First-time voters reveal what their expectations are from the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. Watch to know more.

Indian elections 2024: First-time voter Prithvish speaks to WION

Will Delhi Congress Chief's resignation impact the transfer of votes from Congress to AAP in the national capital? Watch in what voters think about it!

India Elections 2024: Will Delhi Congress Chief's resignation impact votes?

Four years into the face-to-face military confrontation in eastern Ladakh, which also triggered tensions all along the Line of Actual Control, there has been no let-up in the way China continues to build border infrastructure and dual-use ‘Xiaokang’ villages, strengthen military positions and deploy additional aircraft at its air-bases facing India. Watch in for more details!

China building roads, bridges along its border with India, says report

Many batting superstars have owned the IPL since the tournament's inception in 2008. Here is a list of batters with most 400-plus IPL seasons under their belt. Watch in for more details!

IPL 2024: Batters with most 400-plus IPL seasons

<p>In Bengaluru, a doctor sprang into action to rescue a woman who collapsed at a polling booth earlier on Friday (April 26).&nbsp;Dr&nbsp;Ganesh Srinivasa Prasad, a nephrologist and transplant physician, was waiting in line with many others when the woman fainted.</p>

<p>According to Dr&nbsp;Prasad, the woman suffered a cardiac arrest at the polling booth. Recognising that she had no pulse, the nephrologist from Bengaluru immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). His intervention successfully revived the woman, who regained spontaneous circulation shortly afterwards.</p>

<p>Dr&nbsp;Prasad shared a photograph of the woman collapsed on the ground and a video showing&nbsp;her awake and being assisted onto a stretcher.</p>

<p>“As I was waiting in queue....one lady had syncope and cardiac arrest in front of me. There was no pulse and I started immediate CPR ... luckily she got ROSC within minutes,” he wrote.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As I was waiting in queue....one lady had syncope and cardiac arrest in front of me<br />
There was no pulse and I started immediate CPR ... luckily she got ROSC within minutes <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECISVEEP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonECI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonECI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Lolita_TNIE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Lolita_TNIE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/chetanabelagere?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@chetanabelagere</a> <a href="https://t.co/NFN5GVWaaR">https://t.co/NFN5GVWaaR</a> <a href="https://t.co/azcH4Su2aD">pic.twitter.com/azcH4Su2aD</a></p>
— Dr Ganesh Srinivasa Prasad (మోడి కుటుంబం) (@thisis_drgsp) <a href="https://twitter.com/thisis_drgsp/status/1783705404926788059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Many praised and thanked the doctor for his quick thinking and action in the comments.</p>

<p>Voting for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections began today in 88&nbsp;constituencies across 13 states and union territories.&nbsp;In Karnataka, polling is happening on 14 seats.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-102-year-old-casts-vote-at-jammu-polling-booth-715254">Also read |&nbsp;Lok sabha elections 2024: 102-year-old casts vote at Jammu polling booth</a></p>

<h2><strong>Woman votes while on stretcher</strong></h2>

<p>Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself torn over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she surprised everyone by being taken&nbsp;to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote while lying on a stretcher.</p>

<p>Medical examinations showed her oxygen saturation to be at 80 per cent, significantly lower than the typical 95 per cent&nbsp;or higher, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia.</p>

<p>Dr Aravinda GM, from Manipal Hospital in Jayanagar, initiated treatment for&nbsp;Kalavathi, administering antibiotics alongside oxygen therapy, inhalation, antiviral medications, and supportive care.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voting across 13 states and UTs</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-elections-2024-voting-across-13-states-and-uts-715255/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Kalavathi's health improved, and she moved to the recovery room, eager to vote. She was thrilled when the medical team endorsed her decision to partake in the democratic process. With the help of the nursing staff, she was taken to the Jayanagar constituency on a stretcher to cast her vote.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In Bengaluru, a doctor sprang into action to rescue a woman who collapsed at a polling booth earlier on Friday (April 26). Dr Ganesh Srinivasa Prasad, a nephrologist and transplant physician, was waiting in line with many others when the woman fainted.

In Bengaluru, a doctor sprang into action to rescue a woman who collapsed at a polling booth earlier on Friday (April 26). Dr Ganesh Srinivasa Prasad, a nephrologist and transplant physician, was waiting in line with many others when the woman fainted. According to Dr Prasad, the woman suffered a cardiac arrest at the polling booth. Recognising that she had no pulse, the nephrologist from Bengaluru immediately began performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). His intervention successfully revived the woman, who regained spontaneous circulation shortly afterwards. Dr Prasad shared a photograph of the woman collapsed on the ground and a video showing her awake and being assisted onto a stretcher. “As I was waiting in queue....one lady had syncope and cardiac arrest in front of me. There was no pulse and I started immediate CPR ... luckily she got ROSC within minutes,” he wrote. Watch the video here: As I was waiting in queue....one lady had syncope and cardiac arrest in front of me There was no pulse and I started immediate CPR ... luckily she got ROSC within minutes #LokSabhaElections2024 @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @Lolita_TNIE @chetanabelagere https://t.co/NFN5GVWaaR pic.twitter.com/azcH4Su2aD — Dr Ganesh Srinivasa Prasad (మోడి కుటుంబం) (@thisis_drgsp) April 26, 2024 × Many praised and thanked the doctor for his quick thinking and action in the comments. Voting for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections began today in 88 constituencies across 13 states and union territories. In Karnataka, polling is happening on 14 seats. Also read | Lok sabha elections 2024: 102-year-old casts vote at Jammu polling booth Woman votes while on stretcher Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself torn over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she surprised everyone by being taken to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote while lying on a stretcher. Medical examinations showed her oxygen saturation to be at 80 per cent, significantly lower than the typical 95 per cent or higher, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia. Dr Aravinda GM, from Manipal Hospital in Jayanagar, initiated treatment for Kalavathi, administering antibiotics alongside oxygen therapy, inhalation, antiviral medications, and supportive care. Also watch | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voting across 13 states and UTs Kalavathi's health improved, and she moved to the recovery room, eager to vote. She was thrilled when the medical team endorsed her decision to partake in the democratic process. With the help of the nursing staff, she was taken to the Jayanagar constituency on a stretcher to cast her vote. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Bengaluru doctor performs CPR on woman in cardiac arrest at polling booth

Indian Navy proved its mettle once again. The Indian Navy came to the aid of a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, MV Andromeda Star. The vessel came under missile attack from Houthi militants on April 26.

How Indian Navy rescued oil tanker from Houthi missile attack |

A firefighting operation aided by an Indian Air Force helicopter is going on for the second day in India's Uttarakhand.The state recorded eight new forest fires within the last day.

Uttarakhand: Fires raging in India's Nainital, spreads through forests

South and Southeast Asia are bracing for more extreme heat, as authorities across the region issued health warnings and residents made their way to parks and air-conditioned malls for relief.

Heatwave sweeps across Asia

India's MeT department has issued heatwave warnings for several states. The IMD has issued a ‘red alert’ for Odisha and West Bengal, an ‘orange alert’ for Bihar and Jharkhand, and a ‘yellow alert’ for eastern Uttar Pradesh and parts of Kerala.

India: Heatwave warnings issued for several states

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘red alert’ (heatwave) for Odisha and West Bengal, an ‘orange alert’ for Bihar and Jharkhand, and a ‘yellow alert’ for eastern Uttar Pradesh and northern parts of Kerala in the wake of the severe heatwave conditions prevailing in several states.

India's MET department issues 'red alert' for Odisha, West Bengal

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during rallies in North Karnataka. He boasted about the construction of the Ram Temple by the BJP govt in Uttara Kannada. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: PM Modi holds rallies in North Karnataka

<p>MDH, a popular Indian spice brand offering a wide range of ground spices widely used in India and around the world, has refuted&nbsp;claims of the presence of pesticide ethylene oxide in its products as&nbsp;"baseless" and "unsubstantiated".</p>

<p>The brand vehemently refuted these allegations in a statement released on Saturday (Apr 27) and&nbsp;assured its consumers of the absolute safety of its products.</p>

<p>"MDH reassures its buyers and customers about the safety and quality of all its products" the company noted while pointing out that it has not received any official communication from the food safety regulators in Hong Kong or Singapore regarding the matter.</p>

<p>"This reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, unsubstantiated, and not backed by any concrete evidence," the statement added.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-takes-a-jibe-at-india-bloc-says-opposition-alliance-planning-to-have-5-pms-715779">PM Modi takes a jibe at INDIA bloc, says 'opposition alliance planning to have 5 PM's'</a></p>

<p>This rebuttal follows concerns raised by the Hong Kong and Singapore food safety regulators earlier this month over certain MDH and Everest spice products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The flagged products by Hong Kong include MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala&nbsp;Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder. Singapore has gone as far as ordering a recall of Everest spice mix due to purported contamination of ethylene oxide.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysrcp-unveils-manifesto-vows-hike-in-pension-amma-vodi-scheme-and-vizag-as-executive-capital-715718">YSRCP unveils manifesto, vows hike in pension, Amma Vodi scheme, and Vizag as executive capital</a></p>

<p>The company also underscored its commitment to quality and safety standards both domestically and internationally. MDH dismissed the allegations as "untrue" and reassured buyers and consumers that "we do not use Ethylene Oxide (ETO) at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bound-oil-tanker-hit-by-houthi-missiles-in-red-sea-715772">India-bound oil tanker hit by Houthi missiles in Red Sea</a></strong></p>

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<p>"MDH tagline, 'Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH' and 'Real Spices of India' reflect our genuine commitment to providing authentic, high-quality spices to customers," the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, following the announcement by India's Spices Board that it is collaborating with exporters to identify the "root cause of the issue and suggest corrective measures" regarding recalled products, MDH stated that neither the board nor FSSAI has received any communication or test reports from Hong Kong or Singapore concerning this matter.</p>

<p>This comes as US' FDA spokesperson told Reuters that the country "is aware of the reports and is gathering additional information about the situation."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


MDH, a popular Indian spice brand offering a wide range of ground spices widely used in India and around the world, has refuted claims of the presence of pesticide ethylene oxide in its products as "baseless" and "unsubstantiated".

MDH, a popular Indian spice brand offering a wide range of ground spices widely used in India and around the world, has refuted claims of the presence of pesticide ethylene oxide in its products as "baseless" and "unsubstantiated". The brand vehemently refuted these allegations in a statement released on Saturday (Apr 27) and assured its consumers of the absolute safety of its products. "MDH reassures its buyers and customers about the safety and quality of all its products" the company noted while pointing out that it has not received any official communication from the food safety regulators in Hong Kong or Singapore regarding the matter. "This reinforces the fact that the allegations against MDH are baseless, unsubstantiated, and not backed by any concrete evidence," the statement added. Also Read | PM Modi takes a jibe at INDIA bloc, says 'opposition alliance planning to have 5 PM's' This rebuttal follows concerns raised by the Hong Kong and Singapore food safety regulators earlier this month over certain MDH and Everest spice products. The flagged products by Hong Kong include MDH's Madras Curry Powder, Everest Fish Curry Masala, MDH Sambhar Masala Mixed Masala Powder, and MDH Curry Powder Mixed Masala Powder. Singapore has gone as far as ordering a recall of Everest spice mix due to purported contamination of ethylene oxide. Also Read | YSRCP unveils manifesto, vows hike in pension, Amma Vodi scheme, and Vizag as executive capital The company also underscored its commitment to quality and safety standards both domestically and internationally. MDH dismissed the allegations as "untrue" and reassured buyers and consumers that "we do not use Ethylene Oxide (ETO) at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices." Watch | India-bound oil tanker hit by Houthi missiles in Red Sea × "MDH tagline, 'Asli Masale Sach Sach, MDH MDH' and 'Real Spices of India' reflect our genuine commitment to providing authentic, high-quality spices to customers," the statement read. Meanwhile, following the announcement by India's Spices Board that it is collaborating with exporters to identify the "root cause of the issue and suggest corrective measures" regarding recalled products, MDH stated that neither the board nor FSSAI has received any communication or test reports from Hong Kong or Singapore concerning this matter. This comes as US' FDA spokesperson told Reuters that the country "is aware of the reports and is gathering additional information about the situation." (With inputs from agencies)

MDH dismisses allegations of pesticide contamination as 'baseless' and 'unsubstantiated'

Despite global turmoil, India's economy is showing surprising strength. A recent government review credits strong domestic demand and steady manufacturing for this resilience.

India: Strong domestic demand, steady manufacturing growth

India's foreign exchange reserves fell for a second consecutive week and stood at a six-week low of $640.33 billion. The reserves fell by $2.83 billion in the week that ended on april 19, adding to the previous week's $5.4 billion drop.

India: Foreign Exchange Reserves fall to six-week low of $640.33 bn

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited by his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni to attend the G7 Summit Outreach Sessions in Italy in June this year. Watch in for more details!

Italian PM Meloni invites Indian PM Modi to attend G7 Summit in June

A sweeping victory for President Mohamed Muizzu's party in the Maldives Parliamentary elections comes with powers to assert his pro-China agenda. Muizzu made 'India Out' his poll plank while pledging to elevate ties with Beijing. His overwhelming majority could strain ties with India further, where historically India has maintained significant influence.

What Muizzu's win means for India

<p>The forest fire in Nainital, Uttarakhand, worsened on Friday night (April 26), spreading to the High Court Colony area. Over the past 24 hours, 31 new incidents of forest fires were reported across the state, resulting in the destruction of 33.34 hectares of forest land. Three individuals were arrested&nbsp;in Rudraprayag on Friday while attempting to ignite forest fires.</p>

<p>Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed officials to stay vigilant and implement measures to prevent fires by coordinating with all relevant departments.</p>

<p>The forest fire near the Nainital district headquarters escalated into a dangerous situation, endangering the residents of High Court Colony situated in the Pine area.</p>

<p>It also disrupted traffic flow in the vicinity. In addition to forest department staff, military personnel are assisting in fire suppression efforts. Authorities are considering the deployment of helicopters to extinguish the blaze.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Air Force helicopters are being used to extinguish the fire spreading in the forests of Nainital in Uttarakhand<br />
<br />
But this is the story of every time...How to save Uttarakhand's forests? <a href="https://t.co/4hhbFPjyAa">pic.twitter.com/4hhbFPjyAa</a></p>
— Uttarakhand (@UttarakhandGo) <a href="https://twitter.com/UttarakhandGo/status/1784110202842665402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Anil Joshi, a resident of the area and assistant registrar of the High Court said, "The fire has engulfed an old and vacant house located near The Pines. It has not caused any damage to High Court Colony but it has reached dangerously close to the buildings. Efforts are being made to control the fire since evening."</p>

<p>Efforts are underway to extinguish the fire promptly to prevent it from reaching sensitive areas of the Indian Army near the Pines. Additionally, the district administration has prohibited boating on Naini Lake due to the blaze.</p>

<p>Nainital Divisional Forest Officer Chandrashekhar Joshi said, "We have deployed 40 Manora Range personnel and two forest rangers to extinguish the fire."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-two-crpf-personnel-killed-in-kuki-militant-attack-in-manipur-715550">Also read |&nbsp;India: Two CRPF personnel killed in Kuki militant attack in Manipur</a></p>

<p>As per the latest bulletin from the Forest Department, there were 26 incidents of forest fires in the Kumaon region and five in the Garhwal region within the past 24 hours, affecting a total of 33.34 hectares of forest area.</p>

<p>Since November 1 of last year, the state has witnessed a total of 575 forest fire incidents, impacting 689.89 hectares of forest land and incurring a cost of over $17k.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/joshimath-deja-vu-jammu-and-kashmirs-sinking-road-damages-dozens-of-houses-in-ramban-district-715479">Also read |&nbsp;Joshimath Deja Vu: Jammu and Kashmir's sinking road damages dozens of houses in Ramban district</a></p>

<p>Additionally, three individuals were arrested and jailed for allegedly initiating forest fires in Jakholi and Rudraprayag. Abhimanyu, the Divisional Forest Officer in Rudraprayag, stated in a press release that the arrests were made by a team dedicated to forest fire prevention. Naresh Bhatt, a sheep herder from Tadiyaal village in Jakholi, was arrested&nbsp;while attempting to set fire to the forest.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The forest fire in Nainital, Uttarakhand, worsened on Friday night (April 26), spreading to the High Court Colony area. Over the past 24 hours, 31 new incidents of forest fires were reported across the state, resulting in the destruction of 33.

The forest fire in Nainital, Uttarakhand, worsened on Friday night (April 26), spreading to the High Court Colony area. Over the past 24 hours, 31 new incidents of forest fires were reported across the state, resulting in the destruction of 33.34 hectares of forest land. Three individuals were arrested in Rudraprayag on Friday while attempting to ignite forest fires. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed officials to stay vigilant and implement measures to prevent fires by coordinating with all relevant departments. The forest fire near the Nainital district headquarters escalated into a dangerous situation, endangering the residents of High Court Colony situated in the Pine area. It also disrupted traffic flow in the vicinity. In addition to forest department staff, military personnel are assisting in fire suppression efforts. Authorities are considering the deployment of helicopters to extinguish the blaze. Air Force helicopters are being used to extinguish the fire spreading in the forests of Nainital in Uttarakhand But this is the story of every time...How to save Uttarakhand's forests? pic.twitter.com/4hhbFPjyAa — Uttarakhand (@UttarakhandGo) April 27, 2024 × Anil Joshi, a resident of the area and assistant registrar of the High Court said, "The fire has engulfed an old and vacant house located near The Pines. It has not caused any damage to High Court Colony but it has reached dangerously close to the buildings. Efforts are being made to control the fire since evening." Efforts are underway to extinguish the fire promptly to prevent it from reaching sensitive areas of the Indian Army near the Pines. Additionally, the district administration has prohibited boating on Naini Lake due to the blaze. Nainital Divisional Forest Officer Chandrashekhar Joshi said, "We have deployed 40 Manora Range personnel and two forest rangers to extinguish the fire." Also read | India: Two CRPF personnel killed in Kuki militant attack in Manipur As per the latest bulletin from the Forest Department, there were 26 incidents of forest fires in the Kumaon region and five in the Garhwal region within the past 24 hours, affecting a total of 33.34 hectares of forest area. Since November 1 of last year, the state has witnessed a total of 575 forest fire incidents, impacting 689.89 hectares of forest land and incurring a cost of over $17k. Also read | Joshimath Deja Vu: Jammu and Kashmir's sinking road damages dozens of houses in Ramban district Additionally, three individuals were arrested and jailed for allegedly initiating forest fires in Jakholi and Rudraprayag. Abhimanyu, the Divisional Forest Officer in Rudraprayag, stated in a press release that the arrests were made by a team dedicated to forest fire prevention. Naresh Bhatt, a sheep herder from Tadiyaal village in Jakholi, was arrested while attempting to set fire to the forest. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Army mobilised as massive forest fire engulfs Nainital's High Court colony

The world's largest democracy India's Mammoth parliamentary elections roll into the second of seven phases today with all eyes on the southern state of Kerala and Karnataka. Voting begins in 88 seats across 12 States and one Union territory with several prominent contestants. Watch to know more.

India General Elections 2024: Phase 2 key seats: Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram, Mathura

Watch Ms. Nina Lekhi, Founder, Baggit, as she embraces sustainability as the defining feature of her brand, Maati. With a focus on biodegradable materials and sustainable practices, Maati embodies Ms. Lekhi's commitment to prioritizing sustainability and creating products that are environment friendly, aligning perfectly with the Fashion for Good initiative. Moreover, her advocacy for providing employment opportunities to women adds a dimension of social responsibility to her brand ethos.

FEF India Fashion Awards X WION: Fashion for Good | Fashion Sustainability

<p>Indians are voting in the first phase of&nbsp;18th <a href="https://www.wionews.com/indian-elections">Lok Sabha elections </a>on April 19, a mammoth exercise that will go on till June 1. These elections will occur across seven phases, with results set to be declared on June 4, 2024.</p>

<p>The northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan is an important battleground and is set to vote in two phases. The first phase on April 19, witnessed electoral showdowns in 12&nbsp;constituencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These are Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Key constituencies going for polls in the first phase in Rajasthan:&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>Churu - A Jat stronghold </strong></p>

<p>Churu saw a face-off between BJP's Devendra Jhajharia and Congress's Rahul Kaswan. The incumbent MP, Kaswan, now representing Congress, faced off against his former faction, with local controversy swirling around the switch.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-chhattisgarh-to-vote-in-phase-1-here-are-the-key-candidates-712250">Lok Sabha polls 2024: Chhattisgarh to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates</a></p>

<p>Rajendra Rathore, popularly known as 'Kaka', took a centre stage in the Churu Lok Sabha polls. Kaswan alleges that Rathore, particularly, played a key role in preventing him from contesting the BJP ticket. The Jat-dominated region is ripe with issues like farmer loans and water scarcity as the stage is set for a heated electoral battle.</p>

<p><strong>Sikar&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In Sikar, Congress's coalition partner CPI(M)'s Comrade Amra Ram squared off against BJP's Swami Sumedhanand.</p>

<p>With a significant Jat influence, the contest hinged on issues like agricultural pricing, particularly for commodities like onions. Sumedhanand is also navigating scrutiny over his origin as he is a native of Haryana's Rohtak. He has promised local initiatives like an army recruitment centre to bolster his standing. The constituency's more than 21 lakh eligible voters are poised to decide who is going to take the reigns next.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Nagaur - Old rivalries</strong></p>

<p>Nagaur witnessed a fierce battle between former rivals - Congress's Jyoti Mirdha and RLP's Hanuman Beniwal.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/puducherry-lok-sabha-elections-2024-constituency-wise-seats-candidates-list-for-general-elections-news-712293">Puducherry Lok Sabha Elections 2024 - Constituency Wise Seats Candidates List for General Elections News</a></p>

<p>Beniwal, now aligned with Congress, sought to consolidate his influence as a prominent Jat leader. Meanwhile, Mirdha's saffron party defection is now opening historical animosities driving the contest in this Jat-dominated bastion.</p>

<p><strong>Jaipur - Controversies and women empowerment</strong></p>

<p>In Jaipur, controversies swirled around Congress' candidature changes, with Pratap Singh Khachariyawas replacing Sunil Sharma amid speculations tied to his association with right-wing platforms.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India Elections 2024: Senior citizens &amp; disabled individuals cast votes from home in Kashmir</strong></p>

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<p>BJP's fielding of Manju Sharma, a seasoned party member, underscored its push for female representation. With a history of BJP dominance, Jaipur remains a crucial constituency, where past electoral margins hint at voter sentiments.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indians are voting in the first phase of 18th Lok Sabha elections on April 19, a mammoth exercise that will go on till June 1. These elections will occur across seven phases, with results set to be declared on June 4, 2024.

Indians are voting in the first phase of 18th Lok Sabha elections on April 19, a mammoth exercise that will go on till June 1. These elections will occur across seven phases, with results set to be declared on June 4, 2024. The northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan is an important battleground and is set to vote in two phases. The first phase on April 19, witnessed electoral showdowns in 12 constituencies. These are Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur. Key constituencies going for polls in the first phase in Rajasthan: Churu - A Jat stronghold Churu saw a face-off between BJP's Devendra Jhajharia and Congress's Rahul Kaswan. The incumbent MP, Kaswan, now representing Congress, faced off against his former faction, with local controversy swirling around the switch. Also Read | Lok Sabha polls 2024: Chhattisgarh to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates Rajendra Rathore, popularly known as 'Kaka', took a centre stage in the Churu Lok Sabha polls. Kaswan alleges that Rathore, particularly, played a key role in preventing him from contesting the BJP ticket. The Jat-dominated region is ripe with issues like farmer loans and water scarcity as the stage is set for a heated electoral battle. Sikar In Sikar, Congress's coalition partner CPI(M)'s Comrade Amra Ram squared off against BJP's Swami Sumedhanand. With a significant Jat influence, the contest hinged on issues like agricultural pricing, particularly for commodities like onions. Sumedhanand is also navigating scrutiny over his origin as he is a native of Haryana's Rohtak. He has promised local initiatives like an army recruitment centre to bolster his standing. The constituency's more than 21 lakh eligible voters are poised to decide who is going to take the reigns next. Nagaur - Old rivalries Nagaur witnessed a fierce battle between former rivals - Congress's Jyoti Mirdha and RLP's Hanuman Beniwal. Also Read | Puducherry Lok Sabha Elections 2024 - Constituency Wise Seats Candidates List for General Elections News Beniwal, now aligned with Congress, sought to consolidate his influence as a prominent Jat leader. Meanwhile, Mirdha's saffron party defection is now opening historical animosities driving the contest in this Jat-dominated bastion. Jaipur - Controversies and women empowerment In Jaipur, controversies swirled around Congress' candidature changes, with Pratap Singh Khachariyawas replacing Sunil Sharma amid speculations tied to his association with right-wing platforms. Watch | India Elections 2024: Senior citizens & disabled individuals cast votes from home in Kashmir × BJP's fielding of Manju Sharma, a seasoned party member, underscored its push for female representation. With a history of BJP dominance, Jaipur remains a crucial constituency, where past electoral margins hint at voter sentiments. (With inputs from agencies)

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