In Poll Countdown, a roundup of all the latest updates from ground: Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal will be holding his first joint election campaign with Congress. Meanwhile, the campaign for the fifth phase of voting set to be held on May 20 is going on in full swing. Stay tuned with WION for all the latest updates on Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Watch in for more details!

India General Elections 2024: Congress announces list of star campaigners for 7th phase in UP

Varanasi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over a decade after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first named BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from northern India's Varanasi constituency, the longest-serving non-Congress prime minister of India is seeking a third re-election from the holy city. On Tuesday (May 14), PM Modi filed his nomination as the BJP candidate from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, while surrounded by his proposers as well as allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The site of Modi's nomination in Varanasi had BJP&nbsp;allies such as former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena, and others such as Jitan Ram Manjhi, Omprakash Rajbhar, Sanjay Nishad and Ramdas Athavale, in attendance.&nbsp;

Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath along with his four proposers inside the&nbsp;Varanasi collectorate where he filed the nomination.

Prior to filing his nomination, Modi offered prayers at Baba Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanasi and described his Varanasi constituents as his 'family members'. Before that, he offered prayers at Dashaswamedh Ghat of Varanasi and addressed the Ganga river as his 'mother'.&nbsp;

"Ten years ago, when I came to Kashi, I said, Maa Ganga has called me. But in the last 10 years, Maa Ganga has adopted me," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

"The love and blessings showered by my family members of Kashi during the road show has become an unforgettable moment of my life," Modi said while addressing Varanasi by its ancient name Kashi.&nbsp;

<h2>Modi as Varanasi MP: Why it matters?</h2>

In the rearview mirror of Indian politics, then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's rise as prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha Polls and subsequent actualisation on May 26, 2014, was partly made possible by the BJP's decision to make him contest from Varanasi. It was one of the shrewdest decisions of Modi's political life that helped him&nbsp;lay claim to a kind of national leadership not seen for several decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-holds-grand-roadshow-in-varanasi-to-take-a-dip-in-holy-ganga-721027">Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi holds grand roadshow in Varanasi</a>

Using his signature political acumen to strike the right chords, Modi brought together elements of Hindu civilisation, the Ganga belt and Hindi heartland within BJP's larger election campaign in 2014 while pushing to de-seat Congress-led United Progressive Alliance from New Delhi's corridors of power after a decade in power.&nbsp;

His candidature from Varanasi also pushed the BJP deeper into Uttar Pradesh's political skyline where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance won a whopping 73 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and wrested power from Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav in 2017 in the state assembly.&nbsp;

As Uttar Pradesh remains a politically important theatre to win a majority in Lok Sabha and lay claim to the highest seat of power in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's candidature continues to be all the more relevant in the current political climate.

Varanasi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over a decade after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first named BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from northern India's Varanasi constituency, the longest-serving non-Congress prime minister of India is seeking a third re-election from the holy city.

Varanasi Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over a decade after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was first named BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from northern India's Varanasi constituency, the longest-serving non-Congress prime minister of India is seeking a third re-election from the holy city. On Tuesday (May 14), PM Modi filed his nomination as the BJP candidate from Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, while surrounded by his proposers as well as allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The site of Modi's nomination in Varanasi had BJP allies such as former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena, and others such as Jitan Ram Manjhi, Omprakash Rajbhar, Sanjay Nishad and Ramdas Athavale, in attendance. Modi was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath along with his four proposers inside the Varanasi collectorate where he filed the nomination. Prior to filing his nomination, Modi offered prayers at Baba Kaal Bhairav temple in Varanasi and described his Varanasi constituents as his 'family members'. Before that, he offered prayers at Dashaswamedh Ghat of Varanasi and addressed the Ganga river as his 'mother'. "Ten years ago, when I came to Kashi, I said, Maa Ganga has called me. But in the last 10 years, Maa Ganga has adopted me," PM Modi said. "The love and blessings showered by my family members of Kashi during the road show has become an unforgettable moment of my life," Modi said while addressing Varanasi by its ancient name Kashi. Modi as Varanasi MP: Why it matters? In the rearview mirror of Indian politics, then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's rise as prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha Polls and subsequent actualisation on May 26, 2014, was partly made possible by the BJP's decision to make him contest from Varanasi. It was one of the shrewdest decisions of Modi's political life that helped him lay claim to a kind of national leadership not seen for several decades. Also read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi holds grand roadshow in Varanasi Using his signature political acumen to strike the right chords, Modi brought together elements of Hindu civilisation, the Ganga belt and Hindi heartland within BJP's larger election campaign in 2014 while pushing to de-seat Congress-led United Progressive Alliance from New Delhi's corridors of power after a decade in power. His candidature from Varanasi also pushed the BJP deeper into Uttar Pradesh's political skyline where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance won a whopping 73 of 80 Lok Sabha seats in 2014 and wrested power from Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav in 2017 in the state assembly. As Uttar Pradesh remains a politically important theatre to win a majority in Lok Sabha and lay claim to the highest seat of power in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's candidature continues to be all the more relevant in the current political climate.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: PM Modi, 'son of Ganga', files nomination in Varanasi seeking 3rd term as MP

This story puts the spotlight on India's General Elections. Delhi, as a key contributor to the Indian economy, plays a big role in India's political landscape. This next report decodes why Delhi is key for political parties seeking a term in office.

India General Elections 2024: How Delhi influences India's politics?

In Poll Countdown, a Roundup of all the latest updates from ground as phase four polling unfolds: IMD predicts respite from scorching heat, muggy weather during phase 4 voting...

India General Elections 2024: IMD predicts respite from scorching heat during phase 4 voting

Watch top headlines of the hour: - India Elections: Phase 4 voting underway - India to sign pact with Iran for Chabahar - Egypt joins ICJ case against Israel - Putin replaces Defence & Security Chiefs

India to sign pact with Iran for Chabahar | Egypt joins ICJ case against Israel

The fourth phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections begins today (May 13) in 96 Lok Sabha constituencies across 9 states and a Union Territory. These states and UT include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: India votes in Phase 4

India General Elections 2024 Phase 4: Fate of 1717 candidates to be decided today

India is the fastest growing major economy in the world. But the contribution from India's rural economy has been disappointing since the pandemic. Now, experts suggest the country's general elections may finally drive rural demand and accelerate national growth.

India General Elections 2024: Can polls spur India's rural economy?

In the Indian state of Haryana, the ruling party in the Indian state of Haryana, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party has faced major setback, three independent members of the state's legislative assembly have withdrawn their support from BJP, leaving the party.

Lok Sabha Elections: BJP loses majority in Haryana, 3 independent MLAs withdraw support

In another effort to forge a hostage release and Truce in the seven-month war delegations from Hamas and Israel are back at the negotiation table in Cairo. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Gallant says Operations to continue until end of Hamas or hostages return

In Poll Countdown, a Roundup of all the latest updates from ground as phase three polling unfolds: An orange alert for heat wave has been issued in most of the 14 Karnataka districts. In the last couple of days temperatures have hit 42 to 44° C it's expected that today as well the temperatures will hover around 40° C Mark. To ensure smooth sailing and polling here the election commission has undertaken all necessary preparations anticipating a significant water turnout. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024 Phase 3: Heatwave poses challenge to voter turnout in Karnataka

In a&nbsp;major&nbsp;political development, the Supreme Court of India (SC) said on Friday (May 3) that&nbsp;it may consider giving bail to jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. It also asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the central agency pursuing a case against Kejriwal, to come prepared on May 7, the next&nbsp;when&nbsp;the matter is up for hearing.

However, the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta cautioned no party should assume that&nbsp;the bail will be granted&nbsp;and&nbsp;they&nbsp;“may or may not grant interim bail.”

“The Court is just being open about what is in its mind.&nbsp;It&nbsp;does not want to catch the parties by surprise”,&nbsp;the judges noted.&nbsp;

The justices passed these remarks as they were hearing a bail plea moved by Arvind Kejriwal against his arrest on March 21. The court&nbsp;in&nbsp;earlier&nbsp;hearings&nbsp;had said the ED would have to justify the timing of the arrest since he was detained just days after implementation of&nbsp;the Model Code of Conduct.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiq4q7NuPGFAxWASGcHHdgTBoQQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-files-response-in-sc-in-the-liquor-policy-case-calls-arrest-illegal-715693" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-files-response-in-sc-in-the-liquor-policy-case-calls-arrest-illegal-715693&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq4q7NuPGFAxWASGcHHdgTBoQQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal files response in SC in liquor policy case, calls arrest `illegal`</a>

Justice Khanna had told ASG SV Raju, representing ED,&nbsp;“Liberty is very exceedingly important, you&nbsp;can't&nbsp;deny that. The last question is with regard to the timing of the arrest, which they (Arvind&nbsp;Kejriwal's&nbsp;lawyer) have pointed out, the timing of the arrest, soon before the general elections.”

During the May 3 hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who represented Kejriwal, said that no&nbsp;“proceeds of crime”&nbsp;have been recovered from the Delhi CM so far and the thresholds of the custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, (PMLA) have not&nbsp;been met.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiq4q7NuPGFAxWASGcHHdgTBoQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-post-is-not-ceremonial-delhi-hc-says-arvind-kejriwal-being-in-jail-must-not-impact-students-aap-reacts-716377" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cm-post-is-not-ceremonial-delhi-hc-says-arvind-kejriwal-being-in-jail-must-not-impact-students-aap-reacts-716377&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiq4q7NuPGFAxWASGcHHdgTBoQQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">‘CM post not ceremonial’: Delhi HC says Arvind Kejriwal’s incarceration, absence must not impact students</a>

On the flip side, the ED maintains that it has material evidence to justify the arrest.

“Criminal”&nbsp;politicians cannot expect immunity from arrest because they want to campaign for elections, the agency had said in a court filing.

The ED is pursuing Kejriwal in a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

Previously, the&nbsp;Delhi High Court had upheld&nbsp;Kejriwal’s&nbsp;arrest, saying that the agency had no other option because the CM was not cooperating with the authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major political development, the Supreme Court of India (SC) said on Friday (May 3) that it may consider giving bail to jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

In a major political development, the Supreme Court of India (SC) said on Friday (May 3) that it may consider giving bail to jailed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the wake of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. It also asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the central agency pursuing a case against Kejriwal, to come prepared on May 7, the next when the matter is up for hearing. However, the bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta cautioned no party should assume that the bail will be granted and they “may or may not grant interim bail.” “The Court is just being open about what is in its mind. It does not want to catch the parties by surprise”, the judges noted. The justices passed these remarks as they were hearing a bail plea moved by Arvind Kejriwal against his arrest on March 21. The court in earlier hearings had said the ED would have to justify the timing of the arrest since he was detained just days after implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. Also read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal files response in SC in liquor policy case, calls arrest `illegal` Justice Khanna had told ASG SV Raju, representing ED, “Liberty is very exceedingly important, you can't deny that. The last question is with regard to the timing of the arrest, which they (Arvind Kejriwal's lawyer) have pointed out, the timing of the arrest, soon before the general elections.” During the May 3 hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who represented Kejriwal, said that no “proceeds of crime” have been recovered from the Delhi CM so far and the thresholds of the custody under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, (PMLA) have not been met. Also read: ‘CM post not ceremonial’: Delhi HC says Arvind Kejriwal’s incarceration, absence must not impact students On the flip side, the ED maintains that it has material evidence to justify the arrest. “Criminal” politicians cannot expect immunity from arrest because they want to campaign for elections, the agency had said in a court filing. The ED is pursuing Kejriwal in a money laundering case related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Previously, the Delhi High Court had upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, saying that the agency had no other option because the CM was not cooperating with the authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi excise policy case: Supreme Court ‘may consider’ granting bail to Kejriwal in view of polls

The third phase of polls involves some key seats whose results will impact the future of some political families. A total of 17.24 crore voters are eligible to cast their vote in this phase at 185,000 polling stations. Just for a reminder, voting was held in 102 seats in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls and in 88 seats in the second phase. Watch in for more details!

India Elections phase 3: Voting in 93 constituencies across India

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections, which was held in 93 constituencies on Tuesday (May 7), witnessed a voter turnout of approximately 60.97 per cent, as per the data released by the Election Commission of India.&nbsp;

The northeastern state of&nbsp;Assam&nbsp;recorded the maximum voter turnout of&nbsp;75.01 per cent,&nbsp;whereas, Maharashtra recorded the lowest which was at 53.95 per cent.

Voting percentages for other states that went to polls on May 7:

- West Bengal at 73.93 per cent 
- Bihar at 56.55 per cent 
- Chhattisgarh at 66.94 per cent 
- Goa at 74.00 per cent 
- Gujarat at 56.21 per cent 
- Karnataka at 66.80 per cent 
- Madhya Pradesh at 62.79 per cent 
- Uttar Pradesh at 57.04 per cent

Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu saw a voter turnout of 65.23&nbsp;per cent, according to the latest data.

Leaders from several political parties have urged the citizens of India to exercise their right to vote and participate in the polls in large numbers.

Over 1300 candidates, including around 120 women, were in the fray in this phase of polls. A total of 17.24 crore voters were eligible to cast their votes in the third phase at around 1.85 lakh polling stations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-pm-modi-casts-his-votes-equates-voting-to-daan-718742">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi casts his vote, equates voting to 'daan'</a>

<h2>PM Modi casts vote</h2>

Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. He was welcomed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah when he arrived at the polling booth.

The prominent names in Tuesday's poll battle are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Madhya Pradesh chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav, and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, among others.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi casts his vote for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/i057pygTkJ">pic.twitter.com/i057pygTkJ</a>
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&nbsp;

In the year 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) registered victory in 72 out of 93 constituencies that went into polls today.

The Lok Sabha polls in India are being held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. The results of the elections will be announced on June 4.

(With inputs from agencies)

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections, which was held in 93 constituencies on Tuesday (May 7), witnessed a voter turnout of approximately 60.97 per cent, as per the data released by the Election Commission of India.

The third phase of Lok Sabha elections, which was held in 93 constituencies on Tuesday (May 7), witnessed a voter turnout of approximately 60.97 per cent, as per the data released by the Election Commission of India. The northeastern state of Assam recorded the maximum voter turnout of 75.01 per cent, whereas, Maharashtra recorded the lowest which was at 53.95 per cent. Voting percentages for other states that went to polls on May 7: - West Bengal at 73.93 per cent - Bihar at 56.55 per cent - Chhattisgarh at 66.94 per cent - Goa at 74.00 per cent - Gujarat at 56.21 per cent - Karnataka at 66.80 per cent - Madhya Pradesh at 62.79 per cent - Uttar Pradesh at 57.04 per cent Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu saw a voter turnout of 65.23 per cent, according to the latest data. Leaders from several political parties have urged the citizens of India to exercise their right to vote and participate in the polls in large numbers. Over 1300 candidates, including around 120 women, were in the fray in this phase of polls. A total of 17.24 crore voters were eligible to cast their votes in the third phase at around 1.85 lakh polling stations. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi casts his vote, equates voting to 'daan' PM Modi casts vote Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. He was welcomed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah when he arrived at the polling booth. The prominent names in Tuesday's poll battle are Union Home Minister Amit Shah, former Madhya Pradesh chief ministers Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Digvijaya Singh, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav, and NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule, among others. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi casts his vote for #LokSabhaElections2024 at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/i057pygTkJ — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024 × In the year 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) registered victory in 72 out of 93 constituencies that went into polls today. The Lok Sabha polls in India are being held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1. The results of the elections will be announced on June 4. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 3rd phase: Assam leads with maximum voter turnout, Maharashtra records lowest

India General Elections 2024: India votes in Phase 3, polls across 10 states 1 Union territories

In twenty-five of Gujarat's 26 Lok Sabha seats, voting is currently underway. Election officials report that in the State's single-phase Lok Sabha elections, a total of 4.97 crore people—2,56 crore men, 2.41 crore women, and 1,534 members of the third gender—are eligible to cast ballots at 50,788 polling places. According to EC data, there are 17,275 polling stations in urban regions and 33,513 in rural areas.

Lok Sabha polls: India votes in Phase 3, 93 seats for grabs today

India Elections 2024 | Phase 3: Voting in 93 constituencies across India

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Polling underway in 93 seats; PM Modi, Amit Shah cast vote

On Election Commission of India's invitation, 75 International visitors from Election Management Bodies (EMBs) of 23 countries arrive to watch the world's largest elections unfold. Watch in for more details!

India Elections: 75 delegates from 23 countries to observe Lok Sabha Polls

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;

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&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.”

Also read:&nbsp;<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>

"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:&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>

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)

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

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi filed his nomination from Uttar Pradesh's Raebareli constituency, barely an hour before nominations closed for the Lok Sabha seat on Friday. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Raebareli Lok Sabha seat

India Elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Raebareli

The eastern Indian state of Odisha will go to polls between May 13 and June 1. The state sends 21 MPS to the Indian parliament and has been ruled by the Biju Janata Dal for the last 24 years. The state is known for its vast mineral resources and untouched natural beauty. However the state also faces several socio-economic issues. On Pollnomics, we decode Odisha's economy for you.

India Elections 2024 | Odisha: India's best kept secret | Decoding Odisha's Economy

Ending days of suspense, Congress has decided to field candidates in Amethi and Rae Bareli constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Watch to know more.

Amethi Lok Sabha: Congress fields Kishori Lal Sharma from Amethi | India Elections 2024

India stands at the forefront of technological innovation, and this wave of innovation is reshaping its electoral landscape. The intersection of politics and technology is becoming increasingly pronounced, especially in the context of election campaigns. This report puts the spotlight on the transformation in Indian politics in the digital age.

India Elections 2024: How Politicos are using Tech to campaign?

The India growth story is now a global phenomenon that investors around the world are watching. With India expected to induct a new government soon. Voters are also keenly looking at the hits and misses of the current government's economic policies. Take a look at this report to find out how economics could affect India's political system.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Will voters embrace the India growth story?

The Election Commission of India has released the official overall turnout data for the completed phases 1 and 2 on Tuesday and this comes 11 days after the first phase concluded on April 19th and 4 days after the second phase ended on April 26th. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: EC releases phase 1 & 2 voting data, opposition questions EC over data release

India has the largest number of eligible voters in the world, yet more than 100 million people do not bother to cast their votes. Why is this such a big issue in India? And how does this affect governance? Our next report looks to find out

Is low voter turnout hurting India's growth

Amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, a video has surfaced on social media showing a&nbsp;groom,&nbsp;dressed in wedding&nbsp;attire,&nbsp;reaching the polling station to cast his vote in the Western Indian state of Rajasthan.

The groom, a resident of Debari, reached the polling station along with 'Baraat',&nbsp;to cast vote in the Udaipur seat. Jitendra Vaishnav urged all his relatives to cast their ballots before they departed for Delwara in Rajsamand district, some 50km away.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Rajasthan: A groom arrives at his designated polling station in Udaipur to cast his vote for the Lok Sabha elections. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/u8EqRoSqpx">pic.twitter.com/u8EqRoSqpx</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1783786171593867394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Deputy Sarpanch Chandan Singh Deora earlier asked all wedding guests to cast vote first and then participate in wedding ceremonies.

In a similar incident, another groom, Radhe Suthar, cast his vote at Bhadsoda in Chittorgarh before&nbsp;he went for&nbsp;the wedding ceremonies.

Suthar earlier told reporters that it was&nbsp;important&nbsp;to exercise franchise in democracy, so he spared time to cast vote before his marriage function.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjuwt7r79-FAxUCs1YBHYyDCdgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-elections-2024-voting-across-13-states-and-uts-715255" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/lok-sabha-elections-2024-voting-across-13-states-and-uts-715255&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjuwt7r79-FAxUCs1YBHYyDCdgQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voting across 13 states and UTs</a>

Twelve Lok Sabha seats of Rajasthan are undergoing&nbsp;polls today, in the second phase of elections. Around 28 million people are eligible to vote today in Rajasthan alone, highlighting the sheer size of the mammoth elections that India is conducting over seven phases.

The first phase of elections&nbsp;was held&nbsp;on April 19.

The seats that are going to polls today are Barmer-Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jalore, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Kota-Bundi, Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran.

Watch:&nbsp;Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 88 seats up for grabs in phase 2

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Till 5 pm, voter turnout in the state&nbsp;was recorded&nbsp;at 59.19 per cent, a figure expected to go up before polling closes at 6 pm IST.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, a video has surfaced on social media showing a groom, dressed in wedding attire, reaching the polling station to cast his vote in the Western Indian state of Rajasthan.

Amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, a video has surfaced on social media showing a groom, dressed in wedding attire, reaching the polling station to cast his vote in the Western Indian state of Rajasthan. The groom, a resident of Debari, reached the polling station along with 'Baraat', to cast vote in the Udaipur seat. Jitendra Vaishnav urged all his relatives to cast their ballots before they departed for Delwara in Rajsamand district, some 50km away. #WATCH | Rajasthan: A groom arrives at his designated polling station in Udaipur to cast his vote for the Lok Sabha elections. #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/u8EqRoSqpx — ANI (@ANI) April 26, 2024 × Deputy Sarpanch Chandan Singh Deora earlier asked all wedding guests to cast vote first and then participate in wedding ceremonies. In a similar incident, another groom, Radhe Suthar, cast his vote at Bhadsoda in Chittorgarh before he went for the wedding ceremonies. Suthar earlier told reporters that it was important to exercise franchise in democracy, so he spared time to cast vote before his marriage function. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voting across 13 states and UTs Twelve Lok Sabha seats of Rajasthan are undergoing polls today, in the second phase of elections. Around 28 million people are eligible to vote today in Rajasthan alone, highlighting the sheer size of the mammoth elections that India is conducting over seven phases. The first phase of elections was held on April 19. The seats that are going to polls today are Barmer-Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Jalore, Chittorgarh, Banswara, Kota-Bundi, Tonk-Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran. Watch: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 88 seats up for grabs in phase 2 × Till 5 pm, voter turnout in the state was recorded at 59.19 per cent, a figure expected to go up before polling closes at 6 pm IST. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Groom reaches polling station with 'Baraat' to cast vote - Watch 

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.&nbsp;

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:&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>

<h2>Key candidates</h2>

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)&nbsp;

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

The world's largest democracy India's Mammoth parliamentary elections roll into the second of seven phases today with all eyes on the southern state of Kerala and Karnataka. Voting begins in 88 seats across 12 States and one Union territory with several prominent contestants. Watch to know more.

India General Elections 2024: Phase 2 key seats: Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram, Mathura

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