Lok Sabha elections LIVE: Rahul Gandhi's helicopter searched by Election Commission of India

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati speaks in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. 

She said, "Our party people should not get distracted by the tempting manifesto of our rivals. Our party did not release any manifesto in any election. We believe in actions rather than mere words." 

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said Puducherry must be granted "full statehood". While addressing a public rally, Congress Kharge said, "Puducherry must be granted full statehood. And the Congress party is deeply committed to getting statehood for Puducherry." 

"Whatever we promise and say, we will do. But PM Modi will not do... It is only Congress, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi who can do. The issue of Puducherry's statehood did not even find a place in BJP's manifesto... The manifesto released yesterday is a blatant disregard for the aspirations of the people of Puducherry. Congress has taken a stand. We will fulfil what we promise after the INDIA Alliance wins in the 2024 elections," he added. 

Indian Supreme Court on Monday (Apr 15) asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its response on a plea by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest and subsequent remand in a money-laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. 

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who is appearing for Kejriwal, has told India's top court that the arrest was made to prevent him from campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election. 

Click Here to read more 

TMC leader Shashi Panja responded to Union Minister Anurag Thakur's comment. She said. "Anurag Thakur's history is such that his speeches are full of hatred and contempt. But I don't understand why he said such a thing, because the West Bengal Police itself has caught these terrorists."

"So either he (Anurag Thakur) is himself a victim of delusion or he is creating delusion... Anurag Thakur wears a different kind of glasses which are filled with hatred," Panja added. 

BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Kurukshetra, Naveen Jindal spoke about development work in Kurukshetra, Haryana. 

Jindal said, "People are excited and have blessed me. All want PM Modi to become the PM again. On May 2, I will file my nominations."

"Kurukshetra is my home and family, we are fortunate that the CM is from here. Development has been going on, we'll continue to work in this regard, especially for the youth," he added. 

"People's anger against the DMK is getting diverted towards the BJP in a positive way"  PM Narendra Modi to ANI

The Supreme Court served a notice to the Enforcement Directorate following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea for relief in a money laundering investigation related to the excise policy case. The ED must respond by April 24.

Kejriwal's lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused that the arrest has been aimed at hindering Delhi CM's election campaign. 

Election officials on Monday (Apr 15) conducted checks in a helicopter carrying Indian National Congress (INC) leader Rahul Gandhi. 

The news agency PTI reported that according to the police, the search was conducted by the flying squad officials after the helicopter landed in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. 

Read More...

Indian Prime Minister, while addressing a public rally in Palakkad, Kerala, said that today's India has the power of rescuing its citizens who are trapped in war. 

"This election is an election to take decisions for the future of the country. This election is an election to guarantee your bright future and the bright life of your children. The people of Kerala have seen in the last ten years how the NDA government has enhanced India's credibility across the world. The Congress government had created the image of India as a weak country," said PM Modi.

"The BJP government has made India a strong country. Today when an Indian goes abroad, he is treated with respect. Today's India has the power to rescue its citizens trapped in war. Today's India does not look towards other countries in an epidemic like COVID. We make indigenous vaccines. Along with our country, we also help other countries of the world," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Kerala's Palakkad on Monday. While addressing the rally, Modi called Palakkad the gateway of Kerala.

"The natural beauty here fascinates everyone. There are many temples, churches and places of faith here in Kerala. In the next 5 years, we will work to make Kerala a global heritage. We will connect Kerala with the network of Highways Expressways and high-speed Vande Bharat trains...," he said. 

The ruling BJP on Sunday released its manifesto for the general elections. The manifesto, with the tagline "Modi ki guarantee," focuses on development, women's welfare, and a roadmap for a developed India.

Read more to find out the key promises mentioned in the manifesto

The Supreme Court will on Monday hear the plea of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the ED and his subsequent remand in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.