Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of planning to redistribute the country's wealth to Muslims, drawing criticism and a challenge from senior party leader Pawan Khera. Watch in how much people support his statement.

Poll: Congress plans to redistribute wealth to 'infiltrators', says PM Modi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses one public meeting each in Rajasthan's Jalore and Banswara districts, respectively, on Sunday. Watch in for more updates!

India Election 2024: PM Modi addresses public meetings in Rajasthan

India has completed phase 1 of its 7 phase election process to vote-in a new government. With less than 50 days left for the result to be announced, Punjab- a western Indian state is emerging as a key for the incumbent. Will M Modi and his party get the popular vote in this state?

India Elections 2024: Impact of Punjab on Indian polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the BJP has received a "great response" in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which saw a national average voter turnout of 60 per cent. Watch in.

India Election 2024: People across India are voting for NDA, says PM Modi

The world's largest election is currently underway in India. The nation with a population of over 1.4 billion people and close to 970 million voters has on Friday (Apr 19) started casting votes, with voters exercising their franchise in 102 constituencies of 21 states in the first phase.&nbsp;

The gigantic exercise involving almost one billion voters will be spread over seven phases across the world's most populous country in an exercise which is deemed as the world's biggest festival of democracy. 
 
India's poll body — The Election Commission of India — touts the election as ‘Chunav ka Parv (festival of election)’&nbsp;and ‘Desh ka Garv (pride of country)’.

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>

<h2>Voter turnout</h2>

As per reports, this election may see record voter turnout. Election Commission of India data showed that in the first few hours of polling till 11am, constituencies across the nation saw good voter turnout, with Tripura recording the highest turnout of 34.54 per cent.

Here's a breakup as of 11 am:

Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 21.82% 
Arunachal Pradesh—20.13% 
Assam—27.22% 
Bihar—20.42% 
Jammu and Kashmir—22.60% 
Chhattisgarh—28.12% 
Lakshadweep—16.33% 
Madhya Pradesh—30.46% 
Maharashtra—19.17% 
Manipur—29.23% 
Rajasthan—22.59% 
Meghalaya—33.12% 
Mizoram—28.78% 
Nagaland–25.24% 
Puducherry–28.10% 
Sikkim—21.20% 
Tamil Nadu—23.87% 
Tripura—34.54% 
Uttarakhand—24.83% 
Uttar Pradesh—25.20% 
West Bengal - 33.56%

<h2>Word's largest democratic elections</h2>

The six-week-long general election started Friday&nbsp;(April 19) and results will be announced on June 4.&nbsp;

The over 970 million voters, who make up more than 10 per cent of the world's population, will elect 543 members for Lok Sabah, the lower house of Parliament for a five-year term. Ballots will be cast at more than a million polling stations during the seven phases of the election, each lasting a single day, with several constituencies across multiple states voting that day.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-polls-in-arunachal-pradesh-sikkim-voting-in-indian-states-underway-712854">Assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim: Voting in Indian states underway</a>

<h2>The key contestants</h2>

Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and his main challenger, Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress, represent the Indian Parliament's two largest factions. Also in the fray are many other important regional parties which have united under an opposition bloc called INDIA, or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, to take on BJP-led NDA and deny Modi a third straight election victory.

The alliance, which has fielded a single opposition candidate in most constituencies, has been roiled by ideological differences and personality clashes. The alliance is yet to decide on its candidate to take on Modi in the battle to become the prime minister.

(With inputs from agencies)

The world's largest election is currently underway in India. The nation with a population of over 1.4 billion people and close to 970 million voters has on Friday (Apr 19) started casting votes, with voters exercising their franchise in 102 constituencies of 21 states in the first phase.

The world's largest election is currently underway in India. The nation with a population of over 1.4 billion people and close to 970 million voters has on Friday (Apr 19) started casting votes, with voters exercising their franchise in 102 constituencies of 21 states in the first phase. The gigantic exercise involving almost one billion voters will be spread over seven phases across the world's most populous country in an exercise which is deemed as the world's biggest festival of democracy. India's poll body — The Election Commission of India — touts the election as ‘Chunav ka Parv (festival of election)’ and ‘Desh ka Garv (pride of country)’. Also read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters Voter turnout As per reports, this election may see record voter turnout. Election Commission of India data showed that in the first few hours of polling till 11am, constituencies across the nation saw good voter turnout, with Tripura recording the highest turnout of 34.54 per cent. Here's a breakup as of 11 am: Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 21.82% Arunachal Pradesh—20.13% Assam—27.22% Bihar—20.42% Jammu and Kashmir—22.60% Chhattisgarh—28.12% Lakshadweep—16.33% Madhya Pradesh—30.46% Maharashtra—19.17% Manipur—29.23% Rajasthan—22.59% Meghalaya—33.12% Mizoram—28.78% Nagaland–25.24% Puducherry–28.10% Sikkim—21.20% Tamil Nadu—23.87% Tripura—34.54% Uttarakhand—24.83% Uttar Pradesh—25.20% West Bengal - 33.56% Word's largest democratic elections The six-week-long general election started Friday (April 19) and results will be announced on June 4. The over 970 million voters, who make up more than 10 per cent of the world's population, will elect 543 members for Lok Sabah, the lower house of Parliament for a five-year term. Ballots will be cast at more than a million polling stations during the seven phases of the election, each lasting a single day, with several constituencies across multiple states voting that day. Also read | Assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim: Voting in Indian states underway The key contestants Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and his main challenger, Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress, represent the Indian Parliament's two largest factions. Also in the fray are many other important regional parties which have united under an opposition bloc called INDIA, or Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, to take on BJP-led NDA and deny Modi a third straight election victory. The alliance, which has fielded a single opposition candidate in most constituencies, has been roiled by ideological differences and personality clashes. The alliance is yet to decide on its candidate to take on Modi in the battle to become the prime minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | World’s biggest festival of democracy begins, voting starts in 21 states of India

The voting ended on Friday evening for the first phase of the seven-phased 2024 Lok Sabha election. The polling in the first phase was conducted on 102 Lok Sabha seats spread across 21 states and Union territories. Watch in for more details!

India Lok Sabha Election 2024: World's biggest show of democracy

India Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voters cast ballots in 102 constituencies in Phase 1

Preparations for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are underway in northeast India, with authorities overcoming difficult terrain and weather conditions. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is facing logistical challenges as officials have to travel for hours to reach outlying polling sites.

Preparations for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are underway in northeast India, with authorities overcoming difficult terrain and weather conditions. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is facing logistical challenges as officials have to travel for hours to reach outlying polling sites. Deployment and security measures Elections for the state assembly and Lok Sabha are scheduled to be held concurrently in Arunachal Pradesh, where 11,130 poll workers and 6,874 electronic voting machines (EVMs) have been deployed. The Union Home Ministry has assigned 80 companies, totalling 7,500 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) officers, to oversee peace and order throughout the election process. Traversing hazardous terrain Videos and images showing the journeys of election officials are making rounds on social media. "A polling team traverses difficult terrain to reach their respective polling booth in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh for polling in Lok Sabha elections tomorrow, 19th April," ANI wrote on X. #WATCH | A polling team traverses difficult terrain to reach their respective polling booth in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh for polling in Lok Sabha elections tomorrow, 19th April (Video source: CEO, Arunachal Pradesh) pic.twitter.com/tHVPPkBKXe — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2024 × Also read: Indian election commission rejects claims over EVM error that 'favoured' BJP Ready for the polls Poll workers are being sent to outlying regions of the state in advance for the elections as two Lok Sabha seats are going to the polls in a single phase on April 19. Election schedule Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced the election schedule on March 16, 2024. The voting process will unfold over seven phases, commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1. The phases are scheduled as follows: April 19 (Phase 1), April 26 (Phase 2), May 7 (Phase 3), May 13 (Phase 4), May 20 (Phase 5), May 25 (Phase 6), and June 1 (Phase 7). Results for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be unveiled on June 4.

Watch | Poll officials brave challenging terrain to reach polling stations in northeast India

Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1: The general elections in the Indian state of Assam, which has 14 Lok Sabha seats, the highest number in the Northeastern region, will be held in three phases: April 19, April 26 and May 7. The results will be declared on June 4.

Voting is underway in five constituencies in the first phase of the election which is taking place on Friday (Apr 19).&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Assam

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-holds-mega-roadshow-in-assam-712061/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the 2014 and 2019 elections, the historically Congress-dominated state witnessed a shift. In 2014, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won seven of the 14 seats; that number rose five years later when it managed to secure a total of nine seats.&nbsp;

<h2>Assam Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Constituencies</h2>

Kaziranga 
Sonitpur 
Lakhimpur 
Dibrugarh 
Jorhat

<h2>Assam Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Candidates</h2>

One of the prominent names in this race is Pradan Baruah from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who is contesting for the Lakhimpur seat. The other candidates contesting from the constituency are Ghana Kanta Chutia of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Uday Shankar Hazarika (Congress), and Biren Kachari of the Communist Party of India (CPI).&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/assam-lok-sabha-elections-2024-dates-schedule-phases-seats-and-all-you-need-to-know-703876">&nbsp;Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dates, Schedule, phases, seats and all you need to know</a>

The fight is mainly between BJP and Congress in all constituencies except Dibrugarh, where Lurinjyoti Gogoi of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) will challenge Union Minister for Shipping and Waterways and BJP candidate Sarbananda Sonowal.&nbsp;

In Jorhat, BJP has fielded former state power minister Topon Kumar Gogoi against firebrand Congress leader and former Assam Chief Minister’s son Gaurav Gogoi.&nbsp;

Notably, Assam will also see some of the richest candidates in the race with at least 15 of the 35 being millionaires who are going to face off against each other in the first phase, according to news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Diluwara Begum Chowdhury, an independent female candidate, who is contesting for the Kaziranga seat is the richest among the 35.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/lok-sabha-election-2024">Click Here to get the latest updates of the 2024 Lok Sabha election.&nbsp;</a>

According to media reports, most opinion polls have predicted that the BJP will have a clean sweep by winning at least 11 out of the 14 seats.&nbsp;

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently held a roadshow in Tinsukia district with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and expressed confidence that BJP would win at least 12 seats this election.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1: The general elections in the Indian state of Assam, which has 14 Lok Sabha seats, the highest number in the Northeastern region, will be held in three phases: April 19, April 26 and May 7.

Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1: The general elections in the Indian state of Assam, which has 14 Lok Sabha seats, the highest number in the Northeastern region, will be held in three phases: April 19, April 26 and May 7. The results will be declared on June 4. Voting is underway in five constituencies in the first phase of the election which is taking place on Friday (Apr 19). WATCH | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi holds mega roadshow in Assam In the 2014 and 2019 elections, the historically Congress-dominated state witnessed a shift. In 2014, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won seven of the 14 seats; that number rose five years later when it managed to secure a total of nine seats. Assam Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Constituencies Kaziranga Sonitpur Lakhimpur Dibrugarh Jorhat Assam Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Candidates One of the prominent names in this race is Pradan Baruah from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who is contesting for the Lakhimpur seat. The other candidates contesting from the constituency are Ghana Kanta Chutia of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Uday Shankar Hazarika (Congress), and Biren Kachari of the Communist Party of India (CPI). Also Read | Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dates, Schedule, phases, seats and all you need to know The fight is mainly between BJP and Congress in all constituencies except Dibrugarh, where Lurinjyoti Gogoi of Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) will challenge Union Minister for Shipping and Waterways and BJP candidate Sarbananda Sonowal. In Jorhat, BJP has fielded former state power minister Topon Kumar Gogoi against firebrand Congress leader and former Assam Chief Minister’s son Gaurav Gogoi. Notably, Assam will also see some of the richest candidates in the race with at least 15 of the 35 being millionaires who are going to face off against each other in the first phase, according to news agency PTI. Diluwara Begum Chowdhury, an independent female candidate, who is contesting for the Kaziranga seat is the richest among the 35. Click Here to get the latest updates of the 2024 Lok Sabha election. According to media reports, most opinion polls have predicted that the BJP will have a clean sweep by winning at least 11 out of the 14 seats. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently held a roadshow in Tinsukia district with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and expressed confidence that BJP would win at least 12 seats this election. (With inputs from agencies)

Assam Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1 voting underway: Key candidates and constituencies

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

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Sporadic incidents of violence reported from West Bengal

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Apr 18) informed the Supreme Court that claims and reports of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) malfunctioning were fake.&nbsp;

Some media outlets carried unverified reports that EVM had registered extra votes in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a mock poll in Kerala's Kasaragod.&nbsp;

While presenting his side, senior deputy election commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas told a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, "These news reports are false."&nbsp;

"We have verified the allegation from the district collector and it appears that they are false. We will submit a detailed report to the court," Vyas added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mangoes-and-more-arvind-kejriwal-accused-of-eating-high-carb-food-to-raise-blood-sugar-level-712599">Mangoes and more: ED claims Arvind Kejriwal deliberately consuming sweets for THIS reason</a>&nbsp;

The matter came up during the hearing of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The petitions were filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and others.&nbsp;

The Kerala issue was flagged earlier in the day by Prashant Bhushan, counsel for ADR. He cited a news report also. The bench then asked senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the ECI, to look into the issue.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/digi-yatra-foundation-clarifies-control-over-app-amid-data-security-facial-recognition-controversies-712616">Digi Yatra Foundation clarifies control over app amid data security &amp; facial recognition controversies</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi says 'one nation, one election' is BJP's commitment to India&nbsp;

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The ECI official present in the courtroom explained the working of the EVMs and VVPAT as he said that the manufacturer does not know which button is going to be allotted to which party. The allocation of machines is also not predetermined.&nbsp;

He weighed in on the cross-verification issue saying that there had been no mismatch ever between EVMs and VVPAT slips.&nbsp;

The bench observed during the hearing: "This is electoral process. There has to be sanctity. Let nobody have apprehension that something which is expected is not being done."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Apr 18) informed the Supreme Court that claims and reports of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) malfunctioning were fake.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday (Apr 18) informed the Supreme Court that claims and reports of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) malfunctioning were fake. Some media outlets carried unverified reports that EVM had registered extra votes in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a mock poll in Kerala's Kasaragod. While presenting his side, senior deputy election commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas told a bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta, "These news reports are false." "We have verified the allegation from the district collector and it appears that they are false. We will submit a detailed report to the court," Vyas added. Also read: Mangoes and more: ED claims Arvind Kejriwal deliberately consuming sweets for THIS reason The matter came up during the hearing of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). The petitions were filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and others. The Kerala issue was flagged earlier in the day by Prashant Bhushan, counsel for ADR. He cited a news report also. The bench then asked senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the ECI, to look into the issue. Also read: Digi Yatra Foundation clarifies control over app amid data security & facial recognition controversies Watch: PM Modi says 'one nation, one election' is BJP's commitment to India × The ECI official present in the courtroom explained the working of the EVMs and VVPAT as he said that the manufacturer does not know which button is going to be allotted to which party. The allocation of machines is also not predetermined. He weighed in on the cross-verification issue saying that there had been no mismatch ever between EVMs and VVPAT slips. The bench observed during the hearing: "This is electoral process. There has to be sanctity. Let nobody have apprehension that something which is expected is not being done." (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Election Commission rejects claims over EVM error that 'favoured' BJP

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

India’s election, starting on Friday, is the world’s largest electoral exercise with more than 18 million people voting for the first time. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections

With the first phase of the Parliamentary election commencing on April 19, in Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;the first seat to go to polls is the Udhampur constituency. The Election Commission of India recently released&nbsp;voters'&nbsp;data and said that over 16,23,195 people registered as voters. This includes 8,45,283 males, 7,77,899 females and 13 transgender who will decide the fate of 12 candidates in the fray.&nbsp;

The Udhampur seat is currently held by Dr Jitendra Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

This parliamentary election is going to be a major fight between Dr Jitendra Singh and Congress candidate Choudhary Lal Singh. The sitting MP of Udhampur, Dr Jitendra Singh, has a voter base of 7.24 lakhs (724,000) which makes it a little difficult for other candidates to win over him. However, regional political parties like the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party supporting the Congress candidate will lead to a tough fight between BJP and Congress.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/puducherry-lok-sabha-elections-2024-constituency-wise-seats-candidates-list-for-general-elections-news-712293">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Puducherry to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates</a>

Five districts, which include Kathua, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, and Kishtwar, are&nbsp;part of the Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency. Over 2,637 polling stations have been set up across the whole constituency. The majority of polling stations have been set up in rural areas, while 180 polling stations have been set up in urban areas.&nbsp;

''We have put up 654 parties in total, out of which 11 departed yesterday, while 642 parties will&nbsp;depart&nbsp;today. We have completed all our preparations and parties that are to be sent to the far-flung areas have already been sent. All the security measures are in place, and we are hopeful, the voter turnout will be good this time. There is a prediction of rain, but we request the people to come out and cast their votes. We have also established 16 model polling stations where special arrangements will be made for the voters, '' said Saloni Rai, DC Udhampur.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-1-state-wise-list-of-constituencies-voting-on-april-19-712527">Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Phase 1: State-wise list of constituencies voting on April 19</a>

The Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency of Jammu and Kashmir covers around 20,230 square kilometres of the Union Territory (UT). Districts like Udhampur and Kathua are predominantly Hindu majority areas, while Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Bhaderwah are mostly Muslim-dominated.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India also said that there are 23,637 Persons with Disabilities, including 14,362 males and 9,275 females. There are over 25,632 registered voters above the age of 80, which includes 12,020 male voters and 13,612 female voters.&nbsp;

With the first phase of the Parliamentary election commencing on April 19, in Jammu and Kashmir the first seat to go to polls is the Udhampur constituency. The Election Commission of India recently released voters' data and said that over 16,23,195 people registered as voters.

With the first phase of the Parliamentary election commencing on April 19, in Jammu and Kashmir the first seat to go to polls is the Udhampur constituency. The Election Commission of India recently released voters' data and said that over 16,23,195 people registered as voters. This includes 8,45,283 males, 7,77,899 females and 13 transgender who will decide the fate of 12 candidates in the fray. The Udhampur seat is currently held by Dr Jitendra Singh of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This parliamentary election is going to be a major fight between Dr Jitendra Singh and Congress candidate Choudhary Lal Singh. The sitting MP of Udhampur, Dr Jitendra Singh, has a voter base of 7.24 lakhs (724,000) which makes it a little difficult for other candidates to win over him. However, regional political parties like the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party supporting the Congress candidate will lead to a tough fight between BJP and Congress. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Puducherry to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates Five districts, which include Kathua, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, and Kishtwar, are part of the Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency. Over 2,637 polling stations have been set up across the whole constituency. The majority of polling stations have been set up in rural areas, while 180 polling stations have been set up in urban areas. ''We have put up 654 parties in total, out of which 11 departed yesterday, while 642 parties will depart today. We have completed all our preparations and parties that are to be sent to the far-flung areas have already been sent. All the security measures are in place, and we are hopeful, the voter turnout will be good this time. There is a prediction of rain, but we request the people to come out and cast their votes. We have also established 16 model polling stations where special arrangements will be made for the voters, '' said Saloni Rai, DC Udhampur. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Phase 1: State-wise list of constituencies voting on April 19 The Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency of Jammu and Kashmir covers around 20,230 square kilometres of the Union Territory (UT). Districts like Udhampur and Kathua are predominantly Hindu majority areas, while Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Bhaderwah are mostly Muslim-dominated. The Election Commission of India also said that there are 23,637 Persons with Disabilities, including 14,362 males and 9,275 females. There are over 25,632 registered voters above the age of 80, which includes 12,020 male voters and 13,612 female voters.

Udhampur constituency profile: Main fight between BJP’s Dr Jitendra Singh and Congress' Lal Singh

Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has decided not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, and the beleaguered party here is yet to take a call on whom to support in the state. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: TDP not to contest Lok Sabha polls in Telangana

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) claimed that his party will fulfil the promises made in its poll manifesto of removing poverty from the nation. Gandhi said that as said, Congress would transfer Rs 100,000 into the account of one female from a poverty-stricken household. He didn't clarify how the party is planning to disburse the amount - yearly or monthly basis.&nbsp;

During an election rally on Thursday (Apr 11) in the western state of Rajasthan, Gandhi said, "The Congress Government will transfer Rs 1 lakh (in a year) to the bank account of one woman of every poor household in the country."&nbsp;

"If you are below the poverty line then every year, Rs 1 lakh (Rs 8,500 per month) khatakhat khatakhat aata rahega aur ek jhatke se hum Hindustan se gareebi ko mita denge," Rahul Gandhi said addressing a poll rally.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnath-singh-hits-out-at-pakistan-says-take-help-from-india-if-incapable-of-eliminating-terrorism-710221">Rajnath Singh hits out at Pakistan, says take help from India if incapable of eliminating terrorism</a>&nbsp;

He also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that farmers are asking for a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, youngsters are seeking employment, and women want relief from inflation, but no one is listening.&nbsp;

He said, "The 22 persons are more wealthy than the 70 crore people of India. Farmers are demanding MSP, youths are in grave need of employment, and women are asking for relief from price rises. PM Modi straightaway declines to give MSP calling farmers terrorists. Farmers are giving tax for the first time in the history of India."&nbsp;

"Two biggest issues in the country right now are unemployment and inflation. They (BJP) don't talk about unemployment or inflation. Their work is to divert your attention. They don't want the issues of backward classes, farmers and the poor to be shown on national and regional media. You will see Narendra Modi's face in the media 24 hours a day. The job of the media is to raise the voice of the public, but their billionaire owners will not let them do so," he alleged.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cbi-arrests-brs-leader-k-kavitha-over-delhi-liquor-policy-scam-710150">CBI arrests BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with Delhi liquor policy scam</a>&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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<h2>Lok Sabha Election in Rajasthan&nbsp;</h2>

Rajasthan will go to the polls in the first two phases - April 19 and April 26. In the first phase, polling for 12 Lok Sabha seats will take place. While the remaining 13 seats will be polled in the second phase on April 26.&nbsp;

The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19 and the counting of the votes will be held on June 4.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) claimed that his party will fulfil the promises made in its poll manifesto of removing poverty from the nation.

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) claimed that his party will fulfil the promises made in its poll manifesto of removing poverty from the nation. Gandhi said that as said, Congress would transfer Rs 100,000 into the account of one female from a poverty-stricken household. He didn't clarify how the party is planning to disburse the amount - yearly or monthly basis. During an election rally on Thursday (Apr 11) in the western state of Rajasthan, Gandhi said, "The Congress Government will transfer Rs 1 lakh (in a year) to the bank account of one woman of every poor household in the country." "If you are below the poverty line then every year, Rs 1 lakh (Rs 8,500 per month) khatakhat khatakhat aata rahega aur ek jhatke se hum Hindustan se gareebi ko mita denge," Rahul Gandhi said addressing a poll rally. Also read: Rajnath Singh hits out at Pakistan, says take help from India if incapable of eliminating terrorism He also slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and said that farmers are asking for a minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, youngsters are seeking employment, and women want relief from inflation, but no one is listening. He said, "The 22 persons are more wealthy than the 70 crore people of India. Farmers are demanding MSP, youths are in grave need of employment, and women are asking for relief from price rises. PM Modi straightaway declines to give MSP calling farmers terrorists. Farmers are giving tax for the first time in the history of India." "Two biggest issues in the country right now are unemployment and inflation. They (BJP) don't talk about unemployment or inflation. Their work is to divert your attention. They don't want the issues of backward classes, farmers and the poor to be shown on national and regional media. You will see Narendra Modi's face in the media 24 hours a day. The job of the media is to raise the voice of the public, but their billionaire owners will not let them do so," he alleged. Also read: CBI arrests BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with Delhi liquor policy scam Watch the video here: #WATCH | Anupgarh, Rajasthan: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says, "...The Congress Government will transfer Rs 1 lakh (in a year) to the bank account of one woman of every poor household in the country...If you are below the poverty line then every year, Rs 1 lakh (Rs 8,500 per… pic.twitter.com/6KMuvcwz10 — ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 × Lok Sabha Election in Rajasthan Rajasthan will go to the polls in the first two phases - April 19 and April 26. In the first phase, polling for 12 Lok Sabha seats will take place. While the remaining 13 seats will be polled in the second phase on April 26. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19 and the counting of the votes will be held on June 4. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Rahul Gandhi claims Congress will 'erase poverty' in one go

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the opposition parties during a rally in Bastar, asserting that those involved in corruption will face imprisonment, regardless of any threats they may issue.

India Election 2024: 'Corrupt will go to jail', PM Modi hits out at opposition

In his latest poll promise, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said that if voted to power, his party will conduct a financial as well as institutional survey to determine the wealth distribution among people throughout the country.

He said that along with the survey, as promised, the party will also conduct a nationwide caste census

"We will first conduct a nationwide caste census to determine how many people belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and minorities. After that, we will conduct a financial and institutional survey in a historic step to ascertain the distribution of wealth," Gandhi said while addressing a public rally in Hyderabad.

The Congress leader further emphasised that the grand old party would make sure that all the communities are represented in every sphere of society and that their rightful share is given.

He said that even though 90 per cent of the total population comprises SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities, they cannot be seen in jobs.

"The truth is that this 90 per cent of the population does not have a share at all," Gandhi said.

"There are 90 IAS officers who run the country's administration. But only three of them are OBCs, one Adivasi and three Dalits," he added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-home-minister-amit-shah-slams-congress-kharge-over-remarks-on-kashmir-708513">Lok Sabha Election: Home Minister Amit Shah slams Congress chief Kharge for his remarks on Kashmir</a>

<h2>'Congress manifesto is the voice of people of India,' says Gandhi</h2>

While addressing the 'Jana Jatara Sabha', he also said that the party manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections is the "voice of the people of India" and has been prepared after interacting with millions of people.

He listed five guarantees (Nyay) the party has promised in its manifesto.

"When we gave you guarantees, we called them the guarantees of the Congress Party but in reality, they were the guarantees of the people. When we talked about Rs 500 cylinder, 200 units of free electricity, Greh Lakshmi, and free bus travel, we heard the voice of the people and prepared these guarantees," he said.

"The spirit of the manifesto is the five guarantees. First of all, every youth will get a job with a salary of Rs 1 lakh per year. We have made an apprenticeship law in which every youth in India will be guaranteed a one-year apprenticeship. This will be applicable in the public sector, private, education and all sectors. Apart from this, more promises for the youth are in our manifesto," Gandhi added.

He also underlined that under the 'Nari Nyay Law', they will deposit Rs 1 lakh in the bank account of a woman from a poor household in India, every year.

"This is a revolutionary step. This will change the face of the whole country. Just imagine, the Congress party government is going to give at least Rs 1 lakh directly to the bank account of the poorest families in India. This means that there will not be a single family in India whose income will not be Rs 1 lakh per year," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

In his latest poll promise, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said that if voted to power, his party will conduct a financial as well as institutional survey to determine the wealth distribution among people throughout the country.

In his latest poll promise, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said that if voted to power, his party will conduct a financial as well as institutional survey to determine the wealth distribution among people throughout the country. He said that along with the survey, as promised, the party will also conduct a nationwide caste census "We will first conduct a nationwide caste census to determine how many people belong to the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and minorities. After that, we will conduct a financial and institutional survey in a historic step to ascertain the distribution of wealth," Gandhi said while addressing a public rally in Hyderabad. The Congress leader further emphasised that the grand old party would make sure that all the communities are represented in every sphere of society and that their rightful share is given. He said that even though 90 per cent of the total population comprises SCs, STs, OBCs and minorities, they cannot be seen in jobs. "The truth is that this 90 per cent of the population does not have a share at all," Gandhi said. "There are 90 IAS officers who run the country's administration. But only three of them are OBCs, one Adivasi and three Dalits," he added. Also read: Lok Sabha Election: Home Minister Amit Shah slams Congress chief Kharge for his remarks on Kashmir 'Congress manifesto is the voice of people of India,' says Gandhi While addressing the 'Jana Jatara Sabha', he also said that the party manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections is the "voice of the people of India" and has been prepared after interacting with millions of people. He listed five guarantees (Nyay) the party has promised in its manifesto. "When we gave you guarantees, we called them the guarantees of the Congress Party but in reality, they were the guarantees of the people. When we talked about Rs 500 cylinder, 200 units of free electricity, Greh Lakshmi, and free bus travel, we heard the voice of the people and prepared these guarantees," he said. "The spirit of the manifesto is the five guarantees. First of all, every youth will get a job with a salary of Rs 1 lakh per year. We have made an apprenticeship law in which every youth in India will be guaranteed a one-year apprenticeship. This will be applicable in the public sector, private, education and all sectors. Apart from this, more promises for the youth are in our manifesto," Gandhi added. He also underlined that under the 'Nari Nyay Law', they will deposit Rs 1 lakh in the bank account of a woman from a poor household in India, every year. "This is a revolutionary step. This will change the face of the whole country. Just imagine, the Congress party government is going to give at least Rs 1 lakh directly to the bank account of the poorest families in India. This means that there will not be a single family in India whose income will not be Rs 1 lakh per year," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections: Congress vows to conduct wealth redistribution survey if voted to power

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (Apr 5) claimed that the Indian National Congress (INC) used images of New York and Thailand in its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-modi-to-hold-rally-in-assam-on-april-17-707924"> election manifesto for Lok Sabha polls</a> this year.&nbsp;

BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi addressed a press conference in the evening and posed questions on Congress' seriousness for the upcoming polls. He showed the photo used in the Environment section of the poll manifesto and said that the image was of Thailand.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-ec-sends-notice-to-aap-leader-atishi-over-bjp-poaching-attempt-claim-708099">EC sends notice to AAP leader Atishi over BJP poaching attempt claim</a>&nbsp;

The Congress party released the manifesto, and called it 'Nyay Patra'. The major points include a constitutional amendment to raise 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs etc, the right to apprenticeship and legal guarantee for MSP.&nbsp;

The BJP leader said, "They have called the manifesto Nyay Patra after doing injustice to all sections of the country for all these years."&nbsp;

Trivedi added, "It's not a big issue that wrong photos have been used. But it is concerning these photos are of foreign entities. Until now, they have been going abroad and defaming India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But now they are borrowing foreign photos for their manifesto."&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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BJP National Spokesperson Dr. <a href="https://twitter.com/SudhanshuTrived?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SudhanshuTrived</a> addresses press conference at BJP headquarters, New Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/2zb6Q13Mv3">https://t.co/2zb6Q13Mv3</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1776172818318725287?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/my-credibility-is-my-usp-congress-candidate-dr-cp-joshi-from-bhilwara-in-rajasthan-tells-wion-708084">'My credibility is my USP': Congress candidate Dr CP Joshi from Bhilwara, Rajasthan tells WION</a>&nbsp;

Trivedi also mentioned that the Congress did not fulfil either of the promises they mentioned in the manifesto when they were at&nbsp;the Centre or the states.&nbsp;

He also took a dig at Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, who found herself in hot water after making a controversial remark about Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut in a social media post. She later issued a clarification, stating that many people have access to her account.&nbsp;

Trivedi said, "Recently the social media chairperson said she was not aware who was handling her social media account. At least the party should know who was making their manifesto."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (Apr 5) claimed that the Indian National Congress (INC) used images of New York and Thailand in its election manifesto for Lok Sabha polls this year.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday (Apr 5) claimed that the Indian National Congress (INC) used images of New York and Thailand in its election manifesto for Lok Sabha polls this year. BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi addressed a press conference in the evening and posed questions on Congress' seriousness for the upcoming polls. He showed the photo used in the Environment section of the poll manifesto and said that the image was of Thailand. Also read: EC sends notice to AAP leader Atishi over BJP poaching attempt claim The Congress party released the manifesto, and called it 'Nyay Patra'. The major points include a constitutional amendment to raise 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs etc, the right to apprenticeship and legal guarantee for MSP. The BJP leader said, "They have called the manifesto Nyay Patra after doing injustice to all sections of the country for all these years." Trivedi added, "It's not a big issue that wrong photos have been used. But it is concerning these photos are of foreign entities. Until now, they have been going abroad and defaming India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But now they are borrowing foreign photos for their manifesto." Watch the video here: BJP National Spokesperson Dr. @SudhanshuTrived addresses press conference at BJP headquarters, New Delhi. https://t.co/2zb6Q13Mv3 — BJP (@BJP4India) April 5, 2024 × Also read: 'My credibility is my USP': Congress candidate Dr CP Joshi from Bhilwara, Rajasthan tells WION Trivedi also mentioned that the Congress did not fulfil either of the promises they mentioned in the manifesto when they were at the Centre or the states. He also took a dig at Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate, who found herself in hot water after making a controversial remark about Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut in a social media post. She later issued a clarification, stating that many people have access to her account. Trivedi said, "Recently the social media chairperson said she was not aware who was handling her social media account. At least the party should know who was making their manifesto." (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Election 2024: BJP claims Congress manifesto has photos of New York and Thailand

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday filed his nomination papers for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala. He also held a roadshow in Wayanad where he had won in the 2019 Parliament polls with a massive margin of over four lakh votes.

India Election 2024: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Wayanad

From Bihar to Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh, the Opposition INDIA bloc’s partners have either managed to push the Congress to the backfoot in seat sharing negotiations for the Lok Sabha elections, or are trying to do so. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: Congress contesting on lesser seats in Bihar, UP, Maharashtra

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its eighth list on Saturday (Mar 30) which included the names of candidates fielded from Punjab, Odisha and West Bengal.

In Punjab, the saffron party has handed the ticket to former Congress MP and former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur from Patiala who had won the same seat in the 2019 general elections on Congress ticket.

Preneet Kaur, who was suspended by the Congress in February 2023 over alleged 'anti-party' activities, joined the BJP earlier this month.

She embraced her new party on March 14 in the presence of prominent leaders, including Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar, who himself was formerly associated with the Congress.

Kaur is set to face AAP candidate Dr Balbir Singh from the Patiala seat. The Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal are yet to announce their candidates from Patiala.

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भारतीय जनता पार्टी की केन्द्रीय चुनाव समिति ने आगामी लोकसभा चुनाव-2024 के लिए 8वीं सूची में निम्नलिखित नामों पर अपनी स्वीकृति प्रदान की। <a href="https://t.co/TrHp1SEdnK">pic.twitter.com/TrHp1SEdnK</a>
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&nbsp;

<h2>BJP drops Sunny Deol</h2>

In a significant development, Bollywood actor Sunny Deol was sensationally axed from the Gurdaspur seat. The ticket from the constituency has been given to Dinesh Singh "Babbu".

Babbu had remained a three-time MLA from Sujanpur in Pathankot.

The opposition parties had attacked BJP over Deol's "absence" from the constituency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-wins-10-seats-uncontested-in-arunachal-pradesh-assembly-amid-absence-of-rivals-nomination-withdrawals-706048">BJP wins 10 seats uncontested in Arunachal Pradesh assembly amid absence of rivals, nomination withdrawals</a>

<h2>Hans Raj Hans fielded from Faridkot seat</h2>

The saffron party fielded singer and MP from North West Delhi Hans Raj Hans from Faridkot which is a reserved seat.

He will be facing AAP candidate Punjabi actor and singer Karamjit Anmol.

At present, the seat is represented by Congress MP Mohammad Sadique.&nbsp;

<h2>Ex-diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu handed ticket from Amritsar</h2>

BJP fielded former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu from the Amritsar constituency.

The 61-year-old former diplomat is Teja Singh Samundri's grandson, who was one of the founding members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.

The ruling party last won the seat in the year 2009 when Navjot Singh Sidhu was the candidate.

BJP's Arun Jaitley and Hardeep Singh Puri lost in the 2014 and 2019 elections respectively.

From the Jalandhar constituency, the party fielded AAP's lone MP Sushil Kumar Rinku who joined the BJP just four days ago.

Rinku, who had been named the candidate by the AAP, quit the Kejriwal-led outfit in less than a year after joining it.

On the other hand, MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, who quit Congress and joined BJP on Tuesday, was fielded from the Ludhiana seat.

He is the grandson of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated in a terror attack in 1995.

<h2>Rabindra Narayan Behera fielded from Jajpur seat</h2>

Rabindra Narayan Behera was handed the ticket by the party from Jajpur seat in Odisha, Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi from Kandhamal and Bhartruhari Mahtab from Cuttack.

In West Bengal, the ruling party fielded former IPS officer Debashish Dhar from Birbhum and Pranat Tudu from Jhargram.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its eighth list on Saturday (Mar 30) which included the names of candidates fielded from Punjab, Odisha and West Bengal.

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) released its eighth list on Saturday (Mar 30) which included the names of candidates fielded from Punjab, Odisha and West Bengal. In Punjab, the saffron party has handed the ticket to former Congress MP and former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur from Patiala who had won the same seat in the 2019 general elections on Congress ticket. Preneet Kaur, who was suspended by the Congress in February 2023 over alleged 'anti-party' activities, joined the BJP earlier this month. She embraced her new party on March 14 in the presence of prominent leaders, including Punjab unit chief Sunil Jakhar, who himself was formerly associated with the Congress. Kaur is set to face AAP candidate Dr Balbir Singh from the Patiala seat. The Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal are yet to announce their candidates from Patiala. भारतीय जनता पार्टी की केन्द्रीय चुनाव समिति ने आगामी लोकसभा चुनाव-2024 के लिए 8वीं सूची में निम्नलिखित नामों पर अपनी स्वीकृति प्रदान की। pic.twitter.com/TrHp1SEdnK — BJP (@BJP4India) March 30, 2024 × BJP drops Sunny Deol In a significant development, Bollywood actor Sunny Deol was sensationally axed from the Gurdaspur seat. The ticket from the constituency has been given to Dinesh Singh "Babbu". Babbu had remained a three-time MLA from Sujanpur in Pathankot. The opposition parties had attacked BJP over Deol's "absence" from the constituency. Also read: BJP wins 10 seats uncontested in Arunachal Pradesh assembly amid absence of rivals, nomination withdrawals Hans Raj Hans fielded from Faridkot seat The saffron party fielded singer and MP from North West Delhi Hans Raj Hans from Faridkot which is a reserved seat. He will be facing AAP candidate Punjabi actor and singer Karamjit Anmol. At present, the seat is represented by Congress MP Mohammad Sadique. Ex-diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu handed ticket from Amritsar BJP fielded former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu from the Amritsar constituency. The 61-year-old former diplomat is Teja Singh Samundri's grandson, who was one of the founding members of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. The ruling party last won the seat in the year 2009 when Navjot Singh Sidhu was the candidate. BJP's Arun Jaitley and Hardeep Singh Puri lost in the 2014 and 2019 elections respectively. From the Jalandhar constituency, the party fielded AAP's lone MP Sushil Kumar Rinku who joined the BJP just four days ago. Rinku, who had been named the candidate by the AAP, quit the Kejriwal-led outfit in less than a year after joining it. On the other hand, MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, who quit Congress and joined BJP on Tuesday, was fielded from the Ludhiana seat. He is the grandson of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated in a terror attack in 1995. Rabindra Narayan Behera fielded from Jajpur seat Rabindra Narayan Behera was handed the ticket by the party from Jajpur seat in Odisha, Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi from Kandhamal and Bhartruhari Mahtab from Cuttack. In West Bengal, the ruling party fielded former IPS officer Debashish Dhar from Birbhum and Pranat Tudu from Jhargram. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Sunny Deol dropped; BJP fields ex-diplomat Sandhu from Amritsar, Preneet Kaur from Patiala

The Congress will reserve 50% of government jobs for women if it is voted to power, former party chief Rahul Gandhi said on March 29, asserting that powerful women will change the destiny of India.

India Election 2024: Congress promises 50% quota for women in govt jobs

With polls to elect the 18th Lok Sabha approaching, district poll panels are fixing the rates for expenses as part of the election expenditure monitoring process. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: Poll panels fix rate cards for campaigning

The Mahagathbandhan, consisting of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian National Congress (INC) and Left parties, on March 29 announced the seat-sharing formula for Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Mahagathbandhan, consisting of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Indian National Congress (INC) and Left parties, on March 29 announced the seat-sharing formula for Bihar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Grand Alliance or Mahagathbandhan is fielding candidates in all 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar, with RJD or Rashtriya Janta Dal contesting on more than half the seats. Congress on the other hand has settle for only 9 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar. CPI-ML or Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) will field candidates from three seats, and CPI and CPM will contest from one seat each. Here's a detailed seat allocation list of the INDIA bloc: Rashtriya Janta Dal RJD will field candidates in the following Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar: Gaya Nawada Jahanabad Aurangabad Buxar Pataliputra Munger Jamui Banka Valmiki Nagar Purvi Champaran Sheohar Sitamarhi Vaishali Saran Siwan Gopalganj Ujiyarpur Darbhanga Madhubani Jhanjharpur Supaul Madhepura Purnia Araria Hazipur Congress Kishanganj Katihar Bhagalpur Muzaffarpur Samastipur (SC) West Champaran Patna Sahib Sasaram (SC) Maharajganj CPI-ML Aarh Karakat Nalanda CPI Begusarai CPM Khagaria NDA seat-sharing deal in Bihar On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) which includes Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustan Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) have also announced their seat-sharing list on March 18. In Bihar, the Bharatiya Janata Party will fight the elections on 17 seats while the JD(U) will field candidates on 16 seats. LJP (Ram Vilas), HAM, and RLM will fight elections in one constituency each. What happened in the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha elections? The BJP-led NDA won 39 out of 40 seats in Bihar in 2019 Lok Sabha elections. On the other hand, the INDIA bloc could only win one seat. The BJP won 17 seats, JD(U) won 16 seats, and LJP won 6 seats. Meanwhile, the INC could only secure one seat. Bihar Lok Sabha election schedule This time, Lok Sabha elections in Bihar will be held in 7 phases with the first phase on April 19, the second on April 26, the third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, the fifth phase on May 20, the sixth phase on May 25, and the last phase on June 1.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Mahagathbandhan announces seat sharing in Bihar; RJD gets 26 seats, Congress gets 9

WION Correspondent Johan Castell travelled to the Eastern India state Odisha to get you the pulse of the Lok Sabha elections. Watch in.

India Election 2024: Gauging the pulse of Odisha

India Election 2024: Rate cards for Lok Sabha polls expenditure fixed

Election fever has gripped India. The world is keeping a close watch on the India's 2024 polls, of course the election results could set the direction of the global economy for the next 5 years. Watch in for more details!

india Election 2024: World keeps an eye on India's polls

The Congress party on Monday announced its sixth list of candidates, who are going to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The list has names of five candidates, 4 from Rajasthan and 1 from Tamil Nadu.

India Election 2024: Congress releases sixth list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls

Bihar is gearing up for a seven-phase election to its 40 Lok Sabha seats. The voting will commence with four seats in the first phase, followed by five seats each in phases 2 to 5. Phases 6 and 7 will witness elections for eight seats each. Watch in for more details!

India Election 2024: Battle for Bihar's 40 Lok Sabha seats

The Congress on Saturday released its fourth list of 45 candidates for the Lok Sabha election, fielding its Uttar Pradesh unit chief Ajay Rai from Varanasi to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India Election 2024: Congress releases fourth list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls