigger success than 2019. West Bengal is an important state for us. Congress ruled for 50 years, but people of Eastern India only got poverty despite the states being capable, said the Prime Minister. TMC wants to make Hindus second-class citizens in their own country. Is this why they talk about vote-jihad? asked the Prime Minister.

The PM listed out five guarantees for the people of Bengal:

-No reservation on the basis of religion.
-Reservation for SC/STs and OBCs to continue.
-Nobody shall be prevented from celebrating the festivities of Ram Navami.
-Nobody can overrule the verdict of Supreme Court on Ram Temple.
-Nobody can overrule the law on Citizenship Amendment Act.

The PM said Barrackpore is a historic land but TMC has worsened it. Barrackpore used to contribute to strengthen the economy of Bangladesh, it has now become a land of scams. There is a 'home industry' of bombs here. Illegal immigrants are thriving here.

'SIT is an investigating agency like...', says Siddaramaiah on sexual abuse case against Revanna

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on May 12, ruled out the transfer of the probe into sexual abuse charges against Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna to the CBI and reposed his faith in the Special Investigation Team of the state police, which is investigating the case.

"We are getting the probe done by our police (SIT), we have belief and faith in our police. They are efficient," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question on BJP demanding a CBI probe.

Speaking to media persons, Siddaramaiah pointed out that the BJP had once called CBI the "Corruption Bureau of Investigation", and the party never handed over a single case to the central agency while in power, despite Congress’ repeated demands.

He further said, "It’s not that I don’t have faith in CBI, the cases that need to be handed over to CBI will be given. When I was the Chief Minister earlier, I had given seven cases to the CBI, but there was no conviction even in a single case… that doesn’t mean I don't have faith in the CBI… SIT is also an investigating agency like CBI, we will get the probe done by our police," as quoted by news agency PTI.