Indian politicians are amongst the wealthiest individuals in the world. Yet, fat wallets and big bankrolls do not guarantee a victory when vying for votes. This next report puts the spotlight on the world's most expensive democratic exercise but also shows why money is not enough to win.

India Elections 2024: How much money do you need to contest polls? | India News | WION

It's a big day on the election campaign front in India two big public rallies one on each side of the political divide will take place today.

India Elections 2024: PM Modi kicks off Uttar Pradesh campaign with Meerut

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis on Friday declined Nationalist Congress Party (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar’s lunch invite at the latter’s Baramati residence on Saturday.

Battle for Maharashtra 2024: Shivraj Patil's daughter-in-law joins BJP

Opposition 'INDIA bloc' holds a "mega" rally in Delhi to condemn the recent arrest of one of its leaders - Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal - on bribery allegations.

India Elections 2024: PM Modi's preparation underway for third term; polling to begin from April 19

<p>With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the opposition INDIA alliance listed out its five demands at the ‘Loktantra Bachao Rally’ in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar 31) stating that the Election Commission of India should ensure fair&nbsp;play during the polls for all parties.</p>

<p>The bloc exuded confidence while asserting that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) creating “undemocratic obstacles”, the alliance will keep making dedicated efforts to win the polls and save the country’s democracy.</p>

<p>Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra read out the demands and called for the poll panel to bar the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department’s actions against opposition parties, which she claimed were deliberately taken to impact the elections negatively.</p>

<p>She further demanded the immediate release of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">INDIA गठबंधन की 5 सूत्रीय मांग<br />
<br />
1. चुनाव आयोग को लोकसभा चुनावों में समान अवसर सुनिश्चित करना चाहिए<br />
<br />
2. चुनाव आयोग को चुनाव में हेराफेरी करने के उद्देश्य से विपक्षी दलों के खिलाफ जांच एजेंसियों द्वारा की जानी वाली कार्रवाई रोकी जानी चाहिए<br />
<br />
3. हेमंत सोरेन जी और अरविन्द केजरीवाल जी… <a href="https://t.co/QntVuwhGWF">pic.twitter.com/QntVuwhGWF</a></p>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1774382780115238953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwals-arrest-unites-indian-opposition-at-the-site-of-his-political-birthplace-706214">Opposition unites at INDIA bloc rally over Kejriwal’s arrest to take on BJP</a></p>

<h2><strong>5 demands of INDIA alliance</strong></h2>

<p>1. The Election Commission should ensure a level playing field in Lok Sabha elections</p>

<p>2. The Election Commission should stop action taken by investigative agencies against opposition parties with the aim of rigging elections</p>

<p>3. Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal should be released immediately</p>

<p>4. The coercive action of financially strangling opposition political parties during elections must stop immediately</p>

<p>5. A Supreme Court-monitored SIT must be formed to investigate allegations of vendetta, extortion and money laundering by the BJP using election funds</p>

<p>In her remarks before reading out the INDIA bloc’s demands, she said, “I have been coming to Ramlila Maidan since childhood. Every year Ravan’s effigy is set on fire.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When I was a kid, I used to come (here) with my grandmother Indira Ji and she used to narrate the Ramayana to me. Those in power today call themselves Ram Bhakts. When I was sitting here I thought that I should say something to them. I want to remind them of the 1,000-year-old tale and its message,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“When Lord Ram fought for truth, he did not have power, resources or even a chariot. Ravan had chariots, resources, army and gold but Lord Ram had truth, hope, belief, love, kindness, modesty, patience, courage and truth. I want to tell those in power and PM Narendra Modi that the message of Lord Ram’s life is that power is not permanent… and arrogance gets shattered,” she&nbsp;added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the opposition INDIA alliance listed out its five demands at the ‘Loktantra Bachao Rally’ in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar 31) stating that the Election Commission of India should ensure fair play during the polls for all parties.

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the opposition INDIA alliance listed out its five demands at the ‘Loktantra Bachao Rally’ in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar 31) stating that the Election Commission of India should ensure fair play during the polls for all parties. The bloc exuded confidence while asserting that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) creating “undemocratic obstacles”, the alliance will keep making dedicated efforts to win the polls and save the country’s democracy. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra read out the demands and called for the poll panel to bar the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department’s actions against opposition parties, which she claimed were deliberately taken to impact the elections negatively. She further demanded the immediate release of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. INDIA गठबंधन की 5 सूत्रीय मांग 1. चुनाव आयोग को लोकसभा चुनावों में समान अवसर सुनिश्चित करना चाहिए 2. चुनाव आयोग को चुनाव में हेराफेरी करने के उद्देश्य से विपक्षी दलों के खिलाफ जांच एजेंसियों द्वारा की जानी वाली कार्रवाई रोकी जानी चाहिए 3. हेमंत सोरेन जी और अरविन्द केजरीवाल जी… pic.twitter.com/QntVuwhGWF — Congress (@INCIndia) March 31, 2024 × Also read: Opposition unites at INDIA bloc rally over Kejriwal’s arrest to take on BJP 5 demands of INDIA alliance 1. The Election Commission should ensure a level playing field in Lok Sabha elections 2. The Election Commission should stop action taken by investigative agencies against opposition parties with the aim of rigging elections 3. Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal should be released immediately 4. The coercive action of financially strangling opposition political parties during elections must stop immediately 5. A Supreme Court-monitored SIT must be formed to investigate allegations of vendetta, extortion and money laundering by the BJP using election funds In her remarks before reading out the INDIA bloc’s demands, she said, “I have been coming to Ramlila Maidan since childhood. Every year Ravan’s effigy is set on fire.” “When I was a kid, I used to come (here) with my grandmother Indira Ji and she used to narrate the Ramayana to me. Those in power today call themselves Ram Bhakts. When I was sitting here I thought that I should say something to them. I want to remind them of the 1,000-year-old tale and its message,” she said. “When Lord Ram fought for truth, he did not have power, resources or even a chariot. Ravan had chariots, resources, army and gold but Lord Ram had truth, hope, belief, love, kindness, modesty, patience, courage and truth. I want to tell those in power and PM Narendra Modi that the message of Lord Ram’s life is that power is not permanent… and arrogance gets shattered,” she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Priyanka Gandhi reads out INDIA bloc’s five demands to Election Commission at mega rally

The ruling party in India - BJP - has opened a new front against the Opposition party - the Indian National Congress - ahead of the general elections 2024 in India.

PM Modi claims Congress gave key island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, controversy erupts | WION

Tamil Nadu: Katchatheevu island controversy reignites, PM Modi reacts to RTI report

India elections 2024 | Two major rallies: PM Modi in UP's Meerut & I.N.D.I.A bloc in Delhi

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: Over a dozen opposition leaders came together at New Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan on Sunday (March 31) over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kejriwal-arrest-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-arrested-last-night-703318">arrest</a> of&nbsp;Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party co-founder Arvind Kejriwal's by Enforcement Directorate in the liquor policy scam case. The leaders of Aam Aadmi Party managed to keep the mega rally's focus on Arvind Kejriwal amid the rallying calls by all opposition leaders to 'save the constitution and constitutional values'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over a decade ago, it was at Ramlila Maidan where Arvind Kejriwal took oath as Delhi Chief Minister after organising massive protests against corruption at the same grounds. As&nbsp;Kejriwal himself is in jail now, on corruption charges, his&nbsp;Aam Aadmi Party deployed his wife Sunita Kejriwal for political messaging at the INDI Alliance rally on Sunday.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/they-wont-keep-kejriwal-in-jail-for-long-delhi-cms-wife-lists-six-guarantees-on-behalf-of-india-bloc-706201">They won't keep Kejriwal in jail for long: Delhi CM's wife lists six guarantees on behalf of INDIA bloc</a></strong></p>

<p>Quoting Arvind Kejriwal, Sunita Kejriwal said, "I am not asking for votes today... I invite 140 crore Indians to make a new India... India is a great nation with thousands of years old civilisation... I think about Mother India from inside the jail and she is in pain... Let's make a new India... If INDIA Alliance is given an opportunity, we will build a new India... I present 6 guarantees on behalf of INDIA Alliance. First, there will be no power cuts in the whole country. Second, electricity would be free for the poor people. Third, we will make government schools in every village. Fourth, we will make Mohalla Clinics in every village. We will make a multi-speciality government hospital in every district. Everyone would get free treatment. Fifth, farmers would be given the correct price for the crops. Sixth, the people of Delhi have faced injustice for 75 years... We will give statehood to Delhi... We will complete these 6 guarantees in 5 years. I have made all the planning from where the money for these guarantees will come..."</p>

<p>Sunita was seen sharing a moment of bonhomie with senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as she reached the stage&nbsp;at Ramlila Maidan about two hours after the event began.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the contradictions within the Opposition — which has banded as Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to purportedly&nbsp;de-seat Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power&nbsp;— were visible in the Indian capital at the cusp of election summer.</p>

<p>"It is time that one party and one person's government have to go," Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) said, a sentiment repeated by his alliance colleagues such as former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Farooq Abdullah.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Indian elections 2024 | PM Modi's rally in Meerut, I.N.D.I.A bloc rally in Delhi</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-elections-2024-pm-modis-rally-in-meerut-india-bloc-rally-in-delhi-706189/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee was conspicuously absent from the rally, and the West Bengal chief minister's party was represented by Rajya Sabha MPs Derek O'Brien and Sagarika Ghose. Given the photographic symbolism of the event, O'Brien chose to move away from CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechuri, the arch rival of TMC, besides whom he was initially seated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that the BJP won't be able to win more than 180 seats if it chooses to give up what he described as 'high-handedness through ED, CBI, and Income Tax departments' against the Opposition leaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi's sister and Congress General-Secretary Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra called for the release of arrested leaders of 'INDIA' bloc including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over a dozen opposition leaders came together at New Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan on Sunday (March 31) over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party co-founder Arvind Kejriwal's by Enforcement Directorate in the liquor policy scam case.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over a dozen opposition leaders came together at New Delhi's historic Ramlila Maidan on Sunday (March 31) over the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party co-founder Arvind Kejriwal's by Enforcement Directorate in the liquor policy scam case. The leaders of Aam Aadmi Party managed to keep the mega rally's focus on Arvind Kejriwal amid the rallying calls by all opposition leaders to 'save the constitution and constitutional values'. Over a decade ago, it was at Ramlila Maidan where Arvind Kejriwal took oath as Delhi Chief Minister after organising massive protests against corruption at the same grounds. As Kejriwal himself is in jail now, on corruption charges, his Aam Aadmi Party deployed his wife Sunita Kejriwal for political messaging at the INDI Alliance rally on Sunday. Also read | They won't keep Kejriwal in jail for long: Delhi CM's wife lists six guarantees on behalf of INDIA bloc Quoting Arvind Kejriwal, Sunita Kejriwal said, "I am not asking for votes today... I invite 140 crore Indians to make a new India... India is a great nation with thousands of years old civilisation... I think about Mother India from inside the jail and she is in pain... Let's make a new India... If INDIA Alliance is given an opportunity, we will build a new India... I present 6 guarantees on behalf of INDIA Alliance. First, there will be no power cuts in the whole country. Second, electricity would be free for the poor people. Third, we will make government schools in every village. Fourth, we will make Mohalla Clinics in every village. We will make a multi-speciality government hospital in every district. Everyone would get free treatment. Fifth, farmers would be given the correct price for the crops. Sixth, the people of Delhi have faced injustice for 75 years... We will give statehood to Delhi... We will complete these 6 guarantees in 5 years. I have made all the planning from where the money for these guarantees will come..." Sunita was seen sharing a moment of bonhomie with senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as she reached the stage at Ramlila Maidan about two hours after the event began. But the contradictions within the Opposition — which has banded as Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) to purportedly de-seat Prime Minister Narendra Modi from power — were visible in the Indian capital at the cusp of election summer. "It is time that one party and one person's government have to go," Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) said, a sentiment repeated by his alliance colleagues such as former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Mehbooba Mufti and Farooq Abdullah. Also watch | Indian elections 2024 | PM Modi's rally in Meerut, I.N.D.I.A bloc rally in Delhi × The Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee was conspicuously absent from the rally, and the West Bengal chief minister's party was represented by Rajya Sabha MPs Derek O'Brien and Sagarika Ghose. Given the photographic symbolism of the event, O'Brien chose to move away from CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechuri, the arch rival of TMC, besides whom he was initially seated. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed that the BJP won't be able to win more than 180 seats if it chooses to give up what he described as 'high-handedness through ED, CBI, and Income Tax departments' against the Opposition leaders. Rahul Gandhi's sister and Congress General-Secretary Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra called for the release of arrested leaders of 'INDIA' bloc including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition unites at INDIA bloc rally over Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest to take on BJP in polls

The Bharatiya Janata Party has released its list of campaigners for the Lok Sabha elections and byelections in the northeastern state of Tripura. The list of Star campaigners includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP Chief JP Nadda.

BJP announces list of elections campaigners; PM Modi, Amit Shah & JP Nadda among star campaigners

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid9vPqC8bI6ozU" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Archana Patil, the daughter-in-law of senior Congress leader and former Indian home minister Shivraj Patil, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 30) just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Patil joined the BJP in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule in Mumbai.</p>

<p>After joining the BJP, Patil said that she joined the saffron party as she was greatly influenced by the Modi government's initiative of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, meanwhile, said that Patil's entry into the BJP would help the party in Maharashtra's Latur and the Marathwada region.</p>

<p>This development comes after former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, a heavyweight hailing from Nanded region of Marathwada, also joined the BJP.</p>

<h3><strong>So, who is Archana Patil? Here are a few things to know about her:</strong></h3>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Archana Patil is a doctor by profession and has been associated with social work for the last 20 years through her foundation called Urja.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;She is also the chairperson and managing director of Lifecare Hospital and Research Centre in Udgir.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Archana Patil, daughter-in-law of Congress leader Shivraj Patil, joined BJP in presence of Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and state party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule in Mumbai earlier today.<br />
<br />
(Full video available on PTI Videos - <a href="https://t.co/n147TvqRQz">https://t.co/n147TvqRQz</a>) <a href="https://t.co/H4oWbHKAM7">pic.twitter.com/H4oWbHKAM7</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1773989260154085549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Before joining the BJP on Saturday, Patil had never ventured into politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;She is the daughter-in-law of senior Congress leader Shivraj Patil, who was India's home minister during the UPA-I government. He stepped down from the home minister's post in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Patil&nbsp;had also served as the Lok Sabha speaker.</p>

<p><strong>&gt;</strong>&nbsp;Archana's husband, Shailesh Patil Chandurkar, is the state secretary of Congress.</p>


Archana Patil, the daughter-in-law of senior Congress leader and former Indian home minister Shivraj Patil, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 30) just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Archana Patil, the daughter-in-law of senior Congress leader and former Indian home minister Shivraj Patil, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 30) just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Patil joined the BJP in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule in Mumbai. After joining the BJP, Patil said that she joined the saffron party as she was greatly influenced by the Modi government's initiative of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam. Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis, meanwhile, said that Patil's entry into the BJP would help the party in Maharashtra's Latur and the Marathwada region. This development comes after former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, a heavyweight hailing from Nanded region of Marathwada, also joined the BJP. So, who is Archana Patil? Here are a few things to know about her: > Archana Patil is a doctor by profession and has been associated with social work for the last 20 years through her foundation called Urja. > She is also the chairperson and managing director of Lifecare Hospital and Research Centre in Udgir. VIDEO | Archana Patil, daughter-in-law of Congress leader Shivraj Patil, joined BJP in presence of Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and state party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule in Mumbai earlier today. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/H4oWbHKAM7 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 30, 2024 × > Before joining the BJP on Saturday, Patil had never ventured into politics. > She is the daughter-in-law of senior Congress leader Shivraj Patil, who was India's home minister during the UPA-I government. He stepped down from the home minister's post in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Patil had also served as the Lok Sabha speaker. > Archana's husband, Shailesh Patil Chandurkar, is the state secretary of Congress.

Lok Sabha elections: Who is Archana Patil, ex-Indian minister's daughter-in-law who joined BJP?

<p><strong>India Bloc Maharally News:</strong> Days after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by Enforcement Directorate, a mega rally named 'Loktantra Bachao' (Save Democracy) will be held at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan by top opposition leaders who have banded as Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) with the goal to de-seat Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party from power during General Elections in the summer.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India Bloc Maharally by AAP</strong></h2>

<p>Apart from opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Akhilesh Yadav, the mega-rally on Sunday (March 31) will also be attended by Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita who recently came in spotlight as purported messenger of her jailed husband.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian Opposition's 'Save Democracy' rally: What does it mean?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The opposition is expected to present a united front amid calls against what they describe as the ruling BJP's misuse of central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and the Income Tax Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ahead of I.N.D.I's mega rally, Congress gets tax notice; Kerala Congress Committee stages protest</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ahead-of-indis-mega-rally-congress-gets-tax-notice-kerala-congress-committee-stages-protest-706055/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The issue has taken centre stage following&nbsp;the arrests of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Income Tax department has&nbsp;issued notices to the Congress to explain the financial transactions which India's principal opposition party claims occurred decades ago in the early 1990s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pm-modis-mega-rally-concludes-in-srinagar-launches-multiple-development-projects-697619">India: PM Modi’s mega rally concludes in Srinagar, several development projects launched</a></strong></p>

<p>The Congress party has branded the rally as an event that will send a "strong message" to PM Modi that his "time is up". Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "It is not a person-specific rally. That is why it is called Loktantra Bachao rally. This is not one party's rally, about 27-28 parties are involved. All constituents of the INDIA 'janbandhan' will be taking part in the rally."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ramlila Maidan 'Save Democracy' rally: Who all will attend?</strong></h2>

<p>The leaders in attendance will be Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Senior RJD leader and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, and the DMK's Tiruchi Siva.</p>

<p>Key opposition leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to give the Ramlila Maidan rally a miss, given that if she attends the rally, she would have to share stage with Communist Party of India-Maoist's (CPI-M's) Sitaram Yechury, her bitter rival in West Bengal. The TMC is expected to be represented by its Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India Bloc Maharally News: Days after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by Enforcement Directorate, a mega rally named 'Loktantra Bachao' (Save Democracy) will be held at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan by top opposition leaders who have banded as Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.

India Bloc Maharally News: Days after the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by Enforcement Directorate, a mega rally named 'Loktantra Bachao' (Save Democracy) will be held at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan by top opposition leaders who have banded as Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance (I.N.D.I.A.) with the goal to de-seat Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party from power during General Elections in the summer. India Bloc Maharally by AAP Apart from opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Akhilesh Yadav, the mega-rally on Sunday (March 31) will also be attended by Arvind Kejriwal's wife Sunita who recently came in spotlight as purported messenger of her jailed husband. Indian Opposition's 'Save Democracy' rally: What does it mean? The opposition is expected to present a united front amid calls against what they describe as the ruling BJP's misuse of central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and the Income Tax Department. Also watch | Ahead of I.N.D.I's mega rally, Congress gets tax notice; Kerala Congress Committee stages protest × The issue has taken centre stage following the arrests of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. Meanwhile, the Income Tax department has issued notices to the Congress to explain the financial transactions which India's principal opposition party claims occurred decades ago in the early 1990s. Also read | India: PM Modi’s mega rally concludes in Srinagar, several development projects launched The Congress party has branded the rally as an event that will send a "strong message" to PM Modi that his "time is up". Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "It is not a person-specific rally. That is why it is called Loktantra Bachao rally. This is not one party's rally, about 27-28 parties are involved. All constituents of the INDIA 'janbandhan' will be taking part in the rally." Ramlila Maidan 'Save Democracy' rally: Who all will attend? The leaders in attendance will be Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Senior RJD leader and former Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav. Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren, former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, and the DMK's Tiruchi Siva. Key opposition leader and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to give the Ramlila Maidan rally a miss, given that if she attends the rally, she would have to share stage with Communist Party of India-Maoist's (CPI-M's) Sitaram Yechury, her bitter rival in West Bengal. The TMC is expected to be represented by its Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 'INDIA' bloc's show of strength begins at Ramlila Maidan

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid9bwyczykN9gu" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Thousands of posts featuring a simple image with a plain white background and the phrase "click here" in bold black have bombarded the social media platform X since Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A diagonal downward arrow pointing to 'ALT' or the alternative text option is also in the viral image. The "click trend" has left thousands of users wondering what it is about.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Introduced in 2016, ALT is a feature on X which enables users to add a text description to the photos that they put up on the platform. It is mainly for the visually challenged to understand the image with the help of text-to-speech recognition and Braille language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The image description in the ALT text feature can be up to 420 characters. The social media giant, earlier named Twitter, stated, "We're empowering everyone to ensure content shared on Twitter is accessible to the widest possible audience."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hemant-sorens-wife-kalpana-meets-sunita-kejriwal-sonia-gandhi-will-fight-against-autocratic-forces-706070">Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana meets Sunita Kejriwal, Sonia Gandhi; 'will fight against autocratic forces'</a></p>

<p>Everyone, from politicians to influencers, have jumped on the "click here" trend. Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on X, "What is the click here pic story.? My timeline is full of it!"</p>

<p>Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party also hopped on to the viral trend. They shared a post featuring the image. In the ALT section of the post, BJP wrote, "Phir ek baar Modi sarkar (Modi sarkar once again)."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the rival parties are not behind in the trend. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) shared information about the mega rally on March 31 in the ALT text section of the "click here" post. "Come to Ramlila Maidan on March 31 to save the country," the party wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian National Congress also used the ALT text feature to attack Narendra Modi. Their "click here" post ALT text said, "Narendra Modi runs 'extortion racket.' You know it," in Hindi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Furthermore, IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Rider and Lucknow Super Giants shared the viral image from their X handles. While KKR wrote, "#KnightsArmy is the best!" in the ALT text, LSG said "Adab se hara diya" after they defeated the Punjab Kings by 21 runs in their previous match.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies</em><em>)</em></p>


Thousands of posts featuring a simple image with a plain white background and the phrase "click here" in bold black have bombarded the social media platform X since Saturday.

Thousands of posts featuring a simple image with a plain white background and the phrase "click here" in bold black have bombarded the social media platform X since Saturday. A diagonal downward arrow pointing to 'ALT' or the alternative text option is also in the viral image. The "click trend" has left thousands of users wondering what it is about. Introduced in 2016, ALT is a feature on X which enables users to add a text description to the photos that they put up on the platform. It is mainly for the visually challenged to understand the image with the help of text-to-speech recognition and Braille language. The image description in the ALT text feature can be up to 420 characters. The social media giant, earlier named Twitter, stated, "We're empowering everyone to ensure content shared on Twitter is accessible to the widest possible audience." ALSO READ | Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana meets Sunita Kejriwal, Sonia Gandhi; 'will fight against autocratic forces' Everyone, from politicians to influencers, have jumped on the "click here" trend. Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on X, "What is the click here pic story.? My timeline is full of it!" Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party also hopped on to the viral trend. They shared a post featuring the image. In the ALT section of the post, BJP wrote, "Phir ek baar Modi sarkar (Modi sarkar once again)." Meanwhile, the rival parties are not behind in the trend. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) shared information about the mega rally on March 31 in the ALT text section of the "click here" post. "Come to Ramlila Maidan on March 31 to save the country," the party wrote. Indian National Congress also used the ALT text feature to attack Narendra Modi. Their "click here" post ALT text said, "Narendra Modi runs 'extortion racket.' You know it," in Hindi. Furthermore, IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Rider and Lucknow Super Giants shared the viral image from their X handles. While KKR wrote, "#KnightsArmy is the best!" in the ALT text, LSG said "Adab se hara diya" after they defeated the Punjab Kings by 21 runs in their previous match. (With inputs from agencies)

What is 'click here' trend on X? Here's all you need to know about the ALT text social media sensation

Ajit Pawar's wife vs Supriya Sule in Maharashtra's Baramati

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

'Political heat' rises in India as campaigning picks up pace, parties struggle to pull crowds

Former president Jacob Zuma of South Africa has been barred from running in the country’s upcoming general elections scheduled for May, said the country’s electoral officials on Thursday.

South Africa: Former President Jacob Zuma barred from contesting in polls

The Income Tax Department has served a fresh notice of over Rs 1,800 crore to the Congress party right ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

IT Department serves Congress fresh $200 mn notice, party terms it as 'tax terrorism'

India's finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said that she rejected her party, the BJP's offer to fight polls, as ‘doesn’t have the kind of money’.

Gravitas: India's FM Nirmala Sitharaman decides against fighting polls, says 'Don't have money'

Amidst the fervour of India's impending Lok Sabha elections, a noticeable trend has emerged in the country's e-commerce realm - the rise of political merchandise.

Indian Elections: Political merchandise surge in India, shines online

The Mahavikas Aghadi's (MVA) seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls is to be finalised amid a possible rift between allies Congress and Shiv Sena (led by Uddhav Thackeray), over four seats, sources said.

India Elections: Will discontent among Maharashtra Congress leaders affect MVA alliance?

India Elections 2024 | India E-Commerce election frenzy: Political merchandise surge in India

The Bhartiya Janata Party has submitted a list of 40 leaders who will campaign for party candidates in Bihar in the runup to the Lok Sabha Polls. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: The campaign road

In the Southern state of Karnataka, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi is facing Opposition as the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Dharwad. But Seers are demanding him to be replaced, why? Check out the video to know more.

Karnataka: Lingayat Seers oppose BJP candidate Prahlad Joshi, he says 'will clear out misbelief'

The ruling BJP party of Uttar Pradesh has already revealed the names of 51 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state in its first list. However, Pilibhit seat has not been given to Varun Gandhi this time. This is the first time there will be 'No Gandhi' in Piblibhit since 1989.

India Elections 2024: No Gandhi in electoral contest for Pilibhit from first time since 1989

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate has been involved in a controversy after she posted an offensive comment against Kangana Ranaut, only to claim later that someone with access to her social media accounts was behind it. Watch to know more!

India Elections 2024: Congress replaces Shrinate from Maharajganj amid row over post

The I.N.D.I.A block has suffered a massive setback in Jharkhand. The JMM rejected the seat sharing formula with Congress on Wednesday. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: I.N.D.I.A alliance suffers setback in Jharkhand

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

India Elections 2024 | Bihar: Talks over India bloc seat-sharing deal, big meet in Delhi today

The Trinamool Congress has released its list of 40-star campaigners for phase one of the Lok Sabha polls. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Abhishek Banerjee, Yusuf Pathan among Trinamool Congress' star campaigners

India's election season brings with it an unending drama of alliances Partnerships and collaborations and India's state of Maharashtra is no stranger to political mergers. In the latest move made by the BJP in Maharashtra, the party has reportedly proposed a merger with Raj Thackeray. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: MNS to merge with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in Maharashtra?

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

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

<p><strong>Lok Sabha Elections 2024</strong>: The Lok Sabha constituency of Wayanad from southern India state Kerala is set for a clash between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's K. Surendran.</p>

<p>Surendran is the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala, a state where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has never been in power and continues to struggle to make its mark.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;PM Modi's South outreach, conducts road shows in Kerala and Tamil Nadu</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modis-south-outreach-conducts-road-shows-in-kerala-and-tamil-nadu-701965/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Confident about sweeping the Hindi heartland, PM Modi's party has specifically focused on southern India, with so much of the political capital invested in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is K. Surendran?</strong></h2>

<p>A Chemistry graduate from Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College in Kozhikode, Surendran began his political career through Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP's students wing. Fluent in three Indian languages from the south of Vindhyas — Tulu, Malayalam and Kannada — Surendran has been trusted with crucial political designations in the BJP throughout his career lasting several decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kunnummel Surendran, hailing from Ulleyeri in Kozhikode district, became the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in 2009.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/life-fun/keralas-top-5-backwaters-for-a-serene-escape--1704723341876">Kerala’s Top 5 Backwaters for a Serene Escape</a></strong></p>

<p>Surendran came closest to winning an election in 2016 when he lost a state assembly poll from Manjeshwar segment by a mere 89 votes against Indian Union Muslim League's PB Abdul Razak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was the BJP candidate for Lok Sabha polls from Kasargod twice, in 2009 and 2014, and from Pathanamthitta seat once in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>K Surendran is also known as a close confidant of Union Minister V Muraleedharan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surendran is married to Sheeba K. and the couple has two children.</p>

<p>The BJP is striving to break decades-old bipolar politics dominated by the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala. The party had earlier announced the candidates for 12 seats. Its NDA partner BDJS will contest four seats in the state.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Lok Sabha constituency of Wayanad from southern India state Kerala is set for a clash between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's K.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The Lok Sabha constituency of Wayanad from southern India state Kerala is set for a clash between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's K. Surendran. Surendran is the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala, a state where Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has never been in power and continues to struggle to make its mark. Also watch | PM Modi's South outreach, conducts road shows in Kerala and Tamil Nadu × Confident about sweeping the Hindi heartland, PM Modi's party has specifically focused on southern India, with so much of the political capital invested in the region. Who is K. Surendran? A Chemistry graduate from Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College in Kozhikode, Surendran began his political career through Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP's students wing. Fluent in three Indian languages from the south of Vindhyas — Tulu, Malayalam and Kannada — Surendran has been trusted with crucial political designations in the BJP throughout his career lasting several decades. Kunnummel Surendran, hailing from Ulleyeri in Kozhikode district, became the state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha in 2009. Also read | Kerala’s Top 5 Backwaters for a Serene Escape Surendran came closest to winning an election in 2016 when he lost a state assembly poll from Manjeshwar segment by a mere 89 votes against Indian Union Muslim League's PB Abdul Razak. He was the BJP candidate for Lok Sabha polls from Kasargod twice, in 2009 and 2014, and from Pathanamthitta seat once in 2019. K Surendran is also known as a close confidant of Union Minister V Muraleedharan. Surendran is married to Sheeba K. and the couple has two children. The BJP is striving to break decades-old bipolar politics dominated by the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala. The party had earlier announced the candidates for 12 seats. Its NDA partner BDJS will contest four seats in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is K Surendran, pitted by BJP against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad?

lok-sabha-elections

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

lok sabha-elections

India Elections 2024: How much money do you need to contest polls? | India News | WION

India Elections 2024: PM Modi kicks off Uttar Pradesh campaign with Meerut

Battle for Maharashtra 2024: Shivraj Patil's daughter-in-law joins BJP

India Elections 2024: PM Modi's preparation underway for third term; polling to begin from April 19

Lok Sabha polls: Priyanka Gandhi reads out INDIA bloc’s five demands to Election Commission at mega rally

PM Modi claims Congress gave key island of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, controversy erupts | WION

Tamil Nadu: Katchatheevu island controversy reignites, PM Modi reacts to RTI report

India elections 2024 | Two major rallies: PM Modi in UP's Meerut & I.N.D.I.A bloc in Delhi

Opposition unites at INDIA bloc rally over Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest to take on BJP in polls

BJP announces list of elections campaigners; PM Modi, Amit Shah & JP Nadda among star campaigners

Lok Sabha elections: Who is Archana Patil, ex-Indian minister's daughter-in-law who joined BJP?

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 'INDIA' bloc's show of strength begins at Ramlila Maidan

What is 'click here' trend on X? Here's all you need to know about the ALT text social media sensation

What is 'click here' trend on X? Here's all you need to know about the ALT text social media sensation

Ajit Pawar's wife vs Supriya Sule in Maharashtra's Baramati

'Political heat' rises in India as campaigning picks up pace, parties struggle to pull crowds

South Africa: Former President Jacob Zuma barred from contesting in polls

IT Department serves Congress fresh $200 mn notice, party terms it as 'tax terrorism'

Gravitas: India's FM Nirmala Sitharaman decides against fighting polls, says 'Don't have money'

Indian Elections: Political merchandise surge in India, shines online

India Elections: Will discontent among Maharashtra Congress leaders affect MVA alliance?

India Elections 2024 | India E-Commerce election frenzy: Political merchandise surge in India

India Elections 2024: The campaign road

Karnataka: Lingayat Seers oppose BJP candidate Prahlad Joshi, he says 'will clear out misbelief'