Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Highlights from May 21

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was heartbroken over women's plight in Sandeshkhali. However, she asserted that the BJP "should not have played with the dignity of women" there as the "saffron camp's conspiracy now stands exposed".

"The people of this country have made up their mind to remove the BJP government by their votes. They (BJP) can do as many scams as they want because after June 4, investigation into the country's biggest scam will happen," said Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi at a press conference. 

She added, "After June 4, when INDIA alliance will form the government, electoral bonds scam worth crores will be probed. In this, not just BJP leaders, but also ED, CBI, I-T officers will be sent to jail." 

One person was killed and three others were injured in post-poll violence in Bihar’s Saran district, on Tuesday (May 21) morning, said the police. 

The incident took place in Bada Telma area near Bhikhari Thakur Chowk, said the local police after an altercation broke out between two groups, said to be supporters of the BJP and RJD. 

The two groups were alleging irregularities during polling that happened on Monday in the area. Internet was also suspended in the district to prevent a flare-up, said Superintendent of Police Gaurav Mangla. 

"BJD was formed as an anti-Congress party. Till 2000, Congress was a very strong force, till 2004, 2008, in Odisha. So, CM is very clear," says 5T Chairman and BJD leader VK Pandian when asked if BJD ever thought of an alliance with Congress
 

Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, reached to Panipat to speak at a "conference" in support of Manohar Lal Khattar, the BJP candidate running for the Karnal parliamentary seat. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami was greeted and praised by the Purvanchal society, Uttarakhand Cell, and local workers.
 

Addressing a public meeting in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath says, "5 phases of Lok Sabha elections have been completed. I got the opportunity to visit different states and I can say with certainty about the results which are going to come on the 4th of June. There is certainty in the whole country because the whole country is speaking with one voice, one slogan... The Samajwadi Party gets dizzy by the slogan of 400 paar, and they become astounded at how to cross 400 because they have never got 400 paar...."

The Election Commission censured BJP politician and former Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay on Tuesday for statements made against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and restricted him from campaigning for 24 hours beginning at 5:00 PM today.

"The Commission...finds Shri Abhijit Gangopadhyay's statement a direct affront on the "erosion of status of women in India"; such statement that is outrightly condemnable when used in respect of any woman, not to speak of a senior political leader and holder of a constitutional position," ECI said.

At a public meeting in Haldia on May 15, Gangopadhyay said, “'Mamata Banerjee, how much are you being sold for? Your rate is Rs10 lakh, why? Because you're getting your make-up done by Keya Seth? Mamata Banerjee, is she even a woman? I keep wondering sometimes.”

Bokaro, Jharkhand: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "India is continuously becoming richer than before. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru used to say that if his government is formed, he will eradicate poverty. Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh also used to say the same thing, you can check the statistics to see how much poverty they eradicated. They only talked about eradicating poverty but did nothing. But in 9 years, PM Modi has brought 25 crore people out of the poverty."

On completion of one year of Karnataka government, Former Karnataka CM and BJP candidate from Haveri, Basavaraj Bommai said, "One year of disaster, one year of taking the state backwards ten years. It was one year of bankruptcy of finances, one year of zero development and one year of failure on all fronts. And people will certainly reflect and teach the lesson during Lok Sabha...There are a lot of contradictions within the government. The contradictions themselves will prove the life of this government. I am sure that this government doesn't have a very big life."

On Chapra firing incident, former Bihar Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said, "We received the information that two people were shot dead. This incident happened after the elections. The administration has arrested two people. Two other absconding accused will soon be arrested... There should be no place for violence in the elections. Some people are so frustrated with their defeat that they carry out such an incident... The people of Bihar are feeling deceived. 'Janta kar rahi Insaaf, BJP ho rahi saaf'..."

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said, "...During the Congress regime, the then Prime Minister used to say that 100 paise is sent but only 15 paise reaches down (to the public). This is not the situation today. Today you have a Jan Dhan account. The money comes directly to your account... We people in Lucknow just click once and the next moment the money reaches us... "

Addressing a public meeting in Maharajganj, Bihar, PM Narendra Modi said, "...They (INDIA alliance) cannot tolerate that the people of the country are going to re-elect Modi for the next 5 years..."

Addressing a public meeting in Maharajganj, Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "For your future & the future of your children Viksit Bihar & Viksit Bharat has to be made..."

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar being taken to Delhi Airport by Delhi Police. He will be taken to Mumbai for investigation in connection with the AAP MP Swati Maliwal assault case.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal at a street corner meeting in East Delhi's Gandhi Nagar constituency said, "Today I have brought my wife also with me. She took charge of everything in my absence. When I was in jail, she used to come to meet me. I used to inquire about the well-being of my Delhiites through her and send my messages to you. She is like Jhansi ki Rani."

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti said, "...I met a lot of delegation here in Rajouri...I have observed that the situation that has been created is very scary. Religious Fatwas are being given by one group, that if you don't vote for a particular candidate you will go to hell...While the other group is blackmailing people and scaring them..."

District Magistrate, Saran, Aman Samir said, "There was an atmosphere of tension occurred yesterday between two parties after a candidate came near polling station 318-319. After the tension that arose our patrolling team was deputed. This morning a scuffle broke out between the supports of both groups (BJD & RJD) and one of them opened fire. One died & the other two were injured. The accused are being identified & action will be taken against them. We appeal to everyone to maintain peace. Two people have been arrested...The situation is under control..."

Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, "...NDA has performed brilliantly in all five phases. The people of the country are eager to form the Modi government once again. People want stability and continuity in the country and want to take the work of this honest and strong government forward under the strong leadership of Modi ji..."

Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and other accused's judicial custody in Delhi Excise policy PMLA case has been extended till May 31. The next date of hearing has been scheduled for May 31.

Addressing a public rally held in Bihar's East Champaran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "In the fifth phase, the INDI alliance has been completely defeated. India of the 21st Century cannot move forward with the sins of the INDI alliance. And that is why in every election the public is strongly attacking parties like Congress and RJD. On June 4, there will be an attack on corruption, politics of appeasement, tukde tukde gang..."

"Congress and its allies together have ruined 60 years of the country and destroyed the lives of 3-4 generations," he added. 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, while addressing the people in a recorded message, said "As the 5th phase of elections is completed and as the elections are being held, it is becoming clear that on June 4, the Modi government is going away and INDIA alliance is going to form a coalition government. On June 4, the INDIA alliance is getting more than 300 seats."

"Yesterday Amit Shah ji came to Delhi and less than 500 people were present in his public meeting. After coming to Delhi, he started abusing the people of the country and said that the supporters of Aam Aadmi Party are Pakistani. I want to ask him, the people of Delhi have formed our government by giving us 62 seats, 56% vote share, are the people of Delhi Pakistani? The people of Punjab have given us 92 seats out of 117 seats, are the people of Punjab Pakistanis? The people of Gujarat, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh and in many parts of the country gave us love and trust, are all the people of this country Pakistani? PM Modi has chosen you as his successor. You became so proud of this that you started abusing and threatening people. You have not become PM yet and you have become so arrogant. For your information, let me tell you that you are not becoming the PM, because people are not forming the BJP government on June 4," he added.

Speaking about the Enforcement Directorate allegations thay that Aam Aadmi Party received foreign funds which violated the FCRA, BJP leader Tarun Chugh said, " This is a kind of attack on the unity and integrity of the country...People like George Soros, who want to destroy India and Arvind Kejriwal and his party are playing into their hands. Arvind Kejriwal should answer on this. Is this money from Khalistan funding? Do you have any other intentions? The country wants to know but it should be investigated. Strictest action should be taken against the guilty person..."

A show-cause notice was issued by the BJP to former Union Minister and MP Jayant Sinha and he was asked to reply in the next two days.

"You are not taking any interest in organisational work and election campaigning ever since the party declared Manish Jaiswal as the candidate from the Hazaribagh Lok Sabha seat. You did not even feel the need to exercise your vote. The party's image has been maligned because of your conduct," the notice read.

BJP leader Sambit Patra, in a slip of the tongue, said that the revered Hindu god Jagannath is the "bhakt" (devotee) of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

While interacting with media personnel after the roadshow of Prime Minister Modi in Odisha's Puri on Monday (May 21), Patra made the gaffe which triggered a fierce backlash from the opposition, especially Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

"Lakhs of people have gathered here to see PM Modi. Jagannath is Modi's bhakt and we are all PM Modi's family. I cannot control my emotions and I think today is a momentous day for all Odias," Patra, who is BJP's candidate in Puri, said in haste and led to a political storm. Read More...