It's a big day on the election campaign front in India two big public rallies one on each side of the political divide will take place today.

Indian elections 2024 | Parties rally in a bid to attract voters

The ruling party in India - BJP - has opened a new front against the Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - ahead of the general elections 2024 in India.

Katchatheevu island controversy: PM Modi calls RTI revelation 'eye opening'

The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its list of campaigners for the Lok Sabha elections and byelections in the northeastern state of Tripura. The list of Star campaigners includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP Chief JP Nadda.

India elections 2024: PM Modi, HM Amit Shah, BJP Chief Nadda among BJP's star campaigners

Home Minister Amit Shah will begin his two-day visit to Rajasthan today ahead of the phase one of the 2024 general election. Keep watching for more details!

India elections 2024: Home Minister Amit Shah's two-day visit to Rajasthan

Indian elections 2024 | Super Sunday, big campaign rallies

The runup to elections in India the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has released its eighth list of contestants. The list features a total of 11 names including two from West Bengal, three from Odisha and six from Punjab and this has taken the total tally of declared contestants of lotus party to 411.

Indian elections 2024: Ten BJP candidates elected in unopposed Arunachal Pradesh

BJP releases eighth list of candidates

Indian elections 2024 | Two big rallies: PM Modi in Meerut & I.N.D.I.A bloc in Delhi

Indian elections 2024: BJP releases eighth list of candidates, names from Punjab, Odisha, WB

PM Modi claims Congress gave key island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, controversy erupts | WION

BJP announces list of elections campaigners; PM Modi, Amit Shah & JP Nadda among star campaigners

Indian elections 2024 | PM Modi to kickstart UP campaign today

Indian elections 2024 | PM Modi's rally in Meerut, I.N.D.I.A bloc rally in Delhi

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious in 10 Arunachal Pradesh assembly seats even before voting in the upcoming polls. This comes as the party faced no rivals on five of these seats while nominations were withdrawn on the remaining five seats.&nbsp;This is seen as a major stride for the party in the region but this is not something new as the state has a history of uncontested electoral triumphs.</p>

<p>With the polling scheduled for April 19 in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections, the BJP was fielding candidates in all 60 Assembly constituencies, with 10 of them now having already won.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Congress fielded 34 candidates, National People’s Party (NPP) 29, while NCP and the Peoples’ Party of Arunachal (PPA) have nominated 17 and two candidates respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-arrests-sheikh-shahjahan-in-pmla-case-706039">Enforcement Directorate arrests Sheikh Shahjahan in PMLA case</a></p>

<p>The last day for nominations withdrawal is Saturday (Mar 30).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>With no rivals, BJP's success was unchallenged. However, the previous record is still being held by Congress which in 2014 won 11 seats without contesting elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The most prominent faces who were among the uncontested winners on Saturday (Mar 30) were Chief Minister Pema Khandu from Mukto as well as Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein from Chowkham.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-minister-kailash-gahlot-appears-before-ed-in-excise-policy-case-705924">Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot appears before ED in excise policy case</a></p>

<p>Chief Minister Khandu attributed the victories to the people's trust in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee and the BJP's commitment to state development.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ex-jharkhand-cms-wife-kalpana-soren-meets-sunita-kejriwal-say-we-will-fight-together-706040">Ex-Jharkhand CM's wife Kalpana Soren meets Sunita Kejriwal, say 'we will fight together'</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/ex-jharkhand-cms-wife-kalpana-soren-meets-sunita-kejriwal-say-we-will-fight-together-706040/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“We are confident that we will win the Arunachal East and Arunachal West Lok Sabha seats with a thumping majority because of the amount of love that we are getting from the people,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the others who won include Chowna Mein, Dongru Siongju, Ratu Techi, Techi Kaso, Hage Appa, Jikke Tako, Nyato Dukam, Mutchu Mithi and Dasanglu Pul. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ten candidates of <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Arunachal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Arunachal</a> including myself have been elected for the State Assembly unopposed.<br />
<br />
I extend warm congratulations to Shri Chowna Mein, Shri Dongru Siongju, Shri Ratu Techi, Shri Techi Kaso, Shri Hage Appa, Shri Jikke Tako, Shri Nyato Dukam, Shri Mutchu Mithi… <a href="https://t.co/ifdxYe9Cze">pic.twitter.com/ifdxYe9Cze</a></p>
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (Modi Ka Parivar) (@PemaKhanduBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/PemaKhanduBJP/status/1774083119962009831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 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>BJP's alliances have also consolidated its position ahead of the assembly polls. Two National People’s Party (NPP) members as well as three Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) recently joined hands with the saffron party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, four candidates won unopposed in 1999, one in 2004, three in 2009, 11 in 2014, and three&nbsp;in 2019.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious in 10 Arunachal Pradesh assembly seats even before voting in the upcoming polls. This comes as the party faced no rivals on five of these seats while nominations were withdrawn on the remaining five seats.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has emerged victorious in 10 Arunachal Pradesh assembly seats even before voting in the upcoming polls. This comes as the party faced no rivals on five of these seats while nominations were withdrawn on the remaining five seats. This is seen as a major stride for the party in the region but this is not something new as the state has a history of uncontested electoral triumphs. With the polling scheduled for April 19 in the Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections, the BJP was fielding candidates in all 60 Assembly constituencies, with 10 of them now having already won. Meanwhile, the Congress fielded 34 candidates, National People’s Party (NPP) 29, while NCP and the Peoples’ Party of Arunachal (PPA) have nominated 17 and two candidates respectively. Also Read | Enforcement Directorate arrests Sheikh Shahjahan in PMLA case The last day for nominations withdrawal is Saturday (Mar 30). With no rivals, BJP's success was unchallenged. However, the previous record is still being held by Congress which in 2014 won 11 seats without contesting elections. The most prominent faces who were among the uncontested winners on Saturday (Mar 30) were Chief Minister Pema Khandu from Mukto as well as Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein from Chowkham. Also Read | Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot appears before ED in excise policy case Chief Minister Khandu attributed the victories to the people's trust in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee and the BJP's commitment to state development. Watch | Ex-Jharkhand CM's wife Kalpana Soren meets Sunita Kejriwal, say 'we will fight together' × “We are confident that we will win the Arunachal East and Arunachal West Lok Sabha seats with a thumping majority because of the amount of love that we are getting from the people,” he added. Among the others who won include Chowna Mein, Dongru Siongju, Ratu Techi, Techi Kaso, Hage Appa, Jikke Tako, Nyato Dukam, Mutchu Mithi and Dasanglu Pul. Ten candidates of @BJP4Arunachal including myself have been elected for the State Assembly unopposed. I extend warm congratulations to Shri Chowna Mein, Shri Dongru Siongju, Shri Ratu Techi, Shri Techi Kaso, Shri Hage Appa, Shri Jikke Tako, Shri Nyato Dukam, Shri Mutchu Mithi… pic.twitter.com/ifdxYe9Cze — Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (Modi Ka Parivar) (@PemaKhanduBJP) March 30, 2024 × BJP's alliances have also consolidated its position ahead of the assembly polls. Two National People’s Party (NPP) members as well as three Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) recently joined hands with the saffron party. Notably, four candidates won unopposed in 1999, one in 2004, three in 2009, 11 in 2014, and three in 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP wins 10 seats uncontested in Arunachal Pradesh assembly amid absence of rivals, nomination withdrawals

A bunch of Indian actors including Kangana Ranaut, Arun Govil and Govinda made headlines this week for formally joining politics. This is not the first time when political parties have welcomed movie and television stars to contest elections, hoping that their star power would contribute to the popularity of the party. As India gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, let's take a look at various other performers who later decided to join politics.

Kangana Ranaut to Arun Govil: Indian stars who joined politics

Leaders of the India block have announced that they will hold a protest outside the BJP headquarters at the ITO in Delhi this afternoon. The surprise move comes ahead of its scheduled mega rally on March 31st against the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Watch to know more!

Arvind Kejriwal Arrest: Opposition to protest outside BJP headquarters

<p>Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD).</p>

<p>While addressing a press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Ajay Maken alleged that the ruling party at the Centre was making attempts to stifle the grand old party financially ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Maken further stated that it was the Election Commission's responsibility to ensure fair play during the elections.</p>

<p>"We have received notices from the time of Sitaram Kesari, from 1993-94... We have been demanded to pay Rs 53 crores from the time of Sitaram Kesari. A total of Rs 1823 crores has been made by the IT department from Congress," he said.</p>

<p>"We have analysed all violations of the BJP using the same parameters they used to analyse our violations... BJP has a penalty of Rs 4600 crore. The income Tax department should raise a demand from the BJP for the payment of this amount," he added.</p>

<p>Maken alleged that the saffron party was making efforts to weaken the Congress financially by freezing their bank accounts ahead of Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"Our analysis reveals that out of the 1,297 individuals who donated to the BJP, their identities remain undisclosed with no addresses or evidence of contribution totalling Rs 42 crore, indicating a blatant breach of regulations. Additionally, there are 92 individuals whose names are absent from the list but they provided electoral bonds to the BJP," he said.</p>

<p>The Congress leaders also hit out at BJP over the electoral bond scheme.</p>

<p>Ramesh accused the BJP of "hypocrisy" and its government of resorting to "tax terrorism".</p>

<p>"Through the electoral bond scam, the BJP collected over Rs 8,200 crore as donations. There were different routes, there was a prepaid bribe route, there was post-paid bribe route, there was post raid group 'chanda-dhandha, raid-paid', and there was a shell company route," alleged Ramesh.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-india-bloc-announces-seat-sharing-in-bihar-rjd-gets-26-seats-congress-gets-9-705566">Lok Sabha elections 2024: INDIA bloc announces seat sharing in Bihar; RJD gets 26 seats, Congress gets 9</a></p>

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to his official X account and stated that his party would take stern action against the ones attempting to "disintegrate democracy".</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="hi">जब सरकार बदलेगी तो ‘लोकतंत्र का चीरहरण’ करने वालों पर कार्रवाई ज़रूर होगी!<br />
<br />
और ऐसी कार्रवाई होगी कि दोबारा फिर किसी की हिम्मत नहीं होगी, ये सब करने की।<br />
<br />
ये मेरी गारंटी है।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPTaxTerrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPTaxTerrorism</a> <a href="https://t.co/SSkiolorvH">pic.twitter.com/SSkiolorvH</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1773663481679458688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who 'disintegrate democracy'! And such action will be taken that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee," he said in a post on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Venugopal accuses EC of being mute spectator</strong></h2>

<p>Party leader KC Venugopal further accused the Election Commission of being a mute spectator.</p>

<p>"Notice, account freeze, notice, account freeze. That is the BJP's modus operandi of stifling INC financially. In a new bizarre notice, a penalty of Rs. 1800 crore has been imposed on INC. Is this how a fair election is supposed to be conducted? Is the idea of a level playing field only on paper? Why is the Election Commission a mute spectator to this?" he asked.</p>

<p>"If the same treatment was meted out to the BJP, they should have to pay Rs. 4600 crore. But has there been any action on them? Have any of the authorities involved moved an inch against them? This is a blatant murder of democracy and we will protest across the country against this illegal action," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD).

Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD). While addressing a press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Ajay Maken alleged that the ruling party at the Centre was making attempts to stifle the grand old party financially ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Maken further stated that it was the Election Commission's responsibility to ensure fair play during the elections. "We have received notices from the time of Sitaram Kesari, from 1993-94... We have been demanded to pay Rs 53 crores from the time of Sitaram Kesari. A total of Rs 1823 crores has been made by the IT department from Congress," he said. "We have analysed all violations of the BJP using the same parameters they used to analyse our violations... BJP has a penalty of Rs 4600 crore. The income Tax department should raise a demand from the BJP for the payment of this amount," he added. Maken alleged that the saffron party was making efforts to weaken the Congress financially by freezing their bank accounts ahead of Lok Sabha polls. "Our analysis reveals that out of the 1,297 individuals who donated to the BJP, their identities remain undisclosed with no addresses or evidence of contribution totalling Rs 42 crore, indicating a blatant breach of regulations. Additionally, there are 92 individuals whose names are absent from the list but they provided electoral bonds to the BJP," he said. The Congress leaders also hit out at BJP over the electoral bond scheme. Ramesh accused the BJP of "hypocrisy" and its government of resorting to "tax terrorism". "Through the electoral bond scam, the BJP collected over Rs 8,200 crore as donations. There were different routes, there was a prepaid bribe route, there was post-paid bribe route, there was post raid group 'chanda-dhandha, raid-paid', and there was a shell company route," alleged Ramesh. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: INDIA bloc announces seat sharing in Bihar; RJD gets 26 seats, Congress gets 9 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to his official X account and stated that his party would take stern action against the ones attempting to "disintegrate democracy". जब सरकार बदलेगी तो ‘लोकतंत्र का चीरहरण’ करने वालों पर कार्रवाई ज़रूर होगी! और ऐसी कार्रवाई होगी कि दोबारा फिर किसी की हिम्मत नहीं होगी, ये सब करने की। ये मेरी गारंटी है।#BJPTaxTerrorism pic.twitter.com/SSkiolorvH — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 29, 2024 × "When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who 'disintegrate democracy'! And such action will be taken that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee," he said in a post on X. Venugopal accuses EC of being mute spectator Party leader KC Venugopal further accused the Election Commission of being a mute spectator. "Notice, account freeze, notice, account freeze. That is the BJP's modus operandi of stifling INC financially. In a new bizarre notice, a penalty of Rs. 1800 crore has been imposed on INC. Is this how a fair election is supposed to be conducted? Is the idea of a level playing field only on paper? Why is the Election Commission a mute spectator to this?" he asked. "If the same treatment was meted out to the BJP, they should have to pay Rs. 4600 crore. But has there been any action on them? Have any of the authorities involved moved an inch against them? This is a blatant murder of democracy and we will protest across the country against this illegal action," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress accuses IT department of double standards after receiving notice for fresh tax demand

Sushma's Swaraj daughter, a Supreme Court lawyer and a fierce critic of Arvind Kejriwal has entered the political fray; she is contesting from the New Delhi constituency for the Lok Sabha polls 2024 and is taking on the AAP's Somnath Bharti.

'Kejriwal orchestrated his own arrest', says Bansuri Swaraj

A joint meeting of BJP and JD(S) leaders has been called on in Karnataka's Bengaluru later today. The aim is to ensure that there is proper understanding between leaders and workers of both parties in the runup to the Lok Sabha polls. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: BJP, JD(S) leaders’ joint panel to meet in Karnataka

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidCVkACePz1zbp" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Sushil Kumar Rinku, the lone Aam Aadmi Party parliamentarian, on Wednesday (Mar 27) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just months after famously appearing in chains to protest against India's ruling party.</p>

<p>Apart from Rinku, the AAP's Lok Sabha MP from Jalandhar,&nbsp;&nbsp;AAP legislator from Punjab assembly Sheetal Angural also joined the saffron party in Delhi.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-arvind-kejriwal-to-be-produced-before-delhi-court-today-705035">Click here to follow all updates on the Lok Sabha elections 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Welcoming the two leaders, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said people from different walks of life were joining the BJP, adding the situation was changing in Punjab and the party would work together to make India a developed nation by 2047.</p>

<h2><strong>Rinku was suspended from Parliament last year</strong></h2>

<p>Rinku, 48, was among the record number of opposition MPs suspended from Parliament in December last year over disrupting House proceedings. The MPs had been demanding a debate over the December 13 Parliament security breach.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Sushil Kumar Rinku and Sheetal Angural meet BJP national president JP Nadda in Delhi.<br />
<br />
The two AAP leaders joined the BJP a short while ago. <a href="https://t.co/OT1MS2iQFI">pic.twitter.com/OT1MS2iQFI</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1772960367221588301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 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>Rinku was also suspended during the Monsoon Session of Parliament over unruly behaviour when the House was considering the Delhi Services Bill.</p>

<p>Following his suspension, the 48-year-old protested in chains before Parliament.</p>

<h2><strong>Rinku's family associated with Cong for decades</strong></h2>

<p>Rinku's family has been associated with the Congress party for over four decades, a report by the Indian Express said.</p>

<p>Rinku too joined the Congress and became an MLA in 2017.</p>

<p>He faced defeat in the 2022 Punjab assembly elections by AAP's Sheetal Angural.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | After joining BJP, Sushil Kumar Rinku says, "It is true that the promises I made to the people of Jalandhar were not fulfilled because my party (AAP) did not support me. I am impressed with the working style of PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah..." <a href="https://t.co/LDaRWU6ojL">https://t.co/LDaRWU6ojL</a> <a href="https://t.co/HZUkJ6nnFC">pic.twitter.com/HZUkJ6nnFC</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1772941668712436097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 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>In April 2023, Rinku quit the Congress and joined the AAP ahead of the Jalandhar Lok Sabha by-poll.</p>

<p>He won the by-poll after defeating Congress candidate Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary by a margin of 58,691 votes.</p>

<h2><strong>Why the switch to BJP?</strong></h2>

<p>Rinku said on Wednesday he made the switch to the BJP for the development of Jalandhar. He alleged that no development work had been done by the AAP government in Punjab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"...I am impressed by the developmental work initiated by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also helped me a lot in the developmental work I have done in the Jalandhar constituency."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sushil Kumar Rinku, the lone Aam Aadmi Party parliamentarian, on Wednesday (Mar 27) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just months after famously appearing in chains to protest against India's ruling party.

Sushil Kumar Rinku, the lone Aam Aadmi Party parliamentarian, on Wednesday (Mar 27) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) just months after famously appearing in chains to protest against India's ruling party. Apart from Rinku, the AAP's Lok Sabha MP from Jalandhar, AAP legislator from Punjab assembly Sheetal Angural also joined the saffron party in Delhi. Click here to follow all updates on the Lok Sabha elections 2024 Welcoming the two leaders, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said people from different walks of life were joining the BJP, adding the situation was changing in Punjab and the party would work together to make India a developed nation by 2047. Rinku was suspended from Parliament last year Rinku, 48, was among the record number of opposition MPs suspended from Parliament in December last year over disrupting House proceedings. The MPs had been demanding a debate over the December 13 Parliament security breach. #WATCH | Sushil Kumar Rinku and Sheetal Angural meet BJP national president JP Nadda in Delhi. The two AAP leaders joined the BJP a short while ago. pic.twitter.com/OT1MS2iQFI — ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2024 × Rinku was also suspended during the Monsoon Session of Parliament over unruly behaviour when the House was considering the Delhi Services Bill. Following his suspension, the 48-year-old protested in chains before Parliament. Rinku's family associated with Cong for decades Rinku's family has been associated with the Congress party for over four decades, a report by the Indian Express said. Rinku too joined the Congress and became an MLA in 2017. He faced defeat in the 2022 Punjab assembly elections by AAP's Sheetal Angural. #WATCH | After joining BJP, Sushil Kumar Rinku says, "It is true that the promises I made to the people of Jalandhar were not fulfilled because my party (AAP) did not support me. I am impressed with the working style of PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah..." https://t.co/LDaRWU6ojL pic.twitter.com/HZUkJ6nnFC — ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2024 × In April 2023, Rinku quit the Congress and joined the AAP ahead of the Jalandhar Lok Sabha by-poll. He won the by-poll after defeating Congress candidate Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary by a margin of 58,691 votes. Why the switch to BJP? Rinku said on Wednesday he made the switch to the BJP for the development of Jalandhar. He alleged that no development work had been done by the AAP government in Punjab. "...I am impressed by the developmental work initiated by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. Aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also helped me a lot in the developmental work I have done in the Jalandhar constituency." (With inputs from agencies)

Lone AAP Lok Sabha MP Sushil Rinku who once appeared in chains to protest against BJP, joins the party

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that she rejected her party, the BJP's offer to fight polls, as ‘doesn’t have the kind of money’.

Gravitas: India's FM Nirmala Sitharaman decides against fighting polls, says 'Don't have money'

The Bhartiya Janata Party has taken action against its own Member of Parliament Dilip Ghosh over his remarks against the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

West Bengal: FIR against BJP MP Dilip Ghosh after remarks on CM Mamata Banerjee

In the Southern state of Karnataka, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi is facing Opposition as the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Dharwad. But Seers are demanding him to be replaced, why? Check out the video to know more.

Karnataka: Lingayat Seers oppose BJP candidate Prahlad Joshi, he says 'will clear out misbelief'

The ruling BJP party of Uttar Pradesh has already revealed the names of 51 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state in its first list. However, Pilibhit seat has not been given to Varun Gandhi this time. This is the first time there will be 'No Gandhi' in Piblibhit since 1989.

India Elections 2024: No Gandhi in electoral contest for Pilibhit from first time since 1989

<p>Varun Gandhi, the incumbent parliamentarian from the Pilibhit seat, has not been given a ticket this year by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India's Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi penned an emotional note for the people of his constituency.</p>

<h2><strong>Pranam Pilibhit: Varun Gandhi's heartfelt letter</strong></h2>

<p>Varun Gandhi posted the letter on the social media platform X with the caption 'Pranam Pilibhit' or salutations, Pilibhit.</p>

<p>He wrote, “As I write this letter today, countless memories fill me with emotions. I remember the three-year-old boy who came to Pilibhit for the first time in 1983, holding his mother's hand. Who knew that one day this land would become his workplace, and the people here would become his family?"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">प्रणाम पीलीभीत 🙏 <a href="https://t.co/D6T3uDUU6o">pic.twitter.com/D6T3uDUU6o</a></p>
— Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) <a href="https://twitter.com/varungandhi80/status/1773225202819764449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 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>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi wrote that he considers himself fortunate as he got to serve the great people of Pilibhit for years.</p>

<p>"The ideals, simplicity, and kindness that I received from Pilibhit have contributed greatly to my upbringing and development, not only as an MP but also as a person. Being your representative has been the greatest honor of my life, and I have always backed your interests to the best of my ability," wrote Gandhi, who won the seat in 2009 and 2019 as a BJP candidate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-varun-gandhi-ashwini-choubey-snubbed-in-bjps-latest-list-of-candidates-703934">Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Varun Gandhi, Ashwini Choubey snubbed in BJP's latest list of candidates</a></strong></p>

<p>“Even though my tenure as an MP is coming to an end, my relationship with Pilibhit cannot end till my last breath. If not as an MP, then as a son, I am committed to serving you throughout my life, and my doors will always remain open for you as always. I came into politics to raise the voice of the common man, and today I seek your blessings to always continue doing this work, no matter the cost," wrote Menka Gandhi's son.</p>

<p>He concluded the letter by saying that the relationship between him and Pilibhit is one of love and trust, which is far above any political merit.</p>

<p>Pilibhit has been Varun Gandhi's family bastion since 1989.</p>

<p>Menka Gandhi, his mother, first won the seat as a Janata Dal candidate.</p>

<p>In 2019, Varun Gandhi defeated the Samajwadi Party candidate, Hemraj Verma by more than 255,000 votes.</p>

<p>This time, the BJP chose Jitin Prasada as the candidate for this seat.</p>


Varun Gandhi, the incumbent parliamentarian from the Pilibhit seat, has not been given a ticket this year by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India's Lok Sabha elections.

Varun Gandhi, the incumbent parliamentarian from the Pilibhit seat, has not been given a ticket this year by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India's Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi penned an emotional note for the people of his constituency. Pranam Pilibhit: Varun Gandhi's heartfelt letter Varun Gandhi posted the letter on the social media platform X with the caption 'Pranam Pilibhit' or salutations, Pilibhit. He wrote, “As I write this letter today, countless memories fill me with emotions. I remember the three-year-old boy who came to Pilibhit for the first time in 1983, holding his mother's hand. Who knew that one day this land would become his workplace, and the people here would become his family?" प्रणाम पीलीभीत 🙏 pic.twitter.com/D6T3uDUU6o — Varun Gandhi (@varungandhi80) March 28, 2024 × Gandhi wrote that he considers himself fortunate as he got to serve the great people of Pilibhit for years. "The ideals, simplicity, and kindness that I received from Pilibhit have contributed greatly to my upbringing and development, not only as an MP but also as a person. Being your representative has been the greatest honor of my life, and I have always backed your interests to the best of my ability," wrote Gandhi, who won the seat in 2009 and 2019 as a BJP candidate. Also read | Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Varun Gandhi, Ashwini Choubey snubbed in BJP's latest list of candidates “Even though my tenure as an MP is coming to an end, my relationship with Pilibhit cannot end till my last breath. If not as an MP, then as a son, I am committed to serving you throughout my life, and my doors will always remain open for you as always. I came into politics to raise the voice of the common man, and today I seek your blessings to always continue doing this work, no matter the cost," wrote Menka Gandhi's son. He concluded the letter by saying that the relationship between him and Pilibhit is one of love and trust, which is far above any political merit. Pilibhit has been Varun Gandhi's family bastion since 1989. Menka Gandhi, his mother, first won the seat as a Janata Dal candidate. In 2019, Varun Gandhi defeated the Samajwadi Party candidate, Hemraj Verma by more than 255,000 votes. This time, the BJP chose Jitin Prasada as the candidate for this seat.

''If not as an MP...": Varun Gandhi pens emotional letter for Pilibhit after being denied ticket by BJP

The calm over India's elections leaves derivatives traders in stocks exposed to surprise outcomes. Indian option traders do not appear concerned about the possibility that the next general election might disrupt the market's rising trend and expose them to an unexpected outcome. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Are investors too sure of election outcome?

The BJP Bhartiya Janata party has submitted a list of 40 leaders who will campaign for party candidates in Bihar in the runup to the Lok Sabha Polls. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: BJP announces list of star campaigners for Bihar

Kangana Ranaut, BJP Lok Sabha candidate from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, met party chief JP Nadda on Tuesday. Her meeting with Nadda comes amid a row over Congress leader Supriya Shrinate's remark against the actor. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: Kangana Ranaut meets JP Nadda over derogatory post

<p>India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its seventh list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, on Wednesday (Mar 27) and fielded sitting Member of Parliament (MP) Navneet Rana from the Amravati constituency in the state of Maharashtra and Govind Karjol from Karnataka’s Chitradurga seat. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP releases 7th list of candidates</strong></h2>

<p>The ruling party’s seventh list of candidates includes Rana who had bagged the seat in Amravati as an Independent candidate by defeating Shiv Sena’s Anandrao Adsul in&nbsp;the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maharashtra will see polls being conducted in five phases and&nbsp;Amravati will vote in&nbsp;the second phase on April 26.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Bihar: Talks over India bloc seat-sharing deal, big meet in Delhi today</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-bihar-talks-over-india-bloc-seat-sharing-deal-big-meet-in-delhi-today-704903/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>In Karnataka, the BJP, which is contesting the elections in an alliance with JD(S), fielded Govind Karjol for the seat in the Chitradurga constituency. As per the seat-sharing agreement with BJP, JD(S) will be contesting in three seats – Mandya, Hassan and Kolar.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha elections in the southern Indian state will be held in two phases, and Chitradurga will be voting on April 26.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Congress releases eighth list of candidates</h2>

<p>The opposition Congress party also released its eighth list of&nbsp;candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections which had 14 names for seats in the Indian states of&nbsp;Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</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">Congress Party releases its eight list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. <a href="https://t.co/dnVKmGnlKE">pic.twitter.com/dnVKmGnlKE</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1773042692114497884?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 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>The list came after the party&nbsp;held its Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting, earlier on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJD announces candidates for nine Lok Sabha seats</strong></h2>

<p>Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik, on Wednesday, released the list of nine candidates out of the 21 seats in the state in the upcoming elections. The party also released the names of 54 candidates for the upcoming state Assembly election.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-all-you-need-to-know-703856">Odisha Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phases, seats, all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Some of the prominent names include Odisha Minister Sudam Marndi (Mayurbhanj) and former Indian Hockey skipper Dilip Tirkey competing against sitting MP Jual Oram in the Sundargarh constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Odisha Lok Sabha Election 2024: List of BJD candidates</strong></p>

<p>Pranab Prakash Das: Sambalpur<br />
Lambodar Nial: Kalahandi<br />
Manmath Routray: Bhubaneswar<br />
Anshuman Mohanty: Kendrapara<br />
Paradip Majhi: Nabarangpur<br />
Dilip Tirkey: Sundargarh<br />
Sudam Marandi: Mayurbhanj<br />
Ranjita Sahu: Aska<br />
Kaushalya Hikaka: Koraput</p>

<p>The Odisha CM also released the list of 54 candidates for the assembly elections and said he will be contesting from the Hinjili assembly constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>AAP’s lone Lok Sabha MP joins BJP</strong></h2>

<p>In a significant setback to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) just weeks ahead of the upcoming elections, its lone MP in the Lok Sabha, Sushil Kumar Rinku and another MLA from Punjab joined BJP&nbsp;on Wednesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-interim-relief-for-arvind-kejriwal-from-delhi-high-court-next-hearing-on-april-3-704885">No interim relief for Arvind Kejriwal from Delhi High Court, next hearing on April 3</a></strong></p>

<p>The switch happened as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal remains in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged excise policy scam in the national capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rinku, MP from the state of Punjab’s Jalandhar and Jalandhar West MLA Sheetal Angural joined BJP in Delhi in the presence of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and the ruling party’s national general secretary Vinod Tawde.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its seventh list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, on Wednesday (Mar 27) and fielded sitting Member of Parliament (MP) Navneet Rana from the Amravati constituency in the state of Maharashtra and Govind Karjol from Karnataka’s Chitradurga seat.

India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its seventh list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, on Wednesday (Mar 27) and fielded sitting Member of Parliament (MP) Navneet Rana from the Amravati constituency in the state of Maharashtra and Govind Karjol from Karnataka’s Chitradurga seat. BJP releases 7th list of candidates The ruling party’s seventh list of candidates includes Rana who had bagged the seat in Amravati as an Independent candidate by defeating Shiv Sena’s Anandrao Adsul in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Maharashtra will see polls being conducted in five phases and Amravati will vote in the second phase on April 26. WATCH | Bihar: Talks over India bloc seat-sharing deal, big meet in Delhi today In Karnataka, the BJP, which is contesting the elections in an alliance with JD(S), fielded Govind Karjol for the seat in the Chitradurga constituency. As per the seat-sharing agreement with BJP, JD(S) will be contesting in three seats – Mandya, Hassan and Kolar. The Lok Sabha elections in the southern Indian state will be held in two phases, and Chitradurga will be voting on April 26. Congress releases eighth list of candidates The opposition Congress party also released its eighth list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections which had 14 names for seats in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Congress Party releases its eight list of candidates for the Lok Sabha elections. pic.twitter.com/dnVKmGnlKE — ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2024 × The list came after the party held its Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting, earlier on Wednesday. BJD announces candidates for nine Lok Sabha seats Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik, on Wednesday, released the list of nine candidates out of the 21 seats in the state in the upcoming elections. The party also released the names of 54 candidates for the upcoming state Assembly election. Also Read | Odisha Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phases, seats, all you need to know Some of the prominent names include Odisha Minister Sudam Marndi (Mayurbhanj) and former Indian Hockey skipper Dilip Tirkey competing against sitting MP Jual Oram in the Sundargarh constituency. Odisha Lok Sabha Election 2024: List of BJD candidates Pranab Prakash Das: Sambalpur Lambodar Nial: Kalahandi Manmath Routray: Bhubaneswar Anshuman Mohanty: Kendrapara Paradip Majhi: Nabarangpur Dilip Tirkey: Sundargarh Sudam Marandi: Mayurbhanj Ranjita Sahu: Aska Kaushalya Hikaka: Koraput The Odisha CM also released the list of 54 candidates for the assembly elections and said he will be contesting from the Hinjili assembly constituency. AAP’s lone Lok Sabha MP joins BJP In a significant setback to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) just weeks ahead of the upcoming elections, its lone MP in the Lok Sabha, Sushil Kumar Rinku and another MLA from Punjab joined BJP on Wednesday. Also Read | No interim relief for Arvind Kejriwal from Delhi High Court, next hearing on April 3 The switch happened as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal remains in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the alleged excise policy scam in the national capital. Rinku, MP from the state of Punjab’s Jalandhar and Jalandhar West MLA Sheetal Angural joined BJP in Delhi in the presence of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and the ruling party’s national general secretary Vinod Tawde. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP releases 7th list of candidates, fields Navneet Rana from Maharashtra’s Amravati

<p>The Election Commission of India on Wednesday (March 27), issued show cause notices to BJP leader Dilip Ghosh and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate for their remarks directed at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut, respectively.</p>

<p>The Election Commission deemed Ghosh's comments against CM Mamata Banerjee and Shrinate's remarks against Kangana Ranaut as 'undignified and in bad taste'. They have been instructed to respond to the commission by Friday, (March 29)&nbsp;5 pm.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-interim-relief-for-arvind-kejriwal-from-delhi-high-court-next-hearing-on-april-3-704885">No interim relief for Arvind Kejriwal from Delhi HC, next hearing on April 3</a></p>

<p>In both notices, the EC stated that the comments made by the leaders are prima facie violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in force ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>According to clause (2) of Part I 'General Conduct' of the Model Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, criticism of other political parties should be limited to their policies, programs, record, and work.</p>

<p>Parties and candidates are urged to refrain from criticising aspects of private life not connected with the public activities of other party leaders or workers. Criticism based on unverified allegations or distortion of facts should also be avoided.</p>

<p><strong>Supriya Shrinate vs Kangana Ranaut:</strong></p>

<p>Congress leader Supriya Shrinate stirred controversy when an objectionable post appeared on her Instagram handle, demeaning Kangana Ranaut, BJP's candidate from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency.</p>

<p>The post, now deleted, queried the current market rate alongside a picture of Ranaut.</p>

<p>Shrinate later clarified that 'many people' have access to her Facebook and Instagram accounts, disassociating herself from the 'extremely inappropriate' post.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/national-commission-for-women-demands-action-against-congress-leaders-for-derogatory-remarks-on-kangana-ranaut-704301">Kangana Ranaut derogatory post row: National Commission for Women demands action against Congress leaders</a></p>

<p>The BJP criticised the Congress for such comments, accusing Shrinate of intending to tarnish Ranaut's character. They asserted that the Congress's derogatory remarks reflect a lack of respect for the law.</p>

<p>Ranaut responded by emphasising every woman's right to dignity, highlighting her diverse roles as an actress.</p>

<p>The BJP filed a complaint with the state's chief electoral officer, seeking legal action against Shrinate for misusing social media to denigrate their Lok Sabha candidate. They deemed Shrinate's remarks derogatory and sexually oriented, violating the Model Code of Conduct.</p>

<p><strong>Dilip Ghosh vs Mamata Banerjee:</strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, BJP MP from Medinipur, Dilip Ghosh, triggered controversy with objectionable comments against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.</p>

<p>Ghosh, BJP's vice-president fielded from the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat, mocked TMC's slogan of "Bangla Nijer Meye ke chai (Bengal wants its own daughter)".</p>

<p>His remarks drew criticism, with TMC filing a complaint against him for violating the MCC.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-addresses-media-for-the-first-time-since-joining-bjp-my-birthplace-has-called-me-back-704099">Kangana Ranaut addresses media for the first time since joining BJP: My birthplace has called me back</a></strong></p>

<p>The BJP demanded an explanation from Ghosh, asserting that his comment was unparliamentary and against the party's culture. The party leadership clarified that such remarks against women, especially a chief minister, were not endorsed by the party.</p>

<p>Ghosh later apologised for his remarks, maintaining that his choice of words was criticised by his party and others. He clarified that he holds no personal enmity against the chief minister and that controversies often arise over his straightforward comments.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Election Commission of India on Wednesday (March 27), issued show cause notices to BJP leader Dilip Ghosh and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate for their remarks directed at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut, respectively.

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday (March 27), issued show cause notices to BJP leader Dilip Ghosh and Congress leader Supriya Shrinate for their remarks directed at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and BJP's Lok Sabha candidate Kangana Ranaut, respectively. The Election Commission deemed Ghosh's comments against CM Mamata Banerjee and Shrinate's remarks against Kangana Ranaut as 'undignified and in bad taste'. They have been instructed to respond to the commission by Friday, (March 29) 5 pm. Also read: No interim relief for Arvind Kejriwal from Delhi HC, next hearing on April 3 In both notices, the EC stated that the comments made by the leaders are prima facie violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in force ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. According to clause (2) of Part I 'General Conduct' of the Model Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, criticism of other political parties should be limited to their policies, programs, record, and work. Parties and candidates are urged to refrain from criticising aspects of private life not connected with the public activities of other party leaders or workers. Criticism based on unverified allegations or distortion of facts should also be avoided. Supriya Shrinate vs Kangana Ranaut: Congress leader Supriya Shrinate stirred controversy when an objectionable post appeared on her Instagram handle, demeaning Kangana Ranaut, BJP's candidate from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency. The post, now deleted, queried the current market rate alongside a picture of Ranaut. Shrinate later clarified that 'many people' have access to her Facebook and Instagram accounts, disassociating herself from the 'extremely inappropriate' post. Also read: Kangana Ranaut derogatory post row: National Commission for Women demands action against Congress leaders The BJP criticised the Congress for such comments, accusing Shrinate of intending to tarnish Ranaut's character. They asserted that the Congress's derogatory remarks reflect a lack of respect for the law. Ranaut responded by emphasising every woman's right to dignity, highlighting her diverse roles as an actress. The BJP filed a complaint with the state's chief electoral officer, seeking legal action against Shrinate for misusing social media to denigrate their Lok Sabha candidate. They deemed Shrinate's remarks derogatory and sexually oriented, violating the Model Code of Conduct. Dilip Ghosh vs Mamata Banerjee: Meanwhile, BJP MP from Medinipur, Dilip Ghosh, triggered controversy with objectionable comments against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Ghosh, BJP's vice-president fielded from the Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seat, mocked TMC's slogan of "Bangla Nijer Meye ke chai (Bengal wants its own daughter)". His remarks drew criticism, with TMC filing a complaint against him for violating the MCC. Also read | Kangana Ranaut addresses media for the first time since joining BJP: My birthplace has called me back The BJP demanded an explanation from Ghosh, asserting that his comment was unparliamentary and against the party's culture. The party leadership clarified that such remarks against women, especially a chief minister, were not endorsed by the party. Ghosh later apologised for his remarks, maintaining that his choice of words was criticised by his party and others. He clarified that he holds no personal enmity against the chief minister and that controversies often arise over his straightforward comments. (With inputs from agencies)

ECI issues show-cause notices to BJP’s Dilip Ghosh, Congress’ Supriya Shrinate for remarks against women

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