The world's largest democracy India's Mammoth parliamentary elections entered into the second of seven phases today with all eyes on the southern state of Kerala and Karnataka. Voting ended in the Phase 2 of India's elections in 88 seats across 12 States and one Union territory with several prominent contestants. Watch to know more.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Voting ends in Phase 2 of India's elections

In a major development the top Court of India rejected the Pleas seeking 100% cross-verification of the electronic voting machines or the EVM data with voter verifiable paper audit trail records. Watch to know more.

India General Elections: SC rejects VVPAT petitions, denies pleas for 100% verification of votes

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Supreme Court rejects plea for 100% EVM-VVPAT verification

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. India will now go into the second phase of the election on Friday (Apr 26). Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | India Elections: Phase 2 key faces

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | India Election: Phase 2 key faces

India's economic journey since independence has been a fascinating story of change and adaptation. On today’s pollnomics, we'll delve into the key factors that have shaped this trajectory, exploring how economic crises, political alliances, and even unforeseen global events have all played a role in India's evolving economic policy landscape.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: India eyes heavy industries & self-reliance after independence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a public rally in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh. In his speech Modi warned the people of the Congress party and the I.N.D.I.A Alliance. He said they have their eyes on the public's earnings and property...Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi slams Congress in Aligarh rally

On Pollnomics, we take you to the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. With 39 seats in the parliament, it has shaped coalition politics in the past. Its unique socio-political landscape has also shaped its robust economy. This report tells you more about this Dravidian citadel.

India General Elections 2024: Tamil Nadu's rise as economic hub

Listen in from a young first-time voter on what his expectations are from the upcoming elections. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Election 2024: India's first time voter from Delhi speaks to WION

A photo is going viral on social media, an Instagram user shared an image on the 7th of April which shows a collage of two chapters with objectionable and communal content. The user claims the images are from a text book published by the Kerala education board...What's the truth? Watch in for more details!

Fact Check: Did Kerala government publish textbook with communal content? | Break The Fake

The Indian elections are just four days away and preparations are in full swing. In an interview with ANI, PM Modi spoke on his vision for a developed India. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections: PM Modi says 'one nation, one election' is BJP's commitment to India

The Election Commission of India has seized a record Rs 4,650 crore. This is "higher than the total seizures" made in the 2019 parliamentary polls. This comes before the first phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections in India.

Election Commission seizes Rs 4,650 crore ahead of phase 1 of the polls

As the Lok Sabha polls are drawing closer, the Congress on Sunday (Apr 14) released its list of 10 candidates for Delhi as well as Punjab.

In Punjab, the grand old party has fielded former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi for the Jalandhar-SC Lok Sabha seat.

Sitting MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla has been fielded from the Amritsar seat, whereas Amar Singh has been handed the ticket from Fatehgarh Sahib (SC) Lok Sabha seat.

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Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | Congress releases another list of 10 candidates for the general elections. 
 
Kanhaiya Kumar to contest from North East Delhi (against BJP North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari), JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk (against BJP candidate from… <a href="https://t.co/0c4oiZVIn9">pic.twitter.com/0c4oiZVIn9</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1779532761033805852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Former MP Dharamvir Gandhi has been handed the ticket from the Patiala Lok Sabha seat days after he quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined Congress.

For the Sangrur seat, the party nominated All India Kisan wing supremo Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency, which is currently represented by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal.&nbsp;

For Delhi, veteran politician JP Agarwal has been given the ticket from the Chandni Chowk seat against BJP candidate Praveen Khandelwal.

Kanhaiya Kumar has been fielded from North East Delhi against BJP North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari.

Udit Raj will contest from North-West Delhi against BJP candidate Yogendra Chandolia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/lok-sabha-elections-2024-bjp-releases-its-manifesto-for-polls-here-are-the-key-takeaways-711075">Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP releases poll manifesto. Here are the key takeaways</a>

<h2>BJP and AAP's picks for Punjab</h2>

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former Congress MP and former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur from Patiala who had won the same seat in the 2019 general elections on Congress ticket.

Kaur was suspended by the Congress in February 2023 over alleged 'anti-party' activities and she joined the BJP in March this year.

AAP has fielded Dr Balbir Singh from the Patiala seat.

For the Amritsar seat, BJP fielded former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

From the Jalandhar constituency, the party fielded AAP's lone MP Sushil Kumar Rinku who quit the Kejriwal-led outfit and joined the BJP last month.

For Faridkot, which is a reserved seat, the saffron party fielded singer and MP from North West Delhi Hans Raj Hans.

Karamjit Anmol has been nominated by AAP for the Faridkot.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Lok Sabha polls are drawing closer, the Congress on Sunday (Apr 14) released its list of 10 candidates for Delhi as well as Punjab. In Punjab, the grand old party has fielded former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi for the Jalandhar-SC Lok Sabha seat.

As the Lok Sabha polls are drawing closer, the Congress on Sunday (Apr 14) released its list of 10 candidates for Delhi as well as Punjab. In Punjab, the grand old party has fielded former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi for the Jalandhar-SC Lok Sabha seat. Sitting MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla has been fielded from the Amritsar seat, whereas Amar Singh has been handed the ticket from Fatehgarh Sahib (SC) Lok Sabha seat. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | Congress releases another list of 10 candidates for the general elections. Kanhaiya Kumar to contest from North East Delhi (against BJP North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari), JP Agarwal to contest from Chandni Chowk (against BJP candidate from… pic.twitter.com/0c4oiZVIn9 — ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2024 × Former MP Dharamvir Gandhi has been handed the ticket from the Patiala Lok Sabha seat days after he quit the Aam Aadmi Party and joined Congress. For the Sangrur seat, the party nominated All India Kisan wing supremo Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu from the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency, which is currently represented by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief's wife Harsimrat Kaur Badal. For Delhi, veteran politician JP Agarwal has been given the ticket from the Chandni Chowk seat against BJP candidate Praveen Khandelwal. Kanhaiya Kumar has been fielded from North East Delhi against BJP North East Delhi candidate Manoj Tiwari. Udit Raj will contest from North-West Delhi against BJP candidate Yogendra Chandolia. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP releases poll manifesto. Here are the key takeaways BJP and AAP's picks for Punjab The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former Congress MP and former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh's wife Preneet Kaur from Patiala who had won the same seat in the 2019 general elections on Congress ticket. Kaur was suspended by the Congress in February 2023 over alleged 'anti-party' activities and she joined the BJP in March this year. AAP has fielded Dr Balbir Singh from the Patiala seat. For the Amritsar seat, BJP fielded former Indian Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu. From the Jalandhar constituency, the party fielded AAP's lone MP Sushil Kumar Rinku who quit the Kejriwal-led outfit and joined the BJP last month. For Faridkot, which is a reserved seat, the saffron party fielded singer and MP from North West Delhi Hans Raj Hans. Karamjit Anmol has been nominated by AAP for the Faridkot. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Polls: Congress releases list of 10 candidates, fields Kanhaiya Kumar from North East Delhi

Despite a jam-packed agenda leading up to the Lok Sabha elections, the Law Minister of India, Arjun Ram Meghwal, spared some moment to speak to WION's Heena Sharma, right after he finished his breakfast at his residence in Bikaner in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Prior to him being promoted to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the minister served as a Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) officer. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections: WION Speaks to Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

Lok Sabha Election: India's first time voter speaks to WION on expectations from upcoming polls

The Maharashtra's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has announced unconditional support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Part ahead of the impending Parliamentary polls while addressing his supporters Thackeray also made it clear that his party will not be contesting the elections this year. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections: MNS chief Raj Thackeray declares unconditional support for PM Modi, BJP

In Kashmir the People's Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti will contest the Lok Sabha polls from Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, facing ex-Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Mehbooba Mufti to contest against Ghulam Nabi Azad for Anantnag Lok Sabha seat

The Delhi government issued an order on April 6, 2024, announcing five dry days for religious holidays and specific days during the Lok Sabha polls in the National Capital Territory (NCT) for the months of April, May, and June.

The Delhi government issued an order on April 6, 2024, announcing five dry days for religious holidays and specific days during the Lok Sabha polls in the National Capital Territory (NCT) for the months of April, May, and June. Dry days imply a ban on sale, serving and consumption of alcohol. Religious festival dry days The following days have been designated as dry days by the Delhi government on account of religious festivals: Id-ul-Fitr: April 11, 2024 Ram Navami: April 17, 2024 Mahavir Jayanti: April 21, 2024 Buddha Purnima: May 23, 2024 Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid): June 17, 2024 Dry days during Lok Sabha polls Additionally, the Delhi government has declared specific dry days during the Lok Sabha polls: April 24-26: From 6:00 pm on April 24 to 6:00 pm on April 26 on account of Lok Sabha polls in Baghpat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Budh Nagar districts of Uttar Pradesh. May 23-25: From 6:00 pm on May 23 to 6:00 pm on May 25 on account of vote day in the national capital. June 4: Full-day dry day on account of the counting day of the 18th Lok Sabha polls. Also read: Lok Sabha elections: Congress vows to conduct wealth redistribution survey if voted to power "The licensees shall not be entitled to any compensation on account of any changes effected in the above list. All the licensees shall exhibit this order at some conspicuous place of their licensed premises. The business premises of a licensee shall be kept closed on dry day," the Delhi Excise Department order read. Earlier, the Delhi government had announced six dry days within the capital city, including Republic Day on January 26, Guru Ravidas Jayanti, Swami Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti, Maha Shivaratri, Holi, and Good Friday in its official directive. The Delhi government typically releases a list of dry days every three months. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi government announces dry days for religious festivals and Lok Sabha polls. See the complete list

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

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

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

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

The BJP has urged the election commission to order lodging of a FIR against TMC leader Piyush Panda and ban him from campaigning. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: BJP seeks EC action against TMC leader Piyush Panda

India's top court has issued a notice to the election commission regarding a petition that advocates for the counting of all voter verified paper audit trail also known as VV Pat as opposed to the current practice of verification of only five randomly selected EVMS through VVPat. Watch in for more details!

India's top court seeks response from EC and Centre on plea for complete count of VVPAT slips

One of the pillars of India's ascent on the global economic stage is its demographic dividend. With youth holding the key to continued future growth, what do they expect from India's political system in the run-up to the general elections?

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Why youngsters are important for India's rise

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday stepped up his criticism of the Congress party, an ally of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, asserting that its leaders were defecting to the BJP. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan slams Congress over Defections

The Katchtheevu issue: In the latest Prime Minister Modi has slammed MK Stalin led DMK over the issue. The Prime Minister said that the party has done nothing to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interests. Watch to know more!

Katchatheevu Island Row: PM Modi slams DMK says 'did nothing to safeguard Tamil Nadu's interest'

The BJP has kickstarted the process for its Manifesto preparation. The party's Manifesto committee is set to hold its first meeting later today. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP's election manifesto committee meeting today

Former Biju Janata Dal MLA and a popular film star in Odisha Akash Das Nayak has joined the BJP. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Odia actor, former BJD MLA Akash Das Nayak joins BJP

Shahid Siddiqui, the national vice president of Rashtriya Lok Dal has tendered his resignation from the party. His resignation comes following party leader Jayant Chaudhary's decision to join hands with the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Polls: RLD Vice President resigns from party over alliance with BJP

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.

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.

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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… <a href="https://t.co/QntVuwhGWF">pic.twitter.com/QntVuwhGWF</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1774382780115238953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<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>

<h2>5 demands of INDIA alliance</h2>

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.”&nbsp;

“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;

“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;

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Given India's rise as an economic power the world is keeping a close watch on the polls of course the election results could set the direction of the global economy for the next 5 years. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Why India's polls matter to the world?

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has turned down Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda’s offer to contest Lok Sabha polls due to financial constraints.&nbsp;The finance minister speaking at a summit on Wednesday (March 27) said she does not have ‘the kind of money’ to fight the Lok Sabha elections.

“After thinking over a week or ten days, I went back to say… maybe not. I do not have that kind of money to contest,” PTI quoted her as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-haryana-minister-savitri-jindal-quits-congress-joins-bjp-705284">Former Haryana minister Savitri Jindal quits Congress, joins BJP</a>

“I also have a problem whether it is Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. It’s also going to be a question of various other winnability criteria that they use…Are you from this community or are you from that religion? Are you from this? I said no, I do not think I am going to able to do it,” the finance minister added.

Wondering how much money a candidate needs to run in a Lok Sabha election? Let's check this out:&nbsp;

The expense for contesting an election is based on the candidate's income. Nonetheless, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has a spending cap.

9.5 million cap for Lok Sabha

A candidate can not spend more than 9.5 million for bigger constituencies with more voters, and up to 7.5 million for smaller constituencies. While the limit for assembly constituencies is 4 million for a bigger seat and 2 million for a seat with a smaller size and less voters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bully-others-is-vintage-congress-culture-pm-modi-on-lawyers-letter-to-chief-justice-of-india-705230">'To bully others is vintage Congress culture': PM Modi on lawyers' letter to Chief Justice of India</a>

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has never contested Lok Sabha elections for which a candidate needs hectic campaigning. She has been a Rajya Sabha member, which of course doesn't require that kind of people connect and campaigning strategies.

She declared a net worth of about 25 million in her affidavit when she contested the Rajya Sabha polls in 2016.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/actor-govinda-joins-eknath-shindes-shiv-sena-705190">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Bollywood actor Govinda joins Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena</a>

So far in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with declared assets worth over 583 millions, Ashok Kumar, the AIADMK candidate for the Erode seat, is the richest candidate.

It is worth mentioning here that, in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, of the top 10 richest candidates, six were from the Congress party. The richest was an independent candidate Ramesh Kumar Sharma, who contested from Patliputra in Bihar. Sharma had declared assets worth over &nbsp;1,107 million.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has turned down Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda’s offer to contest Lok Sabha polls due to financial constraints.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has turned down Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda’s offer to contest Lok Sabha polls due to financial constraints. The finance minister speaking at a summit on Wednesday (March 27) said she does not have ‘the kind of money’ to fight the Lok Sabha elections. “After thinking over a week or ten days, I went back to say… maybe not. I do not have that kind of money to contest,” PTI quoted her as saying. Also read: Former Haryana minister Savitri Jindal quits Congress, joins BJP “I also have a problem whether it is Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu. It’s also going to be a question of various other winnability criteria that they use…Are you from this community or are you from that religion? Are you from this? I said no, I do not think I am going to able to do it,” the finance minister added. Wondering how much money a candidate needs to run in a Lok Sabha election? Let's check this out: The expense for contesting an election is based on the candidate's income. Nonetheless, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has a spending cap. 9.5 million cap for Lok Sabha A candidate can not spend more than 9.5 million for bigger constituencies with more voters, and up to 7.5 million for smaller constituencies. While the limit for assembly constituencies is 4 million for a bigger seat and 2 million for a seat with a smaller size and less voters. Also read: 'To bully others is vintage Congress culture': PM Modi on lawyers' letter to Chief Justice of India Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has never contested Lok Sabha elections for which a candidate needs hectic campaigning. She has been a Rajya Sabha member, which of course doesn't require that kind of people connect and campaigning strategies. She declared a net worth of about 25 million in her affidavit when she contested the Rajya Sabha polls in 2016. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Bollywood actor Govinda joins Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena So far in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with declared assets worth over 583 millions, Ashok Kumar, the AIADMK candidate for the Erode seat, is the richest candidate. It is worth mentioning here that, in 2019 Lok Sabha polls, of the top 10 richest candidates, six were from the Congress party. The richest was an independent candidate Ramesh Kumar Sharma, who contested from Patliputra in Bihar. Sharma had declared assets worth over 1,107 million. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian finance minister cites funds as issue behind not fighting polls. How much money is needed to contest?

A joint meeting of BJP and JD(S) leaders has been called on in Karnataka's Bengaluru later today. The aim is to ensure that there is proper understanding between leaders and workers of both parties in the runup to the Lok Sabha polls. Watch in for more details!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: BJP, JD(S) leaders’ joint panel to meet in Karnataka

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