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Polling commenced in 96 constituencies across 9 states and a Union Territory for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday. These states and UT include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 1,717 candidates are in the fray in this phase.

India Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 4: Voting underway in 96 LS seats in 9 states and 1 UT

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Telugu stars Jr NTR and Allu Arjun were among the first few celebrities who exercised their democratic right&nbsp;on May 13. The two stars reached their respective polling booths to cast their votes as they smiled and showed their ink-stained finger to the paparazzi.&nbsp;

The two reached their polling booth pretty early to avoid traffic and huge crowds which might disrupt voting given their star power. JR NTR was accompanied by his wife, Lakshmi Pranathi, and his mother, Shalini Nandamuri.&nbsp;

Videos of the two actors standing in a queue at their polling booths in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad are now going viral on social media.

Check out the viral video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
.⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/tarak9999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tarak9999</a>⁩ casts his vote at ObulReddy school,Jubilee Hills. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Telangana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Telangana</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Elections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Elections</a> <a href="https://t.co/UiPCVtPJ24">pic.twitter.com/UiPCVtPJ24</a>
— Suresh PRO (@SureshPRO_) <a href="https://twitter.com/SureshPRO_/status/1789835625270476821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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As for Pushpa star Allu Arjun, he came with bouncers to the polling station. He skipped the queue and walked straight into the polling booth. After casting his vote, he was seen greeting people.

Speaking to the media, Allu Arjun said, "Please cast your votes. It's a very responsible day. I know it's hot, but the day decides our future." Quashing all rumours of his support or affiliation to any political party, Allu said, "I am not affiliated to any party. I am neutral. I will support all who are close to me. My uncle, my friend and my father-in-law are all in politics. Regarding the Nandayala campaign, I had given my word to my friend long back. It was a goodwill gesture. Hence, me and my wife personally met him."

Check out his video:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlluArjun?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlluArjun</a> Gives clarity about his campaign to YCP leader Ravi at Nandhyala. <a href="https://t.co/L3Rm7OKaIm">pic.twitter.com/L3Rm7OKaIm</a>
— Suresh PRO (@SureshPRO_) <a href="https://twitter.com/SureshPRO_/status/1789845918495158569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also, Chiranjeevi came in early. He too was spotted with his wife Surekha and daughter Sushmita as the trio cast their votes. Speaking to the media, Chiranjeevi asked everyone to cast their votes.&nbsp;

Also check out:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-phase-4-live-voting-updates-today-13-may-720691">Lok Sabha polls Phase 4 LIVE | Confident people will vote in large numbers: PM</a>

Check out Chiranjeevi's video here:

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chiranjeevi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chiranjeevi</a> garu casts his vote . <a href="https://t.co/QtNfCPUYJp">pic.twitter.com/QtNfCPUYJp</a>
— Suresh PRO (@SureshPRO_) <a href="https://twitter.com/SureshPRO_/status/1789855058508554327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The states of Andhra Pradesh and&nbsp;Telangana&nbsp;are voting&nbsp;in the fourth phase of polling.

Others include 13 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in Maharashtra, eight seats each in Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar, four in Odisha and Jharkhand, and the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.

&nbsp;

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Telugu stars Jr NTR and Allu Arjun were among the first few celebrities who exercised their democratic right on May 13. The two stars reached their respective polling booths to cast their votes as they smiled and showed their ink-stained finger to the paparazzi.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Telugu stars Jr NTR and Allu Arjun were among the first few celebrities who exercised their democratic right on May 13. The two stars reached their respective polling booths to cast their votes as they smiled and showed their ink-stained finger to the paparazzi. The two reached their polling booth pretty early to avoid traffic and huge crowds which might disrupt voting given their star power. JR NTR was accompanied by his wife, Lakshmi Pranathi, and his mother, Shalini Nandamuri. Videos of the two actors standing in a queue at their polling booths in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad are now going viral on social media. Check out the viral video here: .⁦@tarak9999⁩ casts his vote at ObulReddy school,Jubilee Hills. #Telangana #Elections pic.twitter.com/UiPCVtPJ24 — Suresh PRO (@SureshPRO_) May 13, 2024 × As for Pushpa star Allu Arjun, he came with bouncers to the polling station. He skipped the queue and walked straight into the polling booth. After casting his vote, he was seen greeting people. Speaking to the media, Allu Arjun said, "Please cast your votes. It's a very responsible day. I know it's hot, but the day decides our future." Quashing all rumours of his support or affiliation to any political party, Allu said, "I am not affiliated to any party. I am neutral. I will support all who are close to me. My uncle, my friend and my father-in-law are all in politics. Regarding the Nandayala campaign, I had given my word to my friend long back. It was a goodwill gesture. Hence, me and my wife personally met him." Check out his video: #AlluArjun Gives clarity about his campaign to YCP leader Ravi at Nandhyala. pic.twitter.com/L3Rm7OKaIm — Suresh PRO (@SureshPRO_) May 13, 2024 × Also, Chiranjeevi came in early. He too was spotted with his wife Surekha and daughter Sushmita as the trio cast their votes. Speaking to the media, Chiranjeevi asked everyone to cast their votes. Also check out: Lok Sabha polls Phase 4 LIVE | Confident people will vote in large numbers: PM Check out Chiranjeevi's video here: #Chiranjeevi garu casts his vote . pic.twitter.com/QtNfCPUYJp — Suresh PRO (@SureshPRO_) May 13, 2024 × The states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are voting in the fourth phase of polling. Others include 13 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in Maharashtra, eight seats each in Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, five in Bihar, four in Odisha and Jharkhand, and the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Jr NTR, Allu Arjun, Chiranjeevi cast early votes in Andhra Pradesh

Swati Maliwal, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Commission for Women chairperson, on Monday (May 13) alleged that she was assaulted at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence by his close aide Bibhav Kumar, according to sources.

Maliwal made a PCR call at around 10 am from Delhi CM’s residence. Following the call, Delhi Police reached the Chief Minister’s residence, the sources informed.

"One PCR call at 9:34 AM has been received at PS Civil Lines from a lady saying she has been assaulted at CM House. After some time, MP Madam came to PS Civil Lines, however, she left stating she will give complaint later, said&nbsp;DCP (North) Manoj Meena.

<h2>Who is Bibhav Kumar?</h2>

Bibhav Kumar was Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personnel secretary. He was recently in the news after the Delhi Vigilance Department sacked him from the position of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary, citing illegal appointment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-grants-interim-bail-to-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-720049" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-grants-interim-bail-to-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-720049&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZgZC__4mGAxVpUGcHHf-WCkoQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3_8-9FV3Pytu2aLwZoA1IF&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-grants-interim-bail-to-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-720049" target="_blank">India Supreme Court grants interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister</a>

Bibhav Kumar was sacked in connection to a 2007 case against him for ‘assault and use of criminal force to obstruct a public servant from doing his duty’.

While Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said, "This a shameful incident which has happened in the CM's residence. Arvind Kejriwal's residence has always been in the headlines for similar incidents. Swati Maliwal is known to raise issues of Delhi from time to time. I am sure she will not sit quietly in this matter and people will know what a disgusting person lives in the CM's residence."

<h2>BJP criticises AAP</h2>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya has accused&nbsp;Swati Maliwal of maintaining&nbsp;silence on party supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest.&nbsp;

The BJP leader took to the microblogging site X and wrote, “AAP RS MP and former DCW chief Swati Maliwal alleges that Delhi CM’s PA assaulted her. Call made from Delhi CM’s House. Remember, Swati Maliwal had maintained radio silence on Kejriwal’s arrest. She was in fact not even in India at that time and didn’t return for a long time.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/elections/kejriwal-returns-what-it-means-for-general-elections-2024-1715499799923" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/elections/kejriwal-returns-what-it-means-for-general-elections-2024-1715499799923&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZgZC__4mGAxVpUGcHHf-WCkoQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1NrJS4MPvIyTCxxaq4h3q4&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/elections/kejriwal-returns-what-it-means-for-general-elections-2024-1715499799923" target="_blank">Kejriwal&nbsp;Returns: What It Means For General Elections 2024</a>

India's Supreme Court on Friday (May 10) granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till June 1.&nbsp;In its order, the SC further asked Kejriwal to surrender on&nbsp;June 2.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was arrested and jailed in connection with the liquor excise policy case.&nbsp;

<h2>Arvind Kejriwal's arrest&nbsp;</h2>

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case pertaining to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-files-response-in-sc-in-the-liquor-policy-case-calls-arrest-illegal-715693" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-files-response-in-sc-in-the-liquor-policy-case-calls-arrest-illegal-715693&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiZgZC__4mGAxVpUGcHHf-WCkoQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3aXS1QrCP0EzQYHW6o9Wrh&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-files-response-in-sc-in-the-liquor-policy-case-calls-arrest-illegal-715693" target="_blank">Delhi CM Arvind&nbsp;Kejriwal&nbsp;files response in SC in liquor policy case</a>

The Delhi government had implemented the policy on November 17, 2021. But it was scrapped at the end of September 2022. Corruption allegations have been levelled against the party, which AAP denies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Swati Maliwal, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Commission for Women chairperson, on Monday (May 13) alleged that she was assaulted at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence by his close aide Bibhav Kumar, according to sources.

Swati Maliwal, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Commission for Women chairperson, on Monday (May 13) alleged that she was assaulted at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence by his close aide Bibhav Kumar, according to sources. Maliwal made a PCR call at around 10 am from Delhi CM’s residence. Following the call, Delhi Police reached the Chief Minister’s residence, the sources informed. "One PCR call at 9:34 AM has been received at PS Civil Lines from a lady saying she has been assaulted at CM House. After some time, MP Madam came to PS Civil Lines, however, she left stating she will give complaint later, said DCP (North) Manoj Meena. Who is Bibhav Kumar? Bibhav Kumar was Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personnel secretary. He was recently in the news after the Delhi Vigilance Department sacked him from the position of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary, citing illegal appointment. Also read: India Supreme Court grants interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Bibhav Kumar was sacked in connection to a 2007 case against him for ‘assault and use of criminal force to obstruct a public servant from doing his duty’. While Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said, "This a shameful incident which has happened in the CM's residence. Arvind Kejriwal's residence has always been in the headlines for similar incidents. Swati Maliwal is known to raise issues of Delhi from time to time. I am sure she will not sit quietly in this matter and people will know what a disgusting person lives in the CM's residence." BJP criticises AAP Meanwhile, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya has accused Swati Maliwal of maintaining silence on party supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. The BJP leader took to the microblogging site X and wrote, “AAP RS MP and former DCW chief Swati Maliwal alleges that Delhi CM’s PA assaulted her. Call made from Delhi CM’s House. Remember, Swati Maliwal had maintained radio silence on Kejriwal’s arrest. She was in fact not even in India at that time and didn’t return for a long time.” Also read: Kejriwal Returns: What It Means For General Elections 2024 India's Supreme Court on Friday (May 10) granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till June 1. In its order, the SC further asked Kejriwal to surrender on June 2. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was arrested and jailed in connection with the liquor excise policy case. Arvind Kejriwal's arrest Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case pertaining to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy. Also read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal files response in SC in liquor policy case The Delhi government had implemented the policy on November 17, 2021. But it was scrapped at the end of September 2022. Corruption allegations have been levelled against the party, which AAP denies. (With inputs from agencies)

AAP MP Swati Maliwal alleges assault by Kejriwal's close aide at CM house

The fourth phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is underway in 96 Lok Sabha constituencies across 9 states and a Union Territory. These states and UT include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 1,717 candidates are in the fray in this phase.

India Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 4 Voting: Polling for 96 seats, 1717 candidates in fray

India is all set to conduct the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday (May 13).&nbsp;A total of&nbsp;96 constituencies will go to polls in the fourth phase, spread across nine states and one Union Territory (UT). The polling starts at 7 am and will close at 6 pm.

In the fourth phase, more than 1,700 candidates are in the fray.&nbsp;

All constituencies in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh (25) and Telangana (17) will go to polls. Elections will also&nbsp;be held&nbsp;in different numbers of constituencies in the following states.

Uttar Pradesh (13)&nbsp;

Maharashtra (11)&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (8 each)&nbsp;

Bihar (5)&nbsp;

Odisha and Jharkhand (4 each) and&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir (1).

Additionally, assembly polls will&nbsp;be held&nbsp;in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

<h2>Prominent faces in Phase 4</h2>

Prominent candidates in phase 4 include Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Giriraj Singh (Begusarai), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Behrampur), Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar), Shatrughnan Sinha (Asansol), Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad) and YS Sharmila (Kadappa).

<h2>177 million voters to cast votes</h2>

A whopping 177 million voters will&nbsp;cast their votes&nbsp;in the fourth phase of the elections across 200,000 polling stations. There are 1.2 million elderly voters as well who have&nbsp;been given&nbsp;the option to&nbsp;cast their&nbsp;vote from home.

<h2>No heatwave predicted</h2>

Much to the relief of voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said no heatwave&nbsp;was predicted&nbsp;for the Monday phase.&nbsp;

The weather forecast says constituencies going for polls&nbsp;are likely to&nbsp;experience normal to below-normal temperatures (±2 degrees).

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjzoNG92YiGAxXRUGwGHfFUB8kQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rainfall-to-bring-relief-in-most-indian-states-till-may-14-but-intense-heatwave-predicted-afterwards-720631" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rainfall-to-bring-relief-in-most-indian-states-till-may-14-but-intense-heatwave-predicted-afterwards-720631&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzoNG92YiGAxXRUGwGHfFUB8kQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Rainfall to bring relief in most Indian states till May 14 but intense heatwave predicted afterwards</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;to witness widespread rainfall activity on Sunday.&nbsp;The fresh spell of rainfall this week will keep scorching heat at bay for at least two days till May 14.

Heavy rains&nbsp;are also expected&nbsp;in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India is all set to conduct the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday (May 13). A total of 96 constituencies will go to polls in the fourth phase, spread across nine states and one Union Territory (UT).

India is all set to conduct the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday (May 13). A total of 96 constituencies will go to polls in the fourth phase, spread across nine states and one Union Territory (UT). The polling starts at 7 am and will close at 6 pm. In the fourth phase, more than 1,700 candidates are in the fray. All constituencies in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh (25) and Telangana (17) will go to polls. Elections will also be held in different numbers of constituencies in the following states. Uttar Pradesh (13) Maharashtra (11) Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (8 each) Bihar (5) Odisha and Jharkhand (4 each) and Jammu and Kashmir (1). Additionally, assembly polls will be held in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Prominent faces in Phase 4 Prominent candidates in phase 4 include Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Giriraj Singh (Begusarai), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Behrampur), Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar), Shatrughnan Sinha (Asansol), Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad) and YS Sharmila (Kadappa). 177 million voters to cast votes A whopping 177 million voters will cast their votes in the fourth phase of the elections across 200,000 polling stations. There are 1.2 million elderly voters as well who have been given the option to cast their vote from home. No heatwave predicted Much to the relief of voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said no heatwave was predicted for the Monday phase. The weather forecast says constituencies going for polls are likely to experience normal to below-normal temperatures (±2 degrees). Also read: Rainfall to bring relief in most Indian states till May 14 but intense heatwave predicted afterwards Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are expected to witness widespread rainfall activity on Sunday. The fresh spell of rainfall this week will keep scorching heat at bay for at least two days till May 14. Heavy rains are also expected in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024 phase 4: 96 constituencies head for voting amid relief from heatwave

The state of Haryana is called the bread basket of India, producing vast quantities of food grains that feed the country. The 10 parliamentary seats of the state go to polls on May 25 - that's the first electoral test for political parties after the 2020 farmers' protest forced the government to withdraw its farm laws. Take a look at the next report to know why agriculture is at the heart of Haryana's political economy.

Lok Sabha Elections: Haryana: 84% of the state is suitable for agriculture

Indian elections 2024 | Haryana: India's agricultural hub

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (May 12) declared that if the opposition INDIA bloc comes to power following the Lok Sabha elections 2024, he will strive to fulfil his 10 major&nbsp;promises from day one.&nbsp;Blowing the trumpet against Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi's&nbsp; 'Modi ki&nbsp;Guarantee'&nbsp;(Modi's&nbsp;guarantee) slogan, Kejriwal&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;launched his own&nbsp; 'Kejriwal&nbsp;ki&nbsp;Guarantee'&nbsp;campaign.&nbsp;"These guarantees are the vision for the new India, without them a country cannot become powerful,”&nbsp;Kejriwal said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjn7JfV-IeGAxXaTGwGHca3A_AQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/elections/kejriwal-returns-what-it-means-for-general-elections-2024-1715499799923" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/elections/kejriwal-returns-what-it-means-for-general-elections-2024-1715499799923&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjn7JfV-IeGAxXaTGwGHca3A_AQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Kejriwal Returns: What It Means For General Elections 2024</a>

Kejriwal has launched a fierce attack against PM Modi since he was granted interim bail by the&nbsp;country's&nbsp;Supreme Court on Friday in a graft case.&nbsp;Kejriwal&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;speech&nbsp;said Saturday that he and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were fighting against&nbsp;Modi's&nbsp;dictatorship.

<h2>10 Guarantees of Arvind Kejriwal</h2>

<ol>
	<li>Electricity: Kejriwal has promised to provide 24*7 electricity supply nationwide, with 200 units of electricity&nbsp;free&nbsp;for economically disadvantaged households. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>National security: Kejriwal said the INDIA bloc will give a free hand to the Indian Army to&nbsp;“reclaim land from China”&nbsp;and pursue diplomatic efforts for territorial integrity. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Healthcare: In line with the mohalla clinic drive launched in Delhi, Kejriwal has promised to offer similar services in every village and locality of the country. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Education: Kejriwal has promised free education to every child in India, with a vow to improve government schools to surpass private institutions in quality. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Scrapping of Agniveer: Kejriwal has pledged to scrap the Agniveer recruitment scheme for the Indian Army and regularise all enrolled children on permanent positions. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Statehood to Delhi: The AAP leader said the INDIA bloc government will grant full statehood to Delhi, which he said was a long-standing demand of Delhi residents. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Farmers: Kejriwal said the government would provide fair&nbsp;compensation for crops&nbsp;based on the Swaminathan report. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Employment: The Delhi CM said the government will generate more than&nbsp;2&nbsp;crore jobs annually. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Corruption: Kejriwal on Sunday vowed to dismantle&nbsp;“BJP's&nbsp;protectionist measures”&nbsp;to combat corruption and ensure accountability of all. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Trade: Kejriwal has promised to simplify the Goods and Services Tax (GST).&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (May 12) declared that if the opposition INDIA bloc comes to power following the Lok Sabha elections 2024, he will strive to fulfil his 10 major promises from day one.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday (May 12) declared that if the opposition INDIA bloc comes to power following the Lok Sabha elections 2024, he will strive to fulfil his 10 major promises from day one. Blowing the trumpet against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Modi ki Guarantee' (Modi's guarantee) slogan, Kejriwal on Sunday launched his own 'Kejriwal ki Guarantee' campaign. "These guarantees are the vision for the new India, without them a country cannot become powerful,” Kejriwal said. Also read: Kejriwal Returns: What It Means For General Elections 2024 Kejriwal has launched a fierce attack against PM Modi since he was granted interim bail by the country's Supreme Court on Friday in a graft case. Kejriwal in a speech said Saturday that he and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were fighting against Modi's dictatorship. 10 Guarantees of Arvind Kejriwal Electricity: Kejriwal has promised to provide 24*7 electricity supply nationwide, with 200 units of electricity free for economically disadvantaged households. National security: Kejriwal said the INDIA bloc will give a free hand to the Indian Army to “reclaim land from China” and pursue diplomatic efforts for territorial integrity. Healthcare: In line with the mohalla clinic drive launched in Delhi, Kejriwal has promised to offer similar services in every village and locality of the country. Education: Kejriwal has promised free education to every child in India, with a vow to improve government schools to surpass private institutions in quality. Scrapping of Agniveer: Kejriwal has pledged to scrap the Agniveer recruitment scheme for the Indian Army and regularise all enrolled children on permanent positions. Statehood to Delhi: The AAP leader said the INDIA bloc government will grant full statehood to Delhi, which he said was a long-standing demand of Delhi residents. Farmers: Kejriwal said the government would provide fair compensation for crops based on the Swaminathan report. Employment: The Delhi CM said the government will generate more than 2 crore jobs annually. Corruption: Kejriwal on Sunday vowed to dismantle “BJP's protectionist measures” to combat corruption and ensure accountability of all. Trade: Kejriwal has promised to simplify the Goods and Services Tax (GST). (With inputs from agencies)

‘Kejriwal ki 10 guarantee’: AAP leader vows to end Agniveer scheme, give full statehood to Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 12) hit out at West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress party stating that infiltrators were flourishing under the leadership of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

He further vowed to the people that no one could stop the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state.

While addressing a rally in Barrackpur, PM Modi gave five "guarantees" to the people of West Bengal.

"I want to give five guarantees to the people of Bengal: - Nobody can give reservations based on religion. Reservations for SC, ST, and OBC will not be touched. Nobody can stop you from celebrating Ram Navami. The judgement of the Supreme Court on Ram Mandir will not be quashed. Nobody can stop the implementation of CAA," PM Modi said.

The Indian prime minister further lashed out at the opposition stating that they had projected the CAA as if it was a "villain".

"A law like CAA, which protects humanity, but opposition made it a villain. CAA is a law to give citizenship to the victims, it does not take away anyone's citizenship. But parties like Congress-TMC painted it with the colour of their lies for vote bank politics," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/smriti-irani-hits-out-at-rahul-gandhi-over-debate-challenge-to-modi-is-he-pm-candidate-720561">Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?'</a>

<h2>TMC advocating 'Break in India',&nbsp;says PM Modi</h2>

PM Modi then hit out at the state government saying that TMC was raising the slogan of 'Break in India' to counter the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative.

He accused the party of destroying society, law and order, and unity in India.

"Amid BJP's efforts of development, TMC is busy in its 'own work'. What is the work of TMC and its leaders? 'Yaha mafia raj chal raha hai. Modi kahta hai har ghar jal, TMC kahti hai, har ghar bomb'. Just a few days ago, a bomb exploded, snatching away children's lives. Life has become difficult for mothers, sisters, and daughters here. Today BJP is emphasising 'Make in India', but TMC is raising the slogan of 'Break in India'. TMC is dividing the society, TMC is breaking the law, TMC is breaking the unity," PM Modi said.

He said that the goons of the party were threatening the women of Sandeshkhali referring to the infamous incident.

"Goons of TMC are threatening the women of Sandeshkhali only because the culprit's name is Shahjahan Sheikh. They are trying their best to save and protect him from legal action. Don't be afraid of TMC. You must give your full mandate to our candidate; each vote will reach me. Viksit Bengal is crucial for Viksit Bharat," the PM said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 12) hit out at West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress party stating that infiltrators were flourishing under the leadership of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (May 12) hit out at West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress party stating that infiltrators were flourishing under the leadership of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He further vowed to the people that no one could stop the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the state. While addressing a rally in Barrackpur, PM Modi gave five "guarantees" to the people of West Bengal. "I want to give five guarantees to the people of Bengal: - Nobody can give reservations based on religion. Reservations for SC, ST, and OBC will not be touched. Nobody can stop you from celebrating Ram Navami. The judgement of the Supreme Court on Ram Mandir will not be quashed. Nobody can stop the implementation of CAA," PM Modi said. The Indian prime minister further lashed out at the opposition stating that they had projected the CAA as if it was a "villain". "A law like CAA, which protects humanity, but opposition made it a villain. CAA is a law to give citizenship to the victims, it does not take away anyone's citizenship. But parties like Congress-TMC painted it with the colour of their lies for vote bank politics," he said. Also read: Smriti Irani hits out at Rahul Gandhi over debate challenge to Modi: 'Is he PM candidate?' TMC advocating 'Break in India', says PM Modi PM Modi then hit out at the state government saying that TMC was raising the slogan of 'Break in India' to counter the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative. He accused the party of destroying society, law and order, and unity in India. "Amid BJP's efforts of development, TMC is busy in its 'own work'. What is the work of TMC and its leaders? 'Yaha mafia raj chal raha hai. Modi kahta hai har ghar jal, TMC kahti hai, har ghar bomb'. Just a few days ago, a bomb exploded, snatching away children's lives. Life has become difficult for mothers, sisters, and daughters here. Today BJP is emphasising 'Make in India', but TMC is raising the slogan of 'Break in India'. TMC is dividing the society, TMC is breaking the law, TMC is breaking the unity," PM Modi said. He said that the goons of the party were threatening the women of Sandeshkhali referring to the infamous incident. "Goons of TMC are threatening the women of Sandeshkhali only because the culprit's name is Shahjahan Sheikh. They are trying their best to save and protect him from legal action. Don't be afraid of TMC. You must give your full mandate to our candidate; each vote will reach me. Viksit Bengal is crucial for Viksit Bharat," the PM said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi lists out 5 guarantees to Bengal, says ‘no one can stop CAA implementation’

As India awaits the outcome of the general election, global banks & research firms are offering compelling insights into the trajectory of India's economy. With projections pointing towards continuity in policies, coupled with recommendations for strategic reforms, the stage is set for a dynamic economic landscape.

Lok Sabha Elections: Global banks bullish on India’s growth after polls

The election campaigning for the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in India ended Saturday (May 11) at 5 pm. A total of 96 seats will go to polls on May 13 (Monday)&nbsp; where 1,717 candidates are in the fray. All constituencies in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh (25) and Telangana (17) will go to polls. Elections will also&nbsp;be held in different numbers of constituencies in the following states.

Uttar Pradesh (13)&nbsp;

Maharashtra (11)&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (8 each)&nbsp;

Bihar (5)&nbsp;

Odisha and Jharkhand (4 each) and&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir (1).

Additionally, assembly polls will&nbsp;be held&nbsp;in Andhra Pradesh state.

With polling concluding of phase 4, elections would be&nbsp;completed&nbsp;in 23 states and union territories. In total, polling would conclude&nbsp;in 381 seats by Monday night.

<h2>Prominent faces in Phase 4</h2>

Prominent candidates in phase 4 include Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Giriraj Singh (Begusarai), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Behrampur), Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar), Shatrughnan Sinha (Asansol), Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad) and YS Sharmila (Kadappa).

<h2>Kejriwal starts campaigning after release from jail</h2>

May 13 phase will be the first phase of the elections that will&nbsp;be held&nbsp;after the release of jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

After the interim bail granted to him by the Supreme Court of India, Kejriwal went on an intensive campaign drive on Saturday&nbsp;where he declared&nbsp;that his fight is against 'dictatorship'.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, Congress found itself in hot soup following 'racist' remarks by (now former) overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda.&nbsp;

In an interview, Pitroda described India as a "... diverse country... where people on East look like Chinese, people on West look like Arab, people on North look like maybe White and people in South look like Africa".

Congress later distanced itself from his remarks&nbsp;and&nbsp;later&nbsp;Pitroda tendered his resignation.

<h2>ECI releases Phase 3 data, pegs turnout at 65.68%</h2>

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI)&nbsp;on Saturday&nbsp;published the data of the third phase of the elections held on May 7.&nbsp;The polls held on 93 constituencies saw a voter turnout of 65.68 per cent.

The ECI said 66.89 per cent of&nbsp;men&nbsp;voters, 64.41 per cent of&nbsp;women&nbsp;voters, and 25.2 per cent of third-gender individuals exercised their franchise.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiPx6TVj4aGAxXfRmwGHRJFAasQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-4-schedule-key-candidates-and-constituencies-voting-on-may-13-720354" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-4-schedule-key-candidates-and-constituencies-voting-on-may-13-720354&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiPx6TVj4aGAxXfRmwGHRJFAasQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Phase 4: Schedule, key candidates and constituencies voting on May 13</a>

State-wise, Assam recorded the highest voter turnout with a total voter turnout of 85.45 per cent&nbsp;while&nbsp;Goa was at number two with 76.06 per cent voter turnout.

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh recorded relatively low voter turnouts at 59.15 and 57.55 per cent&nbsp;respectively.

(With inputs from agencies)

The election campaigning for the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in India ended Saturday (May 11) at 5 pm. A total of 96 seats will go to polls on May 13 (Monday) where 1,717 candidates are in the fray.

The election campaigning for the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in India ended Saturday (May 11) at 5 pm. A total of 96 seats will go to polls on May 13 (Monday) where 1,717 candidates are in the fray. All constituencies in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh (25) and Telangana (17) will go to polls. Elections will also be held in different numbers of constituencies in the following states. Uttar Pradesh (13) Maharashtra (11) Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (8 each) Bihar (5) Odisha and Jharkhand (4 each) and Jammu and Kashmir (1). Additionally, assembly polls will be held in Andhra Pradesh state. With polling concluding of phase 4, elections would be completed in 23 states and union territories. In total, polling would conclude in 381 seats by Monday night. Prominent faces in Phase 4 Prominent candidates in phase 4 include Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Giriraj Singh (Begusarai), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Behrampur), Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar), Shatrughnan Sinha (Asansol), Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad) and YS Sharmila (Kadappa). Kejriwal starts campaigning after release from jail May 13 phase will be the first phase of the elections that will be held after the release of jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. After the interim bail granted to him by the Supreme Court of India, Kejriwal went on an intensive campaign drive on Saturday where he declared that his fight is against 'dictatorship'. Meanwhile, earlier this week, Congress found itself in hot soup following 'racist' remarks by (now former) overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda. In an interview, Pitroda described India as a "... diverse country... where people on East look like Chinese, people on West look like Arab, people on North look like maybe White and people in South look like Africa". Congress later distanced itself from his remarks and later Pitroda tendered his resignation. ECI releases Phase 3 data, pegs turnout at 65.68% Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday published the data of the third phase of the elections held on May 7. The polls held on 93 constituencies saw a voter turnout of 65.68 per cent. The ECI said 66.89 per cent of men voters, 64.41 per cent of women voters, and 25.2 per cent of third-gender individuals exercised their franchise. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Phase 4: Schedule, key candidates and constituencies voting on May 13 State-wise, Assam recorded the highest voter turnout with a total voter turnout of 85.45 per cent while Goa was at number two with 76.06 per cent voter turnout. Bihar and Uttar Pradesh recorded relatively low voter turnouts at 59.15 and 57.55 per cent respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Campaigning for phase 4 ends; voting for 96 seats on May 13

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a media briefing on Saturday (May 11)&nbsp;urged the citizens of India to battle the Modi-led government's "dictatorship".

The AAP leader also claimed that no other party in the country was allegedly "harassed to this extent in the 75 years" the way his party was.

He then took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that all the "thieves" were present in his party and aimed to fight corruption.

The Delhi CM&nbsp;also cautioned that if the BJP-led NDA comes to power after the general elections, other opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee, and MK Stalin would also be sent to jail.

"They will send opposition leaders to jail and will finish them ...Our ministers, Hemant Soren (former Jharkhand CM), ministers of Mamata Banerjee's party (Trinamool Congress) are in jail...If they (BJP) win again, then Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Uddhav Thackeray (UBT Chief) and other opposition leaders will all be in jail...," Kejriwal said while addressing the press.

"...No other party has been harassed to this extent in 75 years. The Prime Minister is saying that he is fighting corruption but all the thieves are in his party," he claimed.

Further hitting out at the Indian prime minister he said that PM Modi should take lessons from him on how to fight corruption.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
आप सब लोगों के बीच वापस लौट कर मुझे बेहद ख़ुशी हो रही है। हमें मिलकर अपने देश को तानाशाही से बचाना है, मैं अपनी पूरी ताक़त से लड़ूँगा, मुझे देश के 140 करोड़ लोगों का समर्थन चाहिए। <a href="https://t.co/QbUWA5dBHF">https://t.co/QbUWA5dBHF</a>
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1789201863281197236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"I want to say to PM Modi that If you want to fight corruption then learn from Kejriwal...After the formation of the government in Delhi, I dismissed one of my ministers and sent him to jail. In Punjab, we sent a minister to jail," he said.

Kejriwal was addressing the media a day after getting bail and being released from Tihar Jail. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21&nbsp;in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the Delhi excise policy scam case.&nbsp; 
 
The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted Kejriwal interim bail for 21 days till June 1 for elections and he will have surrender on June 2 and return to Tihar Jail.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-back-arvind-kejriwal-receives-warm-welcome-as-he-walks-out-of-jail-on-bail-watch-720161">'I am back': Arvind Kejriwal receives warm welcome as he walks out of jail on bail - WATCH</a>

<h2>‘PM Modi making way for Home Minister Amit Shah’: Kejriwal</h2>

The AAP national convenor, responding to PM Modi's claims that the INDIA opposition bloc has no prime minister's face claimed that Modi was making way for Home Minister Amit Shah as he was turning 75 next year.

"...These people ask the INDIA alliance who will be their Prime Minister. I ask BJP who will be your Prime Minister? PM Modi is turning 75, on 17th September. He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years...LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha were retired and now PM Modi is going to retire on 17th September...," Kejriwal said.

"If their government is formed, they will first dispose of Yogi Adityanath and then make Amit Shah the Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is asking for votes for Amit Shah. Will Amit Shah fulfil Modi's guarantee?...," he added.

However, the Union Home Minister, in a press conference later dismissed the claims saying "nothing as such is mentioned in BJP's constitution. PM Modi is only going to complete this tenure and PM Modi will continue to lead the country in future. There is no confusion in BJP..."

Kejriwal was released from Tihar jail on Friday (May 10) after the Indian Supreme Court granted him interim bail till June 1.

"I want to thank all of you. You gave me your blessings. I want to thank the judges of the Supreme Court, it is because of them that I am in front of you. We have to save the country from dictatorship," he had said after walking out of jail. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a media briefing on Saturday (May 11) urged the citizens of India to battle the Modi-led government's "dictatorship".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a media briefing on Saturday (May 11) urged the citizens of India to battle the Modi-led government's "dictatorship". The AAP leader also claimed that no other party in the country was allegedly "harassed to this extent in the 75 years" the way his party was. He then took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that all the "thieves" were present in his party and aimed to fight corruption. The Delhi CM also cautioned that if the BJP-led NDA comes to power after the general elections, other opposition leaders like Mamata Banerjee, and MK Stalin would also be sent to jail. "They will send opposition leaders to jail and will finish them ...Our ministers, Hemant Soren (former Jharkhand CM), ministers of Mamata Banerjee's party (Trinamool Congress) are in jail...If they (BJP) win again, then Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Uddhav Thackeray (UBT Chief) and other opposition leaders will all be in jail...," Kejriwal said while addressing the press. "...No other party has been harassed to this extent in 75 years. The Prime Minister is saying that he is fighting corruption but all the thieves are in his party," he claimed. Further hitting out at the Indian prime minister he said that PM Modi should take lessons from him on how to fight corruption. आप सब लोगों के बीच वापस लौट कर मुझे बेहद ख़ुशी हो रही है। हमें मिलकर अपने देश को तानाशाही से बचाना है, मैं अपनी पूरी ताक़त से लड़ूँगा, मुझे देश के 140 करोड़ लोगों का समर्थन चाहिए। https://t.co/QbUWA5dBHF — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 11, 2024 × "I want to say to PM Modi that If you want to fight corruption then learn from Kejriwal...After the formation of the government in Delhi, I dismissed one of my ministers and sent him to jail. In Punjab, we sent a minister to jail," he said. Kejriwal was addressing the media a day after getting bail and being released from Tihar Jail. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the Delhi excise policy scam case. The Supreme Court of India on Friday granted Kejriwal interim bail for 21 days till June 1 for elections and he will have surrender on June 2 and return to Tihar Jail. Also read: 'I am back': Arvind Kejriwal receives warm welcome as he walks out of jail on bail - WATCH ‘PM Modi making way for Home Minister Amit Shah’: Kejriwal The AAP national convenor, responding to PM Modi's claims that the INDIA opposition bloc has no prime minister's face claimed that Modi was making way for Home Minister Amit Shah as he was turning 75 next year. "...These people ask the INDIA alliance who will be their Prime Minister. I ask BJP who will be your Prime Minister? PM Modi is turning 75, on 17th September. He made a rule that leaders in the party would retire after 75 years...LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan, and Yashwant Sinha were retired and now PM Modi is going to retire on 17th September...," Kejriwal said. "If their government is formed, they will first dispose of Yogi Adityanath and then make Amit Shah the Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is asking for votes for Amit Shah. Will Amit Shah fulfil Modi's guarantee?...," he added. However, the Union Home Minister, in a press conference later dismissed the claims saying "nothing as such is mentioned in BJP's constitution. PM Modi is only going to complete this tenure and PM Modi will continue to lead the country in future. There is no confusion in BJP..." Kejriwal was released from Tihar jail on Friday (May 10) after the Indian Supreme Court granted him interim bail till June 1. "I want to thank all of you. You gave me your blessings. I want to thank the judges of the Supreme Court, it is because of them that I am in front of you. We have to save the country from dictatorship," he had said after walking out of jail. (With inputs from agencies)

Day after bail, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urges India to battle Modi’s ‘dictatorship’

Lok Sabha Elections, Phase 4: The world’s largest democracy is undergoing one of its biggest elections. The polling for the general elections in 2024 started on April 19, which was the first of the seven-phase elections. Several states in India are now voting in the fourth phase of the election on Monday (May 13).&nbsp;

The elections will conclude on June 1 and counting of votes will be done on June 4.

The first phase of the polling covered 102 constituencies of 21 states and union territories (UTs). Ten states and UTs were fully covered, while 11 states and UTs were partially covered.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leader-deveraje-gowda-taken-into-police-custody-in-karnataka-sex-scandal-720335">BJP leader Deveraje Gowda taken into police custody in Karnataka sex scandal</a>

In the second phase, with 88 seats contested, the final turnout stood at 66.71 per cent, showing a decrease of approximately 3 percentage points from 2019.

In this phase, a total of 96 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 10 states and one union territory will go to polls.

The states in the fourth phase are Andhra Pradesh (25), Bihar (5), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Jharkhand (4), Madhya Pradesh (8), Maharashtra (11), Odisha (4), Telangana (17), Uttar Pradesh (13), and West Bengal (8).

<h2>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Phase 4 timing and schedule</h2>

The voting for the fourth phase of elections will start Monday (May 13) at 7:00 am IST and will end at 5 pm IST. To find out the polling booth in your assembly area you are supposed to vote, use the EPIC number present on the Voter ID Card.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-1-voting-to-commence-on-april-19-heres-how-to-find-your-polling-booth-712556">Here</a> is a step-by-step process to find your polling station.

<h2>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of constituencies voting on May 13</h2>

Andhra Pradesh: Araku (ST), Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Amalapuram (SC), Rajahmundry, Narsapuram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Bapatla (SC), Ongole, Nandyal, Kurnool, Nellore, Thirupathi (SC), Rajampet, Chittoor (SC)

Bihar: Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger

Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Srinagar

Madhya Pradesh: Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsour, Ratlam, Dhar, Indore, Khargone, Khandwa

Maharashtra: Nandurbhar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, Beed

Odisha: Kalahandi, Nabarangpur (ST), Berhampur, Koraput (ST)

Telangana: Adilabad (ST), Peddapalli (SC), Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Zahirabad, Medak, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Chevella, Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool (SC), Bhuvanagiri, Warangal (SC), Mahbubabad (ST), Khammam

Uttar Pradesh: Shahjahanpur, Kheri, Dharuhara, Sitapur, Hardoi, Misrikh, Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Bahraich (SC)

West Bengal: Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur, Birbhum

Jharkhand: Singhbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga, Palamau

<h2>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key constituencies and candidates</h2>

Akhilesh Yadav, SP: Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh

Mahua Moitra, TMC: Krishnanagar, West Bengal

Giriraj Singh, BJP : Begusarai, Bihar

YS Sharmila, Congress: Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh

Arjun Munda, BJP: Khunti, Jharkhand

Shatrughan Sinha, TMC: Asansol, West Bengal

Madhavi Latha, BJP: Hyderabad, Telangana

(With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections, Phase 4: The world’s largest democracy is undergoing one of its biggest elections. The polling for the general elections in 2024 started on April 19, which was the first of the seven-phase elections.

Lok Sabha Elections, Phase 4: The world’s largest democracy is undergoing one of its biggest elections. The polling for the general elections in 2024 started on April 19, which was the first of the seven-phase elections. Several states in India are now voting in the fourth phase of the election on Monday (May 13). The elections will conclude on June 1 and counting of votes will be done on June 4. The first phase of the polling covered 102 constituencies of 21 states and union territories (UTs). Ten states and UTs were fully covered, while 11 states and UTs were partially covered. Also Read | BJP leader Deveraje Gowda taken into police custody in Karnataka sex scandal In the second phase, with 88 seats contested, the final turnout stood at 66.71 per cent, showing a decrease of approximately 3 percentage points from 2019. In this phase, a total of 96 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 10 states and one union territory will go to polls. The states in the fourth phase are Andhra Pradesh (25), Bihar (5), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Jharkhand (4), Madhya Pradesh (8), Maharashtra (11), Odisha (4), Telangana (17), Uttar Pradesh (13), and West Bengal (8). Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Phase 4 timing and schedule The voting for the fourth phase of elections will start Monday (May 13) at 7:00 am IST and will end at 5 pm IST. To find out the polling booth in your assembly area you are supposed to vote, use the EPIC number present on the Voter ID Card. Here is a step-by-step process to find your polling station. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of constituencies voting on May 13 Andhra Pradesh: Araku (ST), Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Amalapuram (SC), Rajahmundry, Narsapuram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Bapatla (SC), Ongole, Nandyal, Kurnool, Nellore, Thirupathi (SC), Rajampet, Chittoor (SC) Bihar: Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar Madhya Pradesh: Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsour, Ratlam, Dhar, Indore, Khargone, Khandwa Maharashtra: Nandurbhar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, Beed Odisha: Kalahandi, Nabarangpur (ST), Berhampur, Koraput (ST) Telangana: Adilabad (ST), Peddapalli (SC), Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Zahirabad, Medak, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Chevella, Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool (SC), Bhuvanagiri, Warangal (SC), Mahbubabad (ST), Khammam Uttar Pradesh: Shahjahanpur, Kheri, Dharuhara, Sitapur, Hardoi, Misrikh, Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Bahraich (SC) West Bengal: Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur, Birbhum Jharkhand: Singhbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga, Palamau Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key constituencies and candidates Akhilesh Yadav, SP: Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh Mahua Moitra, TMC: Krishnanagar, West Bengal Giriraj Singh, BJP : Begusarai, Bihar YS Sharmila, Congress: Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh Arjun Munda, BJP: Khunti, Jharkhand Shatrughan Sinha, TMC: Asansol, West Bengal Madhavi Latha, BJP: Hyderabad, Telangana (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Phase 4: Schedule, key candidates and constituencies voting on May 13

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Live Updates: The campaigning for the fourth phase of general elections is underway. PM Narendra Modi is campaigning in different parts of the country. The next phase of elections will be held on May 13. The results of the elections will be announced on June 4.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi holds roadshow in Bhubaneswar

Over 15.2 million people will be able to cast a ballot in the May 25 elections in Delhi, according to P Krishnamurthy, the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi, who made this announcement on Tuesday during a news conference. Watch to know more.

Lok Sabha Elections: Over 15Mn eligible to vote in Delhi's LS poll

Boosting rural incomes has always been a big aim of the Narendra Modi government. A new document reviewed by Reuters reveal a plan to lift rural per-capita income by 50% by 2030. But Prime Minister Modi faces significant challenges as he tries to achieve that target. Today's Pollnomics takes a deep dive into India's agricultural economy.

India Elections 2024: Accelerating rural India's economy | Decoding govt's plan for rural India

The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till June 1 in a big relief. The interim bail has been granted in view of the ongoing Lok Sabha election, though the Enforcement Directorate (ED) opposed it and said campaigning for the election was not a constitutional right.

India: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal out on interim bail till June 1

India Elections 2024: Decoding government's plan for rural India

The Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till June 1 given due to the ongoing Lok Sabha election. The Election Commission has criticised the Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for allegedly obstructing in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Madhya Pradesh now repolling at four booths in the Betul Lok sabha seat is underway. The Election Commission of India ordered the re-election at the four booths after a few electronic voting machines were damaged when the bus fairing them caught fire.

India elections 2024: EC rejects Kharge's charges over voter turnout

In a twist to the&nbsp;Karnataka sex video scandal involving JD (S) parliamentarian Prajwal Revanna, India's National Commission for Women (NCW) said on Thursday (May 9) that one of the complainants in the case has claimed that she was forced to lodge a false complaint.

The complainant informed that a group of people claiming to be cops forced her to lodge a false complaint after being threatened with harassment.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deve-gowdas-grandson-sex-scandal-woman-alleges-used-to-sexually-assault-in-storeroom-remove-saree-pins-716157" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deve-gowdas-grandson-sex-scandal-woman-alleges-used-to-sexually-assault-in-storeroom-remove-saree-pins-716157&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJhqeEuOmFAxU9cmwGHZyWD8QQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0B58M-es9iwcOePxX7qRuI&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/deve-gowdas-grandson-sex-scandal-woman-alleges-used-to-sexually-assault-in-storeroom-remove-saree-pins-716157" target="_blank">Deve Gowda's grandson&nbsp;Prajwal Revanna&nbsp;sex scandal</a>

NCW further stated that the woman has sought protection for her and her family.

Following the revelation, former chief minister and JD (S) state President HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday accused the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case of threatening the victims with prostitution to extract false statements.

Kumaraswamy said, “The SIT officers are threatening the victims that if they don't make statements in favour of the Congress government, they will be charged with prostitution.”&nbsp;

"The investigating officers are visiting the victims and threatening them. Isn't it true that SIT officers are intimidating the victims with the threat of false prostitution charges? Is this how the investigation is being carried out?" asked Kumaraswamy, a former chief minister of the southern state.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-prajwal-revanna-accused-of-sexual-assault-sit-will-request-him-to-come-back-to-india-716493" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-prajwal-revanna-accused-of-sexual-assault-sit-will-request-him-to-come-back-to-india-716493&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJhqeEuOmFAxU9cmwGHZyWD8QQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bfHVof64oOV8e4x6oeQhk&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-prajwal-revanna-accused-of-sexual-assault-sit-will-request-him-to-come-back-to-india-716493" target="_blank">India:&nbsp;Prajwal Revanna&nbsp;accused of 'sexual assault'</a>

"Where is the woman who was rescued from the kidnapping. Why hasn't she been brought before the court? Do you support the distribution of private videos involving the victims?" Kumaraswamy asked Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who previously described the sex video row as the biggest sex scandal in the world.

<h2>Who is Prajwal Revanna, embroiled in the sex scandal?&nbsp;</h2>

Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former prime minister and JD (S) supremo H D Deve Gowda. Prajwal defeated BJP's A Manju by 140,000 votes in Hassan in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

He is seeking re-election from the seat as the BJP-JD(S) alliance's joint candidate and is facing competition from 31-year-old Congress candidate Shreyas M Patel, who is the grandson of Puttaswamy Gowda.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-updates-716513">Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna suspended from JDS</a>

As per his election affidavit, Revanna declared assets worth Rs 408.5 million&nbsp;which displayed a substantial increase in his assets from 2019. &nbsp;

His father H D Revanna, who is the elder son of Deve Gowda, is a former minister and an MLA from Holenarsipura.

As the controversy erupted, Prajwal Revanna flew to Germany on the morning of April 28. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a twist to the Karnataka sex video scandal involving JD (S) parliamentarian Prajwal Revanna, India's National Commission for Women (NCW) said on Thursday (May 9) that one of the complainants in the case has claimed that she was forced to lodge a false complaint.

In a twist to the Karnataka sex video scandal involving JD (S) parliamentarian Prajwal Revanna, India's National Commission for Women (NCW) said on Thursday (May 9) that one of the complainants in the case has claimed that she was forced to lodge a false complaint. The complainant informed that a group of people claiming to be cops forced her to lodge a false complaint after being threatened with harassment. Also read: Deve Gowda's grandson Prajwal Revanna sex scandal NCW further stated that the woman has sought protection for her and her family. Following the revelation, former chief minister and JD (S) state President HD Kumaraswamy on Thursday accused the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case of threatening the victims with prostitution to extract false statements. Kumaraswamy said, “The SIT officers are threatening the victims that if they don't make statements in favour of the Congress government, they will be charged with prostitution.” "The investigating officers are visiting the victims and threatening them. Isn't it true that SIT officers are intimidating the victims with the threat of false prostitution charges? Is this how the investigation is being carried out?" asked Kumaraswamy, a former chief minister of the southern state. Also read: India: Prajwal Revanna accused of 'sexual assault' "Where is the woman who was rescued from the kidnapping. Why hasn't she been brought before the court? Do you support the distribution of private videos involving the victims?" Kumaraswamy asked Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who previously described the sex video row as the biggest sex scandal in the world. Who is Prajwal Revanna, embroiled in the sex scandal? Prajwal Revanna is the grandson of former prime minister and JD (S) supremo H D Deve Gowda. Prajwal defeated BJP's A Manju by 140,000 votes in Hassan in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. He is seeking re-election from the seat as the BJP-JD(S) alliance's joint candidate and is facing competition from 31-year-old Congress candidate Shreyas M Patel, who is the grandson of Puttaswamy Gowda. Also read: Karnataka MP Prajwal Revanna suspended from JDS As per his election affidavit, Revanna declared assets worth Rs 408.5 million which displayed a substantial increase in his assets from 2019. His father H D Revanna, who is the elder son of Deve Gowda, is a former minister and an MLA from Holenarsipura. As the controversy erupted, Prajwal Revanna flew to Germany on the morning of April 28. (With inputs from agencies)

New twist in Karnataka sex scandal: Woman alleges she was forced to file false case

The opposition India leaders are scheduled to meet with the Election Commission officials to discuss the voter turnout issue. Congress President Malikarjun Kharge urged I.N.D.I.A bloc leaders to collectively unitedly and unequivocally raise their voice and demand that the election commission promptly releases total voter turnout figures for each phase of the Lok Sabha elections without delay. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: INDIA alliance leaders to meet Election Commission over voter turnout

Telangana is the youngest state of india, having been formed in 2014. The state goes to poll on may 13 to elect 17 members of parliament. On pollnomics, we look at telangana and its decade-long journey.

Lok Sabha Elections: Will Telangana be India's model state? | Decoding Telangana's economy

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 ended as 93 constituencies across 10 states and a union territory held voting with a total of 1,351 candidates in the fray. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections: Phase III records 65% voter turnout across 11 states & UT

Reiterating the resolution of ‘Every Vote Counts’, the Election Commission, set up a special polling booth for a lone voter in Banej, in the Gir forest on Tuesday (May 07).

Since 2007, Mahant Haridasji Udasin, the only registered voter in Banej, which comes under the Junagadh Lok Sabha seat, has had a special polling station for himself. He serves as a priest at a nearby Shiva temple. A booth has been put up in the forest office, near the temple. A polling team was assigned to set up the booth and make all required arrangements for Mahant Udasin to exercise his right to vote.

The ECI promises to reach every voter, wherever they may be, since India is undergoing the biggest democratic exercise with Lok Sabha elections. Electoral laws stipulate that each voter must be no more than 2 km (1.2 miles) away from a polling place, and about 969 million individuals are eligible to vote this year.

Polling officers in Gujarat had to take a two-day bus trip into the Gir forest, the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, to put up a polling station in Banej on Tuesday to guarantee the priest could vote. Each polling place must have two police officers and at least six poll workers, according to the electoral law. The Election Commission of India shared a post-vote picture of Mahant Haridasji Udasin with an inked finger on X with the caption, "A lone voter casts his vote at the unique polling station set up in the Gir forest, Banej, #Gujarat."

<h2>Gujarat Lok Sabha elections 2024</h2>

Over 55% of voters turned out until 5 pm in Gujarat's 25 parliamentary seats for the third phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 7. There were 265 candidates, including a Minister of State named Devusinh Chauhan and three Cabinet Ministers: Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Parshottam Rupala. The elections were held in 25 of the State's 26 seats since the incumbent BJP won the Surat seat unchallenged after eight out of nine qualified contenders withdrew their papers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Reiterating the resolution of ‘Every Vote Counts’, the Election Commission, set up a special polling booth for a lone voter in Banej, in the Gir forest on Tuesday (May 07).

Reiterating the resolution of ‘Every Vote Counts’, the Election Commission, set up a special polling booth for a lone voter in Banej, in the Gir forest on Tuesday (May 07). Since 2007, Mahant Haridasji Udasin, the only registered voter in Banej, which comes under the Junagadh Lok Sabha seat, has had a special polling station for himself. He serves as a priest at a nearby Shiva temple. A booth has been put up in the forest office, near the temple. A polling team was assigned to set up the booth and make all required arrangements for Mahant Udasin to exercise his right to vote. The ECI promises to reach every voter, wherever they may be, since India is undergoing the biggest democratic exercise with Lok Sabha elections. Electoral laws stipulate that each voter must be no more than 2 km (1.2 miles) away from a polling place, and about 969 million individuals are eligible to vote this year. Polling officers in Gujarat had to take a two-day bus trip into the Gir forest, the last remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, to put up a polling station in Banej on Tuesday to guarantee the priest could vote. Each polling place must have two police officers and at least six poll workers, according to the electoral law. The Election Commission of India shared a post-vote picture of Mahant Haridasji Udasin with an inked finger on X with the caption, "A lone voter casts his vote at the unique polling station set up in the Gir forest, Banej, #Gujarat." Gujarat Lok Sabha elections 2024 Over 55% of voters turned out until 5 pm in Gujarat's 25 parliamentary seats for the third phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 7. There were 265 candidates, including a Minister of State named Devusinh Chauhan and three Cabinet Ministers: Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Parshottam Rupala. The elections were held in 25 of the State's 26 seats since the incumbent BJP won the Surat seat unchallenged after eight out of nine qualified contenders withdrew their papers. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Every vote counts’: Polling officials set up booth for lone voter in Gir forest

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. But the contribution from India's rural economy has been disappointing since the pandemic. Now, experts suggest the country's general elections may finally drive rural demand and accelerate national growth.

India General Elections 2024: Can polls spur India's rural economy?

Kangana Ranaut has commented on Congress party leader Sam Pitroda's controversial statement on the looks of Indians. Pitroda&nbsp;comment that east Indians resembled the Chinese, while those from the South looked like Africans had raised a storm. 
 
Now, Ranaut, a BJP candidate from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has commented on Pitroda's remarks and called him a 'birdie'. 
 
Kangana's remarks on Pitroda's comments 
 
Kangana took to Instagram Stories to respond to the controversy and wrote: “Congress Uncle Sam said south Indians look like Africans, East/northeast Indians look like Chinese, people from Gujarat belt look like Arabs and people from up north look like white people, I wonder which part of India Uncle Sam belongs to because he looks more like a birdie than human.” 
 
She added that Indians look dark because they look like their ancestors. “Shyam means colour black, Lord Rama was the darkest shade of the black, Arjun was black and Draupadi was the darkest of them all, she was the most gorgeous and the most stunning woman ever. Krishna gave her his name he always called her 'Krishna' lovingly because of her colour. Darker people in this nation are like their above mentioned ancestors not like Africans. When Arjuna married a Manipuri woman, he married a Sanatani princess called Chitrangada not a Chinese looking girl. People from Gujarat and Maharashtra look perfectly Indians so do up north people, just because your Raja babu is Italian doesn't mean everyone's genes are mixed. We are shudh 100% desi Bharatiya,” she wrote.

What did Sam Pitroda say? 
 
In a podcast recently, the Congress leader said, "We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside a few fights here and there."

"We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans. It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food," Pitroda said in the interview. His comments went viral soon after.&nbsp; 
 
BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to Pitroda's comments. Modi asked, “Will the ability of people be decided in my country on the basis of skin colour.” 
 
"Who gave the permission to 'shehzada' for this game of skin colour," he asked. 
 
On Wednesday, owing to the backlash for his comments, Sam Pitroda resigned as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress "of his own accord". <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sam-pitroda-resigns-as-chairman-of-indian-overseas-congress-amid-controversy-over-racist-remark-719434">Read full details here</a>

Kangana Ranaut has commented on Congress party leader Sam Pitroda's controversial statement on the looks of Indians. Pitroda comment that east Indians resembled the Chinese, while those from the South looked like Africans had raised a storm.

Kangana Ranaut has commented on Congress party leader Sam Pitroda's controversial statement on the looks of Indians. Pitroda comment that east Indians resembled the Chinese, while those from the South looked like Africans had raised a storm. Now, Ranaut, a BJP candidate from Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, has commented on Pitroda's remarks and called him a 'birdie'. Kangana's remarks on Pitroda's comments Kangana took to Instagram Stories to respond to the controversy and wrote: “Congress Uncle Sam said south Indians look like Africans, East/northeast Indians look like Chinese, people from Gujarat belt look like Arabs and people from up north look like white people, I wonder which part of India Uncle Sam belongs to because he looks more like a birdie than human.” She added that Indians look dark because they look like their ancestors. “Shyam means colour black, Lord Rama was the darkest shade of the black, Arjun was black and Draupadi was the darkest of them all, she was the most gorgeous and the most stunning woman ever. Krishna gave her his name he always called her 'Krishna' lovingly because of her colour. Darker people in this nation are like their above mentioned ancestors not like Africans. When Arjuna married a Manipuri woman, he married a Sanatani princess called Chitrangada not a Chinese looking girl. People from Gujarat and Maharashtra look perfectly Indians so do up north people, just because your Raja babu is Italian doesn't mean everyone's genes are mixed. We are shudh 100% desi Bharatiya,” she wrote. What did Sam Pitroda say? In a podcast recently, the Congress leader said, "We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside a few fights here and there." "We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans. It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food," Pitroda said in the interview. His comments went viral soon after. BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reacted to Pitroda's comments. Modi asked, “Will the ability of people be decided in my country on the basis of skin colour.” "Who gave the permission to 'shehzada' for this game of skin colour," he asked. On Wednesday, owing to the backlash for his comments, Sam Pitroda resigned as Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress "of his own accord". Read full details here

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