<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024:&nbsp;</strong>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a political rally in Telangana state's capital Hyderabad, slammed opposition politicians who claimed a day earlier that Modi doesn't understand a family unit's hardships because he doesn't have a family of his own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On March 3, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Yadav&nbsp;took a personal swipe at the PM, saying: "What can we do if Narendra Modi does not have a family of his own?"<br />
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Yadav was addressing the&nbsp;'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally'&nbsp;at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which was attended by several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and&nbsp;Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav.<br />
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Responding to the jibe, Modi said in Adilabad on Monday: "When I question their dynasty politics, they start saying that Modi doesn't have a family...My life is like an open book. People of the country know and understand me very well...When I work late into the night and news comes out, lakhs of people write to me to not work so much and rest well. I left my home as a child with a dream in my eyes...That I will live for the people of the country, every moment of my life will be for you, I will not have personal dreams but your dreams will be my resolve. I will spend my life to fulfill your dreams and brighten the future of your children. That is why I say that crores of people in the country consider me as their own and love me like a member of their family. So, I say that 140 crore people of the country are my family..."<br />
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<b>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/many-have-lost-courage-to-fight-elections-pm-modi-takes-a-jibe-at-opposition-ahead-of-2024-polls-687195">‘Many have lost courage to fight elections’: PM Modi takes a jibe at opposition ahead of polls</a></b></p>

<p>Born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi left home at a young age and returned to public life as a volunteer of RSS and subsequently a BJP leader in the western Indian state in the 1970s. He is not known to have lived in a family unit despite maintaining familial ties with members of his family.</p>

<p>Targeting the PM, RJD leader Lalu Yadav had further said,&nbsp;"He keeps bragging about the Ram temple. He is not even a true Hindu. In Hindu tradition, a son must shave his head and beard after the death of his parents. Modi did not do so when his mother died."</p>

<h2><strong>Another&nbsp;'Chowkidar' like moment in 2019</strong>?</h2>

<p>The BJP top brass, including party president JP Nadda,&nbsp;have added 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) in their social media bios. The collective action coincides&nbsp;with&nbsp;prime minister's comment that the country's people form his family.</p>

<p>This is much like the '<em>Main Bhi Chowkidar</em>' (I am a Watchman too)&nbsp;moment of 2019 Lok Sabha Elections when Congress party's Rahul Gandhi targeted Modi as 'thief' by claiming '<em>Desh Ka Chowkidar chor hai'&nbsp;</em>(Country's watchman is a thief), in reference to what Modi once addressed him as, 'a watchman' watching over the country and keeping corruption in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign: PM Modi addresses nation from Talkatora Stadium</strong></p>

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<p>Shortly after Rahul's '<em>Chowkidar Chor Hai'&nbsp;</em>comment, the BJP supporters began adding '<em>Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;</em>(I am a watchman as well) in their social media bios. The move galvanised support for BJP's campaign and contributed to PM Modi's return to power in 2019 with a much stronger majority.&nbsp;<br />
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<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a political rally in Telangana state's capital Hyderabad, slammed opposition politicians who claimed a day earlier that Modi doesn't understand a family unit's hardships because he doesn't have a family of his own.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a political rally in Telangana state's capital Hyderabad, slammed opposition politicians who claimed a day earlier that Modi doesn't understand a family unit's hardships because he doesn't have a family of his own. On March 3, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Yadav took a personal swipe at the PM, saying: "What can we do if Narendra Modi does not have a family of his own?" Yadav was addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' at the Gandhi Maidan in Patna, which was attended by several Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Responding to the jibe, Modi said in Adilabad on Monday: "When I question their dynasty politics, they start saying that Modi doesn't have a family...My life is like an open book. People of the country know and understand me very well...When I work late into the night and news comes out, lakhs of people write to me to not work so much and rest well. I left my home as a child with a dream in my eyes...That I will live for the people of the country, every moment of my life will be for you, I will not have personal dreams but your dreams will be my resolve. I will spend my life to fulfill your dreams and brighten the future of your children. That is why I say that crores of people in the country consider me as their own and love me like a member of their family. So, I say that 140 crore people of the country are my family..." Also read | ‘Many have lost courage to fight elections’: PM Modi takes a jibe at opposition ahead of polls Born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, Modi left home at a young age and returned to public life as a volunteer of RSS and subsequently a BJP leader in the western Indian state in the 1970s. He is not known to have lived in a family unit despite maintaining familial ties with members of his family. Targeting the PM, RJD leader Lalu Yadav had further said, "He keeps bragging about the Ram temple. He is not even a true Hindu. In Hindu tradition, a son must shave his head and beard after the death of his parents. Modi did not do so when his mother died." Another 'Chowkidar' like moment in 2019? The BJP top brass, including party president JP Nadda, have added 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) in their social media bios. The collective action coincides with prime minister's comment that the country's people form his family. This is much like the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I am a Watchman too) moment of 2019 Lok Sabha Elections when Congress party's Rahul Gandhi targeted Modi as 'thief' by claiming 'Desh Ka Chowkidar chor hai' (Country's watchman is a thief), in reference to what Modi once addressed him as, 'a watchman' watching over the country and keeping corruption in check. Also watch | 'Main Bhi Chowkidar’ campaign: PM Modi addresses nation from Talkatora Stadium × Shortly after Rahul's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' comment, the BJP supporters began adding 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I am a watchman as well) in their social media bios. The move galvanised support for BJP's campaign and contributed to PM Modi's return to power in 2019 with a much stronger majority. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe

<p>Delhi Finance Minister Atishi presented the union territory’s budget Monday (Mar 4) with a total outlay of INR 76,000 crore ($9.6 billion). The government said it put special emphasis on the education and health sector, with the former being allocated INR 16,000 crore ($1.93 billion) and the latter over INR 8,500 crore ($1 billion).</p>

<p>Atishi also unveiled the ‘Mukyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ in her maiden budget speech, under which a monthly honorarium of INR 1,000 ($12) will be given to all women of the state above the age of 18. While presenting the “Ram Rajya” budget, Atishi said a sum of INR 2,000 crore was set aside for the scheme.</p>

<p>The move, which comes ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is seen as an attempt to woo women voters, who make up almost 50 per cent of the state’s 1.47 crore voters (14.7 million).</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal excise policy scam investigation</strong></p>

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<p>Atishi also highlighted Delhi’s 'Farishtey Dilli Ke' scheme, under which it bears the full expenses of accident victims. The minister claimed the scheme has so far saved over 22,000 lives.</p>

<p>Delhi will also invest big time in electric buses, as Atishi promised to add another 8,000 to the current fleet by 2025. Additionally, 2,000 regular buses will also be introduced.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiBqa-ZmdqEAxXSxzgGHZ6yBhgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-kejriwal-agrees-to-cooperate-with-ed-after-skipping-eight-summons-in-a-row-696339" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-kejriwal-agrees-to-cooperate-with-ed-after-skipping-eight-summons-in-a-row-696339&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBqa-ZmdqEAxXSxzgGHZ6yBhgQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Delhi CM Kejriwal agrees to cooperate with ED after skipping eight summons in a row</a></strong></p>

<p>"Arvind Kejriwal has emerged as a ray of hope for the people of Delhi. People of Delhi have trusted him because of his honesty and have made him the CM with a thumping majority. All the legislators who are present here are inspired by Lord Ram, and that's why we have taken a 'sanklap' to fulfill the dream of 'Ram Rajya' in Delhi," the finance minister said.</p>

<p>The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which sits in the opposition in Delhi, accused Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of ‘duplication.’</p>

<p>BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj said, "It shows the duplicity of the (Delhi) government, which is deeply indulged in corruption, talking about 'Ram Rajya'. It doesn’t even suit them. There's nothing new in today’s (Delhi) budget."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Delhi Finance Minister Atishi presented the union territory’s budget Monday (Mar 4) with a total outlay of INR 76,000 crore ($9.6 billion). The government said it put special emphasis on the education and health sector, with the former being allocated INR 16,000 crore ($1.

Delhi Finance Minister Atishi presented the union territory’s budget Monday (Mar 4) with a total outlay of INR 76,000 crore ($9.6 billion). The government said it put special emphasis on the education and health sector, with the former being allocated INR 16,000 crore ($1.93 billion) and the latter over INR 8,500 crore ($1 billion). Atishi also unveiled the ‘Mukyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ in her maiden budget speech, under which a monthly honorarium of INR 1,000 ($12) will be given to all women of the state above the age of 18. While presenting the “Ram Rajya” budget, Atishi said a sum of INR 2,000 crore was set aside for the scheme. The move, which comes ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, is seen as an attempt to woo women voters, who make up almost 50 per cent of the state’s 1.47 crore voters (14.7 million). Watch: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal excise policy scam investigation × Atishi also highlighted Delhi’s 'Farishtey Dilli Ke' scheme, under which it bears the full expenses of accident victims. The minister claimed the scheme has so far saved over 22,000 lives. Delhi will also invest big time in electric buses, as Atishi promised to add another 8,000 to the current fleet by 2025. Additionally, 2,000 regular buses will also be introduced. Also read: Delhi CM Kejriwal agrees to cooperate with ED after skipping eight summons in a row "Arvind Kejriwal has emerged as a ray of hope for the people of Delhi. People of Delhi have trusted him because of his honesty and have made him the CM with a thumping majority. All the legislators who are present here are inspired by Lord Ram, and that's why we have taken a 'sanklap' to fulfill the dream of 'Ram Rajya' in Delhi," the finance minister said. The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which sits in the opposition in Delhi, accused Kejriwal’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of ‘duplication.’ BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj said, "It shows the duplicity of the (Delhi) government, which is deeply indulged in corruption, talking about 'Ram Rajya'. It doesn’t even suit them. There's nothing new in today’s (Delhi) budget." (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi’s AAP govt announces monthly assistance of $12 to women in ‘Ram Rajya’ budget

In India's race to power day after the Bhartiya Janata Party named Pawan Singh as the contestant from Asansol soul for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Bhojpuri singer has said that he would not be contesting the elections. Another BJP leader Dr Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says bowing out to return to his (medical) roots. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | Former Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan bows out of active politics

In India's race to power day after the Bhartiya Janata Party named Pawan Singh as the contestant from Asansol soul for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Bhojpuri singer has said that he would not be contesting the elections. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's Asansol candidate Pawan Singh opts out of polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of 195 candidates for Lok sabha elections 2024 on Saturday, after a marathon meeting of the party's central election committee (CEC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP finalises its first 195 candidates from 16 states for Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | BJP Candidate List

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jayant Sinha on Saturday (March 2) requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties" stating that he wished to focus on efforts to fight climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sinha took to his official social media handle and wrote, "I have requested Hon'ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance issues. I have had the privilege of serving the people of Bharat and Hazaribagh for the past 10 years."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have requested Hon’ble Party President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance…</p>
— Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantsinha/status/1763854032861327747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for providing him with the opportunities.</p>

<p>"Moreover, I have been blessed by the many opportunities provided by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, and the BJP leadership. My sincerest gratitude to all of them. Jai Hind!,"&nbsp;his post read.</p>

<p>This came hours after former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of BJP Gautam Gambhir requested the party to relieve him from political duties stating that he wanted to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments.</p>

<p>He also thanked the party's leadership for the opportunities they provided him with.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-cup-winner-and-mp-gautam-gambhir-requests-ruling-bjp-for-release-from-political-duties-695777">Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties</a></p>

<p>“I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his official X handle.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have requested Hon’ble Party President <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and Hon’ble HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!</p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1763785102268772777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gambhir had successfully contested the East Delhi seat in the 2019 general elections with a winning margin of 6,95,109 votes having joined the party in March of the same year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some reports say that both the MPs were not very popular in their respective constituencies and the party had made it clear that the MPs who did not perform as per expectations would not be included in the list this time.</p>

<p>Which is why the move seems like a dignified exit for the leaders, the reports added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jayant Sinha on Saturday (March 2) requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties" stating that he wished to focus on efforts to fight climate change.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jayant Sinha on Saturday (March 2) requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties" stating that he wished to focus on efforts to fight climate change. Sinha took to his official social media handle and wrote, "I have requested Hon'ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance issues. I have had the privilege of serving the people of Bharat and Hazaribagh for the past 10 years." I have requested Hon’ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance… — Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) March 2, 2024 × He further thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for providing him with the opportunities. "Moreover, I have been blessed by the many opportunities provided by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji, Hon'ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah ji, and the BJP leadership. My sincerest gratitude to all of them. Jai Hind!," his post read. This came hours after former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of BJP Gautam Gambhir requested the party to relieve him from political duties stating that he wanted to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments. He also thanked the party's leadership for the opportunities they provided him with. Also read: Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties “I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his official X handle. I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 2, 2024 × Gambhir had successfully contested the East Delhi seat in the 2019 general elections with a winning margin of 6,95,109 votes having joined the party in March of the same year. Some reports say that both the MPs were not very popular in their respective constituencies and the party had made it clear that the MPs who did not perform as per expectations would not be included in the list this time. Which is why the move seems like a dignified exit for the leaders, the reports added. (With inputs from agencies)

India: BJP leader Jayant Sinha requests JP Nadda to relieve him from electoral duties

<p>In a significant development in Delhi's political landscape, Bansuri Swaraj, a prominent Supreme Court advocate and daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj, has been named the candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency for the upcoming elections. Set to contest from the New Delhi constituency, Bansuri's journey into politics marks a noteworthy transition from her legal career to the realm of governance.</p>

<p>Bansuri Swaraj, aged 40, boasts an illustrious legal background, having served as the additional advocate general for Haryana and maintained a thriving private practice since 2007. Educated at prestigious institutions such as Oxford University for Law and the University of Warwick, England, where she pursued English literature, Bansuri combines academic prowess with practical legal expertise.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-bjp-releases-first-list-of-195-candidates-pm-modi-to-contest-from-varanasi-695970">Also read |&nbsp;Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP releases first list of 195 candidates, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi</a></p>

<h2><strong>The BJP's endorsement</strong></h2>

<p>Bansuri's political trajectory gained momentum when she was appointed as the co-convener of the legal cell of the BJP in Delhi in 2023.</p>

<p>Her nomination as a candidate for the Lok Sabha elections sheds light on&nbsp;the party's confidence in her leadership and advocacy skills.</p>

<p>Notably, Bansuri's name featured prominently in the BJP's initial list of candidates, alongside names like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Union ministers.</p>

<p>Beyond her legal acumen, Bansuri has emerged as a vocal critic of the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi. Her outspoken stance against Kejriwal's policies and governance style has garnered attention within political circles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On her mother Sushma Swaraj, Bansuri said she is her inspiration. "In my previous life, I must have done some good karma for Sushma Swaraj to be my mother. She is my inspiration and my guiding light. As of now, my responsibility is that of a con-convener of the BJP Delhi Legal Cell and I shall be focusing on discharging this responsibility," Bansuri said in 2023 when she formally entered Indian politics.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BJP announces first list for Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi</strong></p>

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<p>"I feel grateful. I express gratitude towards PM Modi, Home minister Amit Shah ji, JP Nadda ji and every BJP worker for giving me this opportunity. With the resolution of 'ab ki baar 400 paar', every BJP worker will work to make Narendra Modi the 'Pradhan Sewak' for the third time. I want to thank Sangathan Mahamantri Pawan Rana, Jay Panda, my elder sister Alka Gujjar and every single BJP worker who have bestowed this opportunity on me," Bansuri said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant development in Delhi's political landscape, Bansuri Swaraj, a prominent Supreme Court advocate and daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj, has been named the candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency for the upcoming elections.

In a significant development in Delhi's political landscape, Bansuri Swaraj, a prominent Supreme Court advocate and daughter of the late Sushma Swaraj, has been named the candidate from New Delhi Lok Sabha constituency for the upcoming elections. Set to contest from the New Delhi constituency, Bansuri's journey into politics marks a noteworthy transition from her legal career to the realm of governance. Bansuri Swaraj, aged 40, boasts an illustrious legal background, having served as the additional advocate general for Haryana and maintained a thriving private practice since 2007. Educated at prestigious institutions such as Oxford University for Law and the University of Warwick, England, where she pursued English literature, Bansuri combines academic prowess with practical legal expertise. Also read | Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP releases first list of 195 candidates, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi The BJP's endorsement Bansuri's political trajectory gained momentum when she was appointed as the co-convener of the legal cell of the BJP in Delhi in 2023. Her nomination as a candidate for the Lok Sabha elections sheds light on the party's confidence in her leadership and advocacy skills. Notably, Bansuri's name featured prominently in the BJP's initial list of candidates, alongside names like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior Union ministers. Beyond her legal acumen, Bansuri has emerged as a vocal critic of the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi. Her outspoken stance against Kejriwal's policies and governance style has garnered attention within political circles. On her mother Sushma Swaraj, Bansuri said she is her inspiration. "In my previous life, I must have done some good karma for Sushma Swaraj to be my mother. She is my inspiration and my guiding light. As of now, my responsibility is that of a con-convener of the BJP Delhi Legal Cell and I shall be focusing on discharging this responsibility," Bansuri said in 2023 when she formally entered Indian politics. Also watch | BJP announces first list for Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi "I feel grateful. I express gratitude towards PM Modi, Home minister Amit Shah ji, JP Nadda ji and every BJP worker for giving me this opportunity. With the resolution of 'ab ki baar 400 paar', every BJP worker will work to make Narendra Modi the 'Pradhan Sewak' for the third time. I want to thank Sangathan Mahamantri Pawan Rana, Jay Panda, my elder sister Alka Gujjar and every single BJP worker who have bestowed this opportunity on me," Bansuri said. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Bansuri Swaraj? Daughter of Sushma Swaraj set to make her debut in Lok Sabha elections

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its first list of 195 candidates for Lok sabha elections 2024 today, after a marathon meeting of the party's central election committee (CEC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

<p>India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (March 2) released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections that are set to take place in the month of May.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will again contest the polls from Varanasi.</p>

<p>Out of 195 candidates listed by the BJP, 34 are Ministers from the Centre and States, while two are former chief ministers.</p>

<p>While announcing the first list, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde stated, "PM Modi to contest Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi, Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiran Rijiju to contest from Arunachal West, BJP MP Bishnu Pada Ray to contest from Andaman &amp; Nicobar, BJP MP Tapir Gao to contest from Arunachal East, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to contest from Dibrugarh."</p>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar whereas Mansukh Mandaviya will do so from Porbandar.</p>

<p>"The names of 195 candidates have been finalised. The list includes 47 youth candidates, 28 women candidates, 27 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, 18 Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates and 57 OBC/Backward Class candidates. The party has announced the list keeping all communities in focus," said Tawde.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">29 फरवरी, 2024 को प्रधानमंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति और श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति की बैठक में आगामी लोकसभा चुनाव हेतु 195 लोकसभा सीटों के लिए बीजेपी उम्मीदवार के नामों पर मंजूरी दी गई। (1/4) <a href="https://t.co/Wv8yVYnegK">pic.twitter.com/Wv8yVYnegK</a></p>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1763925335186579499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-elections-nitin-gadkari-serves-legal-notice-to-congress-alleges-interview-twisted-distorted-695743">India politics: Nitin Gadkari serves legal notice to Congress, alleges interview 'twisted, distorted'</a></p>

<h2><strong>Key Points</strong></h2>

<p>- Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar will contest from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.</p>

<p>- Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to contest elections from Dibrugarh.</p>

<p>- Kiren Rijiju will be in fray from Arunachal Pradesh</p>

<p>- Former External Affairs minister, late Sushma Swaraj's daughter Bansuri Swaraj&nbsp;is set to make her poll debut&nbsp;and has been fielded from New Delhi.</p>

<p>- Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest elections from Lucknow</p>

<p>- Smriti Irani will contest to retain Amethi, a seat she wrested from Rahul Gandhi.</p>

<p>- Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni will contest the polls from Kheri.</p>

<p>- BJP leader Alok Sharma will contest from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>- Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will contest from Vidisha.</p>

<p>- Jyotiraditya Scindia will contest from Guna in Madhya Pradesh.</p>

<p>-The list includes&nbsp;candidates from 16 states with 51 names from Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>-There were 47 candidates below the age of 50.</p>

<p>- Twenty-eight candidates were women</p>

<p>- Ninety two were from the non-general categories.</p>

<p>- Lok Sabha candidates for 5 Delhi seats were also announced by the party.</p>

<p>- BJP leader Manoj Tiwari will contest from North-East Delhi.</p>

<p>- Bansuri Swaraj from New Delhi.</p>

<p>- Kamaljeet Sehrawat from West Delhi and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri from South Delhi.</p>

<p>- Confederation of All India Traders chief Praveen Khandelwal will contest from Delhi's Chandni Chowk.</p>

<p>- Pragya Singh Thakur has been dropped.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The early announcement of the candidates was made in a bid to give the nominees enough time for the election campaign.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (March 2) released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections that are set to take place in the month of May.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (March 2) released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections that are set to take place in the month of May. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will again contest the polls from Varanasi. Out of 195 candidates listed by the BJP, 34 are Ministers from the Centre and States, while two are former chief ministers. While announcing the first list, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde stated, "PM Modi to contest Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi, Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiran Rijiju to contest from Arunachal West, BJP MP Bishnu Pada Ray to contest from Andaman & Nicobar, BJP MP Tapir Gao to contest from Arunachal East, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to contest from Dibrugarh." Union Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar whereas Mansukh Mandaviya will do so from Porbandar. "The names of 195 candidates have been finalised. The list includes 47 youth candidates, 28 women candidates, 27 Scheduled Caste (SC) candidates, 18 Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates and 57 OBC/Backward Class candidates. The party has announced the list keeping all communities in focus," said Tawde. 29 फरवरी, 2024 को प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi की गरिमामयी उपस्थिति और श्री @JPNadda की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति की बैठक में आगामी लोकसभा चुनाव हेतु 195 लोकसभा सीटों के लिए बीजेपी उम्मीदवार के नामों पर मंजूरी दी गई। (1/4) pic.twitter.com/Wv8yVYnegK — BJP (@BJP4India) March 2, 2024 × Also read: India politics: Nitin Gadkari serves legal notice to Congress, alleges interview 'twisted, distorted' Key Points - Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar will contest from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram. - Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal is set to contest elections from Dibrugarh. - Kiren Rijiju will be in fray from Arunachal Pradesh - Former External Affairs minister, late Sushma Swaraj's daughter Bansuri Swaraj is set to make her poll debut and has been fielded from New Delhi. - Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will again contest elections from Lucknow - Smriti Irani will contest to retain Amethi, a seat she wrested from Rahul Gandhi. - Minister of State for Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni will contest the polls from Kheri. - BJP leader Alok Sharma will contest from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. - Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will contest from Vidisha. - Jyotiraditya Scindia will contest from Guna in Madhya Pradesh. -The list includes candidates from 16 states with 51 names from Uttar Pradesh. -There were 47 candidates below the age of 50. - Twenty-eight candidates were women - Ninety two were from the non-general categories. - Lok Sabha candidates for 5 Delhi seats were also announced by the party. - BJP leader Manoj Tiwari will contest from North-East Delhi. - Bansuri Swaraj from New Delhi. - Kamaljeet Sehrawat from West Delhi and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri from South Delhi. - Confederation of All India Traders chief Praveen Khandelwal will contest from Delhi's Chandni Chowk. - Pragya Singh Thakur has been dropped. The early announcement of the candidates was made in a bid to give the nominees enough time for the election campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP releases first list of 195 candidates, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has&nbsp;released&nbsp;its first list of 195 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to secure 370 seats on its own, and over 400 for its alliance, the NDA. India's&nbsp;ruling BJP declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would once again contest from Varanasi, with other&nbsp;notable names&nbsp;included 34 Union Ministers such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani.</p>

<h2><strong>Here are the key contenders in BJP's candidate lineup</strong></h2>

<h2>Narendra Modi</h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to contest once more from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. With victories in the constituency in the past two elections, PM Modi eyes a third consecutive triumph.</p>

<h2>Amit Shah</h2>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah, credited with orchestrating BJP's resounding victory in the 2014 polls, will seek re-election from Gandhinagar, Gujarat.</p>

<h2>Rajnath Singh</h2>

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will again be in the fray from the Lucknow constituency in the upcoming elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BJP announces first list for Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bjp-announces-first-list-for-lok-sabha-elections-pm-modi-to-contest-from-varanasi-695941/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Smriti Irani</strong></h2>

<p>Following her historic victory over Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, Smriti Irani has been once again entrusted with this critical constituency in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<h2><strong>Jyotiraditya Scindia</strong></h2>

<p>Former Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia will compete from Guna in Madhya Pradesh, aiming to regain the constituency he lost to the BJP candidate in 2019.</p>

<h2><strong>Shivraj Singh Chouhan</strong></h2>

<p>Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seems to be&nbsp;poised for a national role, and will contest from Vidisha.</p>

<h2>Kiren Rijiju</h2>

<p>Kiren Rijiju, currently holding the Earth Sciences portfolio, will contest from Arunachal West, having spearheaded significant ministries since BJP's second term in 2019.</p>

<h2>Rajeev Chandrasekhar</h2>

<p>Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar will enter a high-stakes battle in Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to wrest the seat from Congress' Shashi Tharoor.</p>

<h2>Hema Malini</h2>

<p>Renowned actor-politician Hema Malini has been fielded once more from Mathura, seeking to replicate her emphatic victories in the past two elections.</p>

<h2>Bhupender Yadav</h2>

<p>A seasoned BJP leader, Bhupender Yadav,&nbsp;known for his adept handling of challenges, steps into his maiden Lok Sabha election from Alwar, Rajasthan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-cup-winner-and-mp-gautam-gambhir-requests-ruling-bjp-for-release-from-political-duties-695777">Also read |&nbsp;Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties</a></p>

<p>Despite securing 303 seats in the 2019 polls, the BJP's current representation in the Lok Sabha stands at 290 due to various factors, including recent resignations of some MPs post their victories in assembly polls.</p>

<p>With the Election Commission expected to announce the poll schedule later this month, the Lok Sabha elections are anticipated to take place in April-May, marking a crucial phase in India's democratic process.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 195 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to secure 370 seats on its own, and over 400 for its alliance, the NDA.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 195 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to secure 370 seats on its own, and over 400 for its alliance, the NDA. India's ruling BJP declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would once again contest from Varanasi, with other notable names included 34 Union Ministers such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani. Here are the key contenders in BJP's candidate lineup Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to contest once more from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. With victories in the constituency in the past two elections, PM Modi eyes a third consecutive triumph. Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah, credited with orchestrating BJP's resounding victory in the 2014 polls, will seek re-election from Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Rajnath Singh Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will again be in the fray from the Lucknow constituency in the upcoming elections. Also watch | BJP announces first list for Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi Smriti Irani Following her historic victory over Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, Smriti Irani has been once again entrusted with this critical constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Jyotiraditya Scindia Former Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia will compete from Guna in Madhya Pradesh, aiming to regain the constituency he lost to the BJP candidate in 2019. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seems to be poised for a national role, and will contest from Vidisha. Kiren Rijiju Kiren Rijiju, currently holding the Earth Sciences portfolio, will contest from Arunachal West, having spearheaded significant ministries since BJP's second term in 2019. Rajeev Chandrasekhar Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar will enter a high-stakes battle in Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to wrest the seat from Congress' Shashi Tharoor. Hema Malini Renowned actor-politician Hema Malini has been fielded once more from Mathura, seeking to replicate her emphatic victories in the past two elections. Bhupender Yadav A seasoned BJP leader, Bhupender Yadav, known for his adept handling of challenges, steps into his maiden Lok Sabha election from Alwar, Rajasthan. Also read | Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties Despite securing 303 seats in the 2019 polls, the BJP's current representation in the Lok Sabha stands at 290 due to various factors, including recent resignations of some MPs post their victories in assembly polls. With the Election Commission expected to announce the poll schedule later this month, the Lok Sabha elections are anticipated to take place in April-May, marking a crucial phase in India's democratic process. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP heavyweights headline party’s first list of 195 candidates

In the run-up to general elections, India's ruling party has announced its first list of 195 candidates. Leading the list is prime minister Narendra Modi's candidature, following a list of key union ministers, many of whom will be contesting from different constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Watch to know more!

BJP announces first list for Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi

<p>Former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gautam Gambhir has requested the party&nbsp;to&nbsp;release him of political duties. Gambhir, a member of the 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup squad requested BJP President JP Nadda on Saturday (Mar 2) to to relieve him of his political responsibilities&nbsp;in order to focus on his cricketing commitments. Gambhir successfully contested the East Delhi seat in the 2019 general elections with a winning margin of 6,95,109 votes having joined the party in March of the same year.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have requested Hon’ble Party President <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and Hon’ble HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!</p>
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1763785102268772777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Gautam Gambhir asks to stay away from political duties</strong></h2>

<p>“I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his X handle.</p>

<p>His request to stay away from politics is a clear indication he will not contest the 2024 general elections to be held in a couple of momths.</p>

<p>Gambhir ahead of the 2019 general election joined the PM Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and successfully contested the East Delhi seat in&nbsp;first attempt. However, the former cricketer was more in the news for his controversial statements and fights on the field than he has been in politics.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/saudi-arabia-ready-to-host-2034-fifa-world-cup-launches-official-bid-with-campaign-slogan-growing-together-695747">Saudi Arabia ready to host 2034 FIFA World Cup, launches official bid with campaign slogan 'Growing. Together'</a></p>

<p>Gambhir’s exit from the election frame could welcome the addition of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar to the BJP-led NDA alliance. According to a few reports, the Bollywood actor could be handed the seat vacated by Gambhir in East Delhi. While these are still reports, the BJP intends to win all seven seats in the National Capital Territory (NCT) and would like to have a like-to-like replacement in terms of the fame surrounding Gambhir.</p>

<p>While&nbsp;Gambhir is likely to return to&nbsp;full time commentary and in the role of a mentor&nbsp;during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Last season he served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who made it to the playoffs.</p>

<p>Gambhir's most memorable moment during the IPL has been his on-camera verbal spat with former India captain Virat Kohli during a game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).</p>


Former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gautam Gambhir has requested the party to release him of political duties.

Former World Cup winner and Member of Parliament of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Gautam Gambhir has requested the party to release him of political duties. Gambhir, a member of the 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup squad requested BJP President JP Nadda on Saturday (Mar 2) to to relieve him of his political responsibilities in order to focus on his cricketing commitments. Gambhir successfully contested the East Delhi seat in the 2019 general elections with a winning margin of 6,95,109 votes having joined the party in March of the same year. I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 2, 2024 × Gautam Gambhir asks to stay away from political duties “I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his X handle. His request to stay away from politics is a clear indication he will not contest the 2024 general elections to be held in a couple of momths. Gambhir ahead of the 2019 general election joined the PM Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and successfully contested the East Delhi seat in first attempt. However, the former cricketer was more in the news for his controversial statements and fights on the field than he has been in politics. ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia ready to host 2034 FIFA World Cup, launches official bid with campaign slogan 'Growing. Together' Gambhir’s exit from the election frame could welcome the addition of Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar to the BJP-led NDA alliance. According to a few reports, the Bollywood actor could be handed the seat vacated by Gambhir in East Delhi. While these are still reports, the BJP intends to win all seven seats in the National Capital Territory (NCT) and would like to have a like-to-like replacement in terms of the fame surrounding Gambhir. While Gambhir is likely to return to full time commentary and in the role of a mentor during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Last season he served as a mentor for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) who made it to the playoffs. Gambhir's most memorable moment during the IPL has been his on-camera verbal spat with former India captain Virat Kohli during a game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the West Bengal government on Friday (March 1), for the alleged atrocities against women and incidents of land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.</p>

<p>During a rally in Arambagh town in Hooghly district, the Prime Minister expressed his concern over the Sandeshkhali unrest, where locals, particularly women, accused the now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates of land grab and sexual harassment.</p>

<p>PM Modi said, “Sandeshkhali incidents are a matter of shame. For nearly 2 months, the prime accused was not arrested.&nbsp;I feel ashamed and entire country is reeling with anger"</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-live-bjp-holds-core-party-meeting-to-finalise-first-list-of-candidates-695457">Lok Sabha Election 2024&nbsp;| Nation's trust in 'Modi guarantee' will help BJP win 400 seats: PM Modi</a></p>

<p>Addressing the crowd, PM Modi condemned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her silence on the matter, stating, "The entire country is witnessing the situation in West Bengal today. After witnessing what the Trinamool did to the mothers and sisters of Sandeshkhali, the whole country is suffering and seething with anger."</p>

<p>He criticised the TMC leader's actions, stating, "The leader of TMC has crossed all limits of audacity with sisters and daughters in Sandeshkhali."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-to-contest-all-14-lok-sabha-seats-alone-in-punjab-and-chandigarh-688961" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-to-contest-all-14-lok-sabha-seats-alone-in-punjab-and-chandigarh-688961&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNhbucptOEAxU3SGwGHRSECpQQFnoECAAQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0-xkFoDZYmQUHeR27-gG1y" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-to-contest-all-14-lok-sabha-seats-alone-in-punjab-and-chandigarh-688961" target="_blank"><b>Lok Sabha</b>&nbsp;polls 2024: AAP ditches INDIA bloc in Punjab</a></p>

<p>PM Modi highlighted the alleged lack of support from the CM&nbsp;when the women&nbsp;sought help, and accused the Bengal government of aiding the culprit.</p>

<p>He mentioned that pressure from the BJP eventually led to the arrest of the accused by the Bengal Police.</p>

<p>PM Modi also&nbsp;criticised the Congress and INDIA block of corruption, nepotism, and resorting to policy of appeasement. He asserted, "Trinamool has created a new model of crime and corruption in Bengal."</p>

<p>Regarding financial matters, PM Modi claimed, "Piles of notes are coming out from the houses of TMC ministers." He accused the state government of obstructing central investigating agencies and emphasised that the funds sent to Bengal by the Centre were not being utilised effectively.</p>

<p>During the rally in Arambagh, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-congress-delhi-deal-likely-sources-say-4-3-seat-sharing-agreement-agreed-692798" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-congress-delhi-deal-likely-sources-say-4-3-seat-sharing-agreement-agreed-692798&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNhbucptOEAxU3SGwGHRSECpQQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw00-ri73KsanU-Q4DGI8fPC" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-congress-delhi-deal-likely-sources-say-4-3-seat-sharing-agreement-agreed-692798" target="_blank"><b>Lok Sabha</b>&nbsp;elections: AAP, Congress reach seat-sharing deal&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>These included the inauguration of Indian Oil's 518-km Haldia-Barauni Crude Oil Pipeline, developed at a cost of approximately ₹2,790 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also laid the foundation stone for projects at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Phase II (2x660 MW) in Purulia district, a coal-based thermal power project overseen by the Damodar Valley Corporation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the West Bengal government on Friday (March 1), for the alleged atrocities against women and incidents of land grabbing in Sandeshkhali.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the West Bengal government on Friday (March 1), for the alleged atrocities against women and incidents of land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. During a rally in Arambagh town in Hooghly district, the Prime Minister expressed his concern over the Sandeshkhali unrest, where locals, particularly women, accused the now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates of land grab and sexual harassment. PM Modi said, “Sandeshkhali incidents are a matter of shame. For nearly 2 months, the prime accused was not arrested. I feel ashamed and entire country is reeling with anger" Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024 | Nation's trust in 'Modi guarantee' will help BJP win 400 seats: PM Modi Addressing the crowd, PM Modi condemned Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her silence on the matter, stating, "The entire country is witnessing the situation in West Bengal today. After witnessing what the Trinamool did to the mothers and sisters of Sandeshkhali, the whole country is suffering and seething with anger." He criticised the TMC leader's actions, stating, "The leader of TMC has crossed all limits of audacity with sisters and daughters in Sandeshkhali." Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2024: AAP ditches INDIA bloc in Punjab PM Modi highlighted the alleged lack of support from the CM when the women sought help, and accused the Bengal government of aiding the culprit. He mentioned that pressure from the BJP eventually led to the arrest of the accused by the Bengal Police. PM Modi also criticised the Congress and INDIA block of corruption, nepotism, and resorting to policy of appeasement. He asserted, "Trinamool has created a new model of crime and corruption in Bengal." Regarding financial matters, PM Modi claimed, "Piles of notes are coming out from the houses of TMC ministers." He accused the state government of obstructing central investigating agencies and emphasised that the funds sent to Bengal by the Centre were not being utilised effectively. During the rally in Arambagh, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various developmental projects. Also read: Lok Sabha elections: AAP, Congress reach seat-sharing deal These included the inauguration of Indian Oil's 518-km Haldia-Barauni Crude Oil Pipeline, developed at a cost of approximately ₹2,790 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for projects at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata and Raghunathpur Thermal Power Station Phase II (2x660 MW) in Purulia district, a coal-based thermal power project overseen by the Damodar Valley Corporation. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi decries INDIA bloc's silence on Sandeshkhali atrocities, says 'country ashamed'

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting of his Bhartiya Janata Party's Central Election Committee. The meeting was held late on Thrusday evening to finalise the first list of candidates for upcoming elections.

General Elections 2024: BJP Central Election Cell holds late-night meet, finalises first list

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a key meeting of his Bhartiya Janata Party's Central Election Committee. The meeting was held late on Thuusday evening to finalise the first list of candidates for upcoming elections.

India: PM Modi chairs BJP meet to finalise first list of Lok Sabha candidates

<p>Six Indian political parties on Wednesday (Feb 28) collectively declared an income of approximately 430.18 million USD (Rs 3077 crore) for the fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said.</p>

<p>Among them, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recorded the highest income of Rs 2361 crore.</p>

<p>The second-highest in the list was Congress which reported an income of Rs 452.375 crore, which comprises 14.70 per cent of the total income of the six national parties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides the BJP and the Congress, BSP, AAP, NPP and CPI-M declared their income.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/himachal-pradesh-political-crisis-speaker-disqualifies-6-congress-mlas-who-cross-voted-for-bjp-695045">Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP</a></p>

<h2><strong>Top points</strong></h2>

<p>-The ADR citing records submitted to the Election Commission said&nbsp;that between the fiscal year 2021-22 and 2022-23, the income of the BJP increased by 23.15 per cent. It shot by&nbsp;Rs 443.724 crore to record&nbsp;Rs 2360.844 crore during the FY 2022-23, from&nbsp;Rs 1917.12 crore during FY 2021-22.</p>

<p>&nbsp;-The National People's Party (NPP)'s income increased by 1502.12 per cent or Rs 7.09 crore from Rs 47.20 lakh during FY 2021-22 to Rs 7.562 crore during FY 2022-23.</p>

<p>-Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s income similarly increased by 91.23 per cent (Rs 40.631 crore) from Rs 44.539 crore during FY 2021-22 to Rs 85.17 crore during FY 2022-23.</p>

<p>-The income of the Congress, CPI (M) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) dropped by 16.42 per cent (Rs 88.90 crore), 12.68 per cent (Rs 20.575 crore) and 33.14 per cent (Rs 14.508 crore) respectively, between the 2021-22 fiscal and 2022-23 fiscal, the ADR noted.</p>

<p>-It further stated that the total income declared by BJP waf Rs 2360.844 crore during FY 2022-23. However, it spent only 57.68 per cent of the total money.</p>

<p>- Congress' expenditure on the other hand was Rs 467.135 crore, whereas it reported an income of Rs 452.375.</p>

<p>- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))'s total income was reported as Rs 141.661 crore while its expenditure was Rs 106.067 crore.</p>

<p>- AAP's expenditure exceeded its total income by 19.82 per cent as the income was Rs 85.17 crore while it spent Rs 102.051 crore.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Six Indian political parties on Wednesday (Feb 28) collectively declared an income of approximately 430.18 million USD (Rs 3077 crore) for the fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said.

Six Indian political parties on Wednesday (Feb 28) collectively declared an income of approximately 430.18 million USD (Rs 3077 crore) for the fiscal year (FY) 2022-23, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said. Among them, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recorded the highest income of Rs 2361 crore. The second-highest in the list was Congress which reported an income of Rs 452.375 crore, which comprises 14.70 per cent of the total income of the six national parties. Besides the BJP and the Congress, BSP, AAP, NPP and CPI-M declared their income. Also read: Himachal Pradesh political crisis: Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs who cross-voted for BJP Top points -The ADR citing records submitted to the Election Commission said that between the fiscal year 2021-22 and 2022-23, the income of the BJP increased by 23.15 per cent. It shot by Rs 443.724 crore to record Rs 2360.844 crore during the FY 2022-23, from Rs 1917.12 crore during FY 2021-22. -The National People's Party (NPP)'s income increased by 1502.12 per cent or Rs 7.09 crore from Rs 47.20 lakh during FY 2021-22 to Rs 7.562 crore during FY 2022-23. -Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s income similarly increased by 91.23 per cent (Rs 40.631 crore) from Rs 44.539 crore during FY 2021-22 to Rs 85.17 crore during FY 2022-23. -The income of the Congress, CPI (M) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) dropped by 16.42 per cent (Rs 88.90 crore), 12.68 per cent (Rs 20.575 crore) and 33.14 per cent (Rs 14.508 crore) respectively, between the 2021-22 fiscal and 2022-23 fiscal, the ADR noted. -It further stated that the total income declared by BJP waf Rs 2360.844 crore during FY 2022-23. However, it spent only 57.68 per cent of the total money. - Congress' expenditure on the other hand was Rs 467.135 crore, whereas it reported an income of Rs 452.375. - The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))'s total income was reported as Rs 141.661 crore while its expenditure was Rs 106.067 crore. - AAP's expenditure exceeded its total income by 19.82 per cent as the income was Rs 85.17 crore while it spent Rs 102.051 crore. (With inputs from agencies)

India's national parties declare income, ruling BJP leads with highest share

Lok Sabha elections are around the corner. India is set to vote for the next Union government.The Indian political arena is heating up. Now, national parties declared their income in 2022-23. Watch this video for all details.

How much income did the BJP, Congress & other national parties declare in 2022-23?

General elections 2024: BJP aims at 'historic' mandate in third term | PM Modi holds late-night meet

<p>A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly. The Leader of the Opposition&nbsp;Jairam Thakur, alongside other BJP MLAs, met the Himachal Pradesh governor, early on Wednesday and sought a test of strength for the&nbsp;Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government.</p>

<p>"We have pulled off a victory when our chances seemed very low. BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan won the Rajya Sabha elections. Currently, the Congress government has lost the moral right to stay in power," said Thakur after meeting Governor Shiv Pratak Shukla.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, hours later, Thakur alongside his 14 aides was expelled from the assembly&nbsp;for allegedly shouting slogans and misconduct in the Chamber of the Speaker.</p>

<p>Thakur had been demanding a division of votes for passing the state budget, scheduled to be presented in the state assembly later in the day, instead of a voice vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, if the BJP's request is allowed, the division of votes would establish the actual support of each party. If Congress fails to get the budget passed, it would&nbsp;automatically prove that it lacks a majority in the House. However, after the expulsion of 15 BJP leaders, the permutations and combinations regarding the budget vote have changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-alleges-congress-mps-raised-pro-pakistan-slogans-after-rajya-sabha-victory-694551"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;BJP alleges Congress MPs raised pro-Pakistan slogans after Rajya Sabha victory</strong></a></p>

<p>The equations changed yet again for Congress when MLA Vikramaditya Singh, son of former CM Virbhadra Singh announced his resignation from the council of ministers, alleging that the Sukhu-government had humiliated its own MLAs several times. His resignation has stoked fears that other MLAs might be looking to bow out of the Congress party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The man who lived for Himachal Virbhadra Singh was humiliated. Is this how much they respect my father?" said&nbsp;Sukhu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Singh's departure, Congress has 39 MLAs left while BJP has 26 MLAs in the 68-seat assembly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-bjps-big-win-in-rajya-sabha-bags-eight-seats-in-uttar-pradesh-one-in-hp-karnataka-694566"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP &amp; Karnataka</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Sukhu say?</strong></h2>

<p>After cross-voting resulted in Congress losing its advantage and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi conceding defeat, a dejected Sukhu blamed his party men for being sell-outs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When someone has sold out their honesty. Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi),"&nbsp;said Sukhu.</p>

<p>"There is a government and an opposition in a democracy but the kind of hooliganism ('gundagardi') being done by the opposition will never be accepted by the people of Himachal," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To arrest the slide in the state, Congress' upper hierarchy deployed&nbsp;senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar. Both have been appointed as observers to ensure that Congress does not lose power, mere months ahead of the general elections.</p>

<p>Media reports on Wednesday claimed that Sukhu had tendered his resignation following the events of the last 24 hours. However, he came out with a statement saying he was a "warrior" and that Congress will complete its five-years term in office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly.

A day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) managed to upstage Congress to win the sole Rajya Sabha (Upper House) seat in Himachal Pradesh, the party has now sought a no-trust vote in the state assembly. The Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, alongside other BJP MLAs, met the Himachal Pradesh governor, early on Wednesday and sought a test of strength for the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government. "We have pulled off a victory when our chances seemed very low. BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan won the Rajya Sabha elections. Currently, the Congress government has lost the moral right to stay in power," said Thakur after meeting Governor Shiv Pratak Shukla. However, hours later, Thakur alongside his 14 aides was expelled from the assembly for allegedly shouting slogans and misconduct in the Chamber of the Speaker. Thakur had been demanding a division of votes for passing the state budget, scheduled to be presented in the state assembly later in the day, instead of a voice vote. According to experts, if the BJP's request is allowed, the division of votes would establish the actual support of each party. If Congress fails to get the budget passed, it would automatically prove that it lacks a majority in the House. However, after the expulsion of 15 BJP leaders, the permutations and combinations regarding the budget vote have changed. Also read | BJP alleges Congress MPs raised pro-Pakistan slogans after Rajya Sabha victory The equations changed yet again for Congress when MLA Vikramaditya Singh, son of former CM Virbhadra Singh announced his resignation from the council of ministers, alleging that the Sukhu-government had humiliated its own MLAs several times. His resignation has stoked fears that other MLAs might be looking to bow out of the Congress party. "The man who lived for Himachal Virbhadra Singh was humiliated. Is this how much they respect my father?" said Sukhu. After Singh's departure, Congress has 39 MLAs left while BJP has 26 MLAs in the 68-seat assembly. Watch | India: BJP's big win in Rajya Sabha; bags eight seats in Uttar Pradesh, one in HP & Karnataka × What did Sukhu say? After cross-voting resulted in Congress losing its advantage and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi conceding defeat, a dejected Sukhu blamed his party men for being sell-outs. "When someone has sold out their honesty. Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi)," said Sukhu. "There is a government and an opposition in a democracy but the kind of hooliganism ('gundagardi') being done by the opposition will never be accepted by the people of Himachal," he added. To arrest the slide in the state, Congress' upper hierarchy deployed senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar. Both have been appointed as observers to ensure that Congress does not lose power, mere months ahead of the general elections. Media reports on Wednesday claimed that Sukhu had tendered his resignation following the events of the last 24 hours. However, he came out with a statement saying he was a "warrior" and that Congress will complete its five-years term in office. (With inputs from agencies)

After Rajya Sabha steal, BJP gears up to vote out Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh

The ruling congress in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh is in damage control mode after an embarrassing defeat in the upper house polls on Tuesday. The party has been trying to avert a full-fledged political crisis. The central leadership has appointed observers to assess the situation. While the speaker of the assembly disqualified the cross-voting MLAs.

Six congress MLAs, who cross-voted in BJP’S favour disqualified

Six Congress MLAs who defected to support the BJP during the recent Rajya Sabha election have been disqualified from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania announced their disqualification on February 29, citing violations of the anti-defection law.

India: Six Congress lawmakers disqualified from Himachal Pradesh Assembly

In a big relief to Congress, state minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday said he would not press his resignation from the cabinet until the final outcome of the ongoing efforts by central observers to placate dissident leaders.

India: 6 Congress MLAs disqualified by Himachal Pradesh speaker

<p>The BJP on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) of West Bengal alleging approximately 16,00,000&nbsp;fake or duplicate voters in the state and urged the commission to take steps to address the problem.</p>

<p>Leading a delegation of the West Bengal BJP unit, party leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed disappointment with the poll panel's failure to address the issue despite assurances.<br />
<br />
"Despite assurances of weeding out duplicate voters, nothing much was achieved. We regret to put on record that practically no steps were taken. There are around 16 lakh duplicate names in the voter list. Most interestingly, the gap between votes polled by the TMC and the BJP in 2019 was around 17 lakh only," he told reporters.</p>

<p>Adhikari, who is the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, urged the commission to take steps to remove duplicate voters from the electoral rolls.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The BJP on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) of West Bengal alleging approximately 16,00,000 fake or duplicate voters in the state and urged the commission to take steps to address the problem.

The BJP on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) of West Bengal alleging approximately 16,00,000 fake or duplicate voters in the state and urged the commission to take steps to address the problem. Leading a delegation of the West Bengal BJP unit, party leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed disappointment with the poll panel's failure to address the issue despite assurances. "Despite assurances of weeding out duplicate voters, nothing much was achieved. We regret to put on record that practically no steps were taken. There are around 16 lakh duplicate names in the voter list. Most interestingly, the gap between votes polled by the TMC and the BJP in 2019 was around 17 lakh only," he told reporters. Adhikari, who is the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal assembly, urged the commission to take steps to remove duplicate voters from the electoral rolls.

India: BJP submits memorandum to Bengal's poll panel chief claiming 1.6 million fake voters in state

Tuesday's Rajya Sabha polls saw defections that dealt a major blow to the Congress party. This has boosted the prospects of PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, as India heads to the polls in the coming summer. The ruling party BJP got Samajwadi Party MLAs from the state of U.P., to vote against their party and for BJP. The defections aided BJP, in securing 8 out of 10 seats in the upper house, from the state of U.P. Three SP lawmakers from the Amethi-Raebareli region, also defected to support BJP, challenging the congress bastion. One setback after another shows there is a lack of unity in the mega-opposition alliance. Can the opposition afford any more setbacks?

Big Boost for BJP as it eyes Congress bastions | Opposition Bloc hit by shocking betrayals

Amidst the ongoing political drama in the state capital Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly budget session came to an abrupt end as the budget was passed. Watch in for more details!

Himachal Pradesh: BJP MLAs stage walkout amid budget proceedings

Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu says the party will fight it out and last the whole five-year term. Watch the video to know more.

BREAKING: BJP leader claims Congress CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has resigned

<p><strong>Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: </strong>The ruling Congress party in the southern state of&nbsp;Karnataka won three seats in the upper house of&nbsp;the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha), while the&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP also faced a setback&nbsp;ahead of the upcoming general elections after&nbsp;BJP MLA ST Somashekar, on Tuesday (Feb 27) cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian parliament) elections in favour of the ruling Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP chief whip Doddanagouda G. Patil announced the cross-vote as counting is expected to be underway in the Rajya Sabha elections where 15 seats across three states were up for grabs.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>BJP MLA cross-votes in&nbsp;</strong>Karnataka</h2>

<p>The voting began at 9:00 am (local time) to fill four seats from the southern state of Karnataka in the upper house of the Indian parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Indian foreign &amp; finance ministers to contest Lok Sabha polls | India General Elections 2024</strong></p>

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<p>The BJP chief whip said that the party will take action against the MLA who cross-voted. “It is confirmed that (Karnataka MLA) ST Somashekar has cross-voted. We are discussing what can be done and what action to be taken,” said Patil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Somashekar before casting his vote said “I will vote in favour of those who assure me and give confidence that they will give funds for the water and other management in my constituency.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, another&nbsp;MLA, Arbail Shivaram Hebbar, chose to abstain from voting. Both MLAs have recently expressed&nbsp;dissatisfaction with the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-elections-2024-cross-voting-buzz-dominates-as-bjp-looks-to-extend-its-upper-house-tally-694247">Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Cross-voting buzz dominates as BJP looks to extend its upper house tally</a></strong></p>

<p>According to reports, the ruling Congress party shifted its MLAs to a private hotel on Monday (Feb 26) in a bid to prevent undue influence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Five candidates were&nbsp;contesting for the four seats – Ajay Maken (Congress), Syed Naseer Hussain (Congress), G C Chandrasekhar (Congress), Narayansa Bhandage (BJP), and Kupendra Reddy from (JD(S)).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress, with its majority in the state assembly, was able to&nbsp;secure three seats, while BJP, as&nbsp;expected&nbsp;bagged&nbsp;one seat.&nbsp;Each Rajya Sabha candidate&nbsp;needed at least 45 votes in the 224-MLA Karnataka Assembly to secure a seat.</p>

<p>Congress has 135 MLAs in the Karnataka assembly which allowed&nbsp;them to elect their&nbsp;three candidates – Maken, Hussain and Chandrashekhar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the BJP has 66 MLAs and was able to get its main candidate, Bhandage, elected easily.</p>

<h2><strong>BJP wins eight seats in&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP&nbsp;secured victory with&nbsp;eight of the ten Rajya Sabha seats in the state of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh after several&nbsp;opposition party members&nbsp;engaged in cross-voting. In UP,&nbsp;BJP, with 252 MLAs was set to win at least seven seats.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-claims-congress-govt-in-himachal-pradesh-loses-majority-amid-reports-of-cross-voting-in-rs-polls-694446">Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh has lost majority, claims BJP after cross-voting in RS polls</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the ruling party managed to win the&nbsp;eighth seat, thanks to seven cross-voting Samajwadi Party MLAs, as well as support from&nbsp;Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha elections</strong></h2>

<p>A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The polling was held&nbsp;on Tuesday&nbsp;for Rajya Sabha seats from the Congress-ruled Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka as well as Uttar Pradesh governed by the ruling BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: The ruling Congress party in the southern state of Karnataka won three seats in the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha), while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged one.

Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: The ruling Congress party in the southern state of Karnataka won three seats in the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha), while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) bagged one. BJP also faced a setback ahead of the upcoming general elections after BJP MLA ST Somashekar, on Tuesday (Feb 27) cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the Indian parliament) elections in favour of the ruling Congress. BJP chief whip Doddanagouda G. Patil announced the cross-vote as counting is expected to be underway in the Rajya Sabha elections where 15 seats across three states were up for grabs. BJP MLA cross-votes in Karnataka The voting began at 9:00 am (local time) to fill four seats from the southern state of Karnataka in the upper house of the Indian parliament. WATCH | Indian foreign & finance ministers to contest Lok Sabha polls | India General Elections 2024 The BJP chief whip said that the party will take action against the MLA who cross-voted. “It is confirmed that (Karnataka MLA) ST Somashekar has cross-voted. We are discussing what can be done and what action to be taken,” said Patil. Notably, Somashekar before casting his vote said “I will vote in favour of those who assure me and give confidence that they will give funds for the water and other management in my constituency.” Meanwhile, another MLA, Arbail Shivaram Hebbar, chose to abstain from voting. Both MLAs have recently expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP. Also Read | Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Cross-voting buzz dominates as BJP looks to extend its upper house tally According to reports, the ruling Congress party shifted its MLAs to a private hotel on Monday (Feb 26) in a bid to prevent undue influence. Five candidates were contesting for the four seats – Ajay Maken (Congress), Syed Naseer Hussain (Congress), G C Chandrasekhar (Congress), Narayansa Bhandage (BJP), and Kupendra Reddy from (JD(S)). Congress, with its majority in the state assembly, was able to secure three seats, while BJP, as expected bagged one seat. Each Rajya Sabha candidate needed at least 45 votes in the 224-MLA Karnataka Assembly to secure a seat. Congress has 135 MLAs in the Karnataka assembly which allowed them to elect their three candidates – Maken, Hussain and Chandrashekhar. Meanwhile, the BJP has 66 MLAs and was able to get its main candidate, Bhandage, elected easily. BJP wins eight seats in Uttar Pradesh The BJP secured victory with eight of the ten Rajya Sabha seats in the state of Uttar Pradesh after several opposition party members engaged in cross-voting. In UP, BJP, with 252 MLAs was set to win at least seven seats. Also Read | Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh has lost majority, claims BJP after cross-voting in RS polls However, the ruling party managed to win the eighth seat, thanks to seven cross-voting Samajwadi Party MLAs, as well as support from Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Rajya Sabha elections A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days. The polling was held on Tuesday for Rajya Sabha seats from the Congress-ruled Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka as well as Uttar Pradesh governed by the ruling BJP. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Congress wins three seats in Karnataka after cross-voting, BJP bags one

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) claimed that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh state has lost the majority. The claim was made after reports of cross-voting by at least nine legislators of the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha elections for the lone seat from the state.</p>

<p>BJP leader and former CM of the state Jairam Thakur said, “Budget will be presented tomorrow. We will discuss the Budget tomorrow and then we will see the situation there. But I can see that the government has lost the majority."</p>

<p>State Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the cross voting in a press conference held later on.</p>

<p>"...When someone has sold out their honesty...Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi)..." he said.</p>

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<p>Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singvi, who was present in the same press conference, conceded defeat.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Rajya Sabha Elections | Congress candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi says, "First of all, I extend heartiest congratulations to Harsh Mahajan (BJP candidate), he has won. He deserves my congratulations. I would like to tell his party - introspect and… <a href="https://t.co/iS4v7Kx2zp">pic.twitter.com/iS4v7Kx2zp</a></p>
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<p>Congress won the state in the 2022 elections with a comfortable majority of 40 seats in the 68-member house. The government of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu Sukhu was also backed by three independent MLAs. The BJP, on the other hand, won just 25 seats.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Will the BJP maintain its seven-seat sweep in Delhi?</strong></p>

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<p>Congress party currently governs just two states in the country: Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.</p>

<h2><strong>How BJP managed to challenge the grand old party?</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP fielded Harsh Mahajan against Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for the Upper House seat.</p>

<p>Mahajan is a three-time Congress MLA and was&nbsp;a minister in the state, before joining the BJP in September 2022 ahead of the assembly polls.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjGwduu2suEAxXU2TgGHcrtB2EQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/setback-for-bjp-karnataka-mla-cross-votes-for-congress-in-rajya-sabha-elections-694408" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/setback-for-bjp-karnataka-mla-cross-votes-for-congress-in-rajya-sabha-elections-694408&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjGwduu2suEAxXU2TgGHcrtB2EQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Setback for BJP? Karnataka MLA cross-votes for Congress in Rajya Sabha elections</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite claims by the BJP, CM Sukhu had earlier said that he is confident that his party MLAs will vote&nbsp;in favour of the party candidate. “We have 40 MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha and unless MLAs are bought off, we will get all the votes," he was quoted as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha elections</strong></h2>

<p>Elections to fill 15 seats of the upper house of the Indian Parliament were held Tuesday in three states: Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Polling was held for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, four in Karnataka and one seat in Himachal Pradesh.</p>

<p>In Himachal, 67 out of the total 68 candidates cast their votes in elections as one Congress MLA was hospitalised due to illness.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) claimed that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh state has lost the majority. The claim was made after reports of cross-voting by at least nine legislators of the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha elections for the lone seat from the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) claimed that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh state has lost the majority. The claim was made after reports of cross-voting by at least nine legislators of the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha elections for the lone seat from the state. BJP leader and former CM of the state Jairam Thakur said, “Budget will be presented tomorrow. We will discuss the Budget tomorrow and then we will see the situation there. But I can see that the government has lost the majority." State Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu confirmed the cross voting in a press conference held later on. "...When someone has sold out their honesty...Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Manu Singhvi)..." he said. #WATCH | Rajya Sabha Elections | Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "...When someone has sold out their honesty...Nine cross-votings took place, three of them were Independent MLAs but six others sold their honesty...and voted against him (Abhishek Singhvi)..." pic.twitter.com/MoRtSDceOk — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024 × Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singvi, who was present in the same press conference, conceded defeat. #WATCH | Rajya Sabha Elections | Congress candidate from Himachal Pradesh, Abhishek Manu Singhvi says, "First of all, I extend heartiest congratulations to Harsh Mahajan (BJP candidate), he has won. He deserves my congratulations. I would like to tell his party - introspect and… pic.twitter.com/iS4v7Kx2zp — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024 × Congress won the state in the 2022 elections with a comfortable majority of 40 seats in the 68-member house. The government of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu Sukhu was also backed by three independent MLAs. The BJP, on the other hand, won just 25 seats. Watch: Will the BJP maintain its seven-seat sweep in Delhi? × Congress party currently governs just two states in the country: Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka. How BJP managed to challenge the grand old party? The BJP fielded Harsh Mahajan against Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi for the Upper House seat. Mahajan is a three-time Congress MLA and was a minister in the state, before joining the BJP in September 2022 ahead of the assembly polls. Also read: Setback for BJP? Karnataka MLA cross-votes for Congress in Rajya Sabha elections Despite claims by the BJP, CM Sukhu had earlier said that he is confident that his party MLAs will vote in favour of the party candidate. “We have 40 MLAs in the Vidhan Sabha and unless MLAs are bought off, we will get all the votes," he was quoted as saying. Rajya Sabha elections Elections to fill 15 seats of the upper house of the Indian Parliament were held Tuesday in three states: Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh. Polling was held for 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, four in Karnataka and one seat in Himachal Pradesh. In Himachal, 67 out of the total 68 candidates cast their votes in elections as one Congress MLA was hospitalised due to illness. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress govt in Himachal Pradesh has lost majority, claims BJP after cross-voting in RS polls

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<p><strong>Rajya Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: Voting is currently underway for 15 seats across three states of the upper house of the Indian parliament Rajya Sabha. A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days.</p>

<p>The polling is being held for the Rajya Sabha seats from Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka states, as well as the country's most politically influential Uttar Pradesh state governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: PM Modi's reply to motion of thanks in Rajya Sabha</strong></p>

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<p>The BJP holds 28 of the 56 seats and is expected to have at least 29 after the election. In Uttar Pradesh, the opposition's Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance ('INDIA') bloc is expected to gain one more seat as the Samajwadi Party is expected to improve its tally from one to two seats.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Cross-voting buzz dominates the Rajya Sabha polls</strong></h2>

<p>For the northern Uttar Pradesh state, the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded eight candidates and the Opposition Samajwadi Party three for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats that are going to polls. There are eleven candidates for 10 seats, meaning that one of the candidates will not enter parliament's upper house from a current lot of candidates going to polls.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party is reportedly banking on members of the legislative assembly from the Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party with a substantial vote share in the western part of Uttar Pradesh state, whose patriarch Charan Singh was recently conferred with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-takes-sarcastic-jibe-at-mallikarjun-kharge-after-congress-releases-black-paper-688166">Indian PM Modi lauds predecessor Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha during farewell of retiring members</a></strong></p>

<p>The BJP leaders claim to have 10 MLAs from Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, eight of whom did not attend the pre-poll dinner hosted by Yadav a day earlier. The SP has denied these claims.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: How SP members are contesting on stocky wickets?</strong></h2>

<p>This is because the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Sanjay Seth, a former member of the Samajwadi Party and an industrialist, as one of its eight candidates — with Seth reportedly known to have gained the confidence of some unnamed Samajwadi Party MLAs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the polling began, the Samajwadi Party chief whip in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandey stepped down, in a symbolic blow to the party's ambition of pushing for a better performance in Rajya Sabha elections months before the General Elections.</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Battle of prestige in Karnataka, Himachal</strong></h2>

<p>In the southern state of Karnataka, the ruling Congress party shifted its MLAs to a private hotel on Monday (Feb 26) in a bid to prevent undue influence</p>

<p>State party chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has denied any possibility of cross-voting by the party MLAs.</p>

<p>In the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, the BJP's Harsh Mahajan is contesting against Congress party's Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The election is being seen as a prestige battle for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.</p>

<h2><strong>Rajya Sabha's integral role in Indian parliament</strong></h2>

<p>Indian parliament consists of the Lok Sabha or house of the people, the Rajya Sabha or the house of the states, and the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All 543 members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people during General Elections held every five years. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party or alliance with over 272 seats in Lok Sabha.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The members of the Rajya Sabha — a total of 238 of 250 strength — are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies. The rest of the 12 members, usually the eminent members of society, are nominated by the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the making of a law, a proposed bill must be passed by the majority of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha followed by assent from the president.</p>

<p>Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245. The term for Upper House members is six years, and elections are held every two years for 33 per cent of the seats.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Voting is currently underway for 15 seats across three states of the upper house of the Indian parliament Rajya Sabha. A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days.

Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Voting is currently underway for 15 seats across three states of the upper house of the Indian parliament Rajya Sabha. A total of 41 leaders for 56 seats, including former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and BJP chief JP Nadda, were elected unopposed in recent days. The polling is being held for the Rajya Sabha seats from Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka states, as well as the country's most politically influential Uttar Pradesh state governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Also watch | India: PM Modi's reply to motion of thanks in Rajya Sabha × The BJP holds 28 of the 56 seats and is expected to have at least 29 after the election. In Uttar Pradesh, the opposition's Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance ('INDIA') bloc is expected to gain one more seat as the Samajwadi Party is expected to improve its tally from one to two seats. Cross-voting buzz dominates the Rajya Sabha polls For the northern Uttar Pradesh state, the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded eight candidates and the Opposition Samajwadi Party three for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats that are going to polls. There are eleven candidates for 10 seats, meaning that one of the candidates will not enter parliament's upper house from a current lot of candidates going to polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party is reportedly banking on members of the legislative assembly from the Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party with a substantial vote share in the western part of Uttar Pradesh state, whose patriarch Charan Singh was recently conferred with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. Also read | Indian PM Modi lauds predecessor Manmohan Singh in Rajya Sabha during farewell of retiring members The BJP leaders claim to have 10 MLAs from Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party, eight of whom did not attend the pre-poll dinner hosted by Yadav a day earlier. The SP has denied these claims. Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: How SP members are contesting on stocky wickets? This is because the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded Sanjay Seth, a former member of the Samajwadi Party and an industrialist, as one of its eight candidates — with Seth reportedly known to have gained the confidence of some unnamed Samajwadi Party MLAs. As the polling began, the Samajwadi Party chief whip in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandey stepped down, in a symbolic blow to the party's ambition of pushing for a better performance in Rajya Sabha elections months before the General Elections. Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Battle of prestige in Karnataka, Himachal In the southern state of Karnataka, the ruling Congress party shifted its MLAs to a private hotel on Monday (Feb 26) in a bid to prevent undue influence State party chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has denied any possibility of cross-voting by the party MLAs. In the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, the BJP's Harsh Mahajan is contesting against Congress party's Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The election is being seen as a prestige battle for Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Rajya Sabha's integral role in Indian parliament Indian parliament consists of the Lok Sabha or house of the people, the Rajya Sabha or the house of the states, and the president. All 543 members of Lok Sabha are directly elected by the people during General Elections held every five years. The Prime Minister is the leader of the party or alliance with over 272 seats in Lok Sabha. The members of the Rajya Sabha — a total of 238 of 250 strength — are elected by the elected members of the state legislative assemblies. The rest of the 12 members, usually the eminent members of society, are nominated by the president. For the making of a law, a proposed bill must be passed by the majority of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha followed by assent from the president. Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245. The term for Upper House members is six years, and elections are held every two years for 33 per cent of the seats. (With inputs from agencies)

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