<p>India's Election Commission on Saturday (March 16) announced the schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in 2024.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The Chief Election Commissioner announced that a total of 96.8 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in the elections this year.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">General Election to Lok Sabha 2024 - All Phase Map <a href="https://t.co/ils9MiK5U3">pic.twitter.com/ils9MiK5U3</a></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768947249726505120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>‘Focus on stopping 4Ms’</strong></h2>

<p>The Election Commissioner during the presser, underlined the main challenges that arise during polls referring to them as the 4Ms.</p>

<p>The four main areas categorised by the EC were:</p>

<p><strong>- Money power<br />
- Muscle power<br />
- Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations<br />
- Misinformation</strong></p>

<p>ECI stated that it was committed to overcoming the daunting challenges and putting in place measures to ensure fair polls.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The daunting challenges in conducting free and fair elections are four-fold, the 4Ms: muscle, money, misinformation, and MCC violations - CEC Rajiv Kumar<br />
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></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768938776276160695?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Muscle power</strong></h2>

<p>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.</p>

<p>He further stated that the CAPF would be assisted by integrated control rooms in each district with webcasting in sensitive booths.</p>

<p>There would also be drone-based checking at the borders.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><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></p>

<h2><strong>Money power&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the 2022-23 election cycle, cash seizure surged over 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states compared to five years ago.</p>

<p>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."</p>

<p>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.</p>

<h2><strong>Misinformation</strong></h2>

<p>Kumar said that the political parties were advised to ensure responsible social behaviour.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>The Election Commission also announced initiatives like 'Myth vs Reality' that aim at debunking false information by spreading facts via its platform.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768941190580408453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<p>"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.</p>

<h2><strong>Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations&nbsp;</strong></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">चुनाव प्रचार के दौरान plummeting discourse के issue से निपटने के लिए चुनाव आयोग पूरी तरह तैयार है- CEC Kumar<br />
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></p>
— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP/status/1768942565712425405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ECI established guidelines which include refraining from hate or religious speeches and divisive statements. Caste and religious appeals are prohibited.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Mar 10) inaugurated 15 airport projects, including a new terminal in Delhi, virtually from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh state. New passenger terminals inaugurated also include Lucknow, Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti and Adampur.</p>

<p>The 12 new terminals are collectively worth over INR 9,800 crore ($1.18 billion) and will&nbsp;together handle over 62 million passengers annually. Three new ones, once built, will increase the combined passenger capacity to 9.5 million per year, a government statement said.</p>

<h2><strong>Faacilities at new terminals</strong></h2>

<p>These terminals feature advanced passenger amenities and sustainable elements like insulated roofing systems, energy-saving canopies, and LED lighting. The designs draw inspiration from local heritage, reflecting the state and city's culture and history, the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi's pan-India outreach before elections, offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple</strong></p>

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<p>"The people from across the country can see the love and affection of Azamgarh. They can see your enthusiasm...This love is wonderful," the Indian leader said during the political event.</p>

<p>“You can see that in the past few days, I have been inaugurating several projects of the country from one place itself. When people hear about several airports, several railway stations, several IIMs and several AIIMS, they get surprised. Sometimes, they also put the old mindset in the same bracket - that it is an election season," Modi was quoted as saying.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwifyZainumEAxXGk1YBHUFICt4QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-to-cover-indias-length-and-breadth-in-10-day-pre-poll-tour-full-schedule-696279" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-to-cover-indias-length-and-breadth-in-10-day-pre-poll-tour-full-schedule-696279&amp;ved=2ahUKEwifyZainumEAxXGk1YBHUFICt4QxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi to cover India's length and breadth in 10-day pre-poll tour. Full schedule</a></strong></p>

<p>“What used to happen in election season earlier? People in previous governments used to make announcements to deceive people," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Delhi’s new terminal</strong></h2>

<p>The PM inaugurated Terminal 1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, which has been under expansion in parts since 2019.</p>

<p>The expansion is aimed at bringing both T1C and T1D – previously separate sections for arrivals and departures under a single revamped Terminal 1. The upgraded infrastructure will double the airport’s passenger-handling capacity from 20 million to 40 million per year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Mar 10) inaugurated 15 airport projects, including a new terminal in Delhi, virtually from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh state.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Mar 10) inaugurated 15 airport projects, including a new terminal in Delhi, virtually from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh state. New passenger terminals inaugurated also include Lucknow, Pune, Kolhapur, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Chitrakoot, Moradabad, Shravasti and Adampur. The 12 new terminals are collectively worth over INR 9,800 crore ($1.18 billion) and will together handle over 62 million passengers annually. Three new ones, once built, will increase the combined passenger capacity to 9.5 million per year, a government statement said. Faacilities at new terminals These terminals feature advanced passenger amenities and sustainable elements like insulated roofing systems, energy-saving canopies, and LED lighting. The designs draw inspiration from local heritage, reflecting the state and city's culture and history, the statement added. Watch: PM Modi's pan-India outreach before elections, offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple × "The people from across the country can see the love and affection of Azamgarh. They can see your enthusiasm...This love is wonderful," the Indian leader said during the political event. “You can see that in the past few days, I have been inaugurating several projects of the country from one place itself. When people hear about several airports, several railway stations, several IIMs and several AIIMS, they get surprised. Sometimes, they also put the old mindset in the same bracket - that it is an election season," Modi was quoted as saying. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi to cover India's length and breadth in 10-day pre-poll tour. Full schedule “What used to happen in election season earlier? People in previous governments used to make announcements to deceive people," he added. Delhi’s new terminal The PM inaugurated Terminal 1 of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, which has been under expansion in parts since 2019. The expansion is aimed at bringing both T1C and T1D – previously separate sections for arrivals and departures under a single revamped Terminal 1. The upgraded infrastructure will double the airport’s passenger-handling capacity from 20 million to 40 million per year. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi inaugurates 15 airport projects, including New Delhi’s Terminal 1, from UP’s Azamgarh

<p>The negotiations between the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the ruling party of Odisha state, for a pre-poll alliance collapsed after disagreements emerged over seat sharing.</p>

<p>The stand-off erupted after both parties failed to resolve differences over two seats—Bhubaneswar and Puri.</p>

<p>The BJP said it will focus on contesting the polls in the state alone. BJP State President Manmohan Samal said, "We had gone to Delhi to hold discussions with the central leaders on our preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. No talks on alliance or seat-sharing with any party were held during the meeting. The BJP will contest the twin polls on its own strength."</p>

<h2><strong>Disagreement over seat sharing</strong></h2>

<p>Both BJP and BJP agreed to the idea of securing a pre-poll alliance but they failed to reach an agreement over seat-sharing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The BJD wanted to contest over 100 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly, an offer that the BJP rejected vehemently. On the other hand, the BJP sought 14 out of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, a proposition that the BJD rejected. In the 2019 general elections, the BJD had secured 12 seats, while the BJP won eight out of the total 21.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian elections 2024: Congress releases first list of candidates</strong></p>

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<p>It must be noted that the BJD was a part of the BJP-backed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before it parted ways in 2009 following failed seat-sharing talks.</p>

<h2><strong>Big jolt to Congress in MP</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, India’s biggest opposition party Congress suffered a major blow in Madhya Pradesh state on Saturday (Mar 9) as former union minister and Congress leader Suresh Pachouri and former MP Gajendra Singh Rajukhedi joined the BJP.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiv95-f2-aEAxVm9jgGHUegC2wQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-what-akhilesh-is-doing-to-make-a-yadav-win-in-samajwadi-partys-strongholds-697587" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-what-akhilesh-is-doing-to-make-a-yadav-win-in-samajwadi-partys-strongholds-697587&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiv95-f2-aEAxVm9jgGHUegC2wQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Battle of the Bastions: What Akhilesh is doing to make a Yadav win in Samajwadi Party strongholds</a></strong></p>

<p>Several other leaders who were expected to join BJP are former MLAs Sanjay Shukla, Vishal Patel, former MLA from Piparia Arjun Palia, and former state NSUI president Atul Sharma.</p>

<p>The exodus from Congress comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in which more than 950 million people would vote to fill the lower house of the Indian Parliament.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The negotiations between the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the ruling party of Odisha state, for a pre-poll alliance collapsed after disagreements emerged over seat sharing.

The negotiations between the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the ruling party of Odisha state, for a pre-poll alliance collapsed after disagreements emerged over seat sharing. The stand-off erupted after both parties failed to resolve differences over two seats—Bhubaneswar and Puri. The BJP said it will focus on contesting the polls in the state alone. BJP State President Manmohan Samal said, "We had gone to Delhi to hold discussions with the central leaders on our preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state. No talks on alliance or seat-sharing with any party were held during the meeting. The BJP will contest the twin polls on its own strength." Disagreement over seat sharing Both BJP and BJP agreed to the idea of securing a pre-poll alliance but they failed to reach an agreement over seat-sharing. The BJD wanted to contest over 100 seats in the 147-member Odisha Assembly, an offer that the BJP rejected vehemently. On the other hand, the BJP sought 14 out of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, a proposition that the BJD rejected. In the 2019 general elections, the BJD had secured 12 seats, while the BJP won eight out of the total 21. Watch: Indian elections 2024: Congress releases first list of candidates × It must be noted that the BJD was a part of the BJP-backed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before it parted ways in 2009 following failed seat-sharing talks. Big jolt to Congress in MP Meanwhile, India’s biggest opposition party Congress suffered a major blow in Madhya Pradesh state on Saturday (Mar 9) as former union minister and Congress leader Suresh Pachouri and former MP Gajendra Singh Rajukhedi joined the BJP. Also read: Battle of the Bastions: What Akhilesh is doing to make a Yadav win in Samajwadi Party strongholds Several other leaders who were expected to join BJP are former MLAs Sanjay Shukla, Vishal Patel, former MLA from Piparia Arjun Palia, and former state NSUI president Atul Sharma. The exodus from Congress comes ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in which more than 950 million people would vote to fill the lower house of the Indian Parliament. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Pre-poll alliance talks between BJP and BJD collapse

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has&nbsp;released&nbsp;its first list of 195 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to secure 370 seats on its own, and over 400 for its alliance, the NDA. India's&nbsp;ruling BJP declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would once again contest from Varanasi, with other&nbsp;notable names&nbsp;included 34 Union Ministers such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani.</p>

<h2><strong>Here are the key contenders in BJP's candidate lineup</strong></h2>

<h2>Narendra Modi</h2>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to contest once more from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. With victories in the constituency in the past two elections, PM Modi eyes a third consecutive triumph.</p>

<h2>Amit Shah</h2>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah, credited with orchestrating BJP's resounding victory in the 2014 polls, will seek re-election from Gandhinagar, Gujarat.</p>

<h2>Rajnath Singh</h2>

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will again be in the fray from the Lucknow constituency in the upcoming elections.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BJP announces first list for Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Smriti Irani</strong></h2>

<p>Following her historic victory over Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, Smriti Irani has been once again entrusted with this critical constituency in Uttar Pradesh.</p>

<h2><strong>Jyotiraditya Scindia</strong></h2>

<p>Former Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia will compete from Guna in Madhya Pradesh, aiming to regain the constituency he lost to the BJP candidate in 2019.</p>

<h2><strong>Shivraj Singh Chouhan</strong></h2>

<p>Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seems to be&nbsp;poised for a national role, and will contest from Vidisha.</p>

<h2>Kiren Rijiju</h2>

<p>Kiren Rijiju, currently holding the Earth Sciences portfolio, will contest from Arunachal West, having spearheaded significant ministries since BJP's second term in 2019.</p>

<h2>Rajeev Chandrasekhar</h2>

<p>Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar will enter a high-stakes battle in Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to wrest the seat from Congress' Shashi Tharoor.</p>

<h2>Hema Malini</h2>

<p>Renowned actor-politician Hema Malini has been fielded once more from Mathura, seeking to replicate her emphatic victories in the past two elections.</p>

<h2>Bhupender Yadav</h2>

<p>A seasoned BJP leader, Bhupender Yadav,&nbsp;known for his adept handling of challenges, steps into his maiden Lok Sabha election from Alwar, Rajasthan.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-cup-winner-and-mp-gautam-gambhir-requests-ruling-bjp-for-release-from-political-duties-695777">Also read |&nbsp;Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties</a></p>

<p>Despite securing 303 seats in the 2019 polls, the BJP's current representation in the Lok Sabha stands at 290 due to various factors, including recent resignations of some MPs post their victories in assembly polls.</p>

<p>With the Election Commission expected to announce the poll schedule later this month, the Lok Sabha elections are anticipated to take place in April-May, marking a crucial phase in India's democratic process.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 195 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to secure 370 seats on its own, and over 400 for its alliance, the NDA.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 195 candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, aiming to secure 370 seats on its own, and over 400 for its alliance, the NDA. India's ruling BJP declared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would once again contest from Varanasi, with other notable names included 34 Union Ministers such as Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Smriti Irani. Here are the key contenders in BJP's candidate lineup Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to contest once more from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. With victories in the constituency in the past two elections, PM Modi eyes a third consecutive triumph. Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah, credited with orchestrating BJP's resounding victory in the 2014 polls, will seek re-election from Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Rajnath Singh Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will again be in the fray from the Lucknow constituency in the upcoming elections. Also watch | BJP announces first list for Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi Smriti Irani Following her historic victory over Rahul Gandhi in Amethi in 2019, Smriti Irani has been once again entrusted with this critical constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Jyotiraditya Scindia Former Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jyotiraditya Scindia will compete from Guna in Madhya Pradesh, aiming to regain the constituency he lost to the BJP candidate in 2019. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan seems to be poised for a national role, and will contest from Vidisha. Kiren Rijiju Kiren Rijiju, currently holding the Earth Sciences portfolio, will contest from Arunachal West, having spearheaded significant ministries since BJP's second term in 2019. Rajeev Chandrasekhar Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar will enter a high-stakes battle in Thiruvananthapuram, aiming to wrest the seat from Congress' Shashi Tharoor. Hema Malini Renowned actor-politician Hema Malini has been fielded once more from Mathura, seeking to replicate her emphatic victories in the past two elections. Bhupender Yadav A seasoned BJP leader, Bhupender Yadav, known for his adept handling of challenges, steps into his maiden Lok Sabha election from Alwar, Rajasthan. Also read | Former World Cup winner and MP Gautam Gambhir requests ruling BJP to relieve him of political duties Despite securing 303 seats in the 2019 polls, the BJP's current representation in the Lok Sabha stands at 290 due to various factors, including recent resignations of some MPs post their victories in assembly polls. With the Election Commission expected to announce the poll schedule later this month, the Lok Sabha elections are anticipated to take place in April-May, marking a crucial phase in India's democratic process. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP heavyweights headline party’s first list of 195 candidates

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


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

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

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

<p>Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has entered the 2024 Lok Sabha election race.&nbsp;Haasan, who is the president of the political party Makkal Needhi Maim (MNM), will be contesting&nbsp;the upcoming general election, either from Coimbatore or Chennai.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Haasan's party was allotted the symbol of ''battery torch''. According to reports, the actor's party MNM is likely to&nbsp;join hands with DMK and Congress and&nbsp;contest as part of the INDIA bloc alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-what-a-historic-moment-akshay-kumar-on-uaes-first-hindi-temple-shares-picture-690505">'What a historic moment!' Akshay Kumar on UAE's first Hindu temple</a></p>

<p>Haasan made his foray into the political world in 2018, and his party has been quite active in Coimbatore in recent years. In 2021, he contested&nbsp;the assembly election from Coimbatore South but&nbsp;lost to BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan by a slinder&nbsp;margin of 1,50 votes. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, MNM candidate, Dr R&nbsp;Mahendran fought from the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources have revealed that Coimbatore has been the first choice for Kamal, but he will not mind contesting in Lok Sabha elections from either Chennai&nbsp;North, South or Central constituencies.</p>

<p>Coimbatore seat is currently represented by CPI-M, while all three Chennai seats are bagged by&nbsp;DMK. In 2021, Kamal&nbsp;joined Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra.&nbsp;However, the actor later clarified that he did that for united India as he urged not to mistake his participation for leaning towards a "party".</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-shah-rukh-khans-dunki-gets-ott-release-date-details-inside-690419">Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki gets OTT release date; details inside</a></p>

<p>"...if I had this much sense of politics in the 1970s and there was Emergency, I would have walked the streets of Delhi. Please do not mistake this (my joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra) as my leaning towards a party; This was for a united India," Haasan said.</p>

<p>Haasan's MNM made its debut in the 2019 Lok Sabha election with the same battery torch symbol. His party then contested the 2021 Assembly elections.</p>

<p>(With agency inputs)</p>


Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has entered the 2024 Lok Sabha election race. Haasan, who is the president of the political party Makkal Needhi Maim (MNM), will be contesting the upcoming general election, either from Coimbatore or Chennai.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has entered the 2024 Lok Sabha election race. Haasan, who is the president of the political party Makkal Needhi Maim (MNM), will be contesting the upcoming general election, either from Coimbatore or Chennai. Earlier this week, Haasan's party was allotted the symbol of ''battery torch''. According to reports, the actor's party MNM is likely to join hands with DMK and Congress and contest as part of the INDIA bloc alliance. 'What a historic moment!' Akshay Kumar on UAE's first Hindu temple Haasan made his foray into the political world in 2018, and his party has been quite active in Coimbatore in recent years. In 2021, he contested the assembly election from Coimbatore South but lost to BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan by a slinder margin of 1,50 votes. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, MNM candidate, Dr R Mahendran fought from the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat. Sources have revealed that Coimbatore has been the first choice for Kamal, but he will not mind contesting in Lok Sabha elections from either Chennai North, South or Central constituencies. Coimbatore seat is currently represented by CPI-M, while all three Chennai seats are bagged by DMK. In 2021, Kamal joined Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra. However, the actor later clarified that he did that for united India as he urged not to mistake his participation for leaning towards a "party". Shah Rukh Khan's Dunki gets OTT release date; details inside "...if I had this much sense of politics in the 1970s and there was Emergency, I would have walked the streets of Delhi. Please do not mistake this (my joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra) as my leaning towards a party; This was for a united India," Haasan said. Haasan's MNM made its debut in the 2019 Lok Sabha election with the same battery torch symbol. His party then contested the 2021 Assembly elections. (With agency inputs)

Indian actor Kamal Haasan to contest 2024 Lok Sabha election

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


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

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

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

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday that the 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will be put into effect prior to this year's Lok Sabha elections after the relevant regulations are issued.<br />
<br />
Lambasting the opposition,&nbsp;Amit Shah said at an event in New Delhi, "They're misleading and inciting our Muslim brothers (to oppose the CAA).&nbsp;Only people who fled persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh and arrived in India are intended to be granted citizenship under the CAA. The purpose of it is not to take away someone's Indian citizenship."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Union Minister predicted that the NDA will win over 400 seats and the BJP would win 370 seats in the next elections, allowing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to head the government for a record three terms. Shah asserted that there is no suspense over the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls and even the Congress and other opposition parties have realised that they will again have to sit on the opposition benches.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-home-minister-amit-shah-reiterates-no-one-can-stop-implementation-of-caa-674070">Home Minister Amit Shah reiterates ‘no one can stop’ implementation of CAA</a></p>

<p>"We revoked Article 370 (of the Constitution, which granted the former state of Jammu and Kashmir a special status). Therefore, it is our belief that the nation's voters will grant the BJP 370 seats and the NDA nearly 400 seats," Shah added.</p>

<p>The home minister indicated that more parties might join the ruling coalition when asked if the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD)&nbsp;led by Jayant Choudhary, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and a few other regional parties could join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).&nbsp;The BJP "believes in family planning but not in politics", indicating that more parties may join the coalition.&nbsp;When pressed further on SAD, he said, "Talks are going on but nothing has been finalised."</p>

<p>Shah stated that the election of 2024 will be between development and those who offer just platitudes, rather than between the NDA and the opposition coalition in India.</p>

<p>When asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, he responded that the Nehru-Gandhi scion had no right to carry out the march because his party was in charge of the nation's 1947 partition.<br />
<br />
Shah explained that the timeliness of the government's white paper before Parliament was essential, stating that the nation had a right to know about the devastation the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), led by the Congress, left behind when it was voted out of power by the people in 2014.</p>

<p>"The economy was in rough shape in 2014. Scams were everywhere. There were no foreign investments coming in. The world would have received the wrong impression if we had brought out a white paper at that moment."</p>

<p>"However, ten years later, our administration has brought in foreign investment, revitalised the economy, and eradicated all corruption. Thus, it is the appropriate moment to release the white paper," he stated.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday that the 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will be put into effect prior to this year's Lok Sabha elections after the relevant regulations are issued.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday that the 2019 Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) will be put into effect prior to this year's Lok Sabha elections after the relevant regulations are issued. Lambasting the opposition, Amit Shah said at an event in New Delhi, "They're misleading and inciting our Muslim brothers (to oppose the CAA). Only people who fled persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan, or Bangladesh and arrived in India are intended to be granted citizenship under the CAA. The purpose of it is not to take away someone's Indian citizenship." The Union Minister predicted that the NDA will win over 400 seats and the BJP would win 370 seats in the next elections, allowing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to head the government for a record three terms. Shah asserted that there is no suspense over the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls and even the Congress and other opposition parties have realised that they will again have to sit on the opposition benches. Also Read: Home Minister Amit Shah reiterates ‘no one can stop’ implementation of CAA "We revoked Article 370 (of the Constitution, which granted the former state of Jammu and Kashmir a special status). Therefore, it is our belief that the nation's voters will grant the BJP 370 seats and the NDA nearly 400 seats," Shah added. The home minister indicated that more parties might join the ruling coalition when asked if the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) led by Jayant Choudhary, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and a few other regional parties could join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The BJP "believes in family planning but not in politics", indicating that more parties may join the coalition. When pressed further on SAD, he said, "Talks are going on but nothing has been finalised." Shah stated that the election of 2024 will be between development and those who offer just platitudes, rather than between the NDA and the opposition coalition in India. When asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra, he responded that the Nehru-Gandhi scion had no right to carry out the march because his party was in charge of the nation's 1947 partition. Shah explained that the timeliness of the government's white paper before Parliament was essential, stating that the nation had a right to know about the devastation the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), led by the Congress, left behind when it was voted out of power by the people in 2014. "The economy was in rough shape in 2014. Scams were everywhere. There were no foreign investments coming in. The world would have received the wrong impression if we had brought out a white paper at that moment." "However, ten years later, our administration has brought in foreign investment, revitalised the economy, and eradicated all corruption. Thus, it is the appropriate moment to release the white paper," he stated. (With inputs from agencies)

India: CAA will be implemented before upcoming Lok Sabha elections, says Amit Shah

<p>The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The formula was decided during a meeting between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The ruling Janata Dal (United) and the RJD will contest the election on 17 seats each.</p>

<p>The Congress will contest the poll on four Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat. The remaining two seats in the Lok Sabha will be given to the Left parties.</p>

<p>Sunday's meeting in New Delhi was attended by RJD leader Manoj Jha, and Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Salman Khurshid and Mukul Wasnik.</p>

<p>Following the meeting, Salman Khurshid said, "The meeting will continue with various parties. In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment."</p>

<p>"In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment," Khurshid said, adding a meeting with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be held on Monday.</p>

<p>A meeting with the JD(U) will be held in the next 1-2 days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The INDIA alliance is a group of 28 opposition parties including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and the AAP. Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's name as a prime ministerial candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The general election in India is expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha- Parliament's lower house. The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha will end on June 16. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive victory in the general election.</p>


The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The opposition INDIA alliance on Sunday (Jan 7) finalised its seat sharing in Bihar, ahead of the Lok Sabha election in India. A formula of 17+17+4+2 has been decided for the 40 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The formula was decided during a meeting between the Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). The ruling Janata Dal (United) and the RJD will contest the election on 17 seats each. The Congress will contest the poll on four Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat. The remaining two seats in the Lok Sabha will be given to the Left parties. Sunday's meeting in New Delhi was attended by RJD leader Manoj Jha, and Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Salman Khurshid and Mukul Wasnik. Following the meeting, Salman Khurshid said, "The meeting will continue with various parties. In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment." "In the meeting, we are first presenting our understanding about the seats there and then asking them for their assessment," Khurshid said, adding a meeting with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be held on Monday. A meeting with the JD(U) will be held in the next 1-2 days. The INDIA alliance is a group of 28 opposition parties including the Congress, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and the AAP. Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee proposed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's name as a prime ministerial candidate. The general election in India is expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha- Parliament's lower house. The tenure of the 17th Lok Sabha will end on June 16. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is seeking a third consecutive victory in the general election.

Lok Sabha poll: INDIA alliance’s seat sharing in Bihar finalised. Details here

<p>Rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 (CAA) are set to be notified "much before" Lok Sabha elections in India are announced, reported Press Trust of India (PTI) citing an unnamed senior government functionary.</p>

<p>"We are going to issue the rules for the CAA soon. Once the rules are issued, the law can be implemented and those eligible can be granted Indian citizenship," the functionary said, as quoted by PTI.</p>

<p>The act was brought by Narendra Modi government. According to the provisions in the act, persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014 would be granted Indian nationality. The non-Muslim communities in the purview of the law are - Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians.</p>

<p>CAA was passed by the Indian parliament in December 2019 following which it received presidential assent.</p>

<p>Protests had broken out in India over the act.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Impasse over choice of Ram Lalla idol: Temple trust may decide on black or white idol by January 14</strong></p>

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<p>In order for the act to be implemented, rules for the same need to be notified. This is something which has been delayed by more than four years.</p>

<p>India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah had asserted last month that nothing could stop implementation of the CAA since it is the law of the land.</p>

<p>West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposes CAA. Shah has accused her of misleading people.</p>

<p>The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) believes that CAA and the debate surrounding it helped in boosting party's profile in multiple elections in West Bengal.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-narendra-modi-launches-projects-worth-24-billion-in-tamil-nadu-675937">Indian PM Narendra Modi launches projects worth $2.4 billion in Tamil Nadu</a></strong></p>

<p>India's home ministry has been taking regular extensions to notify CAA rules since as per parliamentary rules such an extension from Committees on Subordinate Legislation of both houses needs to be obtained in case rules for a legislation are not formed within six months of presidential assent.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-assist-tanzania-in-raising-mechanised-infantry-battalion-676103">India to assist Tanzania in raising mechanised infantry battalion</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the government has taken steps towards ultimate implementation of the law. more than 30 district magistrates alongwith home secretaries of nine states have been given powers to grant Indian citizenships to non-Muslim minorities from the three countries.</p>

<p>However, none of the authorities in Assam and West Bengal have been empowered as the issue of CAA is politically sensitive there.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 (CAA) are set to be notified "much before" Lok Sabha elections in India are announced, reported Press Trust of India (PTI) citing an unnamed senior government functionary.

Rules for the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 (CAA) are set to be notified "much before" Lok Sabha elections in India are announced, reported Press Trust of India (PTI) citing an unnamed senior government functionary. "We are going to issue the rules for the CAA soon. Once the rules are issued, the law can be implemented and those eligible can be granted Indian citizenship," the functionary said, as quoted by PTI. The act was brought by Narendra Modi government. According to the provisions in the act, persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014 would be granted Indian nationality. The non-Muslim communities in the purview of the law are - Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians. CAA was passed by the Indian parliament in December 2019 following which it received presidential assent. Protests had broken out in India over the act. Watch | Impasse over choice of Ram Lalla idol: Temple trust may decide on black or white idol by January 14 × In order for the act to be implemented, rules for the same need to be notified. This is something which has been delayed by more than four years. India's Union Home Minister Amit Shah had asserted last month that nothing could stop implementation of the CAA since it is the law of the land. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposes CAA. Shah has accused her of misleading people. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) believes that CAA and the debate surrounding it helped in boosting party's profile in multiple elections in West Bengal. Also Read | Indian PM Narendra Modi launches projects worth $2.4 billion in Tamil Nadu India's home ministry has been taking regular extensions to notify CAA rules since as per parliamentary rules such an extension from Committees on Subordinate Legislation of both houses needs to be obtained in case rules for a legislation are not formed within six months of presidential assent. Also Read | India to assist Tanzania in raising mechanised infantry battalion Meanwhile, the government has taken steps towards ultimate implementation of the law. more than 30 district magistrates alongwith home secretaries of nine states have been given powers to grant Indian citizenships to non-Muslim minorities from the three countries. However, none of the authorities in Assam and West Bengal have been empowered as the issue of CAA is politically sensitive there. (With inputs from agencies)

India: CAA rules can be notified ‘much before’ Lok Sabha elections, says report

<p>Ahead of 2024 India's general elections, one of the parties in the ruling alliance has severed ties with it.</p>

<p>All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) from the southern state of Tamilnadu on Monday (September 25) exited the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).</p>

<p>This was to protest against state BJP leader's attacks and defamatory statements on AIADMK and their leaders, particularly by its chief Annamalai.</p>

<p>AIADMK Deputy General Secretary KP Munusamy announced the decision after a resolution was passed&nbsp;unanimously at a meeting of MPs, MLAs and district heads at the party's headquarters in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks on our former leaders, our general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and our cadres for the past one year. In today’s meeting, this resolution was passed unanimously,” said the party.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-alliances-agenda-is-to-end-countrys-sanatan-culture-says-pm-modi-635957"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'INDIA alliance's agenda is to end country's ‘Sanatan’ culture', says PM Modi</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>What did Annamalai say?</strong></h2>

<p>At a BJP protest event earlier this month, Annamalai had said that&nbsp;late chief minister CN Annadurai insulted Hinduism at an event in Madurai in 1956.</p>

<p>AIADMK was founded by former Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran based on the principles popularised by CN Annadurai.</p>

<p>In Annamalai's telling,&nbsp;in June 1956 in the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, a child sang a song from the Sangam era for Annadurai.</p>

<p>The Dravidian leader praised the child for singing well but then said had she shown her talent centuries ago,&nbsp;a story would have been spun of how she was only able to sing divinely because she consumed the holy milk provided by Goddess Umaiyaval.</p>

<p>After Annamalai's remarks, AIADMK leaders said the BJP leader had "deliberately insulted" the Dravidian stalwart.</p>

<p>"The Dravidian movement has given life to us all. Anna gave everyone opportunities and equal rights to women and gave the name Tamil Nadu to this state,"&nbsp;AIADMK MP CV Shanmugam had said at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You (Annamalai) are not eligible to speak about Anna. Even after being in alliance, Annamalai is speaking ill of Perarignar Anna. Earlier, he critiqued Amma (Jayalalithaa) and now Anna."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-opposition-parties-form-india-alliance-for-2024-election-618261"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian opposition parties form ‘INDIA’ alliance for 2024 election</strong></a></p>

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<p>Annamalai dodged media questions on AIADMK going its separate way.</p>

<p>Despite aligning with the BJP, AIADMK has had a horror showing&nbsp;in the past elections.</p>

<p>It lost overwhelmingly in the 2019 Lok Sabha election where it&nbsp;only garnered one seat. Later in the state elections of 2021, it fell to 75 seats from 135 seats five years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Ahead of 2024 India's general elections, one of the parties in the ruling alliance has severed ties with it. All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) from the southern state of Tamilnadu on Monday (September 25) exited the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Ahead of 2024 India's general elections, one of the parties in the ruling alliance has severed ties with it. All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) from the southern state of Tamilnadu on Monday (September 25) exited the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This was to protest against state BJP leader's attacks and defamatory statements on AIADMK and their leaders, particularly by its chief Annamalai. AIADMK Deputy General Secretary KP Munusamy announced the decision after a resolution was passed unanimously at a meeting of MPs, MLAs and district heads at the party's headquarters in Chennai. “The state leadership of the BJP has been continuously making unnecessary remarks on our former leaders, our general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and our cadres for the past one year. In today’s meeting, this resolution was passed unanimously,” said the party. Also read | 'INDIA alliance's agenda is to end country's ‘Sanatan’ culture', says PM Modi What did Annamalai say? At a BJP protest event earlier this month, Annamalai had said that late chief minister CN Annadurai insulted Hinduism at an event in Madurai in 1956. AIADMK was founded by former Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran based on the principles popularised by CN Annadurai. In Annamalai's telling, in June 1956 in the Meenakshi temple in Madurai, a child sang a song from the Sangam era for Annadurai. The Dravidian leader praised the child for singing well but then said had she shown her talent centuries ago, a story would have been spun of how she was only able to sing divinely because she consumed the holy milk provided by Goddess Umaiyaval. After Annamalai's remarks, AIADMK leaders said the BJP leader had "deliberately insulted" the Dravidian stalwart. "The Dravidian movement has given life to us all. Anna gave everyone opportunities and equal rights to women and gave the name Tamil Nadu to this state," AIADMK MP CV Shanmugam had said at the time. "You (Annamalai) are not eligible to speak about Anna. Even after being in alliance, Annamalai is speaking ill of Perarignar Anna. Earlier, he critiqued Amma (Jayalalithaa) and now Anna." Watch | Indian opposition parties form ‘INDIA’ alliance for 2024 election × Annamalai dodged media questions on AIADMK going its separate way. Despite aligning with the BJP, AIADMK has had a horror showing in the past elections. It lost overwhelmingly in the 2019 Lok Sabha election where it only garnered one seat. Later in the state elections of 2021, it fell to 75 seats from 135 seats five years ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Blow to BJP? AIADMK severs ties with NDA over Annamalai's remarks

This is what Indians searched most on Google in 2019

<p>Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC)&nbsp;MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday.</p>

<p>He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah.</p>

<p>On Monday, Dutta had said that he will be joining the party in the presence of Amit Shah.</p>

<p>"I will be joining BJP tomorrow at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Dutta had said on Monday.</p>

<p>Last month, former Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Sovan Chatterjee joined the BJP.</p>

<p>In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made deep inroads in West Bengal, winning 18 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies while the TMC managed just 22, 12 less than it had won in the 2014 polls.</p>

<p>Since then, several TMC leaders including Biswajit Das Tusharkanti Bhattacharya, Monirul Islam and Sunil Singh have joined the BJP.</p>

<p>The Mamata Banerjee-led party has also lost control over five civic bodies of Bhatpara, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati and Garulia.</p>


Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah.

Former Mayor of Bidhannagar and Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday. He joined BJP in the presence of party president Amit Shah. On Monday, Dutta had said that he will be joining the party in the presence of Amit Shah. "I will be joining BJP tomorrow at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Dutta had said on Monday. Last month, former Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Sovan Chatterjee joined the BJP. In this year's Lok Sabha elections, the BJP made deep inroads in West Bengal, winning 18 out of 42 parliamentary constituencies while the TMC managed just 22, 12 less than it had won in the 2014 polls. Since then, several TMC leaders including Biswajit Das Tusharkanti Bhattacharya, Monirul Islam and Sunil Singh have joined the BJP. The Mamata Banerjee-led party has also lost control over five civic bodies of Bhatpara, Halisahar, Kanchrapara, Naihati and Garulia.

Trinamool Congress MLA Sabyasachi Dutta joins Bharatiya Janata Party

<p>Newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/om-birla-from-grassroots-politician-to-lok-sabha-speaker-228583">Om Birla</a> on Wednesday thanked&nbsp;political parties for unanimously electing him said he vowed to&nbsp;run the House in an impartial manner.</p>

<p>Addressing the House as the speaker, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/om-birla-two-time-bjp-mp-from-rajasthan-becomes-speaker-of-17th-lok-sabha-228575">Birla assured the members</a> that he will preside over the proceedings in accordance with rules and regulations and "safeguard the interests of the members irrespective of the strength of their parties in the House".</p>

<p>He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he expects the "government to be more responsible and answerable in the House".</p>

<p>Everyone should be heard and the government should respond to them, he added.</p>

<p>Seeking cooperation from all the members for the smooth functioning of the House, Birla said they should raise the questions and issues that come under the ambit of the central government.</p>

<p>"I have been a member like you from 2014 to 2019. And here, we should raise the issues which matter to the last person standing in the row," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There was no candidate in the fray other than Birla and the motion moved by the prime minister to choose the Kota-Bundi MP as the speaker was adopted by a voice vote.</p>

<p>A total of 13 motions were moved in support of Birla.</p>

<p>Om Birla, a surprise pick for the post, won his first Lok Sabha election in 2014 and was again elected this year from Rajasthan's Kota-Bundi seat. He defeated Congress' Ramnarain Meena by over 2.5 lakh votes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday thanked political parties for unanimously electing him said he vowed to run the House in an impartial manner.

Newly-elected Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday thanked political parties for unanimously electing him said he vowed to run the House in an impartial manner. Addressing the House as the speaker, Birla assured the members that he will preside over the proceedings in accordance with rules and regulations and "safeguard the interests of the members irrespective of the strength of their parties in the House". He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that he expects the "government to be more responsible and answerable in the House". Everyone should be heard and the government should respond to them, he added. Seeking cooperation from all the members for the smooth functioning of the House, Birla said they should raise the questions and issues that come under the ambit of the central government. "I have been a member like you from 2014 to 2019. And here, we should raise the issues which matter to the last person standing in the row," he said. There was no candidate in the fray other than Birla and the motion moved by the prime minister to choose the Kota-Bundi MP as the speaker was adopted by a voice vote. A total of 13 motions were moved in support of Birla. Om Birla, a surprise pick for the post, won his first Lok Sabha election in 2014 and was again elected this year from Rajasthan's Kota-Bundi seat. He defeated Congress' Ramnarain Meena by over 2.5 lakh votes. (With inputs from agencies)

Will run House impartially, safeguard interests of all members: Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla

<p>In a bid to infuse fresh energy in the party organisation and with the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in mind, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-to-visit-uttar-pradesh-for-first-time-after-congress-poll-debacle-225817">Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a> will increase the frequency of her tours to the state and meet party workers at least twice a week, sources said on Sunday.</p>

<p>The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh is ready to hit the ground in the state, following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-gandhi-reprimands-congress-workers-for-not-giving-their-best-in-lok-sabha-polls-226769">Congress's debacle in the recent Lok Sabha election</a>, in order to strengthen the party organisation in time for the 2022 Assembly polls.</p>

<p>In a bid to ensure direct communication with the party workers, Priyanka Gandhi will meet them twice a week without prior appointments, the sources said.</p>

<p>"It emerged from the review meetings held after the Lok Sabha polls that there should be greater coordination and communication between the leaders and the workers.</p>

<p>For this, it has been decided that Priyanka Gandhi will meet the party workers at least twice a week," a Congress leader said on the condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>"The frequency of her tours to Uttar Pradesh will also increase in the near future," he added.</p>

<p>The plan to step up her Uttar Pradesh tours and establish direct communication with the party workers comes days after Priyanka Gandhi, during a visit to Raebareli, told the workers that they had let down the grand old party in the Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>Accompanied by her mother and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who visited her parliamentary constituency last Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi pulled up the party workers for failing to work for the Congress during the polls.</p>

<p>"I will find out the names of the workers who did not work for the party in the election," she had said, adding that those who had toiled honestly and sincerely for the party knew that from the core of their hearts.</p>

<p>"But those who did not, I will find out their names," she had said.</p>

<p>Priyanka Gandhi, who was appointed as the party general secretary just ahead of the parliamentary polls, had campaigned vigorously for Congress candidates in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Raebareli and Amethi.</p>

<p>But of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the Congress could manage to win only Raebareli. Even party president Rahul Gandhi lost to Union minister Smriti Irani from his family stronghold of Amethi.</p>

<p>Priyanka Gandhi and AICC in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia held review meetings following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha polls, in which it managed to win 52 seats nationally.</p>

<p>Bypolls are due for 11 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh after the respective MLAs were elected to Parliament.</p>


In a bid to infuse fresh energy in the party organisation and with the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in mind, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will increase the frequency of her tours to the state and meet party workers at least twice a week, sources said on Sunday.

In a bid to infuse fresh energy in the party organisation and with the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls in mind, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will increase the frequency of her tours to the state and meet party workers at least twice a week, sources said on Sunday. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh is ready to hit the ground in the state, following the Congress's debacle in the recent Lok Sabha election, in order to strengthen the party organisation in time for the 2022 Assembly polls. In a bid to ensure direct communication with the party workers, Priyanka Gandhi will meet them twice a week without prior appointments, the sources said. "It emerged from the review meetings held after the Lok Sabha polls that there should be greater coordination and communication between the leaders and the workers. For this, it has been decided that Priyanka Gandhi will meet the party workers at least twice a week," a Congress leader said on the condition of anonymity. "The frequency of her tours to Uttar Pradesh will also increase in the near future," he added. The plan to step up her Uttar Pradesh tours and establish direct communication with the party workers comes days after Priyanka Gandhi, during a visit to Raebareli, told the workers that they had let down the grand old party in the Lok Sabha polls. Accompanied by her mother and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who visited her parliamentary constituency last Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi pulled up the party workers for failing to work for the Congress during the polls. "I will find out the names of the workers who did not work for the party in the election," she had said, adding that those who had toiled honestly and sincerely for the party knew that from the core of their hearts. "But those who did not, I will find out their names," she had said. Priyanka Gandhi, who was appointed as the party general secretary just ahead of the parliamentary polls, had campaigned vigorously for Congress candidates in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Raebareli and Amethi. But of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the Congress could manage to win only Raebareli. Even party president Rahul Gandhi lost to Union minister Smriti Irani from his family stronghold of Amethi. Priyanka Gandhi and AICC in-charge of western Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia held review meetings following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha polls, in which it managed to win 52 seats nationally. Bypolls are due for 11 Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh after the respective MLAs were elected to Parliament.

With eye on 2022, Priyanka Gandhi to step up UP tours, meet Congress workers twice a week

In March 2019, before the seven-phased Lok Sabha election were about to begin, Time magazine featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi on its cover and referred to him as 'India's Divider-in-Chief'. Months later, the magazine has yet again published another article. However, this time, the article heaps praises on Modi. The article titled 'Modi Has United India Like No Prime Minister in Decades', claims that his win is a "victory for meritocracy, and for opportunity, thanks to a slate of welfare policies for the country’s extreme poor." Watch this video to know more.

Time Magazine changes stance on Narendra Modi

Amit Shah, Gautam Gambhir, Mimi Chakraborty: A look at first-time Lok Sabha poll winners

Time: 'Modi united India like no PM in decades'

Amit Shah's journey to becoming BJP's most successful president

<p>It would seem that watephors, especially billowy ones, dominate election predictions and analyses in India. But this time no one got it right. Not a single person, commentator, columnist, psephologist, soothsayer, or gossipy socialite even once predicted that there would be a staggering tsunami in favour of the Narendra Modi-led BJP. The usual comment, uttered with unshakeable confidence, was that 2019 was unlike 2014 for one simple reason. There was no NaMo wave. Nobody contested this hydrous assumption.</p>

<p>As we progressed through the campaign season, even completing the first couple of phases of the actual voting, this overwhelmingly accepted trope did get a wee watered down. Ah! the wise wags said, almost in a hushed whisper, sometimes cocking an eye or shaking a finger conspiratorially, "There is no wave, but perhaps there is an undercurrent."&nbsp;I myself, I must confess, was rather taken by the seductive appeal of this breaker. It was as if unbeknownst to the vast armies of Indian electoral observers, there was a definite shift in the leitmotif. This notion or should I say the tension between no-wave and undeniable undercurrent afforded some intellectual refreshment if not libation.</p>

<p>Soon, to continue with our aqueous discernments, the undercurrent actually turned into a groundswell. When did this happen? By most counts, the Balakot surgical strikes did it. Our jets swooped deep into Pakistani territory, crossing not just the current LoC, but the international border. Some cynics immediately dismissed this as another war-mongering political stunt. But, when our fighter pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was taken captive, the whole nation not only turned serious, but furious. His return, calmly walking across from Pakistan to Hindustan, was the most riveting and watched event on live TV. Modi was hailed not only as a decisive Prime Minister, but also an effective commander-in-chief. In his hands, the safety, security, and self-respect of India would be intact.</p>

<p>Yet, no Modi wave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead, all of us calculated the losses in UP and where they would be made-up. No one knew that the “Mahagathbandhan” would flop, getting a measly 15 out of 80 seats. Or that the shortfall for the BJP would only be 9 seats, down from 71 in 2014, to 62 in 2019. No one had noticed the hard work of UP’s much maligned-by-the-LeftLiberals Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, who addressed 137 rallies, 28 in his own home turf of Gorakhpur. It was here, we might remember, that the "gathbandhan"&nbsp;model of defeating the BJP had been hatched in the by-elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Then we saw the daily reports of violence in West Bengal, which was the arena of BJP’s impressive eastward push. Only Mamata, it would seem, stood between Modi and the saffron march all the way from Delhi to Arunachal Pradesh. There were pitched battles in Kolkata, the original homeland of Hindu, where stalwart after stalwart of India’s renaissance had emerged. Rammohan Roy, Sri Ramakrishna, Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar (he whose bust was destroyed), Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Syama Prasad Mukherji — to name only a few. It was only when Amit Shah pulled off a spectacular roadshow near College Street that the rest of India realised what was really going on.</p>

<p>But, not one person said that whatever was going on was now tantamount to a genuine Modi wave. Rather, the phrase used was somewhat more earthy than soggy—BJP was making inroads in Bengal.</p>

<p>In the meanwhile, the elections themselves, all seven phases of them, were over. Polling had taken place in fairly high numbers in all parts of the country, despite the heat and dust. This was the largest election in human history, and it had been completed without too many unsavoury or untoward events. Even the violence, regrettable as it was, was infrequent and exceptional. Now, came the exit polls and so much loose-talk about EVM tampering and EC-favouritism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But still no Modi wave.</p>

<p>It was only with the tabulation of the results, with the BJP improving its tally from 282 in 2014 to 303 in 2019 and the NDA matching its previous record by notching up 353 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha that, almost overnight, we have finally admitted to a NaMo wave this time around too. But, hey, now it’s no longer a wave; it’s a TsuNaMo. All of us were caught sleeping. No amount of catch-up or I-told-you-so can cover-up our metaphorical miscalculation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Well, what if we did not predict let alone ride this wave? In an act of figurative damage-control if not penitence, we may as well enjoy being swept off our feet as it surges across and inundates the entire length and breadth of the country.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-tsunamo-how-modi-surge-swept-aside-all-predictions-2753407">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;</em></p>


It would seem that watephors, especially billowy ones, dominate election predictions and analyses in India. But this time no one got it right. Not a single person, commentator, columnist, psephologist, soothsayer, or gossipy socialite even once predicted that there would be a staggering tsunami in favour of the Narendra Modi-led BJP.

It would seem that watephors, especially billowy ones, dominate election predictions and analyses in India. But this time no one got it right. Not a single person, commentator, columnist, psephologist, soothsayer, or gossipy socialite even once predicted that there would be a staggering tsunami in favour of the Narendra Modi-led BJP. The usual comment, uttered with unshakeable confidence, was that 2019 was unlike 2014 for one simple reason. There was no NaMo wave. Nobody contested this hydrous assumption. As we progressed through the campaign season, even completing the first couple of phases of the actual voting, this overwhelmingly accepted trope did get a wee watered down. Ah! the wise wags said, almost in a hushed whisper, sometimes cocking an eye or shaking a finger conspiratorially, "There is no wave, but perhaps there is an undercurrent." I myself, I must confess, was rather taken by the seductive appeal of this breaker. It was as if unbeknownst to the vast armies of Indian electoral observers, there was a definite shift in the leitmotif. This notion or should I say the tension between no-wave and undeniable undercurrent afforded some intellectual refreshment if not libation. Soon, to continue with our aqueous discernments, the undercurrent actually turned into a groundswell. When did this happen? By most counts, the Balakot surgical strikes did it. Our jets swooped deep into Pakistani territory, crossing not just the current LoC, but the international border. Some cynics immediately dismissed this as another war-mongering political stunt. But, when our fighter pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was taken captive, the whole nation not only turned serious, but furious. His return, calmly walking across from Pakistan to Hindustan, was the most riveting and watched event on live TV. Modi was hailed not only as a decisive Prime Minister, but also an effective commander-in-chief. In his hands, the safety, security, and self-respect of India would be intact. Yet, no Modi wave. Instead, all of us calculated the losses in UP and where they would be made-up. No one knew that the “Mahagathbandhan” would flop, getting a measly 15 out of 80 seats. Or that the shortfall for the BJP would only be 9 seats, down from 71 in 2014, to 62 in 2019. No one had noticed the hard work of UP’s much maligned-by-the-LeftLiberals Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath, who addressed 137 rallies, 28 in his own home turf of Gorakhpur. It was here, we might remember, that the "gathbandhan" model of defeating the BJP had been hatched in the by-elections. Then we saw the daily reports of violence in West Bengal, which was the arena of BJP’s impressive eastward push. Only Mamata, it would seem, stood between Modi and the saffron march all the way from Delhi to Arunachal Pradesh. There were pitched battles in Kolkata, the original homeland of Hindu, where stalwart after stalwart of India’s renaissance had emerged. Rammohan Roy, Sri Ramakrishna, Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwarchandra Vidyasagar (he whose bust was destroyed), Swami Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Syama Prasad Mukherji — to name only a few. It was only when Amit Shah pulled off a spectacular roadshow near College Street that the rest of India realised what was really going on. But, not one person said that whatever was going on was now tantamount to a genuine Modi wave. Rather, the phrase used was somewhat more earthy than soggy—BJP was making inroads in Bengal. In the meanwhile, the elections themselves, all seven phases of them, were over. Polling had taken place in fairly high numbers in all parts of the country, despite the heat and dust. This was the largest election in human history, and it had been completed without too many unsavoury or untoward events. Even the violence, regrettable as it was, was infrequent and exceptional. Now, came the exit polls and so much loose-talk about EVM tampering and EC-favouritism. But still no Modi wave. It was only with the tabulation of the results, with the BJP improving its tally from 282 in 2014 to 303 in 2019 and the NDA matching its previous record by notching up 353 of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha that, almost overnight, we have finally admitted to a NaMo wave this time around too. But, hey, now it’s no longer a wave; it’s a TsuNaMo. All of us were caught sleeping. No amount of catch-up or I-told-you-so can cover-up our metaphorical miscalculation. Well, what if we did not predict let alone ride this wave? In an act of figurative damage-control if not penitence, we may as well enjoy being swept off our feet as it surges across and inundates the entire length and breadth of the country. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

How Narendra Modi surge swept aside all predictions

Karnataka deputy CM G Parameshwara said Kumaraswamy would continue as chief minister. “The Lok Sabha election verdict doesn’t affect our state government in any way."

HD Kumaraswamy will continue as Karnataka CM, says deputy CM G Parameshwara

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-surges-ahead-with-319-seats-in-early-trends-congress-trails-far-behind-with-105-220814">BJP was ahead</a> in 28 of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh while the Congress was leading in one seat, as per trends available so far.</p>

<p>BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur was leading over Congress' Digvijay Singh by 44,222 votes in Bhopal, while Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia was trailing by 18,456 votes in his traditional Guna seat against BJP's K P Yadav.</p>

<p>Congress candidate Nakul Nath, son of Chief Minister Kamal Nath, was ahead of BJP's Nathanshah Kawreti in Chhindwara seat by a margin of 17,262 votes.</p>

<p>In Rajgarh seat, Congress' Mona Sustani was trailing by 1,08,775 votes against sitting BJP MP Rodmal Nagar.&nbsp;See fore more updates: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">BJP takes early lead, holds on to Hindi heartland</a></p>

<p>In Morena, Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar was leading by 14,252 votes over Congress' Ramniwas Rawat.</p>

<p>Another Union minister Virendra Singh was also leading in Tikamgarh over Congress' Kiran Ahirwar by 94,115 votes.</p>

<p>In Indore, BJP nominee Shankar Lalwani was ahead by 1,42,269 votes against Congress' Pankaj Sanghvi.</p>

<p>Similarly, BJP's Vishnu Dutt Sharma was leading by 1,06,414 votes over Congress Kavita Singh in Khajuraho seat.</p>

<p>In Khandwa, former Union minister Arun Yadav was trailing by a margin of 79,394 votes against sitting BJP MP Nandkumar Singh Chauhan.</p>

<p>Another ex-Union minister and sitting Congress MP Kantilal Bhuria was also trailing by 64,604 votes against BJP's Guman Singh Damor in Ratlam-Jhabua seat.</p>

<p>Senior Congress leader and former leader of opposition Ajay Singh was also behind by 42,728 votes against sitting BJP MP Riti Pathak in Sidhi.</p>

<p>In Jabalpur, BJP state president and sitting MP Rakesh Singh was leading by 72,191 votes over Congress Vivek Krishna Tankha.</p>

<p>In Mandla, BJP MP and former Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste was ahead by 8,394 votes over Congress Kamal Singh Marawi.</p>

<p>In the Chhindwara Assembly by-poll, Kamal Nath was leading by 6,807 votes over BJP's Vivek Bunty Sahu.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;BJP+ well on course to sweep the polls</strong></p>

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The BJP was ahead in 28 of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh while the Congress was leading in one seat, as per trends available so far. BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur was leading over Congress' Digvijay Singh by 44,222 votes in Bhopal, while Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia was trailing by 18,456 votes in his traditional Guna seat against BJP's K P Yadav.

The BJP was ahead in 28 of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh while the Congress was leading in one seat, as per trends available so far. BJP's Pragya Singh Thakur was leading over Congress' Digvijay Singh by 44,222 votes in Bhopal, while Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia was trailing by 18,456 votes in his traditional Guna seat against BJP's K P Yadav. Congress candidate Nakul Nath, son of Chief Minister Kamal Nath, was ahead of BJP's Nathanshah Kawreti in Chhindwara seat by a margin of 17,262 votes. In Rajgarh seat, Congress' Mona Sustani was trailing by 1,08,775 votes against sitting BJP MP Rodmal Nagar. See fore more updates: BJP takes early lead, holds on to Hindi heartland In Morena, Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar was leading by 14,252 votes over Congress' Ramniwas Rawat. Another Union minister Virendra Singh was also leading in Tikamgarh over Congress' Kiran Ahirwar by 94,115 votes. In Indore, BJP nominee Shankar Lalwani was ahead by 1,42,269 votes against Congress' Pankaj Sanghvi. Similarly, BJP's Vishnu Dutt Sharma was leading by 1,06,414 votes over Congress Kavita Singh in Khajuraho seat. In Khandwa, former Union minister Arun Yadav was trailing by a margin of 79,394 votes against sitting BJP MP Nandkumar Singh Chauhan. Another ex-Union minister and sitting Congress MP Kantilal Bhuria was also trailing by 64,604 votes against BJP's Guman Singh Damor in Ratlam-Jhabua seat. Senior Congress leader and former leader of opposition Ajay Singh was also behind by 42,728 votes against sitting BJP MP Riti Pathak in Sidhi. In Jabalpur, BJP state president and sitting MP Rakesh Singh was leading by 72,191 votes over Congress Vivek Krishna Tankha. In Mandla, BJP MP and former Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste was ahead by 8,394 votes over Congress Kamal Singh Marawi. In the Chhindwara Assembly by-poll, Kamal Nath was leading by 6,807 votes over BJP's Vivek Bunty Sahu. Watch: BJP+ well on course to sweep the polls ×

Lok Sabha election results 2019: BJP leading with 28 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh

<p>BJP candidate and Union minister Shripad Naik is leading in North Goa Lok Sabha seat while Congress nominee Francisco Sardinha is ahead in South Goa seat of the coastal state after the first round of counting.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-result-2019-bjp-led-nda-sails-ahead-in-vote-count-backed-by-north-indian-parliamentary-constituencies-220762">Counting of votes for the two Lok Sabha seat</a>s in Goa, where polling was held last month, began this morning.</p>

<p>Naik is leading by over 5,000 votes against his nearest rival and Congress candidate Girish Chodankar.&nbsp;See more updates:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-election-results-2019-live-updates-220687">BJP leading on 269 seats as per election commission trends, Congress on 56</a></p>

<p>In South Goa seat, Sardinha is leading by nearly 3,000 votes against BJP's sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar.</p>

<p>In the Assembly bypolls to four seats, the BJP is leading in three and the Congress is ahead in one.</p>

<p>BJP candidate Joshua D'Souza is leading against his nearest Congress rival Sudhir Kandolkar by 600 votes in Mapusa Assembly seat after the first round of counting.</p>

<p>BJP's Dayanand Sopte is ahead leading in Mandrem by 514 votes against Congress' Babi Bagkar.</p>

<p>In Shiroda, BJP candidate Subhash Shirodkar is leading by 1,000 votes against his nearest rival and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) candidate Deepak Dhavalikar.</p>

<p>Congress candidate Atanasio Monserratte is leading in Panaji Assembly seat by 1,000 votes over BJP's Siddharth Kunkolienkar.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Analysis of impact of early election trends on the Indian markets</strong></p>

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BJP candidate and Union minister Shripad Naik is leading in North Goa Lok Sabha seat while Congress nominee Francisco Sardinha is ahead in South Goa seat of the coastal state after the first round of counting.

BJP candidate and Union minister Shripad Naik is leading in North Goa Lok Sabha seat while Congress nominee Francisco Sardinha is ahead in South Goa seat of the coastal state after the first round of counting. Counting of votes for the two Lok Sabha seats in Goa, where polling was held last month, began this morning. Naik is leading by over 5,000 votes against his nearest rival and Congress candidate Girish Chodankar. See more updates: BJP leading on 269 seats as per election commission trends, Congress on 56 In South Goa seat, Sardinha is leading by nearly 3,000 votes against BJP's sitting MP Narendra Sawaikar. In the Assembly bypolls to four seats, the BJP is leading in three and the Congress is ahead in one. BJP candidate Joshua D'Souza is leading against his nearest Congress rival Sudhir Kandolkar by 600 votes in Mapusa Assembly seat after the first round of counting. BJP's Dayanand Sopte is ahead leading in Mandrem by 514 votes against Congress' Babi Bagkar. In Shiroda, BJP candidate Subhash Shirodkar is leading by 1,000 votes against his nearest rival and Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) candidate Deepak Dhavalikar. Congress candidate Atanasio Monserratte is leading in Panaji Assembly seat by 1,000 votes over BJP's Siddharth Kunkolienkar. Watch: Analysis of impact of early election trends on the Indian markets ×

Lok Sabha election result 2019: BJP, Congress ahead in 1 Lok Sabha seat each in Goa

India's famed political family - the Gandhis cast their vote in capital New Delhi in the penultimate phase of the mammoth Indian elections on Sunday (May 12).

India's Gandhi family members vote in New Delhi

<p>Just when we are nearing the close of this gruelling election season, Time magazine Asia’s cover story for May 20 has been receiving wide publicity. It shows a grim-looking Narendra Modi, in an Indian style black bandgala jacket, now popularly known as a Modi jacket, and a saffron shawl draped around his neck. So far so good. Why shouldn’t an Indian serving Prime Minister and most visible candidate, besides most likely to be re-elected incumbent, not grace the cover of an international newsmagazine, especially towards the end of the world’s largest and greatest parliamentary elections? Nearly a billion voters are eligible to cast their secret ballots in the mother of all election battles. Surely, this deserves the attention of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But, wait a minute. What’s the caption next to the photo? “India’s Divider in Chief.” The cover story so titled is by gifted writer and novelist, Aatish Taseer. As if to offer a slightly balancing backup, also blazoned on the cover, is “Modi the Reformer” by Ian Bremmer. After reading both, one cannot but be disappointed. Bremmer makes an attempt to paint Modi in contradictory more than contrasting colours as both economic reformer and failure. There is little approbation for the huge slew of reforms and improvements carried out by the government. Hardly a word in favour of the palpable reduction in corruption, swacch bharat, ujjwala, infrastructure development, reduction in inflation, and blistering growth rate, many of which are seen as incomplete or inadequate. Bremmer’s scathing scepticism may be dismissed as typical of the fading vestiges of the white man’s burden, now more evident in envious disbelief of India’s economic miracle than in any mandate to rule the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But it is Taseer’s spleen-driven surliness, almost childishly querulous at times, that is galling. How can the cover-story on Indian elections be such a malevolent diatribe against a single man? There is not the least semblance of neutrality or objectivity here, nor attempt to present a sensible or balanced appraisal. It is an out-and-out hatchet job, full of selectively vicious quotes and incidents, often taken out of context and strung together to amount to a damning indictment. Repeatedly highlighting the plight of the frightened and disenfranchised minorities, mostly Muslims, under assault from the Hindu majority that Taseer portrays as invariably callous, even murderous, his article is nothing short of a doomsday dismissal of both Modi and India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>How to understand Taseer’s fustian fulminations? A good word for his kind of discourse would be re-Orientalism. Coined some ten years back by Lisa Lau, re-Orientalism refers to the continuation of narrative colonialism in post-colonial times. The major difference, however, is that its purveyors and perpetrators are no longer (mostly) white men, but “Orientals” such as ourselves. Mostly diasporic and highly privileged, these re-Orientalists, distort “the representation of the Orient, seizing voice and platform, and once again consigning the Oriental within the Orient to a position of ‘The Other.’” Taseer, with his last book on — what else but Varanasi — surely fits the bill. There is little room for the common Indian or the “real” India in his works, most of which are manufactured and intended for a Western audience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are ironies and contradictions galore in Taseer’s piece. “The Great Divider” was a moniker invented for none other than Barack Hussain Obama, the darling of Left Liberals the world over. If Donald Trump inherited it, it was by its sheer currency as an established political descriptor. The big contradiction, when it comes to Modi, is that Modi is actually India’s great Unifier-in-Chief. Modi has not only united Hindus as never before, but also integrated the great Indian middle class into a powerful political formation. He has given them a voice in addition to a vote. He has also unified the opposition, as Taseer acknowledges, “with no agenda other than to defeat him.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Luckily, there is a silver lining to Taseer’s febrile lamentations. The more Modi is berated in the Western—or for that matter the Indian — media, the more popular he becomes with the Indian masses. Time Asia’s cover story, negative though it certainly is, will strengthen the resolve of the educated classes to vote for him. Especially given of the contempt poured out on their choice of him his their PM, they will take such denunciations as an additional reason make good on the promise, <em>phir ek baar Modi Sarkar</em> (one more time, Modi in power). In the end, of course, what Time says, or does not, matters little to us. We have moved on. To that extent, Taseer’s cover story may end up, if not as a last minute free fillip to campaign Modi, then little more than a blip, a momentary flicker or irritated swipe on a smartphone screen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-prime-minister-narendra-modi-great-unifier-or-divider-2748002">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;</em></p>


Just when we are nearing the close of this gruelling election season, Time magazine Asia’s cover story for May 20 has been receiving wide publicity. It shows a grim-looking Narendra Modi, in an Indian style black bandgala jacket, now popularly known as a Modi jacket, and a saffron shawl draped around his neck.

Just when we are nearing the close of this gruelling election season, Time magazine Asia’s cover story for May 20 has been receiving wide publicity. It shows a grim-looking Narendra Modi, in an Indian style black bandgala jacket, now popularly known as a Modi jacket, and a saffron shawl draped around his neck. So far so good. Why shouldn’t an Indian serving Prime Minister and most visible candidate, besides most likely to be re-elected incumbent, not grace the cover of an international newsmagazine, especially towards the end of the world’s largest and greatest parliamentary elections? Nearly a billion voters are eligible to cast their secret ballots in the mother of all election battles. Surely, this deserves the attention of the world. But, wait a minute. What’s the caption next to the photo? “India’s Divider in Chief.” The cover story so titled is by gifted writer and novelist, Aatish Taseer. As if to offer a slightly balancing backup, also blazoned on the cover, is “Modi the Reformer” by Ian Bremmer. After reading both, one cannot but be disappointed. Bremmer makes an attempt to paint Modi in contradictory more than contrasting colours as both economic reformer and failure. There is little approbation for the huge slew of reforms and improvements carried out by the government. Hardly a word in favour of the palpable reduction in corruption, swacch bharat, ujjwala, infrastructure development, reduction in inflation, and blistering growth rate, many of which are seen as incomplete or inadequate. Bremmer’s scathing scepticism may be dismissed as typical of the fading vestiges of the white man’s burden, now more evident in envious disbelief of India’s economic miracle than in any mandate to rule the world. But it is Taseer’s spleen-driven surliness, almost childishly querulous at times, that is galling. How can the cover-story on Indian elections be such a malevolent diatribe against a single man? There is not the least semblance of neutrality or objectivity here, nor attempt to present a sensible or balanced appraisal. It is an out-and-out hatchet job, full of selectively vicious quotes and incidents, often taken out of context and strung together to amount to a damning indictment. Repeatedly highlighting the plight of the frightened and disenfranchised minorities, mostly Muslims, under assault from the Hindu majority that Taseer portrays as invariably callous, even murderous, his article is nothing short of a doomsday dismissal of both Modi and India. How to understand Taseer’s fustian fulminations? A good word for his kind of discourse would be re-Orientalism. Coined some ten years back by Lisa Lau, re-Orientalism refers to the continuation of narrative colonialism in post-colonial times. The major difference, however, is that its purveyors and perpetrators are no longer (mostly) white men, but “Orientals” such as ourselves. Mostly diasporic and highly privileged, these re-Orientalists, distort “the representation of the Orient, seizing voice and platform, and once again consigning the Oriental within the Orient to a position of ‘The Other.’” Taseer, with his last book on — what else but Varanasi — surely fits the bill. There is little room for the common Indian or the “real” India in his works, most of which are manufactured and intended for a Western audience. There are ironies and contradictions galore in Taseer’s piece. “The Great Divider” was a moniker invented for none other than Barack Hussain Obama, the darling of Left Liberals the world over. If Donald Trump inherited it, it was by its sheer currency as an established political descriptor. The big contradiction, when it comes to Modi, is that Modi is actually India’s great Unifier-in-Chief. Modi has not only united Hindus as never before, but also integrated the great Indian middle class into a powerful political formation. He has given them a voice in addition to a vote. He has also unified the opposition, as Taseer acknowledges, “with no agenda other than to defeat him.” Luckily, there is a silver lining to Taseer’s febrile lamentations. The more Modi is berated in the Western—or for that matter the Indian — media, the more popular he becomes with the Indian masses. Time Asia’s cover story, negative though it certainly is, will strengthen the resolve of the educated classes to vote for him. Especially given of the contempt poured out on their choice of him his their PM, they will take such denunciations as an additional reason make good on the promise, phir ek baar Modi Sarkar (one more time, Modi in power). In the end, of course, what Time says, or does not, matters little to us. We have moved on. To that extent, Taseer’s cover story may end up, if not as a last minute free fillip to campaign Modi, then little more than a blip, a momentary flicker or irritated swipe on a smartphone screen. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Narendra Modi has integrated the middle class into a powerful political formation

<p>The fate of thousands of candidates in Odisha has been sealed in EVM machines. The state witnessed simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in four phases from April 11 to April 29. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The triangular contest, including the Congress, has left political pundits scratching their heads in what is being termed a different election this time.</p>

<p>Nabina, as chief minister Naveen Patnaik is fondly called, is facing an uphill election in 2019, battling 19 years of anti-incumbency and a resurgent BJP.</p>

<p>There is a frenzy about Modi in the state; the Balakot air strike 2.0 has made him a hero among the youth. The state, which has exhibited similar voting patterns in the last three polls, is openly saying that we want Modi at the Centre and Nabina in the state.</p>

<p>Odisha is ranked 25th on the country’s human development index (HDI). It’s BPL families account for 1.5 times the national average. Roughly, 82 per cent of the population avails of the Rs 1 per kg rice scheme. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Corruption exists in all departments, while the condition of hospitals is poor - the image of a man carrying his dead wife on his shoulders is still fresh in people’s minds.</p>

<p>Despite all this, Naveen Patnaik has been voted for continuously by the people. Intelligentsia in urban centres like Bhubaneswar criticise him, but don’t go out to vote. His health is a big issue, but voters don’t seem to mind.</p>

<p>People are not asking questions about who his successor will be. Nor is the opposition raising this issue, lest it creates a sympathy wave in his favour.</p>

<p>The Chief Minister is a case study. He was parachuted, doesn’t know Odiya, prefers working through bureaucrats and is considered a God who has been sent to take people out of distress. He has crushed dissent — Pyari Babu, Bijoy Mohapatra, Dilip Ray, Baijayant Panda and Damodar Rout are shining examples.</p>

<p>He feels people vote for Naveen and not the candidate. He changed 17 out of 21 Lok Sabha candidates this time, a record in itself. He is considered revengeful by opponents. In a bid to deny Bijoy Mohapatra entry into the Assembly, it is alleged that he gave ticket to a 82-year-old, who was already in the hospital.</p>

<p>The BJP tasted blood in the panchayat elections in 2017, when its vote share almost doubled. Nabina didn’t campaign in those elections, leading to doubts about his health.</p>

<p>That is why this time, BJD strategists ensured that he campaigns in a bus so that people see him hale and hearty. A video of his fitness regime was also released, which backfired.</p>

<p>BJP lost the momentum gained during panchayat polls, mainly due to the unpopularity of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan among the party rank and file. He is considered arrogant. To negate his unpopularity and push BJP’s chances, Jay Panda, who is popular among the young and educated, was inducted and made vice-president.</p>

<p>BJP poached leaders from the BJD left right and centre. Around 85 senior BJD leaders have joined BJP, many of them awarded with tickets to both Assembly and parliamentary elections.</p>

<p>BJP has successfully projected itself as an alternative to BJD. The contest is now between the two parties. The saffron party, as per opinion polls, is expected to win 12-14 Lok Sabha seats in the state. This translates to 48-56 seats in the Vidhan Sabha, going up to 72. The historical Lok Sabha to Vidhan Sabha multiple for BJP is 6.</p>

<p>Odisha has never witnessed split voting. The party which wins in the Lok Sabha usually goes on to win the Vidhan Sabha elections as well. People mostly press for the same symbol button twice, except in some urban areas like Puri and Cuttack.</p>

<p>Congress and BJP usually score well in the Lok Sabha, as compared to the Assembly, because of the national character of parties. The rural population may find it difficult to differentiate between the two separate EVMs for Parliament and the assembly. In some booths, the Lok Sabha EVM is kept first and the Assembly second, and vice versa. This presents a unique situation.</p>

<p>The state is similar to Chhattisgarh, at least in the western part. Farm loan waiver and high MSP for paddy were a hit with the public. But the Congress failed to capitalise. Internal fighting and delay in announcement of tickets could cost the party heavily.</p>

<p>BJD has benefited from split of votes in the last three elections. The anti-BJD votes is captured by both the BJP and Congress. This time, Naveen was seen as struggling under pressure for the first time. BJD candidates who threatened to quit if denied tickets were accommodated, some of whom were accused of involvement in the chit fund scam.</p>

<p>To negate anti-incumbency, Navin introduced the Kalia scheme, which disbursed funds to farmers. Many have got the first instalment, but several others have not, leading to resentment. There were allegations that money was given only to BJD workers. The Election Commission stopped the second instalment, adding fuel to the fire.</p>

<p>BJP is banking on the Modi magic. In 2014, while most of the country was gripped by the Modi wave, Odisha remained untouched.</p>

<p>Modi did address just one rally in the state but people did not quite know him. This time, it’s different. He is considered a strong PM who gave a befitting reply to Pakistan. His images splash through all State-owned petrol pumps, which has helped his cause. The party hopes to break into BJD’s citadel and compensate partly for losses expected in the Hindi heartland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Odisha has also witnessed unique alliances on a seat by seat basis. There were reports of Congress and BJP candidates making a deal to swap votes on many seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the end, it may well boil down to rebels, party men sabotaging prospects and influencers. If BJP wins maximum seats in the Lok Sabha, there could be surprises in the Assembly as well. It is safe to discount the possibility of different winners in the two elections.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the<a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-bjp-may-do-a-tripura-in-odisha-2746978"> original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The fate of thousands of candidates in Odisha has been sealed in EVM machines. The state witnessed simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in four phases from April 11 to April 29.

The fate of thousands of candidates in Odisha has been sealed in EVM machines. The state witnessed simultaneous elections for both Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha in four phases from April 11 to April 29. The triangular contest, including the Congress, has left political pundits scratching their heads in what is being termed a different election this time. Nabina, as chief minister Naveen Patnaik is fondly called, is facing an uphill election in 2019, battling 19 years of anti-incumbency and a resurgent BJP. There is a frenzy about Modi in the state; the Balakot air strike 2.0 has made him a hero among the youth. The state, which has exhibited similar voting patterns in the last three polls, is openly saying that we want Modi at the Centre and Nabina in the state. Odisha is ranked 25th on the country’s human development index (HDI). It’s BPL families account for 1.5 times the national average. Roughly, 82 per cent of the population avails of the Rs 1 per kg rice scheme. Corruption exists in all departments, while the condition of hospitals is poor - the image of a man carrying his dead wife on his shoulders is still fresh in people’s minds. Despite all this, Naveen Patnaik has been voted for continuously by the people. Intelligentsia in urban centres like Bhubaneswar criticise him, but don’t go out to vote. His health is a big issue, but voters don’t seem to mind. People are not asking questions about who his successor will be. Nor is the opposition raising this issue, lest it creates a sympathy wave in his favour. The Chief Minister is a case study. He was parachuted, doesn’t know Odiya, prefers working through bureaucrats and is considered a God who has been sent to take people out of distress. He has crushed dissent — Pyari Babu, Bijoy Mohapatra, Dilip Ray, Baijayant Panda and Damodar Rout are shining examples. He feels people vote for Naveen and not the candidate. He changed 17 out of 21 Lok Sabha candidates this time, a record in itself. He is considered revengeful by opponents. In a bid to deny Bijoy Mohapatra entry into the Assembly, it is alleged that he gave ticket to a 82-year-old, who was already in the hospital. The BJP tasted blood in the panchayat elections in 2017, when its vote share almost doubled. Nabina didn’t campaign in those elections, leading to doubts about his health. That is why this time, BJD strategists ensured that he campaigns in a bus so that people see him hale and hearty. A video of his fitness regime was also released, which backfired. BJP lost the momentum gained during panchayat polls, mainly due to the unpopularity of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan among the party rank and file. He is considered arrogant. To negate his unpopularity and push BJP’s chances, Jay Panda, who is popular among the young and educated, was inducted and made vice-president. BJP poached leaders from the BJD left right and centre. Around 85 senior BJD leaders have joined BJP, many of them awarded with tickets to both Assembly and parliamentary elections. BJP has successfully projected itself as an alternative to BJD. The contest is now between the two parties. The saffron party, as per opinion polls, is expected to win 12-14 Lok Sabha seats in the state. This translates to 48-56 seats in the Vidhan Sabha, going up to 72. The historical Lok Sabha to Vidhan Sabha multiple for BJP is 6. Odisha has never witnessed split voting. The party which wins in the Lok Sabha usually goes on to win the Vidhan Sabha elections as well. People mostly press for the same symbol button twice, except in some urban areas like Puri and Cuttack. Congress and BJP usually score well in the Lok Sabha, as compared to the Assembly, because of the national character of parties. The rural population may find it difficult to differentiate between the two separate EVMs for Parliament and the assembly. In some booths, the Lok Sabha EVM is kept first and the Assembly second, and vice versa. This presents a unique situation. The state is similar to Chhattisgarh, at least in the western part. Farm loan waiver and high MSP for paddy were a hit with the public. But the Congress failed to capitalise. Internal fighting and delay in announcement of tickets could cost the party heavily. BJD has benefited from split of votes in the last three elections. The anti-BJD votes is captured by both the BJP and Congress. This time, Naveen was seen as struggling under pressure for the first time. BJD candidates who threatened to quit if denied tickets were accommodated, some of whom were accused of involvement in the chit fund scam. To negate anti-incumbency, Navin introduced the Kalia scheme, which disbursed funds to farmers. Many have got the first instalment, but several others have not, leading to resentment. There were allegations that money was given only to BJD workers. The Election Commission stopped the second instalment, adding fuel to the fire. BJP is banking on the Modi magic. In 2014, while most of the country was gripped by the Modi wave, Odisha remained untouched. Modi did address just one rally in the state but people did not quite know him. This time, it’s different. He is considered a strong PM who gave a befitting reply to Pakistan. His images splash through all State-owned petrol pumps, which has helped his cause. The party hopes to break into BJD’s citadel and compensate partly for losses expected in the Hindi heartland. Odisha has also witnessed unique alliances on a seat by seat basis. There were reports of Congress and BJP candidates making a deal to swap votes on many seats. In the end, it may well boil down to rebels, party men sabotaging prospects and influencers. If BJP wins maximum seats in the Lok Sabha, there could be surprises in the Assembly as well. It is safe to discount the possibility of different winners in the two elections. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In Odisha, Narendra Modi is considered a strong PM who gave a befitting reply to Pakistan

Violence is on it's peak in each & every phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2019 in West Bengal. Another incidents reported in Hooghly & Barrackpore.

West Bengal: Scuffle held between BJP-TMC, BJP leader beaten up in Hooghly

Lok Sabha polls 2019: All you need to know about rules of campaign financing and spending

Today is the Last Day of campaigning for Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Polls. Watch the full video to know more.

Last Day of campaigning for Phase 5 of Lok Sabha Polls today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his mega roadshow in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi today as thousands attended chanting the prime minister's name.

PM Modi begins mega roadshow in Varanasi

<p>Supporters of Congress leader Raj Kumar Chauhan gathered outside the residence on party chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=rahul+gandhi">Rahul Gandhi</a> on Sunday to express dissent over the party's alleged denial of a ticket to Chauhan to contest in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections">Lok Sabha polls</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protests come after media reports suggested that Congress will give Chauhan's ticket to Delhi Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia to contest from North West Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Congress is yet to declare its candidates for the seven seats at stake in Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Chauhan has gathered all the workers and was doing electioneering in full swing. They have informed voters that Chauhan will be contesting from their constituency. What will be done now? I do not understand why the party at the last minute has changed its decision," a protester told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will not going to work for any another candidate. We came to know that Rajesh Lilothia will be given his ticket. Lilothia does not stay here and has no connection with the place. We will only campaign for Chauhan and will not work for any other candidate," said another protester.</p>

<p>Delhi will go to polls on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;</p>


Supporters of Congress leader Raj Kumar Chauhan gathered outside the residence on party chief Rahul Gandhi on Sunday to express dissent over the party's alleged denial of a ticket to Chauhan to contest in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Supporters of Congress leader Raj Kumar Chauhan gathered outside the residence on party chief Rahul Gandhi on Sunday to express dissent over the party's alleged denial of a ticket to Chauhan to contest in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The protests come after media reports suggested that Congress will give Chauhan's ticket to Delhi Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia to contest from North West Delhi. However, Congress is yet to declare its candidates for the seven seats at stake in Delhi. "Chauhan has gathered all the workers and was doing electioneering in full swing. They have informed voters that Chauhan will be contesting from their constituency. What will be done now? I do not understand why the party at the last minute has changed its decision," a protester told ANI. "We will not going to work for any another candidate. We came to know that Rajesh Lilothia will be given his ticket. Lilothia does not stay here and has no connection with the place. We will only campaign for Chauhan and will not work for any other candidate," said another protester. Delhi will go to polls on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Supporters of Raj Kumar Chauhan protest outside Rahul Gandhi's residence

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