<p><strong>Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Schedule and Date: </strong>Voting has concluded&nbsp;in the west Indian state of Maharashtra. The process in the state&nbsp;was held in five phases&nbsp;between April 19 and May 20.</p>

<p>Maharashtra has the second-highest number of Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) seats.&nbsp;Out of the 543 seats for which the election was&nbsp;conducted&nbsp;this year, Maharashtra has 48, the second-highest after Uttar Pradesh&nbsp;which&nbsp;has 80.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The results,&nbsp;like the rest of the country, will be announced on June 4.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/uttarakhand-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-all-you-need-to-know-704791">Uttarakhand Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates; all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>When is the Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election 2024?</strong></h2>

<p>In Maharashtra, the elections were held in five phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Phase 1 (April 19)</strong></p>

<p>Ramtek (SC)<br />
Nagpur<br />
Bhandara-Gondiya<br />
Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST)<br />
Chandrapur</p>

<p><strong>Phase 2 (April 26)</strong></p>

<p>Buldhana<br />
Akola<br />
Amravati<br />
Wardha<br />
Yavatmal-Washim<br />
Hingoli<br />
Nanded<br />
Parbhani</p>

<p><strong>Phase 3 (May 7)</strong></p>

<p>Raigad<br />
Baramati<br />
Osmanabad<br />
Latur (SC)<br />
Solapur (SC)<br />
Madha<br />
Sangli<br />
Satara<br />
Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg<br />
Kolhapur<br />
Hatkanangle</p>

<p><strong>Phase 4 (May 13)</strong></p>

<p>Nandurbar (ST)<br />
Jalgaon<br />
Raver<br />
Jalna<br />
Aurangabad<br />
Maval<br />
Pune<br />
Shirur<br />
Ahmednagar<br />
Shirdi (SC)<br />
Beed</p>

<p><strong>Phase 5 (May 20)</strong></p>

<p>Dhule<br />
Dindori (ST)<br />
Nashik<br />
Palghar (ST)<br />
Bhiwandi<br />
Kalyan<br />
Thane<br />
Mumbai North<br />
Mumbai North-West<br />
Mumbai North-East<br />
Mumbai North-Central<br />
Mumbai South-Central<br />
Mumbai South</p>

<h2><strong>Maharashtra Politics</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The Indian state has seen a major shift in alliances and parties, particularly since 2014 when the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA alliance came into power at the Centre following the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2014, the state also held Legislative Assembly elections where Shiv Sena and the BJP had formed a coalition and the ruling party won the most seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prior to that, a coalition government with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) ruled the state. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-all-you-need-to-know-704464">Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates | All you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>In 2022, Maharashtra witnessed a high-stakes political crisis when Shiv Sena – founded by the late Balasaheb Thackeray – member Eknath Shinde cross-voted for the BJP and later broke up the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Eventually, Shinde joined the ruling party and formed a BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government in Maharashtra. He also managed&nbsp;to retain the Shiv Sena name and party symbol. In January, his faction was recognised by the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar as the “real Shiv Sena”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Uddhav Thackeray, former CM who led the party when Shinde was also a member, changed his faction’s name to Shiv Sena (UBT) and its symbol to a flaming torch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2023, Ajit Pawar, once a member of the NCP – founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar – left the party with several MLAs and joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Shinde. In February 2024, the ECI awarded the original name and the symbol to the faction led by Ajit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, the faction led by Sharad Pawar was named NCP (Sharad Chandra Pawar) or NCP (SCP) and the party was allowed by the Supreme Court to use the ‘man blowing turha’ as the symbol for the&nbsp;elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-lok-sabha-elections-2024-schedule-phase-seats-candidates-and-all-you-need-to-know-704721">Delhi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates and all you need to know</a></strong></p>

<p>In this upcoming election, the race will be between two main alliances in the state:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA):</strong> Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SCP)&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Mahayuti alliance:</strong> BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><br />
<strong>Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election 2024: List of Candidates and Constituencies</strong></h2>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 602px;">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">No.</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 197px;">Constituency</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 159px;">NDA</th>
			<th scope="col" style="width: 199px;">INDIA bloc</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>1</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Nandurbar (ST)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Dr Heena Gavit (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Gowaal Padvi (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Dhule</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Subhash Ramrao Bhamre (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Shobha Dinesh Bachhav (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Jalgaon</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Smita Wagh (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Karan Pawar (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Raver</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Raksha Khadse (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Shriram Patil (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Buldhana</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Prataprao Jadhav (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Narendra Khedekar (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Akola</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Anup Dhotre (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Abhay Kashinath Patil (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Amravati</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Navneet Rana (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Balwant Wankhede (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Wardha</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Ramdas Tadas (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Amar Sharadrao Kale (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Ramtek (SC)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Raju Parve (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Shyamkumar&nbsp;Barve (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Nagpur</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Nitin Gadkari (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Vikas Thakre (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Bhandara-Gondiya</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sunil Mendhe (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Dr Prashant Padole (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>12</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Ashok Nete (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Dr Namdeo Kirsan (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>13</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Chandrapur</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sudhir Mungantiwar (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Pratibha Dhanorkar (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Yavatmal-Washim</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Rajashri Hemant Patil (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Sanjay Deshmukh (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>15</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Hingoli</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Hemant Patil (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>16</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Nanded</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Prataprao Patil-Chikhlikar (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Vasant Chavan (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>17</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Parbhani</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Mahadev Jankar (Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP))</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Sanjay Jadhav (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Jalna</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Raosaheb Dadarao Danve (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Chandrakant Khaire (Shiv Sena (UBT))*</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>19</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Aurangabad</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sushil Kumar Singh (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Chandrakant Khaire (Shiv Sena (UBT))*</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Dindori (ST)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Dr Bharti Pawar (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Bhaskar Bhagare (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>21</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Nashik</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Hemant Godse (Shiv Sena)&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Rajabhau Waje (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>22</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Palghar (ST)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Hemant Vishnu Savara (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Bharti Kamdi (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>23</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Bhiwandi</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Kapil Patil (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Suresh Mhatre (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>24</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Kalyan</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Vaishali Darekar Rane (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>25</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Thane</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Naresh Mhaske (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Rajan Vichare (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>26</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Mumbai North</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Piyush Goyal (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Bhushan Patil (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>27</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Mumbai North-West</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Ravindra Waikar (Shiv Sena)&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Amol Kirtikar (Shiv Sena (UBT)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>28</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Mumbai North-East</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Mihir Kotecha (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Sanjay Patil (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>29</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Mumbai North-Central</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Ujjwal Nikam (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Eknath Gaikwad (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>30</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Mumbai South-Central</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Rahul Shewale (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Anil Desai (Shiv Sena (UBT)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>31</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Mumbai South</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Yamini Jadhav (Shiv Sena)&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Arvind Sawant (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>32</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Raigad</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sunil Tatkare (NCP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Anant Geete (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>33</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Maval</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Shrirang Barne (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Sanjog Waghere-Patil (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>34</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Pune</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Murlidhar&nbsp;Mohol (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Ravindra Dhangekar (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>35</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Baramati</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sunetra Pawar (NCP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Supriya Sule (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>36</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Shirur</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil (NCP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Amol Kolhe (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>37</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Ahmednagar</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Dr Sujay Vikhe-Patil (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>38</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Shirdi (SC)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sadashiv Lokhande (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Bhausaheb Waghchaure (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>39</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Beed</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Pankaja Munde (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Bajrang Sonawane (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>40</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Osmanabad (Dharashiv)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Archana Ranajagjitsinha Patil (NCP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Omraje Nimbalkar (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>41</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Latur (SC)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sudhakar Shrungare (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Dr Shivaji Kalge (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>42</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Solapur (SC)</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Ram Satpute (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Praniti Shinde (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>43</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Madha</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Ranjitsinh Hindurao Naik-Nimbalkar (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>44</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Sangli&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sanjaykaka Patil (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Chandrahar Patil (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>45</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Satara</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Udayanraje Bhosale (BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Shashikant Shinde (NCP (SCP))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>46</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Narayan Tatu Rane<br />
			(BJP)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Vinayak Raut (Shiv Sena (UBT))</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>47</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Kolhapur</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Sanjay Mandlik (Shiv Sena</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">Shahu Chhatrapati (Congress)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>48</td>
			<td style="width: 197px;">Hatkanangle</td>
			<td style="width: 159px;">Dhairyasheel Mane (Shiv Sena)</td>
			<td style="width: 199px;">
			<p>Satyajeet Patil (Shiv Sena (UBT))</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district has two parliamentary Constituencies – Aurangabad and Jalna.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Complete list available <a href="https://www.eci.gov.in/eci-backend/public/api/download?url=LMAhAK6sOPBp%2FNFF0iRfXbEB1EVSLT41NNLRjYNJJP1KivrUxbfqkDatmHy12e%2FztfbUTpXSxLP8g7dpVrk7%2Fda%2BEbTiKk%2FXhgFE8uZCGZfBfmEEm3AEkP%2FJT8wtBc%2FqCSv%2B1yJkuMeCkTzY9fhBvw%3D%3D">here</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Schedule and Date: Voting has concluded in the west Indian state of Maharashtra. The process in the state was held in five phases between April 19 and May 20.

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Schedule and Date: Voting has concluded in the west Indian state of Maharashtra. The process in the state was held in five phases between April 19 and May 20. Maharashtra has the second-highest number of Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian parliament) seats. Out of the 543 seats for which the election was conducted this year, Maharashtra has 48, the second-highest after Uttar Pradesh which has 80. The results, like the rest of the country, will be announced on June 4. Also Read | Uttarakhand Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates; all you need to know When is the Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election 2024? In Maharashtra, the elections were held in five phases: April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. Phase 1 (April 19) Ramtek (SC) Nagpur Bhandara-Gondiya Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) Chandrapur Phase 2 (April 26) Buldhana Akola Amravati Wardha Yavatmal-Washim Hingoli Nanded Parbhani Phase 3 (May 7) Raigad Baramati Osmanabad Latur (SC) Solapur (SC) Madha Sangli Satara Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Kolhapur Hatkanangle Phase 4 (May 13) Nandurbar (ST) Jalgaon Raver Jalna Aurangabad Maval Pune Shirur Ahmednagar Shirdi (SC) Beed Phase 5 (May 20) Dhule Dindori (ST) Nashik Palghar (ST) Bhiwandi Kalyan Thane Mumbai North Mumbai North-West Mumbai North-East Mumbai North-Central Mumbai South-Central Mumbai South Maharashtra Politics The Indian state has seen a major shift in alliances and parties, particularly since 2014 when the current Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA alliance came into power at the Centre following the general elections. In 2014, the state also held Legislative Assembly elections where Shiv Sena and the BJP had formed a coalition and the ruling party won the most seats. Prior to that, a coalition government with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) ruled the state. Also Read | Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates | All you need to know In 2022, Maharashtra witnessed a high-stakes political crisis when Shiv Sena – founded by the late Balasaheb Thackeray – member Eknath Shinde cross-voted for the BJP and later broke up the party. Eventually, Shinde joined the ruling party and formed a BJP-Shiv Sena coalition government in Maharashtra. He also managed to retain the Shiv Sena name and party symbol. In January, his faction was recognised by the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar as the “real Shiv Sena”. Uddhav Thackeray, former CM who led the party when Shinde was also a member, changed his faction’s name to Shiv Sena (UBT) and its symbol to a flaming torch. In 2023, Ajit Pawar, once a member of the NCP – founded by his uncle Sharad Pawar – left the party with several MLAs and joined the BJP-Shiv Sena government led by Shinde. In February 2024, the ECI awarded the original name and the symbol to the faction led by Ajit. Therefore, the faction led by Sharad Pawar was named NCP (Sharad Chandra Pawar) or NCP (SCP) and the party was allowed by the Supreme Court to use the ‘man blowing turha’ as the symbol for the elections. Also Read | Delhi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, phase, seats, candidates and all you need to know In this upcoming election, the race will be between two main alliances in the state: Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA): Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SCP) Mahayuti alliance: BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s NCP. Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election 2024: List of Candidates and Constituencies No. Constituency NDA INDIA bloc 1 Nandurbar (ST) Dr Heena Gavit (BJP) Gowaal Padvi (Congress) 2 Dhule Subhash Ramrao Bhamre (BJP) Shobha Dinesh Bachhav (Congress) 3 Jalgaon Smita Wagh (BJP) Karan Pawar (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 4 Raver Raksha Khadse (BJP) Shriram Patil (NCP (SCP)) 5 Buldhana Prataprao Jadhav (Shiv Sena) Narendra Khedekar (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 6 Akola Anup Dhotre (BJP) Abhay Kashinath Patil (Congress) 7 Amravati Navneet Rana (BJP) Balwant Wankhede (Congress) 8 Wardha Ramdas Tadas (BJP) Amar Sharadrao Kale (NCP (SCP)) 9 Ramtek (SC) Raju Parve (Shiv Sena) Shyamkumar Barve (Congress) 10 Nagpur Nitin Gadkari (BJP) Vikas Thakre (Congress) 11 Bhandara-Gondiya Sunil Mendhe (BJP) Dr Prashant Padole (Congress) 12 Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST) Ashok Nete (BJP) Dr Namdeo Kirsan (Congress) 13 Chandrapur Sudhir Mungantiwar (BJP) Pratibha Dhanorkar (Congress) 14 Yavatmal-Washim Rajashri Hemant Patil (Shiv Sena) Sanjay Deshmukh (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 15 Hingoli Hemant Patil (Shiv Sena) Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 16 Nanded Prataprao Patil-Chikhlikar (BJP) Vasant Chavan (Congress) 17 Parbhani Mahadev Jankar (Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP)) Sanjay Jadhav (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 18 Jalna Raosaheb Dadarao Danve (BJP) Chandrakant Khaire (Shiv Sena (UBT))* 19 Aurangabad Sushil Kumar Singh (BJP) Chandrakant Khaire (Shiv Sena (UBT))* 20 Dindori (ST) Dr Bharti Pawar (BJP) Bhaskar Bhagare (NCP (SCP)) 21 Nashik Hemant Godse (Shiv Sena) Rajabhau Waje (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 22 Palghar (ST) Hemant Vishnu Savara (BJP) Bharti Kamdi (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 23 Bhiwandi Kapil Patil (BJP) Suresh Mhatre (NCP (SCP)) 24 Kalyan Shrikant Shinde (Shiv Sena) Vaishali Darekar Rane (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 25 Thane Naresh Mhaske (Shiv Sena) Rajan Vichare (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 26 Mumbai North Piyush Goyal (BJP) Bhushan Patil (Congress) 27 Mumbai North-West Ravindra Waikar (Shiv Sena) Amol Kirtikar (Shiv Sena (UBT) 28 Mumbai North-East Mihir Kotecha (BJP) Sanjay Patil (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 29 Mumbai North-Central Ujjwal Nikam (BJP) Eknath Gaikwad (Congress) 30 Mumbai South-Central Rahul Shewale (Shiv Sena) Anil Desai (Shiv Sena (UBT) 31 Mumbai South Yamini Jadhav (Shiv Sena) Arvind Sawant (NCP (SCP)) 32 Raigad Sunil Tatkare (NCP) Anant Geete (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 33 Maval Shrirang Barne (Shiv Sena) Sanjog Waghere-Patil (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 34 Pune Murlidhar Mohol (BJP) Ravindra Dhangekar (Congress) 35 Baramati Sunetra Pawar (NCP) Supriya Sule (NCP (SCP)) 36 Shirur Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil (NCP) Amol Kolhe (NCP (SCP)) 37 Ahmednagar Dr Sujay Vikhe-Patil (BJP) Nilesh Dnyandev Lanke (NCP (SCP)) 38 Shirdi (SC) Sadashiv Lokhande (Shiv Sena) Bhausaheb Waghchaure (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 39 Beed Pankaja Munde (BJP) Bajrang Sonawane (NCP (SCP)) 40 Osmanabad (Dharashiv) Archana Ranajagjitsinha Patil (NCP) Omraje Nimbalkar (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 41 Latur (SC) Sudhakar Shrungare (BJP) Dr Shivaji Kalge (Congress) 42 Solapur (SC) Ram Satpute (BJP) Praniti Shinde (Congress) 43 Madha Ranjitsinh Hindurao Naik-Nimbalkar (BJP) Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil (NCP (SCP)) 44 Sangli Sanjaykaka Patil (BJP) Chandrahar Patil (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 45 Satara Udayanraje Bhosale (BJP) Shashikant Shinde (NCP (SCP)) 46 Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Narayan Tatu Rane (BJP) Vinayak Raut (Shiv Sena (UBT)) 47 Kolhapur Sanjay Mandlik (Shiv Sena Shahu Chhatrapati (Congress) 48 Hatkanangle Dhairyasheel Mane (Shiv Sena) Satyajeet Patil (Shiv Sena (UBT)) Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district has two parliamentary Constituencies – Aurangabad and Jalna. Complete list available here (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, dates, phases, seats and all you need to know

<p>Russia has accused the United States of meddling in the domestic affairs of India. Russian foreign ministry accused the White House of complicating the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and described the interference as a "colonial period mentality".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow stated that Washington has not yet provided any reliable evidence of the baseless claims of involvement of Indian citizens in the murder plot of a Khalistani terrorist in that country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foreign ministry responded to a question regarding a recent report by the Washington Post, which claimed that an Indian intelligence officer hired a hit team to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-and-israel-teams-leave-egypt-amid-ongoing-mediation-efforts-719808">Gaza war: Hamas and Israel teams leave Egypt amid 'ongoing' mediation efforts</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>India has already issued a strong-worded response and denied the report, stating that the report made "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" imputations on a serious matter and that an investigation into the case was underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "According to the information we have, Washington has not yet provided any reliable evidence of the involvement of Indian citizens in the preparation of the murder of a certain G.S. Pannun. Speculation on this topic in the absence of evidence is unacceptable."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year in November, US federal prosecutors charged an Indian national with collaborating with an Indian government official in the failed conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, who was designated as a terrorist by India under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-indian-student-missing-in-us-family-scrambles-to-find-clues-about-rupesh-chintakindis-whereabouts-719662">Another Indian student goes missing in US; family alleges Chicago police 'not responding properly'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Zakharova further added that the US lacks an understanding of India's national mentality and history. She slammed the report for making "unfounded accusations" about religious freedoms in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Regular unfounded accusations by the United States against New Delhi... we see that they groundlessly accuse not only India but also many other states... of violating religious freedoms are a reflection of the United States' misunderstanding of the national mentality, the historical context of the development of the Indian state and disrespect for India as a state," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia marks World War II Victory Day with military parade in Moscow</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>'Complicating the general parliamentary elections'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As quoted by RT news, she said, "The reason is that they try to unbalance the internal political situation in India in order to complicate the general parliamentary elections. That is part of meddling in India’s internal affairs."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, "The Washington Post, it seems to me, should use the term "repressive regime" and everything you quoted in relation to Washington. It is difficult to imagine a more repressive regime than Washington, both in domestic and international affairs."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Russia has accused the United States of meddling in the domestic affairs of India. Russian foreign ministry accused the White House of complicating the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and described the interference as a "colonial period mentality".

Russia has accused the United States of meddling in the domestic affairs of India. Russian foreign ministry accused the White House of complicating the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and described the interference as a "colonial period mentality". Moscow stated that Washington has not yet provided any reliable evidence of the baseless claims of involvement of Indian citizens in the murder plot of a Khalistani terrorist in that country. The foreign ministry responded to a question regarding a recent report by the Washington Post, which claimed that an Indian intelligence officer hired a hit team to kill Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Also read: Gaza war: Hamas and Israel teams leave Egypt amid 'ongoing' mediation efforts India has already issued a strong-worded response and denied the report, stating that the report made "unwarranted and unsubstantiated" imputations on a serious matter and that an investigation into the case was underway. The ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, "According to the information we have, Washington has not yet provided any reliable evidence of the involvement of Indian citizens in the preparation of the murder of a certain G.S. Pannun. Speculation on this topic in the absence of evidence is unacceptable." Last year in November, US federal prosecutors charged an Indian national with collaborating with an Indian government official in the failed conspiracy to assassinate Pannun, who was designated as a terrorist by India under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Also read: Another Indian student goes missing in US; family alleges Chicago police 'not responding properly' Zakharova further added that the US lacks an understanding of India's national mentality and history. She slammed the report for making "unfounded accusations" about religious freedoms in India. "Regular unfounded accusations by the United States against New Delhi... we see that they groundlessly accuse not only India but also many other states... of violating religious freedoms are a reflection of the United States' misunderstanding of the national mentality, the historical context of the development of the Indian state and disrespect for India as a state," she said. Watch: Russia marks World War II Victory Day with military parade in Moscow × 'Complicating the general parliamentary elections' As quoted by RT news, she said, "The reason is that they try to unbalance the internal political situation in India in order to complicate the general parliamentary elections. That is part of meddling in India’s internal affairs." She added, "The Washington Post, it seems to me, should use the term "repressive regime" and everything you quoted in relation to Washington. It is difficult to imagine a more repressive regime than Washington, both in domestic and international affairs." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia says US is interfering in India's domestic affairs and general election: 'Unfounded accusations'

<p>Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam from the Mumbai North Central constituency in the Lok Sabha Election 2024. Nikam was the public prosecutor in the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks. He will fight the Indian National Congress (INC) party's candidate Varsha Gaikwad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the announcement of Nikam's name, the BJP has replaced Poonam Mahajan, who is the current MP from this seat, as the party's candidate. Two-time MP Mahajan won the seat in 2014 and 2019 defeating Congress's Priya Dutt, who was the MP from 2009 to 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-mamata-banerjee-suffers-injury-after-she-fell-while-boarding-helicopter-715678">VIDEO: Mamata Banerjee suffers injury after she fell while boarding helicopter</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Notably, Nikam, who&nbsp;was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016,&nbsp;is one of the most popular government lawyers in India. He represented the government side in high-profile cases such as terrorist Ajmal Kasab, 1993 bomb blasts, Gulshan Kumar murder case and also Pramod Mahajan murder case, and&nbsp;the&nbsp;2013 Mumbai gang rape case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Voting in the Indian city of Mumbai is scheduled for May 20 in the fifth phase of the elections.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> | BJP fields Special Public Prosecutor during 26/11 Mumbai Terror attack case, Ujjwal Nikam as its candidate from Mumbai North Central.<br />
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BJP's Poonam Mahajan is the sitting MP from the constituency. <a href="https://t.co/0FbzDxDpQ6">pic.twitter.com/0FbzDxDpQ6</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1784188364670779427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-files-complaint-against-pm-modi-over-spreading-misinformation-about-south-goa-candidate-fernandes-715490">Congress files complaint against PM Modi over spreading 'misinformation' about South Goa candidate Fernandes</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The BJP also named eight more candidates for the Odisha assembly polls, which will be held alongside the general elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam from the Mumbai North Central constituency in the Lok Sabha Election 2024.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam from the Mumbai North Central constituency in the Lok Sabha Election 2024. Nikam was the public prosecutor in the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks. He will fight the Indian National Congress (INC) party's candidate Varsha Gaikwad. With the announcement of Nikam's name, the BJP has replaced Poonam Mahajan, who is the current MP from this seat, as the party's candidate. Two-time MP Mahajan won the seat in 2014 and 2019 defeating Congress's Priya Dutt, who was the MP from 2009 to 2014. Also read: VIDEO: Mamata Banerjee suffers injury after she fell while boarding helicopter Notably, Nikam, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016, is one of the most popular government lawyers in India. He represented the government side in high-profile cases such as terrorist Ajmal Kasab, 1993 bomb blasts, Gulshan Kumar murder case and also Pramod Mahajan murder case, and the 2013 Mumbai gang rape case. Voting in the Indian city of Mumbai is scheduled for May 20 in the fifth phase of the elections. #LokSabhaElections2024 | BJP fields Special Public Prosecutor during 26/11 Mumbai Terror attack case, Ujjwal Nikam as its candidate from Mumbai North Central. BJP's Poonam Mahajan is the sitting MP from the constituency. pic.twitter.com/0FbzDxDpQ6 — ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2024 × Also read: Congress files complaint against PM Modi over spreading 'misinformation' about South Goa candidate Fernandes The BJP also named eight more candidates for the Odisha assembly polls, which will be held alongside the general elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP fields Ujjwal Nikam, 26/11 prosecutor, from Mumbai North Central

<p>Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Thursday (Apr 4) dismissed remarks made by a United Nations official over the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, saying that he does not need to hear from the world body over a "free and fair" elections process.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said in a statement that they "hope" that in India, people's "political and civil rights" were protected and everyone is able to vote in a "free and fair" atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar was in Thiruvananthapuram when he said, "I don't need the United Nations to tell me our elections should be free &amp; fair. I have the people of India. The people of India will ensure that elections are free &amp; fair. So, don't worry about it."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-mp-randeep-singh-surjewala-and-bjp-mp-hema-malini-row-heres-what-happened-707692">Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala and BJP MP Hema Malini row: Here's what happened</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The foreign minister was campaigning for his ministerial colleague and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the interaction with the reporters, Jaishankar said that the UN official made the comment on the Indian elections last week in response to a "very loaded question" during a press briefing at the UN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, was asked last week about the "political unrest" in India ahead of the upcoming national elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/son-in-law-after-sons-2019-loss-robert-vadra-reacts-if-he-will-contest-lok-sabha-polls-from-amethi-707747">Son-in-law after son's 2019 loss? Robert Vadra reacts to 'chances' of contesting Lok Sabha polls from Amethi</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Mamata Banerjee: One nation, one political party is BJP’s policy&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The questions were in connection to the latest political development in the capital as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested. The UN official was also asked about the opposition Congress Party's bank accounts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"What we very much hope that in India, as in any country that is having elections, that everyone's rights are protected, including political and civil rights, and everyone is able to vote in an atmosphere that is free and fair," Dujarric had said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Thursday (Apr 4) dismissed remarks made by a United Nations official over the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, saying that he does not need to hear from the world body over a "free and fair" elections process.

Indian foreign minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Thursday (Apr 4) dismissed remarks made by a United Nations official over the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, saying that he does not need to hear from the world body over a "free and fair" elections process. This comes after a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said in a statement that they "hope" that in India, people's "political and civil rights" were protected and everyone is able to vote in a "free and fair" atmosphere. Jaishankar was in Thiruvananthapuram when he said, "I don't need the United Nations to tell me our elections should be free & fair. I have the people of India. The people of India will ensure that elections are free & fair. So, don't worry about it." Also read: Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala and BJP MP Hema Malini row: Here's what happened The foreign minister was campaigning for his ministerial colleague and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar in the Lok Sabha polls. During the interaction with the reporters, Jaishankar said that the UN official made the comment on the Indian elections last week in response to a "very loaded question" during a press briefing at the UN. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, was asked last week about the "political unrest" in India ahead of the upcoming national elections. Also read: Son-in-law after son's 2019 loss? Robert Vadra reacts to 'chances' of contesting Lok Sabha polls from Amethi Watch: Mamata Banerjee: One nation, one political party is BJP’s policy × The questions were in connection to the latest political development in the capital as Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested. The UN official was also asked about the opposition Congress Party's bank accounts. "What we very much hope that in India, as in any country that is having elections, that everyone's rights are protected, including political and civil rights, and everyone is able to vote in an atmosphere that is free and fair," Dujarric had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Jaishankar rebuffs senior UN official's 'free and fair' remark on elections in India

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

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

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

<p>The National Commission for Women (NCW) has intervened in a recent political controversy involving two female political leaders in India. The controversy in question involves Congress leader&nbsp;Supriya Shrinate and actress Kangana Ranaut, who was recently announced as BJP's Mandi candidate for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<h2><strong>NCW pushes for strict action</strong></h2>

<p>The NCW, as per a news agency PTI report, on March 25, wrote to the Election Commission, demanding strict action against Shrinate and another Congress leader HS Ahir for their derogatory comments against Ranaut.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kangana-ranaut-addresses-media-for-the-first-time-since-joining-bjp-my-birthplace-has-called-me-back-704099">Kangana Ranaut addresses media for the first time since joining BJP: My birthplace has called me back</a></strong></p>

<p>Rekha Sharma, the NCW chairperson, in a letter to the Election Commission of India, has demanded action against Shrinate and Ahir for their "disgraceful conduct".</p>

<p>In a post on X, the NCW said that it was "appalled by the disgraceful conduct of Ms. Supriya Shrinate and Mr. H.S. Ahir, who made lewd and derogatory remarks about @KanganaTeam on social media."</p>

<p>"Such behaviour is intolerable and goes against the dignity of women," it said, adding that the NCW chairperson "has sent a letter to the Election commissioner of India demanding an immediate and strict action against them."</p>

<p>"Let's uphold respect and dignity for all women. #RespectWomen," it added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">National Commission for Women is appalled by the disgraceful conduct of Ms. Supriya Shrinate and Mr. H.S. Ahir, who made lewd and derogatory remarks about <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KanganaTeam</a> on social media. Such behavior is intolerable and goes against the dignity of women. <a href="https://twitter.com/sharmarekha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sharmarekha</a> has sent a…</p>
— NCW (@NCWIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/NCWIndia/status/1772291644605473023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>The controversy</strong></h2>

<p>The controversy stemmed from an Instagram post by Shrinate, which contained objectionable remarks about Ranaut. The post has since been removed from Shrinate's Instagram handle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, Ahir, the State joint coordinator of Kisan Congress, made derogatory remarks against the actress on social media platform X.</p>

<p>Ranaut, who is known for never shying away from controversy, has herself responded to the posts.</p>

<p>Posting a screenshot of Supriya Shrinate's Instagram post, she highlighted her diverse roles as an actress and emphasised the importance of dignity for all women.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-kangana-ranaut-slam-supriya-shrinate-over-objectionable-post-every-woman-deserves-dignity-704113">BJP, Kangana Ranaut slam Congress’ Supriya over objectionable post; ‘every woman deserves dignity’</a></strong></p>

<p>She tweeted, "Dear Supriya ji,&nbsp;In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"We must free our daughters from the shackles of prejudices, we must rise above the curiosity about their body parts and above all we must refrain from using sex workers challenging lives or circumstances as some kind of abuse or slur… every woman deserves her dignity."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Dear Supriya ji<br />
In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii.… <a href="https://t.co/GJbhJTQAzW">pic.twitter.com/GJbhJTQAzW</a></p>
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1772233279879643193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Shrinate, on the other hand, clarified that her Facebook and Instagram accounts are accessed by many people, and someone else made the inappropriate post and said that she deleted it "as soon as I came to know."</p>

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<p>Likewise, posting a screenshot of HS Ahir's X post, Ranaut pointed out the glaring gender bias prevalent and said: "If a young man gets ticket his ideology is attacked if a young woman gets ticket her sexuality is attacked."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If a young man gets ticket his ideology is attacked if a young woman gets ticket her sexuality is attacked.<br />
Strange !!<br />
Also congress people are sexualising a small town’s name.<br />
Mandi is being used in sexual context every where, just because it has a young woman candidate, shame… <a href="https://t.co/BIn2XfWXjz">pic.twitter.com/BIn2XfWXjz</a></p>
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1772246028869394572?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The National Commission for Women (NCW) has intervened in a recent political controversy involving two female political leaders in India. The controversy in question involves Congress leader Supriya Shrinate and actress Kangana Ranaut, who was recently announced as BJP's Mandi candidate for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has intervened in a recent political controversy involving two female political leaders in India. The controversy in question involves Congress leader Supriya Shrinate and actress Kangana Ranaut, who was recently announced as BJP's Mandi candidate for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections. NCW pushes for strict action The NCW, as per a news agency PTI report, on March 25, wrote to the Election Commission, demanding strict action against Shrinate and another Congress leader HS Ahir for their derogatory comments against Ranaut. Also read | Kangana Ranaut addresses media for the first time since joining BJP: My birthplace has called me back Rekha Sharma, the NCW chairperson, in a letter to the Election Commission of India, has demanded action against Shrinate and Ahir for their "disgraceful conduct". In a post on X, the NCW said that it was "appalled by the disgraceful conduct of Ms. Supriya Shrinate and Mr. H.S. Ahir, who made lewd and derogatory remarks about @KanganaTeam on social media." "Such behaviour is intolerable and goes against the dignity of women," it said, adding that the NCW chairperson "has sent a letter to the Election commissioner of India demanding an immediate and strict action against them." "Let's uphold respect and dignity for all women. #RespectWomen," it added. National Commission for Women is appalled by the disgraceful conduct of Ms. Supriya Shrinate and Mr. H.S. Ahir, who made lewd and derogatory remarks about @KanganaTeam on social media. Such behavior is intolerable and goes against the dignity of women. @sharmarekha has sent a… — NCW (@NCWIndia) March 25, 2024 × The controversy The controversy stemmed from an Instagram post by Shrinate, which contained objectionable remarks about Ranaut. The post has since been removed from Shrinate's Instagram handle. Additionally, Ahir, the State joint coordinator of Kisan Congress, made derogatory remarks against the actress on social media platform X. Ranaut, who is known for never shying away from controversy, has herself responded to the posts. Posting a screenshot of Supriya Shrinate's Instagram post, she highlighted her diverse roles as an actress and emphasised the importance of dignity for all women. Also read | BJP, Kangana Ranaut slam Congress’ Supriya over objectionable post; ‘every woman deserves dignity’ She tweeted, "Dear Supriya ji, In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii." "We must free our daughters from the shackles of prejudices, we must rise above the curiosity about their body parts and above all we must refrain from using sex workers challenging lives or circumstances as some kind of abuse or slur… every woman deserves her dignity." Dear Supriya ji In the last 20 years of my career as an artist I have played all kinds of women. From a naive girl in Queen to a seductive spy in Dhaakad, from a goddess in Manikarnika to a demon in Chandramukhi, from a prostitute in Rajjo to a revolutionary leader in Thalaivii.… pic.twitter.com/GJbhJTQAzW — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 25, 2024 × Shrinate, on the other hand, clarified that her Facebook and Instagram accounts are accessed by many people, and someone else made the inappropriate post and said that she deleted it "as soon as I came to know." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Supriya Shrinate (@supriyashrinate) × Likewise, posting a screenshot of HS Ahir's X post, Ranaut pointed out the glaring gender bias prevalent and said: "If a young man gets ticket his ideology is attacked if a young woman gets ticket her sexuality is attacked." If a young man gets ticket his ideology is attacked if a young woman gets ticket her sexuality is attacked. Strange !! Also congress people are sexualising a small town’s name. Mandi is being used in sexual context every where, just because it has a young woman candidate, shame… pic.twitter.com/BIn2XfWXjz — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 25, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Kangana Ranaut derogatory post row: National Commission for Women demands action against Congress leaders

<p>Jagat Prakash Nadda, the president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Monday (Mar 4) announced his resignation from his position as an&nbsp;MP of&nbsp;Rajya Sabha from the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nadda has resigned from Himachal Pradesh and he was among 57 Rajya Sabha MPs whose tenure was ending next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This announcement comes days after he was elected to the Upper House from Gujarat unopposed. Jasvantsinh Parmar, Mayank Nayak and diamond baron Govindbhai Dholakia were among other BJP nominees who were also declared winners from Gujarat state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-shiv-sena-ubt-chief-sanjay-raut-slams-calcutta-high-court-judge-over-aspirations-to-join-politics-696596">Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Sanjay Raut slams Calcutta high court judge over aspirations to join politics</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The BJP chief said that his resignation was accepted by the Rajya Sabha chairman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, an elected member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), representing the State of Himachal Pradesh, resigned his seat in the Rajya Sabha and his resignation has been accepted by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha w.e.f 4th March, 2024," a Rajya Sabha parliamentary bulletin read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reports have claimed&nbsp;that he might contest the upcoming Indian General Election.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BJP National President JP Nadda resigns from his position as Rajya Sabha MP and his resignation has been accepted by Rajya Sabha Chairman <a href="https://t.co/Nvr8Pg1pFU">pic.twitter.com/Nvr8Pg1pFU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1764667083231486463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<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>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>BJP's preparation for the Lok Sabha Elections&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>BJP on Saturday released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The list included 47 youth candidates and 28 women candidates. A total of 27 Scheduled Caste (SC) faces, 18 Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates and 57 OBC/Backward Class nominees have been added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fight the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi, meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi chaired a day-long meeting with his Council of Ministers and told them: "Go, win. I will see you soon".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The key meeting was held to discuss the vision document 'Viksit Bharat 2047' as well as to debate a specific action plan for the next five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</i></p>


Jagat Prakash Nadda, the president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Monday (Mar 4) announced his resignation from his position as an MP of Rajya Sabha from the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Jagat Prakash Nadda, the president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Monday (Mar 4) announced his resignation from his position as an MP of Rajya Sabha from the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Nadda has resigned from Himachal Pradesh and he was among 57 Rajya Sabha MPs whose tenure was ending next month. This announcement comes days after he was elected to the Upper House from Gujarat unopposed. Jasvantsinh Parmar, Mayank Nayak and diamond baron Govindbhai Dholakia were among other BJP nominees who were also declared winners from Gujarat state. Also read: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Sanjay Raut slams Calcutta high court judge over aspirations to join politics The BJP chief said that his resignation was accepted by the Rajya Sabha chairman. "Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, an elected member of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), representing the State of Himachal Pradesh, resigned his seat in the Rajya Sabha and his resignation has been accepted by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha w.e.f 4th March, 2024," a Rajya Sabha parliamentary bulletin read. Reports have claimed that he might contest the upcoming Indian General Election. BJP National President JP Nadda resigns from his position as Rajya Sabha MP and his resignation has been accepted by Rajya Sabha Chairman pic.twitter.com/Nvr8Pg1pFU — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2024 × Also read: BJP president JP Nadda resigns from upper house of Parliament ahead of Indian General Election BJP's preparation for the Lok Sabha Elections BJP on Saturday released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The list included 47 youth candidates and 28 women candidates. A total of 27 Scheduled Caste (SC) faces, 18 Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates and 57 OBC/Backward Class nominees have been added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will fight the 2024 Lok Sabha polls from Varanasi, meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah will contest from Gandhinagar. PM Modi chaired a day-long meeting with his Council of Ministers and told them: "Go, win. I will see you soon". The key meeting was held to discuss the vision document 'Viksit Bharat 2047' as well as to debate a specific action plan for the next five years. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP president JP Nadda resigns from upper house of parliament ahead of Indian general election

<p>Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) announced the names of candidates for Delhi and Haryana for the upcoming General Election&nbsp;in India as the party&nbsp;named four sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This&nbsp;comes just a few days after&nbsp;AAP agreed to a&nbsp;seat-sharing with the Indian National Congress (INC) in Delhi. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>AAP's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting took place at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Tuesday, and the names were announced after that.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While announcing the names, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said that MLA Somnath Bharti will contest from New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-jaishankar-nirmala-sitharaman-may-contest-election-from-karnataka-says-minister-694368">S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman may contest Lok Saba election from Karnataka, says minister</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Rai said that the party made a "big decision" of fielding a reserved category candidate from a general seat, with the party's decision that Kuldeep Kumar will&nbsp;contest from East Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rai said Sahi Ram Pehelwan to contest from South Delhi and Mahabal Mishra to contest from West Delhi seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Lok Sabha polls, Delhi elects seven members, who are elected directly by the electorates of Delhi and the members are chosen for a period of five years.</p>

<p>He further said that Sushil Gupta will contest from Kurukshetra in the North Indian state of Haryana.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">AAP leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai announces the names of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.<br />
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In Delhi - Kuldeep Kumar to contest from East Delhi, Somnath Bharti to contest from New Delhi, Sahi Ram Pehelwan to contest from South Delhi and Mahabal Mishra to… <a href="https://t.co/gPxMZUvn87">pic.twitter.com/gPxMZUvn87</a></p>
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<p>Rai told India-based news agency ANI: "The biggest criteria in making the decision about candidates is that it is clear that the BJP MPs are neither seen among the public nor do any work."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So, the party decided to field leaders who are connected to the ground, are among the people round the clock and work for them," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | After announcing Lok Sabha candidates for Delhi and Haryana, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai says, "The biggest criteria in making the decision about candidates is that it is clear that the BJP MPs are neither seen among the public nor do any work. So, the party… <a href="https://t.co/qXDg3KFWrY">pic.twitter.com/qXDg3KFWrY</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1762433236641173740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) announced the names of candidates for Delhi and Haryana for the upcoming General Election in India as the party named four sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday (Feb 27) announced the names of candidates for Delhi and Haryana for the upcoming General Election in India as the party named four sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This comes just a few days after AAP agreed to a seat-sharing with the Indian National Congress (INC) in Delhi. AAP's Political Affairs Committee (PAC) meeting took place at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Tuesday, and the names were announced after that. While announcing the names, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said that MLA Somnath Bharti will contest from New Delhi. Also read: S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman may contest Lok Saba election from Karnataka, says minister Rai said that the party made a "big decision" of fielding a reserved category candidate from a general seat, with the party's decision that Kuldeep Kumar will contest from East Delhi. Rai said Sahi Ram Pehelwan to contest from South Delhi and Mahabal Mishra to contest from West Delhi seat. In the Lok Sabha polls, Delhi elects seven members, who are elected directly by the electorates of Delhi and the members are chosen for a period of five years. He further said that Sushil Gupta will contest from Kurukshetra in the North Indian state of Haryana. AAP leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai announces the names of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In Delhi - Kuldeep Kumar to contest from East Delhi, Somnath Bharti to contest from New Delhi, Sahi Ram Pehelwan to contest from South Delhi and Mahabal Mishra to… pic.twitter.com/gPxMZUvn87 — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024 × Rai told India-based news agency ANI: "The biggest criteria in making the decision about candidates is that it is clear that the BJP MPs are neither seen among the public nor do any work." "So, the party decided to field leaders who are connected to the ground, are among the people round the clock and work for them," he added. #WATCH | After announcing Lok Sabha candidates for Delhi and Haryana, Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai says, "The biggest criteria in making the decision about candidates is that it is clear that the BJP MPs are neither seen among the public nor do any work. So, the party… pic.twitter.com/qXDg3KFWrY — ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

AAP announces names of 5 candidates from Delhi, Haryana for upcoming Indian General Election

<p>Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress, wrote an emotional letter dated Wednesday (Feb 14) to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid speculations, Gandhi revealed that due to health and age issues, she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli - a constituency she has represented since 2004.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the letter, which was in Hindi, she told the voters, "I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sandeshkhali-section-144-imposed-again-despite-calcutta-hc-order-in-trouble-hit-areas-690445">Sandeshkhali sex abuse row - Section 144 slapped again despite Calcutta HC order in trouble-hit areas</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">CPP चेयरपर्सन श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी का रायबरेली की जनता के नाम संदेश- <a href="https://t.co/6zlJkWjwvi">pic.twitter.com/6zlJkWjwvi</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1758023821934883202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"After this decision, I will not have the opportunity to serve you directly but my heart and soul will always remain with you," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a veiled reference, the 77-year-old hinted that the party&nbsp;might field another member of the Gandhi family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know that you will stand by me and my family in future, just as you have in the past," the letter further read, as&nbsp;speculations are rife of&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the upcoming polls from Rae Bareli.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-tamil-nadu-assembly-passes-resolution-against-delimitation-one-nation-one-election-690342">Tamil Nadu assembly passes resolutions against delimitation, ‘One Nation One Election’</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds ahead of elections</strong></p>

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<p>This comes a day after the Congress party nominated Sonia Gandhi and senior leaders Ajay Maken and Abhishek Singhvi for the Rajya Sabha election to be held on February 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gandhi, who was accompanied by her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra besides former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, filed her nomination papers in Jaipur.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 77-year-old former Congress president is set to enter the Upper House for the first time from Rajasthan. Gandhi will fill the seat that is going to&nbsp;fall vacant in April&nbsp;after former prime minister Manmohan Sigh completes his Rajya Sabha tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress, wrote an emotional letter dated Wednesday (Feb 14) to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Sonia Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress, wrote an emotional letter dated Wednesday (Feb 14) to the voters of her Rae Bareli constituency in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Amid speculations, Gandhi revealed that due to health and age issues, she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election from Rae Bareli - a constituency she has represented since 2004. In the letter, which was in Hindi, she told the voters, "I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election." Also read: Sandeshkhali sex abuse row - Section 144 slapped again despite Calcutta HC order in trouble-hit areas CPP चेयरपर्सन श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी का रायबरेली की जनता के नाम संदेश- pic.twitter.com/6zlJkWjwvi — Congress (@INCIndia) February 15, 2024 × "After this decision, I will not have the opportunity to serve you directly but my heart and soul will always remain with you," she added. In a veiled reference, the 77-year-old hinted that the party might field another member of the Gandhi family. "I know that you will stand by me and my family in future, just as you have in the past," the letter further read, as speculations are rife of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting the upcoming polls from Rae Bareli. Also read: Tamil Nadu assembly passes resolutions against delimitation, ‘One Nation One Election’ Watch: Indian Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds ahead of elections × This comes a day after the Congress party nominated Sonia Gandhi and senior leaders Ajay Maken and Abhishek Singhvi for the Rajya Sabha election to be held on February 27. Gandhi, who was accompanied by her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra besides former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, filed her nomination papers in Jaipur. The 77-year-old former Congress president is set to enter the Upper House for the first time from Rajasthan. Gandhi will fill the seat that is going to fall vacant in April after former prime minister Manmohan Sigh completes his Rajya Sabha tenure. (With inputs from agencies)

Sonia Gandhi pens emotional letter to Rae Bareli voters, reveals why she won't contest in India elections

<p>Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 13), a day after leaving the Congress party, but his gaffe during the presser grabbed more headlines than what he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chavan said in the afternoon "today around 12-12:30, I am going to start a new journey of my political career, I am going to join BJP" which came as a big setback to his former party ahead of the upcoming general elections in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the press conference, Chavan mistakenly addressed Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar as Mumbai Congress chief, which led to laughter from Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and others present there. Fadnavis then rectified the error.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-kejriwal-government-declines-centres-appeal-to-turn-stadium-into-jail-689760">Farmers protest: Kejriwal government declines Centre's appeal to turn stadium into jail</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan joins the BJP at the party's office in Mumbai. He recently quit Congress.<br />
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Former Congress MLC Amar Rajurkar also joined the BJP. <a href="https://t.co/2833wY76am">pic.twitter.com/2833wY76am</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1757311531455222012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the error, Chavan acknowledged the mistake and said it happened because of his long-standing allegiance to the Congress party. The 65-year-old leader hails from Nanded district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He remarked, "It's a slip of the tongue. This marks my inaugural day at the BJP headquarters, and I request you to excuse me."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chavan, who served as the chief minister of Maharashtra twice earlier, quit the Congress on Monday, in a jolt to the grand old party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-protest-kejriwal-government-declines-centres-appeal-to-turn-stadium-into-jail-689760">Farmers protest: Kejriwal government declines Centre's appeal to turn stadium into jail</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Chavan, who is the son of the former Maharashtra chief minister and union home minister SB Chavan, has spent nearly four decades in Congress. He said that today signifies the commencement of his fresh political journey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move to join BJP came amidst speculation that he might be given the Rajya Sabha nomination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also addressed the issue raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding the Adarsh scam as he defended himself, stating, "The Bombay High Court's decision favoured me. I view it as a political mishap. Although certain agencies have contested the court's ruling, I have endured enough and consider it a non-issue now."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The former CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has also raked up the Adarsh housing scam to target Chavan and said on Monday that if the BJP sends him to the Rajya Sabha, it will amount to disrespecting martyred soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 13), a day after leaving the Congress party, but his gaffe during the presser grabbed more headlines than what he said.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (Feb 13), a day after leaving the Congress party, but his gaffe during the presser grabbed more headlines than what he said. Chavan said in the afternoon "today around 12-12:30, I am going to start a new journey of my political career, I am going to join BJP" which came as a big setback to his former party ahead of the upcoming general elections in the country. During the press conference, Chavan mistakenly addressed Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar as Mumbai Congress chief, which led to laughter from Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and others present there. Fadnavis then rectified the error. Also read: Farmers protest: Kejriwal government declines Centre's appeal to turn stadium into jail Watch the video here: #WATCH | Former Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan joins the BJP at the party's office in Mumbai. He recently quit Congress. Former Congress MLC Amar Rajurkar also joined the BJP. pic.twitter.com/2833wY76am — ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024 × After the error, Chavan acknowledged the mistake and said it happened because of his long-standing allegiance to the Congress party. The 65-year-old leader hails from Nanded district. He remarked, "It's a slip of the tongue. This marks my inaugural day at the BJP headquarters, and I request you to excuse me." Chavan, who served as the chief minister of Maharashtra twice earlier, quit the Congress on Monday, in a jolt to the grand old party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Also read: Farmers protest: Kejriwal government declines Centre's appeal to turn stadium into jail Chavan, who is the son of the former Maharashtra chief minister and union home minister SB Chavan, has spent nearly four decades in Congress. He said that today signifies the commencement of his fresh political journey. The move to join BJP came amidst speculation that he might be given the Rajya Sabha nomination. He also addressed the issue raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding the Adarsh scam as he defended himself, stating, "The Bombay High Court's decision favoured me. I view it as a political mishap. Although certain agencies have contested the court's ruling, I have endured enough and consider it a non-issue now." The former CM and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray has also raked up the Adarsh housing scam to target Chavan and said on Monday that if the BJP sends him to the Rajya Sabha, it will amount to disrespecting martyred soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Maharashtra ex-CM Ashok Chavan’s slip of tongue after joining BJP; promptly corrected