<p>Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday (Apr 20) launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that BJP leaders wish to bring changes to the Constitution which was "written in letters of the blood of our freedom fighters".</p>

<p>While addressing a rally in Thrissur, Kerala, Priyanka alleged that for "PM Modi's men", the Constitution was an instrument to satisfy their political ambition and greed.</p>

<p>"In this so-called New India, the Prime Minister's men are going around and speaking haughtily about bringing changes to our Constitution, which was written in letters of the blood of our freedom fighters. They treat the Constitution, which upholds our right to liberty, equality, and brotherhood, as an instrument to fulfil their own greed and ambition. To them, it is nothing but pages that mean nothing," Priyanka claimed.</p>

<p>She further said that under the NDA rule, the foundation of the country stands on the threshold of destruction.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-takes-a-swipe-at-rahul-gandhi-says-congress-sahabzade-will-lose-wayanad-seat-713382">PM Modi takes a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, says Congress' 'sahabzade' will lose Wayanad seat</a></p>

<p>"The very foundation of our country stands on the threshold of destruction today. I know that some would say that this is not so. In fact, they say this is a new India, one that has given the country a new global identity. To them, I would say that if this is true, we should all accept the will of the people (in the elections) and the new India, even if it rises from the ashes of the old," the Congress leader said.</p>

<p>"Let's not be in any illusion about this so-called new India, which is being sold to the people, and what it stands for," she added.</p>

<p>The Congress leader further hit out at PM Modi stating that the policies that were being framed today were done with an aim to benefit the&nbsp;prime minister's industry 'cronies'.</p>

<p>"National assets that belong to us all, assets that were built with the blood, sweat and toil of our people are being handed over to the PM's billionaire friends with impunity. Airports, ports, highways, vast tracts of public land, industrial establishments in key sectors such as cement, power and coal are virtually controlled by just a handful of businessmen close to the PM,"&nbsp;said Priyanka Gandhi.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday (Apr 20) launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that BJP leaders wish to bring changes to the Constitution which was "written in letters of the blood of our freedom fighters".

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday (Apr 20) launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that BJP leaders wish to bring changes to the Constitution which was "written in letters of the blood of our freedom fighters". While addressing a rally in Thrissur, Kerala, Priyanka alleged that for "PM Modi's men", the Constitution was an instrument to satisfy their political ambition and greed. "In this so-called New India, the Prime Minister's men are going around and speaking haughtily about bringing changes to our Constitution, which was written in letters of the blood of our freedom fighters. They treat the Constitution, which upholds our right to liberty, equality, and brotherhood, as an instrument to fulfil their own greed and ambition. To them, it is nothing but pages that mean nothing," Priyanka claimed. She further said that under the NDA rule, the foundation of the country stands on the threshold of destruction. Also read: PM Modi takes a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, says Congress' 'sahabzade' will lose Wayanad seat "The very foundation of our country stands on the threshold of destruction today. I know that some would say that this is not so. In fact, they say this is a new India, one that has given the country a new global identity. To them, I would say that if this is true, we should all accept the will of the people (in the elections) and the new India, even if it rises from the ashes of the old," the Congress leader said. "Let's not be in any illusion about this so-called new India, which is being sold to the people, and what it stands for," she added. The Congress leader further hit out at PM Modi stating that the policies that were being framed today were done with an aim to benefit the prime minister's industry 'cronies'. "National assets that belong to us all, assets that were built with the blood, sweat and toil of our people are being handed over to the PM's billionaire friends with impunity. Airports, ports, highways, vast tracts of public land, industrial establishments in key sectors such as cement, power and coal are virtually controlled by just a handful of businessmen close to the PM," said Priyanka Gandhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi lashes out at BJP, says 'PM Modi's men treat Constitution as worthless'

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;leader Shazia Ilmi on Friday (Apr 19) joined in the war of words over jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's diet stating that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo consumed eggs during Navratri.</p>

<p>Shazia, during a press briefing, said, "I believe Kejriwal is mindful of what he should or shouldn't eat for someone who is a diabetic. However, what surprised me was that he even ate eggs during the Navratras. I thought he avoided eggs during Navratri as is customary. However, ultimately, it's a matter of his personal choice whether he wants to have eggs during Navratri or not."</p>

<p>Her remarks come after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (Apr 18) said in a Delhi court that Kejriwal was deliberately eating mangoes, sweets, and other high-carb food to raise his blood sugar level to build a case for bail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The counsel said that the Delhi chief minister has been consuming mangoes, sweets, etc, in jail irrespective of saying that he has high sugar levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shazia further hitting out at AAP's claims that alleged Kejriwal's health concerns were being ignored deliberately, said, "Why would a responsible government agency bring harm to someone it is mandated to protect? I believe we need to avoid making such statements."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/arvind-kejriwal-health-court-reserves-order-on-a-plea-moved-by-delhi-cm-713010">Also read: Arvind Kejriwal health: Court reserves order on plea moved by Delhi CM</a></p>

<p>ED's Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain submitted that the Delhi chief minister was on purpose eating mangoes, sweets, tea with high sugar and Aaloo Poori (popular north Indian breakfast), along with other items in order to prepare grounds for bail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As the prison manual stipulates, an inmate cannot be administered an injection in jail. A medical assistant has been assigned to him, who administers him with insulin as prescribed. So, to say that he is being denied insulin is false. The jail administration has confirmed as much," Shazia said refuting AAP's claims of insulin being denied to Kejriwal.</p>

<p>Earlier, following ED's claim, Atishi alleged that there was a "huge conspiracy" to kill Kejriwal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For the past several days, his blood sugar level has been consistently above 300 mg/dL. Despite Kejriwal's repeated requests, he is not being given insulin, and his sugar level is increasing. He is not being given medication because there is a plot to kill him," she alleged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To this, the BJP leader said, "Since his detention, he's only had jail food for two days. Otherwise, he has only been having food brought from his home. He, himself, put in a request for homecooked food, which was approved."</p>

<p>"Anyone with type-2 diabetes would not consume mangoes. He has had diabetes for a long time now. He knows what he should eat and what he shouldn't," Shazia added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi on Friday (Apr 19) joined in the war of words over jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's diet stating that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo consumed eggs during Navratri.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Shazia Ilmi on Friday (Apr 19) joined in the war of words over jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's diet stating that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo consumed eggs during Navratri. Shazia, during a press briefing, said, "I believe Kejriwal is mindful of what he should or shouldn't eat for someone who is a diabetic. However, what surprised me was that he even ate eggs during the Navratras. I thought he avoided eggs during Navratri as is customary. However, ultimately, it's a matter of his personal choice whether he wants to have eggs during Navratri or not." Her remarks come after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday (Apr 18) said in a Delhi court that Kejriwal was deliberately eating mangoes, sweets, and other high-carb food to raise his blood sugar level to build a case for bail. The counsel said that the Delhi chief minister has been consuming mangoes, sweets, etc, in jail irrespective of saying that he has high sugar levels. Shazia further hitting out at AAP's claims that alleged Kejriwal's health concerns were being ignored deliberately, said, "Why would a responsible government agency bring harm to someone it is mandated to protect? I believe we need to avoid making such statements." Also read: Arvind Kejriwal health: Court reserves order on plea moved by Delhi CM ED's Special Counsel Zoheb Hossain submitted that the Delhi chief minister was on purpose eating mangoes, sweets, tea with high sugar and Aaloo Poori (popular north Indian breakfast), along with other items in order to prepare grounds for bail. "As the prison manual stipulates, an inmate cannot be administered an injection in jail. A medical assistant has been assigned to him, who administers him with insulin as prescribed. So, to say that he is being denied insulin is false. The jail administration has confirmed as much," Shazia said refuting AAP's claims of insulin being denied to Kejriwal. Earlier, following ED's claim, Atishi alleged that there was a "huge conspiracy" to kill Kejriwal. "For the past several days, his blood sugar level has been consistently above 300 mg/dL. Despite Kejriwal's repeated requests, he is not being given insulin, and his sugar level is increasing. He is not being given medication because there is a plot to kill him," she alleged. To this, the BJP leader said, "Since his detention, he's only had jail food for two days. Otherwise, he has only been having food brought from his home. He, himself, put in a request for homecooked food, which was approved." "Anyone with type-2 diabetes would not consume mangoes. He has had diabetes for a long time now. He knows what he should eat and what he shouldn't," Shazia added. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP's Shazia Ilmi rebuffs AAP's accusation of plot to kill Arvind Kejriwal, says he ate 'eggs during Navratri'

<p><strong>Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1:</strong> The general elections in the Indian state of Assam, which has 14 Lok Sabha seats, the highest number in the Northeastern region, will be held in three phases: April 19, April 26 and May 7. The results will be declared on June 4.</p>

<p>Voting is underway in five constituencies in the first phase of the election which is taking place on Friday (Apr 19).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Assam</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-pm-modi-holds-mega-roadshow-in-assam-712061/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In the 2014 and 2019 elections, the historically Congress-dominated state witnessed a shift. In 2014, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won seven of the 14 seats; that number rose five years later when it managed to secure a total of nine seats.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Assam Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Constituencies</strong></h2>

<p>Kaziranga<br />
Sonitpur<br />
Lakhimpur<br />
Dibrugarh<br />
Jorhat</p>

<h2><strong>Assam Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Candidates</strong></h2>

<p>One of the prominent names in this race is Pradan Baruah from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who is contesting for the Lakhimpur seat. The other candidates contesting from the constituency are Ghana Kanta Chutia of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Uday Shankar Hazarika (Congress), and Biren Kachari of the Communist Party of India (CPI).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/assam-lok-sabha-elections-2024-dates-schedule-phases-seats-and-all-you-need-to-know-703876">&nbsp;Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dates, Schedule, phases, seats and all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>The fight is mainly between BJP and Congress in all constituencies except Dibrugarh, where Lurinjyoti Gogoi of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) will challenge Union Minister for Shipping and Waterways and BJP candidate Sarbananda Sonowal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Jorhat, BJP has fielded former state power minister Topon Kumar Gogoi against firebrand Congress leader and former Assam Chief Minister’s son Gaurav Gogoi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Assam will also see some of the richest candidates in the race with at least 15 of the 35 being millionaires who are going to face off against each other in the first phase, according to news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Diluwara Begum Chowdhury, an independent female candidate, who is contesting for the Kaziranga seat is the richest among the 35.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/lok-sabha-election-2024">Click Here to get the latest updates of the 2024 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>According to media reports, most opinion polls have predicted that the BJP will have a clean sweep by winning at least 11 out of the 14 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently held a roadshow in Tinsukia district with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and expressed confidence that BJP would win at least 12 seats this election.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1: The general elections in the Indian state of Assam, which has 14 Lok Sabha seats, the highest number in the Northeastern region, will be held in three phases: April 19, April 26 and May 7.

Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1: The general elections in the Indian state of Assam, which has 14 Lok Sabha seats, the highest number in the Northeastern region, will be held in three phases: April 19, April 26 and May 7. The results will be declared on June 4. Voting is underway in five constituencies in the first phase of the election which is taking place on Friday (Apr 19). WATCH | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Assam In the 2014 and 2019 elections, the historically Congress-dominated state witnessed a shift. In 2014, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won seven of the 14 seats; that number rose five years later when it managed to secure a total of nine seats. Assam Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Constituencies Kaziranga Sonitpur Lakhimpur Dibrugarh Jorhat Assam Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Candidates One of the prominent names in this race is Pradan Baruah from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who is contesting for the Lakhimpur seat. The other candidates contesting from the constituency are Ghana Kanta Chutia of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Uday Shankar Hazarika (Congress), and Biren Kachari of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Also Read | Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dates, Schedule, phases, seats and all you need to know The fight is mainly between BJP and Congress in all constituencies except Dibrugarh, where Lurinjyoti Gogoi of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) will challenge Union Minister for Shipping and Waterways and BJP candidate Sarbananda Sonowal. In Jorhat, BJP has fielded former state power minister Topon Kumar Gogoi against firebrand Congress leader and former Assam Chief Minister’s son Gaurav Gogoi. Notably, Assam will also see some of the richest candidates in the race with at least 15 of the 35 being millionaires who are going to face off against each other in the first phase, according to news agency PTI. Diluwara Begum Chowdhury, an independent female candidate, who is contesting for the Kaziranga seat is the richest among the 35. Click Here to get the latest updates of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. According to media reports, most opinion polls have predicted that the BJP will have a clean sweep by winning at least 11 out of the 14 seats. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently held a roadshow in Tinsukia district with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and expressed confidence that BJP would win at least 12 seats this election. (With inputs from agencies)

Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1 voting underway: Key candidates and constituencies

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Apr 18) informed the Supreme Court that claims and reports of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) malfunctioning were fake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some media outlets carried unverified reports that EVM had registered extra votes in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a mock poll in Kerala's Kasaragod.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While presenting his side, senior deputy election commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas told a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, "These news reports are false."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have verified the allegation from the district collector and it appears that they are false. We will submit a detailed report to the court," Vyas added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mangoes-and-more-arvind-kejriwal-accused-of-eating-high-carb-food-to-raise-blood-sugar-level-712599">Mangoes and more: ED claims Arvind Kejriwal deliberately consuming sweets for THIS reason</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The matter came up during the hearing of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The petitions were filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kerala issue was flagged earlier in the day by Prashant Bhushan, counsel for ADR. He cited a news report also. The bench then asked senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the ECI, to look into the issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/digi-yatra-foundation-clarifies-control-over-app-amid-data-security-facial-recognition-controversies-712616">Digi Yatra Foundation clarifies control over app amid data security &amp; facial recognition controversies</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi says 'one nation, one election' is BJP's commitment to India&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-elections-pm-modi-says-one-nation-one-election-is-bjps-commitment-to-india-711679/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The ECI official present in the courtroom explained the working of the EVMs and VVPAT as he said that the manufacturer does not know which button is going to be allotted to which party. The allocation of machines is also not predetermined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He weighed in on the cross-verification issue saying that there had been no mismatch ever between EVMs and VVPAT slips.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bench observed during the hearing: "This is electoral process. There has to be sanctity. Let nobody have apprehension that something which is expected is not being done."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Apr 18) informed the Supreme Court that claims and reports of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) malfunctioning were fake.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Apr 18) informed the Supreme Court that claims and reports of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) malfunctioning were fake. Some media outlets carried unverified reports that EVM had registered extra votes in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a mock poll in Kerala's Kasaragod. While presenting his side, senior deputy election commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas told a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, "These news reports are false." "We have verified the allegation from the district collector and it appears that they are false. We will submit a detailed report to the court," Vyas added. Also read: Mangoes and more: ED claims Arvind Kejriwal deliberately consuming sweets for THIS reason The matter came up during the hearing of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The petitions were filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and others. The Kerala issue was flagged earlier in the day by Prashant Bhushan, counsel for ADR. He cited a news report also. The bench then asked senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the ECI, to look into the issue. Also read: Digi Yatra Foundation clarifies control over app amid data security & facial recognition controversies Watch: PM Modi says 'one nation, one election' is BJP's commitment to India × The ECI official present in the courtroom explained the working of the EVMs and VVPAT as he said that the manufacturer does not know which button is going to be allotted to which party. The allocation of machines is also not predetermined. He weighed in on the cross-verification issue saying that there had been no mismatch ever between EVMs and VVPAT slips. The bench observed during the hearing: "This is electoral process. There has to be sanctity. Let nobody have apprehension that something which is expected is not being done." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Election Commission rejects claims over EVM error that 'favoured' BJP

<p>Churu, the gateway to India's Thar desert in the northern state of Rajasthan, has been a stronghold for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for decades, having secured it for 30 years straight.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 5 called upon a packed gathering of thousands as he urged the inhabitants of Rajasthan's Shekhawati region, over 270 km west of New Delhi, to choose 'Lotus' symbol on Electronic Voting Machines on April 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"<em>Dilli se Narendra, Devendra ke liye ashirvad maangne aaya hai</em>&nbsp;(From Delhi, Narendra has come to ask for blessings for Devendra)," Modi said, referring to the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Churu,&nbsp;Devendra Jhajharia,&nbsp;the first Indian para athlete to win two gold medals at the Paralympics.</p>

<p>"<em>Aur jab Narendra Devendra ke liye aashirwaad maangta hai, toh aap log chhappar phaad ke de dete hain</em>. (When Narendra asks for blessings for Devendra, you give it out wholeheartedly)," Modi added, with the crowd roaring in affirmation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But mired in caste loyalties, there&nbsp;is much more to Churu's politics beyond Modi's popularity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For starters, Rahul Kaswan, Churu's serving Member of Parliament for two terms since 2014 — and son of four-time BJP Churu MP Ramsingh Kaswan&nbsp;—&nbsp;switched sides from the BJP to Congress when he was denied ticket for re-election bid in March.<img alt="Churu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae5e5508-efce-4f94-b461-74f372fd45fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BattleOfTheBastions%20%284%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>Ramsingh Kaswan, BJP Churu MP (1991-1996; 1999-2004; 2004-2009 and 2009-14) and his son Rahul Kaswan, BJP Churu MP (2014-2019; 2019-2024)</em></p>

<p>"After all, what was my crime?," Kaswan wrote in an emotional <a href="https://x.com/RahulKaswanMP/status/1764585586495783188">post</a> on X on March 4, 2024, two days after the BJP released its list of candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and named Jhajharia as its Churu candidate.</p>

<p><img alt="Rahul Kaswan with Congress president Mallikarjun Khadge" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="18799b44-9c01-4bc9-9b75-e120f9f0ac2e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BattleOfTheBastions%20%285%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>Rahul Kaswan with Congress president Mallikarjun Khadge | X/@RahulKaswanMP</em></p>

<p>Kaswan's aides later accused influential BJP Rajput leader&nbsp;Rajendra Singh Rathore of playing a crucial role in the party's decision to drop his name.&nbsp;Rathore, a seven-time Member of Rajasthan's Legislative Assembly&nbsp;and former leader of opposition in the state, also&nbsp;holds significant sway in the Shekhawati region.</p>

<p>With Rahul Kaswan as its candidate,&nbsp;the Congress party&nbsp;is hopeful that it stands a chance in Churu.</p>

<p>With&nbsp;over two million voters, about 600,000-strong Jat community holds significant influence in Churu. Kaswan has appealed community's purported disenchantment that one of their own was denied ticket by the BJP.</p>

<p>But for what it's worth, Jhajharia's paralympic accolades are adding to the fact that he too is the member of Jat community. Out in the April heat of Churu, his is a face that youngsters recognise and old-aged are quick to get hold of after a moment of description of his medal-winning moments by the youngsters accompanying them.<img alt="Devendra Jhajharia during election campaign in Churu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c9217a7-475a-4af3-8611-fb42c686658c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/BattleOfTheBastions%20%286%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>Devendra Jhajharia during election campaign in Churu | X/Devendra Jhajharia</em></p>

<p>Kaswan too&nbsp;is a familiar political face with an undeniable sway in the region.&nbsp;His father, Ramsingh Kaswan, was a prominent political figure from the Jat community who joined the BJP in 1991. As a Member of Parliament (MP) for five terms until 2014, Rahul succeeded his father as Churu MP from BJP&nbsp;in 2014, and extended BJP's vote share beyond 60 per cent of total votes polled in 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The two Jat candidates are contesting in Churu. Kaswan has played it clever&nbsp;by making this election a Jat Vs Rajput issue," said an insider with information related to the political workings of Churu on the condition anonymity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"PM Modi knows this issue and that's why he said from the stage what he said about Devendra's background and Paralympic accolades,"&nbsp;the insider added while referring to Modi's April 5 Churu rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to the caste arithmetic, the insider said that the outcome&nbsp;would be determined if the Jat&nbsp;vote en bloc for either candidate, or if the community's vote is divided between the two.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If Jat votes got divided between two&nbsp;candidates, the BJP will win this seat. If Jats decide to vote for the Rahul Kaswan one-sided, BJP will lose this seat," the insider added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53yOraMk1e/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53yOraMk1e/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53yOraMk1e/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53yOraMk1e/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by WION (@wionews)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>But under Modi, the BJP has attempted to break the caste arithmetic by wooing the women voters. His signature&nbsp;welfare populism&nbsp;— including housing scheme for the underprivileged and cooking gas connection for poor households&nbsp;— are all aimed at purportedly ensuring women's ownership of housing as well as the access to basic necessities.</p>

<p>In PM Modi's political rallies, the women-centric characteristics of central welfare schemes of his government are central to his political messaging, a theme he repeated on April 5 in Churu.&nbsp;Riding on this acumen, the BJP is hopeful that it will be able to establish the constituency as the stronghold of the party and not just the Kaswans.</p>

<p>Churu is scheduled to vote on April 19. The counting of votes will be held on June 4, 2024.</p>


Churu, the gateway to India's Thar desert in the northern state of Rajasthan, has been a stronghold for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for decades, having secured it for 30 years straight.

Churu, the gateway to India's Thar desert in the northern state of Rajasthan, has been a stronghold for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party for decades, having secured it for 30 years straight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 5 called upon a packed gathering of thousands as he urged the inhabitants of Rajasthan's Shekhawati region, over 270 km west of New Delhi, to choose 'Lotus' symbol on Electronic Voting Machines on April 19. "Dilli se Narendra, Devendra ke liye ashirvad maangne aaya hai (From Delhi, Narendra has come to ask for blessings for Devendra)," Modi said, referring to the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Churu, Devendra Jhajharia, the first Indian para athlete to win two gold medals at the Paralympics. "Aur jab Narendra Devendra ke liye aashirwaad maangta hai, toh aap log chhappar phaad ke de dete hain. (When Narendra asks for blessings for Devendra, you give it out wholeheartedly)," Modi added, with the crowd roaring in affirmation. But mired in caste loyalties, there is much more to Churu's politics beyond Modi's popularity. For starters, Rahul Kaswan, Churu's serving Member of Parliament for two terms since 2014 — and son of four-time BJP Churu MP Ramsingh Kaswan — switched sides from the BJP to Congress when he was denied ticket for re-election bid in March. Ramsingh Kaswan, BJP Churu MP (1991-1996; 1999-2004; 2004-2009 and 2009-14) and his son Rahul Kaswan, BJP Churu MP (2014-2019; 2019-2024) "After all, what was my crime?," Kaswan wrote in an emotional post on X on March 4, 2024, two days after the BJP released its list of candidates for upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and named Jhajharia as its Churu candidate. Rahul Kaswan with Congress president Mallikarjun Khadge | X/@RahulKaswanMP Kaswan's aides later accused influential BJP Rajput leader Rajendra Singh Rathore of playing a crucial role in the party's decision to drop his name. Rathore, a seven-time Member of Rajasthan's Legislative Assembly and former leader of opposition in the state, also holds significant sway in the Shekhawati region. With Rahul Kaswan as its candidate, the Congress party is hopeful that it stands a chance in Churu. With over two million voters, about 600,000-strong Jat community holds significant influence in Churu. Kaswan has appealed community's purported disenchantment that one of their own was denied ticket by the BJP. But for what it's worth, Jhajharia's paralympic accolades are adding to the fact that he too is the member of Jat community. Out in the April heat of Churu, his is a face that youngsters recognise and old-aged are quick to get hold of after a moment of description of his medal-winning moments by the youngsters accompanying them. Devendra Jhajharia during election campaign in Churu | X/Devendra Jhajharia Kaswan too is a familiar political face with an undeniable sway in the region. His father, Ramsingh Kaswan, was a prominent political figure from the Jat community who joined the BJP in 1991. As a Member of Parliament (MP) for five terms until 2014, Rahul succeeded his father as Churu MP from BJP in 2014, and extended BJP's vote share beyond 60 per cent of total votes polled in 2019. "The two Jat candidates are contesting in Churu. Kaswan has played it clever by making this election a Jat Vs Rajput issue," said an insider with information related to the political workings of Churu on the condition anonymity. "PM Modi knows this issue and that's why he said from the stage what he said about Devendra's background and Paralympic accolades," the insider added while referring to Modi's April 5 Churu rally. Referring to the caste arithmetic, the insider said that the outcome would be determined if the Jat vote en bloc for either candidate, or if the community's vote is divided between the two. "If Jat votes got divided between two candidates, the BJP will win this seat. If Jats decide to vote for the Rahul Kaswan one-sided, BJP will lose this seat," the insider added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × But under Modi, the BJP has attempted to break the caste arithmetic by wooing the women voters. His signature welfare populism — including housing scheme for the underprivileged and cooking gas connection for poor households — are all aimed at purportedly ensuring women's ownership of housing as well as the access to basic necessities. In PM Modi's political rallies, the women-centric characteristics of central welfare schemes of his government are central to his political messaging, a theme he repeated on April 5 in Churu. Riding on this acumen, the BJP is hopeful that it will be able to establish the constituency as the stronghold of the party and not just the Kaswans. Churu is scheduled to vote on April 19. The counting of votes will be held on June 4, 2024.

Battle of the Bastions: Will champion athlete Jhajharia retain Churu for BJP?

<p>Over 300 km south of Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal and about 940 km away from New Delhi's corridors of power, Chhindwara is an undeniable bastion of the Congress party, which even at the lowest of its political fortunes in 2019, elected grand old party's Nakul Nath to Lok Sabha. Congress has won a whopping 17 of the 18 Lok Sabha Elections since 1952 in Chhindwara, and the constituency holds distinction as the last of the bastions for the Congress party which survived the juggernaut of PM Modi's populism in 2014 and 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chhindwara is one of India's precious few 'safe' parliamentary seats, meaning the incumbent can safely expect to get re-elected, and one of the few that consistently rewarded its representative for delivering on development," wrote author-investor Ruchir Sharma in his 2019 book 'Democracy on the Road'.</p>

<p>Chhindwara has elected Kamal Nath for a whopping nine terms between 1980 and 2019. The Gandhi loyalist, who became friends with former PM Indira Gandhi's son Sanjay at the Doon School in Dehradun, was succeeded as Chhindwara MP by his wife Alka in 1996 Lok Sabha Elections. The only loss Congress faced was in 1997 bypoll&nbsp;when former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Sunder Lal Patwa beat Kamal Nath by over 37,000 votes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-will-champion-athlete-jhajharia-retain-churu-for-bjp-712375">Battle of the Bastions: Will champion athlete Jhajharia retain Churu for BJP?</a></strong></p>

<p>Kamal Nath then wrested Chhindwara from the BJP in 1998, and held on to it till 2019, winning five elections in a row. His son Nakul Nath won in 2019 in a hotly contested election to save his family bastion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I later asked a leading Indian industrialist how it was that leaders like Nath and [Sharad] Pawar could develop VIP constituencies, yet the mighty Gandhis could not do the same for Amethi," Sharma wrote further, referring to the way the Congress party struggled to get fifth generation Gandhi-Nehru scion Rahul Gandhi from Amethi in 2014. Five months after January 2019 when Ruchir's book was published, Amethi pronounced its verdict against Rahul Gandhi by electing the BJP's Smriti Irani.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the Congress party, Amethi became a bastion subtracted. The spotlight is now on Chhindwara that elected Congress party amid BJP's attempts to redeem PM Modi's popularity in the constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-will-tharoors-thiruvananthapuram-become-bjps-gateway-in-kerala-711972">Battle of the Bastions: Will Tharoor's Thiruvananthapuram become BJP's gateway in Kerala?</a></strong></p>

<p>"He said it was about playing the game: figures like Nath and Pawar are on friendly terms with private business people and will not hesitate to tap them for development funds and assistance. The Gandhis are too wary of private business to make the necessary connections or call in direct favours," Sharma added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But ahead of 2024 polls, the ruling BJP has invested its full might to wrest Chhindwara from Congress, after taking up a legion of the Nath loyalists in the constituency.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53ktUksSF6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53ktUksSF6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53ktUksSF6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C53ktUksSF6/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by WION (@wionews)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Nakul Nath is pitted against BJP's district president Vivek 'Bunty' Sahu, who claims to be "Chhindwara’s real son" and paints Nakul as an "outsider dynast".</p>

<p>The BJP has claimed to have inducted over 2,000 Congress leaders and workers in Chhindwara, including Amarwara’s MLA Kamlesh Pratap Shah, mayor Vikram Ahake and several councillors.</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;Nakul Nath emerges as the 'richest' Lok Sabha candidate</b></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nakul-nath-emerges-as-the-richest-lok-sabha-candidate-709702/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Nath is also the richest Lok Sabha candidate in election fray with assets worth about ₹697 crore, an political liability that the BJP has publicised locally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With election fervour muted during silence period after April 17, the voters of Chhindwara will either create or repeat the history.</p>

<p>Chhindwara will vote on April 19. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on April 4.&nbsp;</p>


Over 300 km south of Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal and about 940 km away from New Delhi's corridors of power, Chhindwara is an undeniable bastion of the Congress party, which even at the lowest of its political fortunes in 2019, elected grand old party's Nakul Nath to Lok Sabha.

Over 300 km south of Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal and about 940 km away from New Delhi's corridors of power, Chhindwara is an undeniable bastion of the Congress party, which even at the lowest of its political fortunes in 2019, elected grand old party's Nakul Nath to Lok Sabha. Congress has won a whopping 17 of the 18 Lok Sabha Elections since 1952 in Chhindwara, and the constituency holds distinction as the last of the bastions for the Congress party which survived the juggernaut of PM Modi's populism in 2014 and 2019. "Chhindwara is one of India's precious few 'safe' parliamentary seats, meaning the incumbent can safely expect to get re-elected, and one of the few that consistently rewarded its representative for delivering on development," wrote author-investor Ruchir Sharma in his 2019 book 'Democracy on the Road'. Chhindwara has elected Kamal Nath for a whopping nine terms between 1980 and 2019. The Gandhi loyalist, who became friends with former PM Indira Gandhi's son Sanjay at the Doon School in Dehradun, was succeeded as Chhindwara MP by his wife Alka in 1996 Lok Sabha Elections. The only loss Congress faced was in 1997 bypoll when former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Sunder Lal Patwa beat Kamal Nath by over 37,000 votes. Also read | Battle of the Bastions: Will champion athlete Jhajharia retain Churu for BJP? Kamal Nath then wrested Chhindwara from the BJP in 1998, and held on to it till 2019, winning five elections in a row. His son Nakul Nath won in 2019 in a hotly contested election to save his family bastion. "I later asked a leading Indian industrialist how it was that leaders like Nath and [Sharad] Pawar could develop VIP constituencies, yet the mighty Gandhis could not do the same for Amethi," Sharma wrote further, referring to the way the Congress party struggled to get fifth generation Gandhi-Nehru scion Rahul Gandhi from Amethi in 2014. Five months after January 2019 when Ruchir's book was published, Amethi pronounced its verdict against Rahul Gandhi by electing the BJP's Smriti Irani. For the Congress party, Amethi became a bastion subtracted. The spotlight is now on Chhindwara that elected Congress party amid BJP's attempts to redeem PM Modi's popularity in the constituency. Also read | Battle of the Bastions: Will Tharoor's Thiruvananthapuram become BJP's gateway in Kerala? "He said it was about playing the game: figures like Nath and Pawar are on friendly terms with private business people and will not hesitate to tap them for development funds and assistance. The Gandhis are too wary of private business to make the necessary connections or call in direct favours," Sharma added. But ahead of 2024 polls, the ruling BJP has invested its full might to wrest Chhindwara from Congress, after taking up a legion of the Nath loyalists in the constituency. View this post on Instagram A post shared by WION (@wionews) × Nakul Nath is pitted against BJP's district president Vivek 'Bunty' Sahu, who claims to be "Chhindwara’s real son" and paints Nakul as an "outsider dynast". The BJP has claimed to have inducted over 2,000 Congress leaders and workers in Chhindwara, including Amarwara’s MLA Kamlesh Pratap Shah, mayor Vikram Ahake and several councillors. Also watch | Nakul Nath emerges as the 'richest' Lok Sabha candidate × Nath is also the richest Lok Sabha candidate in election fray with assets worth about ₹697 crore, an political liability that the BJP has publicised locally. With election fervour muted during silence period after April 17, the voters of Chhindwara will either create or repeat the history. Chhindwara will vote on April 19. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on April 4.

Battle of the Bastions: Will BJP wrest Chhindwara from Congress?

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency.</p>

<p>Maharashtra Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant's brother Kiran Samant was keen on contesting this Lok Sabha seat. However, the BJP managed to get the seat for itself and fielded Rane. This seat has not been contested by the BJP earlier.</p>

<p>The BJP shares power in Maharashtra with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-helmed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-meghalaya-to-vote-in-phase-1-here-are-the-key-candidates-712703">Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates</a></p>

<p>The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, which covers two key coastal districts of Maharashtra, has traditionally been a bastion of the undivided Shiv Sena. After the party split in June 2022, Vinayak Raut supported the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has now renominated him from the seat.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-a-guide-on-how-to-vote-for-first-time-voters-712688">Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters</a></p>

<p>Rane's elder son Nilesh Rane had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency when the Rane family was part of the Congress. Nilesh was re-nominated by the Congress, but lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Vinayak Raut.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-the-mother-of-all-elections-712690">India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-the-mother-of-all-elections-712690/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Raut retained the constituency in 2019 when Nilesh contested as the candidate of Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, a political outfit floated by his father. The outfit was later merged into the BJP.</p>

<p>Narayan Rane had started his political career in the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to become the chief minister in 1999. However, he was expelled from the party by its founder Bal Thackeray in 2005 for 'anti-party activities'.</p>

<p>Rane’s younger son Nitesh represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in Sindhudurg district.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency. Maharashtra Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant's brother Kiran Samant was keen on contesting this Lok Sabha seat. However, the BJP managed to get the seat for itself and fielded Rane. This seat has not been contested by the BJP earlier. The BJP shares power in Maharashtra with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-helmed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance. Also Read | Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, which covers two key coastal districts of Maharashtra, has traditionally been a bastion of the undivided Shiv Sena. After the party split in June 2022, Vinayak Raut supported the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has now renominated him from the seat. Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters Rane's elder son Nilesh Rane had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency when the Rane family was part of the Congress. Nilesh was re-nominated by the Congress, but lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Vinayak Raut. Watch | India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections × Raut retained the constituency in 2019 when Nilesh contested as the candidate of Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, a political outfit floated by his father. The outfit was later merged into the BJP. Narayan Rane had started his political career in the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to become the chief minister in 1999. However, he was expelled from the party by its founder Bal Thackeray in 2005 for 'anti-party activities'. Rane’s younger son Nitesh represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in Sindhudurg district.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP fields Union minister Narayan Rane from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat

Next up we get you a quick Roundup of the latest developments coming in from the Indian political landscape as India heads to the poll on the 19th of April: Less than 48 hours to go for the first phase of elections in India. Political parties and their star leaders are pulling out all the stops on the last date attempting to woo the voters.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Campaigning ends for Lok Sabha polls phase 1

Less than 48 hours to go for the first phase of elections in India. Political parties and their star leaders are pulling out all the stops on the last date attempting to woo the voters.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: India elections countdown to Phase 1 polls

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, has claimed that the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had gifted Coco Island to Myanmar. The island group is located in the Bay of Bengal almost 300 kilometres south of the Burmese mainland. It was part of the Northern Andaman Islands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ray, who is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/lok-sabha-election-2024">Lok Sabha</a> candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands while speaking to the news agency ANI said, "The Congress has always harboured anti-India sentiments. Nehru gifted the Coco Islands, which were part of the Northern Andaman Islands, to Myanmar, which is currently under China's direct control."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-will-tharoors-thiruvananthapuram-become-bjps-gateway-in-kerala-711972">Battle of the Bastions: Will Tharoor's Thiruvananthapuram become BJP's gateway in Kerala?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He further claimed, "Today, the central government is constructing a shipyard, and two defence airports to counter China in Campbell Bay, which is also known as Indira Point." The BJP leader said that the Indian National Congress (INC) did not worry about the islands when they were in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The islands are a group of five islands, four on the Great Coco Reef and one more island on the Little Coco Reef. They officially became part of Myanmar when it was freed from the British in 1948. However, it became a major concern for India when Myanmar leased the island to the People's Republic of China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-on-evm-and-vvpat-case-human-interventions-lead-to-problems-711982">Supreme Court on EVM and VVPAT case: ‘We know what happened when there were ballot papers’</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Chinese influence on Coco Island</strong></h2>

<p>Last year, satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies showed new construction activity on and around Myanmar's Coco Islands in the northeastern Bay of Bengal. The islands have reportedly been witnessing military modernisation, which can be seen as a part of China's growing influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest militarisation could pose a significant security challenge to India. Such military construction might impact India's strategic interests in the region as it poses a security challenge to India and its navy.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Fact Check: Did Kerala government publish textbook with communal content?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/fact-check-did-kerala-government-publish-textbook-with-communal-content-break-the-fake-712254/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Katchatheevu island controversy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The issue emerged amid ongoing controversy over Katchatheevu island as it was revealed last month after a Right To Information (RTI) that the Congress government led by then prime minister Indira Gandhi handed over Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned it, stating that Indira Gandhi's action had "angered" the people. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Eye-opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people's minds—we can't ever trust Congress! (sic). Weakening India's unity, integrity and interests has been Congress' way of working for 75 years and counting."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, has claimed that the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had gifted Coco Island to Myanmar.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, has claimed that the country's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had gifted Coco Island to Myanmar. The island group is located in the Bay of Bengal almost 300 kilometres south of the Burmese mainland. It was part of the Northern Andaman Islands. Ray, who is the Lok Sabha candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands while speaking to the news agency ANI said, "The Congress has always harboured anti-India sentiments. Nehru gifted the Coco Islands, which were part of the Northern Andaman Islands, to Myanmar, which is currently under China's direct control." Also read: Battle of the Bastions: Will Tharoor's Thiruvananthapuram become BJP's gateway in Kerala? He further claimed, "Today, the central government is constructing a shipyard, and two defence airports to counter China in Campbell Bay, which is also known as Indira Point." The BJP leader said that the Indian National Congress (INC) did not worry about the islands when they were in power. The islands are a group of five islands, four on the Great Coco Reef and one more island on the Little Coco Reef. They officially became part of Myanmar when it was freed from the British in 1948. However, it became a major concern for India when Myanmar leased the island to the People's Republic of China. Also read: Supreme Court on EVM and VVPAT case: ‘We know what happened when there were ballot papers’ Chinese influence on Coco Island Last year, satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies showed new construction activity on and around Myanmar's Coco Islands in the northeastern Bay of Bengal. The islands have reportedly been witnessing military modernisation, which can be seen as a part of China's growing influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. The latest militarisation could pose a significant security challenge to India. Such military construction might impact India's strategic interests in the region as it poses a security challenge to India and its navy. Watch: Fact Check: Did Kerala government publish textbook with communal content? × Katchatheevu island controversy The issue emerged amid ongoing controversy over Katchatheevu island as it was revealed last month after a Right To Information (RTI) that the Congress government led by then prime minister Indira Gandhi handed over Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mentioned it, stating that Indira Gandhi's action had "angered" the people. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Eye-opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people's minds—we can't ever trust Congress! (sic). Weakening India's unity, integrity and interests has been Congress' way of working for 75 years and counting." (With inputs from agencies)

BJP leader claims Jawaharlal Nehru gifted Coco Islands to Myanmar, which is now under China’s direct control

Here are the latest developments coming in from Indian Politics as the country heads to polls on April 19th that's this Friday. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Assam

Ahead of the first phase of polls, Wion's Johan castell visits Rajasthan's Bharatpur, to gauge the mood on the ground. Will the ruling BJP sweep the mandate in Rajasthan again? Or will opposition India bloc be able to break the trend?

Lok Sabha Elections: Third time a charm for BJP in Rajasthan?

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (Apr 15) lashed out at the Election Commission accusing it of "favouring" the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p>She then said that if there is a single riot in the state, ECI would be responsible, further threatening to go on a hunger strike outside the poll panel's office for 55 days if needed.</p>

<p>While addressing a rally at Alipurduar, the TMC supremo claimed that the ECI ousted the Deputy Inspector General of Police of Murshidabad at the BJP's order.</p>

<p>"Even today, just based on BJP's instructions, the DIG of Murshidabad was changed. Now, if there are riots in Murshidabad and Malda, the responsibility will lie with the Election Commission. The BJP wanted to change the police officers to trigger riots and violence. If there is even one riot, the ECI will be responsible as they are looking after law and order here," she said.</p>

<p>"If I can fast for farmers for 26 days (during anti-land acquisition protests in Singur), I can go on a hunger strike for 55 days outside your (EC) office as well," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/pm-modi-hits-out-at-opposition-over-level-playing-field-in-lok-sabha-elections-heaps-praise-on-ed-711622">PM Modi hits out at Opposition over ‘level playing field’ in Lok Sabha elections, heaps praise on ED</a></p>

<h2><strong>'Will see how many jails you have,' says&nbsp;Banerjee</strong></h2>

<p>She further claimed that the saffron party threatened the opposition bloc with imprisonment.</p>

<p>"I will see how many jails you have. How many cops do you have? How many people will you thrash? I have been assaulted a lot of times. I know how to fight. I am not a coward," she said.</p>

<p>Banerjee's remarks came after TMC claimed that Income Tax officials&nbsp;raided&nbsp;a helicopter that was used by party leader Abhishek Banerjee.</p>

<p>The TMC chief while addressing a rally in Cooch Behar claimed that BJP was "misusing" central agencies against the party ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>"Income Tax officials conducted a raid and searched Abhishek Banerjee's chopper before the trial run but found nothing. Those I-T officials claimed that we had inputs that there was money and gold in the chopper, but they found nothing. We don't engage in such acts. It is the BJP that is involved in such things. But will the officials of the central agency ever dare to check BJP leaders' choppers," she said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (Apr 15) lashed out at the Election Commission accusing it of "favouring" the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She then said that if there is a single riot in the state, ECI would be responsible, further threatening to go on a hunger strike outside the poll panel's office for 55 days if needed.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday (Apr 15) lashed out at the Election Commission accusing it of "favouring" the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She then said that if there is a single riot in the state, ECI would be responsible, further threatening to go on a hunger strike outside the poll panel's office for 55 days if needed. While addressing a rally at Alipurduar, the TMC supremo claimed that the ECI ousted the Deputy Inspector General of Police of Murshidabad at the BJP's order. "Even today, just based on BJP's instructions, the DIG of Murshidabad was changed. Now, if there are riots in Murshidabad and Malda, the responsibility will lie with the Election Commission. The BJP wanted to change the police officers to trigger riots and violence. If there is even one riot, the ECI will be responsible as they are looking after law and order here," she said. "If I can fast for farmers for 26 days (during anti-land acquisition protests in Singur), I can go on a hunger strike for 55 days outside your (EC) office as well," she added. Also read: PM Modi hits out at Opposition over ‘level playing field’ in Lok Sabha elections, heaps praise on ED 'Will see how many jails you have,' says Banerjee She further claimed that the saffron party threatened the opposition bloc with imprisonment. "I will see how many jails you have. How many cops do you have? How many people will you thrash? I have been assaulted a lot of times. I know how to fight. I am not a coward," she said. Banerjee's remarks came after TMC claimed that Income Tax officials raided a helicopter that was used by party leader Abhishek Banerjee. The TMC chief while addressing a rally in Cooch Behar claimed that BJP was "misusing" central agencies against the party ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "Income Tax officials conducted a raid and searched Abhishek Banerjee's chopper before the trial run but found nothing. Those I-T officials claimed that we had inputs that there was money and gold in the chopper, but they found nothing. We don't engage in such acts. It is the BJP that is involved in such things. But will the officials of the central agency ever dare to check BJP leaders' choppers," she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata slams ECI for 'favouring' Modi govt, accuses BJP of 'misusing' central agencies

Lok Sabha elections 2024 | PM Modi: TMC supports infiltrators but opposes CAA

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party released its much-awaited Manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections this weekend. In attendance were Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP Chief JP Nadda. Will 'Modi ki Guarantee' help sway undecided voters in polls? Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha election 2024: BJP's 'Modi ki guarantee' manifesto for polls

Next up we get you a quick Roundup of the latest developments coming in from the Indian political landscape as India heads to the poll on the 19th of April: PM Modi holds an election rally in Kerala. Rahul Gandhi holds a roadshow in Wayanad. Punjab CM meets Arvind Kejriwal in prison. Amit Shah says he won't allow Manipur to be divided.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi holds an election rally in Kerala | Rahul Gandhi holds roadshow in Wayanad

The election season is here in India. Political parties are releasing their poll manifesto. India's ruling party BJP has also released its Sankalp Patra. What are the big promises of the BJP? Watch here.

BJP manifesto 2024: BJP's key promises for Lok Sabha elections 2024

<p>As the Lok Sabha polls are drawing closer, the Congress on Sunday (Apr 14) released its list of 10 candidates for Delhi as well as Punjab.</p>

<p>In Punjab, the grand old party has fielded former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi for the Jalandhar-SC Lok Sabha seat.</p>

<p>Sitting MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla has been fielded from the Amritsar seat, whereas Amar Singh has been handed the ticket from Fatehgarh Sahib (SC) Lok Sabha seat.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | Congress releases another list of 10 candidates for the general elections.<br />
<br />
Kanhaiya Kumar to contest from North East Delhi (against BJP North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari), JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk (against BJP candidate from… <a href="https://t.co/0c4oiZVIn9">pic.twitter.com/0c4oiZVIn9</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1779532761033805852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Former MP Dharamvir Gandhi has been handed the ticket from the Patiala Lok Sabha seat days after he quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined Congress.</p>

<p>For the Sangrur seat, the party nominated All India Kisan wing supremo Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency, which is currently represented by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Delhi, veteran politician JP Agarwal has been given the ticket from the Chandni Chowk seat against BJP candidate Praveen Khandelwal.</p>

<p>Kanhaiya Kumar has been fielded from North East Delhi against BJP North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari.</p>

<p>Udit Raj will contest from North-West Delhi against BJP candidate Yogendra Chandolia.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-bjp-releases-its-manifesto-for-polls-here-are-the-key-takeaways-711075">Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP releases poll manifesto. Here are the key takeaways</a></p>

<h2><strong>BJP and AAP's picks for Punjab</strong></h2>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former Congress MP and former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur from Patiala who had won the same seat in the 2019 general elections on Congress ticket.</p>

<p>Kaur was suspended by the Congress in February 2023 over alleged 'anti-party' activities and she joined the BJP in March this year.</p>

<p>AAP has fielded Dr Balbir Singh from the Patiala seat.</p>

<p>For the Amritsar seat, BJP fielded former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu.</p>

<p>From the Jalandhar constituency, the party fielded AAP's lone MP Sushil Kumar Rinku who quit the Kejriwal-led outfit and joined the BJP last month.</p>

<p>For Faridkot, which is a reserved seat, the saffron party fielded singer and MP from North West Delhi Hans Raj Hans.</p>

<p>Karamjit Anmol has been nominated by AAP for the Faridkot.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the Lok Sabha polls are drawing closer, the Congress on Sunday (Apr 14) released its list of 10 candidates for Delhi as well as Punjab. In Punjab, the grand old party has fielded former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi for the Jalandhar-SC Lok Sabha seat.

As the Lok Sabha polls are drawing closer, the Congress on Sunday (Apr 14) released its list of 10 candidates for Delhi as well as Punjab. In Punjab, the grand old party has fielded former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi for the Jalandhar-SC Lok Sabha seat. Sitting MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla has been fielded from the Amritsar seat, whereas Amar Singh has been handed the ticket from Fatehgarh Sahib (SC) Lok Sabha seat. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | Congress releases another list of 10 candidates for the general elections. Kanhaiya Kumar to contest from North East Delhi (against BJP North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari), JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk (against BJP candidate from… pic.twitter.com/0c4oiZVIn9 — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2024 × Former MP Dharamvir Gandhi has been handed the ticket from the Patiala Lok Sabha seat days after he quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined Congress. For the Sangrur seat, the party nominated All India Kisan wing supremo Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency, which is currently represented by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal. For Delhi, veteran politician JP Agarwal has been given the ticket from the Chandni Chowk seat against BJP candidate Praveen Khandelwal. Kanhaiya Kumar has been fielded from North East Delhi against BJP North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari. Udit Raj will contest from North-West Delhi against BJP candidate Yogendra Chandolia. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP releases poll manifesto. Here are the key takeaways BJP and AAP's picks for Punjab The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former Congress MP and former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur from Patiala who had won the same seat in the 2019 general elections on Congress ticket. Kaur was suspended by the Congress in February 2023 over alleged 'anti-party' activities and she joined the BJP in March this year. AAP has fielded Dr Balbir Singh from the Patiala seat. For the Amritsar seat, BJP fielded former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. From the Jalandhar constituency, the party fielded AAP's lone MP Sushil Kumar Rinku who quit the Kejriwal-led outfit and joined the BJP last month. For Faridkot, which is a reserved seat, the saffron party fielded singer and MP from North West Delhi Hans Raj Hans. Karamjit Anmol has been nominated by AAP for the Faridkot. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Polls: Congress releases list of 10 candidates, fields Kanhaiya Kumar from North East Delhi

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has included the Uniform Civil Code in its Manifesto for the upcoming general elections. The manifesto is named 'Modi ki Guarantee 2024' or the Sankalp Patra. It was unveiled by the BJP party at their party headquarters.

BJP releases Manifesto for Lok Sabha Elections 2024, released on BR Ambedkar birth anniversary

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Bharatiya Janata Party releases poll manifesto

<p>Vikramaditya Singh, the Congress MLA&nbsp;in Himachal Pradesh, will be fighting against BJP's Kangana Ranaut in Mandi Lok Sabha constituency of the state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Congress on Saturday (April 13) announced a list of 16 more candidates for the Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Congress also fielded former Union minister Manish Tewari from the Chandigarh parliamentary constituency.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-shares-video-of-adhir-ranjan-chowdhurys-altercation-with-party-worker-display-of-hooliganism-710925">TMC shares video of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's altercation with party worker; 'display of hooliganism'</a></p>

<p>The other candidates in the list were Ramji Thakor from Mahesana, Himmatsinh Patel from Ahmedabad East, Pareshbhai Dhanani from Rajkot, Naishadh Desai from Navasari, Vinod Sultanpuri from Shimla, Mohan Hembram from Keonjhar, Shrikant Kumar Jena from Balasore, Anant Prasad Sethi from Bhadrak, Anchal Das from Jajpur, Sashmita Behera from Dhenkanal, Sidharth Swarup Das from Kendrapara, Rabindra Kumar Sethy from Jagatsinghpur, Sucharita Mohanty from puri and Yasir Nawa from Bhubaneswar.</p>

<p>Vikramaditya Singh is the son of the Congress' Himachal Pradesh unit chief Pratibha Singh.</p>

<p>Slamming Kangana Ranaut for her ‘Chhota Pappu’ remark, Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Thursday that he would pray to Lord Ram to give her some "sense."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delhi-court-sends-brs-leader-k-kavitha-to-cbi-custody-till-april-15-710519">India: Delhi court sends BRS leader K Kavitha to CBI custody till April 15</a>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video message, Singh expressed that Kangana Ranaut is attempting to mislead the public and shift the focus away from the state's issues. He also challenged her to engage in a debate with him.</p>

<p>"We respect our elder sister Kangana Ranaut in high regard. Today, she addressed the people of Manali."</p>

<p>"Rather than criticising the Congress party and its leaders, it would have been more constructive if she had addressed the significant disaster that occurred in Manali a few months ago, which is considered one of the biggest calamities of the century," Singh remarked.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Vikramaditya Singh, the Congress MLA in Himachal Pradesh, will be fighting against BJP's Kangana Ranaut in Mandi Lok Sabha constituency of the state. The Congress on Saturday (April 13) announced a list of 16 more candidates for the Lok Sabha polls.

Vikramaditya Singh, the Congress MLA in Himachal Pradesh, will be fighting against BJP's Kangana Ranaut in Mandi Lok Sabha constituency of the state. The Congress on Saturday (April 13) announced a list of 16 more candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. Congress also fielded former Union minister Manish Tewari from the Chandigarh parliamentary constituency. Also read: TMC shares video of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's altercation with party worker; 'display of hooliganism' The other candidates in the list were Ramji Thakor from Mahesana, Himmatsinh Patel from Ahmedabad East, Pareshbhai Dhanani from Rajkot, Naishadh Desai from Navasari, Vinod Sultanpuri from Shimla, Mohan Hembram from Keonjhar, Shrikant Kumar Jena from Balasore, Anant Prasad Sethi from Bhadrak, Anchal Das from Jajpur, Sashmita Behera from Dhenkanal, Sidharth Swarup Das from Kendrapara, Rabindra Kumar Sethy from Jagatsinghpur, Sucharita Mohanty from puri and Yasir Nawa from Bhubaneswar. Vikramaditya Singh is the son of the Congress' Himachal Pradesh unit chief Pratibha Singh. Slamming Kangana Ranaut for her ‘Chhota Pappu’ remark, Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Thursday that he would pray to Lord Ram to give her some "sense." Also read: India: Delhi court sends BRS leader K Kavitha to CBI custody till April 15 In a video message, Singh expressed that Kangana Ranaut is attempting to mislead the public and shift the focus away from the state's issues. He also challenged her to engage in a debate with him. "We respect our elder sister Kangana Ranaut in high regard. Today, she addressed the people of Manali." "Rather than criticising the Congress party and its leaders, it would have been more constructive if she had addressed the significant disaster that occurred in Manali a few months ago, which is considered one of the biggest calamities of the century," Singh remarked. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress fields Vikramaditya Singh against Kangana Ranaut from Mandi in Himachal

Despite a jam-packed agenda leading up to the Lok Sabha elections, the Law Minister of India, Arjun Ram Meghwal, spared some moment to speak to WION's Heena Sharma, right after he finished his breakfast at his residence in Bikaner in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Prior to him being promoted to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the minister served as a Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) officer. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections: WION Speaks to Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed a massive election rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur region on Friday. He was campaigning for Union Minister Jitender Singh who is contensting the upcoming polls from the Udhampur Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Indian PM addresses rally in J&K's Udhampur, says 'statehood to be restored assembly polls soon'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a massive election rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur region on Friday. He was campaigning for Union Minister Jitender Singh who is contesting the upcoming polls from the Udhampur Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Indian PM addresses rally in J&K's Udhampur, says assembly polls soon

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to pay a two-day visit to Assam on April 16th and 17th. He will address a mega-election campaign rally in Nalbari Barpeta Lok Sabha constituency.

Lok Sabha election 2024: PM Modi to Campaign in Assam on April 16 & 17

<p>To contest the Lok Sabha elections&nbsp;in Rajsamand in the northern state of Rajasthan, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Mahima Kumari, the wife of Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, a descendant of the Royal family of Mewar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Vishvaraj Singh Mewar comes from the lineage of Bhagwat Singh of Mewar, the last Maharana of Mewar. His ancestry traces back to the renowned Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap, an iconic figure celebrated for his courage in the face of adversity during the Mughal era.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, BJP had fielded present state Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari from the same seat where she emerged victorious.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION's Heena Sharma, Mahima Kumari, the BJP candidate from Rajsamand, spoke on her family's deep-rooted connection to the Mewar region.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mp-randeep-singh-surjewala-and-bjp-mp-hema-malini-row-heres-what-happened-707692">Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala and BJP MP Hema Malini row: Here's what happened</a></p>

<p>"My family has been in this area for the last 1400 years, and I take them as my family and my father-in-law... he was also an MP earlier," Mahima Kumari shared when asked about the potential impact of her royal lineage on voters' decisions.</p>

<p>"First I will say that I got to learn so a lot of learning happened and they are family for me so I came to help my husband like a family member and work with my other family members," she further said.</p>

<p>Notably, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar was elected MLA from the Nathdwara Assembly constituency in the Rajasthan Assembly elections in 2023.&nbsp;Speaking about her involvement in her husband's&nbsp;campaign for the&nbsp;MLA seat&nbsp;last year, Mahima discussed the familial bonds and commitment to serve the people of Mewar.</p>

<p>"Our relation with the whole Mewar area has been for 1400 years and for us they are our family and when I worked with them. I think the lower level, all the Karyakartas, they suggested my name up so that is the reason. And we work for the people very selflessly. Yeah, during elections I connected with all the mandap adhyaksh, sarpanch, and booth-level. I learned from them. They learned from me. Sometimes we used to fight, sometimes we used to be happy. So it's been a very beautiful journey for me,"&nbsp;&nbsp;she told WION when asked why the BJP has given tickets to the same family members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-22-leaders-quit-chirag-paswans-party-say-tickets-were-given-to-outsiders-707632">Lok Sabha elections 2024: 22 leaders quit Chirag Paswan's party, say tickets were given to outsiders</a></p>

<p>On being asked about the major poll issues that concern the people of Rajsamand, Mahima Kumari spoke of the work done by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party.</p>

<p>"I think that everyone is looking at Modi ji and whatever he has done in the past 10 years. I think that is enough. I do not have to say anything more and we will walk in his footsteps and do our best."</p>

<p>Speaking on the vision she has for her&nbsp;constituency's development, the BJP Rajsamand candidate said, "I'd like to do whatever is the best and from this side. There are 8 MLAs from this Lok Sabha constituency and all are BJP MLAs so we will sit together... all our 8 MLAs and when I am elected we will discuss whatever is the best for Rajsamand."</p>

<p><strong>WION Speaks to Mahima Kumari, BJP Candidate from Rajsamand, Rajasthan</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-speaks-to-mahima-kumari-bjp-candidate-from-rajsamand-rajasthan-708101/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>When WION sat down with Mahima Kumari, there was a noticeable blend of tradition and modernity as she is now tasked with the responsibility of taking forward the royal legacy of the Mewar region&nbsp;while also venturing into politics.</p>

<p>Mahima Kumari also thanked Diya Kumari, now Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister and former MP from Rajsamand,&nbsp;for her support.&nbsp;"The whole Rajsamand is very happy that she has become the Deputy Chief Minister and we will try and do our best and now Diya Kumari Ji is also there for our help."</p>

<p>WION asked her opinion of the 33 percent seats in India's lower house of Parliament to be assigned to only female candidates to which she replied,&nbsp;"Modi Ji has done what he said and we all are capable that is why you get the responsibility and we will try and do our best," she said.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


To contest the Lok Sabha elections in Rajsamand in the northern state of Rajasthan, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Mahima Kumari, the wife of Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, a descendant of the Royal family of Mewar.

To contest the Lok Sabha elections in Rajsamand in the northern state of Rajasthan, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded Mahima Kumari, the wife of Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, a descendant of the Royal family of Mewar. Vishvaraj Singh Mewar comes from the lineage of Bhagwat Singh of Mewar, the last Maharana of Mewar. His ancestry traces back to the renowned Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap, an iconic figure celebrated for his courage in the face of adversity during the Mughal era. Earlier, BJP had fielded present state Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari from the same seat where she emerged victorious. In an exclusive interview with WION's Heena Sharma, Mahima Kumari, the BJP candidate from Rajsamand, spoke on her family's deep-rooted connection to the Mewar region. Also Read | Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala and BJP MP Hema Malini row: Here's what happened "My family has been in this area for the last 1400 years, and I take them as my family and my father-in-law... he was also an MP earlier," Mahima Kumari shared when asked about the potential impact of her royal lineage on voters' decisions. "First I will say that I got to learn so a lot of learning happened and they are family for me so I came to help my husband like a family member and work with my other family members," she further said. Notably, Vishvaraj Singh Mewar was elected MLA from the Nathdwara Assembly constituency in the Rajasthan Assembly elections in 2023. Speaking about her involvement in her husband's campaign for the MLA seat last year, Mahima discussed the familial bonds and commitment to serve the people of Mewar. "Our relation with the whole Mewar area has been for 1400 years and for us they are our family and when I worked with them. I think the lower level, all the Karyakartas, they suggested my name up so that is the reason. And we work for the people very selflessly. Yeah, during elections I connected with all the mandap adhyaksh, sarpanch, and booth-level. I learned from them. They learned from me. Sometimes we used to fight, sometimes we used to be happy. So it's been a very beautiful journey for me," she told WION when asked why the BJP has given tickets to the same family members. Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: 22 leaders quit Chirag Paswan's party, say tickets were given to outsiders On being asked about the major poll issues that concern the people of Rajsamand, Mahima Kumari spoke of the work done by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party. "I think that everyone is looking at Modi ji and whatever he has done in the past 10 years. I think that is enough. I do not have to say anything more and we will walk in his footsteps and do our best." Speaking on the vision she has for her constituency's development, the BJP Rajsamand candidate said, "I'd like to do whatever is the best and from this side. There are 8 MLAs from this Lok Sabha constituency and all are BJP MLAs so we will sit together... all our 8 MLAs and when I am elected we will discuss whatever is the best for Rajsamand." WION Speaks to Mahima Kumari, BJP Candidate from Rajsamand, Rajasthan × When WION sat down with Mahima Kumari, there was a noticeable blend of tradition and modernity as she is now tasked with the responsibility of taking forward the royal legacy of the Mewar region while also venturing into politics. Mahima Kumari also thanked Diya Kumari, now Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister and former MP from Rajsamand, for her support. "The whole Rajsamand is very happy that she has become the Deputy Chief Minister and we will try and do our best and now Diya Kumari Ji is also there for our help." WION asked her opinion of the 33 percent seats in India's lower house of Parliament to be assigned to only female candidates to which she replied, "Modi Ji has done what he said and we all are capable that is why you get the responsibility and we will try and do our best," she said.

WION speaks to BJP's pick for Rajsamand battle - Mahima Kumari, daughter-in-law of Mewar's royal family

The nomination process for the Lok Sabha polls for the third phase of the Lok Sabha is to be held in 94 constituencies across 12 States on May 7th and that has begun the process started after a notification was issued by the Election Commission on behalf of the President.

Lok Sabha election 2024: Nomination process begins for polls' third phase

In a blow to the ruling alliance in the Nagaland Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party leader James Kuotsu and former BJP leader Kidongam Panmei joined the Congress on Thursday.

Lok Sabha election 2024 | Nagaland: Two NDPP, BJP Leaders, join Congress

<p>Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) claimed that his party will fulfil the promises made in its poll manifesto of removing poverty from the nation. Gandhi said that as said, Congress would transfer Rs 100,000 into the account of one female from a poverty-stricken household. He didn't clarify how the party is planning to disburse the amount - yearly or monthly basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an election rally on Thursday (Apr 11) in the western state of Rajasthan, Gandhi said, "The Congress Government will transfer Rs 1 lakh (in a year) to the bank account of one woman of every poor household in the country."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you are below the poverty line then every year, Rs 1 lakh (Rs 8,500 per month) khatakhat khatakhat aata rahega aur ek jhatke se hum Hindustan se gareebi ko mita denge," Rahul Gandhi said addressing a poll rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-hits-out-at-pakistan-says-take-help-from-india-if-incapable-of-eliminating-terrorism-710221">Rajnath Singh hits out at Pakistan, says take help from India if incapable of eliminating terrorism</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>He also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that farmers are asking for a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, youngsters are seeking employment, and women want relief from inflation, but no one is listening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "The 22 persons are more wealthy than the 70 crore people of India. Farmers are demanding MSP, youths are in grave need of employment, and women are asking for relief from price rises. PM Modi straightaway declines to give MSP calling farmers terrorists. Farmers are giving tax for the first time in the history of India."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two biggest issues in the country right now are unemployment and inflation. They (BJP) don't talk about unemployment or inflation. Their work is to divert your attention. They don't want the issues of backward classes, farmers and the poor to be shown on national and regional media. You will see Narendra Modi's face in the media 24 hours a day. The job of the media is to raise the voice of the public, but their billionaire owners will not let them do so," he alleged.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cbi-arrests-brs-leader-k-kavitha-over-delhi-liquor-policy-scam-710150">CBI arrests BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with Delhi liquor policy scam</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Anupgarh, Rajasthan: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "...The Congress Government will transfer Rs 1 lakh (in a year) to the bank account of one woman of every poor household in the country...If you are below the poverty line then every year, Rs 1 lakh (Rs 8,500 per… <a href="https://t.co/6KMuvcwz10">pic.twitter.com/6KMuvcwz10</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1778364186814283813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Election in Rajasthan&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Rajasthan will go to the polls in the first two phases - April 19 and April 26. In the first phase, polling for 12 Lok Sabha seats will take place. While the remaining 13 seats will be polled in the second phase on April 26.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19 and the counting of the votes will be held on June 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) claimed that his party will fulfil the promises made in its poll manifesto of removing poverty from the nation.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) claimed that his party will fulfil the promises made in its poll manifesto of removing poverty from the nation. Gandhi said that as said, Congress would transfer Rs 100,000 into the account of one female from a poverty-stricken household. He didn't clarify how the party is planning to disburse the amount - yearly or monthly basis. During an election rally on Thursday (Apr 11) in the western state of Rajasthan, Gandhi said, "The Congress Government will transfer Rs 1 lakh (in a year) to the bank account of one woman of every poor household in the country." "If you are below the poverty line then every year, Rs 1 lakh (Rs 8,500 per month) khatakhat khatakhat aata rahega aur ek jhatke se hum Hindustan se gareebi ko mita denge," Rahul Gandhi said addressing a poll rally. Also read: Rajnath Singh hits out at Pakistan, says take help from India if incapable of eliminating terrorism He also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that farmers are asking for a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, youngsters are seeking employment, and women want relief from inflation, but no one is listening. He said, "The 22 persons are more wealthy than the 70 crore people of India. Farmers are demanding MSP, youths are in grave need of employment, and women are asking for relief from price rises. PM Modi straightaway declines to give MSP calling farmers terrorists. Farmers are giving tax for the first time in the history of India." "Two biggest issues in the country right now are unemployment and inflation. They (BJP) don't talk about unemployment or inflation. Their work is to divert your attention. They don't want the issues of backward classes, farmers and the poor to be shown on national and regional media. You will see Narendra Modi's face in the media 24 hours a day. The job of the media is to raise the voice of the public, but their billionaire owners will not let them do so," he alleged. Also read: CBI arrests BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with Delhi liquor policy scam Watch the video here: #WATCH | Anupgarh, Rajasthan: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "...The Congress Government will transfer Rs 1 lakh (in a year) to the bank account of one woman of every poor household in the country...If you are below the poverty line then every year, Rs 1 lakh (Rs 8,500 per… pic.twitter.com/6KMuvcwz10 — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 × Lok Sabha Election in Rajasthan Rajasthan will go to the polls in the first two phases - April 19 and April 26. In the first phase, polling for 12 Lok Sabha seats will take place. While the remaining 13 seats will be polled in the second phase on April 26. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19 and the counting of the votes will be held on June 4. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Rahul Gandhi claims Congress will 'erase poverty' in one go

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at two public gatherings in preparation for the Lok Sabha elections: one in Karauli-Dholpur, Rajasthan, and another at an election rally in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: PM Modi campaigns in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan

<p>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended invitations to political parties from 25 countries to witness the Indian elections and the accompanying campaigning. The invitations, which have been dispatched to political parties from both ruling and opposition factions across the globe, include representatives from various regions such as Africa, Europe, and neighbouring countries.</p>

<p>Notably, political parties from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have received invitations from the BJP, marking a concerted effort to engage with neighbouring countries and showcase the democratic process.</p>

<p>Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, in charge of the Foreign Affairs Department at the Bharatiya Janata Party, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, "They will get to witness the biggest democratic exercise." This marks the first instance of the BJP inviting foreign political parties to observe campaigning during national elections. In the past, the party has invited foreign political parties to witness campaigning in assembly elections.</p>

<p>As of now, confirmations have been received from representatives of 15 countries, with responses pending from others. Invitations have also been extended to political parties from African nations like Mauritius. They are likely to be in India during the 4th, and 5th poll phases.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjBzuykkLiFAxUB8zgGHcUQDUEQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2024-modis-nda-gets-a-thackeray-in-maharashtra-1712739973757" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/elections/lok-sabha-elections-2024-modis-nda-gets-a-thackeray-in-maharashtra-1712739973757&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBzuykkLiFAxUB8zgGHcUQDUEQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Modi’s NDA Gets a Thackeray in Maharashtra</a></strong></p>

<p>While confirmations from European political parties are still awaited, it is noteworthy that the European Parliament elections are scheduled to take place from June 6th to 9th, 2024. In the past, the BJP has invited foreign envoys based out of Delhi under "Know Your BJP" initiative.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjBzuykkLiFAxUB8zgGHcUQDUEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-heres-what-the-stars-have-in-store-for-leaders-this-political-season-708799" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-heres-what-the-stars-have-in-store-for-leaders-this-political-season-708799&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBzuykkLiFAxUB8zgGHcUQDUEQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Here`s what the stars have in store for leaders this political season</a></strong></p>

<p>With 97 crore eligible voters, India's seven-phase election, commencing on April 19th and concluding with results being declared on June 4th, stands as the most extensive democratic process ever witnessed globally.</p>


India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended invitations to political parties from 25 countries to witness the Indian elections and the accompanying campaigning.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended invitations to political parties from 25 countries to witness the Indian elections and the accompanying campaigning. The invitations, which have been dispatched to political parties from both ruling and opposition factions across the globe, include representatives from various regions such as Africa, Europe, and neighbouring countries. Notably, political parties from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka have received invitations from the BJP, marking a concerted effort to engage with neighbouring countries and showcase the democratic process. Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, in charge of the Foreign Affairs Department at the Bharatiya Janata Party, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, "They will get to witness the biggest democratic exercise." This marks the first instance of the BJP inviting foreign political parties to observe campaigning during national elections. In the past, the party has invited foreign political parties to witness campaigning in assembly elections. As of now, confirmations have been received from representatives of 15 countries, with responses pending from others. Invitations have also been extended to political parties from African nations like Mauritius. They are likely to be in India during the 4th, and 5th poll phases. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Modi’s NDA Gets a Thackeray in Maharashtra While confirmations from European political parties are still awaited, it is noteworthy that the European Parliament elections are scheduled to take place from June 6th to 9th, 2024. In the past, the BJP has invited foreign envoys based out of Delhi under "Know Your BJP" initiative. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Here`s what the stars have in store for leaders this political season With 97 crore eligible voters, India's seven-phase election, commencing on April 19th and concluding with results being declared on June 4th, stands as the most extensive democratic process ever witnessed globally.

BJP invites political parties from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Mauritius to witness Indian elections

Bjp, News on Bjp, stories on Bjp, articles on Bjp, Bjp stories at Wion, Bjp news, Bjp latest news