Listen in the War of words between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Minister Atishi and Union Minister Smriti Irani.

'Dark day for democracy, nothing found in months of investigation', says Atishi

The two-week-long talks over the possible pre-poll alliance between the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP in Odisha broke down, with both parties separately announcing decisions to go solo in the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

India Election 2024: No tie-up; BJP and BJD to contest polls separately in Odisha

The Congress on Thursday released its third list of 56 candidates for the Lok Sabha Elections. BJP also released a new list.

Lok Sabha elections: BJP & Congress third list out, 56 candidates in Congress' new list

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi addressed a press briefing this morning. The leaders sharply attacked the ruling party over the freezing of the Congress party's bank accounts ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Congress' Sonia Gandhi hits out at BJP, says 'systematic efforts to cripple Congress financially'

The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has triggered a barrage of reactions from all corners of the political spectrum. Kejriwal's arrest, amidst allegations of involvement in the liquor scam, is a historic moment in Indian politics, as he becomes the first sitting chief minister to face such action.

In the wake of the arrest, condemnation poured in from various quarters.

TMC Parliamentary Leader Derek O'Brien criticised the move and questioned the timing of the Delhi CM's arrest. He said, "We vehemently condemn the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, an elected CM, especially when EC is in charge &amp; MCC is in place. Earlier his administrative powers were snatched through an illegal ordinance. How can we expect fair elections in India if sitting CMs &amp; prominent opposition leaders are arrested weeks before polls? If SC &amp; &nbsp;ECI fail to act now, who will stand with people against BJP's oppressive politics in future?"&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-police-case-what-are-the-options-available-for-arrested-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-702825">Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?</a>

NCP President Sharad Pawar also decried it as a "vindictive misuse" of central agencies for political ends. In a post on X social media platform, he wrote, "Strongly condemn the vindictive misuse of central agencies to target the opposition, especially as general elections loom. This arrest showcases the depth to which BJP will stoop for power. ‘INDIA’ stands united against this unconstitutional action against #ArvindKejriwal."&nbsp;

Within the AAP ranks, party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj defended Kejriwal and cited a lack of evidence supporting the arrest. Bharadwaj said, "The Chief Minister's house was searched. They just found Rs 70,000 in cash...They have taken the Chief Minister's mobile and have arrested him. They haven't got any proof, evidence...or money trail..."

KTR Rao of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), a political party active in the Indian state of Telangana, labelled the arrest as "unlawful". Rao said, "Strongly condemn the unlawful arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. The ED and the CBI have become the chief instruments of repression in the hands of BJP. Political opponents are targeted on unsubstantiated grounds &amp; political vendetta is their sole purpose."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-3rd-list-of-57-candidates-out-adhir-ranjan-chowdhury-to-contest-in-lok-sabha-elections-702831">Congress' 3rd list of 56 candidates out, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to contest in Lok Sabha elections</a>

Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) accused the BJP of subverting democratic norms.&nbsp;Yadav in a post wrote, "The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal clearly shows that instead of fighting the opposition democratically, BJP wants to fight the elections under the cover and strong help of investigative agencies and other constitutional institutions. The NDA government has imposed an undeclared emergency on the country, violating political, democratic and constitutional morality and dignity...."

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also gave a strong reaction to Kejriwal's arrest. He wrote, "A scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy. &nbsp;While capturing all the institutions including the media, breaking up the parties, extorting money from companies, and freezing the account of the main opposition party was not enough for the 'devilish power', now the arrest of the elected Chief Ministers has also become a common thing. &nbsp;INDIA will give a befitting reply to this."

Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, mostly active in Uttar Pradesh state, said, "Those who are themselves imprisoned in the fear of defeat, what will 'they' do by imprisoning someone else? BJP knows that it will not come to power again, and due to this fear, it wants to remove the opposition leaders from the public by any means at the time of elections, arrest is just an excuse. This arrest will give birth to a new people's revolution."

However, BJP MPs Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the arrest was to combat corruption, with Tiwari alleging that Kejriwal had "betrayed and looted Delhi."

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-arvind-kejriwal-arrested-by-ed-in-liquor-policy-case-702851">Gravitas: Arvind Kejriwal arrested by ED in Liquor Policy case</a>

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Tiwari said, "In the end, whatever happened in this case should have happened in a case of corruption... Arvind Kejriwal betrayed and looted Delhi, by making use of hoaxes and lies to form the government... People of Delhi are celebrating his arrest..."

The arrest also drew criticism from regional leaders like Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who denounced it as an attempt to stifle opposition voices during the election period.

Vijayan said, "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest is highly objectionable. This action is part of the effort to shut down the opposition voices at the stage of the election process. This shows the cowardice of those who fear the democratic process."

The Delhi CM and AAP national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED in the excise policy case, has been brought to the agency's headquarters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has triggered a barrage of reactions from all corners of the political spectrum.

The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has triggered a barrage of reactions from all corners of the political spectrum. Kejriwal's arrest, amidst allegations of involvement in the liquor scam, is a historic moment in Indian politics, as he becomes the first sitting chief minister to face such action. In the wake of the arrest, condemnation poured in from various quarters. TMC Parliamentary Leader Derek O'Brien criticised the move and questioned the timing of the Delhi CM's arrest. He said, "We vehemently condemn the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, an elected CM, especially when EC is in charge & MCC is in place. Earlier his administrative powers were snatched through an illegal ordinance. How can we expect fair elections in India if sitting CMs & prominent opposition leaders are arrested weeks before polls? If SC & ECI fail to act now, who will stand with people against BJP's oppressive politics in future?" Also Read | Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal? NCP President Sharad Pawar also decried it as a "vindictive misuse" of central agencies for political ends. In a post on X social media platform, he wrote, "Strongly condemn the vindictive misuse of central agencies to target the opposition, especially as general elections loom. This arrest showcases the depth to which BJP will stoop for power. ‘INDIA’ stands united against this unconstitutional action against #ArvindKejriwal." Within the AAP ranks, party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj defended Kejriwal and cited a lack of evidence supporting the arrest. Bharadwaj said, "The Chief Minister's house was searched. They just found Rs 70,000 in cash...They have taken the Chief Minister's mobile and have arrested him. They haven't got any proof, evidence...or money trail..." KTR Rao of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), a political party active in the Indian state of Telangana, labelled the arrest as "unlawful". Rao said, "Strongly condemn the unlawful arrest of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. The ED and the CBI have become the chief instruments of repression in the hands of BJP. Political opponents are targeted on unsubstantiated grounds & political vendetta is their sole purpose." Also Read | Congress' 3rd list of 56 candidates out, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury to contest in Lok Sabha elections Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) accused the BJP of subverting democratic norms. Yadav in a post wrote, "The arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal clearly shows that instead of fighting the opposition democratically, BJP wants to fight the elections under the cover and strong help of investigative agencies and other constitutional institutions. The NDA government has imposed an undeclared emergency on the country, violating political, democratic and constitutional morality and dignity...." Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also gave a strong reaction to Kejriwal's arrest. He wrote, "A scared dictator wants to create a dead democracy. While capturing all the institutions including the media, breaking up the parties, extorting money from companies, and freezing the account of the main opposition party was not enough for the 'devilish power', now the arrest of the elected Chief Ministers has also become a common thing. INDIA will give a befitting reply to this." Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, mostly active in Uttar Pradesh state, said, "Those who are themselves imprisoned in the fear of defeat, what will 'they' do by imprisoning someone else? BJP knows that it will not come to power again, and due to this fear, it wants to remove the opposition leaders from the public by any means at the time of elections, arrest is just an excuse. This arrest will give birth to a new people's revolution." However, BJP MPs Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the arrest was to combat corruption, with Tiwari alleging that Kejriwal had "betrayed and looted Delhi." Watch | Gravitas: Arvind Kejriwal arrested by ED in Liquor Policy case × Tiwari said, "In the end, whatever happened in this case should have happened in a case of corruption... Arvind Kejriwal betrayed and looted Delhi, by making use of hoaxes and lies to form the government... People of Delhi are celebrating his arrest..." The arrest also drew criticism from regional leaders like Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who denounced it as an attempt to stifle opposition voices during the election period. Vijayan said, "Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest is highly objectionable. This action is part of the effort to shut down the opposition voices at the stage of the election process. This shows the cowardice of those who fear the democratic process." The Delhi CM and AAP national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED in the excise policy case, has been brought to the agency's headquarters. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition decries Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by ED ahead of general elections. Here's who said what

Talks for alliance were being held between the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP.

“Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will fight this election alone in all 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats to create a developed India and a developed Odisha under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to fulfil the hopes, aspirations and aspirations of four and a half crore Odiyas,” Samal said in a post on X.

&nbsp;

Talks for alliance were being held between the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP. “Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will fight this election alone in all 21 Lok Sabha and 147 Assembly seats to create a developed India and a developed Odisha under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to fulfil the hopes, aspirations and aspirations of four and a half crore Odiyas,” Samal said in a post on X.

India: No alliance with BJD, BJP to contest solo in Odisha

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (March 22), released its fourth list of Lok Sabha candidates for for Tamil Nadu. The list has 15 candidates who will run for seats in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (March 22), released its fourth list of Lok Sabha candidates for for Tamil Nadu. The list has 15 candidates who will run for seats in the state. Here's all you need to know: Here's the 4th candidate list of BJP for Tamil Nadu Pon V Balaganapathy - Tiruvallur RC Paul Kanagaraj- Chennai (North) A Ashwathaman- Tiruvannamalai KP Ramalingam- Namakkal AP Muruganandam- Tiruppur K Vasantharajan- Pollachi VV Senthilnathan- Karur P Karthiyayini-Chidambaram (SC) SGM Ramesh- Nagapattinam M Muruganandam- Thanjavur Devanathan Yadav- Sivaganga Raama Sreenivasan- Madurai Raadhika Sarathkumar- Virudhunagar B John Pandian- Tenkasi (SC) A Namassivayam- Puducherry Notable candidates and constituencies The list has some prominent names including former AIADMK member P. Karthiyayini who will contest from Chidambaram (SC) constituency and actor-politician Raadhika Sarathkumar who will run from Virudhnagar. By fielding seasoned politicians like former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan and nominating faces like Vinoj P Selvam, the BJP is making strategic moves to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, traditionally a stronghold of regional parties and the Congress. In 2019, the BJP did not win even a single seat in this state. In its 3rd candidate list, BJP gave tickets to leaders like former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundarajan and Annamalai. With the ruling DMK and the main opposition AIADMK are in a direct contest in 19 constituencies, including key areas like Chennai North, Chennai South, Kancheepuram (SC), Arakkonam, Arani, Salem, Erode, Theni, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Thoothukudi, Sriperumbudur, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi and Perambalur. 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule for Tamil Nadu Polling for Tamil Nadu's 39 Lok Sabha constituencies will commence on April 19, marking the beginning of the seven-phase election process across the country. Phase 1: April 19, 2024 Phase 2: April 26, 2024 Phase 3: May 7, 2024 Phase 4: May 13, 2024 Phase 5: May 20, 2024 Phase 6: May 25, 2024 Phase 7: June 1, 2024 The final results will be announced on June 4, following the culmination of voting on June 1.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP releases 4th list of 15 candidates for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

India's Top Court while hearing the Electoral bonds case today said that it wanted all information related to electoral bonds which are in SBI's possession to be disclosed. Watch to know more!

Electoral Bond saga: Poll bond declared null & void by the top court; what else did the judges say?

India Elections: Who gave the most to BJP, Congress & TMC?

The JD(S) and the BJP have come to an agreement on seat sharing. Under this Arrangement the H. D. Deve Gowda led JDS has secured three seats in the state. It will now field contestants in Mandaya Hassan and Kolar constituencies. Watch to know more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP-JD(S) finalise Karnataka seat-sharing

Himachal Pradesh's Congress chief, Pratibha Singh, opts out of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing unfavorable ground conditions. Singh expresses concerns over inactive party workers and acknowledges the difficulty in achieving success under such circumstances. Watch to know more.

Congress Himachal Party chief not to contest polls?

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi addressed a press briefing this morning. The leaders sharply attacked the ruling party over the freezing of the Congress party's bank accounts ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

India elections 2024: Congress accounts frozen ahead of polls

BJP-JD(S) finalise Karnataka seat-sharing, JD(S) secures 3 Lok Sabha seats

A war of words erupted between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the principal opposition party Indian National Congress. The Congress party has levelled serious allegations of misuse of government agencies for political motives by the ruling Bharatiya Janata party.

India elections 2024: War of words between Sonia Gandhi and Sambit Patra

Congress president Mallikatjun Kharge, senior leader Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi addressed a press briefing this morning. The leaders sharply attacked the ruling party over the freezing of the Congress party's bank accounts ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

India elections 2024: Congress leadership hits out at BJP

Former Indian ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu joined the BJP on Tuesday, amid a possibility that he may be fielded in the Lok Sabha polls from Amritsar in Punjab.

He joined the party in the presence of its general secretaries Tarun Chugh and Vinod Tawde, who highlighted Sandhu’s distinguished family lineage. His father Bishan Singh Samundri was a well-known educationist and founding vice-chancellor of the Guru Nanak Dev University.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-history-of-national-elections-and-party-wise-winners-since-independence-700788" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-history-of-national-elections-and-party-wise-winners-since-independence-700788&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi5ve3p_oCFAxXU-jgGHZf7CLIQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3aqd8e8OhAz4y78hgTj6Kt&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-history-of-national-elections-and-party-wise-winners-since-independence-700788" target="_blank">Lok Sabha&nbsp;elections: History of national elections and party</a>

Joining the BJP, Sandhu spoke about the growth of the India-US relationship and said development has been its focus area in a host of fields such as the semiconductor industry.

The ties between the two countries have evolved into a partnership that is a win-win situation for both of them, he told reporters Sandhu lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a development-focused leader and said development is very much needed today. This development should reach Amritsar too, he added.

He said that it is for the BJP leadership to decide on his candidature for the Lok Sabha elections.

The former IFS officer thanked Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda for his political innings.

Sandhu also met Nadda after his joining.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X to welcome Sandhu to the BJP, and also shared a photograph with him.

“Welcome to @BJP4India, Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS. Our close association gives me fullest confidence that you will continue contributing to the nation’s development and progress,” Jaishankar posted on X in the evening.

Earlier in the day, Tawde said the presence of someone like Sandhu with a successful diplomatic background in the BJP will strengthen the party.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi5ve3p_oCFAxXU-jgGHZf7CLIQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw34Z96q85Sqitca9IBY6vV7&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677" target="_blank">Lok Sabha&nbsp;Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in seven phases</a>

The BJP has been making concerted efforts to broaden its support among Sikhs, who are in a majority in Punjab, and is hopeful of making a strong impact in the state in the Lok Sabha polls.

The ruling party is especially keen in winning back Amritsar, a seat it has not won since Navjot Singh Sidhu bagged it last in 2009. Sidhu is now in the Congress and the seat is currently represented by its member Gurjeet Singh Aujla.

BJP’s Arun Jaitley and Hardeep Singh Puri, currently a Union minister, lost in the polls from there in 2014 and 2019 respectively.

The party believes Sandhu, who is from the city and comes from a respected Jat Sikh family, may turn out to be its best bet to win back the seat, and he has been on tour across the constituency for months to make connection with different segments of voters.&nbsp;

Former Indian ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu joined the BJP on Tuesday, amid a possibility that he may be fielded in the Lok Sabha polls from Amritsar in Punjab.

Former Indian ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu joined the BJP on Tuesday, amid a possibility that he may be fielded in the Lok Sabha polls from Amritsar in Punjab. He joined the party in the presence of its general secretaries Tarun Chugh and Vinod Tawde, who highlighted Sandhu’s distinguished family lineage. His father Bishan Singh Samundri was a well-known educationist and founding vice-chancellor of the Guru Nanak Dev University. Also read: Lok Sabha elections: History of national elections and party Joining the BJP, Sandhu spoke about the growth of the India-US relationship and said development has been its focus area in a host of fields such as the semiconductor industry. The ties between the two countries have evolved into a partnership that is a win-win situation for both of them, he told reporters Sandhu lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a development-focused leader and said development is very much needed today. This development should reach Amritsar too, he added. He said that it is for the BJP leadership to decide on his candidature for the Lok Sabha elections. The former IFS officer thanked Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president J P Nadda for his political innings. Sandhu also met Nadda after his joining. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X to welcome Sandhu to the BJP, and also shared a photograph with him. “Welcome to @BJP4India, Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS. Our close association gives me fullest confidence that you will continue contributing to the nation’s development and progress,” Jaishankar posted on X in the evening. Earlier in the day, Tawde said the presence of someone like Sandhu with a successful diplomatic background in the BJP will strengthen the party. Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in seven phases The BJP has been making concerted efforts to broaden its support among Sikhs, who are in a majority in Punjab, and is hopeful of making a strong impact in the state in the Lok Sabha polls. The ruling party is especially keen in winning back Amritsar, a seat it has not won since Navjot Singh Sidhu bagged it last in 2009. Sidhu is now in the Congress and the seat is currently represented by its member Gurjeet Singh Aujla. BJP’s Arun Jaitley and Hardeep Singh Puri, currently a Union minister, lost in the polls from there in 2014 and 2019 respectively. The party believes Sandhu, who is from the city and comes from a respected Jat Sikh family, may turn out to be its best bet to win back the seat, and he has been on tour across the constituency for months to make connection with different segments of voters.

Ex-Indian ambassador to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu joins BJP, may contest LS polls from Amritsar

Several people, including some police personnel, were injured in clashes between supporters of the BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district on Tuesday evening. Watch the video to know more.

India Elections: TMC-BJP workers clash in West Bengal after political meetings conclude

There is a lot of buzz over the BJP plans for Varun Gandhi. The Gandhis, the current BJP lawmakers from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit constituency and his name has not figured in both candidates' lists.

Indian elections 2024: Will Varun Gandhi get a ticket from BJP?

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed two complaints with the Election Commission in Tamil Nadu against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed two complaints with the Election Commission in Tamil Nadu against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Tamil Nadu: DMK announces 21 Lok Sabha poll candidates, MK Stalin releases first list with 11 names

As the Lok Sabha Elections are nearing political parties are gearing up...in the state of Tamil Nadu apart from organizing a string of rallies and Road shows in the 39 Lok Sabha seat State, the BJP has already stitched up an alliance with GK Vasan's Tamil MaAnila Congress. Watch in for more details!

India Elections: Tussle for Tamil Nadu's 39 Lok Sabha seats; will BJP open its tally in Tamil Nadu?

Seeking a straight third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a campaign blitz in Southern states - back to back rallies, mega road shows, fierce attacks on Opposition - the PM is leading BJP's attack for 129 seats in Southern India.

Former CM Sadananda Gowda may quit BJP, says 'BJP not a party with a difference'

Union Minister Pashupati Paras is reportedly going to step down from his position in prime minister Narendra Modi's cabinet today. The move comes after his party the RJLP did not receive any seat allocations in the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: RLJP President Pashupati Paras likely to exit Modi cabinet today

Meanwhile Congress allies are also not sparing any quarter Uddhav Thackeray has called BJP a termite damaging the country the leader has also urged people to prevent it from coming to power again for 'Sachche Din.' Watch to know more!

India Elections 2024: Uddhav Thackeray's 'Sachche Din' jibe at BJP

India Elections: Former Karnataka CM Sadananda Gowda may quit BJP

Pashupati Kumar Paras, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), resigned from the Union Cabinet on Tuesday (Mar 19) after his party didn't get any seats in the NDA poll alliance in Bihar.

Announcing his resignation, the brother of late Ram Vilas Paswan, said, "Yesterday, the NDA alliance announced the list of 40 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha... Our party had five MPs &amp; I worked with utmost sincerity... Injustice has been done with us and our party. Therefore, I resign from the post of Union Minister."

<h2>NDA's seat distribution in Bihar</h2>

NDA announced seat sharing for Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with BJP and JD(U) scheduled to contest 17 and 16 seats respectively out of the total 40.&nbsp;Chirag Paswan's LJP got five seats in the allocation, while his uncle&nbsp;Paras'&nbsp;RLJP was left empty-handed.

Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha, two National Democratic Alliance allies, will also contest one seat each. This is the first time the BJP is contesting more seats than JD(U) in Bihar.

<h2>Pashupati Kumar Paras vs. Chirag Paswan: Whose legacy is Hajipur?</h2>

Paras, who was Food Processing Industries Minister, aimed to contest the SC reserved, Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency, but his nephew, Ram Vilas Paswan's son Chirag Paswan, also wanted to do the same.

Hajipur, the largest city of the Vaishali district, is an important seat for both Pashupati Kumar Paras and Chirag Paswan. It used to be Ram Vilas Paswan's bastion as he won the seat 8 times from 1977 to 2019. In 2019, Pashupati Kumar Paras won from this constituency with 5,41,310 votes. This time BJP gave the ticket to Chirag Paswan while Paras also reaffirmed his intent to contest from Hajipur.

<h2>Paras's next move</h2>

Paras kept his future plans under wraps, amidst rumours of discussions with RJD leaders. “I’ll chalk out my next political move after discussing with party leaders and workers,” he said.

With elections slated from April 19 to June 1, the BJP, JD(U), and LJP are in full preparation mode to take on each other in Bihar. The results anticipated on June 4 will shape Bihar's political landscape. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Pashupati Kumar Paras, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), resigned from the Union Cabinet on Tuesday (Mar 19) after his party didn't get any seats in the NDA poll alliance in Bihar.

Pashupati Kumar Paras, leader of the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), resigned from the Union Cabinet on Tuesday (Mar 19) after his party didn't get any seats in the NDA poll alliance in Bihar. Announcing his resignation, the brother of late Ram Vilas Paswan, said, "Yesterday, the NDA alliance announced the list of 40 candidates for Bihar Lok Sabha... Our party had five MPs & I worked with utmost sincerity... Injustice has been done with us and our party. Therefore, I resign from the post of Union Minister." NDA's seat distribution in Bihar NDA announced seat sharing for Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with BJP and JD(U) scheduled to contest 17 and 16 seats respectively out of the total 40. Chirag Paswan's LJP got five seats in the allocation, while his uncle Paras' RLJP was left empty-handed. Rashtriya Lok Morcha and Hindustani Awam Morcha, two National Democratic Alliance allies, will also contest one seat each. This is the first time the BJP is contesting more seats than JD(U) in Bihar. Pashupati Kumar Paras vs. Chirag Paswan: Whose legacy is Hajipur? Paras, who was Food Processing Industries Minister, aimed to contest the SC reserved, Hajipur Lok Sabha constituency, but his nephew, Ram Vilas Paswan's son Chirag Paswan, also wanted to do the same. Hajipur, the largest city of the Vaishali district, is an important seat for both Pashupati Kumar Paras and Chirag Paswan. It used to be Ram Vilas Paswan's bastion as he won the seat 8 times from 1977 to 2019. In 2019, Pashupati Kumar Paras won from this constituency with 5,41,310 votes. This time BJP gave the ticket to Chirag Paswan while Paras also reaffirmed his intent to contest from Hajipur. Paras's next move Paras kept his future plans under wraps, amidst rumours of discussions with RJD leaders. “I’ll chalk out my next political move after discussing with party leaders and workers,” he said. With elections slated from April 19 to June 1, the BJP, JD(U), and LJP are in full preparation mode to take on each other in Bihar. The results anticipated on June 4 will shape Bihar's political landscape. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Pashupati Kumar Paras, union minister who resigned after poll alliance snub in Bihar?

National Democratic Alliance partners are announcing seat-sharing for the upcoming General Elections.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP announces NDA's seat sharing deal for Bihar

The ruling National Democractic Alliance has reached seat-sharing agreement in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls with the BJP set to contest 17 seats and JD-U 16.

The seat-sharing agreement was announced by BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde on Monday. He said LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest five seats and Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha will fight one seat each.

"The NDA alliance will fight the polls collectively. We will put our full force on all 40 seats in the state. We will win on all the 40 seats. It is my belief," he said.

The BJP has got one seat more than the JD-U, according to the seat arrangement.

He said the BJP will field candidates in Pashchim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Aurangabad, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Maharajganj, Saran, Begusarai, Nawada, Patna Sahib, Patliputra, Aara, Buxar, and Sasaram.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest Vaishali, Hajipur, Samastipur, Khagaria and Jamui. Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on Gaya and Karakat seats respectively.

Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The first phase of polling will be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the seventh phase on June 1.

The Election Commission on Saturday announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The polling will be conducted in seven phases across the nation from April 19 to June 1. Votes will be counted on June 4.&nbsp;

The ruling National Democractic Alliance has reached seat-sharing agreement in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls with the BJP set to contest 17 seats and JD-U 16. The seat-sharing agreement was announced by BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde on Monday.

The ruling National Democractic Alliance has reached seat-sharing agreement in Bihar for the Lok Sabha polls with the BJP set to contest 17 seats and JD-U 16. The seat-sharing agreement was announced by BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde on Monday. He said LJP (Ram Vilas) will contest five seats and Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha will fight one seat each. "The NDA alliance will fight the polls collectively. We will put our full force on all 40 seats in the state. We will win on all the 40 seats. It is my belief," he said. The BJP has got one seat more than the JD-U, according to the seat arrangement. He said the BJP will field candidates in Pashchim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Aurangabad, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Maharajganj, Saran, Begusarai, Nawada, Patna Sahib, Patliputra, Aara, Buxar, and Sasaram. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) will contest Vaishali, Hajipur, Samastipur, Khagaria and Jamui. Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha on Gaya and Karakat seats respectively. Bihar will see polling in seven phases. The first phase of polling will be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the seventh phase on June 1. The Election Commission on Saturday announced the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The polling will be conducted in seven phases across the nation from April 19 to June 1. Votes will be counted on June 4.

India elections 2024: NDA decides seat-sharing for Lok Sabha seats in Bihar; BJP to contest 17, JD-U 16

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday (March 16)&nbsp;slammed Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over K Kavitha's arrest, terming it a "serial drama" and claiming that the parties were playing cheap politics.

"Just a day ahead of polls notification, ED arrested Kavitha. This is nothing but a serial drama. Why didn't they arrest her in 2022? K Kavitha is the daughter of KCR [Chandrashekhar Rao, the chief of BRS]. When ED arrested her and took her, why didn't KCR come there as a father or as party chief?" he asked at a press conference.

He further&nbsp;said that both BRS and BJP were trying to mislead people.

"They are trying to play cheap politics. Both BJP and BRS are trying to mislead people. Modi wants to take votes portraying that they take action on her for involving in a scam and KCR want to take votes on sympathy. We see how cheap political tactics are being played," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-brs-leader-k-kavitha-remanded-to-eds-custody-for-7-days-700933">India: BRS leader K Kavitha remanded to ED's custody for 7 days</a>

A court in Delhi on Saturday (Mar 16) sent Kavitha to custodial remand until March 23.&nbsp;She was arrested on Friday in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case.

Daughter of BRS founder and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Kavitha was produced in the courtroom under heavy security in the presence of lawyers, party workers and media personnel.

While being produced before the court, she termed her arrest as illegal and said, "We will fight it (case) out in court."

Her arrest by the ED came after a raid at her Hyderabad residence by the probe agency.

In the arrest order, the concerned ED investigation officer said, "I believe that Kalvakuntla Kavitha, w/o DR Anil Kumar, residing in Hyderabad, Telengana-500034, has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003)."

"Now, therefore, in the exercise of the power conferred upon me under subsection (1) of Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (915 of 2003), I hereby arrest the said Kalvakuntla Kavitha at 05.20 pm on 15.03.2024 and she has been informed of the grounds for her arrest. A copy of the grounds of arrest (containing 14 pages) has been served upon her."

(With inputs from agencies)

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday (March 16) slammed Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over K Kavitha's arrest, terming it a "serial drama" and claiming that the parties were playing cheap politics.

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Saturday (March 16) slammed Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over K Kavitha's arrest, terming it a "serial drama" and claiming that the parties were playing cheap politics. "Just a day ahead of polls notification, ED arrested Kavitha. This is nothing but a serial drama. Why didn't they arrest her in 2022? K Kavitha is the daughter of KCR [Chandrashekhar Rao, the chief of BRS]. When ED arrested her and took her, why didn't KCR come there as a father or as party chief?" he asked at a press conference. He further said that both BRS and BJP were trying to mislead people. "They are trying to play cheap politics. Both BJP and BRS are trying to mislead people. Modi wants to take votes portraying that they take action on her for involving in a scam and KCR want to take votes on sympathy. We see how cheap political tactics are being played," he added. Also read: India: BRS leader K Kavitha remanded to ED's custody for 7 days A court in Delhi on Saturday (Mar 16) sent Kavitha to custodial remand until March 23. She was arrested on Friday in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case. Daughter of BRS founder and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Kavitha was produced in the courtroom under heavy security in the presence of lawyers, party workers and media personnel. While being produced before the court, she termed her arrest as illegal and said, "We will fight it (case) out in court." Her arrest by the ED came after a raid at her Hyderabad residence by the probe agency. In the arrest order, the concerned ED investigation officer said, "I believe that Kalvakuntla Kavitha, w/o DR Anil Kumar, residing in Hyderabad, Telengana-500034, has been guilty of an offence punishable under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (15 of 2003)." "Now, therefore, in the exercise of the power conferred upon me under subsection (1) of Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (915 of 2003), I hereby arrest the said Kalvakuntla Kavitha at 05.20 pm on 15.03.2024 and she has been informed of the grounds for her arrest. A copy of the grounds of arrest (containing 14 pages) has been served upon her." (With inputs from agencies)

Telangana CM launches scathing attack against BRS and BJP over Kavitha's arrest, calls it 'serial drama'

TTV Dhinakaran announced AMMK's alliance with the BJP for the Lok Sabha Election 2024 saying that the party has given "unconditional support" to the NDA. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: Dhinakaran-led AMMK announces allies with BJP in Tamil Nadu

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy on Monday (Mar 18) with his "Shakti" remarks during the closing ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Mumbai. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming, Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly denounced Gandhi's comments. Responding to the backlash, Gandhi issued a clarification, accusing PM Modi for&nbsp;“twisting" his remarks.

“Modi ji does not like my words, he always tries to change their meaning by twisting them in some way or the other because he knows that I have spoken a deep truth. The&nbsp;Shakti that I mentioned, the Shakti that we are fighting, is the mask of that power, Modi ji," Rahul Gandhi said in a long post on X.

The occurrences led to Rahul Gandhi's address in Mumbai on Sunday, where he criticised the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Modi on multiple fronts, including allegations of tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

“There is a word 'Shakti' (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that Shakti and what does it entail for us? The soul and integrity of EVMs have been traded to the King (Modi). This is a fact. Not just EVMs but every autonomous institution of the country, be it the ED, CBI or Income Tax department, have traded their spines to the Centre," Rahul Gandhi said at the closing ceremony of&nbsp;Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-modi-responds-to-rahuls-shakti-remark-jaan-ki-baazi-laga-dunga-701404">Also read |&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections 2024: Modi responds to Rahul’s ‘Shakti’ remark: ‘Jaan ki baazi laga dunga’</a>

<h2>‘Will sacrifice my life…’: PM Modi's sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi</h2>

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi took aim at Rahul Gandhi's "Shakti" remark, asserting that while the Congress purports to oppose Shakti, he perceives every mother and daughter as manifestations of 'Shakti.'

Also watch |&nbsp;India Election 2024: PM Modi takes on Rahul Gandhi over 'Shakti' comment

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-2024-pm-modi-takes-on-rahul-gandhi-over-shakti-comment-701544/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"They&nbsp;declared that their fight&nbsp;is against Shakti... for me, every daughter, mother, and sister is a personification of Shakti. To those who are raising their voices against Shakti, I accept your challenge. I am willing to sacrifice my life for Shakti," PM Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy on Monday (Mar 18) with his "Shakti" remarks during the closing ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Mumbai.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy on Monday (Mar 18) with his "Shakti" remarks during the closing ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Mumbai. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming, Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly denounced Gandhi's comments. Responding to the backlash, Gandhi issued a clarification, accusing PM Modi for “twisting" his remarks. “Modi ji does not like my words, he always tries to change their meaning by twisting them in some way or the other because he knows that I have spoken a deep truth. The Shakti that I mentioned, the Shakti that we are fighting, is the mask of that power, Modi ji," Rahul Gandhi said in a long post on X. The occurrences led to Rahul Gandhi's address in Mumbai on Sunday, where he criticised the ruling BJP and Prime Minister Modi on multiple fronts, including allegations of tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). “There is a word 'Shakti' (might) in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti (might of the state). The question is, what is that Shakti and what does it entail for us? The soul and integrity of EVMs have been traded to the King (Modi). This is a fact. Not just EVMs but every autonomous institution of the country, be it the ED, CBI or Income Tax department, have traded their spines to the Centre," Rahul Gandhi said at the closing ceremony of Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Also read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Modi responds to Rahul’s ‘Shakti’ remark: ‘Jaan ki baazi laga dunga’ ‘Will sacrifice my life…’: PM Modi's sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi took aim at Rahul Gandhi's "Shakti" remark, asserting that while the Congress purports to oppose Shakti, he perceives every mother and daughter as manifestations of 'Shakti.' Also watch | India Election 2024: PM Modi takes on Rahul Gandhi over 'Shakti' comment "They declared that their fight is against Shakti... for me, every daughter, mother, and sister is a personification of Shakti. To those who are raising their voices against Shakti, I accept your challenge. I am willing to sacrifice my life for Shakti," PM Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Modi ji twisting ‘Shakti’ remark’: Rahul Gandhi clears stance on PM Modi’s ‘jaan ki baazi’ attack

Bihar: NDA seat-sharing deal finalised; voting for Bihar's 40 seats to take place in seven phases

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