The world's largest democracy India's Mammoth parliamentary elections roll into the second of seven phases today with all eyes on the southern state of Kerala and Karnataka. Voting begins in 88 seats across 12 States and one Union territory with several prominent contestants. Watch to know more.

India General Elections 2024: 159 MN voters, 12 states, 1 union territory

India General Elections 2024: Phase 2 Lok Sabha elections voter turnout

India General Elections 2024: Voting in 88 constituencies across India

<p>Indian YouTuber Manish Kashyap, who was jailed by an opposition-ruled state last year for allegedly circulating fake videos, has joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While joining the party Thursday (Apr 25) in the presence of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, Kashyap said his mother asked him to join Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi’s&nbsp;party.</p>

<p>“Yesterday we came from Bihar to Delhi with Manoj Tiwari. It was because of them (Manoj Tiwari, BJP) that I could come out of jail. So I have joined the BJP. My mother is a fan of Narendra Modi,”&nbsp;Kashyap said.</p>

<p>“Only BJP could have given this honour to the son of a poor family...There are a few parties in Bihar that&nbsp;don't&nbsp;let you even join if you&nbsp;don't&nbsp;approach with full (of cash) suitcases. BJP respects the poor, women, a YouTuber, a mother. So, BJP is a different party and that is why it has emerged as the biggest capable party in the world...I will keep working for nationalism as I have always done. When I used to do it earlier, a few parties used to frame me and jail me. A lot of BJP leaders supported me...If I am safely out of jail today, it is due to the blessings of my mother and thesupport of BJP leaders,”&nbsp;Manish said as quoted by news agency ANI.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Manish Kashyap?</strong></h2>

<p>Kashyap is very popular among those interested in the politics of the eastern Indian state of Bihar. Kashyap hails from Bettiah in Bihar&nbsp;and&nbsp;his real name is Tripurari Kumar Tiwari.</p>

<p>He became famous for his provocative vlogging, where he would go to senior government officers and take them to cleaners for not doing their duties diligently.</p>

<p>His YouTube channel,&nbsp;under the name of&nbsp;'Manish Kasyap Son of Bihar'&nbsp;has over 8.75 million subscribers.</p>

<p>Kashyap is an engineer by profession. He contested elections earlier in 2020 from the Chanpatia Assembly seat of Bihar but stood defeated.</p>

<p>Manish was arrested in March 2023 by the government of Bihar for allegedly circulating fake videos of Bihar migrants&nbsp;being beaten up&nbsp;in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj32_Dcrd2FAxVQk1YBHdvNBrUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-and-all-you-need-to-know-703540" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-and-all-you-need-to-know-703540&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj32_Dcrd2FAxVQk1YBHdvNBrUQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Bihar Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, dates, phases, seats and all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>After his arrest, Manish&nbsp;was then&nbsp;shifted&nbsp;to Tamil Nadu, another opposition-ruled state. He walked out of jail in December 2023.</p>

<p>Manish was accused of fuelling tensions between Tamil Nadu and Bihar, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin urged people not to believe the rumours.</p>

<p>Several cases, including the draconian National Security Act (NSA), were filed against Kashyap. He surrendered before the police after being at large for some time.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj32_Dcrd2FAxVQk1YBHdvNBrUQxfQBKAB6BAgTEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-pashupati-kumar-paras-union-minister-who-resigned-after-poll-alliance-snub-in-bihar-701920" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-pashupati-kumar-paras-union-minister-who-resigned-after-poll-alliance-snub-in-bihar-701920&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj32_Dcrd2FAxVQk1YBHdvNBrUQxfQBKAB6BAgTEAE">Who is Pashupati Kumar Paras, union minister who resigned after poll alliance snub in Bihar?</a></strong></p>

<p>“NSA was slapped on me but now I have not only been granted bail but all charges are cleared now. NSA is also withdrawn...my fight against those who defame Sanatan will continue,"&nbsp;Kashyap told reporters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian YouTuber Manish Kashyap, who was jailed by an opposition-ruled state last year for allegedly circulating fake videos, has joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Indian YouTuber Manish Kashyap, who was jailed by an opposition-ruled state last year for allegedly circulating fake videos, has joined the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While joining the party Thursday (Apr 25) in the presence of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari, Kashyap said his mother asked him to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party. “Yesterday we came from Bihar to Delhi with Manoj Tiwari. It was because of them (Manoj Tiwari, BJP) that I could come out of jail. So I have joined the BJP. My mother is a fan of Narendra Modi,” Kashyap said. “Only BJP could have given this honour to the son of a poor family...There are a few parties in Bihar that don't let you even join if you don't approach with full (of cash) suitcases. BJP respects the poor, women, a YouTuber, a mother. So, BJP is a different party and that is why it has emerged as the biggest capable party in the world...I will keep working for nationalism as I have always done. When I used to do it earlier, a few parties used to frame me and jail me. A lot of BJP leaders supported me...If I am safely out of jail today, it is due to the blessings of my mother and thesupport of BJP leaders,” Manish said as quoted by news agency ANI. Who is Manish Kashyap? Kashyap is very popular among those interested in the politics of the eastern Indian state of Bihar. Kashyap hails from Bettiah in Bihar and his real name is Tripurari Kumar Tiwari. He became famous for his provocative vlogging, where he would go to senior government officers and take them to cleaners for not doing their duties diligently. His YouTube channel, under the name of 'Manish Kasyap Son of Bihar' has over 8.75 million subscribers. Kashyap is an engineer by profession. He contested elections earlier in 2020 from the Chanpatia Assembly seat of Bihar but stood defeated. Manish was arrested in March 2023 by the government of Bihar for allegedly circulating fake videos of Bihar migrants being beaten up in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Also read: Bihar Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, dates, phases, seats and all you need to know After his arrest, Manish was then shifted to Tamil Nadu, another opposition-ruled state. He walked out of jail in December 2023. Manish was accused of fuelling tensions between Tamil Nadu and Bihar, even as Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin urged people not to believe the rumours. Several cases, including the draconian National Security Act (NSA), were filed against Kashyap. He surrendered before the police after being at large for some time. Also read: Who is Pashupati Kumar Paras, union minister who resigned after poll alliance snub in Bihar? “NSA was slapped on me but now I have not only been granted bail but all charges are cleared now. NSA is also withdrawn...my fight against those who defame Sanatan will continue," Kashyap told reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Manish Kashyap—Indian YouTuber who recently joined BJP?

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India votes in phase 2

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 88 seats up for grabs in phase 2

India General Elections: Voting ends in Phase II, 159 million voters across 12 states & 1 UT

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tejasvi Surya, a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from Bengaluru South, was booked by&nbsp;the election commission on Friday (Apr 26) for seeking votes on the ground of religion. Surya had earlier posted a video on X, in which he “solicited votes on the ground of religion," the&nbsp;Chief Electoral Officer,&nbsp;Karnataka&nbsp;said in an X post. Bengaluru South is a crucial seat for&nbsp;BJP&nbsp;where Surya&nbsp;is pitted&nbsp;against Congress's Sowmya Reddy.</p>

<p>At around 2 pm, Surya made the post in which he mentioned Ram Mandir&nbsp;apart&nbsp;from border security, Article&nbsp;370&nbsp;to encourage his supporters to come out and vote in large numbers.</p>

<p>Surya earlier also gave an 80-20 per cent analogy, highlighting the lethargy of BJP voters to come out and cast their ballot.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqutLN6N-FAxUv8jgGHYYNCG0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-elections-2024-voting-across-13-states-and-uts-715255" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-elections-2024-voting-across-13-states-and-uts-715255&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqutLN6N-FAxUv8jgGHYYNCG0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voting across 13 states and UTs</a></strong></p>

<p>“We the BJP voters are 80 per cent but only 20 per cent come out and vote. Congress’ voters are 20 per cent but they come out and vote 80 per cent. This is the ground reality at the polling booths in most cases. Every single vote of yours matters. Please come out and vote because if you are not voting, Congress’ 20 per cent is definitely voting,” Tejasvi said.</p>

<p>Earlier, the BJP leader issued a scathing attack on Congress, the main opposition party, and declared it may not win more than 30 seats in the&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>"Congress party has become absolutely frustrated. Survey after survey shows that it may not win more than 30 seats... The more personal attacks and baseless allegations they make against the PM, history has shown that the Prime Minister has only gotten stronger and the BJP has only gotten more popular," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 88 seats up for grabs in phase 2</strong></p>

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<p>Speaking to news agency ANI, Surya added,&nbsp;“Today is a celebration day in Karnataka. it is a festival of democracy. Millions of people will go out and vote... This is not just a right, but also a duty, because if we don't vote, we are not registering our voice, and contributing meaningfully to a democracy... Just like every year, more senior citizens are seen at the booths, they are coming out in big numbers to vote. I wish young people draw inspiration from senior citizens and also come out in big numbers and vote."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tejasvi Surya, a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from Bengaluru South, was booked by the election commission on Friday (Apr 26) for seeking votes on the ground of religion.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Tejasvi Surya, a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from Bengaluru South, was booked by the election commission on Friday (Apr 26) for seeking votes on the ground of religion. Surya had earlier posted a video on X, in which he “solicited votes on the ground of religion," the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka said in an X post. Bengaluru South is a crucial seat for BJP where Surya is pitted against Congress's Sowmya Reddy. At around 2 pm, Surya made the post in which he mentioned Ram Mandir apart from border security, Article 370 to encourage his supporters to come out and vote in large numbers. Surya earlier also gave an 80-20 per cent analogy, highlighting the lethargy of BJP voters to come out and cast their ballot. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voting across 13 states and UTs “We the BJP voters are 80 per cent but only 20 per cent come out and vote. Congress’ voters are 20 per cent but they come out and vote 80 per cent. This is the ground reality at the polling booths in most cases. Every single vote of yours matters. Please come out and vote because if you are not voting, Congress’ 20 per cent is definitely voting,” Tejasvi said. Earlier, the BJP leader issued a scathing attack on Congress, the main opposition party, and declared it may not win more than 30 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. "Congress party has become absolutely frustrated. Survey after survey shows that it may not win more than 30 seats... The more personal attacks and baseless allegations they make against the PM, history has shown that the Prime Minister has only gotten stronger and the BJP has only gotten more popular," he said. Watch: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 88 seats up for grabs in phase 2 × Speaking to news agency ANI, Surya added, “Today is a celebration day in Karnataka. it is a festival of democracy. Millions of people will go out and vote... This is not just a right, but also a duty, because if we don't vote, we are not registering our voice, and contributing meaningfully to a democracy... Just like every year, more senior citizens are seen at the booths, they are coming out in big numbers to vote. I wish young people draw inspiration from senior citizens and also come out in big numbers and vote." (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: EC books BJP’s Tejasvi Surya for 'soliciting' votes in name of religion

<p>Indian Supreme Court on Friday (Apr 26) rejected all petitions seeking 100 per cent verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) votes with their Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips.</p>

<p>Supreme Court directed that, after the completion of symbol loading process, the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) should be sealed and they should be stored at least for 45 days.</p>

<p>"The burnt memory in the microcontroller EVM shall be checked by a team of engineers after the declaration of results on a request by candidates in serial number 2 and 3, such a request to be made within 7 days after the declaration of results," Justice Sanjiv Khanna said, according to the LiveLaw.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-vvpat-row-supreme-court-says-it-is-not-election-commissions-controlling-authority-714589"><strong>EVM-VVPAT row: Supreme Court says it is not Election Commission’s controlling authority</strong></a></p>

<p>"The expenses for the verification (of the programme) to be borne by the candidates making the request, in case the EVM is found to be tampered, the expenses will be refunded," Justice Khanna said, adding that blindly distrusting a system can lead to unwarranted suspicions.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court asked Election Commission of India to examine the suggestion for an electronic machine for counting the paper slips, and whether along with the symbol there can be a bar code for each party.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India General Elections 2024: 88 seats up for grabs in phase 2</strong></p>

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<p>"That on completion of the symbol loading process in the EVM undertaken on or after 01.05.2024, the symbol loading unit should be sealed and secured in containers. The candidates and their representatives shall sign the seal. The sealed containers containing the SLUs shall be kept in the store rooms along with the EVMs at least for 45 days post the declaration of results," Justice Khanna said.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) is an independent system attached to the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) that allows voters to check if their votes were cast as intended.</p>

<p>When a vote is cast, a slip is printed containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate, and this is shown to the voter from a transparent screen for a few&nbsp;seconds. The machine stores it in a sealed box.</p>

<p>In the event of alleged discrepancies, the paper slips can be cross-checked against the votes recorded electronically to see if the declared result is valid.</p>

<p>During the hearings, the poll panel explained that there is a 4MB flash memory in each VVPAT machine which stores the party symbols.</p>

<p>This unit, or the SLU, will be kept in locked storerooms with the EVMs, the court said.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the case?</strong></h2>

<p>The bunch of petitions before the court had sought a direction to cross-verify every vote cast on EVMs with paper slips generated by the VVPAT system. The court earlier said it was not the controlling authority for elections and could not dictate the functioning of the poll body which is a constitutional authority in itself.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Supreme Court on Friday (Apr 26) rejected all petitions seeking 100 per cent verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) votes with their Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips.

Indian Supreme Court on Friday (Apr 26) rejected all petitions seeking 100 per cent verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) votes with their Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. Supreme Court directed that, after the completion of symbol loading process, the Symbol Loading Unit (SLU) should be sealed and they should be stored at least for 45 days. "The burnt memory in the microcontroller EVM shall be checked by a team of engineers after the declaration of results on a request by candidates in serial number 2 and 3, such a request to be made within 7 days after the declaration of results," Justice Sanjiv Khanna said, according to the LiveLaw. Also read | EVM-VVPAT row: Supreme Court says it is not Election Commission’s controlling authority "The expenses for the verification (of the programme) to be borne by the candidates making the request, in case the EVM is found to be tampered, the expenses will be refunded," Justice Khanna said, adding that blindly distrusting a system can lead to unwarranted suspicions. The Supreme Court asked Election Commission of India to examine the suggestion for an electronic machine for counting the paper slips, and whether along with the symbol there can be a bar code for each party. Also watch | India General Elections 2024: 88 seats up for grabs in phase 2 × "That on completion of the symbol loading process in the EVM undertaken on or after 01.05.2024, the symbol loading unit should be sealed and secured in containers. The candidates and their representatives shall sign the seal. The sealed containers containing the SLUs shall be kept in the store rooms along with the EVMs at least for 45 days post the declaration of results," Justice Khanna said. What does it mean? The VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) is an independent system attached to the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) that allows voters to check if their votes were cast as intended. When a vote is cast, a slip is printed containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate, and this is shown to the voter from a transparent screen for a few seconds. The machine stores it in a sealed box. In the event of alleged discrepancies, the paper slips can be cross-checked against the votes recorded electronically to see if the declared result is valid. During the hearings, the poll panel explained that there is a 4MB flash memory in each VVPAT machine which stores the party symbols. This unit, or the SLU, will be kept in locked storerooms with the EVMs, the court said. What was the case? The bunch of petitions before the court had sought a direction to cross-verify every vote cast on EVMs with paper slips generated by the VVPAT system. The court earlier said it was not the controlling authority for elections and could not dictate the functioning of the poll body which is a constitutional authority in itself. (With inputs from agencies)

India elections 2024: Supreme Court rejects all petitions seeking 100 per cent EVM-VVPAT verification

India General Elections 2024: Fate of 1202 candidates to be sealed

The world’s largest democracy is undergoing one of its biggest elections. The polling for the general elections in 2024 started on April 19, which was the first of the seven-phase elections. India will now go into the second phase of the election on Friday (Apr 26). Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | India Election: Phase 2 key faces

India aims to become a developed economy by 2047. While several factors are propelling the world's most populous country towards developed status, the key to such ambitious goals lies with its 950 million voters. Take a look at how democracy is driving development.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Why every vote matters in propelling India's growth

A speech by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come under the scanner, for allegedly inciting hate. Several opposition parties have cried foul over the speech, targeted at Muslims, while urging the Election Commission to take action.

India Elections: Opposition raises alarm over PM Modi's 'hate' speech in Rajasthan

Whether you are an investor or a political observer, you know there's one thing that's common between the two lifelines of good governance-- that's uncertainty. But as India heads closer to swearing-in a new government, the incumbent is growing confident of sweeping the elections. But what could happen if voters defy popular perception? That's what this report decodes.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Bernstein's view on Indian political outcome

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Apr 22) clinched its first victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat. The state Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that BJP’s candidate from Surat constituency won uncontested. It came as the nomination of the Congress candidate from the seat, the main opposition party, was rejected by the Election Commission. Others also withdrew their nominations from the constituency.</p>

<p>"Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Surat Lok Sabha seat candidate Shri Mukeshbhai Dalal for being elected unopposed," Patel wrote in a post on X.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>On the final day of the nomination withdrawal deadline, the candidate from Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), along with several independent candidates, exited the race, paving the way for a direct contest between Congress and BJP.</p>

<p>But on Sunday (Apr 21), the candidature of Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected as his three proposers said the signatures on the nomination papers was not theirs. Congress’&nbsp;alternate candidate from the seat also faced the same fate, eventually kicking the grand old party out from the race.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwial4bz-dWFAxW3z6ACHVwACGAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-dates-phase-seats-candidates-all-you-need-to-know-712745" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-dates-phase-seats-candidates-all-you-need-to-know-712745&amp;ved=2ahUKEwial4bz-dWFAxW3z6ACHVwACGAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Gujarat Lok Sabha elections 2024: Schedule, dates, phase, seats, candidates - All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>Returning Officer (RO) Sourabh Pardhi in a statement said the step was taken after a preliminary investigation.</p>

<p>However, Congress has said it will contest the decision in the state high court.</p>

<h2><strong>What do the rules say?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the rules, a candidate affiliated to a recognised political party needs to have one voter from the constituency to propose their candidacy.</p>

<p>For independent candidates, however, 10 such proposers from the constituency are required and they need to sign the candidate’s nomination papers.</p>

<h2><strong>Controversy</strong></h2>

<p>A major political controversy has erupted over the development, with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slamming the rejection by saying that “the true face of the dictator is once again in front of the country!” “Taking away the right of the people to choose their leader is another step towards destroying the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar,” he added. In his X post, he ‘reiterated’ that this election is one to save the nation, to protect the Constitution.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why Punjab matters for Indian polls</strong></p>

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<p>Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also criticised the move on X.</p>

<p>“Our elections, our democracy, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution – everything is in grave danger. I repeat – this is the most important election of our lifetime!” Ramesh said in his post on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Apr 22) clinched its first victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat. The state Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that BJP’s candidate from Surat constituency won uncontested.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday (Apr 22) clinched its first victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat. The state Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced that BJP’s candidate from Surat constituency won uncontested. It came as the nomination of the Congress candidate from the seat, the main opposition party, was rejected by the Election Commission. Others also withdrew their nominations from the constituency. "Hearty congratulations and best wishes to Surat Lok Sabha seat candidate Shri Mukeshbhai Dalal for being elected unopposed," Patel wrote in a post on X. What happened? On the final day of the nomination withdrawal deadline, the candidate from Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), along with several independent candidates, exited the race, paving the way for a direct contest between Congress and BJP. But on Sunday (Apr 21), the candidature of Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected as his three proposers said the signatures on the nomination papers was not theirs. Congress’ alternate candidate from the seat also faced the same fate, eventually kicking the grand old party out from the race. Also read: Gujarat Lok Sabha elections 2024: Schedule, dates, phase, seats, candidates - All you need to know Returning Officer (RO) Sourabh Pardhi in a statement said the step was taken after a preliminary investigation. However, Congress has said it will contest the decision in the state high court. What do the rules say? As per the rules, a candidate affiliated to a recognised political party needs to have one voter from the constituency to propose their candidacy. For independent candidates, however, 10 such proposers from the constituency are required and they need to sign the candidate’s nomination papers. Controversy A major political controversy has erupted over the development, with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slamming the rejection by saying that “the true face of the dictator is once again in front of the country!” “Taking away the right of the people to choose their leader is another step towards destroying the Constitution of Baba Saheb Ambedkar,” he added. In his X post, he ‘reiterated’ that this election is one to save the nation, to protect the Constitution. Watch: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why Punjab matters for Indian polls × Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also criticised the move on X. “Our elections, our democracy, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution – everything is in grave danger. I repeat – this is the most important election of our lifetime!” Ramesh said in his post on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: First result out as PM Modi’s BJP wins first seat without voting

<p>A man in India’s Mysuru, Karnataka, was allegedly assaulted after he composed a song, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The claims are yet to be verified by police but Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed “fanatical Jihadi goons” for the attack and targeted Congress for turning Karnataka into a “crime state.”</p>

<p>Rohit Kumar, a YouTuber hailing from Mellahalli village in Mandya district, shared the song with some of his acquaintances and asked them to subscribe to his channel.</p>

<p>"I was sharing my channel link and asking all to subscribe. One of the guys came out near the government guest house. I asked him to watch the song and asked him to share it and subscribe to my channel," Rohit claimed, in a statement to police.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwibkPTG7M6FAxUKVWwGHRuuBrQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-daughter-stabbed-to-death-by-ex-lover-in-indias-karnataka-712877" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-leaders-daughter-stabbed-to-death-by-ex-lover-in-indias-karnataka-712877&amp;ved=2ahUKEwibkPTG7M6FAxUKVWwGHRuuBrQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Congress leader`s daughter stabbed to death by ex-lover in India`s Karnataka</a></strong></p>

<p>"He watched it and said it was nice. He said he would take me inside to meet his friends so that this could be shared. As soon as I entered the room, a guy closed my mouth and held my hands from behind. He started abusing me for making this song on PM Modi," Rohit added.</p>

<p>He also claimed the men abused him and urinated on him.</p>

<p>BJP reacted sharply to the media reports and&nbsp;alleged that the state’s Congress government had allowed the goons to perpetrate the attack.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/names-of-100000-voters-missing-tamil-nadu-bjp-chief-k-annamalai-demands-re-polling-in-some-seats-713174"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘Names of 100,000 voters missing,’ Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai demands re-polling in some seats</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Mysuru police said they are verifying Rohit’s claims and conducting his medical examination.</p>

<p>Police said they would share more details about the incident following a preliminary investigation. CCTV footage of the area are also being scrutinised for more information.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A man in India’s Mysuru, Karnataka, was allegedly assaulted after he composed a song, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The claims are yet to be verified by police but Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed “fanatical Jihadi goons” for the attack and targeted Congress for turning Karnataka into a “crime state.

A man in India’s Mysuru, Karnataka, was allegedly assaulted after he composed a song, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The claims are yet to be verified by police but Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed “fanatical Jihadi goons” for the attack and targeted Congress for turning Karnataka into a “crime state.” Rohit Kumar, a YouTuber hailing from Mellahalli village in Mandya district, shared the song with some of his acquaintances and asked them to subscribe to his channel. "I was sharing my channel link and asking all to subscribe. One of the guys came out near the government guest house. I asked him to watch the song and asked him to share it and subscribe to my channel," Rohit claimed, in a statement to police. Also read: Congress leader`s daughter stabbed to death by ex-lover in India`s Karnataka "He watched it and said it was nice. He said he would take me inside to meet his friends so that this could be shared. As soon as I entered the room, a guy closed my mouth and held my hands from behind. He started abusing me for making this song on PM Modi," Rohit added. He also claimed the men abused him and urinated on him. BJP reacted sharply to the media reports and alleged that the state’s Congress government had allowed the goons to perpetrate the attack. Also read: ‘Names of 100,000 voters missing,’ Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai demands re-polling in some seats Meanwhile, Mysuru police said they are verifying Rohit’s claims and conducting his medical examination. Police said they would share more details about the incident following a preliminary investigation. CCTV footage of the area are also being scrutinised for more information. (With inputs from agencies)

Karnataka man allegedly assaulted for composing song praising PM Modi

<p>In a tragic incident on Friday (Apr 19) in the Indian state of Mizoram, a 28-year-old security personnel, identified as Lalrinpuia from the second Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn), passed away due to cardiac arrest while on election duty.&nbsp;Lalrinpuia, born in April 1996, had joined the IRBn in January 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unfortunate event occurred at the Vangchhia polling station in Champhai district. Officials reported that Lalrinpuia was found lifeless in the early hours of the morning when fellow security personnel attempted to wake him up.</p>

<p>This sorrowful event occurred on the day of the first phase of elections for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram. The cause of death was confirmed to be a cardiac arrest around 4:45 am.</p>

<p>Following an autopsy at Champhai district hospital, Lalrinpuia's remains were transported to his hometown of Kawlkulh village in Khawzawl district.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-hits-out-at-rahul-gandhi-akhilesh-yadav-do-shehzade-ki-jodi-713147">PM Modi takes a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav; film 'do shehzade ki jodi' rejected by people</a></p>

<p>The send-off ceremony was attended by Champhai Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer James Lalrinchhana, along with Champhai Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Kumar, who expressed their condolences to Lalrinpuia's grieving family.</p>

<h2><strong>Relief amount to be given</strong></h2>

<p>James Lalrinchhana conveyed that the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Madhup Vyas had been notified about the tragic incident. He assured that the family would receive the relief amount entitled to those who pass away while on poll duty promptly.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-nearly-60-voter-turnout-by-5-pm-west-bengal-leads-bihar-records-lowest-turnout-713110">Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Nearly 60% voter turnout by 5 PM; West Bengal leads, Bihar records lowest turnout</a></p>

<p>SP Vineet Kumar said that Lalrinpuia's untimely demise was a loss to the state police force.&nbsp;Election authorities have deployed officials to their designated areas. There has been a particular focus on the 168 polling stations situated in remote regions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-lok-sabha-election-2024-voters-cast-ballots-in-102-constituencies-in-phase-1-713140">India Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voters cast ballots in 102 constituencies in Phase 1</a></strong></p>

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<p>This is not an isolated incident as in a similar tragedy during last year's Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, a 55-year-old government employee from Madhya Pradesh, Bhimrao, who was on duty at booth number 123 in Betul town, passed away after experiencing chest pain.</p>

<p>Moreover, last year in Muzaffarnagar, Virendra Kumar Mittal, a Provincial Civil Services (PCS) cadre officer serving as the returning officer for the Jyoti Khudia Nagar Panchayat elections in Mainpuri district, tragically passed away at the age of 57 due to a sudden cardiac arrest.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a tragic incident on Friday (Apr 19) in the Indian state of Mizoram, a 28-year-old security personnel, identified as Lalrinpuia from the second Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn), passed away due to cardiac arrest while on election duty.

In a tragic incident on Friday (Apr 19) in the Indian state of Mizoram, a 28-year-old security personnel, identified as Lalrinpuia from the second Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn), passed away due to cardiac arrest while on election duty. Lalrinpuia, born in April 1996, had joined the IRBn in January 2018. The unfortunate event occurred at the Vangchhia polling station in Champhai district. Officials reported that Lalrinpuia was found lifeless in the early hours of the morning when fellow security personnel attempted to wake him up. This sorrowful event occurred on the day of the first phase of elections for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram. The cause of death was confirmed to be a cardiac arrest around 4:45 am. Following an autopsy at Champhai district hospital, Lalrinpuia's remains were transported to his hometown of Kawlkulh village in Khawzawl district. Also Read | PM Modi takes a swipe at Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav; film 'do shehzade ki jodi' rejected by people The send-off ceremony was attended by Champhai Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer James Lalrinchhana, along with Champhai Superintendent of Police (SP) Vineet Kumar, who expressed their condolences to Lalrinpuia's grieving family. Relief amount to be given James Lalrinchhana conveyed that the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Madhup Vyas had been notified about the tragic incident. He assured that the family would receive the relief amount entitled to those who pass away while on poll duty promptly. Also Read | Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Nearly 60% voter turnout by 5 PM; West Bengal leads, Bihar records lowest turnout SP Vineet Kumar said that Lalrinpuia's untimely demise was a loss to the state police force. Election authorities have deployed officials to their designated areas. There has been a particular focus on the 168 polling stations situated in remote regions. Watch | India Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voters cast ballots in 102 constituencies in Phase 1 × This is not an isolated incident as in a similar tragedy during last year's Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections, a 55-year-old government employee from Madhya Pradesh, Bhimrao, who was on duty at booth number 123 in Betul town, passed away after experiencing chest pain. Moreover, last year in Muzaffarnagar, Virendra Kumar Mittal, a Provincial Civil Services (PCS) cadre officer serving as the returning officer for the Jyoti Khudia Nagar Panchayat elections in Mainpuri district, tragically passed away at the age of 57 due to a sudden cardiac arrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Mizoram: Security personnel succumbs to cardiac arrest while on election duty

General elections in the world's largest democracy began today with voting held in the first phase of the Lok Sabha Elections in India. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

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India’s economic growth hinges on capitalising its demographic dividend. Youth is the new currency, & india has it in abundance. But as the clock ticks on the national elections, this report take a look at the youth challenges awaiting the world’s largest democracy.

Can India bridge the formal-informal divide in the labour market?

India began voting on Friday (April 19) in a six-week election. The voters began queuing up outside the polling stations even before they were allowed. Voting in 102 constituencies have begun, with 160 million voters across 17 states and 4 UTs in the first phase.

India National Elections: 2 North Eastern States of India - Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh - hold voting

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - India's massive election kicks off - Phase 1: 166 mn voters, 1625 candidates & 102 seats - US vetoes Palestinian request at UN - Jury selected for Trump trial - Tel Aviv: Protesters call for general strike

India votes: First phase of polling today | Jury selected for Trump trial

India National Elections 2024: Voting begins in India, 160 mn voters across 17 states, 4 UTs

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - India's massive election kicks off - Phase 1: 166 mn voters, 1625 candidates & 102 seats - US vetoes Palestinian request at UN - Israel to open 3rd crossing into Northern Gaza - Tel Aviv: Protesters call for general strike

India's massive election kicks off | US vetoes Palestinian request at UN

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Pakistan: Suicide attack in Karachi | WION Headlines

Voting is underway for 102 parliamentary seats across 21 states/Union Territories in the first phase of the India's 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Watch in the report for latest developments.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Phase 1 of elections underway, fate of 1,625 candidates to be decided

Voting has begun for 102 parliamentary seats across 21 states/UTs in the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Watch to know more.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: 43% polling recorded in J&K & 33% in Rajasthan till 1 PM

India National Elections 2024: Phase-1 voting underway in 102 constituencies across India

India Elections 2024: World's biggest dance of democracy begin, fate of 162 candidates to be decided

With only a few days left for the Indian general elections, political parties and candidates are making full use of social media. However, it looks like a few of them have landed in trouble because of this the country's Election Commission has issued directives through social media platform X (Formerly known as Twitter) to take down several election-related posts.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: X takes down political posts after orders from ECI

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

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

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

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

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