The World Opinion

Tag: bjp

  • BJP`s Poll Blitzkrieg: PM Modi To Address Multiple Rallies In Uttarakhand, Rajasthan Tomorrow

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to address the people of Uttarakhand and Rajasthan in his next campaign.
     

  • Lok Sabha Polls: In 8th Candidate List, BJP Bets On Turncoats In Odisha, Punjab; Fields Ex-Ambassador From Amritsar |

    The Bharatiya Janata Party has so far announced the names of 118 candidates for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The party released its eighth list of 11 candidates yesterday which had names of several turncoats and even a surprising name of a foreign ambassador. The list had names from three states – Punjab, Odisha and West Bengal. The list puts BJP way ahead of the Congress as the grand old party is yet to announce names on the majority of seats. The Congress has so far released names of 218 candidates. 

    BJP’s Odisha List

    The BJP nominated Bhartruhari Mahtab from the Cuttack Lok Sabha seat. A sitting MP from the seat on the BJD ticket, Mahtab recently joined the BJP. Mahtab, a six-time MP, had on March 22 resigned from the BJD. Other names in the list include Rabindra Narayan Behera, a former director of the National Informatics Centre, from Jajpur and Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi from Kandhamal. The BJP had earlier announced candidates for 18 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha.

    BJP’s Punjab List

    The saffron party surprised everyone by fielding former Indian ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu from the Amritsar seat in Punjab. Hans Raj Hans, who lost their party ticket from North West Delhi, has now been fielded from the Amritsar seat. Former AAP MP Sushil Kumar Rinku, who recently joined the BJP, got a ticket from the Jalandhar seat while former Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu got a ticket from Ludhiana. Dinesh Singh Babbu has replaced star Sunny Deol from the Gurdaspur seat. The party also fielded Preneet Kaur, wife of Capain Amarinder Singh, from Patiala.

    Why Sandhu From Amritsar?

    The BJP has been actively working to expand its support base among Sikhs, who constitute a majority in Punjab, with hopes of making significant gains in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The party is particularly focused on reclaiming the Amritsar seat, which it hasn’t held since Navjot Singh Sidhu’s victory in 2009. However, Sidhu, now with the Congress party, currently holds the seat, represented by Gurjeet Singh Aujla. Both Arun Jaitley and Hardeep Singh Puri, BJP candidates and current Union ministers, faced defeat in the 2014 and 2019 elections respectively.

    BJP, Congress Candidate List So Far

    On March 2, released a list of 195 candidates. On March 13, it announced the names of 72 candidates. On March 21, the BJP released a list of 9 candidates for Tamil Nadu. On March 22, the party released another name of 15 candidates. On March 24, the party announced the names of 111 candidates and on March 26, the party announced three more candidates – two from Rajasthan and one from Manipur. The party released its seventh list on March 27 which had two names. On March 30, the party released the eighth list of 11 candidates. With this, the party has so far announced the names of 118 candidates. 

    Congress released its first list of 39 candidates on March 8. This was followed by 43 candidates in the second list on March 12, 57 candidates on March 21, 3 candidates on March 24, 46 candidates on March 46, 5 candidates on March 25, 5 candidates on March 26, 14 candidates on March 27 and 5 candidates on March 29. The party additionally announced the name of KV Gowtham from Karnataka’s Kolar on March 30. With this, the party has announced names of a total of  218 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls.

  • Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates | Court Sends Delhi CM To 4-Day ED Remand |

    Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Arvind Kejriwal, was today produced before the Rouse Avenue Court, following the conclusion of his custodial remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This development comes in the wake of Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with an alleged excise policy-linked money laundering case. While the ED sought seven days remand of the Delhi CM, the court sent Kejriwal to four-day ED custody.

    On the other hand, the Delhi High Court also heard a public interest litigation (PIL) today, which sought Kejriwal’s removal from the post of Chief Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi. The hearing was presided over by Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora. The court rejected the PIL saying that there is no leagl bar in the case and Kejriwal can continue to function as the Delhi CM. In another case, the Delhi High Court has also issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate in response to a petition filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest and the ED remand granted by the trial court.

    Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of the embattled Chief Minister, asserted that her husband’s health is not well and he is being harrased by the ED. 

    CM Kejriwal’s arrest and court proceedings LIVE here:

    4.43 pm: ED while seeking remand stated that Data in one mobile phone (belonging to the arrestee’s wife) has been extracted and is being analyzed. However, data from the other 4 digital devices seized during search at Arvind Kejriwal’s premises on 21.03.2024 (belonging to the arrestee himself) are yet to be extracted as the arrestee has sought time to provide password/login credentials after consulting with his lawyers.

    3.50 pm: The Rouse Avenue Court sent the Delhi CM to four-day ED remand. Kejriwal’s ED remand will now end on April 1. 

    3.30 pm: Arvind Kejriwal said in court that the ED has only two missions – two crush him and finish Aam Aadmi Party. Kejriwal said that his name is mentioned only four times in the documents of the ED and CBI. Kejriwal told the court that he was arrested on behalf of some statements that are not enough to arrest even a thief.

    02:43: The ASG SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), stated that Arvind Kejriwal’s statements have been documented, and he provided evasive responses. ASG remarked that Kejriwal is intentionally refusing to cooperate with their investigation. He informed the Rouse Avenue court that during custody, Arvind Kejriwal did not divulge the passwords, resulting in the lack of access to digital data. The ED further said that, “A CM is not above the law.” According to Zee News TV report, The court has reserved the order regarding Enforcement Directorate’s plea seeking 7 days extension of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s custody remand.

    02:38: It is claimed that there was a scam worth Rs 100 crore… Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asserted before the Rouse Avenue Court during his ED remand hearing that Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated the money trail has not been identified yet… Kejriwal submits that the motive of the ED is to dismantle the Aam Aadmi Party.

    02:31:  CM Kejriwal says in his defence,”The case was initiated by the CBI two years back…The ED submitted a report spanning 25 thousand pages…Numerous ministers have visited my residence over time… I question why the arrest is solely based on verbal statements.” He is speaking in the Rouse Avenue Court. 

    02:24: “He is not proven guilty in any court,” Arvind Kejriwal says in Rouse Avenue Court.

    02:19: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, upon arrival at the Rouse Avenue court, “It is a political conspiracy and the people will give an answer to it.” 

    02:14: ED has requested an extension of seven additional days for the custody of the Delhi CM by remand, says he needs to be confronted with some people linked with excise policy case.

    02:05: Arvind Kejriwal has reached Rouse Avenue Court, and the court hearing has begun. His wife Sunita Kejriwal is also present in the proceeding.

    01:45: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal being brought out of ED office; to be taken to Rouse Avenue Court. 

    VIDEO | “This is a political conspiracy, the public will give a befitting reply,” says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) in response to a media query on Delhi L-G VK Saxena’s ‘government cannot run from jail’ remark.

    Kejriwal has been brought to Rouse Avenue Court in… pic.twitter.com/q7n2zYuHKb


    — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2024

    01:30: Delhi High Court rejects PIL seeking removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi.

    01:00 PM: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be produced before Rouse Avenue Court at 2 pm today on the expiry of his six days of ED custody.

     

  • Lok Sabha Polls: Kangana Ranaut Hits Out At Supriya Shrinate For ‘Mandi Me Bhav’ Post; Congress Leader Clarifies |

    New Delhi: Kangana Ranaut slammed Congress leader Supriya Shrinate after the latter posted an image of the BJP candidate from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi with a caption that sparked controversy. Supriya Shrinate posted an image of Ranuat on her Instagram with the caption “Kya Bhav Chal Raha Hai Mandi Me Koi Batayega?” which roughly translates to ‘What’s the market price.’ Though the post was taken down by Shrinate after an uproar, the damage was done.

    Mandi is the Lok Sabha constituency in Himachal Pradesh however the word Mandi is also used to describe a place where some particular items are sold like vegetables, it’s Sabzi MandSometimes, the phrase is allegedly used as a slang to describe the place where people pay prostitutes for their services. Therefore, the Congress leader’s Instagram post consisting Ranaut’s photo using the same slang after the latter’s candidature from the Mandi seat on BJP ticket, sparked a controversy.

    Kangana clapped back at Srinate asking her to rise above the curiosity of the body and not to use the challenging circumstances of sex workers in a slur. Underlining her work in cinema where she played roles ranging from a warrior to a prostitute, Kangana said every woman deserves dignity.

    “Dear Supriya ji In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii,” wrote Kangana on X.

    Dear Supriya ji
    In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii.… pic.twitter.com/GJbhJTQAzW
    — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 25, 2024

    “We must free our daughters from the shackles of prejudices, we must rise above the curiosity about their body parts and above all we must refrain from using sex workers’ challenging lives or circumstances as some kind of abuse or slur… every woman deserves her dignity,” she stated. Kangana Ranaut was nominated as BJP’s candidate from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat on Sunday for the 2024 general elections.

    Meanwhile, Supriya Shrinate has released a video and said that several people have access to her Facebook and Instagram accounts and one of those people made the objectionable and she is trying to find out the person behind the objectionable post.

    “Many people have access to my Facebook and Instagram accounts. One of these people had posted a very disgusting and objectionable post today. As soon as I came to know about this, I removed that post. Anyone who knows me knows very well that I don’t make personal remarks about any woman,” wrote Shrinate On X.

    मेरे फेसबुक और इंस्टा के अकाउंट पर कई लोगों का एक्सेस है. इसमें से किसी व्यक्ति ने आज एक बेहद घृणित और आपत्तिजनक पोस्ट किया था.

    मुझे जैसे ही इसकी जानकारी हुई मैंने वह पोस्ट हटा दिया. जो भी मुझे जानते हैं, वह यह अच्छी तरह से जानते हैं कि मैं किसी भी महिला के लिए व्यक्तिगत भोंडी… pic.twitter.com/CFDNXuxmo2
    — Supriya Shrinate (@SupriyaShrinate) March 25, 2024

    Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to commence on Aril 19 and will be held in seven phases across the country and vote counting is scheduled for June 4. Polling in Himachal Pradesh will take place in a single phase on June 1.

  • Big Blow To Congress As Six ‘Rebel’ Himachal Pradesh MLAs Join BJP |

    New Delhi: In a significant blow to the ruling Congress party, six former Himachal Pradesh MLAs, who were previously disqualified as Congress legislators, made a pivotal move by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the national capital on Saturday. The group of defectors included prominent figures such as four-time MLA Sudhir Sharma, three-time MLA Ravi Thakur, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, first-time MLA Devendra Bhutto, Rajendra Rana, and first-time MLA Chaitanya Sharma. Their induction into the BJP was marked by the presence of key BJP leaders including Himachal Pradesh BJP President Rajiv Bindal, former Himachal CM Jairam Thakur, and Union Minister Anurag Thakur.

    Expressing his rationale for the move, rebel Himachal MLA Davinder Kumar Bhutto highlighted his aspiration to contribute to the development of their state under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized their decision to join as party workers, underscoring dissatisfaction with the treatment of party members within the Congress ranks.

    Echoing similar sentiments, Himachal Pradesh MLA Ravi Thakur emphasized the central role of the Centre in the state’s budget allocation, suggesting a strategic alignment with the BJP for the betterment of their constituencies. Thakur criticized the actions of the assembly speaker and underscored the support received from BJP leaders during their legal battle.

    ‘Lost Faith In Congress’

    Furthermore, MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpa lamented the deteriorating functionality of the Indian National Congress (INC), citing a lack of influence from the party’s high command and diminishing respect for grassroots workers. Lakhanpa’s statement reflected a broader sentiment of disillusionment within the ranks of the Congress party.

    Adding to the chorus of discontent, MLA Chaitanya Sharma highlighted the need for a thorough discussion on recent events and emphasized the importance of individual rights in the democratic process. Sharma emphasized the suppression of ideas and the consequent loss of representation as key grievances.

    3 Independents Join BJP

    Simultaneously, three independent MLAs from Himachal Pradesh, who previously supported a BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, joined the BJP as well. Their decision further underscored the shifting political landscape in the state, consolidating support for the BJP.

     

    #WATCH | Three independent MLAs from Himachal Pradesh- Ashish Sharma, KL Thakur, and Hoshiyar Singh join the BJP in the presence of Himachal Pradesh BJP President Rajiv Bindal and Union Minister Anurag Thakur. pic.twitter.com/SvyZMLHDyw
    — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2024

     

    The defection of these nine MLAs, including the six rebels and three independents, has significantly altered the political dynamics in Himachal Pradesh. With the Congress government already facing challenges, the BJP’s strengthened position poses a formidable challenge to the stability of the ruling party.

    The upcoming elections to the four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh, alongside by-polls for the six assembly constituencies vacated by the disqualified MLAs, will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of Himachal Pradesh’s political arena.

  • Will Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest Impact 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, Will It Dent AAP’s Poll Prospects? |

    NEW DELHI: Amid the high-voltage drama, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with allegations of corruption and money laundering linked to Delhi’s excise policy. The arrest marks a significant moment in Indian political history, as Kejriwal has become the first sitting chief minister to face arrest in a criminal case.

    Allegations Of Corruption And Money Laundering 

    The case against Kejriwal and others revolves around accusations of corruption and money laundering concerning the formulation and execution of Delhi’s excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22, which was subsequently scrapped. Kejriwal’s repeated avoidance of summons by the ED only served to intensify scrutiny on the matter, ultimately leading to his arrest.

    Arrest Amidst Election Season

    Importantly, Kejriwal’s arrest comes at a politically sensitive juncture, just before the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. With the political landscape already charged with anticipation and speculation, this development adds a layer of complexity to AAP’s electoral strategy.

    What Next For AAP?

    AAP, a party known for its anti-corruption stance and grassroots appeal, now faces a critical leadership vacuum with its prominent figures embroiled in legal troubles. Kejriwal’s absence as the party’s star campaigner poses a significant challenge, forcing AAP to reconsider its electoral tactics and leadership structure. Kejriwal’s arrest compounds an already complex situation for AAP, as prominent figures like Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and Satyendra Jain are embroiled in the same investigation. As AAP strives to expand its political footprint nationally and engages in strategic alliances, Kejriwal’s absence poses a formidable obstacle to the party’s electoral ambitions.

    The arrest disrupts AAP’s carefully crafted campaign strategies, particularly in Delhi and Gujarat, where Kejriwal serves as the focal point of electoral messaging. The party’s reliance on Kejriwal’s mass appeal and popularity underscores the magnitude of the challenge it now faces in recalibrating its campaign strategy.

    Who Can Lead AAP In Kejriiwal’s Absence?

    In the wake of Kejriwal’s arrest, AAP confronts the challenge of identifying a capable leader to navigate the party through this turbulent period. Names like Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Raghav Chadha and Bhagwant Mann emerge as potential contenders, each bringing unique strengths and considerations to the table. The selection of a successor assumes paramount importance as AAP strives to maintain its political relevance and momentum.

    Governance Amidst Legal Battle

    Beyond its electoral implications, Kejriwal’s arrest raises fundamental questions about governance in Delhi. As the AAP government contends with legal and constitutional challenges, the efficacy of governance amidst ongoing legal battles remains a subject of intense scrutiny. The party’s ability to uphold its governance agenda and deliver on electoral promises becomes increasingly precarious in this volatile environment.

    AAP’s response to Kejriwal’s arrest is characterized by a delicate balance of strategic manoeuvres and public engagement. The party’s efforts to leverage the arrest as a rallying point for public sympathy underscore its determination to mitigate the electoral fallout. However, navigating the complexities of public perception and political dynamics presents a formidable challenge as AAP seeks to reaffirm its commitment to its core principles of ”zero tolerance” and electoral objectives.

    As the nation grapples with the implications of Kejriwal’s arrest, the future of AAP hangs in the balance. The unfolding legal battle, coupled with the impending Lok Sabha Elections, has set the already stage for a high-stakes political showdown, where every move and decision carries significant consequences. As political parties strategize and discuss their next moves in this charged atmosphere, the fate of AAP and its electoral prospects remain uncertain, awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga.

  • Who Is Rohan Gupta? The Man Who Has Put Congress In A Tight Spot In Gujarat |

    NEW DELHI: In a surprising turn of events, Rohan Gupta, the Congress candidate from the Ahmedabad East constituency, has withdrawn his candidature merely six days after being nominated. Citing his father’s critical health condition, Gupta expressed his inability to continue in the electoral race in a statement posted on the social media platform ‘X’. “Due to a serious medical condition, my father has been admitted to hospital and I am withdrawing my candidature for the Ahmedabad east parliament seat as a Congress Candidate. I will extend complete support to the new candidate nominated by the party,” Gupta said. 

     

    Due to serious medical condition , my father is admitted in hospital and I am withdrawing my candidature for Ahmedabad east parliament seat as Congress Candidate. I will extend complete support to the new candidate nominated by party. pic.twitter.com/oPVNBd7DqV


    — Rohan Gupta (@rohanrgupta) March 18, 2024

     

    This abrupt decision has dealt a significant blow to the Congress party, intensifying the challenge of securing a suitable replacement candidate at such a crucial juncture, just days before the impending Lok Sabha elections.

    Gupta, a familiar face in television news debates, was poised to contest from a seat currently held by the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Hasmukh Patel. The sudden withdrawal has not only disrupted the party’s electoral strategy but has also left Gujarat Congress leaders visibly dismayed and grappling with the urgent task of finding an alternative candidate.

    Who Is Rohan Gupta?

    Rohan Gupta, aged 46, emerged as a prominent figure within the Congress ranks, known for his articulate presence in national media discussions. He has been a former head of the Congress’s social media team, His nomination on March 13 was seen as a strategic move by the party to bolster its prospects in the upcoming polls. However, Gupta’s past controversy, which led to his removal as head of the Congress’s social media team two years ago, resurfaced in the wake of his candidacy. Despite this setback, the party endorsed his candidacy, only to face this unexpected setback.

    The Congress, which had announced seven candidates in Gujarat, including sitting MLAs and former legislators, now finds itself in a precarious position following Gupta’s withdrawal. With the state set to vote on May 7 in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections, the party faces the formidable task of regrouping and reasserting its electoral presence amidst the BJP’s stronghold.

    Countdown To Elections In Gujarat

    As the electoral clock ticks closer to polling day, the Congress must swiftly navigate the aftermath of Gupta’s departure while striving to regain momentum in Gujarat’s political landscape. With the BJP’s dominant performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the upcoming elections pose a critical test for the Congress’s resurgence in the state. As the nation awaits the unfolding dynamics of the electoral battlefield, the Congress grapples with the challenge of reshaping its strategy and reclaiming lost ground in the heartland of Gujarat.

  • sita soren joined bjp Sita Soren joined BJP

    New Delhi. Sita Soren, daughter-in-law of Shibu Soren, founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and leader of separate Jharkhand movement, has left the party. She has joined BJP after resigning from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Assembly. This is a big blow for JMM before the Lok Sabha elections. sita soren joined bjp

    Also read: Kejriwal will now be arrested

    It is noteworthy that just a few days ago, Hemant Soren went to jail in a corruption case, due to which he had to leave the post of Chief Minister and now his sister-in-law has left the party. It is noteworthy that Sita Soren is a three-time MLA from Jama Assembly seat and is the wife of late Durga Soren, a senior leader of Shibu Soren. sita soren joined bjp

    Also read: Chautala family will divide Jat votes

    However, at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, party general secretary Vinod Tawde got him membership of the BJP. Jharkhand BJP in-charge Laxmikant Bajpai was also present on the occasion. On this occasion, Sita Soren said – I am leaving the great Soren family of Jharkhand and joining the huge family of Modi ji. Seeing people's faith in Modi ji, I am joining this family.

    Also read: This is how elections will be conducted simultaneously!

    Sita Soren said- I also struggled a lot in Jharkhand. Stayed in JMM for 14 years. Jharkhand became a separate state under the leadership of my father-in-law and late husband. His dream was for the development of the state, but it remained unfulfilled. He said- Today the people of Jharkhand want change. Jharkhand doesn't have to be bowed down to save it, that's why I joined BJP.

    Also read: Netanyahu will neither agree nor understand!

    I hope my husband's dream comes true. In the coming days, lotus will bloom on all the 14 seats. It is being told that she was angry with Champai Soren being made the Chief Minister after Hemant Soren's resignation. He had claimed the post of Chief Minister.

  • Bihar Lok Sabha Polls: Pashupati Paras Claims Betrayal, May Go With RJD But Still Not Get What He Wants

    While Paras was demanding five to six seats including that of Hajipur, Chirag Paswan was also claiming the Hajipur seat.

  • J&K Assembly Polls Soon After Lok Sabha Elections: CEC Rajiv Kumar |

    NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, on Saturday said that assembly elections in J&K will be held soon. CEC Rajiv Kumar, while addressing a press conference, stated that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held soon after the Lok Sabha polls.

    Speaking to reporters, CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed the issue of holding simultaneous central and state elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Kumar cited security concerns as a primary obstacle, leading the poll panel to deem it unfeasible at this time. However, he emphasized the panel’s dedication to conducting elections in the region, assuring that they would proceed following the Lok Sabha polls.

    Kumar highlighted the consensus among all parties in J&K regarding the desire for Assembly elections to coincide with parliamentary polls. Despite this shared sentiment, logistical challenges presented a significant hurdle. The sheer number of candidates expected in each Assembly segment, averaging between 10 to 12, would necessitate substantial security arrangements. Kumar explained that accommodating over 1,000 candidates would be impractical given the existing constraints.

    Nevertheless, Kumar reaffirmed the commitment of the poll panel to facilitate elections in J&K. He assured that once the current electoral processes conclude, the panel would prioritize holding polls in the region. This statement underscores the panel’s acknowledgement of the importance of democratic participation in J&K, despite the complexities involved in ensuring a secure and efficient electoral process.

    Importantly, the Lok Sabha elections in J&K will be held in five phases – April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 2. 

    National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah, however, said that it is disheartening to see that the Election Commission of India has decided not to conduct Parliamentary and Assembly polls simultaneously in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah said that on one hand, the poll body has also decided to conduct Assembly elections in four states which will be coinciding with the Lok Sabha polls but Jammu and Kashmir has been denied this opportunity.

    Lok Sabha Election 2024 Full Schedule

    The CEC also announced the dates for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, which will be held in 7 phases starting from April 19. Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13, Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. Counting of votes will be held on 4 June.

    Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13,
    Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.

    With the formal announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has also come into effect across the country. It may be noted that the tenure of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 16 and a new House must be constituted before that. In 2019, the general elections were held over seven phases from April 11 to May 19, with results declared four days later. The BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats, in the 2019 general elections. 

    Total 96.8 Crore Voters Eligible To Cast Votes: CEC 

    A total of 96.8 crore voters will be eligible to cast their vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here to announce the dates of Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls to four states, Rajiv Kumar said there will be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff will be deployed to conduct the elections in the world’s largest democracy.

    “We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
    Kumar said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female.

    “We have 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters between the age group of 20-29 years,” he said, adding that 88.4 lakh voters are of PwD category, 2.18 lakhs are centenarians and 48,000 are transgenders.