The Maharashtra's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has announced unconditional support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Part ahead of the impending Parliamentary polls while addressing his supporters Thackeray also made it clear that his party will not be contesting the elections this year. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections: MNS chief Raj Thackeray declares unconditional support for PM Modi, BJP

With 48 seats, the Indian state of Maharashtra sends the second-most number of lawmakers to the lower house of parliament. But the western Indian state is also a powerhouse, driving India's global ambitions. On Pollnomics today, we look at the state of Maharashtra's economy and why it matters to India's political economy.

Why Maharashtra matters to India

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<p>As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, political parties mocking each other is not new but India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh got creative and used the viral 'moye moye' meme to take a jab at the opposition INDIA bloc.</p>

<p>Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (April 3) said that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance doesn't stand a chance against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Lok Sabha elections as&nbsp;<em>"desh ki janata moye moye kar degi"&nbsp;</em>(the people will make the Opposition come a cropper in the elections).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Union Cabinet Minister called the INDIA bloc “an alliance of convenience of some self-seeking Opposition leaders” while campaigning for upcoming general elections in Ghaziabad for sitting MP Atul Garg.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">. <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajnathsingh</a> ji’s dig on Congress with 'Moye moye' is the best thing to watch 😂 <a href="https://t.co/t0Ti1pAv6h">pic.twitter.com/t0Ti1pAv6h</a></p>
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<p>“Several Opposition parties came together to fight and defeat the BJP. However, you can all see that this is an alliance of convenience of some self-seeking Opposition leaders. However, they can’t even face the NDA even if they are united. Is desh ki janata iska bhi moye moye kar degi (the people will make the Opposition come a cropper in the elections),” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-mentions-chinese-article-says-indias-rising-global-standing-can-no-longer-be-ignored-679201" hreflang="en">Rajnath Singh cites Chinese article, says India's rising global standing 'can no longer be ignored'</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed India's standing globally after assuming power in 2014, Rajnath Singh said, "India of today is a powerful country. The world didn't take us seriously before, but PM Modi performed a miracle to bring us where we are now. Today, when India talks on a global stage, the whole world listens."</p>

<h2><strong>What is 'moye moye' trend?</strong></h2>

<p>It all started with a Serbian song that went viral on TikTok and from there reached other social media platforms. The song titled 'Dzanum' by Serbian singer-songwriter Teya Dora is about nightmares, anguish, and despair. The trend includes people performing 'tragedy to comedy' acts while the hook of this song plays in the background.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, political parties mocking each other is not new but India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh got creative and used the viral 'moye moye' meme to take a jab at the opposition INDIA bloc.

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, political parties mocking each other is not new but India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh got creative and used the viral 'moye moye' meme to take a jab at the opposition INDIA bloc. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (April 3) said that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance doesn't stand a chance against the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Lok Sabha elections as "desh ki janata moye moye kar degi" (the people will make the Opposition come a cropper in the elections). The Union Cabinet Minister called the INDIA bloc “an alliance of convenience of some self-seeking Opposition leaders” while campaigning for upcoming general elections in Ghaziabad for sitting MP Atul Garg. . @rajnathsingh ji’s dig on Congress with 'Moye moye' is the best thing to watch 😂 pic.twitter.com/t0Ti1pAv6h — Political Kida (@PoliticalKida) April 3, 2024 × “Several Opposition parties came together to fight and defeat the BJP. However, you can all see that this is an alliance of convenience of some self-seeking Opposition leaders. However, they can’t even face the NDA even if they are united. Is desh ki janata iska bhi moye moye kar degi (the people will make the Opposition come a cropper in the elections),” he said. Also read | Rajnath Singh cites Chinese article, says India's rising global standing 'can no longer be ignored' Speaking on how Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed India's standing globally after assuming power in 2014, Rajnath Singh said, "India of today is a powerful country. The world didn't take us seriously before, but PM Modi performed a miracle to bring us where we are now. Today, when India talks on a global stage, the whole world listens." What is 'moye moye' trend? It all started with a Serbian song that went viral on TikTok and from there reached other social media platforms. The song titled 'Dzanum' by Serbian singer-songwriter Teya Dora is about nightmares, anguish, and despair. The trend includes people performing 'tragedy to comedy' acts while the hook of this song plays in the background. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajnath Singh takes swipe at INDIA bloc through viral ‘moye moye’ trend

<p>The Congress party on Wednesday (April 3) expelled senior leader Sanjay Nirupam for six years for ‘indiscipline’ and ‘anti-party statements’.</p>

<p>Sanjay Nirupam, had&nbsp;lambasted Congress&nbsp;for conceding the prized Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat to its former rival, now ally, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. Nirupam's allegations of corruption against the Shiv Sena's candidate, Amol Kirtikar, further escalated tensions within the party.</p>

<p>Nana Patole, the State Congress President, announced that the Maharashtra Congress has forwarded a proposal to the party leadership for disciplinary action against Nirupam. Patole highlighted Nirupam's contentious remarks and suggested that disciplinary proceedings were imminent.</p>

<p>Nirupam's political trajectory reveals a tumultuous relationship with the Congress party, marked by clashes and dissent. Despite his nearly two-decade-long association with the Congress, his criticisms and conflicts with party leaders have been recurrent.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tihar-denies-aaps-claims-of-arvind-kejriwal-losing-45-kg-says-weight-remains-same-atishi-hits-back-707322">Also read |&nbsp;Tihar denies AAP's claims of Arvind Kejriwal losing 4.5 Kg, says weight remains same, Atishi hits back</a></p>

<h2><strong>Friction with Shiv Sena (UBT)</strong></h2>

<p>Nirupam's discord with the Shiv Sena (UBT) over the Mumbai North West seat dates back to recent events. He raised concerns about the seat allocation within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, questioning the integrity of the Congress leadership's decisions.</p>

<p>Nirupam's criticisms extended to allegations of corruption against Amol Kirtikar, the Shiv Sena candidate for Mumbai North West, whom he called 'khichdi chor'. He drew attention to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the 'khichdi scam'&nbsp;involving Kirtikar, adding fuel to the political fire.</p>

<p>The Shiv Sena's nomination of candidates for parliamentary seats in Mumbai, particularly the Mumbai North West constituency, prompted Nirupam's accusations of a concerted effort to undermine the Congress party's electoral prospects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nirupam's tenure as Mumbai Congress chief was marked by internal dissent and challenges to his leadership style. Conflicts within the party, especially regarding candidate selection and organisational decisions, exacerbated tensions leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Nirupam's transition from a prominent figure within the Shiv Sena to a dissenting voice within the Congress reflects the shifting sands of Indian politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Congress party on Wednesday (April 3) expelled senior leader Sanjay Nirupam for six years for ‘indiscipline’ and ‘anti-party statements’. Sanjay Nirupam, had lambasted Congress for conceding the prized Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat to its former rival, now ally, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray.

The Congress party on Wednesday (April 3) expelled senior leader Sanjay Nirupam for six years for ‘indiscipline’ and ‘anti-party statements’. Sanjay Nirupam, had lambasted Congress for conceding the prized Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat to its former rival, now ally, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray. Nirupam's allegations of corruption against the Shiv Sena's candidate, Amol Kirtikar, further escalated tensions within the party. Nana Patole, the State Congress President, announced that the Maharashtra Congress has forwarded a proposal to the party leadership for disciplinary action against Nirupam. Patole highlighted Nirupam's contentious remarks and suggested that disciplinary proceedings were imminent. Nirupam's political trajectory reveals a tumultuous relationship with the Congress party, marked by clashes and dissent. Despite his nearly two-decade-long association with the Congress, his criticisms and conflicts with party leaders have been recurrent. Also read | Tihar denies AAP's claims of Arvind Kejriwal losing 4.5 Kg, says weight remains same, Atishi hits back Friction with Shiv Sena (UBT) Nirupam's discord with the Shiv Sena (UBT) over the Mumbai North West seat dates back to recent events. He raised concerns about the seat allocation within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, questioning the integrity of the Congress leadership's decisions. Nirupam's criticisms extended to allegations of corruption against Amol Kirtikar, the Shiv Sena candidate for Mumbai North West, whom he called 'khichdi chor'. He drew attention to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the 'khichdi scam' involving Kirtikar, adding fuel to the political fire. The Shiv Sena's nomination of candidates for parliamentary seats in Mumbai, particularly the Mumbai North West constituency, prompted Nirupam's accusations of a concerted effort to undermine the Congress party's electoral prospects. Nirupam's tenure as Mumbai Congress chief was marked by internal dissent and challenges to his leadership style. Conflicts within the party, especially regarding candidate selection and organisational decisions, exacerbated tensions leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Nirupam's transition from a prominent figure within the Shiv Sena to a dissenting voice within the Congress reflects the shifting sands of Indian politics. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Congress expels Sanjay Nirupam for 6 years over ‘indiscipline’, ‘anti-party statements’

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

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

<p>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party released its fifth list of 111 candidates on Sunday (March 24). Members of the ruling party were declared candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<p>While stars of the entertainment world,&nbsp;Kangana Ranaut (national award-winning actor), and&nbsp;Arun Govil headlined the BJP's fifth list, equally crucial have been the names dropped by the ruling party.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Varun Gandhi dropped</strong></h2>

<p>Rahul Gandhi's cousin has been his political opponent since the 44-year-old was first introduced to Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit constituency by his mother Maneka during the 1999 General Elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-fifth-list-of-candidates-includes-actors-and-new-joinees-703885">Lok Sabha polls: Kangana, Arun Govil in BJP’s fifth list of 111 candidates including new joinees</a></strong></p>

<p>The grandson and great-grandson of former Indian prime ministers, Varun has been dropped by the BJP from Pilibhit. Instead, former Congress leader-turned-BJP politician Jitin Prasada has been fielded from Pilibhit.</p>

<h2><strong>Ex-Army chief General VK Singh dropped</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP has fielded Atul Garg from Ghaziabad Lok Sabha constituency, dropping former army chief General VK Singh from the NCR seat. Garg is a two-time MLA from Ghaziabad Sadar.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ashwini Choubey dropped</strong></h2>

<p>The Union minister has been dropped from Bihar's Buxar in one of the most shocking snubs of the ongoing political season.</p>

<h2><strong>Anantkumar Hegde snubbed</strong></h2>

<p>The incumbent MP from Uttara Kannada and former Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde had been making remarks that had embarrassed the BJP. The party has fielded former Assembly Speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri in his place.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The BJP has kept its focus on winnability with an advantage of its organisational strength and fractious opposition.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India Election 2024: Kangana Ranaut gets BJP ticket for Lok Sabha polls, to contest from Mandi</strong></p>

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<p>The party under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term in a row during the country's general elections later this summer. While the&nbsp;Congress party has allied with 28 others and have labeled themselves Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to de-seat PM Modi from power.</p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party released its fifth list of 111 candidates on Sunday (March 24). Members of the ruling party were declared candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Bharatiya Janata Party released its fifth list of 111 candidates on Sunday (March 24). Members of the ruling party were declared candidates from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. While stars of the entertainment world, Kangana Ranaut (national award-winning actor), and Arun Govil headlined the BJP's fifth list, equally crucial have been the names dropped by the ruling party. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Varun Gandhi dropped Rahul Gandhi's cousin has been his political opponent since the 44-year-old was first introduced to Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit constituency by his mother Maneka during the 1999 General Elections. Also read | Lok Sabha polls: Kangana, Arun Govil in BJP’s fifth list of 111 candidates including new joinees The grandson and great-grandson of former Indian prime ministers, Varun has been dropped by the BJP from Pilibhit. Instead, former Congress leader-turned-BJP politician Jitin Prasada has been fielded from Pilibhit. Ex-Army chief General VK Singh dropped The BJP has fielded Atul Garg from Ghaziabad Lok Sabha constituency, dropping former army chief General VK Singh from the NCR seat. Garg is a two-time MLA from Ghaziabad Sadar. Ashwini Choubey dropped The Union minister has been dropped from Bihar's Buxar in one of the most shocking snubs of the ongoing political season. Anantkumar Hegde snubbed The incumbent MP from Uttara Kannada and former Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde had been making remarks that had embarrassed the BJP. The party has fielded former Assembly Speaker Vishweshwara Hegde Kageri in his place. What does it mean? The BJP has kept its focus on winnability with an advantage of its organisational strength and fractious opposition. Also watch | India Election 2024: Kangana Ranaut gets BJP ticket for Lok Sabha polls, to contest from Mandi × The party under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term in a row during the country's general elections later this summer. While the Congress party has allied with 28 others and have labeled themselves Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to de-seat PM Modi from power.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Varun Gandhi, Ashwini Choubey snubbed in BJP's latest list of candidates

BJP announced the names of 111 additional Lok Sabha poll candidates on Sunday, revealing significant changes in its roster. Among the prominent names are actor Kangana Ranaut and industrialist Naveen Jindal, who joined the party today. Arun Govil, renowned for his portrayal of Ram in the TV serial Ramayan, has been fielded from the Meerut Lok Sabha seat.

India Election 2024: Celebrities join political parties ahead of polls

The BJP has announced its fifth list of Lok Sabha candidates, and unlike the previous four, this one is full of surprises. New names have been announced, while several have been dropped. But the list also gives insight into the strategy the BJP is planning for the elections. This reports gives further details.

India Election 2024: Decoding BJP's fifth Lok Sabha candidates list

India Election 2024: 37 sitting MPs dropped in BJP's  fifth Lok Sabha candidates list

<p>The Congress party convened its Central Election Committee (CEC) gathering at its New Delhi headquarters on Tuesday. At the session, news agency ANI citing informed sources said, the party concluded the selection of candidates for 12 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, party leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa stated, "We will convene another meeting tomorrow." He mentioned that the criteria for candidate selection remain unchanged. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also affirmed, "Tomorrow, we will disclose our list of candidates."</p>

<p>Siddaramaiah's remark followed the Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) gathering in Delhi on Tuesday. Karnataka contributes 28 members to the Lok Sabha. West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress had announced candidates for all seats on March 10 even though&nbsp;the Congress and TMC are both part of the opposition's INDIA bloc.</p>

<p>The Congress party unveiled candidates for 82 out of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats. In its initial roster on March 8, the party disclosed 39 candidates, including prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi, DK Suresh, and Shashi Tharoor. Subsequently, the second list, released on March 12, featured names such as Gaurav Gogoi, Nakul Nath, and Vaibhav Gehlot.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-pashupati-kumar-paras-union-minister-who-resigned-after-poll-alliance-snub-in-bihar-701920">Also read |&nbsp;Who is Pashupati Kumar Paras, union minister who resigned after poll alliance snub in Bihar?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Working committee meeting for poll manifesto approval</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, the Congress convened a session of its Working Committee, the apex decision-making body, to deliberate and sanction the party's manifesto for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Apart from ex-party heads Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, senior figures like Ambika Soni, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, P Chidambaram, Digvijaya Singh, Ajay Maken, and Kumari Selja were also present at the gathering.</p>

<p>"The Congress Working Committee (CWC) today extensively discussed the Congress Manifesto for 2024 elections. Since 1926, the Congress Party’s Manifesto has stood as a testament to trust and commitment," the party said in a post on X.</p>

<p>Following the meeting, Kharge tweeted, "The 5 pillars of #BharatJodoNyayYatra -&nbsp;Kisan Nyay, Yuva Nyay, Naari Nyay, Shramik Nyay and Hissedari Nyay have 5 guarantees each." He added, "Right from 1926, Congress Party’s Manifesto has been regarded as a "document of trust and commitment."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi welcomes Bhutanese PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay</strong></p>

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<p>The national Lok Sabha Elections are set to take place in seven phases starting from April 19. On April 19, the first phase of voting will take place, covering 102 parliamentary constituencies. Subsequently, the second phase, including 89 constituencies, will be held on April 26, followed by the third phase with 94 constituencies on May 7.</p>

<p>The voting for the fourth phase, covering 96 seats, is slated for May 13, followed by the fifth phase for 49 seats on May 20. On May 25, the sixth phase will see polling for 57 parliamentary constituencies, while the seventh and final phase, encompassing another 57 seats, is scheduled for June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Congress party convened its Central Election Committee (CEC) gathering at its New Delhi headquarters on Tuesday. At the session, news agency ANI citing informed sources said, the party concluded the selection of candidates for 12 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal.

The Congress party convened its Central Election Committee (CEC) gathering at its New Delhi headquarters on Tuesday. At the session, news agency ANI citing informed sources said, the party concluded the selection of candidates for 12 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal. Meanwhile, party leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa stated, "We will convene another meeting tomorrow." He mentioned that the criteria for candidate selection remain unchanged. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also affirmed, "Tomorrow, we will disclose our list of candidates." Siddaramaiah's remark followed the Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) gathering in Delhi on Tuesday. Karnataka contributes 28 members to the Lok Sabha. West Bengal has 42 Lok Sabha seats. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress had announced candidates for all seats on March 10 even though the Congress and TMC are both part of the opposition's INDIA bloc. The Congress party unveiled candidates for 82 out of the total 543 Lok Sabha seats. In its initial roster on March 8, the party disclosed 39 candidates, including prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi, DK Suresh, and Shashi Tharoor. Subsequently, the second list, released on March 12, featured names such as Gaurav Gogoi, Nakul Nath, and Vaibhav Gehlot. Also read | Who is Pashupati Kumar Paras, union minister who resigned after poll alliance snub in Bihar? Working committee meeting for poll manifesto approval Earlier in the day, the Congress convened a session of its Working Committee, the apex decision-making body, to deliberate and sanction the party's manifesto for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Apart from ex-party heads Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, senior figures like Ambika Soni, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, P Chidambaram, Digvijaya Singh, Ajay Maken, and Kumari Selja were also present at the gathering. "The Congress Working Committee (CWC) today extensively discussed the Congress Manifesto for 2024 elections. Since 1926, the Congress Party’s Manifesto has stood as a testament to trust and commitment," the party said in a post on X. Following the meeting, Kharge tweeted, "The 5 pillars of #BharatJodoNyayYatra - Kisan Nyay, Yuva Nyay, Naari Nyay, Shramik Nyay and Hissedari Nyay have 5 guarantees each." He added, "Right from 1926, Congress Party’s Manifesto has been regarded as a "document of trust and commitment." Also watch | Indian PM Modi welcomes Bhutanese PM Dasho Tshering Tobgay The national Lok Sabha Elections are set to take place in seven phases starting from April 19. On April 19, the first phase of voting will take place, covering 102 parliamentary constituencies. Subsequently, the second phase, including 89 constituencies, will be held on April 26, followed by the third phase with 94 constituencies on May 7. The voting for the fourth phase, covering 96 seats, is slated for May 13, followed by the fifth phase for 49 seats on May 20. On May 25, the sixth phase will see polling for 57 parliamentary constituencies, while the seventh and final phase, encompassing another 57 seats, is scheduled for June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress to release third Lok Sabha candidate list? Meeting held by Sonia Gandhi, Kharge

National Democratic Alliance partners are announcing seat-sharing for the upcoming General Elections. Watch the video to know more.

India elections 2024: Battle for Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats; NDA vs Grand Alliance in Bihar

<p>In New Delhi this weekend, the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the biggest election exercise in human history so far.&nbsp;Up for a vote are all 543 constituencies&nbsp;for the reconstitution of the 18th&nbsp;Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, with the winning party selecting the country’s prime minister and forming a government.</p>

<p>"We will take democracy to every corner of the country," the chief election commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, said at a press conference in New Delhi announcing the voting dates, which will take place across six weeks.<img alt="India Elections: Voting for the constitution of 18th Lok Sabha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e89812c7-eddf-4f47-b5fb-54e3944fb133" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India_Polls.png" /></p>

<p><em>India Elections 2024: Voting schedule&nbsp;for the constitution of 18th Lok Sabha | WION</em></p>

<p>A total of 970 million people are eligible to vote in the election. This is more than the populations of the US, European Union and Russia combined.</p>

<p>More than a million polling stations will act as the lifeblood of the world's biggest democratic exercise&nbsp;in an operation staffed by 15 million poll workers, the election commission said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2019, the National Democratic Alliance led by BJP got 353 members elected.<img alt="17th Lok Sabha Results | WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="83d1f7aa-9b37-45ba-98b1-c08471795ae4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Election_Results.png" /></p>

<p><em>17th Lok Sabha Results | WION</em></p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India, US, UK, Bangladesh, Pakistan: 2024 the Biggest Election Year ever?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Lisbon, Portugal</strong></h2>

<p>For the democratic control of the Portuguese capital, the country's general election handed&nbsp;the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD)&nbsp;a slim victory, setting the stage for a potentially unstable governing scenario without an outright majority.</p>

<p>The far-right party Chega issued warnings of instability if it is not included in the government coalition.</p>

<p>The Democratic Alliance (AD) secured 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature, edging out the Socialists who won 77 seats.</p>

<p>The story of the Portugal elections is the rise of Chega, literally meaning "enough". The far-right party&nbsp;emerged as a significant player secured third place and quadrupled its parliamentary representation to 48 lawmakers.<img alt="File photo of far right political party Chega leader Andre Ventura during a rally in Lisbon | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6d64a193-f4c2-4f63-bd3d-dd19a10508ab" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/capitals.png" /></p>

<p><em>File photo of far-right political party Chega leader Andre Ventura during a rally in Lisbon | Reuters</em></p>

<p>The result of these elections marks a new political chapter in Portugal after alternate governance by two mainstream parties for the past 50 years.</p>

<h2><strong>Moscow, Russia</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian corridors of power are poised to stay with&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin in what is expected to be a landslide victory for the former KGB spy in the country's presidential elections that concluded on March 17.<img alt="Electronic screens on the facade of a building show an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow | Reuters" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c70fdc5-7f33-4171-a8ac-2d2dbac4bf22" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/India_Polls%20%281%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>Electronic screens on the facade of a building show an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow | Reuters</em></p>

<p>Putin, who rose to the presidency in 1999, is on track to secure another six-year term, a distinction that would make him&nbsp;Russia's longest-serving leader in over two centuries,&nbsp; surpassing Josef Stalin.</p>

<p>The voting also took place in what Moscow says are its new territories, parts of internationally-recognised Ukrainian territories captured by Russia during the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p>The votes were polled even as&nbsp;Ukraine launched attacks on Russian oil refineries, shelled regions within Russia, and attempted to breach Russian borders with proxy forces.</p>

<p>At polling stations in Russian diplomatic missions across Asia and Europe, sizable crowds gathered, with hundreds of demonstrators voicing their opposition. Notably, Yulia Navalny, wife of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, made an appearance at the Russian embassy in Berlin where she was&nbsp;greeted by cheers and chants of support.</p>

<h2><strong>Cairo, Egypt</strong></h2>

<p>Three key Libyan leaders announced their agreement to establish a new unified government during a meeting convened in Cairo at the invitation of the Arab League. This government would play a defining&nbsp;role in supervising long-awaited elections in what could be a potential turning point in the country's tumultuous political history. Libya descended into chaos during the 2010-11 anti-Gaddafi revolution. The crisis was exacerbated after the NATO forces intervened in the country in March 2011, an event that culminated in the brutal death of&nbsp;Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leaders involved in this&nbsp;agreement include the President of the Presidential Council (PC) Mohamed Menfi, Head of the High State Council (HSC) Mohamed Takala, and Aguila Saleh, Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) in Benghazi.</p>

<p>Their joint statement underscored a collective commitment to advance the political process.</p>

<p>The three leaders outlined their vision for a unified government and called upon the international community, as well as the UN Mission in Libya, to lend their support to this critical endeavour.</p>

<p>The agreement among Libya's key leaders signals a crucial&nbsp;moment in the nation's quest for peace and stability.&nbsp;Libya now expects to&nbsp;chart a new course towards democracy and prosperity.</p>

<h2><strong>Paris, France</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/17/419036-untitled-design-3.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><em>This photo from Oct 2023 shows a view through a fence shows the Russian Olympic Committee headquarters in Moscow | Reuters</em></p>

<p>French President Emmanuel Macron <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-frances-macron-says-russia-will-be-asked-to-observe-ceasefire-during-paris-olympics-701050">announced</a> that Russia will be urged to adhere to a ceasefire in Ukraine during the Paris Olympics later this summer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During an interview, the interviewer, speaking through an interpreter, said, "The demand for a ceasefire during the Olympics. They (the Russians) must do this. That is what has always happened." Macron, responding in French, affirmed the intention to request such action, stating, "It will be requested."</p>

<p>Macron added, "The rule of the host country is to move in step with the Olympic movement," underscoring the message of peace. He further expressed the commitment to follow the decision of the Olympic Committee.</p>

<p>The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has previously condemned Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, citing a breach of the Olympic Truce. The truce aims to utilise the power of sports to foster peace and dialogue globally.</p>


In New Delhi this weekend, the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the biggest election exercise in human history so far. Up for a vote are all 543 constituencies for the reconstitution of the 18th Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, with the winning party selecting the country’s prime minister and forming a government.

In New Delhi this weekend, the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the biggest election exercise in human history so far. Up for a vote are all 543 constituencies for the reconstitution of the 18th Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of Parliament, with the winning party selecting the country’s prime minister and forming a government. "We will take democracy to every corner of the country," the chief election commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, said at a press conference in New Delhi announcing the voting dates, which will take place across six weeks. India Elections 2024: Voting schedule for the constitution of 18th Lok Sabha | WION A total of 970 million people are eligible to vote in the election. This is more than the populations of the US, European Union and Russia combined. More than a million polling stations will act as the lifeblood of the world's biggest democratic exercise in an operation staffed by 15 million poll workers, the election commission said. In 2019, the National Democratic Alliance led by BJP got 353 members elected. 17th Lok Sabha Results | WION Also watch | India, US, UK, Bangladesh, Pakistan: 2024 the Biggest Election Year ever? × Lisbon, Portugal For the democratic control of the Portuguese capital, the country's general election handed the centre-right Democratic Alliance (AD) a slim victory, setting the stage for a potentially unstable governing scenario without an outright majority. The far-right party Chega issued warnings of instability if it is not included in the government coalition. The Democratic Alliance (AD) secured 80 seats in the 230-seat legislature, edging out the Socialists who won 77 seats. The story of the Portugal elections is the rise of Chega, literally meaning "enough". The far-right party emerged as a significant player secured third place and quadrupled its parliamentary representation to 48 lawmakers. File photo of far-right political party Chega leader Andre Ventura during a rally in Lisbon | Reuters The result of these elections marks a new political chapter in Portugal after alternate governance by two mainstream parties for the past 50 years. Moscow, Russia The Russian corridors of power are poised to stay with President Vladimir Putin in what is expected to be a landslide victory for the former KGB spy in the country's presidential elections that concluded on March 17. Electronic screens on the facade of a building show an image of Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow | Reuters Putin, who rose to the presidency in 1999, is on track to secure another six-year term, a distinction that would make him Russia's longest-serving leader in over two centuries, surpassing Josef Stalin. The voting also took place in what Moscow says are its new territories, parts of internationally-recognised Ukrainian territories captured by Russia during the war in Ukraine. The votes were polled even as Ukraine launched attacks on Russian oil refineries, shelled regions within Russia, and attempted to breach Russian borders with proxy forces. At polling stations in Russian diplomatic missions across Asia and Europe, sizable crowds gathered, with hundreds of demonstrators voicing their opposition. Notably, Yulia Navalny, wife of late opposition leader Alexei Navalny, made an appearance at the Russian embassy in Berlin where she was greeted by cheers and chants of support. Cairo, Egypt Three key Libyan leaders announced their agreement to establish a new unified government during a meeting convened in Cairo at the invitation of the Arab League. This government would play a defining role in supervising long-awaited elections in what could be a potential turning point in the country's tumultuous political history. Libya descended into chaos during the 2010-11 anti-Gaddafi revolution. The crisis was exacerbated after the NATO forces intervened in the country in March 2011, an event that culminated in the brutal death of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The leaders involved in this agreement include the President of the Presidential Council (PC) Mohamed Menfi, Head of the High State Council (HSC) Mohamed Takala, and Aguila Saleh, Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) in Benghazi. Their joint statement underscored a collective commitment to advance the political process. The three leaders outlined their vision for a unified government and called upon the international community, as well as the UN Mission in Libya, to lend their support to this critical endeavour. The agreement among Libya's key leaders signals a crucial moment in the nation's quest for peace and stability. Libya now expects to chart a new course towards democracy and prosperity. Paris, France This photo from Oct 2023 shows a view through a fence shows the Russian Olympic Committee headquarters in Moscow | Reuters French President Emmanuel Macron announced that Russia will be urged to adhere to a ceasefire in Ukraine during the Paris Olympics later this summer. During an interview, the interviewer, speaking through an interpreter, said, "The demand for a ceasefire during the Olympics. They (the Russians) must do this. That is what has always happened." Macron, responding in French, affirmed the intention to request such action, stating, "It will be requested." Macron added, "The rule of the host country is to move in step with the Olympic movement," underscoring the message of peace. He further expressed the commitment to follow the decision of the Olympic Committee. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has previously condemned Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, citing a breach of the Olympic Truce. The truce aims to utilise the power of sports to foster peace and dialogue globally.

The Capitals: From Lisbon to Delhi, inside world's longest spring of elections

The election commission of India will announce the poll date on Saturday. Parties are releasing lists to announce candidates. The ruling BJP has so far released 2 lists. Total 267 candidates have been announced. Though party has retained many big names. Several have been dropped.

India Elections 2024: BJP drops 'controversial' sitting MPs for Lok Sabha seats

In India, elections and superstitions always go hand in hand. Many ministers do not eat, travel or hold meetings unless their celestial minders tell the moment is favourable for them. They perform havan or even dust down cosmic calendars honing the position of the stars, trying desperately to win elections. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Indian politicians and their superstitions

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has indicated that he might not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, citing his age as a factor influencing this decision. Kharge was the MP from Karnataka's Gulbarga from 2009-2014 and had lost from the same seat in 2019.

India Elections 2024: Mallikarjun Kharge to not contest in Lok Sabha polls?

With elections in India just weeks away, know what is the EX-Factor that can woo the young voters.

India Elections 2024: Know how parties are wooing the youth

The Centre on Monday announced the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, a move that comes four years after the contentious law was passed and paves the way for citizenship to undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. WION tells you- Will the CAA's implementation polarise India's voters ahead of elections?

India Elections 2024: Will the CAA implementation polarise Indian voters?

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot and ex-deputy CM Sachin Pilot may not contest the Lok Sabha elections this summer as per reports. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Will Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot not contest in elections?

<p>BJP's Nayab Singh Saini, 54, was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Haryana at a hurriedly-arranged ceremony in Chandigarh Tuesday evening, just hours after&nbsp;Manohar Lal Khattar, and the entire cabinet submitted their resignation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saini is seen as a confidante of the 69-year-old ML Khattar.</p>

<p>Earlier, Saini was elected as the BJP legislature party leader in Haryana setting the stage for him to take on the chief minister's responsibilities, succeeding Khattar, who submitted his resignation to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-elections-haryana-cm-ml-khattar-resigns-as-bjp-jjp-head-for-a-split-699229">India Elections 2024: Haryana CM ML Khattar resigns</a></p>

<p>Biplab Deb, BJP Haryana-in-charge, extended congratulations to Nayab Singh Saini in a post on X, expressing confidence that Saini would continue the developmental initiatives in Haryana initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's leadership.</p>

<p>Manohar Lal Khattar resigned amid apparent fissures in the BJP-Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) ruling coalition. He submitted his resignation to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya ahead of the BJP's legislature party meeting.</p>

<p>A central BJP team, led by Union Minister Arjun Munda and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, oversaw the changes in the state.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lok-sabha-elections-2024-bjp-finalises-andhra-seat-pact-with-chandrababu-naidu-pawan-kalyans-parties-699126">India Elections 2024: BJP finalises Andhra seat pact with Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan's parties</a></p>

<p>The relationship between BJP and JJP deteriorated due to the failure to reach a seat-sharing agreement for the Lok Sabha polls. Despite JJP snapping ties, the BJP claims to have the majority with 41 MLAs in the 90-member House, along with the support of six independents.</p>

<p>The opposition Congress holds 30 MLAs, while the Indian National Lok Dal and the Haryana Lokhit Party each have one seat.</p>

<h2>Who is Nayab Singh Saini?</h2>

<p>Nayab Singh Saini, a Lok Sabha MP from the Kurukshetra constituency hails from the OBC community, and had assumed the role of Haryana BJP state president in October last year.</p>

<p>His journey in the BJP began in 1996, progressing through various roles within the party's organisational framework.</p>

<p>Due to his unwavering commitment to the party, he assumed several prominent roles, such as serving as the state general secretary of the BJP Kisan Morcha in Haryana in 2009 and holding the position of district president of Ambala BJP in 2012.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-calls-for-state-wide-shutdown-in-indias-assam-against-citizenship-act-699173">Opposition calls for state-wide shutdown in India’s Assam against Citizenship Amendment Act</a></p>

<p>His political trajectory reached new heights when he secured victory as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Narayangarh constituency in 2014. Subsequently, in 2016, he was appointed as a minister in the Haryana government, marking a pivotal moment in his political career.</p>

<p>Known as a confidante of Manohar Lal Khattar, Saini's elevation to the post of Haryana BJP chief and the chief minister now appears to be influenced by electoral and caste considerations, given his significant support in Haryana's various districts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


BJP's Nayab Singh Saini, 54, was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Haryana at a hurriedly-arranged ceremony in Chandigarh Tuesday evening, just hours after Manohar Lal Khattar, and the entire cabinet submitted their resignation.

BJP's Nayab Singh Saini, 54, was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Haryana at a hurriedly-arranged ceremony in Chandigarh Tuesday evening, just hours after Manohar Lal Khattar, and the entire cabinet submitted their resignation. Saini is seen as a confidante of the 69-year-old ML Khattar. Earlier, Saini was elected as the BJP legislature party leader in Haryana setting the stage for him to take on the chief minister's responsibilities, succeeding Khattar, who submitted his resignation to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya. Also read: India Elections 2024: Haryana CM ML Khattar resigns Biplab Deb, BJP Haryana-in-charge, extended congratulations to Nayab Singh Saini in a post on X, expressing confidence that Saini would continue the developmental initiatives in Haryana initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's leadership. Manohar Lal Khattar resigned amid apparent fissures in the BJP-Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) ruling coalition. He submitted his resignation to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya ahead of the BJP's legislature party meeting. A central BJP team, led by Union Minister Arjun Munda and former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, oversaw the changes in the state. Also Read: India Elections 2024: BJP finalises Andhra seat pact with Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan's parties The relationship between BJP and JJP deteriorated due to the failure to reach a seat-sharing agreement for the Lok Sabha polls. Despite JJP snapping ties, the BJP claims to have the majority with 41 MLAs in the 90-member House, along with the support of six independents. The opposition Congress holds 30 MLAs, while the Indian National Lok Dal and the Haryana Lokhit Party each have one seat. Who is Nayab Singh Saini? Nayab Singh Saini, a Lok Sabha MP from the Kurukshetra constituency hails from the OBC community, and had assumed the role of Haryana BJP state president in October last year. His journey in the BJP began in 1996, progressing through various roles within the party's organisational framework. Due to his unwavering commitment to the party, he assumed several prominent roles, such as serving as the state general secretary of the BJP Kisan Morcha in Haryana in 2009 and holding the position of district president of Ambala BJP in 2012. Also read: Opposition calls for state-wide shutdown in India’s Assam against Citizenship Amendment Act His political trajectory reached new heights when he secured victory as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Narayangarh constituency in 2014. Subsequently, in 2016, he was appointed as a minister in the Haryana government, marking a pivotal moment in his political career. Known as a confidante of Manohar Lal Khattar, Saini's elevation to the post of Haryana BJP chief and the chief minister now appears to be influenced by electoral and caste considerations, given his significant support in Haryana's various districts. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana’s new chief minister?

Indian Election Commission's announcement of the general election schedule is still some days away, but the ruling BJP's election machinery has already run in Top Gear. Late last week the party put out its first list of nearly 200 candidates who will be hitting the campaign Trail. The opposition Congress on the other hand is lagging behind.

General Elections 2024: BJP, Congress discuss second list of candidates

Stepping into politics and making a mark for yourself is not an easy feat the challenge is tougher for women especially when it comes to a country's power centre. But every once in a while women have broken the glass ceiling while challenging the status quo the same holds for India's women political leaders this next story celebrates the firsts in India's political history.

Indian election 2024: Breaking the glass ceiling

Women Voters will have a huge say in deciding the mandate this year which makes the choice for the political parties very clear about the benefits that are promised to The Women Voters. Let's hear it from our first-time women voters on their expectations from the next ruling government.

Indian elections 2024: What are the expectations of India's first-time women voters

Women Voters will have a huge say in deciding the mandate this year which makes the choice for the political parties very clear about the benefits that are promised to The Women Voters.

Indian election 2024: Political parties target women voters

Wooing India's women vote-bank for the Indian elections in 2024

Will women have the right to vote in Independent India? This was perhaps the only question on which every member of the constituency assembly post-1947 was on the same page. Watch to know it all!

Indian elections 2024: Women in politics then vs now

In the next few months, india will face an election. However, experts say the polls this year is unlikely to spook investors. Not too long ago, india was famously grouped as part of morgan stanley's "fragile five" economies. Ten years later, india is investors favourite. Take a look at this report to understand the nuances of india's rise as the fastest-growing major economy.

Pollnomics: Elections in India this year are unlikely to spook investors

<p>India's former health minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday (March 3) announced his decision to quit politics. A doctor by profession, Vardhan said&nbsp;his clinic awaits his return.</p>

<p>The development comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 2) announced its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>The ruling party dropped four sitting MPs - Harsh Vardhan, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri and Meenakshi Lekhi in Delhi, choosing new faces.</p>

<p>In a long farewell message that he shared on his official X handle, Vardhan said that he would go back to his "roots" and continue making efforts "against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and…</p>
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1764196695426974120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and centre I finally bow out to return to my roots," he said.</p>

<p>"Service to mankind was my motto when I joined MBBS in GSVM Medical College, Kanpur fifty years back with a desire to help the poor and needy. A swayamsewak at heart, I have always been an ardent admirer of Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji's Antodaya philosophy of striving to serve the last man in the queue. It was at the insistence of the then RSS leadership that I jumped into the electoral fray. They could convince me only because for me politics meant opportunity to fight our three main enemies - poverty, disease and ignorance," he added.</p>

<p>The former minister's post added: "Without remorse, I must say that it has been a marvelous innings during which my passion to serve the common man was quenched. I served as Delhi Health Minister as well as twice Union Health Minister, a subject close to my heart. I had the rare opportunity bestowed upon me to be able to first work towards creating a Polio free Bharat and then to take care of the health of millions of our countrymen grappling with the dreaded COVID-19 during its first and second phases".</p>

<p>"In the long history of mankind, only a few have been granted the privilege to defend their people in hours of gravest danger! And I can proudly claim that I didn't shirk responsibility, but welcomed it. My gratitude to Ma Bharati, my reverence to my fellow citizens and my obeisance to the values enshrined in our Constitution. And yes, that was the biggest privilege that Bhagwan Shri Ram bestowed upon me, the privilege of being able to save human lives !!,"&nbsp;Harsh Vardhan said.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: BJP finalises its first 195 candidates from 16 states for Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | BJP Candidate List</strong></p>

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<p>"I would like to thank all my party karyakartas, my fans and supporters amongst the common citizens as well as my party leaders .. all of whom have contributed to this remarkable journey spanning over three decades," he wrote.</p>

<p>"I must acknowledge that I consider it a great privilege to have worked closely with the most dynamic Prime Minister in India's history, Shri Narendra Modi ji. The country wishes him a heroic return to power again."</p>

<p>"I shall continue to pursue my work against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles. A big shout out for all those who stood by me like a rock while I clocked many firsts and led a fulfilled political life," he wrote.</p>

<p>"I move on, I really can't wait. I have promises to keep .. and miles to go before I sleep !! I have a dream .. and I know your blessings shall always remain with me. My ENT clinic at Krishna Nagar too awaits my return," he said. &nbsp;</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><br />
<br />
The announcement soon drew appreciation from a bevy of political leaders and Twitterati who praised the popular leader for gracefully retiring from politics and for his dedication to serving humanity.</p>

<h2><strong>Jayant Sinha, Gautam Gambhir request BJP to relieve them from political duties</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, BJP leader Jayant Sinha and former World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir requested the party to relieve them from political duties.</p>

<p>Sinha, stating that he wished to focus on efforts to combat climate change, requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties".</p>

<p>Taking to his official social media handle he 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>Gambhir stated that he wanted to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments.</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. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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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>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>


India's former health minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday (March 3) announced his decision to quit politics. A doctor by profession, Vardhan said his clinic awaits his return.

India's former health minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday (March 3) announced his decision to quit politics. A doctor by profession, Vardhan said his clinic awaits his return. The development comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 2) announced its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The ruling party dropped four sitting MPs - Harsh Vardhan, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri and Meenakshi Lekhi in Delhi, choosing new faces. In a long farewell message that he shared on his official X handle, Vardhan said that he would go back to his "roots" and continue making efforts "against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles." After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and… — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 3, 2024 × "After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and centre I finally bow out to return to my roots," he said. "Service to mankind was my motto when I joined MBBS in GSVM Medical College, Kanpur fifty years back with a desire to help the poor and needy. A swayamsewak at heart, I have always been an ardent admirer of Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji's Antodaya philosophy of striving to serve the last man in the queue. It was at the insistence of the then RSS leadership that I jumped into the electoral fray. They could convince me only because for me politics meant opportunity to fight our three main enemies - poverty, disease and ignorance," he added. The former minister's post added: "Without remorse, I must say that it has been a marvelous innings during which my passion to serve the common man was quenched. I served as Delhi Health Minister as well as twice Union Health Minister, a subject close to my heart. I had the rare opportunity bestowed upon me to be able to first work towards creating a Polio free Bharat and then to take care of the health of millions of our countrymen grappling with the dreaded COVID-19 during its first and second phases". "In the long history of mankind, only a few have been granted the privilege to defend their people in hours of gravest danger! And I can proudly claim that I didn't shirk responsibility, but welcomed it. My gratitude to Ma Bharati, my reverence to my fellow citizens and my obeisance to the values enshrined in our Constitution. And yes, that was the biggest privilege that Bhagwan Shri Ram bestowed upon me, the privilege of being able to save human lives !!," Harsh Vardhan said. Watch: BJP finalises its first 195 candidates from 16 states for Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | BJP Candidate List × "I would like to thank all my party karyakartas, my fans and supporters amongst the common citizens as well as my party leaders .. all of whom have contributed to this remarkable journey spanning over three decades," he wrote. "I must acknowledge that I consider it a great privilege to have worked closely with the most dynamic Prime Minister in India's history, Shri Narendra Modi ji. The country wishes him a heroic return to power again." "I shall continue to pursue my work against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles. A big shout out for all those who stood by me like a rock while I clocked many firsts and led a fulfilled political life," he wrote. "I move on, I really can't wait. I have promises to keep .. and miles to go before I sleep !! I have a dream .. and I know your blessings shall always remain with me. My ENT clinic at Krishna Nagar too awaits my return," he said. Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP releases first list of 195 candidates, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi The announcement soon drew appreciation from a bevy of political leaders and Twitterati who praised the popular leader for gracefully retiring from politics and for his dedication to serving humanity. Jayant Sinha, Gautam Gambhir request BJP to relieve them from political duties Earlier, BJP leader Jayant Sinha and former World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir requested the party to relieve them from political duties. Sinha, stating that he wished to focus on efforts to combat climate change, requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties". Taking to his official social media handle he 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 × Gambhir stated that he wanted to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments. “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 × 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)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Former health minister Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says ‘my clinic awaits my return’

<p>India said that the UN Human Rights body's 'concerns' about the country's&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024 later this summer were&nbsp;'unwarranted'. India's response came during the general debate on the oral update by the UN Human Rights agency's&nbsp;High Commissioner&nbsp;Volker Türk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at the&nbsp;55th session of the Human Rights Council, Türk said that India's general elections will be "unique in scale" but added that he was&nbsp;"concerned by increasing restrictions on the civic space – with human rights defenders, journalists and perceived critics targeted – as well as by hate speech and discrimination against minorities, especially Muslims".&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Arindam Bagchi, said that Türk's concerns about India's elections&nbsp;are "unwarranted and do not reflect the reality of the largest democracy in the world."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-foreign-ministry-spokesperson-arindam-bagchi-appointed-next-indian-envoy-to-un-in-geneva-647673">India's foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi appointed as country's next envoy to UN in Geneva</a></strong></p>

<p>"In any democracy, argumentation is natural. It is imperative that those in positions of authority do not allow their judgement to be clouded by propaganda," Bagchi added.</p>

<p>Referring to the nature of India's democratic polity, Bagchi said that the country's constitutional values are backed by&nbsp;"fiercely independent institutions, including a robust judiciary, that aim to protect the rights of all."</p>

<p>"Our electoral process has been characterised by a high degree of people’s participation and full faith in the electoral mandate by all. In fact, we are privileged that many across the world seek to learn from our experience and aspire to emulate it," Bagchi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Unravelling performance of Indian economy before and after polls</strong></p>

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<p>In the past years, the effectiveness of India's Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for speedy voting process has garnered accolades across the world.</p>

<p>"We have no doubt that as in numerous occasions in the past, the Indian people will freely exercise their vote to choose a government that they believe can best give voice and flight to their aspirations," Bagchi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India's Statement in today's General Debate at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HRC55?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HRC55</a> <a href="https://t.co/SjrXikVAbB">pic.twitter.com/SjrXikVAbB</a></p>
— India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNGeneva/status/1764633518649303504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term in a row during the upcoming General Elections. His Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is up against the Congress-party-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. (I.N.D.I.A).&nbsp;</p>


India said that the UN Human Rights body's 'concerns' about the country's Lok Sabha Elections 2024 later this summer were 'unwarranted'. India's response came during the general debate on the oral update by the UN Human Rights agency's High Commissioner Volker Türk.

India said that the UN Human Rights body's 'concerns' about the country's Lok Sabha Elections 2024 later this summer were 'unwarranted'. India's response came during the general debate on the oral update by the UN Human Rights agency's High Commissioner Volker Türk. Speaking at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council, Türk said that India's general elections will be "unique in scale" but added that he was "concerned by increasing restrictions on the civic space – with human rights defenders, journalists and perceived critics targeted – as well as by hate speech and discrimination against minorities, especially Muslims". India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Arindam Bagchi, said that Türk's concerns about India's elections are "unwarranted and do not reflect the reality of the largest democracy in the world." Also read | India's foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi appointed as country's next envoy to UN in Geneva "In any democracy, argumentation is natural. It is imperative that those in positions of authority do not allow their judgement to be clouded by propaganda," Bagchi added. Referring to the nature of India's democratic polity, Bagchi said that the country's constitutional values are backed by "fiercely independent institutions, including a robust judiciary, that aim to protect the rights of all." "Our electoral process has been characterised by a high degree of people’s participation and full faith in the electoral mandate by all. In fact, we are privileged that many across the world seek to learn from our experience and aspire to emulate it," Bagchi added. Also watch | Unravelling performance of Indian economy before and after polls × In the past years, the effectiveness of India's Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for speedy voting process has garnered accolades across the world. "We have no doubt that as in numerous occasions in the past, the Indian people will freely exercise their vote to choose a government that they believe can best give voice and flight to their aspirations," Bagchi said. India's Statement in today's General Debate at #HRC55 pic.twitter.com/SjrXikVAbB — India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) March 4, 2024 × India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term in a row during the upcoming General Elections. His Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is up against the Congress-party-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance. (I.N.D.I.A).

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India dismisses UN agency's 'unwarranted' concerns

<p>Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, on Tuesday (Mar 5) defended his father RJD supremo Lalu Yadav’s dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not having a family and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of distracting the public ahead of the upcoming general elections with “Modi ka Parivar (Modi’s family)” rhetoric.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Tejashwi defends Lalu’s remarks against PM</strong></h2>

<p>The former chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, sarcastically said how he is glad that his father’s words have caused such a big impact, adding “But what about issues like poverty and unemployment that he had raised? He spoke of so many things.”</p>

<p>During a rally over the weekend, Lalu had said PM Modi “has no family and is neither a Hindu”. Since then several BJP leaders added ‘Modi ka Parivaar’ as a suffix on their social media account names to show solidarity with the Indian PM.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nobody-will-be-able-to-touch-even-a-hair-of-pm-smriti-irani-on-lalu-yadavs-parivaar-jibe-696710">'Nobody will be able to touch even a hair of PM': Smriti Irani on Lalu Yadav's 'parivaar' jibe</a></strong></p>

<p>“The PM claims that he treats the entire nation as his family. If that is so, why did his government try to crush, so brutally, the recent farmers’ protests in Delhi?” said Tejashwi, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tejashwi also defended his father’s remarks about Modi not being “a true Hindu” saying that he did not shave his hair and beard after the death of his mother.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are a devout Hindu family with a temple at our home where 'aarti' is performed every morning and evening. I got my daughter undergo the mundan (tonsure) ceremony. Why the PM chose not to follow the well established tradition, is for him to answer,” said the RJD leader.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi reacts to Lalu’s remarks</strong></h2>

<p>“When I oppose familism and say that it is against democracy and not allowing new talent to emerge, they say ‘Modi has no family’. Do they have the license to steal?,” said the Indian PM as he inaugurated multiple development projects in the Indian state of Telangana.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “I have seen CMs who have family members on high posts in their respective states. Is this democracy? They say their fight is against Modi’s ideology.”</p>

<p>“They say Modi has no family. Is this an ideological battle? I will tell you what an ideological battle is - they say family first, Modi says nation first,” said the Indian PM.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lalu’s comments sparks outrage</strong></h2>

<p>RJD supremo’s remarks have sparked an outrage among BJP ministers who have slammed Lalu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-deputy-cm-dk-shivakumar-receive-bomb-threat-via-email-696887">Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah &amp; Deputy CM DK Shivakumar receive bomb threat via email</a></strong></p>

<p>India’s Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at a gathering on Monday (Mar 4) said not only 1.4 billion Indians, but the country’s youth and party workers are “Modi’s parivaar”.</p>

<p>Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Tuesday (Mar 5) also said she did not expect such remarks from a senior leader like Lalu and called them highly condemnable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He (Lalu) has spent decades in politics and was also CM of the state,” said Sitharaman. She added, “People don’t expect such comments from a senior leader like him. It disheartens the people. One has to maintain dignity in politics.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, on Tuesday (Mar 5) defended his father RJD supremo Lalu Yadav’s dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not having a family and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of distracting the public ahead of the upcoming general elections with “Modi ka Parivar (Modi’s family)” rhetoric.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, on Tuesday (Mar 5) defended his father RJD supremo Lalu Yadav’s dig at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not having a family and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of distracting the public ahead of the upcoming general elections with “Modi ka Parivar (Modi’s family)” rhetoric. Tejashwi defends Lalu’s remarks against PM The former chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, sarcastically said how he is glad that his father’s words have caused such a big impact, adding “But what about issues like poverty and unemployment that he had raised? He spoke of so many things.” During a rally over the weekend, Lalu had said PM Modi “has no family and is neither a Hindu”. Since then several BJP leaders added ‘Modi ka Parivaar’ as a suffix on their social media account names to show solidarity with the Indian PM. Also Read | 'Nobody will be able to touch even a hair of PM': Smriti Irani on Lalu Yadav's 'parivaar' jibe “The PM claims that he treats the entire nation as his family. If that is so, why did his government try to crush, so brutally, the recent farmers’ protests in Delhi?” said Tejashwi, as quoted by news agency PTI. Tejashwi also defended his father’s remarks about Modi not being “a true Hindu” saying that he did not shave his hair and beard after the death of his mother. “We are a devout Hindu family with a temple at our home where 'aarti' is performed every morning and evening. I got my daughter undergo the mundan (tonsure) ceremony. Why the PM chose not to follow the well established tradition, is for him to answer,” said the RJD leader. PM Modi reacts to Lalu’s remarks “When I oppose familism and say that it is against democracy and not allowing new talent to emerge, they say ‘Modi has no family’. Do they have the license to steal?,” said the Indian PM as he inaugurated multiple development projects in the Indian state of Telangana. He added, “I have seen CMs who have family members on high posts in their respective states. Is this democracy? They say their fight is against Modi’s ideology.” “They say Modi has no family. Is this an ideological battle? I will tell you what an ideological battle is - they say family first, Modi says nation first,” said the Indian PM. Lalu’s comments sparks outrage RJD supremo’s remarks have sparked an outrage among BJP ministers who have slammed Lalu. Also Read | Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah & Deputy CM DK Shivakumar receive bomb threat via email India’s Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani, speaking at a gathering on Monday (Mar 4) said not only 1.4 billion Indians, but the country’s youth and party workers are “Modi’s parivaar”. Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Tuesday (Mar 5) also said she did not expect such remarks from a senior leader like Lalu and called them highly condemnable. “He (Lalu) has spent decades in politics and was also CM of the state,” said Sitharaman. She added, “People don’t expect such comments from a senior leader like him. It disheartens the people. One has to maintain dignity in politics.” (With inputs from agencies)

India: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav defends dad Lalu’s ‘parivaar’ jibe at PM Modi, says BJP distracting people

<p>Political party Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and member of the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sanjay Raut, on Monday (Mar 4) slammed Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay for joining politics.</p>

<p>The party leader from the state of Maharashtra suggested that even when the judges “resign” and join politics it means that they were working for a particular party as opposed to delivering justice.</p>

<p>“If sitting judges of the High Court and Supreme Court resign and join a particular political party, it means they were not delivering justice, but working for the party,” Raut told reporters in Mumbai when asked about the decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-president-jp-nadda-resigns-from-upper-house-of-parliament-ahead-of-indian-general-election-696533">BJP president JP Nadda resigns from upper house of Parliament ahead of Indian General Election</a></strong></p>

<p>This comes a day after West Bengal’s ruling TMC, on Sunday, made similar allegations against Gangopadhyay as Raut did saying that he was a “political worker” and his decision to join politics laid bare his anti-TMC bias.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We have been saying for long that he is a political party worker. We thank him today for proving us right,” TMC state spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya quipped.</p>

<h2><strong>Gangopadhyay to join politics</strong></h2>

<p>Gangopadhyay on Sunday (Mar 3) said he was leaving the judiciary and joining politics, a move welcomed by both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Calcutta HC judge is known for having fierce conflicts with West Bengal’s ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For the last two or more years I have been dealing with some matters, especially education matters, regarding which a huge corruption has been discovered and unearthed,” Gangopadhyay told news agency ANI.</p>

<p>He added, “A large number of important persons in the education sector of this government (TMC) are now languishing in jail, under trial. Thereafter, now I am taking labour matters.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/justice-abhijit-gangopadhyay-of-calcutta-hc-to-join-politics-bjp-congress-hail-decision-696176">Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of Calcutta High Court to join politics; BJP, Congress hail decision</a></strong></p>

<p>The Calcutta high court justice went on to talk about how “only the political field can give people who want to take steps in respect of those helpless people a chance to act for them.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Both BJP and Congress welcome&nbsp;Gangopadhyay</strong></h2>

<p>While Gangopadhyay did not say which party he would join, both Congress and BJP have welcomed him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP said people like Gangopadhyay should be joining politics to do our country a favour. &nbsp;“People like Abhijit Gangopadhyay joining politics is something that is in the country’s favour. I guess the BJP would be his natural choice,” said state BJP President Sukanta Majumdar.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “He is a crusader against corruption. If he wants to join the Congress, we will give him a warm welcome. He is a fighter. If he joins the BJP, then ideologically we can’t support (him).”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Political party Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and member of the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sanjay Raut, on Monday (Mar 4) slammed Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay for joining politics.

Political party Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and member of the upper house of the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sanjay Raut, on Monday (Mar 4) slammed Calcutta high court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay for joining politics. The party leader from the state of Maharashtra suggested that even when the judges “resign” and join politics it means that they were working for a particular party as opposed to delivering justice. “If sitting judges of the High Court and Supreme Court resign and join a particular political party, it means they were not delivering justice, but working for the party,” Raut told reporters in Mumbai when asked about the decision. Also Read | BJP president JP Nadda resigns from upper house of Parliament ahead of Indian General Election This comes a day after West Bengal’s ruling TMC, on Sunday, made similar allegations against Gangopadhyay as Raut did saying that he was a “political worker” and his decision to join politics laid bare his anti-TMC bias. “We have been saying for long that he is a political party worker. We thank him today for proving us right,” TMC state spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya quipped. Gangopadhyay to join politics Gangopadhyay on Sunday (Mar 3) said he was leaving the judiciary and joining politics, a move welcomed by both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress. The Calcutta HC judge is known for having fierce conflicts with West Bengal’s ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. “For the last two or more years I have been dealing with some matters, especially education matters, regarding which a huge corruption has been discovered and unearthed,” Gangopadhyay told news agency ANI. He added, “A large number of important persons in the education sector of this government (TMC) are now languishing in jail, under trial. Thereafter, now I am taking labour matters.” Also Read | Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of Calcutta High Court to join politics; BJP, Congress hail decision The Calcutta high court justice went on to talk about how “only the political field can give people who want to take steps in respect of those helpless people a chance to act for them.” Both BJP and Congress welcome Gangopadhyay While Gangopadhyay did not say which party he would join, both Congress and BJP have welcomed him. BJP said people like Gangopadhyay should be joining politics to do our country a favour. “People like Abhijit Gangopadhyay joining politics is something that is in the country’s favour. I guess the BJP would be his natural choice,” said state BJP President Sukanta Majumdar. Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “He is a crusader against corruption. If he wants to join the Congress, we will give him a warm welcome. He is a fighter. If he joins the BJP, then ideologically we can’t support (him).” (With inputs from agencies)

India: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Sanjay Raut slams Calcutta high court judge over aspirations to join politics

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: The 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) campaign launched by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in response to Bihar politician and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'Modi has no family' remark has emerged as political high-point of the ongoing election campaign.</p>

<p>The hashtag 'Modi Ka Parivar' is topping the trend charts after the BJP supporters including PM Modi's cabinet colleagues added 'Modi Ka Parivar' to their social media bios. The coordinated move by the BJP coincided with PM Modi's comment during a public address in Telangana's Adilabad where he said that India's 1.4 billion people are his family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In PM Modi's parliamentary constituency in Varanasi in northern India, visuals showing the locals putting 'Hum Hain Modi Ka Parivar' (We are Modi's family) posters outside their homes have started pouring in. The campaign is gradually emerging as a defining moment ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-launches-modi-ka-parivar-campaign-after-lalu-yadavs-he-has-no-family-jibe-696418">BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe</a></strong></p>

<p>But this is not a one-off case when the BJP has turned a verbal offensive against Modi to the party's advantage.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: PM Modi responds to RJD's Lalu Yadav's family jibe says "140 crore people my family"</strong></p>

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<p>At least four times — between 2007 and 2024 — the BJP has weaponised verbal offensives against Modi to craft election campaigns in his favour that handed the party significant wins in different elections and eventually bolstered Modi's political profile.</p>

<h2><strong>Sonia Gandhi to Manishankar Aiyar: How Modi reversed&nbsp;political attacks</strong></h2>

<p>In 2007, Sonia Gandhi, Congress leader and the president of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, referred to Modi as 'Maut Ka Saudagar' (Merchant of Death) in relation to the 2002 Gujarat riots.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Gujarat BJP under Modi turned it around against the Congress as a party, that it claimed was shielding the perpetrators of the Parliament attack of 2001.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJP won with a majority in Modi's home state, and bagged 117 of the 182 seats in the Gujarat Assembly.</p>

<p>As Sonia Gandhi-led UPA sought a third term in power in 2014, the BJP put out Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. In one of the key moments of the election campaign, senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar snidely remarked that Modi would never become India's prime minister. "He could sell tea at a Congress conclave instead," Aiyar said, in a purported reference to Modi's roots as the son of a tea seller.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Aiyar's jibe became the BJP's cue to project PM Modi as a leader with modest beginnings and one the vast Indian middle class could relate to. Shortly, the '<em>Chai Pe Charcha'</em> [Talk over Tea] became a popular pre-poll campaign for the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Modi as the PM candidate and '<em>Chai Pe Charcha</em>' as the defining campaign, the BJP won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, 10 more than the required majority.</p>

<p>Two years later in 2017, Aiyar pulled off another act of snide to hand over the BJP a close win in Modi's home state of Gujarat. He called Modi a '<em>neech aadmi</em>' (lowly man) and upon ferocious backlash, blamed it on his 'bad Hindi'.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rahul Gandhi's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' comment</strong></h2>

<p>The current 'Modi Ka Parivar' campaign is similar to the '<em>Main Bhi Chowkidar</em>' (I am a Watchman too) moment of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. This was when Congress party's Rahul Gandhi targeted Modi as a 'thief' by claiming '<em>Desh Ka Chowkidar chor hai</em>' (The country's watchman is a thief), about what Modi once addressed him as 'a watchman' watching over the country and keeping corruption in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shortly after Rahul's '<em>Chowkidar Chor Hai</em>' comment, the BJP supporters and PM Modi's cabinet colleagues&nbsp;began adding 'Chowkidar' (Watchman) with their names in their social media bios.&nbsp;<br />
<img alt="BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fddb5fce-aadd-46cb-a134-dc9aef6382ff" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/chowkidar.png" /></p>

<p><em>BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in 2019</em></p>

<p>The move galvanised support for BJP's campaign and contributed to PM Modi's return to power in 2019 and increased BJP's tally from 282 to 302 seats in 2019.&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) campaign launched by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in response to Bihar politician and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'Modi has no family' remark has emerged as political high-point of the ongoing election campaign.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The 'Modi Ka Parivar' (Modi's family) campaign launched by PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party in response to Bihar politician and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) patriarch Lalu Prasad Yadav's 'Modi has no family' remark has emerged as political high-point of the ongoing election campaign. The hashtag 'Modi Ka Parivar' is topping the trend charts after the BJP supporters including PM Modi's cabinet colleagues added 'Modi Ka Parivar' to their social media bios. The coordinated move by the BJP coincided with PM Modi's comment during a public address in Telangana's Adilabad where he said that India's 1.4 billion people are his family. In PM Modi's parliamentary constituency in Varanasi in northern India, visuals showing the locals putting 'Hum Hain Modi Ka Parivar' (We are Modi's family) posters outside their homes have started pouring in. The campaign is gradually emerging as a defining moment ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Also read | BJP launches ‘Modi Ka Parivar’ campaign to counter Lalu Yadav’s ‘he has no family’ jibe But this is not a one-off case when the BJP has turned a verbal offensive against Modi to the party's advantage. Also watch | India: PM Modi responds to RJD's Lalu Yadav's family jibe says "140 crore people my family" × At least four times — between 2007 and 2024 — the BJP has weaponised verbal offensives against Modi to craft election campaigns in his favour that handed the party significant wins in different elections and eventually bolstered Modi's political profile. Sonia Gandhi to Manishankar Aiyar: How Modi reversed political attacks In 2007, Sonia Gandhi, Congress leader and the president of the ruling United Progressive Alliance, referred to Modi as 'Maut Ka Saudagar' (Merchant of Death) in relation to the 2002 Gujarat riots. The Gujarat BJP under Modi turned it around against the Congress as a party, that it claimed was shielding the perpetrators of the Parliament attack of 2001. The BJP won with a majority in Modi's home state, and bagged 117 of the 182 seats in the Gujarat Assembly. As Sonia Gandhi-led UPA sought a third term in power in 2014, the BJP put out Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. In one of the key moments of the election campaign, senior Congress leader Manishankar Aiyar snidely remarked that Modi would never become India's prime minister. "He could sell tea at a Congress conclave instead," Aiyar said, in a purported reference to Modi's roots as the son of a tea seller. Aiyar's jibe became the BJP's cue to project PM Modi as a leader with modest beginnings and one the vast Indian middle class could relate to. Shortly, the 'Chai Pe Charcha' [Talk over Tea] became a popular pre-poll campaign for the BJP. With Modi as the PM candidate and 'Chai Pe Charcha' as the defining campaign, the BJP won 282 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, 10 more than the required majority. Two years later in 2017, Aiyar pulled off another act of snide to hand over the BJP a close win in Modi's home state of Gujarat. He called Modi a 'neech aadmi' (lowly man) and upon ferocious backlash, blamed it on his 'bad Hindi'. Rahul Gandhi's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' comment The current 'Modi Ka Parivar' campaign is similar to the 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' (I am a Watchman too) moment of the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections. This was when Congress party's Rahul Gandhi targeted Modi as a 'thief' by claiming 'Desh Ka Chowkidar chor hai' (The country's watchman is a thief), about what Modi once addressed him as 'a watchman' watching over the country and keeping corruption in check. Shortly after Rahul's 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' comment, the BJP supporters and PM Modi's cabinet colleagues began adding 'Chowkidar' (Watchman) with their names in their social media bios. BJP's 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign in 2019 The move galvanised support for BJP's campaign and contributed to PM Modi's return to power in 2019 and increased BJP's tally from 282 to 302 seats in 2019.

From Sonia Gandhi to Lalu Yadav: How BJP tossed back jibes aimed at PM Modi to win elections

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