Tag: Lok Sabha Elections 2024

  • `Rahul Gandhi Should Fight From BJP`s Stronghold, Not From Kerala`: CPI(M) Slams Congress

    CPI (M) leader Subhashini Ali raised a question regarding Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency and asked why the Congress leader is not fighting from the BJP stronghold.
     
     

  • 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.
     

  • Overseas BJP Supporters Stage Car Rally, Display Placard With Slogan ‘Abki Baar 400 Par’

    The general elections in India is scheduled to happen in seven phases, beginning with the initiation of voting on April 19 and concluding on June 1.

  • From INDIA Bloc’s Delhi Rally, Women Leaders Take Charge Against BJP, Modi |

    New Delhi: As Congress-led INDIA bloc today held its first united rally in Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, women leaders took the centre stage at the beginning with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal, former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren and former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti. Women hit out at the Narendra Modi led central government for destroying the democracy and carrying out vendetta politics amid the ongoing tussel war eyeing the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections.

    The women trio basted the BJP government on Sunday during the ‘Loktantra Bachao’ rally organised by the INDIA-bloc. The opposition INDI Alliance organised a ‘maharally’ with the aim of ‘protecting’ and addressing various concerns including the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren. The opposition is accusing the centre of ‘abusing’ Central investigative bodies against Opposition leaders.  

    Sunita Reads Delhi CM’s Six Guarantees 

    Arvind Kejriwal’s wife read out the letter from Delhi CM and announced the ‘Six Guarantees’ that the CM formulated inside the jail cell. Sunita quoted Arvind Kejriwal and said, “Today, I’m not seeking votes. Instead, I extend an invitation to all 1.4 billion Indians to collectively devise a new India….Even from behind bars, I contemplate the anguish of Mother India. Together, let’s usher in a new era for our country.” She further appealed the public and entrust this alliance with the responsibility to construct a new India with a fresh vision. 

    #WATCH | Delhi: At the Maha Rally at the Ramlila Maidan, Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal reads out his message from the jail.

    Quoting Arvind Kejriwal, Sunita Kejriwal says, “I am not asking for votes today… I invite 140 crore Indians to make a new India… India is a… pic.twitter.com/rCPuMYhoex
    — ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2024

    During the rally, Sunita Kejriwal read out the letter penned by the CM, which outlined six guarantees on behalf of INDIA. These commitments include ensuring round-the-clock electricity nationwide, providing free electricity to the underprivileged across the country, establishing top-notch government schools in every village and locality, establishing neighbourhood clinics in every village and locality, ensuring fair prices for crops to farmers as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission, and according full statehood status to Delhi. 

    Modi Government Is Most Corrupt: Mehbooba Mufti 

    At the Maha Rally held at Ramlila Maidan, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti made the veiled remark on the central government, she said, the Modi government is the most corrupt government. They have indulged in corruption through fund embezzlement and now using ED for recovery. “Presently, the nation faces challenging circumstances. Individuals are being detained without proper investigation. This resembles the ‘Kalyug ka Amrit Kaal’… I’m not referring to specific individuals like Umar Khalid or Mohammad Zubair; rather, I’m addressing your chosen representatives… It’s not unexpected for me. Both Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, along with myself, former CMs, are currently under house arrest… Anyone who defies the law is deemed a traitor…” the former CM of J&K said. 

    मोदी सरकार सबसे भ्रष्ट सरकार है।

    चंदा चोरी से मोदी सरकार ने भ्रष्टाचार किया है। ED लगाकर वसूली की है।

    हम संविधान को बचाने के लिए यहां आए हैं।

    : लोकतंत्र बचाओ महारैली में @jkpdp की अध्यक्ष @MehboobaMufti जी pic.twitter.com/AxjT4wCHEf


    — Congress (@INCIndia) March 31, 2024

    “Jharkhand Will Not Bow Down, INDIA Will Not Bow Down” 

    Meanwhile, JMM’s Kalpana Soren used the platform to voice her concern surrounding her husband’s arrest, She said, “Two months ago, Hemant Soren was put in jail. Now, it is up to the people to uproot the dictator.” She added that Jharkhand Will Not Bow Down nor will the INDI Alliance. “I stand before you representing half of the female population of India and nine percent of the tribal community… Today’s assembly on this historic ground bears witness to the fact that you have all gathered from every corner of the nation to put an end to the dictatorship…” Kalpana Soren added.

    दो महीने पहले हेमंत सोरेन जी को जेल में डाला गया।

    जनता जनार्दन है, जनता ताकतवर है। भारत की जनता सबसे बड़ी है।

    अब जनता को ही तानाशाह को उखाड़ फेंकना है।

    झारखंड झुकेगा नहीं
    INDIA झुकेगा नहीं

    : लोकतंत्र बचाओ महारैली में JMM की नेता कल्पना सोरेन जी#SaveDemocracy pic.twitter.com/a1wH4fN1m9
    — Congress (@INCIndia) March 31, 2024

  • Who Is Sambhavi Choudhary? Youngest ST Lok Sabha Candidate And LJP’s Nominee From Samastipur |

    The Lok Janshakti Party, led by Ram Vilas, announced its chosen contenders for all five constituencies on Saturday in the Lok Sabha elections, following the NDA’s agreement on seat allocation. Chirag Paswan, the party’s leader, will be running from Hajipur, while his brother-in-law Arun Bharati has been nominated for Jamui, aiming to uphold the constituency’s legacy, previously represented by Chirag in two terms in the Lok Sabha. 

    A notable inclusion in the lineup is the selection of Sambhavi Choudhary, the daughter of JD (U) Minister Ashok Kumar Choudhary, to stand for the reserved seat of Samastipur. Sambhavi, aged 25 years and nine months, hails from a family deeply rooted in politics, making her the youngest Dalit woman candidate to vie in the Lok Sabha elections.  

    Who is Sambhavi Choudhary?  

    At 25 years old, she is the youngest Dalit woman contender in the Lok Sabha elections. Her grandfather, Mahavir Choudhary, held a ministerial position in Bihar under the Congress Party.  

    After obtaining her master’s degree in sociology from the Delhi School of Economics, Sambhavi embarked on her doctoral studies, focusing on the “intersectionality of gender and caste in Bihar politics.” She completed her undergraduate studies at Lady Shri Ram College. Sambhavi is married to Saayan Kunal, the son of Acharya Kishore Kunal, a philanthropist and scholar who previously served as an IPS officer. Acharya Kishore Kunal is renowned for his efforts in appointing several Dalit priests in Bihar temples.  

    Sambhavi Choudhary said that she feels immensely honoured to have been afforded the opportunity to participate in the Lok Sabha elections at such a young age. She added that it instills a profound sense of responsibility, particularly considering my family’s political legacy and the exemplary standards set by my father and grandfather, as reported by The Indian Express.  

    Sambhavi got married to Shayan Kunal, the son of former IPS Kishor Kunal. According to her Facebook profile, she completed her Ph.D. in sociology from Amity University. Speaking of her job profile, she holds the position of director at Gyan Niketan School in Patna. Besides this, she actively participates in social activities. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Banks To Send Suspicious Transaction Report Daily Amid Elections | Economy News

    New Delhi: During a press conference held on March 16, 2024, in New Delhi, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India Rajiv Kumar announced steps to ensure fair elections for the upcoming general elections of 2024. Addressing the media, Kumar highlighted the importance of curbing the influence of money power.

    He also shed light on ensuring transparency throughout the electoral process. (Also Read: Upcoming IPOs Next Week: Check Price Band, Lot Size, Minimum Investment Amount, And More)

    Monitoring Suspicious Transactions Report

    Kumar emphasized that banks would be closely monitoring all suspicious transactions on a daily basis throughout the entire election phase. (Also Read: Latest SBI FD Rates 2024: Check Current Fixed Deposit Interest Rates, Return Calculator)

    “Banks will share all the details of suspicious transactions daily. We will be looking at all wallet transactions,” said Kumar, outlining the measures to track any irregular financial activities.

    Tailored Solutions

    Going forward, Kumar acknowledged the varying challenges faced by different states and stressed the need for tailored solutions.

    “We are aware of different vulnerabilities that exist across the nation. Thus, we come with solutions that are also differential,” he further said.

    Empowered agencies such as the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), GST, and banks will play a crucial role in tracking suspicious transactions, he added.

    Crackdown On Unfair Practices

    To prevent unfair practices during elections, enforcement agencies will be vigilant in curbing the inflow and distribution of liquor, cash, freebies, and drugs.

    Kumar emphasized the importance of targeting the masterminds behind such activities. “Efforts will be made to disrupt the illicit distribution of sensitive goods and freebies,” he stated.

    Strict Regulations On Cash Movement

    Stringent regulations will be enforced to control the movement of cash, including prohibiting the movement of cash in bank vehicles after sunset.

    Surveillance and inspection of non-scheduled chartered flights will also be conducted to identify any illicit flow of cash, liquor, or drugs.

  • 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.