Rahul Gandhi Rae Bareli Lok Sabha Seat:&nbsp;The suspense over nominations in two Congress strongholds in north India—Amethi and Rae Bareli— has finally ended.

<h2>Rahul Gandhi Nomination for Lok Sabha</h2>

Surprisingly, Rahul Gandhi has been announced as the party candidate from Rae Bareli, the seat vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi when she moved to Rajya Sabha.

Meanwhile, in Amethi, Kishori Lal Sharma will be contesting on the seat which has been a family bastion for the Gandhis.

Both candidates will file their papers today, the last day for filing nominations for the fifth phase of the election on May 20.

The Congress decision was announced on Friday (May 3) after weeks of suspense.

<blockquote>
Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/whats-stopping-rahul-gandhi-from-entering-the-fray-in-amethi-and-raebareli-717114" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/whats-stopping-rahul-gandhi-from-entering-the-fray-in-amethi-and-raebareli-717114&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwibmsSPzfCFAxWy4jgGHb9YAawQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw02tzme8C21hM2nkgj4MaDa&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/whats-stopping-rahul-gandhi-from-entering-the-fray-in-amethi-and-raebareli-717114&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwibmsSPzfCFAxWy4jgGHb9YAawQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw02tzme8C21hM2nkgj4MaDa&amp;arm=e" target="_blank">What's stopping&nbsp;Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;from entering the fray in Amethi</a>
</blockquote>

Talking to reporters Congress worker Yogendra Yadav said KL Sharma is a part of the Gandhi family. "There is no disappointment. We will definitely win from Amethi. Sharma is also a part of the Gandhi family now. He has worked for the Gandhi family in Amethi for 30 to 35 years," he said.

<h2>KL Sharma from Amethi</h2>

Congress loyalist KL Sharma will face Smriti Irani in Amethi in the elections. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi's opponent would be Dinesh Pratap Singh, who was announced as the BJP's pick from Raebareli on Thursday. Dinesh Singh lost the 2019 Lok Sabha polls to former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway at Raebareli for Rahul Gandhi's roadshow and filing of nominations. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will also go to Raebareli today

<h2>Significance of Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat</h2>

Former Congress chief and&nbsp;Rahul’s&nbsp;mother, Sonia&nbsp;Gandhi&nbsp;represented Rae Bareli for several terms&nbsp;but&nbsp;now&nbsp;the seat has been vacated as Sonia was nominated&nbsp;to the upper house of the Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha.

Earlier, there were speculations that&nbsp;Rahul’s&nbsp;sister and Congress General&nbsp;Secretary&nbsp;Priyanka Gandhi&nbsp;Vadra&nbsp;might be fielded&nbsp;from the Rae Bareli seat.

Both seats will go to polls in the fifth phase of the elections, due&nbsp;on&nbsp;May 20.

(With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi Rae Bareli Lok Sabha Seat: The suspense over nominations in two Congress strongholds in north India—Amethi and Rae Bareli— has finally ended. Rahul Gandhi Nomination for Lok Sabha Surprisingly, Rahul Gandhi has been announced as the party candidate from Rae Bareli, the seat vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi when she moved to Rajya Sabha.

Rahul Gandhi Rae Bareli Lok Sabha Seat: The suspense over nominations in two Congress strongholds in north India—Amethi and Rae Bareli— has finally ended. Rahul Gandhi Nomination for Lok Sabha Surprisingly, Rahul Gandhi has been announced as the party candidate from Rae Bareli, the seat vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi when she moved to Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, in Amethi, Kishori Lal Sharma will be contesting on the seat which has been a family bastion for the Gandhis. Both candidates will file their papers today, the last day for filing nominations for the fifth phase of the election on May 20. The Congress decision was announced on Friday (May 3) after weeks of suspense. Also read: What's stopping Rahul Gandhi from entering the fray in Amethi Talking to reporters Congress worker Yogendra Yadav said KL Sharma is a part of the Gandhi family. "There is no disappointment. We will definitely win from Amethi. Sharma is also a part of the Gandhi family now. He has worked for the Gandhi family in Amethi for 30 to 35 years," he said. KL Sharma from Amethi Congress loyalist KL Sharma will face Smriti Irani in Amethi in the elections. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi's opponent would be Dinesh Pratap Singh, who was announced as the BJP's pick from Raebareli on Thursday. Dinesh Singh lost the 2019 Lok Sabha polls to former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. Meanwhile, preparations are underway at Raebareli for Rahul Gandhi's roadshow and filing of nominations. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge will also go to Raebareli today Significance of Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat Former Congress chief and Rahul’s mother, Sonia Gandhi represented Rae Bareli for several terms but now the seat has been vacated as Sonia was nominated to the upper house of the Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha. Earlier, there were speculations that Rahul’s sister and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might be fielded from the Rae Bareli seat. Both seats will go to polls in the fifth phase of the elections, due on May 20. (With inputs from agencies)

Rahul Gandhi to contest Lok Sabha polls from Rae Bareli, KL Sharma from Amethi

Jammu and Kashmir's former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today filed his nomination papers for the North Kashmir's Baramulla constituency.&nbsp;Abdullah is one of the top contenders from the Baramulla Constituency as he will be in direct fight with People's Conference Leader Sajad Gani Lone.&nbsp;

Omar was accompanied by his supporters from his Srinagar residence till Baramulla in North Kashmir where he submitted his papers.

While addressing his workers, Omar took a dig at BJP and election commission saying if they see the number of people accompanying me here, they might delay the elections in Baramulla too. &nbsp;Election Commision delayed the Anantnag election date from May 7 to May 25th.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lok-sabha-elections-updates-live-repolling-begins-at-jaipurs-ajmer-booth-717213">Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: PM Modi says Congress is a 'wrong delivery party'</a>

'' We left Srinagar in a couple of vehicles but reached here in a huge rally. And seeing such a huge enthusiasm, I won’t be surprised if they postpone the elections in Baramulla like anantnag. But whenever the elections are held we will be victorious. Voters have to decide on 20th May whether they want to send their candidate to Delhi or get Delhi’s proxy to Baramulla. My fight is not against an individual or a party but against the government in Delhi and RSS of Nagpur who want to defeat the India Alliance, '' said Omar Abdullah.

''This rally is just the trailer and the whole picture will be shown on the day of the voting. I am contesting parliament after 20 years, any election after 10 years and have been in politics for 25 years but I have never seen enthusiasm like this.'' he added.&nbsp;

The race for the Baramulla is mainly between two candidates, Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone. While Omar Abdullah is a part of the INDIA alliance, they have alleged that Sajad Lone will be supported by parties like Apni Party and BJP as they have not filed any candidates from the said constituency.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/whats-stopping-rahul-gandhi-from-entering-the-fray-in-amethi-and-raebareli-717114">What’s&nbsp;stopping Rahul Gandhi from entering the fray in Amethi and Rae Bareli?</a>

Sajad Lone filed his nomination papers and kept it very simple as North kashmir was hit by flash floods last week. In the 2019 elections, National Conference's Mohammad Akbar Lone won the Parliamentary elections from the Baramulla Seat. Mohammad Akbar Lone from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) won this seat by 1,33,426 votes whereas Raja Aijaz Ali from the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) headed by Sajad Lone came second with 1,03,193 votes.

''This is the first election after 2019, It's one of the most important elections. The people of Kashmir deserve that they be represented by a new voice, by a different voice. And even the people of India deserve to know what exactly is happening here. Out of the Last ten parliamentary elections,nine times only one party has won. I promise the voices of people from North Kashmir will resonate across the Parliament, '' said Sajad Lone.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-congress-leader-adhir-ranjan-chowdhury-says-better-to-vote-for-bjp-than-tmc-717099">WATCH: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says ‘better to vote for BJP than TMC’</a>

Baramulla has over 17.28 lac voters registered with 8.7 lac males and 8.5 lac females. There are 33 transgenders registered as well. So far around 10 candidates have filed nominations and few more are expected in the next 24 hours.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir's former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today filed his nomination papers for the North Kashmir's Baramulla constituency. Abdullah is one of the top contenders from the Baramulla Constituency as he will be in direct fight with People's Conference Leader Sajad Gani Lone.

Jammu and Kashmir's former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today filed his nomination papers for the North Kashmir's Baramulla constituency. Abdullah is one of the top contenders from the Baramulla Constituency as he will be in direct fight with People's Conference Leader Sajad Gani Lone. Omar was accompanied by his supporters from his Srinagar residence till Baramulla in North Kashmir where he submitted his papers. While addressing his workers, Omar took a dig at BJP and election commission saying if they see the number of people accompanying me here, they might delay the elections in Baramulla too. Election Commision delayed the Anantnag election date from May 7 to May 25th. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024 LIVE: PM Modi says Congress is a 'wrong delivery party' '' We left Srinagar in a couple of vehicles but reached here in a huge rally. And seeing such a huge enthusiasm, I won’t be surprised if they postpone the elections in Baramulla like anantnag. But whenever the elections are held we will be victorious. Voters have to decide on 20th May whether they want to send their candidate to Delhi or get Delhi’s proxy to Baramulla. My fight is not against an individual or a party but against the government in Delhi and RSS of Nagpur who want to defeat the India Alliance, '' said Omar Abdullah. ''This rally is just the trailer and the whole picture will be shown on the day of the voting. I am contesting parliament after 20 years, any election after 10 years and have been in politics for 25 years but I have never seen enthusiasm like this.'' he added. The race for the Baramulla is mainly between two candidates, Omar Abdullah and Sajad Lone. While Omar Abdullah is a part of the INDIA alliance, they have alleged that Sajad Lone will be supported by parties like Apni Party and BJP as they have not filed any candidates from the said constituency. Also read: What’s stopping Rahul Gandhi from entering the fray in Amethi and Rae Bareli? Sajad Lone filed his nomination papers and kept it very simple as North kashmir was hit by flash floods last week. In the 2019 elections, National Conference's Mohammad Akbar Lone won the Parliamentary elections from the Baramulla Seat. Mohammad Akbar Lone from the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) won this seat by 1,33,426 votes whereas Raja Aijaz Ali from the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) headed by Sajad Lone came second with 1,03,193 votes. ''This is the first election after 2019, It's one of the most important elections. The people of Kashmir deserve that they be represented by a new voice, by a different voice. And even the people of India deserve to know what exactly is happening here. Out of the Last ten parliamentary elections,nine times only one party has won. I promise the voices of people from North Kashmir will resonate across the Parliament, '' said Sajad Lone. WATCH: Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says ‘better to vote for BJP than TMC’ Baramulla has over 17.28 lac voters registered with 8.7 lac males and 8.5 lac females. There are 33 transgenders registered as well. So far around 10 candidates have filed nominations and few more are expected in the next 24 hours.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Omar Abdullah files nomination papers from Baramulla

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at the Congress and INDIA bloc on Saturday (Apr 27) stating that the opposition bloc is weighing up on a one-year PM scheme.

Further dubbing the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) fake, PM Modi said that they were walking shoulder to shoulder with the INDI Alliance.

While addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, the prime minister said that after the completion of the second phase, BJP-NDA was leading by 2-0.

"Kolhapur is called the football hub of Maharashtra. Football is very popular among the local youth here. If I speak to you in Football terminology, yesterday after the completion of the second phase, BJP-NDA is leading 2-0," PM Modi said.

<h2>'Congress and INDIA bloc will abrogate CAA'</h2>

He further hit out at the INDIA bloc alleging that if their government is formed, they will abrogate the CAA.

"They (Congress and INDIA bloc) are saying that if their government is formed, they will abrogate the CAA. Will the county allow them to do this? If in case they try to do so they know what they have to face? Those who cannot win Lok Sabha seats in 3-digit numbers, can the INDI alliance even reach the door of forming a government. Their formula is 'Ek Saal, Ek PM'... And if they stay in power for 5 years, then 5 prime ministers. The Congress and INDI alliance are making speeches in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu demanding a separate country. Can the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ever accept this?" PM Modi&nbsp;said.

He then asserted that the Congress and the INDIA bloc have only two self-goals, "anti-nationalism and politics of hatred."

"DMK party is very special to Congress, is abusing Sanatana. They are saying that the Sanatana is dengue and malaria. People who talk about destroying Sanatana Dharma are invited by INDI Alliance to Maharashtra and they are welcomed here. INDI Alliance has stooped so low in vote bank politics that they have allied with people who believe in Aurangzeb. What must Bala Saheb feel after seeing this?... Fake Shiv Sena is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with these people... Bala Saheb must have been very upset with this. Wherever his soul is, it must be upset seeing these activities," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Priyanka Gandhi slams PM Modi</h2>

Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on PM Modi calling him arrogant.

In an apparent reference to Modi, Priyanka said that in the past, there were many prime ministers who sacrificed their lives for the country, even her father whom she "brought back in pieces".

While addressing a rally at Dharampur village in Valsad in PM Modi's home state of Gujarat on Saturday, Gandhi said in Hindi," I have seen such Prime Ministers. And I am not saying, that only my family members served. Indira Ji was there. She sacrificed her life for the country. Rajiv Gandhi was a Prime Minister too, I brought him home in pieces, he sacrificed his life for his country."

Hitting out at PM Modi, she said, "Our Prime Minister is arrogant. No one dares to say a thing to him. How will he come to know about your situation? He does not come to meet you so how would he come to know the real issues? Do you remember, Indira (Gandhi) Ji and Rajiv ji used to come? As a child, I would walk behind him".

"Then there was Manmohan Singh Ji. He brought a revolution in the country. Not only the Congress party, there was Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. I am saying it with conviction that he (Modi) will be the first Prime Minister of the country who is speaking lies in front of you," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at the Congress and INDIA bloc on Saturday (Apr 27) stating that the opposition bloc is weighing up on a one-year PM scheme.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at the Congress and INDIA bloc on Saturday (Apr 27) stating that the opposition bloc is weighing up on a one-year PM scheme. Further dubbing the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) fake, PM Modi said that they were walking shoulder to shoulder with the INDI Alliance. While addressing a rally in Maharashtra's Kolhapur, the prime minister said that after the completion of the second phase, BJP-NDA was leading by 2-0. "Kolhapur is called the football hub of Maharashtra. Football is very popular among the local youth here. If I speak to you in Football terminology, yesterday after the completion of the second phase, BJP-NDA is leading 2-0," PM Modi said. 'Congress and INDIA bloc will abrogate CAA' He further hit out at the INDIA bloc alleging that if their government is formed, they will abrogate the CAA. "They (Congress and INDIA bloc) are saying that if their government is formed, they will abrogate the CAA. Will the county allow them to do this? If in case they try to do so they know what they have to face? Those who cannot win Lok Sabha seats in 3-digit numbers, can the INDI alliance even reach the door of forming a government. Their formula is 'Ek Saal, Ek PM'... And if they stay in power for 5 years, then 5 prime ministers. The Congress and INDI alliance are making speeches in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu demanding a separate country. Can the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ever accept this?" PM Modi said. He then asserted that the Congress and the INDIA bloc have only two self-goals, "anti-nationalism and politics of hatred." "DMK party is very special to Congress, is abusing Sanatana. They are saying that the Sanatana is dengue and malaria. People who talk about destroying Sanatana Dharma are invited by INDI Alliance to Maharashtra and they are welcomed here. INDI Alliance has stooped so low in vote bank politics that they have allied with people who believe in Aurangzeb. What must Bala Saheb feel after seeing this?... Fake Shiv Sena is walking shoulder-to-shoulder with these people... Bala Saheb must have been very upset with this. Wherever his soul is, it must be upset seeing these activities," he added. Priyanka Gandhi slams PM Modi Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on PM Modi calling him arrogant. In an apparent reference to Modi, Priyanka said that in the past, there were many prime ministers who sacrificed their lives for the country, even her father whom she "brought back in pieces". While addressing a rally at Dharampur village in Valsad in PM Modi's home state of Gujarat on Saturday, Gandhi said in Hindi," I have seen such Prime Ministers. And I am not saying, that only my family members served. Indira Ji was there. She sacrificed her life for the country. Rajiv Gandhi was a Prime Minister too, I brought him home in pieces, he sacrificed his life for his country." Hitting out at PM Modi, she said, "Our Prime Minister is arrogant. No one dares to say a thing to him. How will he come to know about your situation? He does not come to meet you so how would he come to know the real issues? Do you remember, Indira (Gandhi) Ji and Rajiv ji used to come? As a child, I would walk behind him". "Then there was Manmohan Singh Ji. He brought a revolution in the country. Not only the Congress party, there was Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. I am saying it with conviction that he (Modi) will be the first Prime Minister of the country who is speaking lies in front of you," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi takes a jibe at INDIA bloc, says 'opposition alliance planning to have 5 PMs'

April 19 marked the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha elections with the initiation of the first phase of voting across 21 states and Union territories. A significant turnout of nearly 64% was observed in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections.

April 19 marked the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha elections with the initiation of the first phase of voting across 21 states and Union territories. A significant turnout of nearly 64% was observed in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. States that voted highest and lowest in Phase 1 of Lok Sabha elections While Bihar witnessed a relatively lower turnout of 46.32%, West Bengal had the highest turnout of 77.57%. Voter turnout States No. of Seats Phase 1 Voter Turnout (Provisional) ALL INDIA 102 63.7 Andaman & Nicobar Islands 1/1 64.0 Arunachal Pradesh 2/2 67.7 Assam 5/14 72.3 Bihar 4/40 48.5 Chhattisgarh 1/11 65.3 Jammu & Kashmir 1/5 65.2 Lakshadweep 1/1 59.0 Madhya Pradesh 6/29 66.7 Maharashtra 5/48 57.8 Manipur 2/2 69.2 Meghalaya 2/2 74.5 Mizoram 1/1 56.6 Nagaland 1/1 56.9 Puducherry 1/1 73.8 Rajasthan 12/25 57.3 Sikkim 1/1 75.1 Tamil Nadu 39/39 67.2 Tripura 1/2 80.6 Uttar Pradesh 8/80 59.5 Uttarakhand 5/5 54.6 West Bengal 3/42 77.6 Seats in a multitude of states and Union territories were up for grabs in this phase, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The electoral battlefield saw the involvement of several prominent figures, including Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Bhupendra Yadav, Kiren Rijiju, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Sarbananda Sonowal. Additionally, Congress's Gaurav Gogoi, DMK's Kanimozhi, and BJP's Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai were among those vying for victory in this phase.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Phase 1: Nearly 64% voter turnout recorded; West Bengal leads, Bihar records lowest

As the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls kickstarted on Friday (Apr 19), Chhattisgarh's Chandameta village in Bastar district cast its vote for the very first time since Independence.

This came days after the security forces successfully concluded the anti-Naxal operation in the state, killing at least 29 Naxals in Bastar, which is&nbsp;also known as the hub of Red Terror.

The village,&nbsp;a stronghold of Naxals, comprised 325 registered voters, including 162 women.

Earlier in the day, Bastar Inspector General of Police (IG) P Sundarraj said that people full of enthusiasm were seen queuing up outside polling booths amid a three-layer security cordon.

Bastar was the only one of the state's 11 Lok Sabha constituencies that went into polls on the opening phase of the Lok Sabha polls on Friday (Apr 19).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-102-year-old-woman-heads-to-polling-booth-to-vote-in-tamil-nadu-watch-713109">Lok Sabha elections 2024: 102-year-old woman heads to polling booth to vote in Tamil Nadu. WATCH</a>

"Robust and safe polling is being conducted in Baster in the first phase of the general elections today. Locals are arriving and queuing up outside polling booths with absolute confidence and without fear. Three-layered security arrangements were made in the area and additional forces were also put on standby. In border areas, special forces from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha helped us maintain security," IG P Sundarraj said while speaking to news agency ANI.

The rest of the constituencies will go to polls on April 26 and May 7.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 9 of the 11 seats in the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, while the Congress secured only 2.

Deepak Baij of the Congress party won the polls in Bastar.

The first phase of voting includes 102 constituencies across 21 states in India. These&nbsp;include Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, and Lakshadweep.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls kickstarted on Friday (Apr 19), Chhattisgarh's Chandameta village in Bastar district cast its vote for the very first time since Independence.

As the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls kickstarted on Friday (Apr 19), Chhattisgarh's Chandameta village in Bastar district cast its vote for the very first time since Independence. This came days after the security forces successfully concluded the anti-Naxal operation in the state, killing at least 29 Naxals in Bastar, which is also known as the hub of Red Terror. The village, a stronghold of Naxals, comprised 325 registered voters, including 162 women. Earlier in the day, Bastar Inspector General of Police (IG) P Sundarraj said that people full of enthusiasm were seen queuing up outside polling booths amid a three-layer security cordon. Bastar was the only one of the state's 11 Lok Sabha constituencies that went into polls on the opening phase of the Lok Sabha polls on Friday (Apr 19). Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: 102-year-old woman heads to polling booth to vote in Tamil Nadu. WATCH "Robust and safe polling is being conducted in Baster in the first phase of the general elections today. Locals are arriving and queuing up outside polling booths with absolute confidence and without fear. Three-layered security arrangements were made in the area and additional forces were also put on standby. In border areas, special forces from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha helped us maintain security," IG P Sundarraj said while speaking to news agency ANI. The rest of the constituencies will go to polls on April 26 and May 7. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 9 of the 11 seats in the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, while the Congress secured only 2. Deepak Baij of the Congress party won the polls in Bastar. The first phase of voting includes 102 constituencies across 21 states in India. These include Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir, and Lakshadweep. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Chandameta in Bastar votes for first time since Independence

A grandmother, a mother, and her two daughters embarked on a family outing in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, to participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;

The voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections&nbsp;commenced today (April 19) with 102 contests spanning 21 states and union territories.

News agency ANI shared a photograph that showed&nbsp;the grandmother Prabha Sharma and her daughter, Preeti Kaushik standing with Shamita and Sakshi Kaushik, the&nbsp;granddaughters, coming out of the polling station after casting their vote

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-live-voting-up-rajasthan-bihar-mp-maharashtra-tamil-nadu-nagaland-sikkim-mizoram-712699">Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Polls record over 9.7% voter turnout till 9 am</a>

Today, all five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand are up for voting. In the 2019 election, the BJP secured victory in all five seats and also emerged victorious in the Assembly election last year, surpassing the Congress by a significant margin.

BJP clinched 47 out of the 70 Assembly seats, marking a notable achievement despite a slight decrease compared to the previous tally.

While the Congress won just 19 seats, that was an increase of eight seats and a 4.39 per cent vote share. The opposition party will hope that that improvement carries&nbsp;over into this election.

Dehradun city falls under the Haridwar seat, which has been held by the BJP's Ramesh Pokhriyal since 2014, before which it was held by former Chief Minister Harish Rawat for the Congress.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-polls-in-arunachal-pradesh-sikkim-voting-in-indian-states-underway-712854">India elections 2024: Assembly polls underway in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim states</a>

This year, the BJP has given the ticket to Trivendra Singh Rawat, who served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand between 2017 and 2021. The Congress has fielded Virender Rawat as the joint opposition candidate.

BJP has the control over the Garhwal seat since 2014, initially won by BC Khanduri followed by Tirath Singh Rawat in 2019. In this election, Anil Baluni holds the BJP ticket, competing against Ganesh Godiyal from the Congress party.

(With inputs from agencies)

A grandmother, a mother, and her two daughters embarked on a family outing in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, to participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections commenced today (April 19) with 102 contests spanning 21 states and union territories.

A grandmother, a mother, and her two daughters embarked on a family outing in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, to participate in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections commenced today (April 19) with 102 contests spanning 21 states and union territories. News agency ANI shared a photograph that showed the grandmother Prabha Sharma and her daughter, Preeti Kaushik standing with Shamita and Sakshi Kaushik, the granddaughters, coming out of the polling station after casting their vote Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Polls record over 9.7% voter turnout till 9 am Today, all five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand are up for voting. In the 2019 election, the BJP secured victory in all five seats and also emerged victorious in the Assembly election last year, surpassing the Congress by a significant margin. BJP clinched 47 out of the 70 Assembly seats, marking a notable achievement despite a slight decrease compared to the previous tally. While the Congress won just 19 seats, that was an increase of eight seats and a 4.39 per cent vote share. The opposition party will hope that that improvement carries over into this election. Dehradun city falls under the Haridwar seat, which has been held by the BJP's Ramesh Pokhriyal since 2014, before which it was held by former Chief Minister Harish Rawat for the Congress. Also read: India elections 2024: Assembly polls underway in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim states This year, the BJP has given the ticket to Trivendra Singh Rawat, who served as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand between 2017 and 2021. The Congress has fielded Virender Rawat as the joint opposition candidate. BJP has the control over the Garhwal seat since 2014, initially won by BC Khanduri followed by Tirath Singh Rawat in 2019. In this election, Anil Baluni holds the BJP ticket, competing against Ganesh Godiyal from the Congress party. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Three generations of women exercise their right to vote in Uttarakhand

Voting for phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections is underway in Manipur for its two Lok Sabha constituencies, Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur. On Friday (April 19), miscreants opened fire near a voting booth in the state.

Voting for phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections is underway in Manipur for its two Lok Sabha constituencies, Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur. On Friday (April 19), miscreants opened fire near a voting booth in the state. Where did the firing happen? The footage of the shooting is circulating on social media. The firing sparked panic among voters in the Inner Manipur constituency at Thamanpokpi under the Moirang Assembly segment. Three persons were hurt, according to The Hindu. Ethnic violence in Manipur Over the last year, there has been ethnic violence in Manipur between the Kuki-Zo tribal population and the majority Meiteis who live in the Imphal Valley. These events have resulted in over 200 deaths and displacement of tens of thousands of people. Also read: Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Three generations of women exercise their right to vote As a result, strict security measures have been put in place for the state's first of the two-phased elections, with 15 of Outer Manipur's 28 Assembly seats voting on April 26. The Election Commission has set up temporary polling booths to accommodate displaced voters, authorities said. Voter turnout in Manipur Until 9:00 am on Friday, approximately 12.6% of the nearly 15.44 lakh voters in Manipur impacted by ethnic violence exercised their right to vote for the two Lok Sabha seats. The Inner Manipur constituency had 13. 82% turnout, while Outer Manipur had 11. 57% turnout in the first two hours of voting.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shots fired near polling booth in Manipur, three injured

The Indian general election finally began on Friday (April 19). In phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the voting started in 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories. Today, the voting is also taking place in Tamil Nadu, and several renowned stars of South Indian cinema stepped out to cast their votes. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-live-voting-up-rajasthan-bihar-mp-maharashtra-tamil-nadu-nagaland-sikkim-mizoram-712699">Check Lok Sabha elections live update here.&nbsp;</a>

Superstar Rajinikanth&nbsp;and actors such as Vijay Sethupathi, Ajith Kumar and Dhanush were among the first few celebrities to&nbsp;cast their votes. Actor Talapathy Vijay, who recently launched&nbsp;his political party, Tamiliaga Vetri Kazhagam, returned from Russia on Friday to cast his vote in the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;

Vikram, Suriya, and Karthi have also cast their votes in Chennai.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Today, many celebrities arrived to cast their votes in TN but Thalapathy VIJAY stole the spotlight. The media couldn't get enough of him, using drones to broadcast his every move. 
 
That's the MASS of VIJAY. His star power is unmatched, leaving everyone else in the shadows. 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/XKs5yYlFt8">pic.twitter.com/XKs5yYlFt8</a>
— N (@iNithinBarath) <a href="https://twitter.com/iNithinBarath/status/1781234396667810126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Actor Ajith was the first&nbsp;who stepped out in the early hours to cast his vote. As per Trade Analyst Ramesh Bala, Ajith came at 6:45 am.&nbsp;

Sharing a video of Ajith inside the polling booth, Bala wrote, “Actor Ajith Kumar came at 6:45 am and waited and was one of the earliest ones to vote.''

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Superstar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Superstar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajinikanth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/Gxnd2TyrVY">https://t.co/Gxnd2TyrVY</a>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781163059773669702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Actor Rajinikanth was spotted at a polling booth at Stella Maris College in Chennai. Dressed casually, the veteran actor was spotted at a polling station as he patiently waited for his chance. After casting his vote, the actor posed with the ink-marked finger.

While posing for a picture,&nbsp;Rajinikanth&nbsp;urged his fans to use their civic right&nbsp;and&nbsp;cast their votes

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakkalSelvan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakkalSelvan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VijaySethuOffl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VijaySethuOffl</a> has cast his vote..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/4avJLAOrA3">pic.twitter.com/4avJLAOrA3</a>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781162234175225987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Escorted by his security and the police, actor&nbsp;Dhanush was also spotted at a polling booth.&nbsp;Later, he happily posed for the media present outside the polling station as he showed his inked finger. Merry Christmas actor Vijay Sethupathi too was seen casting his vote in Chennai with his wife.&nbsp;The Tamil actor was captured standing in the queue as he waited for his chance. He was seen chatting with the people standing in the&nbsp;line with him.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Irony,Vikram looks younger than all three of them😹😹😹 <a href="https://t.co/7H4KVZgOSX">pic.twitter.com/7H4KVZgOSX</a>
— Vedha/Patty &amp; Minny Stan (@Vedhaviyaas5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vedhaviyaas5/status/1781226026049425788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After exercising his right to vote,&nbsp;Sethupathi happily posed for the cameras as he showed off his&nbsp;inked finger.&nbsp;

Kamal Haasan, the actor-politician, cast his vote in Chennai. &nbsp;The head of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting in the election this time. However, the actor's party supports the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in the Lok Sabha 2024 election.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Tamil Nadu: Actor and MNM chief Kamal Haasan arrives at a polling booth in Koyambedu, Chennai to cast his vote. 
 
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a>, the party supported and campaigned for DMK. <a href="https://t.co/q1bizg3Wey">pic.twitter.com/q1bizg3Wey</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1781178114074124550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Actor Trisha showed her inked finger after casting a vote in the Lok Sabha election 2024, in Chennai.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Actress Trisha Krishnan casts her vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/yLPQW0Kki2">pic.twitter.com/yLPQW0Kki2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1781205155083612288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://t.co/QjaWWu7gV7">pic.twitter.com/QjaWWu7gV7</a>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781162557807681899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakkalSelvan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakkalSelvan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/VijaySethuOffl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VijaySethuOffl</a> has cast his vote..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/4avJLAOrA3">pic.twitter.com/4avJLAOrA3</a>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781162234175225987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Young Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/iamharishkalyan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamharishkalyan</a> has done his democratic duty..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/RMgkr3dnvW">pic.twitter.com/RMgkr3dnvW</a>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781170255521533954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Actor <a href="https://twitter.com/Gautham_Karthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gautham_Karthik</a> cast his vote..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/WzJDnWTBsZ">pic.twitter.com/WzJDnWTBsZ</a>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1781173747103236562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The first phase of the 2024 Lok sabha elections has commenced today&nbsp;in&nbsp;102 constituencies of&nbsp;21 states/UTs. In Tamil Nadu, one of the most prominent states, the&nbsp;polls are being&nbsp;held in all 39 constituencies.

The Indian general election finally began on Friday (April 19). In phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the voting started in 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories.

The Indian general election finally began on Friday (April 19). In phase 1 of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the voting started in 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories. Today, the voting is also taking place in Tamil Nadu, and several renowned stars of South Indian cinema stepped out to cast their votes. Check Lok Sabha elections live update here. Superstar Rajinikanth and actors such as Vijay Sethupathi, Ajith Kumar and Dhanush were among the first few celebrities to cast their votes. Actor Talapathy Vijay, who recently launched his political party, Tamiliaga Vetri Kazhagam, returned from Russia on Friday to cast his vote in the Lok Sabha election. Vikram, Suriya, and Karthi have also cast their votes in Chennai. Today, many celebrities arrived to cast their votes in TN but Thalapathy VIJAY stole the spotlight. The media couldn't get enough of him, using drones to broadcast his every move. That's the MASS of VIJAY. His star power is unmatched, leaving everyone else in the shadows. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XKs5yYlFt8 — N (@iNithinBarath) April 19, 2024 × Actor Ajith was the first who stepped out in the early hours to cast his vote. As per Trade Analyst Ramesh Bala, Ajith came at 6:45 am. Sharing a video of Ajith inside the polling booth, Bala wrote, “Actor Ajith Kumar came at 6:45 am and waited and was one of the earliest ones to vote.'' #Superstar @rajinikanth #LokSabhaElections2024 https://t.co/Gxnd2TyrVY — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × Actor Rajinikanth was spotted at a polling booth at Stella Maris College in Chennai. Dressed casually, the veteran actor was spotted at a polling station as he patiently waited for his chance. After casting his vote, the actor posed with the ink-marked finger. While posing for a picture, Rajinikanth urged his fans to use their civic right and cast their votes #MakkalSelvan @VijaySethuOffl has cast his vote..#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/4avJLAOrA3 — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × Escorted by his security and the police, actor Dhanush was also spotted at a polling booth. Later, he happily posed for the media present outside the polling station as he showed his inked finger. Merry Christmas actor Vijay Sethupathi too was seen casting his vote in Chennai with his wife. The Tamil actor was captured standing in the queue as he waited for his chance. He was seen chatting with the people standing in the line with him. Irony,Vikram looks younger than all three of them😹😹😹 pic.twitter.com/7H4KVZgOSX — Vedha/Patty & Minny Stan (@Vedhaviyaas5) April 19, 2024 × After exercising his right to vote, Sethupathi happily posed for the cameras as he showed off his inked finger. Kamal Haasan, the actor-politician, cast his vote in Chennai. The head of the political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting in the election this time. However, the actor's party supports the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in the Lok Sabha 2024 election. #WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Actor and MNM chief Kamal Haasan arrives at a polling booth in Koyambedu, Chennai to cast his vote. Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting the #LokSabhaElections2024, the party supported and campaigned for DMK. pic.twitter.com/q1bizg3Wey — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024 × Actor Trisha showed her inked finger after casting a vote in the Lok Sabha election 2024, in Chennai. #WATCH | Actress Trisha Krishnan casts her vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/yLPQW0Kki2 — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024 × pic.twitter.com/QjaWWu7gV7 — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × #MakkalSelvan @VijaySethuOffl has cast his vote..#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/4avJLAOrA3 — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × Young Actor @iamharishkalyan has done his democratic duty..#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/RMgkr3dnvW — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × Actor @Gautham_Karthik cast his vote..#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/WzJDnWTBsZ — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) April 19, 2024 × The first phase of the 2024 Lok sabha elections has commenced today in 102 constituencies of 21 states/UTs. In Tamil Nadu, one of the most prominent states, the polls are being held in all 39 constituencies.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Rajinikanth, Dhanush and other South Indian stars come out to vote. See pics

After two daughters of separatist leaders disassociated themselves from their family ideologies, jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan’s brother, Muneer, has joined mainstream politics to contest the Lok Sabha polls from North Kashmir’s Baramulla district after joining the Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (JKNFP).&nbsp;

Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front Party was launched two years ago and is named similar to Nayeem Khan’s separatist party National Front, which is a banned organisation in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The party will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and Muneer Khan will be its candidate from the Baramulla constituency in the Kashmir Valley.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-bjp-accuses-congress-of-deploying-deepfake-to-influence-voters-711461">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP accuses Congress of deploying 'deepfake' to influence voters</a>

Muneer Khan, while speaking to reporters after joining mainstream politics, said, “Nayeem Khan is my brother, and that can’t be changed, but in a democratic setup, we all have individual mindsets. We all have different ideologies. I believe we should focus on our new generations so that we create a platform where there is no mainstream and separatism but the welfare of the young.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Muneer further said, “I want to start with a small party and show that with a new party, we will be doing new things and making things easier for the youth. If you stay with separatism, you will only have dead bodies. We are going to write a new era for the youth of Kashmir. Around 30-40 thousand people are jailed, and it's not only my brother. We will focus on education and the economy.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/pm-modi-accuses-opposition-of-spreading-lies-on-electoral-bonds-scheme-everyone-will-regret-it-711561">PM Modi accuses opposition of ‘spreading lies’ on electoral bonds scheme; says ‘everyone will regret it’</a>

Former separatist leader and People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone is also fighting from the Baramulla parliamentary constituency. The National Conference has fielded its Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from this Lok Sabha seat, while jailed former legislator Engineer Rashid has also announced plans to contest the polls from the Baramulla constituency.

The entry of Muneer Khan has made the contest for this Lok Sabha seat even more interesting. Nayeem Khan, who was a main constituent of Hurriyat in the Kashmir Valley, was arrested by the NIA in 2018 following his involvement in agitation and secessionist activities. 
&nbsp;

After two daughters of separatist leaders disassociated themselves from their family ideologies, jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan’s brother, Muneer, has joined mainstream politics to contest the Lok Sabha polls from North Kashmir’s Baramulla district after joining the Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (JKNFP).

After two daughters of separatist leaders disassociated themselves from their family ideologies, jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan’s brother, Muneer, has joined mainstream politics to contest the Lok Sabha polls from North Kashmir’s Baramulla district after joining the Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front (JKNFP). Jammu Kashmir Nationalist People’s Front Party was launched two years ago and is named similar to Nayeem Khan’s separatist party National Front, which is a banned organisation in Jammu and Kashmir. The party will be contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and Muneer Khan will be its candidate from the Baramulla constituency in the Kashmir Valley. Also Read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP accuses Congress of deploying 'deepfake' to influence voters Muneer Khan, while speaking to reporters after joining mainstream politics, said, “Nayeem Khan is my brother, and that can’t be changed, but in a democratic setup, we all have individual mindsets. We all have different ideologies. I believe we should focus on our new generations so that we create a platform where there is no mainstream and separatism but the welfare of the young.” Muneer further said, “I want to start with a small party and show that with a new party, we will be doing new things and making things easier for the youth. If you stay with separatism, you will only have dead bodies. We are going to write a new era for the youth of Kashmir. Around 30-40 thousand people are jailed, and it's not only my brother. We will focus on education and the economy.” Also Read | PM Modi accuses opposition of ‘spreading lies’ on electoral bonds scheme; says ‘everyone will regret it’ Former separatist leader and People’s Conference Chairman Sajad Lone is also fighting from the Baramulla parliamentary constituency. The National Conference has fielded its Vice President and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from this Lok Sabha seat, while jailed former legislator Engineer Rashid has also announced plans to contest the polls from the Baramulla constituency. The entry of Muneer Khan has made the contest for this Lok Sabha seat even more interesting. Nayeem Khan, who was a main constituent of Hurriyat in the Kashmir Valley, was arrested by the NIA in 2018 following his involvement in agitation and secessionist activities.

India: Jailed separatist leader Nayeem Khan’s brother Muneer to contest Lok Sabha polls

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years. The state sends a whopping 80 Lok Sabha parliamentarians to New Delhi, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party along with its minor allies have managed to win 73 and 62 of these 80 seats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, respectively.

The BJP's chief challenger in the state is the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav, a former chief minister and son of three-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister late Mulayam Singh Yadav, considered one of India's tallest socialist leaders.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party under Akhilesh Yadav has aligned with the Congress party-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) and is set to contest on lion's share of eighty seats in the state.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/lok-sabha-elections-2024-emerging-battles-reeling-scions-1709398368978">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Emerging battles, reeling scions</a>

Unlike the 2014 polls, Akhilesh failed to stitch an alliance with&nbsp;another former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister&nbsp;Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Its former ally in the western part of the state, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also switched the sides to BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government conferred Jayant Chaudhary's (RLD chief) grandfather, late former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, with Bharat Ratna&nbsp;— India's highest civilian honour.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;India Lok Sabha elections 2024: Zee News-Matrize poll says NDA vote share up by 5% | World DNA

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-lok-sabha-elections-2024-zee-news-matrize-poll-says-nda-vote-share-up-by-5-world-dna-694999/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

With the Congress party's popularity at a historic low, for Yadav, the principal challenge remains to save the party's strongholds amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented popularity and a mix of political equations favouring his Bharatiya Janata Party.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sps-akhilesh-yadav-shuns-rahul-gandhis-march-as-deeper-crack-appears-in-oppn-india-bloc-691721">SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc</a>

The BJP has been in power in the state assembly of Uttar Pradesh since 2017 when it first displaced Akhilesh Yadav from power. PM Modi himself is a Member of Parliament from the Varanasi constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Modi's parliamentary placement from the holy city&nbsp;has helped the BJP to sway the support for the party in the adjoining state's densely populated eastern region&nbsp;known as Poorvanchal.

But after the Samajwadi Party aligned with the Bahujan Samaj&nbsp;Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, and Congress during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and allies' tally came down from 73 to 64 seats, with most losses from the western region of the state.

To counter this, the BJP this time has managed to stitch an alliance with Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party popular among the farmers and Jaat community.

<h2>Akhilesh Yadav's bid to win SP strongholds</h2>

As the electoral arithmetic of Uttar Pradesh continues to favour the BJP, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has upped the ante to save his party's strongholds.&nbsp;

Kannauj: The seat, once represented in parliament by iconic socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohiya, remained a stronghold of Samajwadi Party since its founding in 1992. But in 2019, Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav lost to the BJP's Subrat Pathak by a narrow margin of over 12,000 votes. The party has appointed Dharmendra Yadav, a cousin of Akhilesh Yadav as seat-in-charge of Kannauj.

Azamgarh: Azamgarh too remained a socialist stronghold but shifted gears of power between Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party in recent decades. But in 2022 by-polls, BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', a popular actor in the region, managed to win the seat by a slim margin of over 8,000 votes. Yadav has been named the BJP candidate from Azamgarh again. But Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party managed to induct former BSP MLA Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali, a popular Muslim face in the region, into the party last week. The party hopes to boost its PDA (Pichhda or backward, Dalit or Scheduled Castes, and Alpasankhyak or minorities) voter base with Jamali on its side.&nbsp;

Mainpuri: Mainpuri remains a Samajwadi Party bastion with the Yadavs managing to hold through the Lok Sabha constituency both during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav represents the constituency after she won the 2022 Lok Sabha bypolls by over 290,000 votes. The SP has again fielded sitting MP Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri.

Badaun: The BJP managed to win a former SP stronghold after Sanghmitra Maura defeated SP's Dharmendra Yadav by about 20,000 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party has fielded Akhilesh Yadav's uncle Shivpal Yadav from Badaun.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh finds itself in the pole position to determine the results of General Elections every five years. The state sends a whopping 80 Lok Sabha parliamentarians to New Delhi, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party along with its minor allies have managed to win 73 and 62 of these 80 seats in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, respectively. The BJP's chief challenger in the state is the Samajwadi Party led by Akhilesh Yadav, a former chief minister and son of three-time Uttar Pradesh chief minister late Mulayam Singh Yadav, considered one of India's tallest socialist leaders. Samajwadi Party under Akhilesh Yadav has aligned with the Congress party-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) and is set to contest on lion's share of eighty seats in the state. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Emerging battles, reeling scions Unlike the 2014 polls, Akhilesh failed to stitch an alliance with another former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Its former ally in the western part of the state, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) also switched the sides to BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government conferred Jayant Chaudhary's (RLD chief) grandfather, late former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, with Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour. Also watch | India Lok Sabha elections 2024: Zee News-Matrize poll says NDA vote share up by 5% | World DNA × With the Congress party's popularity at a historic low, for Yadav, the principal challenge remains to save the party's strongholds amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unprecedented popularity and a mix of political equations favouring his Bharatiya Janata Party. Also read | SP’s Akhilesh Yadav shuns Rahul Gandhi’s march as deeper cracks appear in oppn INDIA bloc The BJP has been in power in the state assembly of Uttar Pradesh since 2017 when it first displaced Akhilesh Yadav from power. PM Modi himself is a Member of Parliament from the Varanasi constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Modi's parliamentary placement from the holy city has helped the BJP to sway the support for the party in the adjoining state's densely populated eastern region known as Poorvanchal. But after the Samajwadi Party aligned with the Bahujan Samaj Party, Rashtriya Lok Dal, and Congress during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP and allies' tally came down from 73 to 64 seats, with most losses from the western region of the state. To counter this, the BJP this time has managed to stitch an alliance with Rashtriya Lok Dal, a party popular among the farmers and Jaat community. Akhilesh Yadav's bid to win SP strongholds As the electoral arithmetic of Uttar Pradesh continues to favour the BJP, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav has upped the ante to save his party's strongholds. Kannauj: The seat, once represented in parliament by iconic socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohiya, remained a stronghold of Samajwadi Party since its founding in 1992. But in 2019, Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav lost to the BJP's Subrat Pathak by a narrow margin of over 12,000 votes. The party has appointed Dharmendra Yadav, a cousin of Akhilesh Yadav as seat-in-charge of Kannauj. Azamgarh: Azamgarh too remained a socialist stronghold but shifted gears of power between Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party in recent decades. But in 2022 by-polls, BJP's Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', a popular actor in the region, managed to win the seat by a slim margin of over 8,000 votes. Yadav has been named the BJP candidate from Azamgarh again. But Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party managed to induct former BSP MLA Shah Alam alias Guddu Jamali, a popular Muslim face in the region, into the party last week. The party hopes to boost its PDA (Pichhda or backward, Dalit or Scheduled Castes, and Alpasankhyak or minorities) voter base with Jamali on its side. Mainpuri: Mainpuri remains a Samajwadi Party bastion with the Yadavs managing to hold through the Lok Sabha constituency both during the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav represents the constituency after she won the 2022 Lok Sabha bypolls by over 290,000 votes. The SP has again fielded sitting MP Dimple Yadav from Mainpuri. Badaun: The BJP managed to win a former SP stronghold after Sanghmitra Maura defeated SP's Dharmendra Yadav by about 20,000 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The party has fielded Akhilesh Yadav's uncle Shivpal Yadav from Badaun.

Battle of the Bastions: What Akhilesh is doing to make Yadavs win in Samajwadi Party strongholds

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency.

Maharashtra Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant's brother Kiran Samant was keen on contesting this Lok Sabha seat. However, the BJP managed to get the seat for itself and fielded Rane. This seat has not been contested by the BJP earlier.

The BJP shares power in Maharashtra with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-helmed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-meghalaya-to-vote-in-phase-1-here-are-the-key-candidates-712703">Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates</a>

The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, which covers two key coastal districts of Maharashtra, has traditionally been a bastion of the undivided Shiv Sena. After the party split in June 2022, Vinayak Raut supported the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has now renominated him from the seat.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-a-guide-on-how-to-vote-for-first-time-voters-712688">Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters</a>

Rane's elder son Nilesh Rane had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency when the Rane family was part of the Congress. Nilesh was re-nominated by the Congress, but lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Vinayak Raut.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-the-mother-of-all-elections-712690">India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-the-mother-of-all-elections-712690/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Raut retained the constituency in 2019 when Nilesh contested as the candidate of Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, a political outfit floated by his father. The outfit was later merged into the BJP.

Narayan Rane had started his political career in the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to become the chief minister in 1999. However, he was expelled from the party by its founder Bal Thackeray in 2005 for 'anti-party activities'.

Rane’s younger son Nitesh represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in Sindhudurg district.

 
&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency. Maharashtra Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant's brother Kiran Samant was keen on contesting this Lok Sabha seat. However, the BJP managed to get the seat for itself and fielded Rane. This seat has not been contested by the BJP earlier. The BJP shares power in Maharashtra with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-helmed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance. Also Read | Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, which covers two key coastal districts of Maharashtra, has traditionally been a bastion of the undivided Shiv Sena. After the party split in June 2022, Vinayak Raut supported the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has now renominated him from the seat. Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters Rane's elder son Nilesh Rane had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency when the Rane family was part of the Congress. Nilesh was re-nominated by the Congress, but lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Vinayak Raut. Watch | India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections × Raut retained the constituency in 2019 when Nilesh contested as the candidate of Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, a political outfit floated by his father. The outfit was later merged into the BJP. Narayan Rane had started his political career in the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to become the chief minister in 1999. However, he was expelled from the party by its founder Bal Thackeray in 2005 for 'anti-party activities'. Rane’s younger son Nitesh represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in Sindhudurg district.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP fields Union minister Narayan Rane from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat

Ahead of India's upcoming general elections, Kankar Munjare, Bahujan Samaj Party's&nbsp;Lok Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, on Saturday (Apr 6) said that he had left his house as he felt that he should not stay under one roof with his wife, Anubha Munjare, who is a Congress MLA.&nbsp;

He stated that two people following varied ideologies should not stay in the same home during polls.

Former MLA and MP Munjare said that he would come back to his residence after the polls that are due on April 19.

"I left my home on Friday and am living in a hut near a dam. If two persons following different ideologies live under one roof, people will think it is match-fixing," he told the news agency PTI.

His wife Anubha, who defeated Bharatiya Janata Party's Gaurishanker Bisen during the Assembly polls in November 2023, expressed disappointment over Munjare's decision to leave the house and said that she was extremely hurt and further claimed that a woman, after her marriage, goes to her marital home to remain there till death.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-team-attacked-in-bengals-east-medinipur-officer-injured-during-raid-708369">NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured</a>

"When he was Gondwana Gantantra Party candidate from Paraswada here and I was contesting from Balaghat on a Congress ticket, we had stayed together. We have been married for 33 years and have lived happily with our son," she said.

Anubha affirmed that she was a loyal representative of the Congress party and said that would put all efforts in order to make sure that the grand old party's candidate, Samrat Saraswat, wins the Lok Sabha elections from Balaghat.

However, she highlighted that she wouldn't be critical of her husband during the election campaigns.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of India's upcoming general elections, Kankar Munjare, Bahujan Samaj Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, on Saturday (Apr 6) said that he had left his house as he felt that he should not stay under one roof with his wife, Anubha Munjare, who is a Congress MLA.

Ahead of India's upcoming general elections, Kankar Munjare, Bahujan Samaj Party's Lok Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, on Saturday (Apr 6) said that he had left his house as he felt that he should not stay under one roof with his wife, Anubha Munjare, who is a Congress MLA. He stated that two people following varied ideologies should not stay in the same home during polls. Former MLA and MP Munjare said that he would come back to his residence after the polls that are due on April 19. "I left my home on Friday and am living in a hut near a dam. If two persons following different ideologies live under one roof, people will think it is match-fixing," he told the news agency PTI. His wife Anubha, who defeated Bharatiya Janata Party's Gaurishanker Bisen during the Assembly polls in November 2023, expressed disappointment over Munjare's decision to leave the house and said that she was extremely hurt and further claimed that a woman, after her marriage, goes to her marital home to remain there till death. Also read: NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured "When he was Gondwana Gantantra Party candidate from Paraswada here and I was contesting from Balaghat on a Congress ticket, we had stayed together. We have been married for 33 years and have lived happily with our son," she said. Anubha affirmed that she was a loyal representative of the Congress party and said that would put all efforts in order to make sure that the grand old party's candidate, Samrat Saraswat, wins the Lok Sabha elections from Balaghat. However, she highlighted that she wouldn't be critical of her husband during the election campaigns. (With inputs from agencies)

BSP Lok Sabha candidate leaves home as Congress MLA wife had ‘different ideology’

A day after being expelled from the Congress National party, Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday (April 4) took a swipe at the Congress, and said, "Congress is currently a collapsed party."

The Congress party on Wednesday (April 3) expelled senior leader Sanjay Nirupam for six years for ‘indiscipline’ and ‘anti-party statements’, amid seat-sharing talks with Shiv Sena (UBT) for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

While addressing the media, Nirupam said, “Congress is a party that has disintegrated structurally. Earlier, there used to be one power centre in the Congress, however, there are five power centres in the party. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal. All have their own separate power centres and these lobbies keep exerting their power against each other."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-congress-mulls-expelling-sanjay-nirupam-after-he-targeted-ally-707387">Congress expels Sanjay Nirupam for 6 years over ‘indiscipline’, ‘anti-party statements’</a>

The former Congress leader further added, "I just want to tell you all that I will contest election from Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency and win. Those who are thinking to write political obituary of Sanjay Nirupam will be hugely disappointed on June 4."

Nirupam also shared a screenshot of his resignation mail to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on X and wrote, “Looks like immediately after the party received my resignation letter last night, they decided to issue my expulsion. Good to see such promptness. Just sharing this information.”

<h2>Friction with Shiv Sena (UBT)</h2>

Nirupam is opposed to Congress' alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT)&nbsp;for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;He raised concerns about the seat allocation within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, questioning the integrity of the Congress leadership's decisions.

Nirupam's criticisms extended to allegations of corruption against Amol Kirtikar, the Shiv Sena candidate for Mumbai North West, whom he called 'khichdi chor'. He drew attention to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the 'khichdi scam'&nbsp;involving Kirtikar, adding fuel to the political fire.

The Shiv Sena's nomination of candidates for parliamentary seats in Mumbai, particularly the Mumbai North West constituency, prompted Nirupam's accusations of a concerted effort to undermine the Congress party's electoral prospects.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tihar-denies-aaps-claims-of-arvind-kejriwal-losing-45-kg-says-weight-remains-same-atishi-hits-back-707322">Also read |&nbsp;Tihar denies AAP's claims of Arvind Kejriwal losing 4.5 Kg, says weight remains same, Atishi hits back</a>

Nirupam's tenure as Mumbai Congress chief was marked by internal dissent and challenges to his leadership style. Conflicts within the party, especially regarding candidate selection and organisational decisions, exacerbated tensions leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Nirupam's transition from being a prominent figure within the Shiv Sena to a dissenting voice within the Congress reflects the shifting sands of Indian politics.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after being expelled from the Congress National party, Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday (April 4) took a swipe at the Congress, and said, "Congress is currently a collapsed party.

A day after being expelled from the Congress National party, Sanjay Nirupam on Thursday (April 4) took a swipe at the Congress, and said, "Congress is currently a collapsed party." The Congress party on Wednesday (April 3) expelled senior leader Sanjay Nirupam for six years for ‘indiscipline’ and ‘anti-party statements’, amid seat-sharing talks with Shiv Sena (UBT) for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. While addressing the media, Nirupam said, “Congress is a party that has disintegrated structurally. Earlier, there used to be one power centre in the Congress, however, there are five power centres in the party. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal. All have their own separate power centres and these lobbies keep exerting their power against each other." Also read: Congress expels Sanjay Nirupam for 6 years over ‘indiscipline’, ‘anti-party statements’ The former Congress leader further added, "I just want to tell you all that I will contest election from Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency and win. Those who are thinking to write political obituary of Sanjay Nirupam will be hugely disappointed on June 4." Nirupam also shared a screenshot of his resignation mail to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on X and wrote, “Looks like immediately after the party received my resignation letter last night, they decided to issue my expulsion. Good to see such promptness. Just sharing this information.” Friction with Shiv Sena (UBT) Nirupam is opposed to Congress' alliance with the Shiv Sena (UBT) for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He raised concerns about the seat allocation within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, questioning the integrity of the Congress leadership's decisions. Nirupam's criticisms extended to allegations of corruption against Amol Kirtikar, the Shiv Sena candidate for Mumbai North West, whom he called 'khichdi chor'. He drew attention to the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the 'khichdi scam' involving Kirtikar, adding fuel to the political fire. The Shiv Sena's nomination of candidates for parliamentary seats in Mumbai, particularly the Mumbai North West constituency, prompted Nirupam's accusations of a concerted effort to undermine the Congress party's electoral prospects. Also read | Tihar denies AAP's claims of Arvind Kejriwal losing 4.5 Kg, says weight remains same, Atishi hits back Nirupam's tenure as Mumbai Congress chief was marked by internal dissent and challenges to his leadership style. Conflicts within the party, especially regarding candidate selection and organisational decisions, exacerbated tensions leading up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Nirupam's transition from being a prominent figure within the Shiv Sena to a dissenting voice within the Congress reflects the shifting sands of Indian politics. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress is a collapsed party, has 5 power centres: Sanjay Nirupam hits out after expulsion

Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD).

While addressing a press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Ajay Maken alleged that the ruling party at the Centre was making attempts to stifle the grand old party financially ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Maken further stated that it was the Election Commission's responsibility to ensure fair play during the elections.

"We have received notices from the time of Sitaram Kesari, from 1993-94... We have been demanded to pay Rs 53 crores from the time of Sitaram Kesari. A total of Rs 1823 crores has been made by the IT department from Congress," he said.

"We have analysed all violations of the BJP using the same parameters they used to analyse our violations... BJP has a penalty of Rs 4600 crore. The income Tax department should raise a demand from the BJP for the payment of this amount," he added.

Maken alleged that the saffron party was making efforts to weaken the Congress financially by freezing their bank accounts ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

"Our analysis reveals that out of the 1,297 individuals who donated to the BJP, their identities remain undisclosed with no addresses or evidence of contribution totalling Rs 42 crore, indicating a blatant breach of regulations. Additionally, there are 92 individuals whose names are absent from the list but they provided electoral bonds to the BJP," he said.

The Congress leaders also hit out at BJP over the electoral bond scheme.

Ramesh accused the BJP of "hypocrisy" and its government of resorting to "tax terrorism".

"Through the electoral bond scam, the BJP collected over Rs 8,200 crore as donations. There were different routes, there was a prepaid bribe route, there was post-paid bribe route, there was post raid group 'chanda-dhandha, raid-paid', and there was a shell company route," alleged Ramesh.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-india-bloc-announces-seat-sharing-in-bihar-rjd-gets-26-seats-congress-gets-9-705566">Lok Sabha elections 2024: INDIA bloc announces seat sharing in Bihar; RJD gets 26 seats, Congress gets 9</a>

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to his official X account and stated that his party would take stern action against the ones attempting to "disintegrate democracy".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
जब सरकार बदलेगी तो ‘लोकतंत्र का चीरहरण’ करने वालों पर कार्रवाई ज़रूर होगी! 
 
और ऐसी कार्रवाई होगी कि दोबारा फिर किसी की हिम्मत नहीं होगी, ये सब करने की। 
 
ये मेरी गारंटी है।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPTaxTerrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPTaxTerrorism</a> <a href="https://t.co/SSkiolorvH">pic.twitter.com/SSkiolorvH</a>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1773663481679458688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who 'disintegrate democracy'! And such action will be taken that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee," he said in a post on X.

<h2>Venugopal accuses EC of being mute spectator</h2>

Party leader KC Venugopal further accused the Election Commission of being a mute spectator.

"Notice, account freeze, notice, account freeze. That is the BJP's modus operandi of stifling INC financially. In a new bizarre notice, a penalty of Rs. 1800 crore has been imposed on INC. Is this how a fair election is supposed to be conducted? Is the idea of a level playing field only on paper? Why is the Election Commission a mute spectator to this?" he asked.

"If the same treatment was meted out to the BJP, they should have to pay Rs. 4600 crore. But has there been any action on them? Have any of the authorities involved moved an inch against them? This is a blatant murder of democracy and we will protest across the country against this illegal action," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD).

Congress on Friday (Mar 29) accused the Income Tax Department of double standards alleging that it penalised the grand old party over a violation of Rs 14 lakh (16,789 USD) but was silent at the time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made a violation of Rs 42 crore (50,36,997 USD) that entailed a penalty of Rs 4,600 crore (5,51,671 USD). While addressing a press conference, Congress leaders Jairam Ramesh and Ajay Maken alleged that the ruling party at the Centre was making attempts to stifle the grand old party financially ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Maken further stated that it was the Election Commission's responsibility to ensure fair play during the elections. "We have received notices from the time of Sitaram Kesari, from 1993-94... We have been demanded to pay Rs 53 crores from the time of Sitaram Kesari. A total of Rs 1823 crores has been made by the IT department from Congress," he said. "We have analysed all violations of the BJP using the same parameters they used to analyse our violations... BJP has a penalty of Rs 4600 crore. The income Tax department should raise a demand from the BJP for the payment of this amount," he added. Maken alleged that the saffron party was making efforts to weaken the Congress financially by freezing their bank accounts ahead of Lok Sabha polls. "Our analysis reveals that out of the 1,297 individuals who donated to the BJP, their identities remain undisclosed with no addresses or evidence of contribution totalling Rs 42 crore, indicating a blatant breach of regulations. Additionally, there are 92 individuals whose names are absent from the list but they provided electoral bonds to the BJP," he said. The Congress leaders also hit out at BJP over the electoral bond scheme. Ramesh accused the BJP of "hypocrisy" and its government of resorting to "tax terrorism". "Through the electoral bond scam, the BJP collected over Rs 8,200 crore as donations. There were different routes, there was a prepaid bribe route, there was post-paid bribe route, there was post raid group 'chanda-dhandha, raid-paid', and there was a shell company route," alleged Ramesh. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: INDIA bloc announces seat sharing in Bihar; RJD gets 26 seats, Congress gets 9 Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to his official X account and stated that his party would take stern action against the ones attempting to "disintegrate democracy". जब सरकार बदलेगी तो ‘लोकतंत्र का चीरहरण’ करने वालों पर कार्रवाई ज़रूर होगी! और ऐसी कार्रवाई होगी कि दोबारा फिर किसी की हिम्मत नहीं होगी, ये सब करने की। ये मेरी गारंटी है।#BJPTaxTerrorism pic.twitter.com/SSkiolorvH — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 29, 2024 × "When the government changes, action will definitely be taken against those who 'disintegrate democracy'! And such action will be taken that no one will have the courage to do all this again. This is my guarantee," he said in a post on X. Venugopal accuses EC of being mute spectator Party leader KC Venugopal further accused the Election Commission of being a mute spectator. "Notice, account freeze, notice, account freeze. That is the BJP's modus operandi of stifling INC financially. In a new bizarre notice, a penalty of Rs. 1800 crore has been imposed on INC. Is this how a fair election is supposed to be conducted? Is the idea of a level playing field only on paper? Why is the Election Commission a mute spectator to this?" he asked. "If the same treatment was meted out to the BJP, they should have to pay Rs. 4600 crore. But has there been any action on them? Have any of the authorities involved moved an inch against them? This is a blatant murder of democracy and we will protest across the country against this illegal action," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress accuses IT department of double standards after receiving notice for fresh tax demand

Actor Kangana Ranaut is set to make her debut in politics. The actress will contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket.

On Sunday (Mar&nbsp;24), Kangana's name was announced in BJP's fifth list of candidates for the Lok Sabha election. Soon after the announcement, the Tanu Weds Manu actress expressed her gratitude saying that she's ''honoured'' to&nbsp;officially join the party.

In a post shared on X, Kangana wrote, "My beloved Bharat and Bharatiya Janata’s own party, Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency) I abide by the high command’s decision on contesting Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to be a worthy karyakarta and a reliable public servant. Thanks."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Janta’s own party, Bharatiya Janta party ( BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Loksabha candidate from my birth place Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency) I abide by the high…
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/KanganaTeam/status/1771926746826162447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Kangana has been a vocal supporter of the ruling party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the years, the renowned Bollywood actress has never shied away from showing her support to the political party and putting her views forward on several political matters.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Queen actress has several times teased that she may step into the political world soon. In an interview with Indian news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh, the actress said that in February 2024, ''it's the right time'' for her to join politics.&nbsp;

"I have literally fought from film sets with political parties. That doesn't keep me away, it doesn't take me a seat to do what I want to do for my country. But, if I want to get into politics, I probably think this is the right time," she said.

Family background&nbsp;

Born in Bhambla, a small town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, Kangana comes from a middle-class family.&nbsp; 
 
Her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman. While&nbsp;her mother&nbsp;Asha Ranaut&nbsp;is a school teacher. If we take a look at her family history, her grandfather was an IAS officer, and&nbsp;her great-grandfather, Sarju Singh Ranaut, was a Member of the Legislative Assembly.

Kangana's career trajectory

Kangana has established her name as one of the finest and most versatile actresses of Indian cinema. Coming from a small town, the actress started her work at the young age of 16 when she left her parent's house and moved to Delhi and started working as a model. After years of struggle, she got her first break in acting at the age of 19 with Anurag Basu’s Gangster.&nbsp;

In her career spanning two decades, the actress has garnered immense praise for her prolific work in movies like&nbsp;Woh Lamhe (2006), Life in a Metro (2007) Fashion (2008), Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010), Tanu Weds Manu (2011), Queen (2014).

She's the recipient of several prestigious awards including four National Film Awards, and five Filmfare Awards among others. In 2020, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award.

Actor Kangana Ranaut is set to make her debut in politics. The actress will contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket.

Actor Kangana Ranaut is set to make her debut in politics. The actress will contest in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ticket. On Sunday (Mar 24), Kangana's name was announced in BJP's fifth list of candidates for the Lok Sabha election. Soon after the announcement, the Tanu Weds Manu actress expressed her gratitude saying that she's ''honoured'' to officially join the party. In a post shared on X, Kangana wrote, "My beloved Bharat and Bharatiya Janata’s own party, Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency) I abide by the high command’s decision on contesting Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to be a worthy karyakarta and a reliable public servant. Thanks." My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Janta’s own party, Bharatiya Janta party ( BJP) has always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Loksabha candidate from my birth place Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency) I abide by the high… — Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 24, 2024 × Kangana has been a vocal supporter of the ruling party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Over the years, the renowned Bollywood actress has never shied away from showing her support to the political party and putting her views forward on several political matters. The Queen actress has several times teased that she may step into the political world soon. In an interview with Indian news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh, the actress said that in February 2024, ''it's the right time'' for her to join politics. "I have literally fought from film sets with political parties. That doesn't keep me away, it doesn't take me a seat to do what I want to do for my country. But, if I want to get into politics, I probably think this is the right time," she said. Family background Born in Bhambla, a small town in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, Kangana comes from a middle-class family. Her father, Amardeep Ranaut, is a businessman. While her mother Asha Ranaut is a school teacher. If we take a look at her family history, her grandfather was an IAS officer, and her great-grandfather, Sarju Singh Ranaut, was a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Kangana's career trajectory Kangana has established her name as one of the finest and most versatile actresses of Indian cinema. Coming from a small town, the actress started her work at the young age of 16 when she left her parent's house and moved to Delhi and started working as a model. After years of struggle, she got her first break in acting at the age of 19 with Anurag Basu’s Gangster. In her career spanning two decades, the actress has garnered immense praise for her prolific work in movies like Woh Lamhe (2006), Life in a Metro (2007) Fashion (2008), Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010), Tanu Weds Manu (2011), Queen (2014). She's the recipient of several prestigious awards including four National Film Awards, and five Filmfare Awards among others. In 2020, she was honoured with the Padma Shri, the country's fourth-highest civilian award.

Actor Kangana Ranaut to contest Lok Sabha elections on BJP ticket from Mandi in Himachal

India's Election Commission on Saturday (March 16) announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024.

The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be conducted in seven phases from April 19 and the result will be out on June 4, announced Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

The Chief Election Commissioner announced that a total of 96.8 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in the elections this year.

During a press briefing, Kumar said that there would be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff would be deployed in the country to conduct free and fair polls.

"We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Kumar, who was also accompanied by the two Election Commissioners while addressing the press conference, said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
General Election to Lok Sabha 2024 - All Phase Map <a href="https://t.co/ils9MiK5U3">pic.twitter.com/ils9MiK5U3</a>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768947249726505120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>‘Focus on stopping 4Ms’</h2>

The Election Commissioner during the presser, underlined the main challenges that arise during polls referring to them as the 4Ms.

The four main areas categorised by the EC were:

- Money power 
- Muscle power 
- Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations 
- Misinformation

ECI stated that it was committed to overcoming the daunting challenges and putting in place measures to ensure fair polls.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The daunting challenges in conducting free and fair elections are four-fold, the 4Ms: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations - CEC Rajiv Kumar 
ECI is committed and has put in place measures to deal with these disruptive challenges. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Elections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Elections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/iABXMLqB81">pic.twitter.com/iABXMLqB81</a>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768938776276160695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Muscle power</h2>

In order to combat pre-poll and post-poll violence and disputes, Kumar highlighted that the ECI was deploying an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure safety.

He further stated that the CAPF would be assisted by integrated control rooms in each district with webcasting in sensitive booths.

There would also be drone-based checking at the borders.

"There is no place for bloodbath and violence in the elections. From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them," Kumar said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-date-announced-check-full-schedule-voting-and-result-of-india-general-elections-700677">Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in 7 phases: Check full schedule</a>

<h2>Money power&nbsp;</h2>

In the 2022-23 election cycle, cash seizure surged over 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states compared to five years ago.

Kumar said that the ECI had directed the enforcement agencies "to crack down on illicit money, liquor, drugs, and freebies, staying vigilant against disruptive methods."

The monetary transactions will be scrutinised and the authorities will also thoroughly inspect non-scheduled chartered flights and helicopters in order to prevent illegal transport of contraband or cash.

<h2>Misinformation</h2>

Kumar said that the political parties were advised to ensure responsible social behaviour.

He highlighted that Section (79)(3)(B) of the IT Act provides the nodal officers in each state with the authority to remove unlawful content.

The Election Commission also announced initiatives like 'Myth vs Reality' that aim at debunking false information by spreading facts via its platform.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news to be dealt with severely as per extant laws: CEC Kumar <a href="https://t.co/LiTy2Pne3X">pic.twitter.com/LiTy2Pne3X</a>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768941190580408453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news are to be dealt with severely as per extant laws," Kumar said.

"Remember, "Verify Before You Amplify" is the mantra to combat fake news. Let's rely on authoritative sources to ensure accurate information prevails. Stay vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of the electoral process," he added.

<h2>Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations&nbsp;</h2>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान plummeting discourse के issue से निपटने के लिए चुनाव आयोग पूरी तरह तैयार है- CEC Kumar 
Urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language.No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility.Let's not cross lines in our rivalry <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Elections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Elections</a> <a href="https://t.co/neQdPKWt35">pic.twitter.com/neQdPKWt35</a>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768942565712425405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The ECI established guidelines which include refraining from hate or religious speeches and divisive statements. Caste and religious appeals are prohibited.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Election Commission on Saturday (March 16) announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024. The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be conducted in seven phases from April 19 and the result will be out on June 4, announced Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

India's Election Commission on Saturday (March 16) announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024. The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be conducted in seven phases from April 19 and the result will be out on June 4, announced Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The Chief Election Commissioner announced that a total of 96.8 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in the elections this year. During a press briefing, Kumar said that there would be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff would be deployed in the country to conduct free and fair polls. "We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Kumar, who was also accompanied by the two Election Commissioners while addressing the press conference, said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female. General Election to Lok Sabha 2024 - All Phase Map pic.twitter.com/ils9MiK5U3 — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024 × ‘Focus on stopping 4Ms’ The Election Commissioner during the presser, underlined the main challenges that arise during polls referring to them as the 4Ms. The four main areas categorised by the EC were: - Money power - Muscle power - Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations - Misinformation ECI stated that it was committed to overcoming the daunting challenges and putting in place measures to ensure fair polls. The daunting challenges in conducting free and fair elections are four-fold, the 4Ms: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations - CEC Rajiv Kumar ECI is committed and has put in place measures to deal with these disruptive challenges. #Elections2024 pic.twitter.com/iABXMLqB81 — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024 × Muscle power In order to combat pre-poll and post-poll violence and disputes, Kumar highlighted that the ECI was deploying an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to ensure safety. He further stated that the CAPF would be assisted by integrated control rooms in each district with webcasting in sensitive booths. There would also be drone-based checking at the borders. "There is no place for bloodbath and violence in the elections. From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them," Kumar said. Also read: Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voting from April 19 in 7 phases: Check full schedule Money power In the 2022-23 election cycle, cash seizure surged over 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states compared to five years ago. Kumar said that the ECI had directed the enforcement agencies "to crack down on illicit money, liquor, drugs, and freebies, staying vigilant against disruptive methods." The monetary transactions will be scrutinised and the authorities will also thoroughly inspect non-scheduled chartered flights and helicopters in order to prevent illegal transport of contraband or cash. Misinformation Kumar said that the political parties were advised to ensure responsible social behaviour. He highlighted that Section (79)(3)(B) of the IT Act provides the nodal officers in each state with the authority to remove unlawful content. The Election Commission also announced initiatives like 'Myth vs Reality' that aim at debunking false information by spreading facts via its platform. Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news to be dealt with severely as per extant laws: CEC Kumar pic.twitter.com/LiTy2Pne3X — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024 × "Tackling misinformation in today's digital age is complex. We have put certain measures in place to ensure misinformation is nipped in the bud. We're proactive in debunking fake news. Originators of fake news are to be dealt with severely as per extant laws," Kumar said. "Remember, "Verify Before You Amplify" is the mantra to combat fake news. Let's rely on authoritative sources to ensure accurate information prevails. Stay vigilant and help us maintain the integrity of the electoral process," he added. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान plummeting discourse के issue से निपटने के लिए चुनाव आयोग पूरी तरह तैयार है- CEC Kumar Urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language.No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility.Let's not cross lines in our rivalry #Elections pic.twitter.com/neQdPKWt35 — Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) March 16, 2024 × The ECI established guidelines which include refraining from hate or religious speeches and divisive statements. Caste and religious appeals are prohibited. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: 96.8 crore voters eligible to cast vote, ECI vows ‘free and fair’ elections

Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks&nbsp;ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections.

His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect. 
 
With Goel’s resignation, the three-member Election Commission of India&nbsp;now has only Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. There was already a vacancy after Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey retired last month.

"In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March 2024,"&nbsp;an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice read.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-dmk-allots-10-seats-for-congress-in-tamil-nadu-puducherry-698377">Lok Sabha polls: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
President accepts the resignation tendered by Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 9th March 2024: Ministry of Law &amp; Justice <a href="https://t.co/88tuyXm4uP">pic.twitter.com/88tuyXm4uP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1766488053688770940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The development comes&nbsp;days ahead of the vote dates announcement, which is expected to take place next week.Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India in 2022.&nbsp;

An Indian Administrative Service officer of 1985 batch from the Punjab cadre,&nbsp;Goel had superannuated as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India after more than 37 years of service before joining the EC.&nbsp; 
 
He previously worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place in April-May 2024.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections. His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect.

Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections. His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect. With Goel’s resignation, the three-member Election Commission of India now has only Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. There was already a vacancy after Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey retired last month. "In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March 2024," an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice read. Also read: Lok Sabha polls: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry President accepts the resignation tendered by Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 9th March 2024: Ministry of Law & Justice pic.twitter.com/88tuyXm4uP — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024 × The development comes days ahead of the vote dates announcement, which is expected to take place next week.Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India in 2022. An Indian Administrative Service officer of 1985 batch from the Punjab cadre, Goel had superannuated as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India after more than 37 years of service before joining the EC. He previously worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place in April-May 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns ahead of Lok Sabha polls, president accepts resignation

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu gave 10 seats to Congress in the state and neighbouring Puducherry for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Besides the one Puducherry seat, the Dravidian party awarded the Congress nine seats in Tamil Nadu.

The seat-sharing deal was finalised by DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin and TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai in the presence of AICC leaders KC Venugopal and Ajoy Kumar.

While addressing the reporters, Venugopal expressed confidence that the DMK-led combine would win all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and claimed that the ‘bonding’ between the Congress and the DMK “is intact.”&nbsp;

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu gave 10 seats to Congress in the state and neighbouring Puducherry for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu gave 10 seats to Congress in the state and neighbouring Puducherry for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Besides the one Puducherry seat, the Dravidian party awarded the Congress nine seats in Tamil Nadu. The seat-sharing deal was finalised by DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin and TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai in the presence of AICC leaders KC Venugopal and Ajoy Kumar. While addressing the reporters, Venugopal expressed confidence that the DMK-led combine would win all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and claimed that the ‘bonding’ between the Congress and the DMK “is intact.”

Lok Sabha elections 2024: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Congress on Friday (March 8) released its first list of candidates for 39 Lok Sabha constituencies, a week after the Bharatiya Janta party came out with its list.

The announcement by the grand old party has been made for the Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshwadeep, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana and Tripura.

Out of the total 39 candidates announced, 16 are from Kerala, seven from Karnataka,&nbsp;six from Chhattisgarh, and four from Telangana. Two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and Lakshwadeep.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will again contest from the Wayanad constituency.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a> की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित 'केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति' की बैठक में लोकसभा चुनाव, 2024 के लिए 39 लोकसभा सीटों पर कांग्रेस उम्मीदवारों के नाम घोषित किए गए। <a href="https://t.co/jOQk3rycwG">pic.twitter.com/jOQk3rycwG</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1766102445833220289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

This is where he won the elections in the year 2019.

The list was announced after the party held its Central Election Committee meeting on Thursday (March 7).

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, "The central election committee of Congress has selected 39 list of candidates today. In which Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name is there, and Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's name is there."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal says, "Central election committee of Congress has selected 39 list of candidates today. In which Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name is there, and Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's name is there..." <a href="https://t.co/lbk4ybxSep">pic.twitter.com/lbk4ybxSep</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1766100593704067232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-itat-dismisses-congress-plea-to-stay-i-t-recovery-freezing-of-bank-accounts-698068">India: Income Tax Tribunal dismisses Congress' plea to stay I-T recovery, freezing of bank accounts</a>

<h2>Top points</h2>

- A total of six seats were announced from the state of Chhattisgarh

-Shivkumar Dahariya will contest from Jangir-Champa

- Jyotsana Mahant from Korba

- Bhupesh Baghel from Rajnandgaon

- Rajendra Sahu from Durg

- Vikas Upadhay from Raipur

- Tamradhwaj Sahu from Mahasamund

- Names for seven seats in Karnataka were also announced including DK Suresh contesting from Bengaluru Rural

- Anandaswamy Gaddadevara Mat will contest from Haveri in Karnataka

- Geetha Shivarajkumar has been fielded from Shimoga

- Shreyal Patel from Hassan

- SP Muddahanumegowda from Tumkur and Vekanataramegowda (Star Chandru) from Mandya&nbsp;

- 16 candidates have been announced from Kerala

- Shashi Tharoor will contest from Thiruvananthapuram

- KC Venugopal said," Out of these 39 candidates, 15 are from the General category and 24 are from SC, ST, OBC, and minorities."

(With inputs from agencies)

Congress on Friday (March 8) released its first list of candidates for 39 Lok Sabha constituencies, a week after the Bharatiya Janta party came out with its list.

Congress on Friday (March 8) released its first list of candidates for 39 Lok Sabha constituencies, a week after the Bharatiya Janta party came out with its list. The announcement by the grand old party has been made for the Lok Sabha seats in Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshwadeep, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Telangana and Tripura. Out of the total 39 candidates announced, 16 are from Kerala, seven from Karnataka, six from Chhattisgarh, and four from Telangana. Two from Meghalaya and one each from Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and Lakshwadeep. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will again contest from the Wayanad constituency. कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष श्री @kharge की अध्यक्षता में आयोजित 'केंद्रीय चुनाव समिति' की बैठक में लोकसभा चुनाव, 2024 के लिए 39 लोकसभा सीटों पर कांग्रेस उम्मीदवारों के नाम घोषित किए गए। pic.twitter.com/jOQk3rycwG — Congress (@INCIndia) March 8, 2024 × This is where he won the elections in the year 2019. The list was announced after the party held its Central Election Committee meeting on Thursday (March 7). Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said, "The central election committee of Congress has selected 39 list of candidates today. In which Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name is there, and Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's name is there." #WATCH | Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal says, "Central election committee of Congress has selected 39 list of candidates today. In which Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi's name is there, and Former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's name is there..." pic.twitter.com/lbk4ybxSep — ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2024 × Also read: India: Income Tax Tribunal dismisses Congress' plea to stay I-T recovery, freezing of bank accounts Top points - A total of six seats were announced from the state of Chhattisgarh -Shivkumar Dahariya will contest from Jangir-Champa - Jyotsana Mahant from Korba - Bhupesh Baghel from Rajnandgaon - Rajendra Sahu from Durg - Vikas Upadhay from Raipur - Tamradhwaj Sahu from Mahasamund - Names for seven seats in Karnataka were also announced including DK Suresh contesting from Bengaluru Rural - Anandaswamy Gaddadevara Mat will contest from Haveri in Karnataka - Geetha Shivarajkumar has been fielded from Shimoga - Shreyal Patel from Hassan - SP Muddahanumegowda from Tumkur and Vekanataramegowda (Star Chandru) from Mandya - 16 candidates have been announced from Kerala - Shashi Tharoor will contest from Thiruvananthapuram - KC Venugopal said," Out of these 39 candidates, 15 are from the General category and 24 are from SC, ST, OBC, and minorities." (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections: Congress releases first list of 39 candidates, Rahul Gandhi to contest from Wayanad

Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies".

He further affirmed that his party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'.

"I can say with confidence that the BJP is a factory of lies... but the RJD stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'."

"BJP leaders make false promises (jumla karte hain)... but we fight for the rights and jobs of the people of Bihar and the country," Yadav said.

He then stated that while some claim people that RJD is a party of the M-Y (Muslim and Yadav), it in fact is a party of the M-Y and BAAP, where B stands for Bahujan, A for 'Agda' (upper caste), A for 'Aadhi Aabadi' (women) and P for poor.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-to-chair-key-ministerial-meet-ahead-of-polls-whats-on-agenda-696119">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to chair key ministerial meet ahead of polls. What’s on agenda?</a>

<h2>‘Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala’:&nbsp;Yadav hits out at Nitish Kumar with film song reference</h2>

Yadav further took a dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying, "What the Mahagathbandhan government did in the last 17 months in the state, Nitish ji, who has joined hands with the BJP, could not do in the last 17 years."&nbsp;

He then mocked Kumar, who earlier this year dumped the RJD-led Grand Alliance to return to the NDA, referring to a song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala" (I'm going from here to there) from actor Hrithik Roshan's film.

"Nitish chacha (uncle) does something like this and frequently changes sides. Currently Bihar has two deputy chief ministers, one is a foul mouth while another is a loud mouth. The deputy CM who is a loudmouth has not contested any poll in the last 14 years. The last time he fought elections and won was on an RJD ticket," he said, in an apparent reference to Samrat Chaudhary.

Accusing the BJP-led NDA of indulging in horse-trading, he said, "It will not make any difference to the Grand Alliance. People will decide their fate&nbsp;in the polls."

(With inputs from agencies)

Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies".

Former deputy chief minister of the Indian state of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, while addressing the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally' in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while dubbing it a "factory of lies". He further affirmed that his party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'. "I can say with confidence that the BJP is a factory of lies... but the RJD stands for 'Rights, Jobs and Development'." "BJP leaders make false promises (jumla karte hain)... but we fight for the rights and jobs of the people of Bihar and the country," Yadav said. He then stated that while some claim people that RJD is a party of the M-Y (Muslim and Yadav), it in fact is a party of the M-Y and BAAP, where B stands for Bahujan, A for 'Agda' (upper caste), A for 'Aadhi Aabadi' (women) and P for poor. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to chair key ministerial meet ahead of polls. What’s on agenda? ‘Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala’: Yadav hits out at Nitish Kumar with film song reference Yadav further took a dig at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying, "What the Mahagathbandhan government did in the last 17 months in the state, Nitish ji, who has joined hands with the BJP, could not do in the last 17 years." He then mocked Kumar, who earlier this year dumped the RJD-led Grand Alliance to return to the NDA, referring to a song "Idhar Chala Main Udhar Chala" (I'm going from here to there) from actor Hrithik Roshan's film. "Nitish chacha (uncle) does something like this and frequently changes sides. Currently Bihar has two deputy chief ministers, one is a foul mouth while another is a loud mouth. The deputy CM who is a loudmouth has not contested any poll in the last 14 years. The last time he fought elections and won was on an RJD ticket," he said, in an apparent reference to Samrat Chaudhary. Accusing the BJP-led NDA of indulging in horse-trading, he said, "It will not make any difference to the Grand Alliance. People will decide their fate in the polls." (With inputs from agencies)

India: Tejashwi Yadav mocks Bihar CM Nitish Kumar with Bollywood song

Popular Bengali actor and Member of Parliament from India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party Mimi Chakraborty, on Thursday (Feb 15) said that she has submitted her resignation as lawmaker to West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to accept it.&nbsp;

<h2>Why did Chakraborty resign?</h2>

The first-time MP from Jadavpur, a locality south of the state capital Kolkata&nbsp;went to the state assembly in the afternoon (local time) to meet with Banerjee," reported PTI.

“Today, I met our party supremo. I had submitted my resignation to her on February 13. I have understood in all these years that politics is not my cup of tea,” she told reporters.&nbsp;

“I have definitely resigned, but my resignation hasn't been accepted. I have coordinated with the CM, and she assured me that she will take care of everything," Mimi added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-speaker-affirms-ajit-pawar-faction-as-real-ncp-rejects-disqualification-appeals-for-both-sides-690656">Maharashtra Speaker affirms Ajit Pawar faction as real NCP, rejects disqualification appeals for both sides</a>

When asked about why she tendered her resignation to the TMC chief and not the Lok Sabha Speaker as per the norm, the actor-turned-politician said “Once I get the nod from the TMC, I will submit it to the Speaker.”

Notably, the 35-year-old who was elected from Jadavpur in 2019 on a TMC ticket, also resigned from two Parliament committees – the Standing Committee on Industrial Affairs of Parliament and the Joint Committee of Union Ministry of Power and New and Renewable Energy, earlier this week.

“Politics is not for me. You have to promote someone here (in politics) if you are helping someone...Besides being a politician, I also work as an actor. I have equal responsibilities,” Chakraborty told ANI news agency.&nbsp;

The actor-turned-politician also revealed that she had tried resigning from her post back in 2022, but the West Bengal CM rejected it at that time.&nbsp;

“I wanted to tell her (Banerjee) about my resignation from a party that gave me an opportunity to go ahead. I had also told her in 2022 about my resignation from the post of an MP. She had rejected it at that time," she said.

<h2>Other TMC MPs to quit?</h2>

Chakraborty’s resignation comes days after another actor MP from TMC Deepak Adhikari quit from three administrative posts in his constituency, Ghatal.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-farooq-abdullah-to-contest-solo-in-jammu-and-kashmir-hints-potential-nda-return-690633">India: Farooq Abdullah to contest solo in Jammu and Kashmir, hints potential NDA return</a>

The move sparked speculation about him quitting politics or the party, which he denied. However, Adhikari said he may not contest the Lok Sabha polls this year, adding that he had discussed the issue with the TMC chief and the final decision was up to her.&nbsp;

Chakraborty’s move comes at a time when another actor MP from the state has come under fire for not addressing the allegations of sexual harassment against Trinamool leaders in the violence-hit Sandeshkhali village.&nbsp;

TMC, which is a part of the opposition INDIA bloc, has&nbsp;come under fire as women in Sandeshkhali have been protesting for days against the party leader&nbsp;Shajahan Sheikh and his men&nbsp;for 'sexually harassing them'.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Popular Bengali actor and Member of Parliament from India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party Mimi Chakraborty, on Thursday (Feb 15) said that she has submitted her resignation as lawmaker to West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to accept it.

Popular Bengali actor and Member of Parliament from India’s Trinamool Congress (TMC) party Mimi Chakraborty, on Thursday (Feb 15) said that she has submitted her resignation as lawmaker to West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, who is yet to accept it. Why did Chakraborty resign? The first-time MP from Jadavpur, a locality south of the state capital Kolkata went to the state assembly in the afternoon (local time) to meet with Banerjee," reported PTI. “Today, I met our party supremo. I had submitted my resignation to her on February 13. I have understood in all these years that politics is not my cup of tea,” she told reporters. “I have definitely resigned, but my resignation hasn't been accepted. I have coordinated with the CM, and she assured me that she will take care of everything," Mimi added. Also Read | Maharashtra Speaker affirms Ajit Pawar faction as real NCP, rejects disqualification appeals for both sides When asked about why she tendered her resignation to the TMC chief and not the Lok Sabha Speaker as per the norm, the actor-turned-politician said “Once I get the nod from the TMC, I will submit it to the Speaker.” Notably, the 35-year-old who was elected from Jadavpur in 2019 on a TMC ticket, also resigned from two Parliament committees – the Standing Committee on Industrial Affairs of Parliament and the Joint Committee of Union Ministry of Power and New and Renewable Energy, earlier this week. “Politics is not for me. You have to promote someone here (in politics) if you are helping someone...Besides being a politician, I also work as an actor. I have equal responsibilities,” Chakraborty told ANI news agency. The actor-turned-politician also revealed that she had tried resigning from her post back in 2022, but the West Bengal CM rejected it at that time. “I wanted to tell her (Banerjee) about my resignation from a party that gave me an opportunity to go ahead. I had also told her in 2022 about my resignation from the post of an MP. She had rejected it at that time," she said. Other TMC MPs to quit? Chakraborty’s resignation comes days after another actor MP from TMC Deepak Adhikari quit from three administrative posts in his constituency, Ghatal. Also Read | India: Farooq Abdullah to contest solo in Jammu and Kashmir, hints potential NDA return The move sparked speculation about him quitting politics or the party, which he denied. However, Adhikari said he may not contest the Lok Sabha polls this year, adding that he had discussed the issue with the TMC chief and the final decision was up to her. Chakraborty’s move comes at a time when another actor MP from the state has come under fire for not addressing the allegations of sexual harassment against Trinamool leaders in the violence-hit Sandeshkhali village. TMC, which is a part of the opposition INDIA bloc, has come under fire as women in Sandeshkhali have been protesting for days against the party leader Shajahan Sheikh and his men for 'sexually harassing them'. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Politics not my cup of tea’: Mimi Chakraborty resigns as Trinamool Congress MP

BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic".

Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction&nbsp;of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue.

"I am fortunate to get the opportunity to speak about the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol&nbsp;on January 22. It is historic to see the Pran Pratishtha and offer prayers to Lord Ram at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya," he said while initiating the discussion on the consecration ceremony during the last session of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

<h2>Lord Ram is a source of inspiration, not a communal issue, says Singh</h2>

The BJP MP further said that Lord Ram was a source of inspiration for people and not a communal issue.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/white-paper-is-serious-document-says-nirmala-sitharaman-as-she-slams-opposition-in-lok-sabha-688798">'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha</a>

"Ram is not a communal issue; Bhagwan Ram is a source of inspiration for us," he said, adding that "Ram was Maryada Purushottam (the man who is supreme in honour)."

"A discussion on Ram is also a blessing for all of us; Ram is a feeling for us..it is our legacy and heritage," the BJP MP said.

He then said "Ram is everywhere..."

Singh further&nbsp;slammed the previous Congress-led UPA government for filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court in 2007 at the time the Ram Setu project was taken up.

"In 2007, when the Ram Setu project was taken up, the UPA government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that there is no such person as Ram; it&nbsp;is a myth," he said.

<h2>Jan 22 will be remembered as historic day:&nbsp;Amit Shah</h2>

Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing Lok Sabha on the Ram Temple resolution said that January 22 would be remembered as a historic day for decades to come as it was when the "aspirations of Ram devotees were fulfilled."

"January 22 will be a historic day for the years to come...It was the day that fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of all Ram devotees," Shah said.&nbsp;It "was the beginning of great India...Those who imagine a country without Lord Ram do not know our country well and they represent the days of colonialism".

"No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during the time of the Modi government," he added.

Saturday (Feb 10) will be the last session of the ongoing budget session of Parliament and also of the current Lok Sabha ahead of the general elections that are likely&nbsp;to take place in April-May 2024.

Earlier, the budget session was scheduled to conclude on Feb 9 but was extended by a day.

Rajya Sabha will also hold a short-duration discussion on the Ram Temple consecration ceremony held in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22 and on the White Paper that was put out by the Modi government in the Parliament on Thursday (Feb 8).

(With inputs from agencies)

BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic". Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue.

BJP MP Satyapal Singh on Saturday (Feb 10) while speaking in Parliament called the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya a "historic". Stating that Lord Ram is everywhere, Singh said that the construction of Ram Temple was not a "communal" issue. "I am fortunate to get the opportunity to speak about the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram's idol on January 22. It is historic to see the Pran Pratishtha and offer prayers to Lord Ram at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya," he said while initiating the discussion on the consecration ceremony during the last session of the ongoing Budget session of Parliament ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Lord Ram is a source of inspiration, not a communal issue, says Singh The BJP MP further said that Lord Ram was a source of inspiration for people and not a communal issue. Also read: 'White Paper is serious document', says Nirmala Sitharaman as she slams opposition in Lok Sabha "Ram is not a communal issue; Bhagwan Ram is a source of inspiration for us," he said, adding that "Ram was Maryada Purushottam (the man who is supreme in honour)." "A discussion on Ram is also a blessing for all of us; Ram is a feeling for us..it is our legacy and heritage," the BJP MP said. He then said "Ram is everywhere..." Singh further slammed the previous Congress-led UPA government for filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court in 2007 at the time the Ram Setu project was taken up. "In 2007, when the Ram Setu project was taken up, the UPA government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that there is no such person as Ram; it is a myth," he said. Jan 22 will be remembered as historic day: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing Lok Sabha on the Ram Temple resolution said that January 22 would be remembered as a historic day for decades to come as it was when the "aspirations of Ram devotees were fulfilled." "January 22 will be a historic day for the years to come...It was the day that fulfilled the hopes and aspirations of all Ram devotees," Shah said. It "was the beginning of great India...Those who imagine a country without Lord Ram do not know our country well and they represent the days of colonialism". "No one can read the history of this country by ignoring the Ram Mandir movement. Since 1528, every generation has seen this movement in some form or the other. This matter remained stuck for a long time. This dream had to be fulfilled during the time of the Modi government," he added. Saturday (Feb 10) will be the last session of the ongoing budget session of Parliament and also of the current Lok Sabha ahead of the general elections that are likely to take place in April-May 2024. Earlier, the budget session was scheduled to conclude on Feb 9 but was extended by a day. Rajya Sabha will also hold a short-duration discussion on the Ram Temple consecration ceremony held in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Jan 22 and on the White Paper that was put out by the Modi government in the Parliament on Thursday (Feb 8). (With inputs from agencies)

India: Lok Sabha discusses Ram Temple, BJP MP says ‘Ram is everywhere’

Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda has been appointed election-in charge of Uttar Pradesh, party general secretary Vinod Tawde of Bihar and former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar of Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May. 
BJP chief JP Nadda on Saturday appointed election in-charges and co-incharges for various states on Saturday.

According to a BJP release, former Tripura Chief Biplab Kumar Deb has been appointed election in-charge for Haryana. Surendra Singh Nagar will be co-in-charge of the state.

In Bihar, Deepak Prakash will assist Vinod Tawde as co-incharge.

Party leader Shrikant Sharma will be in charge of Himachal Pradesh and Sanjay Tandon will be the co-in-charge of the state.

Tarun Chugh and Laxmikant Bajpai have been made election in-charges of Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand respectively.

Radha Mohan Das Agarwal will be poll in-charge Karnataka and Sudhakar Reddy is the co-in-charge of Karnataka

Mangal Pandey has been appointed as election in-charge of West Bengal while Amit Malviya and Asha Lakra have been appointed as co-in-charges for the state.

The responsibility of the poll in charge for Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu has been given to Arvind Menon, and Mahendra Singh will be the poll in charge for Madhya Pradesh.

Satish Upadhyay will be co-incharge of Madhya Pradesh.

Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been named election in-charge of the union territory of Chandigarh as also Punjab. Narinder Singh is the co-in-charge of Punjab.

Satya Kumar Y will be the election in charge of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and for Daman and Diu it is Purnesh Modi. Dushyant Patel is the co-in-charge of Daman and Diu.

Ashish Sood has been appointed poll in-charge for Goa and Tarun Chugh for Ladakh.

Vijaypal Singh Tomar has been appointed as the election in-charge for Odisha and Nirmal Kumar Surana for Puducherry. Lata Usendi is co-in-charge of Odisha.

Dilip Kumar Jaiswal has been appointed election in-charge for Sikkim and Dushyant Kumar Gautam for Uttarakhand. 
&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda has been appointed election-in charge of Uttar Pradesh, party general secretary Vinod Tawde of Bihar and former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar of Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May.

Bharatiya Janata Party vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda has been appointed election-in charge of Uttar Pradesh, party general secretary Vinod Tawde of Bihar and former Union Minister Prakash Javadekar of Kerala for the Lok Sabha polls, expected to be held in April-May. BJP chief JP Nadda on Saturday appointed election in-charges and co-incharges for various states on Saturday. According to a BJP release, former Tripura Chief Biplab Kumar Deb has been appointed election in-charge for Haryana. Surendra Singh Nagar will be co-in-charge of the state. In Bihar, Deepak Prakash will assist Vinod Tawde as co-incharge. Party leader Shrikant Sharma will be in charge of Himachal Pradesh and Sanjay Tandon will be the co-in-charge of the state. Tarun Chugh and Laxmikant Bajpai have been made election in-charges of Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand respectively. Radha Mohan Das Agarwal will be poll in-charge Karnataka and Sudhakar Reddy is the co-in-charge of Karnataka Mangal Pandey has been appointed as election in-charge of West Bengal while Amit Malviya and Asha Lakra have been appointed as co-in-charges for the state. The responsibility of the poll in charge for Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu has been given to Arvind Menon, and Mahendra Singh will be the poll in charge for Madhya Pradesh. Satish Upadhyay will be co-incharge of Madhya Pradesh. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has been named election in-charge of the union territory of Chandigarh as also Punjab. Narinder Singh is the co-in-charge of Punjab. Satya Kumar Y will be the election in charge of the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and for Daman and Diu it is Purnesh Modi. Dushyant Patel is the co-in-charge of Daman and Diu. Ashish Sood has been appointed poll in-charge for Goa and Tarun Chugh for Ladakh. Vijaypal Singh Tomar has been appointed as the election in-charge for Odisha and Nirmal Kumar Surana for Puducherry. Lata Usendi is co-in-charge of Odisha. Dilip Kumar Jaiswal has been appointed election in-charge for Sikkim and Dushyant Kumar Gautam for Uttarakhand.

BJP appoints state election in-charges for Lok Sabha polls

The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern&nbsp;the telecom sector in India. The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament, by India's Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bill if passed, would enable the Government of India to take over, manage, or suspend telecom services for national security reasons.

"On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification-- (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from any authorised entity; or (b) provide for appropriate mechanism to ensure that messages of a user or group of users authorised for response and recovery during public emergency are routed on priority," the bill read.

The draft bill also seeks to remove OTT (Over-the-top) content apps from the definition of telecom services. Moreover, communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will not be in the purview of the bill.

Watch | India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia, will meet Russian counterpart

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-to-travel-to-russia-will-meet-russian-counterpart-670855/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Cabinet gave its nod to the bill in August this year. At the time, the bill had proposed that OTT apps and messaging platforms be brought under the definition of telecom services.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-high-level-committee-on-one-nation-one-election-to-assess-progress-670843">India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress</a>

The bill also empowers the government to take steps such as waiving entry fees, license fees or imposing penalty in order to maintain competition in the telecom sector.

As per media reports, the bill also seeks to relax rules governing refund of license fees in case a company surrenders its permit.

The bill reportedly provides for administrative allocation of spectrums. As of now, the spectrums are auctioned. The government expects that this change will help in faster launch of new services.

<h2>Opposition protests</h2>

Lok Sabha had to be adjournded twice on Monday as Opposition MPs protested demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah give a statement on the parliament security breach.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-no-interest-in-politics-says-former-rbi-governor-raghuram-rajan-670822">‘I have no interest in politics,’ says former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan</a>

The proceedings were adjourned till 12 pm at first but as Opposition continued protesting even after 12 pm, it had to be adjourned till 2 pm.

On December 13, two men jumped into the house from public gallery&nbsp;with smoke bombs and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by the MPs. More arrests have been made in the days since.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern the telecom sector in India.

The Indian government tabled draft Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the parliament on Monday (Dec 18) seeking to repeal old laws that govern the telecom sector in India. The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha, the lower house of the parliament, by India's Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bill if passed, would enable the Government of India to take over, manage, or suspend telecom services for national security reasons. "On the occurrence of any public emergency, including disaster management, or in the interest of public safety, the Central Government or a State Government or any officer specially authorised in this behalf by the Central Government or a State Government, if satisfied that is necessary or expedient so to do, by notification-- (a) take temporary possession of any telecommunication service or telecommunication network from any authorised entity; or (b) provide for appropriate mechanism to ensure that messages of a user or group of users authorised for response and recovery during public emergency are routed on priority," the bill read. The draft bill also seeks to remove OTT (Over-the-top) content apps from the definition of telecom services. Moreover, communication platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram will not be in the purview of the bill. Watch | India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to travel to Russia, will meet Russian counterpart × The Cabinet gave its nod to the bill in August this year. At the time, the bill had proposed that OTT apps and messaging platforms be brought under the definition of telecom services. Also Read | India: High-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' to assess progress The bill also empowers the government to take steps such as waiving entry fees, license fees or imposing penalty in order to maintain competition in the telecom sector. As per media reports, the bill also seeks to relax rules governing refund of license fees in case a company surrenders its permit. The bill reportedly provides for administrative allocation of spectrums. As of now, the spectrums are auctioned. The government expects that this change will help in faster launch of new services. Opposition protests Lok Sabha had to be adjournded twice on Monday as Opposition MPs protested demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah give a statement on the parliament security breach. Also Read | ‘I have no interest in politics,’ says former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan The proceedings were adjourned till 12 pm at first but as Opposition continued protesting even after 12 pm, it had to be adjourned till 2 pm. On December 13, two men jumped into the house from public gallery with smoke bombs and shouted slogans before they were overpowered by the MPs. More arrests have been made in the days since. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Telecom Bill tabled in Lok Sabha lets govt take over mobile network for ‘national security’

lok-sabha-0

Lok Sabha, News on Lok Sabha, stories on Lok Sabha, articles on Lok Sabha, Lok Sabha stories at Wion, Lok Sabha news, Lok Sabha latest news

lok sabha-0