<p>Voting is our constitutional right but not everyone is getting to exercise that right. On Monday, as many celebrities headed to polling booths in Mumbai to vote in Lok Sabha elections 2024. Music composer Amit Trivedi and actress Gauahar Khan, however, could not exercise their rights.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The two celebrities took to social media to express their disappointment. Feeling 'helpless', Amit Trivedi revealed that the serial number given on his voting ID did not match with the voters' list at the polling booth and he was not allowed to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-deepika-padukone-flaunts-baby-bump-as-she-arrives-to-vote-with-ranveer-singh-723433">Deepika Padukone flaunts baby bump as she arrives to vote with Ranveer Singh&nbsp;</a><br />
<br />
Trivedi shared the ordeal on social media in a video and wrote, "Voting is our constitutional right. Today I was denied that right and I feel helpless. Did this happen to anyone else? How.. and why??"&nbsp;</p>

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<p><br />
Meanwhile, Gauahar Khan took to her Instagram stories to urge the authorities to use the Aadhar card as a mark of identification to cast the vote. The actress was not allowed to vote when she first went to the polling booth.<br />
<br />
“I have an appeal. Why do we have Aadhar cards if we are not considered citizens enough to vote? Your Aadhaar card is your identity that you are an Indian citizen and you should be able to vote with that," said Gauahar in the video.<br />
<br />
“People who have left the building are still on that list. I have seen it myself. And if I, my mom, my husband, everyone is registered on that building…. none of us are there. So how does one vote? We go with our Aadhar card, Id proof and they say, ‘No you cannot vote’.” Gauahar said that it makes ‘no sense’ that Aadhaar card is not applicable in this situation.</p>

<p>“Here literally people are fighting and going berserk over there because they have their IDs but the survey doesn't have their name on the list. They are saying if you are not on the list then you cannot vote. I think that is the most basic deprivation of your rights to vote!,” she added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-akshay-kumar-janhvi-kapoor-and-other-bollywood-celebrities-cast-their-vote-723327">In Pics | Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and other Bollywood celebrities cast their vote</a><br />
<br />
However, later Gauahar revealed that she had ultimately been able to cast her vote.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“Yes! Finally, I have done it! Humne vote kar diya (We cast our vote)! I want to tell you no matter how difficult it is, it can be confusing. Lekin (But) please guys go and vote!” she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shah-rukh-khan-aamir-khan-cast-vote-in-lok-sabha-elections-2024-723513">Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan cast vote in Lok Sabha Elections 2024</a><br />
<br />
Almost all of Bollywood turned out in full force to vote on Monday in Mumbai. Stars Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, The Bachchans, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone were seen at polling booths exercising their rights.&nbsp;</p>


Voting is our constitutional right but not everyone is getting to exercise that right. On Monday, as many celebrities headed to polling booths in Mumbai to vote in Lok Sabha elections 2024.

Voting is our constitutional right but not everyone is getting to exercise that right. On Monday, as many celebrities headed to polling booths in Mumbai to vote in Lok Sabha elections 2024. Music composer Amit Trivedi and actress Gauahar Khan, however, could not exercise their rights. The two celebrities took to social media to express their disappointment. Feeling 'helpless', Amit Trivedi revealed that the serial number given on his voting ID did not match with the voters' list at the polling booth and he was not allowed to vote. Deepika Padukone flaunts baby bump as she arrives to vote with Ranveer Singh Trivedi shared the ordeal on social media in a video and wrote, "Voting is our constitutional right. Today I was denied that right and I feel helpless. Did this happen to anyone else? How.. and why??" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amitt Trivedi (@itsamittrivedi) × Meanwhile, Gauahar Khan took to her Instagram stories to urge the authorities to use the Aadhar card as a mark of identification to cast the vote. The actress was not allowed to vote when she first went to the polling booth. “I have an appeal. Why do we have Aadhar cards if we are not considered citizens enough to vote? Your Aadhaar card is your identity that you are an Indian citizen and you should be able to vote with that," said Gauahar in the video. “People who have left the building are still on that list. I have seen it myself. And if I, my mom, my husband, everyone is registered on that building…. none of us are there. So how does one vote? We go with our Aadhar card, Id proof and they say, ‘No you cannot vote’.” Gauahar said that it makes ‘no sense’ that Aadhaar card is not applicable in this situation. “Here literally people are fighting and going berserk over there because they have their IDs but the survey doesn't have their name on the list. They are saying if you are not on the list then you cannot vote. I think that is the most basic deprivation of your rights to vote!,” she added. In Pics | Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and other Bollywood celebrities cast their vote However, later Gauahar revealed that she had ultimately been able to cast her vote. “Yes! Finally, I have done it! Humne vote kar diya (We cast our vote)! I want to tell you no matter how difficult it is, it can be confusing. Lekin (But) please guys go and vote!” she said. Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan cast vote in Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Almost all of Bollywood turned out in full force to vote on Monday in Mumbai. Stars Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, The Bachchans, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone were seen at polling booths exercising their rights.

Amit Trivedi, Gauahar Khan take to social media as they are denied voting

<p>It was&nbsp;voting day in B'town. Voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election started on&nbsp;49 seats across&nbsp;six states and two union territories (UTs), including Mumbai, at 7 am. Fulfilling their civic duty, several Bollywood celebrities have stepped out to cast their vote, including superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>King Khan showed up at a polling booth in Mumbai with his wife Gauri Khan, and children Suhana, Aryan and AbRam.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dressed casually, the actor wore a black T-shirt with blue jeans. He&nbsp;tied his&nbsp;long&nbsp;hair&nbsp;into a&nbsp;ponytail.&nbsp;His wife, Gauri wore a white top with blue jeans, while, Suhana wore a simple blue kurta.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-akshay-kumar-janhvi-kapoor-and-other-bollywood-celebrities-cast-their-vote-723327">In Pics | Akshay Kumar, Janhvi Kapoor and other Bollywood celebrities cast their vote</a></p>

<p>His family of five was guarded by heavy security at the polling booth.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">KHANdaan is all smiles as they are done with their casting of votes for the<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabha2024Elections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabha2024Elections</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShahRukhKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShahRukhKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GauriKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GauriKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aryan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aryan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Suhana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Suhana</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbRam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbRam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/loksabhaeklection2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#loksabhaeklection2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/6mikZXJdhK">pic.twitter.com/6mikZXJdhK</a></p>
— Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) <a href="https://twitter.com/SRKUniverse/status/1792506375454728574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Shah Rukh Khan along with his family arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Phase5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Phase5</a><br />
🔥<br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/loksabhaeklection2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#loksabhaeklection2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShahrukhKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShahrukhKhan</a> <a href="https://t.co/geIltCwhd3">pic.twitter.com/geIltCwhd3</a></p>
— Ashish 𝕏|.... (@Ashishtoots) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ashishtoots/status/1792498772095938930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-deepika-padukone-flaunts-baby-bump-as-she-arrives-to-vote-with-ranveer-singh-723433">Deepika Padukone flaunts baby bump as she arrives to vote with Ranveer Singh&nbsp;</a></h2>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">King, Queen, and Princess arrive to cast their votes for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> 🫶🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/iamsrk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamsrk</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShahRukhKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ShahRukhKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GauriKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GauriKhan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aryan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aryan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Suhana?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Suhana</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbRam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbRam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRK</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VoteForIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VoteForIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/qfUR23IQ0j">pic.twitter.com/qfUR23IQ0j</a></p>
— SHAH RUKH KHAN FANS ASSOCIATION (@Srk_bangalore) <a href="https://twitter.com/Srk_bangalore/status/1792506183552823455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Fulfilling his duty and responsibility towards the country, Aamir Khan was seen at a polling booth in Mumbai with his ex-wife Kiran Rao.<br />
<br />
Khan,&nbsp;was in Delhi to shoot for his Christmas 2024 release <em>Sitaare Zameen Par,</em> took a break from his hectic schedule and returned to Mumbai to exercise his vote. Later, Rao shared a photo with&nbsp;Aamir on her Instagram stories with the caption,&nbsp;''#Justdoit.'' She also shared an image of her inked finger.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saif Ali Khan,&nbsp;Kareena Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor&nbsp;were spotted outside a polling station in Mumbai. After casting his vote, Ranbir posed happily for the shutterbugs showing his inked finger.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Superstar Ranbir Kapoor casted his vote today. <a href="https://t.co/POx6ayJdCB">pic.twitter.com/POx6ayJdCB</a></p>
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐊 𝐅𝐚𝐧. (@Ranbirkapur_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ranbirkapur_/status/1792513084021780553?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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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> | Actors Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan cast their votes at a polling station in Mumbai for the fifth phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/bBhhpvBdkE">pic.twitter.com/bBhhpvBdkE</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1792483471069511925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-lok-sabha-polls-2024-paresh-rawal-has-a-unique-solution-for-those-do-not-vote-723415">Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Paresh Rawal has a unique solution for those who do not vote</a></h2>

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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> | Actor Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao show their inked finger after casting their votes at a polling station in Mumbai for the fifth phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/u1vh3pBcEU">pic.twitter.com/u1vh3pBcEU</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1792479959107416425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>From the early morning of Monday,&nbsp;several Bollywood celebrities including Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh,&nbsp;Farhan Akhtar, Janhvi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Sunil Shetty, Dharmendra, Varun and David Dhawan were seen casting their vote in Mumbai.</p>


It was voting day in B'town. Voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election started on 49 seats across six states and two union territories (UTs), including Mumbai, at 7 am.

It was voting day in B'town. Voting in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election started on 49 seats across six states and two union territories (UTs), including Mumbai, at 7 am. Fulfilling their civic duty, several Bollywood celebrities have stepped out to cast their vote, including superstars like Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. King Khan showed up at a polling booth in Mumbai with his wife Gauri Khan, and children Suhana, Aryan and AbRam. Dressed casually, the actor wore a black T-shirt with blue jeans. He tied his long hair into a ponytail. His wife, Gauri wore a white top with blue jeans, while, Suhana wore a simple blue kurta. In Pics | Akshay Kumar, Janhvi Kapoor and other Bollywood celebrities cast their vote His family of five was guarded by heavy security at the polling booth. KHANdaan is all smiles as they are done with their casting of votes for the#LokSabha2024Elections @iamsrk #ShahRukhKhan #GauriKhan #Aryan #Suhana #AbRam #SRK #loksabhaeklection2024 pic.twitter.com/6mikZXJdhK — Shah Rukh Khan Universe Fan Club (@SRKUniverse) May 20, 2024 × Shah Rukh Khan along with his family arrives at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote for the #Phase5 🔥 #loksabhaeklection2024 #ShahrukhKhan pic.twitter.com/geIltCwhd3 — Ashish 𝕏|.... (@Ashishtoots) May 20, 2024 × Deepika Padukone flaunts baby bump as she arrives to vote with Ranveer Singh King, Queen, and Princess arrive to cast their votes for #LokSabhaElections2024 🫶🏻 @iamsrk #ShahRukhKhan #GauriKhan #Aryan #Suhana #AbRam #SRK #VoteForIndia pic.twitter.com/qfUR23IQ0j — SHAH RUKH KHAN FANS ASSOCIATION (@Srk_bangalore) May 20, 2024 × Fulfilling his duty and responsibility towards the country, Aamir Khan was seen at a polling booth in Mumbai with his ex-wife Kiran Rao. Khan, was in Delhi to shoot for his Christmas 2024 release Sitaare Zameen Par, took a break from his hectic schedule and returned to Mumbai to exercise his vote. Later, Rao shared a photo with Aamir on her Instagram stories with the caption, ''#Justdoit.'' She also shared an image of her inked finger. Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor were spotted outside a polling station in Mumbai. After casting his vote, Ranbir posed happily for the shutterbugs showing his inked finger. Superstar Ranbir Kapoor casted his vote today. pic.twitter.com/POx6ayJdCB — 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐊 𝐅𝐚𝐧. (@Ranbirkapur_) May 20, 2024 × #WATCH | Actors Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan cast their votes at a polling station in Mumbai for the fifth phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/bBhhpvBdkE — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2024 × Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Paresh Rawal has a unique solution for those who do not vote #WATCH | Actor Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao show their inked finger after casting their votes at a polling station in Mumbai for the fifth phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/u1vh3pBcEU — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2024 × From the early morning of Monday, several Bollywood celebrities including Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar, Janhvi Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Sunil Shetty, Dharmendra, Varun and David Dhawan were seen casting their vote in Mumbai.

Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan cast vote in Lok Sabha Elections 2024

<p>Mom-to-be Deepika Padukone walked inside a polling booth in Mumbai on Monday holding her husband Ranveer Singh's hand. Deepika and Ranveer were twinning in a white shirt, blue denim and black glasses as they walked in to cast their vote in the phase 5 of the ongoing Lok Sabha Polls 2024.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Deepika smiled at the cameras before walking in with Ranveer carefully guarding her and walking behind her. Deepika's baby bump was visible in the loose shirt that she was wearing. The couple is expecting their first child together in September this year.&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> | Maharashtra: Actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone arrive at a polling station in Mumbai to cast their vote for the fifth phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/IHH6h8NESg">pic.twitter.com/IHH6h8NESg</a></p>
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<p><strong>The couple went on a babymoon recently</strong><br />
<br />
Recently, Deepika and Ranveer went on a luxurious babymoon. A few months ago, the couple took to Instagram and shared the good news with their fans and followers. The announcement image featured the baby's clothes, shoes and playful stuff. It mentioned Deepika's delivery date, "September 2024."</p>

<p>Ranveer and Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy's Lake Como after dating for six long years. They first met on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama film <em>Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-akshay-kumar-janhvi-kapoor-and-other-bollywood-celebrities-cast-their-vote-723327">In Pics | Akshay Kumar, Janhvi Kapoor and other Bollywood celebrities cast their vote</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Deepika's next projects</strong><br />
<br />
Deepika has been reportedly wrapping up work before she takes a maternity break. She was recently seen in the aerial action thriller film <em>Fighter</em> opposite Hrithik Roshan released earlier this year. Helmed by Siddharth Anand, the film also starred Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi in pivotal roles and received good responses from the audience. Deepika Padukone will be next seen in the sci-fi epic <em>Kalki 2898 AD</em> where she shares screen space with Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Disha Patani. She is also part of multi-starrer Singham 3 which also stars Ranveer Singh.&nbsp;</p>


Mom-to-be Deepika Padukone walked inside a polling booth in Mumbai on Monday holding her husband Ranveer Singh's hand. Deepika and Ranveer were twinning in a white shirt, blue denim and black glasses as they walked in to cast their vote in the phase 5 of the ongoing Lok Sabha Polls 2024.

Mom-to-be Deepika Padukone walked inside a polling booth in Mumbai on Monday holding her husband Ranveer Singh's hand. Deepika and Ranveer were twinning in a white shirt, blue denim and black glasses as they walked in to cast their vote in the phase 5 of the ongoing Lok Sabha Polls 2024. Deepika smiled at the cameras before walking in with Ranveer carefully guarding her and walking behind her. Deepika's baby bump was visible in the loose shirt that she was wearing. The couple is expecting their first child together in September this year. #WATCH | Maharashtra: Actors Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone arrive at a polling station in Mumbai to cast their vote for the fifth phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/IHH6h8NESg — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2024 × The couple went on a babymoon recently Recently, Deepika and Ranveer went on a luxurious babymoon. A few months ago, the couple took to Instagram and shared the good news with their fans and followers. The announcement image featured the baby's clothes, shoes and playful stuff. It mentioned Deepika's delivery date, "September 2024." Ranveer and Deepika tied the knot on November 14, 2018, at Italy's Lake Como after dating for six long years. They first met on the sets of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's romantic drama film Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela. In Pics | Akshay Kumar, Janhvi Kapoor and other Bollywood celebrities cast their vote Deepika's next projects Deepika has been reportedly wrapping up work before she takes a maternity break. She was recently seen in the aerial action thriller film Fighter opposite Hrithik Roshan released earlier this year. Helmed by Siddharth Anand, the film also starred Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi in pivotal roles and received good responses from the audience. Deepika Padukone will be next seen in the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD where she shares screen space with Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Disha Patani. She is also part of multi-starrer Singham 3 which also stars Ranveer Singh.

Deepika Padukone flaunts baby bump as she arrives to vote with Ranveer Singh 

<p>Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action.</p>

<p>He also alleged that PM Modi was supporting the "illegal" Mahayuti government in the Indian state of Maharashtra.</p>

<p>"We have not used bulldozers to date... The Election Commission should take action against those who make instigating speeches. The Prime Minister himself is doing it. He is provoking people. After our government comes, everything will be protected as per our Constitution, we will follow the Constitution," Kharge said during a media briefing in Mumbai.</p>

<p>He then claimed that the INDI alliance will win 46 out of the 48 seats in the state of Maharashtra and will defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).</p>

<p>"INDIA bloc will win 46 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. People are saying this themselves. Our alliance will win maximum seats and defeat BJP...," Kharge claimed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhis-emotional-appeal-to-people-of-raebareli-i-am-handing-over-my-son-to-you-722576">Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you'</a></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi hits out at Congress-SP combine</strong></h2>

<p>Kharge's remarks came after PM Modi, during his rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, said that Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) would run bulldozer over Ayodhya's Ram Temple if they get elected in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.</p>

<p>"If the Congress, SP and their INDIA partners come to power, our Ram Lalla would have to return to the tent again as they would run a bulldozer over the Ram Mandir. They should take lessons from Yogi-ji (Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath) on where to run bulldozers and where not to," PM Modi said on Friday (May 17).</p>

<p>"The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have become slaves to appeasement politics. And, when Modi uncovers the truth before the people, they accuse me of creating a Hindu-Muslim divide," he further said.</p>

<p>The Indian prime minister then exuded confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was all set to register its third consecutive win and return to power again.</p>

<p>"June 4 (counting day) is not too far away now. All doubts will be cleared and the entire country and the world will know when we score a hat-trick of wins and return for a third term at the Centre."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action.

Congress president Malliakarjun Kharge on Saturday (May 18) lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of "provoking" people and called on the Election Commission to take stern action. He also alleged that PM Modi was supporting the "illegal" Mahayuti government in the Indian state of Maharashtra. "We have not used bulldozers to date... The Election Commission should take action against those who make instigating speeches. The Prime Minister himself is doing it. He is provoking people. After our government comes, everything will be protected as per our Constitution, we will follow the Constitution," Kharge said during a media briefing in Mumbai. He then claimed that the INDI alliance will win 46 out of the 48 seats in the state of Maharashtra and will defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "INDIA bloc will win 46 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. People are saying this themselves. Our alliance will win maximum seats and defeat BJP...," Kharge claimed. Also read: Sonia Gandhi's emotional appeal to people of Raebareli; 'I am handing over my son to you' PM Modi hits out at Congress-SP combine Kharge's remarks came after PM Modi, during his rally in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, said that Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) would run bulldozer over Ayodhya's Ram Temple if they get elected in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. "If the Congress, SP and their INDIA partners come to power, our Ram Lalla would have to return to the tent again as they would run a bulldozer over the Ram Mandir. They should take lessons from Yogi-ji (Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath) on where to run bulldozers and where not to," PM Modi said on Friday (May 17). "The Congress and the Samajwadi Party have become slaves to appeasement politics. And, when Modi uncovers the truth before the people, they accuse me of creating a Hindu-Muslim divide," he further said. The Indian prime minister then exuded confidence that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was all set to register its third consecutive win and return to power again. "June 4 (counting day) is not too far away now. All doubts will be cleared and the entire country and the world will know when we score a hat-trick of wins and return for a third term at the Centre." (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Kharge accuses PM Modi of ‘provoking’ people, calls on ED to take action

<p>An elevator at a housing society in Noida near Delhi shot through the roof of the top floor after failure of its brakes. A total of three occupants inside the elevator were injured. The lift malfunction occurred at the Paras Tierra Society in Noida's Sector 137.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident occurred months after an elderly lady was killed in a lift crash at the housing complex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest incident occurred when the lift was on the fourth floor of Tower-5 and its three occupants were exiting. Suddenly, the brakes of the lift failed and it began climbing. The lift reached straight to the 25th floor and smashed against the roof.&nbsp;The two lifts of the tower have been closed and residents have been asked to use the stairs.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/video-dog-injures-young-girl-inside-noida-society-lift-719311">Video: Dog injures young girl inside Noida society lift</a></strong></p>

<p>Police said that the incident occurred due to a technical glitch and investigation is ongoing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Incidents of Lift&nbsp;malfunction&nbsp;in Noida housing societies</strong></h2>

<p>A number of elevator malfunctions have claimed several lives in National Capital Region surrounding Delhi. Despite the government of Uttar Pradesh, under whose jurisdiction the NCR cities Noida and Ghaziabad fall, passing a law for the proper upkeep of elevators in the state, such incidents often come to light.</p>

<p>"We will demand an investigation into this entire incident from the architects and builders. The safety of the residents is our first priority. We will take all necessary steps so that such incidents do not happen in future," said the Apartment Owners Association of Paras Tierra Society.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Researchers say Dog's tail are only a communication tool</strong></p>

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<p>In August 2023, an elderly lady was killed in a suspected heart attack at the same Paras Tierra Society after the cable of an elevator snapped and the lift fell freely between the floors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A month later, another lift crash claimed the lives of eight workers at the under-construction Amrapali Dream Valley housing complex in Noida Extension.</p>

<p>In February this year, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government enacted a law&nbsp;that makes registration mandatory for the installation of lifts and escalators along with relevant provisions for insurance and compensation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An elevator at a housing society in Noida near Delhi shot through the roof of the top floor after failure of its brakes. A total of three occupants inside the elevator were injured.

An elevator at a housing society in Noida near Delhi shot through the roof of the top floor after failure of its brakes. A total of three occupants inside the elevator were injured. The lift malfunction occurred at the Paras Tierra Society in Noida's Sector 137. The incident occurred months after an elderly lady was killed in a lift crash at the housing complex. The latest incident occurred when the lift was on the fourth floor of Tower-5 and its three occupants were exiting. Suddenly, the brakes of the lift failed and it began climbing. The lift reached straight to the 25th floor and smashed against the roof. The two lifts of the tower have been closed and residents have been asked to use the stairs. Also read | Video: Dog injures young girl inside Noida society lift Police said that the incident occurred due to a technical glitch and investigation is ongoing. Incidents of Lift malfunction in Noida housing societies A number of elevator malfunctions have claimed several lives in National Capital Region surrounding Delhi. Despite the government of Uttar Pradesh, under whose jurisdiction the NCR cities Noida and Ghaziabad fall, passing a law for the proper upkeep of elevators in the state, such incidents often come to light. "We will demand an investigation into this entire incident from the architects and builders. The safety of the residents is our first priority. We will take all necessary steps so that such incidents do not happen in future," said the Apartment Owners Association of Paras Tierra Society. Also watch | Researchers say Dog's tail are only a communication tool × In August 2023, an elderly lady was killed in a suspected heart attack at the same Paras Tierra Society after the cable of an elevator snapped and the lift fell freely between the floors. A month later, another lift crash claimed the lives of eight workers at the under-construction Amrapali Dream Valley housing complex in Noida Extension. In February this year, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's government enacted a law that makes registration mandatory for the installation of lifts and escalators along with relevant provisions for insurance and compensation. (With inputs from agencies)

Chaos in Noida society after malfunctioning lift smashes through roof

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<p>YSR Congress Party's Tenali MLA and a candidate for state assembly elections,&nbsp;A Sivakumar, in a&nbsp;brazen&nbsp;act, slapped a voter after the latter called out the legislator for jumping the queue and not waiting for his turn at a polling booth located in the Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 10-second video, the MLA&nbsp;is seen&nbsp;walking&nbsp;towards the voter and&nbsp;slapping&nbsp;him on his face.&nbsp;The voter&nbsp;is then seen&nbsp;returning the slap to the MLA, after which all the aides of the political leader jointly launch an attack on the voter.</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> | Andhra Pradesh: YSRCP MLA and candidate for state assembly elections, A Sivakumar attacks a voter in Tenali, Guntur. The voter, who was standing in a queue to cast his vote, objected to the MLA's attempt to jump the line and cast his vote without waiting. The MLA, in… <a href="https://t.co/9tDP8wwJO8">pic.twitter.com/9tDP8wwJO8</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1789912978050912663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>No security personnel tried to save voter</strong></h2>

<p>As the aides of the MLA continue hitting the voter, other voters&nbsp;are seen&nbsp;trying to stop the assault. However, no security personnel&nbsp;is seen&nbsp;intervening to rescue him. The entire brawl&nbsp;was caught&nbsp;on camera&nbsp;and&nbsp;the video has gone viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-offers-langar-at-patnas-historic-gurdwara-720845">&nbsp;Indian PM Modi offers langar at Patna's historic gurdwara</a></p>

<p>It remains unclear how the dispute reached the extent of an exchange of blows, however, social media users are strongly condemning the attack by the MLA.</p>

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<p>A case against the MLA has&nbsp;been registered&nbsp;by the police&nbsp;and&nbsp;an investigation is&nbsp;going on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Posting the video, TDP leader Nara Lokesh wrote on X, "Voters who say that there is nothing to fear from YSRCP's rowdyism, I applaud your courage."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India Lok Sabha Election 2024: 1,717 candidates in the fray in Phase 4 voting</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-lok-sabha-election-2024-1717-candidates-in-the-fray-in-phase-4-voting-720849/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The voting for the fourth phase of&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections are taking place simultaneously on May 13 (Monday).</p>

<p>In the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections, Andhra Pradesh is voting on 25 seats&nbsp;along with&nbsp;175 Assembly seats. The YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party government is fighting against an alliance of N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party and the BJP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


YSR Congress Party's Tenali MLA and a candidate for state assembly elections, A Sivakumar, in a brazen act, slapped a voter after the latter called out the legislator for jumping the queue and not waiting for his turn at a polling booth located in the Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.

YSR Congress Party's Tenali MLA and a candidate for state assembly elections, A Sivakumar, in a brazen act, slapped a voter after the latter called out the legislator for jumping the queue and not waiting for his turn at a polling booth located in the Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh. In the 10-second video, the MLA is seen walking towards the voter and slapping him on his face. The voter is then seen returning the slap to the MLA, after which all the aides of the political leader jointly launch an attack on the voter. #WATCH | Andhra Pradesh: YSRCP MLA and candidate for state assembly elections, A Sivakumar attacks a voter in Tenali, Guntur. The voter, who was standing in a queue to cast his vote, objected to the MLA's attempt to jump the line and cast his vote without waiting. The MLA, in… pic.twitter.com/9tDP8wwJO8 — ANI (@ANI) May 13, 2024 × No security personnel tried to save voter As the aides of the MLA continue hitting the voter, other voters are seen trying to stop the assault. However, no security personnel is seen intervening to rescue him. The entire brawl was caught on camera and the video has gone viral. Also Read: Indian PM Modi offers langar at Patna's historic gurdwara It remains unclear how the dispute reached the extent of an exchange of blows, however, social media users are strongly condemning the attack by the MLA. A case against the MLA has been registered by the police and an investigation is going on. Posting the video, TDP leader Nara Lokesh wrote on X, "Voters who say that there is nothing to fear from YSRCP's rowdyism, I applaud your courage." Watch: India Lok Sabha Election 2024: 1,717 candidates in the fray in Phase 4 voting The voting for the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections are taking place simultaneously on May 13 (Monday). In the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections, Andhra Pradesh is voting on 25 seats along with 175 Assembly seats. The YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party government is fighting against an alliance of N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party and the BJP. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: YSR Congress MLA slaps voter in polling queue. Watch

<p>India is all set to conduct the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday (May 13).&nbsp;A total of&nbsp;96 constituencies will go to polls in the fourth phase, spread across nine states and one Union Territory (UT). The polling starts at 7 am and will close at 6 pm.</p>

<p>In the fourth phase, more than 1,700 candidates are in the fray.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All constituencies in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh (25) and Telangana (17) will go to polls. Elections will also&nbsp;be held&nbsp;in different numbers of constituencies in the following states.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh (13)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maharashtra (11)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (8 each)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bihar (5)&nbsp;</p>

<p>Odisha and Jharkhand (4 each) and&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jammu and Kashmir (1).</p>

<p>Additionally, assembly polls will&nbsp;be held&nbsp;in the state of Andhra Pradesh.</p>

<h2><strong>Prominent faces in Phase 4</strong></h2>

<p>Prominent candidates in phase 4 include Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Giriraj Singh (Begusarai), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Behrampur), Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar), Shatrughnan Sinha (Asansol), Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad) and YS Sharmila (Kadappa).</p>

<h2><strong>177 million voters to cast votes</strong></h2>

<p>A whopping 177 million voters will&nbsp;cast their votes&nbsp;in the fourth phase of the elections across 200,000 polling stations. There are 1.2 million elderly voters as well who have&nbsp;been given&nbsp;the option to&nbsp;cast their&nbsp;vote from home.</p>

<h2><strong>No heatwave predicted</strong></h2>

<p>Much to the relief of voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said no heatwave&nbsp;was predicted&nbsp;for the Monday phase.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The weather forecast says constituencies going for polls&nbsp;are likely to&nbsp;experience normal to below-normal temperatures (±2 degrees).</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjzoNG92YiGAxXRUGwGHfFUB8kQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rainfall-to-bring-relief-in-most-indian-states-till-may-14-but-intense-heatwave-predicted-afterwards-720631" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rainfall-to-bring-relief-in-most-indian-states-till-may-14-but-intense-heatwave-predicted-afterwards-720631&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjzoNG92YiGAxXRUGwGHfFUB8kQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Rainfall to bring relief in most Indian states till May 14 but intense heatwave predicted afterwards</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier,&nbsp;the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;to witness widespread rainfall activity on Sunday.&nbsp;The fresh spell of rainfall this week will keep scorching heat at bay for at least two days till May 14.</p>

<p>Heavy rains&nbsp;are also expected&nbsp;in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India is all set to conduct the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday (May 13). A total of 96 constituencies will go to polls in the fourth phase, spread across nine states and one Union Territory (UT).

India is all set to conduct the fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Monday (May 13). A total of 96 constituencies will go to polls in the fourth phase, spread across nine states and one Union Territory (UT). The polling starts at 7 am and will close at 6 pm. In the fourth phase, more than 1,700 candidates are in the fray. All constituencies in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh (25) and Telangana (17) will go to polls. Elections will also be held in different numbers of constituencies in the following states. Uttar Pradesh (13) Maharashtra (11) Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (8 each) Bihar (5) Odisha and Jharkhand (4 each) and Jammu and Kashmir (1). Additionally, assembly polls will be held in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Prominent faces in Phase 4 Prominent candidates in phase 4 include Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Giriraj Singh (Begusarai), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Behrampur), Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar), Shatrughnan Sinha (Asansol), Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad) and YS Sharmila (Kadappa). 177 million voters to cast votes A whopping 177 million voters will cast their votes in the fourth phase of the elections across 200,000 polling stations. There are 1.2 million elderly voters as well who have been given the option to cast their vote from home. No heatwave predicted Much to the relief of voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday said no heatwave was predicted for the Monday phase. The weather forecast says constituencies going for polls are likely to experience normal to below-normal temperatures (±2 degrees). Also read: Rainfall to bring relief in most Indian states till May 14 but intense heatwave predicted afterwards Earlier, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are expected to witness widespread rainfall activity on Sunday. The fresh spell of rainfall this week will keep scorching heat at bay for at least two days till May 14. Heavy rains are also expected in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024 phase 4: 96 constituencies head for voting amid relief from heatwave

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections, Phase 4: </strong>The world’s largest democracy is undergoing one of its biggest elections. The polling for the general elections in 2024 started on April 19, which was the first of the seven-phase elections. Several states in India are now voting in the fourth phase of the election on Monday (May 13).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The elections will conclude on June 1 and counting of votes will be done on June 4.</p>

<p>The first phase of the polling covered 102 constituencies of 21 states and union territories (UTs). Ten states and UTs were fully covered, while 11 states and UTs were partially covered.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leader-deveraje-gowda-taken-into-police-custody-in-karnataka-sex-scandal-720335">BJP leader Deveraje Gowda taken into police custody in Karnataka sex scandal</a></p>

<p>In the second phase, with 88 seats contested, the final turnout stood at 66.71 per cent, showing a decrease of approximately 3 percentage points from 2019.</p>

<p>In this phase, a total of 96 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 10 states and one union territory will go to polls.</p>

<p>The states in the fourth phase are Andhra Pradesh (25), Bihar (5), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Jharkhand (4), Madhya Pradesh (8), Maharashtra (11), Odisha (4), Telangana (17), Uttar Pradesh (13), and West Bengal (8).</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Phase 4 timing and schedule</strong></h2>

<p>The voting for the fourth phase of elections will start Monday (May 13) at 7:00 am IST and will end at 5 pm IST. To find out the polling booth in your assembly area you are supposed to vote, use the EPIC number present on the Voter ID Card.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-1-voting-to-commence-on-april-19-heres-how-to-find-your-polling-booth-712556">Here</a> is a step-by-step process to find your polling station.</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of constituencies voting on May 13</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Andhra Pradesh:</strong> Araku (ST), Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Amalapuram (SC), Rajahmundry, Narsapuram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Bapatla (SC), Ongole, Nandyal, Kurnool, Nellore, Thirupathi (SC), Rajampet, Chittoor (SC)</p>

<p><strong>Bihar:</strong> Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger</p>

<p><strong>Jammu &amp; Kashmir:</strong> Srinagar</p>

<p><strong>Madhya Pradesh: </strong>Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsour, Ratlam, Dhar, Indore, Khargone, Khandwa</p>

<p><strong>Maharashtra: </strong>Nandurbhar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, Beed</p>

<p><strong>Odisha: </strong>Kalahandi, Nabarangpur (ST), Berhampur, Koraput (ST)</p>

<p><strong>Telangana: </strong>Adilabad (ST), Peddapalli (SC), Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Zahirabad, Medak, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Chevella, Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool (SC), Bhuvanagiri, Warangal (SC), Mahbubabad (ST), Khammam</p>

<p><strong>Uttar Pradesh:</strong> Shahjahanpur, Kheri, Dharuhara, Sitapur, Hardoi, Misrikh, Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Bahraich (SC)</p>

<p><strong>West Bengal:</strong> Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur, Birbhum</p>

<p><strong>Jharkhand:</strong> Singhbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga, Palamau</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key constituencies and candidates</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Akhilesh Yadav</strong>, SP: Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh</p>

<p><strong>Mahua Moitra</strong>, TMC: Krishnanagar, West Bengal</p>

<p><strong>Giriraj Singh</strong>, BJP : Begusarai, Bihar</p>

<p><strong>YS Sharmila</strong>, Congress: Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh</p>

<p><strong>Arjun Munda</strong>, BJP: Khunti, Jharkhand</p>

<p><strong>Shatrughan Sinha</strong>, TMC: Asansol, West Bengal</p>

<p><strong>Madhavi Latha,</strong> BJP: Hyderabad, Telangana</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lok Sabha Elections, Phase 4: The world’s largest democracy is undergoing one of its biggest elections. The polling for the general elections in 2024 started on April 19, which was the first of the seven-phase elections.

Lok Sabha Elections, Phase 4: The world’s largest democracy is undergoing one of its biggest elections. The polling for the general elections in 2024 started on April 19, which was the first of the seven-phase elections. Several states in India are now voting in the fourth phase of the election on Monday (May 13). The elections will conclude on June 1 and counting of votes will be done on June 4. The first phase of the polling covered 102 constituencies of 21 states and union territories (UTs). Ten states and UTs were fully covered, while 11 states and UTs were partially covered. Also Read | BJP leader Deveraje Gowda taken into police custody in Karnataka sex scandal In the second phase, with 88 seats contested, the final turnout stood at 66.71 per cent, showing a decrease of approximately 3 percentage points from 2019. In this phase, a total of 96 Lok Sabha constituencies spread across 10 states and one union territory will go to polls. The states in the fourth phase are Andhra Pradesh (25), Bihar (5), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Jharkhand (4), Madhya Pradesh (8), Maharashtra (11), Odisha (4), Telangana (17), Uttar Pradesh (13), and West Bengal (8). Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Phase 4 timing and schedule The voting for the fourth phase of elections will start Monday (May 13) at 7:00 am IST and will end at 5 pm IST. To find out the polling booth in your assembly area you are supposed to vote, use the EPIC number present on the Voter ID Card. Here is a step-by-step process to find your polling station. Lok Sabha Elections 2024: List of constituencies voting on May 13 Andhra Pradesh: Araku (ST), Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, Amalapuram (SC), Rajahmundry, Narsapuram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Bapatla (SC), Ongole, Nandyal, Kurnool, Nellore, Thirupathi (SC), Rajampet, Chittoor (SC) Bihar: Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur, Begusarai, Munger Jammu & Kashmir: Srinagar Madhya Pradesh: Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsour, Ratlam, Dhar, Indore, Khargone, Khandwa Maharashtra: Nandurbhar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, Beed Odisha: Kalahandi, Nabarangpur (ST), Berhampur, Koraput (ST) Telangana: Adilabad (ST), Peddapalli (SC), Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Zahirabad, Medak, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Chevella, Mahbubnagar, Nalgonda, Nagarkurnool (SC), Bhuvanagiri, Warangal (SC), Mahbubabad (ST), Khammam Uttar Pradesh: Shahjahanpur, Kheri, Dharuhara, Sitapur, Hardoi, Misrikh, Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah, Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur, Bahraich (SC) West Bengal: Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Burdwan-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur, Birbhum Jharkhand: Singhbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga, Palamau Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Key constituencies and candidates Akhilesh Yadav, SP: Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh Mahua Moitra, TMC: Krishnanagar, West Bengal Giriraj Singh, BJP : Begusarai, Bihar YS Sharmila, Congress: Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh Arjun Munda, BJP: Khunti, Jharkhand Shatrughan Sinha, TMC: Asansol, West Bengal Madhavi Latha, BJP: Hyderabad, Telangana (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Phase 4: Schedule, key candidates and constituencies voting on May 13

<p>Actors Shekhar Suman and Kangana Ranaut are now part of the same party. Earlier this week, Suman joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, weeks after his son Adhyayan Suman's ex-girlfriend Ranaut joined the party. Ranaut is now contesting the Lok Sabha Elections from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh and Suman has said he has no qualms in campaigning for the actress.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Sumans had a very public spat with Kangana Ranaut a few years back.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Will Shekhar campaign for Kangana?</strong><br />
<br />
During his induction into the party, Shekhar was asked by news agency IANS if he'd campaign for Kangana in Mandi, considering their differences. He promptly responded, <em>“Agar bulayengi toh kyu nahi jayenge? Ye toh mera farz hai, aur haq bhi </em>(If she invites me then why wouldn't I go? This is my duty, and my right as well).”<br />
<br />
<strong>What was beef about?</strong><br />
<br />
Kangana dated Adhyayan for a few months in 2008-09. The two met on sets of <em>Raaz: The Mystery Continues</em> and started dating soon after. A few years after they broke up, both Adhyayan and Shekhar levelled allegations that Kangana did black magic on her ex-boyfriend.<br />
<br />
Keeping that in mind, several X users pointed at the old incident and expressed shock over the two being part of the same party. “This is interesting. This new BJP leader Shekhar Suman had accused senior BJP leader Kangana Ranaut of performing black magic against his son, using menstrual blood. I wonder if Shekhar and Kangana will campaign together for old times sake (teary-eyed laughter emojis).”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Another wrote, “Shekhar Suman &amp; Kangana in same Party (teary-eyed laughter cat emojis) Strange.”&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“Shekhar Suman in an interview had said Kangana Ranaut abused and&nbsp;did black magic on his son. Now both #ShekharSuman &amp; #KanganaRanaut are in the same party - BJP. Hope Shekhar Suman does not later say that BJP had done black magic on him,” stated a third tweet.<br />
<br />
<strong>Shekhar had earlier extended an olive branch towards Kangana&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
Before Shekar joined BJP, he extended an olive branch to Kangana in an interview with Zoom. He said, “We are not holding on to anything at all. Not the family, not Adhyayan. I think it is pointless talking about it. I said it was just a phase. It happens, and then it's over.”<br />
<br />
On the work front, Shekhar was recently seen&nbsp;in <em>Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. </em>Meanwhile,<em>&nbsp;</em>Kangana will play former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in <em>Emergency </em>which also has been directed by her.</p>


Actors Shekhar Suman and Kangana Ranaut are now part of the same party. Earlier this week, Suman joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, weeks after his son Adhyayan Suman's ex-girlfriend Ranaut joined the party.

Actors Shekhar Suman and Kangana Ranaut are now part of the same party. Earlier this week, Suman joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, weeks after his son Adhyayan Suman's ex-girlfriend Ranaut joined the party. Ranaut is now contesting the Lok Sabha Elections from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh and Suman has said he has no qualms in campaigning for the actress. The Sumans had a very public spat with Kangana Ranaut a few years back. Will Shekhar campaign for Kangana? During his induction into the party, Shekhar was asked by news agency IANS if he'd campaign for Kangana in Mandi, considering their differences. He promptly responded, “Agar bulayengi toh kyu nahi jayenge? Ye toh mera farz hai, aur haq bhi (If she invites me then why wouldn't I go? This is my duty, and my right as well).” What was beef about? Kangana dated Adhyayan for a few months in 2008-09. The two met on sets of Raaz: The Mystery Continues and started dating soon after. A few years after they broke up, both Adhyayan and Shekhar levelled allegations that Kangana did black magic on her ex-boyfriend. Keeping that in mind, several X users pointed at the old incident and expressed shock over the two being part of the same party. “This is interesting. This new BJP leader Shekhar Suman had accused senior BJP leader Kangana Ranaut of performing black magic against his son, using menstrual blood. I wonder if Shekhar and Kangana will campaign together for old times sake (teary-eyed laughter emojis).” Another wrote, “Shekhar Suman & Kangana in same Party (teary-eyed laughter cat emojis) Strange.” “Shekhar Suman in an interview had said Kangana Ranaut abused and did black magic on his son. Now both #ShekharSuman & #KanganaRanaut are in the same party - BJP. Hope Shekhar Suman does not later say that BJP had done black magic on him,” stated a third tweet. Shekhar had earlier extended an olive branch towards Kangana Before Shekar joined BJP, he extended an olive branch to Kangana in an interview with Zoom. He said, “We are not holding on to anything at all. Not the family, not Adhyayan. I think it is pointless talking about it. I said it was just a phase. It happens, and then it's over.” On the work front, Shekhar was recently seen in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Meanwhile, Kangana will play former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Emergency which also has been directed by her.

Shekhar Suman is ready to campaign for Kangana Ranaut: This is my duty

The Kashmir Valley is witnessing a change, for the first time in the last three decades, as election campaign rallies are being held in areas which were once considered volatile and no-go zones. Watch in for more details!

India General Elections 2024: Campaign rallies sweep areas one considered no-go zones in J&K

Multiple social media users claimed that 171 EVM votes were cast in Assam’s Dima Hasao while only 90 voters were there at the polling booth. Watch in for more details.

India General Election 2024: Old voting irregularity incident falsely linked to 2024 elections

<p>To celebrate the festival of democracy, Ankit Soni, a voter who lost both his hands 20 years ago, exercised his franchise through his feet at a polling booth in Gujarat’s Nadiad. He also appealed to voters across the country where elections are being held to come out and vote.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-phase-3-live-voting-updates-12-states-assam-goa-karnataka-west-bengal-up-mp-gujarat-718644">Lok Sabha Election Phase 3 LIVE: 40% voter turnout till 1 PM; Bengal leads</a></p>

<p>The voting for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced at 7 am on Tuesday (May 7)&nbsp;in&nbsp;93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories.</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> | Nadiad, Gujarat: Ankit Soni, a voter, casts his vote through his feet at a polling booth in Nadiad<br />
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He says, "I lost both my hands due to electric shock 20 years ago. With the blessings of my teachers and guru, I did my graduation, CS... I appeal to people to come out… <a href="https://t.co/UPx8G5MTPz">pic.twitter.com/UPx8G5MTPz</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1787753362391175371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Soni, who is a graduate, had lost both of his hands due to electric shock accident two decades ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While taking to the media, he said, “Despite losing both hands in an electric shock accident 20 years ago, I never gave up. Inspired by my teachers and guru, I embarked on a journey of learning, first with drawing and writing, then pursuing education. With hard work, I graduated and went on to earn a CS degree and even an MBA. Voting is a right I cherish, and I've found a way to cast my ballot for several years now. Let's all follow suit and exercise this precious right.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-3-india-in-middle-of-its-poll-summer-as-voting-begins-across-93-seats-718744">India in middle of its poll summer as voting begins across 93 seats</a></p>

<p>It is worth mentioning that, a&nbsp;special polling station has been set up in Burudmal village of Maharashtra’s Baramati constituency after 75 years of independence. Burudmal has the smallest voter population with just 41 voters.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;39.92% voter turnout was recorded&nbsp;till 1 pm for phase 3 of Lok Sabha elections 2024.</p>

<p>Assam 45.88%</p>

<p>Bihar 36.69%</p>

<p>Chhattisgarh 46.14%</p>

<p>Dadra &amp; Nagar Haveli And Daman &amp; Diu 39.94%</p>

<p>Goa 49.04%</p>

<p>Gujarat 37.83%</p>

<p>Karnataka 41.59%</p>

<p>Madhya Pradesh 44.67%</p>

<p>Maharashtra 31.55%</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh 38.12%</p>

<p>West Bengal 49.27%</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


To celebrate the festival of democracy, Ankit Soni, a voter who lost both his hands 20 years ago, exercised his franchise through his feet at a polling booth in Gujarat’s Nadiad.

To celebrate the festival of democracy, Ankit Soni, a voter who lost both his hands 20 years ago, exercised his franchise through his feet at a polling booth in Gujarat’s Nadiad. He also appealed to voters across the country where elections are being held to come out and vote. Also read: Lok Sabha Election Phase 3 LIVE: 40% voter turnout till 1 PM; Bengal leads The voting for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced at 7 am on Tuesday (May 7) in 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories. #WATCH | Nadiad, Gujarat: Ankit Soni, a voter, casts his vote through his feet at a polling booth in Nadiad He says, "I lost both my hands due to electric shock 20 years ago. With the blessings of my teachers and guru, I did my graduation, CS... I appeal to people to come out… pic.twitter.com/UPx8G5MTPz — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024 × Soni, who is a graduate, had lost both of his hands due to electric shock accident two decades ago. While taking to the media, he said, “Despite losing both hands in an electric shock accident 20 years ago, I never gave up. Inspired by my teachers and guru, I embarked on a journey of learning, first with drawing and writing, then pursuing education. With hard work, I graduated and went on to earn a CS degree and even an MBA. Voting is a right I cherish, and I've found a way to cast my ballot for several years now. Let's all follow suit and exercise this precious right.” Also read: India in middle of its poll summer as voting begins across 93 seats It is worth mentioning that, a special polling station has been set up in Burudmal village of Maharashtra’s Baramati constituency after 75 years of independence. Burudmal has the smallest voter population with just 41 voters. Meanwhile, 39.92% voter turnout was recorded till 1 pm for phase 3 of Lok Sabha elections 2024. Assam 45.88% Bihar 36.69% Chhattisgarh 46.14% Dadra & Nagar Haveli And Daman & Diu 39.94% Goa 49.04% Gujarat 37.83% Karnataka 41.59% Madhya Pradesh 44.67% Maharashtra 31.55% Uttar Pradesh 38.12% West Bengal 49.27% (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voter who lost hands in accident casts vote using feet in Gujarat's Nadiad

<p><strong>India Elections 2024:</strong> India, the world’s biggest democracy, is in election mode with third&nbsp;phase of voting starting on May 7. A total of 1,332 candidates will try their luck for 93 seats in Tuesday’s polling for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Amid the simmering political season in India, the weather is set to bring some respite from the scorching heat.</p>

<p>Rainfall is expected in West Bengal and many northeastern states (many of which will be voting on May 7) on Tuesday, the latest forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The ease in rising temperature might reflect on polling day with better turnout in the 11 states voting on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/engineers-appraisal-is-a-joke-post-goes-viral-social-media-users-think-he-is-right-718664">Engineer's 'appraisal is a joke' post goes viral, social media users think he is right</a></p>

<h2><strong>Rainfall prediction in West Bengal ahead of polling&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Several districts in West Bengal received rainfall on Monday after the mercury crossed&nbsp;40 degrees Celsius in the state. Rainfall is expected to continue over the state for the next few days, bringing down the temperature, the IMD said.</p>

<p>The Met Department also said thunderstorms with gusty winds will occur in several districts of West Bengal till May 10. Moreover, multiple cyclonic circulations near northeastern states are likely to bring light to moderate rainfall in Assam on polling day, as per IMD.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-pm-modi-calls-viral-deepfake-meme-poll-humour-as-mamata-sends-legal-notices-718634">WATCH: PM Modi calls viral deepfake meme ‘poll humour’ as Mamata sends legal notices</a></p>

<p>The southern westerly winds carrying moisture from the Bay of Bengal will travel to eastern India, IMD said, and bring moderate to heavy rains in multiple districts of Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam this week.</p>

<h2><strong>Heatwave conditions persist in other parts</strong></h2>

<p>The weather agency further predicted that heatwave conditions will persist in Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand this week, with maximum temperatures recorded to be 4-7 degrees Celsius above normal on Monday.</p>

<p>IMD issued an "orange alert" in several districts of Karnataka that are set to go to polls on Tuesday, as temperatures hit 42 to 44 degrees Celsius in the past few days. Odisha and Karnataka are predicted to record temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius on polling day in Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>Phase 3 polling will seal the fate of many heavyweights like Union Ministers Amit Shah, Jyotiraditya Scindia&nbsp;and Mansukh Mandaviya.</p>

<p>Follow Lok Sabha election live updates <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-election-2024-phase-3-live-voting-updates-12-states-assam-goa-karnataka-west-bengal-up-mp-gujarat-718644">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Elections 2024: India, the world’s biggest democracy, is in election mode with third phase of voting starting on May 7. A total of 1,332 candidates will try their luck for 93 seats in Tuesday’s polling for the Lok Sabha elections 2024.

India Elections 2024: India, the world’s biggest democracy, is in election mode with third phase of voting starting on May 7. A total of 1,332 candidates will try their luck for 93 seats in Tuesday’s polling for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Amid the simmering political season in India, the weather is set to bring some respite from the scorching heat. Rainfall is expected in West Bengal and many northeastern states (many of which will be voting on May 7) on Tuesday, the latest forecast from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The ease in rising temperature might reflect on polling day with better turnout in the 11 states voting on Tuesday. Also Read | Engineer's 'appraisal is a joke' post goes viral, social media users think he is right Rainfall prediction in West Bengal ahead of polling Several districts in West Bengal received rainfall on Monday after the mercury crossed 40 degrees Celsius in the state. Rainfall is expected to continue over the state for the next few days, bringing down the temperature, the IMD said. The Met Department also said thunderstorms with gusty winds will occur in several districts of West Bengal till May 10. Moreover, multiple cyclonic circulations near northeastern states are likely to bring light to moderate rainfall in Assam on polling day, as per IMD. Also Read | WATCH: PM Modi calls viral deepfake meme ‘poll humour’ as Mamata sends legal notices The southern westerly winds carrying moisture from the Bay of Bengal will travel to eastern India, IMD said, and bring moderate to heavy rains in multiple districts of Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam this week. Heatwave conditions persist in other parts The weather agency further predicted that heatwave conditions will persist in Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand this week, with maximum temperatures recorded to be 4-7 degrees Celsius above normal on Monday. IMD issued an "orange alert" in several districts of Karnataka that are set to go to polls on Tuesday, as temperatures hit 42 to 44 degrees Celsius in the past few days. Odisha and Karnataka are predicted to record temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius on polling day in Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections. Phase 3 polling will seal the fate of many heavyweights like Union Ministers Amit Shah, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mansukh Mandaviya. Follow Lok Sabha election live updates here. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 weather: Heatwave, rains to play key role in states going to polls in Phase 3

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<p>India&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday (May 7)&nbsp;began voting in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;A total of&nbsp;93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories (UT) are witnessing elections.</p>

<p>The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip rages on&nbsp;with&nbsp;the Israeli army carrying out "targeted strikes" against Hamas militants in eastern Rafah after appealing to civilians to evacuate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, the US and most European Union nations are boycotting the Kremlin ceremony to swear in Vladimir Putin for a new six-year term as president.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-3-india-in-middle-of-its-poll-summer-as-voting-begins-across-93-seats-718744"><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: India in middle of its poll summer as voting begins across 93 seats</strong></a></p>

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<p>India is almost exactly in the middle of its seven-phase general election. With the completion of phase-3 voting by the end of Tuesday (May 7) in which 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories are going to polls, a total of 283 of 543 Lok Sabha seats would have completed polling.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-conducts-targeted-strikes-against-hamas-as-ceasefire-deal-remains-uncertain-718708"><strong>Israel conducts 'targeted strikes' in Gaza as ceasefire deal remains uncertain</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/07/429751-wion-banners-prisha-65.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The&nbsp;Israeli army carried out&nbsp;"targeted strikes" against Hamas militants in eastern Rafah after appealing to civilians to evacuate. Thousands of people moved to what Israel termed as the "humanitarian area"&nbsp;to the north of Rafah.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-majority-of-eu-nations-to-skip-putins-inauguration-ceremony-718693"><strong>US and majority of EU nations to skip Putin's inauguration ceremony</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/07/429738-untitled-design-2024-05-07t075543500.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The US and most European Union nations are boycotting the Kremlin ceremony to swear in Vladimir Putin for a new six-year term as president on Tuesday (May 7). However, some other EU states and France were expected to send an envoy despite a plea by Kyiv.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/from-countdown-to-letdown-boeings-starliner-launch-postponed-what-went-wrong-718703"><strong>From countdown to letdown: Sunita Williams' third trip to space delayed as Starliner launch is scrubbed</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/07/429742-new-wion-2024-05-07t074247906.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Just two hours before blast off, the long-awaited test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was called off over a technical glitch with the Atlas V rocket.&nbsp;The launch has been postponed for at least 24 hours because of an issue with the Atlas V rocket that was being readied to launch the new astronaut capsule into orbit on Monday&nbsp;(May 6)&nbsp;night.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India, Ghana agree to operationalise UPI link within 6 months</strong></p>

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India on Tuesday (May 7) began voting in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections. A total of 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories (UT) are witnessing elections.

India on Tuesday (May 7) began voting in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections. A total of 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories (UT) are witnessing elections. The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip rages on with the Israeli army carrying out "targeted strikes" against Hamas militants in eastern Rafah after appealing to civilians to evacuate. In other news from around the world, the US and most European Union nations are boycotting the Kremlin ceremony to swear in Vladimir Putin for a new six-year term as president. Click on the headlines to read Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: India in middle of its poll summer as voting begins across 93 seats India is almost exactly in the middle of its seven-phase general election. With the completion of phase-3 voting by the end of Tuesday (May 7) in which 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories are going to polls, a total of 283 of 543 Lok Sabha seats would have completed polling. Israel conducts 'targeted strikes' in Gaza as ceasefire deal remains uncertain The Israeli army carried out "targeted strikes" against Hamas militants in eastern Rafah after appealing to civilians to evacuate. Thousands of people moved to what Israel termed as the "humanitarian area" to the north of Rafah. US and majority of EU nations to skip Putin's inauguration ceremony The US and most European Union nations are boycotting the Kremlin ceremony to swear in Vladimir Putin for a new six-year term as president on Tuesday (May 7). However, some other EU states and France were expected to send an envoy despite a plea by Kyiv. From countdown to letdown: Sunita Williams' third trip to space delayed as Starliner launch is scrubbed Just two hours before blast off, the long-awaited test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft was called off over a technical glitch with the Atlas V rocket. The launch has been postponed for at least 24 hours because of an issue with the Atlas V rocket that was being readied to launch the new astronaut capsule into orbit on Monday (May 6) night. Watch | India, Ghana agree to operationalise UPI link within 6 months ×

Morning brief: India votes in phase 3 of Lok Sabha polls; Gaza war updates, and more

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3 Voting</strong>: The voting across 94 Lok Sabha constituencies in 10 states and 2 Union Territories is set to begin on Tuesday, May 7 during the third phase of India's seven-phase General Elections. These are some of the key contests that are being watched out across India with keen interest.</p>

<h2><strong>Baramati Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>Baramati in Maharashtra is among the 11 constituencies in Maharashtra that are going to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 7. The three-time MP and Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule is taking on Sunetra Pawar, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who split the National Congress Party (NCP) to join the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance last year.</p>

<h2><strong>Badaun Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>Aditya Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's cousin and the son of his once estranged uncle Shivpal Yadav, is looking to make his Lok Sabha debut from Badaun, a seat which has traditionally been an SP stronghold.</p>

<p>Aditya is up against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's Durvijay Sakya.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gandhinagar Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>Union Minister of Home Affairs and top BJP leader Amit Shah is contesting from Gujarat's Gandhinagar, a seat previously represented by BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani. He is up against the Congress party's Sonalben Patel.</p>

<h2><strong>Firozabad Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>Akshay Yadav, another Akhilesh Yadav cousin, is contesting from Firozabad Lok Sabha constituency on Samajwadi Party ticket. He is up against the BJP's Vishwadeep Singh and Bahujan Samaj Party's Chowdhary Basheer.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Mainpuri Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>Akhilesh Yadav's wife and serving Member of Parliament from Mainpuri, Dimple Yadav, is contesting against BJP's Jaiveer Singh and Bahujan Samaj Party's Shiv Prasad Yadav.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Dharwad Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>Senior BJP leader and Union minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, Pralhad Joshi, is up against Vinod Asooti of the Congress party from Karnataka's Dharwad Lok Sabha seat.</p>

<h2><strong>Gulbarga Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>Serving BJP MP Umesh Jadhav is seeking re-election from Gulbarga Lok Sabha seat. A constituency that had been a stronghold of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for decades, Gulbarga's Congress candidate for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is Radhakrishna Doddamani.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-from-scindia-in-guna-to-baramatis-pawar-play-election-summer-faces-heat-of-turfs-718226">Battle of the Bastions: From Scindia power in Guna to Baramati’s Pawar play, poll summer faces heat of turfs</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Dhubri Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>From Assam's Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency, All India Union Democratic Front's Badruddin Ajmal is up against Congress party's Rakibul Hussain and Asom Gana Parishad's Zabed Islam.</p>

<h2><strong>Guna Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>BJP's Jyotiraditya Scindia is up against Congress party's Rao Yadavendra Singh Yadav from Guna. Formerly with the Congress till 2020, Scindia is expecting to resume his winning streak from Guna that began in 2002 but was broken&nbsp;in 2019 when Guna was won by the BJP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Vidisha Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest</strong></h2>

<p>Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has returned to contest from the constituency he represented for four terms between 1991 and 2006. He is up against the Congress party's Pratap Bhanu Sharma.</p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3 Voting: The voting across 94 Lok Sabha constituencies in 10 states and 2 Union Territories is set to begin on Tuesday, May 7 during the third phase of India's seven-phase General Elections.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3 Voting: The voting across 94 Lok Sabha constituencies in 10 states and 2 Union Territories is set to begin on Tuesday, May 7 during the third phase of India's seven-phase General Elections. These are some of the key contests that are being watched out across India with keen interest. Baramati Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest Baramati in Maharashtra is among the 11 constituencies in Maharashtra that are going to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 on May 7. The three-time MP and Sharad Pawar’s daughter Supriya Sule is taking on Sunetra Pawar, wife of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who split the National Congress Party (NCP) to join the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena alliance last year. Badaun Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest Aditya Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's cousin and the son of his once estranged uncle Shivpal Yadav, is looking to make his Lok Sabha debut from Badaun, a seat which has traditionally been an SP stronghold. Aditya is up against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's Durvijay Sakya. Gandhinagar Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest Union Minister of Home Affairs and top BJP leader Amit Shah is contesting from Gujarat's Gandhinagar, a seat previously represented by BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani. He is up against the Congress party's Sonalben Patel. Firozabad Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest Akshay Yadav, another Akhilesh Yadav cousin, is contesting from Firozabad Lok Sabha constituency on Samajwadi Party ticket. He is up against the BJP's Vishwadeep Singh and Bahujan Samaj Party's Chowdhary Basheer. Mainpuri Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest Akhilesh Yadav's wife and serving Member of Parliament from Mainpuri, Dimple Yadav, is contesting against BJP's Jaiveer Singh and Bahujan Samaj Party's Shiv Prasad Yadav. Dharwad Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest Senior BJP leader and Union minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, Pralhad Joshi, is up against Vinod Asooti of the Congress party from Karnataka's Dharwad Lok Sabha seat. Gulbarga Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest Serving BJP MP Umesh Jadhav is seeking re-election from Gulbarga Lok Sabha seat. A constituency that had been a stronghold of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for decades, Gulbarga's Congress candidate for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is Radhakrishna Doddamani. Also read | Battle of the Bastions: From Scindia power in Guna to Baramati’s Pawar play, poll summer faces heat of turfs Dhubri Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest From Assam's Dhubri Lok Sabha constituency, All India Union Democratic Front's Badruddin Ajmal is up against Congress party's Rakibul Hussain and Asom Gana Parishad's Zabed Islam. Guna Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest BJP's Jyotiraditya Scindia is up against Congress party's Rao Yadavendra Singh Yadav from Guna. Formerly with the Congress till 2020, Scindia is expecting to resume his winning streak from Guna that began in 2002 but was broken in 2019 when Guna was won by the BJP. Vidisha Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Candidates and Contest Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has returned to contest from the constituency he represented for four terms between 1991 and 2006. He is up against the Congress party's Pratap Bhanu Sharma.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: Top leaders and their key contests take centrestage

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<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3:</strong> A total of&nbsp;94 constituencies from 12 states will go to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on May 7. The process of filing nominations for these began on April 12, and the last date to file nominations in Phase 3 was April 19.</p>

<p>Gujarat's all 26 constituencies, two constituencies of Goa, and 14 constituencies of Karnataka will vote in the third phase of the general elections in India on May 7. Madhya Pradesh's Betul constituency will also vote in the third phase. The polling date was shifted from the second to the third phase due to the demise of BSP's candidate.</p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: States And Constituencies Going To Polls In Third Phase</strong></h2>

<p>Here's the&nbsp;full&nbsp;list of states and constituencies that will vote in the third phase of polling:</p>

<p><strong>Assam Lok Sabha Election:</strong> Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Guwahati</p>

<p><strong>Bihar Lok Sabha Election:</strong> Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Khagaria</p>

<p><strong>Chhattisgarh Elections:</strong> Sarguja, Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Korba, Bilaspur, Durg, Raipur</p>

<p><strong>Goa Lok Sabha Election:</strong> North Goa, South Goa</p>

<p><strong>Gujarat Lok Sabha Elections:</strong> Kachchh, Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Surat, Navsari, Valsad</p>

<p><strong>Karnataka Lok Sabha Elections:</strong> Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davangere, Shimoga</p>

<p><strong>Madhya Pradesh Elections:</strong> Bhind, Bhopal, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Rajgarh, Sagar, Vidisha, Betul</p>

<p><strong>Maharashtra Elections:</strong> Baramati, Raigad, Osmanabad, Latur (SC), Solapur (SC), Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Hatkanangle</p>

<p><strong>Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections:</strong> Sambhal, Hathras, Agra (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Budaun, Aonla, Bareilly</p>

<p><strong>West</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Bengal Elections</strong>: Maldaha Uttar, Maldaha Dakshin, Jangipur, Murshidabad</p>

<p><strong>Dadra and Nagar Haveli/Daman and Diu:</strong> Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu</p>

<p><strong>Jammu and Kashmir:&nbsp;</strong>Anantnag-Rajouri</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-blames-bjps-smriti-irani-for-vandalising-their-vehicles-in-amethi-718381">Congress&nbsp;blames BJP's Smriti Irani for vandalising their vehicles in Amethi</a></p>

<h2><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Third Phase: Key Candidates</strong></h2>

<p>The bigwigs in the fray for Lok Sabha Elections 2024's third phase are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, Dimple Yadav, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Supriya Sule, Digvijay Singh, BY Raghvendra&nbsp;and KS Eshwarappa.</p>

<p>Amit Shah will aim for a second term in the Gandhinagar constituency, dominated by the BJP since 1989. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party's Dimple Yadav is contesting for the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, where she faces BJP candidate Jaiveer Singh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be a unique Pawar vs Pawar scenario in Baramati as Supriya Sule, NCP leader Sharad Pawar's daughter, and Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, who recently switched to BJP-led NDA, contest in the elections.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: A total of 94 constituencies from 12 states will go to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on May 7. The process of filing nominations for these began on April 12, and the last date to file nominations in Phase 3 was April 19.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: A total of 94 constituencies from 12 states will go to polls in the third phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on May 7. The process of filing nominations for these began on April 12, and the last date to file nominations in Phase 3 was April 19. Gujarat's all 26 constituencies, two constituencies of Goa, and 14 constituencies of Karnataka will vote in the third phase of the general elections in India on May 7. Madhya Pradesh's Betul constituency will also vote in the third phase. The polling date was shifted from the second to the third phase due to the demise of BSP's candidate. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: States And Constituencies Going To Polls In Third Phase Here's the full list of states and constituencies that will vote in the third phase of polling: Assam Lok Sabha Election: Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Guwahati Bihar Lok Sabha Election: Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Araria, Madhepura, Khagaria Chhattisgarh Elections: Sarguja, Raigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Korba, Bilaspur, Durg, Raipur Goa Lok Sabha Election: North Goa, South Goa Gujarat Lok Sabha Elections: Kachchh, Banaskantha, Patan, Mahesana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad East, Ahmedabad West, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Anand, Kheda, Panchmahal, Dahod, Vadodara, Chhota Udaipur, Bharuch, Bardoli, Surat, Navsari, Valsad Karnataka Lok Sabha Elections: Chikkodi, Belgaum, Bagalkot, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Raichur, Bidar, Koppal, Bellary, Haveri, Dharwad, Uttara Kannada, Davangere, Shimoga Madhya Pradesh Elections: Bhind, Bhopal, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Rajgarh, Sagar, Vidisha, Betul Maharashtra Elections: Baramati, Raigad, Osmanabad, Latur (SC), Solapur (SC), Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, Hatkanangle Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections: Sambhal, Hathras, Agra (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Budaun, Aonla, Bareilly West Bengal Elections: Maldaha Uttar, Maldaha Dakshin, Jangipur, Murshidabad Dadra and Nagar Haveli/Daman and Diu: Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu Jammu and Kashmir: Anantnag-Rajouri ALSO READ | Congress blames BJP's Smriti Irani for vandalising their vehicles in Amethi Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Third Phase: Key Candidates The bigwigs in the fray for Lok Sabha Elections 2024's third phase are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, Dimple Yadav, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Supriya Sule, Digvijay Singh, BY Raghvendra and KS Eshwarappa. Amit Shah will aim for a second term in the Gandhinagar constituency, dominated by the BJP since 1989. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party's Dimple Yadav is contesting for the Mainpuri Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, where she faces BJP candidate Jaiveer Singh. It will be a unique Pawar vs Pawar scenario in Baramati as Supriya Sule, NCP leader Sharad Pawar's daughter, and Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, who recently switched to BJP-led NDA, contest in the elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: List of states and constituencies going to polls; Check key candidates

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<p>While speaking at an election rally in Behrampur&nbsp;city of Odisha, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the state has been facing poverty because of loot by the Congress and then Biju Janata Dal for more than seven decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prime minister made the statement while campaigning for the ruling BJP ahead of the state elections in Odisha which are being conducted alongside the general election.</p>

<p>"Odisha has water, fertile land, minerals, a long coastline, history, culture, God has given so much. But why are the people of Odisha poor? The answer to this is loot, first by Congress leaders and then by BJD leaders. Even small leaders of BJD have big bungalows," PM Modi said.</p>

<p>Making a rare attack on BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was at a given point of time his ally, he raised questions on the labourers who migrate to other states from his constituency Hinjili.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-long-as-im-alive-pm-modi-targets-congress-over-religion-based-quota-in-gujarat-rally-717143">‘As long as I’m alive…,’ PM Modi targets Congress over religion-based quota in Gujarat&nbsp;rally</a></p>

<p>"Why are doctors' posts vacant in most hospitals here? Why do most children drop out of schools?" Modi asked, emphasising that he ignored any budget demands for carrying out development work in Odisha.</p>

<h2><strong>Odisha govt failed to ensure welfare of women: PM Modi</strong></h2>

<p>The prime minister took a jibe at the previous Manmohan Singh government, and said, "When Sonia Gandhi's remote control government was in power at the Centre for 10 years and Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister, Odisha got&nbsp;Rs1 lakh crore in 10 years. Modi has given&nbsp;Rs3.5 lakh crore in 10 years. But only money does not ensure work."</p>

<p>PM Modi added that the Odisha government has failed to ensure the welfare of women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Centre provides an assistance of&nbsp;Rs6,000 to every pregnant women. You will be surprised that the Odisha government has suspended this important scheme," Modi said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian elections 2024: Modi to campaign in Ayodhya ahead of Phase 3</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-elections-2024-modi-to-campaign-in-ayodhya-ahead-of-phase-3-718232/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"The Centre sent&nbsp;Rs 10,000 crore rupees for the Jal Jeevan Mission. The government here could not even spend that money. Modi sends money to build roads in rural areas, but the roads here are in bad shape. Modi sends money for free rice, the BJD government sticks its own photograph on the packets," the prime minister added.</p>

<p>PM Modi said that the citizens of Odisha have decided to vote and bring BJP to power. "June 4 is the BJD government's expiry date. The BJP is the sun of new opportunities for Odisha," Modi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


While speaking at an election rally in Behrampur city of Odisha, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the state has been facing poverty because of loot by the Congress and then Biju Janata Dal for more than seven decades.

While speaking at an election rally in Behrampur city of Odisha, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the state has been facing poverty because of loot by the Congress and then Biju Janata Dal for more than seven decades. The prime minister made the statement while campaigning for the ruling BJP ahead of the state elections in Odisha which are being conducted alongside the general election. "Odisha has water, fertile land, minerals, a long coastline, history, culture, God has given so much. But why are the people of Odisha poor? The answer to this is loot, first by Congress leaders and then by BJD leaders. Even small leaders of BJD have big bungalows," PM Modi said. Making a rare attack on BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who was at a given point of time his ally, he raised questions on the labourers who migrate to other states from his constituency Hinjili. Also Read: ‘As long as I’m alive…,’ PM Modi targets Congress over religion-based quota in Gujarat rally "Why are doctors' posts vacant in most hospitals here? Why do most children drop out of schools?" Modi asked, emphasising that he ignored any budget demands for carrying out development work in Odisha. Odisha govt failed to ensure welfare of women: PM Modi The prime minister took a jibe at the previous Manmohan Singh government, and said, "When Sonia Gandhi's remote control government was in power at the Centre for 10 years and Manmohan Singh was Prime Minister, Odisha got Rs1 lakh crore in 10 years. Modi has given Rs3.5 lakh crore in 10 years. But only money does not ensure work." PM Modi added that the Odisha government has failed to ensure the welfare of women. "The Centre provides an assistance of Rs6,000 to every pregnant women. You will be surprised that the Odisha government has suspended this important scheme," Modi said. Watch: Indian elections 2024: Modi to campaign in Ayodhya ahead of Phase 3 "The Centre sent Rs 10,000 crore rupees for the Jal Jeevan Mission. The government here could not even spend that money. Modi sends money to build roads in rural areas, but the roads here are in bad shape. Modi sends money for free rice, the BJD government sticks its own photograph on the packets," the prime minister added. PM Modi said that the citizens of Odisha have decided to vote and bring BJP to power. "June 4 is the BJD government's expiry date. The BJP is the sun of new opportunities for Odisha," Modi said. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi attacks former ally Naveen Patnaik, says June 4 is BJD govt's expiry date

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi became&nbsp;the target of a complaint for filing&nbsp;his nomination from Uttar Pradesh's&nbsp;Rae Bareli constituency. The nationality of Rahul Gandhi&nbsp;and his recent conviction for defamation are&nbsp;questioned in the complaint.</p>

<h2><strong>Who filed the complaint against Rahul Gandhi's Rae Bareli nomination?</strong></h2>

<p>Advocate Ashok Pandey filed the complaint on behalf of Anirudh Pratap Singh. The attorney filed a complaint against Gandhi with the Rae Bareli Returning Officer, seeking the annulment of the Congress leader's candidacy on two grounds: his nationality and his conviction.</p>

<p>“First, Rahul Gandhi has been convicted for two years... He is ineligible to contest elections. Even though the Supreme Court has put a stay on Rahul Gandhi's conviction, it has not given any verdict like Afzal Ansari saying he can contest again... Since his stay on conviction does not involve permission to contest elections he should&nbsp;back off,” Pandey told ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/india-election-2024/dont-be-scared-dont-run-away-pm-modi-to-rahul-gandhi-over-rae-bareli-nomination-717632" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="http://13.235.153.162/india-election-2024/dont-be-scared-dont-run-away-pm-modi-to-rahul-gandhi-over-rae-bareli-nomination-717632">'Don't be scared, don't run away': PM Modi teases Rahul Gandhi over Rae Bareli nomination</a></strong></p>

<p>“Second, back in 2006, Rahul Gandhi once mentioned his Nationality as British. Being a British citizen, he cannot Constitutionally contest elections... After my complaint, Rahul Gandhi's representative was called in and my complaint has been accepted,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>How did Congress react to&nbsp;complaint against Rahul Gandhi's Rae Bareli nomination?</strong><strong><meta name="uuid" content="uuidIF66xZ6KAKTx" /></strong></h2>

<p>In response to the complaint against Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Ajay Pal Singh released a statement that read,&nbsp;"There's&nbsp;a candidate who registered a complaint against Rahul Gandhi after the period of complaining was over... The complainant said he has filed a writ challenging Rahul&nbsp;Gandhi's nationality... Rahul Gandhi's nomination was valid previously as well, and it is valid now also."</p>

<p>On Friday (May 3), Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from the Rae Bareli&nbsp;constituency,&nbsp; putting a stop to&nbsp;rumours that he will run for the Amethi seat again. The opposition had&nbsp;a field day with this information.<br />
<br />
PM Narendra Modi said,&nbsp;“I had&nbsp;said&nbsp;that shehzada&nbsp;(Rahul Gandhi) is afraid of losing in Wayanad, and the moment voting ends, he will start looking for a third seat.&nbsp;Now&nbsp;even&nbsp;from Amethi, despite all his loyalists saying it, he panicked so&nbsp;much,&nbsp;he ran from there and is now looking towards Rae Bareli. These people keep going around telling people Daro Mat. Today&nbsp;I&nbsp;will also tell them...&nbsp;ji bhar ke kehta hoon. Arey daro mat, bhaago mat.”<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi became the target of a complaint for filing his nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli constituency. The nationality of Rahul Gandhi and his recent conviction for defamation are questioned in the complaint.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi became the target of a complaint for filing his nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli constituency. The nationality of Rahul Gandhi and his recent conviction for defamation are questioned in the complaint. Who filed the complaint against Rahul Gandhi's Rae Bareli nomination? Advocate Ashok Pandey filed the complaint on behalf of Anirudh Pratap Singh. The attorney filed a complaint against Gandhi with the Rae Bareli Returning Officer, seeking the annulment of the Congress leader's candidacy on two grounds: his nationality and his conviction. “First, Rahul Gandhi has been convicted for two years... He is ineligible to contest elections. Even though the Supreme Court has put a stay on Rahul Gandhi's conviction, it has not given any verdict like Afzal Ansari saying he can contest again... Since his stay on conviction does not involve permission to contest elections he should back off,” Pandey told ANI. Also read: 'Don't be scared, don't run away': PM Modi teases Rahul Gandhi over Rae Bareli nomination “Second, back in 2006, Rahul Gandhi once mentioned his Nationality as British. Being a British citizen, he cannot Constitutionally contest elections... After my complaint, Rahul Gandhi's representative was called in and my complaint has been accepted,” he added. How did Congress react to complaint against Rahul Gandhi's Rae Bareli nomination? In response to the complaint against Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Ajay Pal Singh released a statement that read, "There's a candidate who registered a complaint against Rahul Gandhi after the period of complaining was over... The complainant said he has filed a writ challenging Rahul Gandhi's nationality... Rahul Gandhi's nomination was valid previously as well, and it is valid now also." On Friday (May 3), Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from the Rae Bareli constituency, putting a stop to rumours that he will run for the Amethi seat again. The opposition had a field day with this information. PM Narendra Modi said, “I had said that shehzada (Rahul Gandhi) is afraid of losing in Wayanad, and the moment voting ends, he will start looking for a third seat. Now even from Amethi, despite all his loyalists saying it, he panicked so much, he ran from there and is now looking towards Rae Bareli. These people keep going around telling people Daro Mat. Today I will also tell them... ji bhar ke kehta hoon. Arey daro mat, bhaago mat.” (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Complaint questions Rahul Gandhi’s Rae Bareli nomination for ‘being British citizen’

<p>Congress&nbsp;candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha seat in Odisha Sucharita Mohanty, has returned her ticket citing lack of funds from the party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mohanty on Friday (May 3) said that even after efforts including a public donation drive and minimised spending, she struggled financially and could not continue a campaign.</p>

<p>In an email addressed to AICC General Secretary&nbsp;KC Venugopal, she&nbsp;wrote, “Our campaign in Puri Parliamentary Constituency has been hit hard because the Party has denied me funding. AICC Odisha in-charge Dr Ajoy Kumar Ji asked me to fend for myself.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/bjps-hindutva-regressive-our-hindutva-is-reformist-says-uddhav-thackeray-717914">BJP’s Hindutva regressive, our Hindutva is reformist, says Uddhav Thackeray</a></p>

<p>"I was denied funds from the party. BJP and BJD are sitting on a mountain of money and it was difficult to manage. A display of wealth is everywhere and I don't want to compete that way," Mohanty said.</p>

<p>"I wanted a people-oriented campaign, but that was also not possible with the lack of funds. The party is also not responsible. The BJP government has crippled the party. There are a lot of curbs on expenditure. I got responses. They want change,” she added.</p>

<p>Sucharita was asking for donations to campaign and contest for the Lok Sabha polls. This was the first time a Congress candidate sought donations using a QR code.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rjds-misa-bharti-alleges-pm-modis-photo-from-covid-vaccine-certificate-removed-fearing-defamation-717822">RJD's Misa Bharti alleges PM Modi's photo from COVID vaccine certificate removed 'fearing defamation'</a></p>

<p>The voting for the Puri Lok Sabha seat and seven assembly segments under it will take place on May 25. The deadline for filing of the nomination is May 6.</p>

<p>Now Congress is in a fix as only two days are left for filing of nominations for the Puri LS seat.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha seat in Odisha Sucharita Mohanty, has returned her ticket citing lack of funds from the party. Mohanty on Friday (May 3) said that even after efforts including a public donation drive and minimised spending, she struggled financially and could not continue a campaign.

Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha seat in Odisha Sucharita Mohanty, has returned her ticket citing lack of funds from the party. Mohanty on Friday (May 3) said that even after efforts including a public donation drive and minimised spending, she struggled financially and could not continue a campaign. In an email addressed to AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, she wrote, “Our campaign in Puri Parliamentary Constituency has been hit hard because the Party has denied me funding. AICC Odisha in-charge Dr Ajoy Kumar Ji asked me to fend for myself.” Also read: BJP’s Hindutva regressive, our Hindutva is reformist, says Uddhav Thackeray "I was denied funds from the party. BJP and BJD are sitting on a mountain of money and it was difficult to manage. A display of wealth is everywhere and I don't want to compete that way," Mohanty said. "I wanted a people-oriented campaign, but that was also not possible with the lack of funds. The party is also not responsible. The BJP government has crippled the party. There are a lot of curbs on expenditure. I got responses. They want change,” she added. Sucharita was asking for donations to campaign and contest for the Lok Sabha polls. This was the first time a Congress candidate sought donations using a QR code. Also read: RJD's Misa Bharti alleges PM Modi's photo from COVID vaccine certificate removed 'fearing defamation' The voting for the Puri Lok Sabha seat and seven assembly segments under it will take place on May 25. The deadline for filing of the nomination is May 6. Now Congress is in a fix as only two days are left for filing of nominations for the Puri LS seat. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections: Congress' Sucharita Mohanty returns ticket due to lack of funding

In the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, ten seats are going to polls -- including Sambhal, Hathras, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Badaun, Aonla and Bareilly. The third phase of voting in the state, which sends 80 parliamentarians to the lower house, will take place on May 7. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: 10 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh to vote on May 7

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 3) roasted opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his last-minute nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency.</p>

<p>Addressing a rally in the eastern state of West Bengal, PM Modi challenged the Wayanad MP to face BJP in Amethi and not run away or be scared.</p>

<p>While referring to his old remark, the PM had said in the past, Rahul Gandhi had been searching for a safe seat for himself after voting in Wayanad in the southern state of Kerala.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/rahul-gandhi-to-contest-lok-sabha-polls-from-rae-bareli-kl-sharma-from-amethi-717549">Rahul Gandhi to contest Lok Sabha polls from Rae Bareli, KL Sharma from Amethi</a></p>

<p>“I had already said that the Shehzada was going to lose in Wayanad. I had said that as soon as the polling was completed in Wayanad, he would start looking for another seat... He is so scared of Amethi that he is running towards Rae Bareli. They ask everyone 'daro mat'. Today, I also ask them, 'daro mat, bhago mat'… (don't be scared, don't run),” the PM said during his address.</p>

<p>PM Modi also took a dig at Sonia Gandhi for vacating the Rae Bareli seat and moving to the Rajya Sabha.<br />
<br />
“I had already said in the parliament that Congress biggest leader will not dare to fight elections and she will run away," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/india-elections-congress-fields-rahul-gandhi-from-raebareli-too-indias-oppn-party-ends-suspense-717626" hreflang="en">India elections: Congress fields Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli too, India's oppn party ends suspense</a></p>

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<p>After a long suspense, the Congress on announced early Friday that Rahul Gandhi will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Rae Bareli.</p>

<p>In Amethi, Kishori Lal Sharma will be contesting on the seat which has been a family bastion for the Gandhis before Smriti Irani of BJP won it.</p>

<p>Both Rahul and Sharma will file their papers on Friday, the last day for nominations for the fifth phase of the elections to be held on May 20.</p>

<p><strong>Significance of Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat</strong></p>

<p>Sonia Gandhi, former Congress chief and Rahul’s mother, represented Rae Bareli for several terms but now the seat has been vacated as Sonia was nominated to the upper house of the Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/who-is-kl-sharma-the-congress-candidate-challenging-bjps-smriti-irani-in-amethi-717616">Who is KL Sharma, the Congress candidate challenging BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi?</a></p>

<p>Earlier, there were speculations that Rahul’s sister and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might be fielded from the Rae Bareli seat.</p>

<p>Both seats will go to polls on May 20.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 3) roasted opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his last-minute nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (May 3) roasted opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his last-minute nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency. Addressing a rally in the eastern state of West Bengal, PM Modi challenged the Wayanad MP to face BJP in Amethi and not run away or be scared. While referring to his old remark, the PM had said in the past, Rahul Gandhi had been searching for a safe seat for himself after voting in Wayanad in the southern state of Kerala. Also read: Rahul Gandhi to contest Lok Sabha polls from Rae Bareli, KL Sharma from Amethi “I had already said that the Shehzada was going to lose in Wayanad. I had said that as soon as the polling was completed in Wayanad, he would start looking for another seat... He is so scared of Amethi that he is running towards Rae Bareli. They ask everyone 'daro mat'. Today, I also ask them, 'daro mat, bhago mat'… (don't be scared, don't run),” the PM said during his address. PM Modi also took a dig at Sonia Gandhi for vacating the Rae Bareli seat and moving to the Rajya Sabha. “I had already said in the parliament that Congress biggest leader will not dare to fight elections and she will run away," he added. Watch: India elections: Congress fields Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli too, India's oppn party ends suspense × After a long suspense, the Congress on announced early Friday that Rahul Gandhi will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Rae Bareli. In Amethi, Kishori Lal Sharma will be contesting on the seat which has been a family bastion for the Gandhis before Smriti Irani of BJP won it. Both Rahul and Sharma will file their papers on Friday, the last day for nominations for the fifth phase of the elections to be held on May 20. Significance of Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat Sonia Gandhi, former Congress chief and Rahul’s mother, represented Rae Bareli for several terms but now the seat has been vacated as Sonia was nominated to the upper house of the Indian Parliament, Rajya Sabha. Also read: Who is KL Sharma, the Congress candidate challenging BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi? Earlier, there were speculations that Rahul’s sister and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra might be fielded from the Rae Bareli seat. Both seats will go to polls on May 20. (With inputs from agencies)

'Don't be scared, don't run away': PM Modi teases Rahul Gandhi over Rae Bareli nomination

The Election Commission has tweaked the protocol for handling and storage of SLU, symbol loading units, following the directions of the Supreme Court which had ordered that the machines should be sealed and secured in a container and stored in a strongroom along with the EVMs at least for 45 days post the declaration of results. Watch in for more updates!

India Elections 2024: Election Commission tweaks protocol to handle EVMs

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday (Apr 29) that he had informed Pakistan about the 2019 Balakot airstrikes even before&nbsp;the Indian media was apprised&nbsp;of the attack. Citing the incident, Modi claimed&nbsp;that he&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;believe in attacking from the back and fights from the front. PM Modi said he himself postponed the announcement to the media as he wanted to inform Islamabad first.</p>

<p>"I&nbsp;had asked the forces to call the media and inform them, but I said before that I would inform Pakistan through telephone about airstrikes at night and the destruction caused, but Pakistan people did not come on the phone. So I asked forces to wait, and after informing them, we later disclosed to the world about airstrikes that happened during the night,"&nbsp;news agency PTI quoted the PM as saying.</p>

<p>PM Modi&nbsp;was speaking&nbsp;at a political rally in Bagalkot in the southern Indian state of Karnataka on Monday (Apr 29). He said he had dialled the neighbouring country&nbsp;but&nbsp; “they&nbsp;wouldn’t&nbsp;take calls”.</p>

<p>Modi further stated that India under his leadership has become&nbsp;‘Naya Bharat’&nbsp;or New India, which&nbsp;doesn’t&nbsp;shy away from killing inside the&nbsp;enemy’s&nbsp;own territory.</p>

<h2><strong>2019 Balakot airstrikes</strong></h2>

<p>India had carried out Balakot airstrikes in February 2019, demolishing training camps of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed in the vicinity of the town of Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjPmbOL-emFAxXhxjgGHcwLAD84ChDF9AEoAHoECAcQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-delhi-congress-chief-arvinder-singh-lovely-resigns-from-top-post-715860" 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-delhi-congress-chief-arvinder-singh-lovely-resigns-from-top-post-715860&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjPmbOL-emFAxXhxjgGHcwLAD84ChDF9AEoAHoECAcQAQ">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Arvinder Singh Lovely resigns as Delhi Congress chief</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mirage fighter jets and used five Israeli-origin Spice 2000 bombs to carry out the February 26 attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bombing came in response to the February 14 suicide attack in Pulwama in India’s&nbsp; erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel&nbsp;were killed.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Saffron terrorism’</strong></h2>

<p>While speaking at another rally in&nbsp;Maharashtra’s&nbsp;Pune, PM Modi accused&nbsp;India’s&nbsp;main opposition Congress party of coming out with&nbsp;a ‘saffron terrorism’&nbsp;theory,&nbsp;in a bid to paint Congress as an anti-Hindu party.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India elections 2024: Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh blames heatwave for low voter turnout in polls</strong></p>

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<p>Modi stated that Congress even had the plan ready to put the blame for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on&nbsp;‘holy saffron’.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday (Apr 29) that he had informed Pakistan about the 2019 Balakot airstrikes even before the Indian media was apprised of the attack.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday (Apr 29) that he had informed Pakistan about the 2019 Balakot airstrikes even before the Indian media was apprised of the attack. Citing the incident, Modi claimed that he doesn’t believe in attacking from the back and fights from the front. PM Modi said he himself postponed the announcement to the media as he wanted to inform Islamabad first. "I had asked the forces to call the media and inform them, but I said before that I would inform Pakistan through telephone about airstrikes at night and the destruction caused, but Pakistan people did not come on the phone. So I asked forces to wait, and after informing them, we later disclosed to the world about airstrikes that happened during the night," news agency PTI quoted the PM as saying. PM Modi was speaking at a political rally in Bagalkot in the southern Indian state of Karnataka on Monday (Apr 29). He said he had dialled the neighbouring country but “they wouldn’t take calls”. Modi further stated that India under his leadership has become ‘Naya Bharat’ or New India, which doesn’t shy away from killing inside the enemy’s own territory. 2019 Balakot airstrikes India had carried out Balakot airstrikes in February 2019, demolishing training camps of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed in the vicinity of the town of Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Arvinder Singh Lovely resigns as Delhi Congress chief The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mirage fighter jets and used five Israeli-origin Spice 2000 bombs to carry out the February 26 attacks. The bombing came in response to the February 14 suicide attack in Pulwama in India’s erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. ‘Saffron terrorism’ While speaking at another rally in Maharashtra’s Pune, PM Modi accused India’s main opposition Congress party of coming out with a ‘saffron terrorism’ theory, in a bid to paint Congress as an anti-Hindu party. Watch: India elections 2024: Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh blames heatwave for low voter turnout in polls × Modi stated that Congress even had the plan ready to put the blame for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on ‘holy saffron’. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Informed Pak about Balakot strike before media’: PM Modi highlights his ‘fight from front’ policy

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising every sphere of our lives as we know it. But the latest developments from India suggest that artificial intelligence may have a major impact on how the country votes. Our next report looks in depth at this new phenomenon.

India's election commission combats deepfakes

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidgEy8U1OSRHHP" /></p>

<p>The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office said early Monday (Apr 29) that the news of&nbsp;Election Commission of India (ECI) banning&nbsp;the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Lok Sabha elections campaign song "Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se" (Vote is our reply to imprisonment) is fake.&nbsp;The&nbsp;song was composed by&nbsp;AAP&nbsp;protesting the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case.</p>

<p>Sharing a statement on X, the Delhi CEO's office said, "It&nbsp;is informed&nbsp;that during the review and scrutiny of the advertisement submitted by the AAP, the Media Pre Certification Committee headed by the Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi made certain observations regarding the advertisement/creative with reference to various provisions/guidelines stipulated by the ECI."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-live-pm-modi-to-address-programmes-in-karnataka-maharashtra-today-716110"><strong>Click here to follow all updates on the Lok Sabha elections</strong></a></p>

<p>"The said&nbsp;creative/advertisement was returned&nbsp;along with observations with the request to modify&nbsp;the contents of the creative as per the Advertising Codes prescribed," the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The applicant was also informed&nbsp;that in case they do not agree with the decision of the Committee, they may file an appeal before the State Level MCMC under the Chairmanship of Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>What did the AAP allege?</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi alleged that the ECI banned the&nbsp;song,&nbsp;and highlighted&nbsp;that this was the same commission "which does not see when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) violates the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) every day."</p>

<p>"It happens in a dictatorial government that the opposition is put in jail and&nbsp;is also prevented&nbsp;from campaigning. Today&nbsp;Election&nbsp;Commission of India has banned AAP's campaign song.&nbsp;This&nbsp;would have happened for the first time in the history of India that the Election Commission would have banned the campaign song of any party," Atishi told reporters in Delhi.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Press note regarding clarification on advertisement of campaign song by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)<a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECISVEEP</a> <a href="https://t.co/GtiPJSFHid">pic.twitter.com/GtiPJSFHid</a></p>
— CEO, Delhi Office (@CeodelhiOffice) <a href="https://twitter.com/CeodelhiOffice/status/1784651935364321505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"When BJP uses ED and CBI to put opposition leaders in jail during the MCC, the poll body has no objection to that. But when the Aam Aadmi Party writes that thing in the song,&nbsp;then&nbsp;there is a lot of objection to it," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Few observations made by the committee</strong></h2>

<p>The Media Pre-Certification Committee&nbsp;made observations&nbsp;that the phrase "Jail Ke Jawab Mein Hum Vote Denge" casts aspersions on the Indian judiciary. Another phrase, "Tanashahi Party Ko Hum Chot Denge," (We will hurt the dictatorial party) with the clip showing protesters and police clashing apparently incited violence.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections 2024: Supreme Court rejects plea for 100% EVM-VVPAT verification</strong></p>

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<p>The committee also observed that the phrase "Gundo Wali Party Chodho" (Leave the party run by goons) presented slanderous remarks&nbsp;addressed&nbsp;to another political party and its leaders.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office said early Monday (Apr 29) that the news of Election Commission of India (ECI) banning the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Lok Sabha elections campaign song "Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se" (Vote is our reply to imprisonment) is fake.

The Delhi Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office said early Monday (Apr 29) that the news of Election Commission of India (ECI) banning the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Lok Sabha elections campaign song "Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se" (Vote is our reply to imprisonment) is fake. The song was composed by AAP protesting the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the excise policy case. Sharing a statement on X, the Delhi CEO's office said, "It is informed that during the review and scrutiny of the advertisement submitted by the AAP, the Media Pre Certification Committee headed by the Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi made certain observations regarding the advertisement/creative with reference to various provisions/guidelines stipulated by the ECI." Click here to follow all updates on the Lok Sabha elections "The said creative/advertisement was returned along with observations with the request to modify the contents of the creative as per the Advertising Codes prescribed," the statement said. "The applicant was also informed that in case they do not agree with the decision of the Committee, they may file an appeal before the State Level MCMC under the Chairmanship of Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi," it added. What did the AAP allege? On Sunday, AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi alleged that the ECI banned the song, and highlighted that this was the same commission "which does not see when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) violates the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) every day." "It happens in a dictatorial government that the opposition is put in jail and is also prevented from campaigning. Today Election Commission of India has banned AAP's campaign song. This would have happened for the first time in the history of India that the Election Commission would have banned the campaign song of any party," Atishi told reporters in Delhi. Press note regarding clarification on advertisement of campaign song by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)@ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/GtiPJSFHid — CEO, Delhi Office (@CeodelhiOffice) April 28, 2024 × "When BJP uses ED and CBI to put opposition leaders in jail during the MCC, the poll body has no objection to that. But when the Aam Aadmi Party writes that thing in the song, then there is a lot of objection to it," she added. Few observations made by the committee The Media Pre-Certification Committee made observations that the phrase "Jail Ke Jawab Mein Hum Vote Denge" casts aspersions on the Indian judiciary. Another phrase, "Tanashahi Party Ko Hum Chot Denge," (We will hurt the dictatorial party) with the clip showing protesters and police clashing apparently incited violence. Also watch | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Supreme Court rejects plea for 100% EVM-VVPAT verification × The committee also observed that the phrase "Gundo Wali Party Chodho" (Leave the party run by goons) presented slanderous remarks addressed to another political party and its leaders. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Delhi poll office denies claim that EC banned AAP's campaign song

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<p>A policeman of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force killed himself on Friday (Apr 26) during Indian general election duty in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, police said&nbsp;as&nbsp;reported by the India-based news agency PTI. The official also mentioned that no&nbsp;suicide note&nbsp;was found&nbsp;at the spot, and added that a probe was underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He shot himself with his service rifle. Local reports suggest that it was suicide.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-will-india-run-on-sharia-amit-shah-criticises-congress-manifesto-715306">Will India run on Sharia?: Amit Shah criticises Congress manifesto</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The police officer said that the incident&nbsp;took place&nbsp;around 9:30 am (IST) at a government school in Kudedadar village under Piparchhedi police station limits where security personnel on poll duty have&nbsp;been stationed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the second phase of the Lok Sabha Polls, voting was underway in Gariaband, which falls in the Mahasamund constituency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The head constable, who has&nbsp;been identified&nbsp;as Jiyalal Pawar, allegedly shot himself with his service rifle in a room at the school, the police said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-102-year-old-casts-vote-at-jammu-polling-booth-715254">102-year-old casts vote at Jammu polling booth</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The official has noted that Pawar was in the reserve team and&nbsp;was not deployed&nbsp;for active poll work. He belonged to Batallion No. 34 of the MP Special Armed Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Police rushed to the spot immediately after they were alerted about the incident and shifted the body for the postmortem.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, voting took place in&nbsp;a total of&nbsp;88 constituencies in the second phase of the Lok Sabha Elections across 13 states and union territories. Over 1,200 candidates contested the polls.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A policeman of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force killed himself on Friday (Apr 26) during Indian general election duty in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, police said as reported by the India-based news agency PTI.

A policeman of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force killed himself on Friday (Apr 26) during Indian general election duty in Chhattisgarh's Gariaband district, police said as reported by the India-based news agency PTI. The official also mentioned that no suicide note was found at the spot, and added that a probe was underway. He shot himself with his service rifle. Local reports suggest that it was suicide. Also read: Will India run on Sharia?: Amit Shah criticises Congress manifesto The police officer said that the incident took place around 9:30 am (IST) at a government school in Kudedadar village under Piparchhedi police station limits where security personnel on poll duty have been stationed. In the second phase of the Lok Sabha Polls, voting was underway in Gariaband, which falls in the Mahasamund constituency. The head constable, who has been identified as Jiyalal Pawar, allegedly shot himself with his service rifle in a room at the school, the police said. Also read: 102-year-old casts vote at Jammu polling booth The official has noted that Pawar was in the reserve team and was not deployed for active poll work. He belonged to Batallion No. 34 of the MP Special Armed Force. Police rushed to the spot immediately after they were alerted about the incident and shifted the body for the postmortem. On Friday, voting took place in a total of 88 constituencies in the second phase of the Lok Sabha Elections across 13 states and union territories. Over 1,200 candidates contested the polls. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Policeman on election duty kills self with service rifle

<p>The second phase of Lok Sabha elections witnessed the maximum voter turnout in Tripura with 78.53 per cent voting, whereas Uttar Pradesh registered the lowest with 53.71 per cent, as per the data released by the Election Commission of India.</p>

<p>The states including Manipur, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Assam also registered healthy turnouts with Manipur at 77.18 per cent, West Bengal at 71.84 per cent, Chhattisgarh at 72.61 per cent, Assam at 70.66 per cent.</p>

<p>The states with relatively lower turnouts include Maharashtra at 53.84 per cent, Bihar at 54.91 per cent, Madhya Pradesh at 55.77 per cent and Rajasthan at 59.19 per cent respectively.</p>

<p>The voter turnout of other states are Kerala at 63.97 per cent, Karnataka at 64.85 per cent, and Jammu and Kashmir at 71.21 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The second phase of Lok Sabha elections covered 88 seats across 13 states and Union Territories which started at 8 am and went on till 6 pm.</p>

<p>Several constituencies that went into polls today experienced intense heat conditions. The first phase was held on April 19 in 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories.</p>

<p>Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-phase-2-voting-mallikarjun-kharge-tries-to-hold-on-to-last-straws-in-his-appeal-for-vote-715237">Lok Sabha Elections phase 2 voting: Mallikarjun Kharge tries to hold on to last straws in his appeal for vote</a></p>

<h2><strong>Key candidates</strong></h2>

<p>Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s brother DK Suresh (Cong), and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates, whereas BJP’s Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are seeking a hat-trick from their respective constituencies.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the morning, urged people to cast their votes stating that a high voter turnout would further strengthen democracy.</p>

<p>“Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDA’s good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support,” he wrote in a post on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The second phase of Lok Sabha elections witnessed the maximum voter turnout in Tripura with 78.53 per cent voting, whereas Uttar Pradesh registered the lowest with 53.

The second phase of Lok Sabha elections witnessed the maximum voter turnout in Tripura with 78.53 per cent voting, whereas Uttar Pradesh registered the lowest with 53.71 per cent, as per the data released by the Election Commission of India. The states including Manipur, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Assam also registered healthy turnouts with Manipur at 77.18 per cent, West Bengal at 71.84 per cent, Chhattisgarh at 72.61 per cent, Assam at 70.66 per cent. The states with relatively lower turnouts include Maharashtra at 53.84 per cent, Bihar at 54.91 per cent, Madhya Pradesh at 55.77 per cent and Rajasthan at 59.19 per cent respectively. The voter turnout of other states are Kerala at 63.97 per cent, Karnataka at 64.85 per cent, and Jammu and Kashmir at 71.21 per cent. The second phase of Lok Sabha elections covered 88 seats across 13 states and Union Territories which started at 8 am and went on till 6 pm. Several constituencies that went into polls today experienced intense heat conditions. The first phase was held on April 19 in 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections phase 2 voting: Mallikarjun Kharge tries to hold on to last straws in his appeal for vote Key candidates Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s brother DK Suresh (Cong), and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates, whereas BJP’s Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat are seeking a hat-trick from their respective constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the morning, urged people to cast their votes stating that a high voter turnout would further strengthen democracy. “Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDA’s good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support,” he wrote in a post on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2nd phase: Tripura leads voter turnout with 78.53%, UP numbers lowest

Taranjit Singh Sandhu talked to WION Correspondent Sidhant Sibal about opening of US consulate in Amritsar, comments by Pakistan businessmen, Maryam Nawaz on ties with India.

BJP Lok Sabha candidate Taranjit Singh Sandhu talks about India General Elections 2024

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<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah severely criticised the Congress party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Union Home Minister Shah said on Friday (Apr 26) that following the release of the Congress manifesto, people's inclination towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)&nbsp;increased further as the opposition party repeated&nbsp;its old habit of appeasement in its manifesto.</p>

<p>"The Congress manifesto speaks of taking personal law forward. I&nbsp;would like&nbsp;to ask Rahul Gandhi, Will this country now work as per Sharia?" Shah asked.&nbsp;"Our Constitution is secular,&nbsp;laws&nbsp;of the land can't be formed&nbsp;based on religion," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-ec-takes-cognizance-of-alleged-mcc-violations-by-modi-rahul-seeks-reponse-by-apr-29-714817">Lok Sabha polls 2024: EC seeks response by Apr 29 from Modi, Rahul on code of conduct violations</a></strong></p>

<p>The Union home minister further highlighted that the Modi government scrapped Triple Talaq and started UCC (Uniform Civil Code)&nbsp;and&nbsp;the government would take this forward. "Rahul Gandhi speaks of personal law, which&nbsp;is about dividing&nbsp;the country.&nbsp;Personal laws can't be implemented&nbsp;in this country.&nbsp;I am confident that we will see Narendra Modi as the prime minister of the country&nbsp;for the third time," he further told ANI.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah's remarks came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi came under fire for his&nbsp;remarks&nbsp;after he suggested that if the Congress came to power, it would redistribute the wealth of people to Muslims.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Congress manifesto says they will calculate the gold with mothers and sisters, get information about it and then distribute that property. They will distribute it to whom - Manmohan Singh's government had said that Muslims have the first right to the country's assets," PM Modi said during a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Earlier, when their (Congress) government was in power, they had said that Muslims have the first right to the country's assets.&nbsp;This&nbsp;means to whom will this property be distributed?&nbsp;It will be distributed&nbsp;among those who have more children. "It will be distributed to the infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money go to the infiltrators? Do you approve of this?" he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lok Sabha elections 2024: Is Congress pitching for inheritance tax amid wealth redistribution row?</strong></p>

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<p>Modi's remarks triggered widespread criticism by opposition parties. The Congress had approached the Election Commission of India (ECI)&nbsp;demanding action over Modi's claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-blatant-lie-karnataka-cm-siddaramaiah-reacts-to-pm-modis-muslim-quota-claim-715173">Blatant lie: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah reacts to PM Modi's Muslim quota claim</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;the BJP alleged that Gandhi was making a false claim about the rise in poverty in the country and urged the EC to take "strict action" against him.&nbsp;The BJP also accused Gandhi of continuing to create a North-South divide in the country on the basis of language and region to vitiate the poll atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, the ECI&nbsp;took cognizance of the alleged&nbsp;Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by Modi and Gandhi&nbsp;and asked them to give responses by&nbsp;April 29.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Union Home Minister Amit Shah severely criticised the Congress party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Union Home Minister Shah said on Friday (Apr 26) that following the release of the Congress manifesto, people's inclination towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) increased further as the opposition party repeated its old habit of appeasement in its manifesto.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah severely criticised the Congress party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to the news agency ANI, Union Home Minister Shah said on Friday (Apr 26) that following the release of the Congress manifesto, people's inclination towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) increased further as the opposition party repeated its old habit of appeasement in its manifesto. "The Congress manifesto speaks of taking personal law forward. I would like to ask Rahul Gandhi, Will this country now work as per Sharia?" Shah asked. "Our Constitution is secular, laws of the land can't be formed based on religion," he added. Also read | Lok Sabha polls 2024: EC seeks response by Apr 29 from Modi, Rahul on code of conduct violations The Union home minister further highlighted that the Modi government scrapped Triple Talaq and started UCC (Uniform Civil Code) and the government would take this forward. "Rahul Gandhi speaks of personal law, which is about dividing the country. Personal laws can't be implemented in this country. I am confident that we will see Narendra Modi as the prime minister of the country for the third time," he further told ANI. Shah's remarks came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi came under fire for his remarks after he suggested that if the Congress came to power, it would redistribute the wealth of people to Muslims. "The Congress manifesto says they will calculate the gold with mothers and sisters, get information about it and then distribute that property. They will distribute it to whom - Manmohan Singh's government had said that Muslims have the first right to the country's assets," PM Modi said during a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara last week. "Earlier, when their (Congress) government was in power, they had said that Muslims have the first right to the country's assets. This means to whom will this property be distributed? It will be distributed among those who have more children. "It will be distributed to the infiltrators. Should your hard-earned money go to the infiltrators? Do you approve of this?" he added. Also watch | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Is Congress pitching for inheritance tax amid wealth redistribution row? × Modi's remarks triggered widespread criticism by opposition parties. The Congress had approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) demanding action over Modi's claim. Also read | Blatant lie: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah reacts to PM Modi's Muslim quota claim Meanwhile, the BJP alleged that Gandhi was making a false claim about the rise in poverty in the country and urged the EC to take "strict action" against him. The BJP also accused Gandhi of continuing to create a North-South divide in the country on the basis of language and region to vitiate the poll atmosphere. On Thursday, the ECI took cognizance of the alleged Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by Modi and Gandhi and asked them to give responses by April 29. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024 | Will India run on Sharia?: Amit Shah criticises Congress manifesto

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<p>Elections in India have some extraordinary sights&nbsp;when it comes to&nbsp;people arriving at the polling booths to vote.&nbsp;Brides and grooms casting their vote before&nbsp;they get&nbsp;married,&nbsp;and&nbsp;people aged 100 and above exercising their franchise are among the few&nbsp;such&nbsp;examples in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An unusual scene was seen in Maharashtra on Friday (Apr 26) where a voter, along with&nbsp;his monkey,&nbsp;arrived at a polling booth to vote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-phase-2-live-updates-india-to-vote-amid-intense-heat-wave-warning-715017"><strong>Click here to follow all the updates on the Lok Sabha elections</strong></a></p>

<p>Visuals from the news agency ANI showed&nbsp;Wardha resident Vinod&nbsp;Kshirsagar arriving at a polling booth with his Langur&nbsp;named 'Bajrang',&nbsp;to cast his vote.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Here's the video:</strong></h3>

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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> | Maharashtra: A resident of Wardha, Vinod Kshirsagar arrives at a polling booth with his pet Langur 'Bajrang', to cast his vote for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/KH0utNvwpX">pic.twitter.com/KH0utNvwpX</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1783760606421528668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The reactions</strong></h2>

<p>The video garnered mixed reactions on social media.&nbsp;On X,&nbsp;some users questioned whether bringing an animal to a polling booth was allowed.&nbsp;"Man.... Just for a photo&nbsp;op&nbsp;don't get into the wrong side of the law...&nbsp;Forrest officials would take him away and worst file a case as well," user&nbsp;Avyakta Bhairava wrote on the microblogging site.</p>

<p>"Did the man bring a candidate along?" wrote another user.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India votes in phase 2&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Under the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, voting&nbsp;is taking place&nbsp;across 13 states and Union Territories (UTs). Till 1 pm, Tripura had&nbsp;recorded the highest voter turnout at 54.47 per cent.</span></p>

<h3><strong>The voter turnout in the remaining states,&nbsp;UTs&nbsp;is as follows:</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Assam- 46.31 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Bihar- 33.80 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Chhattisgarh- 53.09 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Jammu and Kashmir- 42.88 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Karnataka- 38.23 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Kerala- 39.26 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Madhya Pradesh- 38.96 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Maharashtra- 31.77 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Manipur- 54.26 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Rajasthan- 40.39 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>Uttar Pradesh- 35.73 per cent</strong></li>
	<li><strong>West Bengal- 47.29 per cent</strong></li>
</ul>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Elections in India have some extraordinary sights when it comes to people arriving at the polling booths to vote. Brides and grooms casting their vote before they get married, and people aged 100 and above exercising their franchise are among the few such examples in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Elections in India have some extraordinary sights when it comes to people arriving at the polling booths to vote. Brides and grooms casting their vote before they get married, and people aged 100 and above exercising their franchise are among the few such examples in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. An unusual scene was seen in Maharashtra on Friday (Apr 26) where a voter, along with his monkey, arrived at a polling booth to vote. Click here to follow all the updates on the Lok Sabha elections Visuals from the news agency ANI showed Wardha resident Vinod Kshirsagar arriving at a polling booth with his Langur named 'Bajrang', to cast his vote. Here's the video: #WATCH | Maharashtra: A resident of Wardha, Vinod Kshirsagar arrives at a polling booth with his pet Langur 'Bajrang', to cast his vote for #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/KH0utNvwpX — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024 × The reactions The video garnered mixed reactions on social media. On X, some users questioned whether bringing an animal to a polling booth was allowed. "Man.... Just for a photo op don't get into the wrong side of the law... Forrest officials would take him away and worst file a case as well," user Avyakta Bhairava wrote on the microblogging site. "Did the man bring a candidate along?" wrote another user. India votes in phase 2 Under the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, voting is taking place across 13 states and Union Territories (UTs). Till 1 pm, Tripura had recorded the highest voter turnout at 54.47 per cent. The voter turnout in the remaining states, UTs is as follows: Assam- 46.31 per cent Bihar- 33.80 per cent Chhattisgarh- 53.09 per cent Jammu and Kashmir- 42.88 per cent Karnataka- 38.23 per cent Kerala- 39.26 per cent Madhya Pradesh- 38.96 per cent Maharashtra- 31.77 per cent Manipur- 54.26 per cent Rajasthan- 40.39 per cent Uttar Pradesh- 35.73 per cent West Bengal- 47.29 per cent (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2024: In Maharashtra, man arrives at polling booth with his monkey. Watch

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2</strong>: As Indians vote in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories during second phase of India's seven-phase election, the raging election summer is sweating the politicians out left, right and centre. But the ruling BJP is contesting with the advantage that it currently holds 54 of these 88 constituencies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Voting is being held for 20 seats in Kerala, 14 seats in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight each in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, three each in Bengal and Chhattisgarh and one each in Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Tripura.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India votes in phase 2</strong></p>

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<p>Here's what it means for the key parties and leaders:</p>

<p><strong>Bharatiya Janata Party</strong>: The ruling BJP has never won a seat in Kerala, where electorate are voting to elect Members of Parliament from all 20 Lok Sabha seats. A win in Kerala would add to the ruling party's advantage, not just in terms of the numbers but also to break the jinx. The BJP had won 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the neighbouring Karnataka in 2019 Lok Sabha elections but lost assembly elections in the state, adding to the subtle disadvantage for the saffron party. The party has fielded actors Arun Govil in Meerut, Hema Malini in Mathura and Suresh Gopi in Thrissur. As the leader of National Democratic Alliance, in Bihar, it faces the challenge to ensure ally JDU's win in Purnea which became a trilateral battleground between JDU, RJD and controversial politician Pappu Yadav contesting as an independent candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Indian National Congress</strong>: The Congress party turned to South to make up for the losses in the north as PM Modi became the centre of Indian politics with overwhelming gains in the Hindi heartland since 2014. From Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal to Rahul Gandhi,&nbsp;the leaders of grand old party have hoped to peak the scales of the south of Vindhyas during Modi years in power from where they intend to gain the political ground lost elsewhere in the country. Losing the ground to BJP in Kerala would throw it further off the edge. Its top leaders, including three-term MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor and Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony face&nbsp;a tough fight from BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Anil Antony respectively. Besides, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is contesting from Rajnandgaon. Losing any of these contests would damage the political standing of India's principal opposition party.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-will-tharoors-thiruvananthapuram-become-bjps-gateway-in-kerala-711972">Battle of the Bastions: Will Tharoor's Thiruvananthapuram become BJP's gateway in Kerala?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Narendra Modi</strong>: The unprecedented significance of PM Modi in Kerala, Karnataka and elsewhere can be underlined by the following remark made by BJP's Malappuram candidate Dr Abdul Salam in an interview with WION. "Not only in Kerala but in all of India, Modi factor is working very well. If at all, if one person is winning from Kerala; hypothetical, I would attribute 95 per cent of that positivity come from the Modi factor. That is the value, acceptance and respect people have for Modi."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-in-keralas-malappuram-bjps-lone-muslim-candidate-walks-a-rocky-political-road-714561">Battle of the Bastions: In Kerala's Malappuram, BJP's lone Muslim candidate walks a rocky political road</a></strong></p>

<p>A win in Kerala would add to Modi's growing profile and gains in the south of Vindhyas would mark a new high in his political career so far in a remarkable shun to the critics who claimed that Modi had peaked in 2019 when he won re-election for the second time.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Rahul Gandhi</strong>: The fifth generation member of Nehru-Gandhi family was forced to contest from Kerala's Wayanad after his family bastion of Amethi in northern India was blown away to the BJP's side in 2019. Potential losses in Kerala, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh would further damage his image and political acumen, or its lack thereof.&nbsp;</p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: As Indians vote in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories during second phase of India's seven-phase election, the raging election summer is sweating the politicians out left, right and centre.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: As Indians vote in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union Territories during second phase of India's seven-phase election, the raging election summer is sweating the politicians out left, right and centre. But the ruling BJP is contesting with the advantage that it currently holds 54 of these 88 constituencies. Voting is being held for 20 seats in Kerala, 14 seats in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight each in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, seven in Madhya Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, three each in Bengal and Chhattisgarh and one each in Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur and Tripura. Also watch | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India votes in phase 2 × Here's what it means for the key parties and leaders: Bharatiya Janata Party: The ruling BJP has never won a seat in Kerala, where electorate are voting to elect Members of Parliament from all 20 Lok Sabha seats. A win in Kerala would add to the ruling party's advantage, not just in terms of the numbers but also to break the jinx. The BJP had won 25 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the neighbouring Karnataka in 2019 Lok Sabha elections but lost assembly elections in the state, adding to the subtle disadvantage for the saffron party. The party has fielded actors Arun Govil in Meerut, Hema Malini in Mathura and Suresh Gopi in Thrissur. As the leader of National Democratic Alliance, in Bihar, it faces the challenge to ensure ally JDU's win in Purnea which became a trilateral battleground between JDU, RJD and controversial politician Pappu Yadav contesting as an independent candidate. Indian National Congress: The Congress party turned to South to make up for the losses in the north as PM Modi became the centre of Indian politics with overwhelming gains in the Hindi heartland since 2014. From Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal to Rahul Gandhi, the leaders of grand old party have hoped to peak the scales of the south of Vindhyas during Modi years in power from where they intend to gain the political ground lost elsewhere in the country. Losing the ground to BJP in Kerala would throw it further off the edge. Its top leaders, including three-term MP from Thiruvananthapuram Shashi Tharoor and Pathanamthitta MP Anto Antony face a tough fight from BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Anil Antony respectively. Besides, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is contesting from Rajnandgaon. Losing any of these contests would damage the political standing of India's principal opposition party. Also read | Battle of the Bastions: Will Tharoor's Thiruvananthapuram become BJP's gateway in Kerala? Narendra Modi: The unprecedented significance of PM Modi in Kerala, Karnataka and elsewhere can be underlined by the following remark made by BJP's Malappuram candidate Dr Abdul Salam in an interview with WION. "Not only in Kerala but in all of India, Modi factor is working very well. If at all, if one person is winning from Kerala; hypothetical, I would attribute 95 per cent of that positivity come from the Modi factor. That is the value, acceptance and respect people have for Modi." Also read | Battle of the Bastions: In Kerala's Malappuram, BJP's lone Muslim candidate walks a rocky political road A win in Kerala would add to Modi's growing profile and gains in the south of Vindhyas would mark a new high in his political career so far in a remarkable shun to the critics who claimed that Modi had peaked in 2019 when he won re-election for the second time. Rahul Gandhi: The fifth generation member of Nehru-Gandhi family was forced to contest from Kerala's Wayanad after his family bastion of Amethi in northern India was blown away to the BJP's side in 2019. Potential losses in Kerala, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh would further damage his image and political acumen, or its lack thereof.

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 2 Voting: What is at stake for key leaders and parties?

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