<p>Actor and BJP leader Paresh Rawal has a unique solution for non-voters. The actor cast his vote on Monday (May 20) in Mumbai during the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024. After exercising his right during the fifth phase of the elections, the actor was seen speaking to the media and reiterating the importance of the vote.&nbsp;<br />
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The&nbsp;former BJP parliamentarian had an interesting take on those who do not make the effort to step out of their homes to vote.&nbsp;<br />
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"<em>Aap kahoge sarkar yeh nahin karti, woh nahi karti aur agar aaj aap matdaan nahi karoge toh uske liye zimmedaar aap honge. Aur sarkaar zimmedaar nahi hai. </em>(You may say the government doesn’t do this, it doesn’t do that, but if today you don’t vote, then you will be responsible for it. The government is not responsible," Rawal told the media.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal says, "...There should be some provisions for those who don't vote, like an increase in tax or some other punishment." <a href="https://t.co/sueN0F2vMD">pic.twitter.com/sueN0F2vMD</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1792403662951886898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He continued, "Those who do not vote, there should be some action against them. Either increase their taxes. There should be some punishment or reaction for them."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bad politicians are not born …<br />
They are created…<br />
Created By the good people who go on a Picnic on a Voting Day !</p>
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) <a href="https://twitter.com/SirPareshRawal/status/1777190024926171442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rawal was one of the many Bollywood stars who took to social media a few days back to appeal to everyone to come out and vote.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"Bad politicians are not born. They are created... Created By the good people who go on a Picnic on a Voting Day!"</p>

<p>On Monday, several Bollywood stars were seen heading to polling booths across Mumbai to vote.</p>

<p>Actors Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and many others were seen exercising their rights.&nbsp;</p>


Actor and BJP leader Paresh Rawal has a unique solution for non-voters. The actor cast his vote on Monday (May 20) in Mumbai during the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

Actor and BJP leader Paresh Rawal has a unique solution for non-voters. The actor cast his vote on Monday (May 20) in Mumbai during the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024. After exercising his right during the fifth phase of the elections, the actor was seen speaking to the media and reiterating the importance of the vote. The former BJP parliamentarian had an interesting take on those who do not make the effort to step out of their homes to vote. "Aap kahoge sarkar yeh nahin karti, woh nahi karti aur agar aaj aap matdaan nahi karoge toh uske liye zimmedaar aap honge. Aur sarkaar zimmedaar nahi hai. (You may say the government doesn’t do this, it doesn’t do that, but if today you don’t vote, then you will be responsible for it. The government is not responsible," Rawal told the media. #WATCH | Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal says, "...There should be some provisions for those who don't vote, like an increase in tax or some other punishment." pic.twitter.com/sueN0F2vMD — ANI (@ANI) May 20, 2024 × He continued, "Those who do not vote, there should be some action against them. Either increase their taxes. There should be some punishment or reaction for them." Bad politicians are not born … They are created… Created By the good people who go on a Picnic on a Voting Day ! — Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) April 8, 2024 × Rawal was one of the many Bollywood stars who took to social media a few days back to appeal to everyone to come out and vote. "Bad politicians are not born. They are created... Created By the good people who go on a Picnic on a Voting Day!" On Monday, several Bollywood stars were seen heading to polling booths across Mumbai to vote. Actors Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Manoj Bajpayee, Rajkummar Rao, Janhvi Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and many others were seen exercising their rights.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Paresh Rawal has a unique solution for those who do not vote

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<p>Amid the ongoing seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, the police arrested a man in Etah&nbsp;district in&nbsp;India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh after a video in which he&nbsp;was seen&nbsp;voting eight times for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) went viral on social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Seeing the video, orders&nbsp;were issued&nbsp;by the&nbsp;state’s&nbsp;chief election officer to suspend all the polling&nbsp;party's&nbsp;members from the station.</p>

<p>The police identified the man arrested as Rajan Singh. He is a resident of Khiriya Pamaran village in Etah district.</p>

<p>As per officials, the incident&nbsp;took place&nbsp;in Farrukhabad parliamentary constituency, and&nbsp;the officials&nbsp;took action&nbsp;after the video went viral.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/battle-of-the-bastions-raebarelis-tryst-with-nehru-gandhi-family-since-1952-722837">Battle of the Bastions: Rae Bareli's tryst with Nehru-Gandhi family since 1952</a></p>

<p>Later, an official, taking to X, said that they had taken cognizance of the viral video.&nbsp;“Concerned District Election Officer has&nbsp;been directed&nbsp;to take prompt and effective action,"&nbsp;he added.</p>

<p>The man was booked&nbsp;under Sections 171-F (Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election) and 419 (punishment for cheating by personation) of the&nbsp;IPC,&nbsp;and Sections 128, 132, and 136 of the RP Act 1951.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">फर्रुखाबाद लोकसभा के अलीगंज विधानसभा में बूथ संख्या 343 ग्राम खिरिया पमारान पर नाबालिग युवक द्वारा 8 बार भाजपा के पक्ष में डाला गया वोट, ये घटना निश्चित रूप से बूथ कैप्चरिंग को दर्शाती है।<br />
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संज्ञान ले चुनाव आयोग, आरोपियों पर उचित कार्रवाई हो।<a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ecisveep</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ceoup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ceoup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DMFarrukhabadUP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DMFarrukhabadUP</a> <a href="https://t.co/LWC5PK4f32">pic.twitter.com/LWC5PK4f32</a></p>
— Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) <a href="https://twitter.com/samajwadiparty/status/1792189375901749523?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reacting over the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said,&nbsp;“Repoll has been recommended to the ECI in the polling station concerned. ⁠Strict instructions to rigorously follow the procedure regarding identification of the voters have&nbsp;been issued&nbsp;to all District Election Officers of the remaining phases in UP."</p>

<h2><strong>Opposition reacts over the incident, calls for action</strong></h2>

<p>Many opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, called for action over the incident on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yadav shared the 2.20-minute video on social media&nbsp;platforms&nbsp;at around 4 pm local time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that action should be taken by the Election Commission of India if they find it wrong. “If the Election Commission feels that this is wrong, they should certainly take some action, otherwise.&nbsp;BJP's&nbsp;booth committee is&nbsp;actually&nbsp;a loot committee,” he wrote on X.</p>

<p>Congress also reacted to the video and appealed to the poll body to&nbsp;“wake up”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India General Elections: Rahul Gandhi, Smriti Irani &amp; Rajnath Singh among key candidates</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-rahul-gandhi-smriti-irani-rajnath-singh-among-key-candidates-723287/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“Dear Election Commission, do you see this? One person is voting 8 times.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;time to wake up,”&nbsp;the party said on X.</p>

<p>Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said,&nbsp;“The Congress expects all officials on election duty to not forget their constitutional responsibilities in the face of power pressure."</p>

<p>"Otherwise when INDIA (bloc) forms the government, action will be taken so that no one will dare disrespect the&nbsp;'oath of the Constitution'&nbsp;without thinking ten times,"&nbsp;he wrote on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid the ongoing seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, the police arrested a man in Etah district in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh after a video in which he was seen voting eight times for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) went viral on social media.

Amid the ongoing seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, the police arrested a man in Etah district in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh after a video in which he was seen voting eight times for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) went viral on social media. Seeing the video, orders were issued by the state’s chief election officer to suspend all the polling party's members from the station. The police identified the man arrested as Rajan Singh. He is a resident of Khiriya Pamaran village in Etah district. As per officials, the incident took place in Farrukhabad parliamentary constituency, and the officials took action after the video went viral. Also Read: Battle of the Bastions: Rae Bareli's tryst with Nehru-Gandhi family since 1952 Later, an official, taking to X, said that they had taken cognizance of the viral video. “Concerned District Election Officer has been directed to take prompt and effective action," he added. The man was booked under Sections 171-F (Punishment for undue influence or personation at an election) and 419 (punishment for cheating by personation) of the IPC, and Sections 128, 132, and 136 of the RP Act 1951. फर्रुखाबाद लोकसभा के अलीगंज विधानसभा में बूथ संख्या 343 ग्राम खिरिया पमारान पर नाबालिग युवक द्वारा 8 बार भाजपा के पक्ष में डाला गया वोट, ये घटना निश्चित रूप से बूथ कैप्चरिंग को दर्शाती है। संज्ञान ले चुनाव आयोग, आरोपियों पर उचित कार्रवाई हो।@ecisveep @ceoup @DMFarrukhabadUP pic.twitter.com/LWC5PK4f32 — Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) May 19, 2024 × Reacting over the incident, Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said, “Repoll has been recommended to the ECI in the polling station concerned. ⁠Strict instructions to rigorously follow the procedure regarding identification of the voters have been issued to all District Election Officers of the remaining phases in UP." Opposition reacts over the incident, calls for action Many opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, called for action over the incident on X. Yadav shared the 2.20-minute video on social media platforms at around 4 pm local time. He said that action should be taken by the Election Commission of India if they find it wrong. “If the Election Commission feels that this is wrong, they should certainly take some action, otherwise. BJP's booth committee is actually a loot committee,” he wrote on X. Congress also reacted to the video and appealed to the poll body to “wake up”. Watch: India General Elections: Rahul Gandhi, Smriti Irani & Rajnath Singh among key candidates “Dear Election Commission, do you see this? One person is voting 8 times. It's time to wake up,” the party said on X. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “The Congress expects all officials on election duty to not forget their constitutional responsibilities in the face of power pressure." "Otherwise when INDIA (bloc) forms the government, action will be taken so that no one will dare disrespect the 'oath of the Constitution' without thinking ten times," he wrote on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Man arrested for voting eight times after his video goes viral

The fourth phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has ended 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. A total of 1,717 candidates are in the fray in this phase.

India general elections 2024: 177 mn voters, 9 states, 1 union territory

<p>Polling is underway for 175 Assembly seats in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh as it undergoes a crucial electoral battle on Monday (May 13) along with Lok Sabha elections. The outcome will determine whether the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), the incumbent regional party in power, will retain its position or be ousted. Concurrently, all 25 Lok Sabha seats of Andhra Pradesh are also witnessing voting in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Election Commission of India (ECI) recorded a voter turnout of &nbsp;63.04% in Phase 4 of the current Lok Sabha elections. Andhra Pradesh recorded voter turnout of 68.20%.</p>

<p>Key contenders in the assembly polls include Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy from Pulivendula Assembly seat, Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan from Pithapuram, TDP supremo&nbsp; and former CM N Chandrababu Naidu from Kuppam.</p>

<p>The ruling YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats, while the TDP is fighting on 144 as part of a seat-sharing deal with NDA, with which the regional party joined hands in March and asserted that it will be a "sweep". As part of the BJP-TDP-JSP alliance, BJP is contesting from 10 Assembly seats while Pawan Kalyan’s Janasena is vying for 21 assembly seats.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-4-96-constituencies-head-to-poll-amid-relief-from-heatwave-720687">Lok Sabha elections 2024 phase 4: 96 constituencies head for voting amid relief from heatwave</a></p>

<p>In the previous Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election of 2019, the YSR Congress Party secured a significant victory, winning 151 out of 175 Assembly seats and forming the state government with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as the chief minister.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rainfall-to-bring-relief-in-most-indian-states-till-may-14-but-intense-heatwave-predicted-afterwards-720631">Rainfall to bring relief in most Indian states till May 14&nbsp;but&nbsp;intense heatwave predicted&nbsp;afterwards</a></p>

<p>Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, after casting his vote in the Kadapa constituency, said, “You have seen the governance in the last 5 years and if you think you have benefitted from this governance then vote for that governance which would lead to a brighter future…”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nijjar-killing-fourth-accused-arrested-in-connection-with-nijjar-killing-case-720739">Nijjar Killing: Fourth accused arrested in connection with Nijjar killing case</a></strong></p>

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<p><strong>Andhra Pradesh Election Promises</strong></p>

<p>Addressing the issue of capital, Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted on May 7 that Visakhapatnam would be made the executive capital of the state if the YSRCP secured another term.</p>

<p>The election campaign included diverse concerns, with the ruling YSR Congress banking on its welfare schemes, particularly in rural and tribal areas, while the NDA is fighting elections on issues such as inflation, unemployment&nbsp;and development.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;total of 2,387 candidates are in the fray for the assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh. The state has a total of 4.14 crore (41.4 million) voters, comprising 2.02 crore (20.2 million)&nbsp;males, 2.1 (21 million)crore females, 3,421 third-gender voters, and 68,185 service electors.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Polling is underway for 175 Assembly seats in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh as it undergoes a crucial electoral battle on Monday (May 13) along with Lok Sabha elections.

Polling is underway for 175 Assembly seats in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh as it undergoes a crucial electoral battle on Monday (May 13) along with Lok Sabha elections. The outcome will determine whether the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), the incumbent regional party in power, will retain its position or be ousted. Concurrently, all 25 Lok Sabha seats of Andhra Pradesh are also witnessing voting in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) recorded a voter turnout of 63.04% in Phase 4 of the current Lok Sabha elections. Andhra Pradesh recorded voter turnout of 68.20%. Key contenders in the assembly polls include Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP President YS Jagan Mohan Reddy from Pulivendula Assembly seat, Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan from Pithapuram, TDP supremo and former CM N Chandrababu Naidu from Kuppam. The ruling YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats, while the TDP is fighting on 144 as part of a seat-sharing deal with NDA, with which the regional party joined hands in March and asserted that it will be a "sweep". As part of the BJP-TDP-JSP alliance, BJP is contesting from 10 Assembly seats while Pawan Kalyan’s Janasena is vying for 21 assembly seats. Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024 phase 4: 96 constituencies head for voting amid relief from heatwave In the previous Andhra Pradesh Assembly Election of 2019, the YSR Congress Party secured a significant victory, winning 151 out of 175 Assembly seats and forming the state government with YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as the chief minister. Also Read | Rainfall to bring relief in most Indian states till May 14 but intense heatwave predicted afterwards Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, after casting his vote in the Kadapa constituency, said, “You have seen the governance in the last 5 years and if you think you have benefitted from this governance then vote for that governance which would lead to a brighter future…” Watch | Nijjar Killing: Fourth accused arrested in connection with Nijjar killing case × Andhra Pradesh Election Promises Addressing the issue of capital, Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted on May 7 that Visakhapatnam would be made the executive capital of the state if the YSRCP secured another term. The election campaign included diverse concerns, with the ruling YSR Congress banking on its welfare schemes, particularly in rural and tribal areas, while the NDA is fighting elections on issues such as inflation, unemployment and development. A total of 2,387 candidates are in the fray for the assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh. The state has a total of 4.14 crore (41.4 million) voters, comprising 2.02 crore (20.2 million) males, 2.1 (21 million)crore females, 3,421 third-gender voters, and 68,185 service electors. (With inputs from agencies)

Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections: 68.20% voter turnout recorded

The fourth phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is underway 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. A total of 1,717 candidates are in the fray in this phase.

India General Elections 2024: Voting in 96 constituencies across India

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<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast&nbsp;his vote at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday (May 7).</p>

<p>He was greeted by scores of people as he arrived at the&nbsp;polling booth. Home Minister Amit Shah was also present at the polling booth.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-phase-3-india-in-middle-of-its-poll-summer-as-voting-begins-across-93-seats-718744">Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: India in middle of its poll summer as voting begins across 93 seats</a></p>

<p>After casting his vote, PM Modi displayed his inked finger and interacted with the reporters gathered outside the polling booth in Ahmedabad.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | 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></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1787667789634801757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Today is the third phase of voting. I appeal to countrymen that they should vote in large numbers. There is great importance of 'Daan' (charity) in our country and&nbsp;in&nbsp;the same spirit, the countrymen should vote as much as possible. Four&nbsp;rounds of voting are still ahead. As a voter in Gujarat, this is the only place where I vote regularly and Amit Bhai is contesting from here as a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate," said the prime minister.</p>

<p>He further appreciated the election management of the country and said that a case study should be done on it by the biggest universities.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people after casting his vote for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> at a polling booth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat<br />
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also present. <a href="https://t.co/0UOfKDacd0">pic.twitter.com/0UOfKDacd0</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1787673845836533923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"India's election process,&nbsp;election&nbsp;management is an example for the world's democracies to learn from. The world's biggest universities should do a case study. There are elections in around 64 countries and there should be a comparison of all of them. This year is like a celebration of democracy... I again tell the countrymen to vote in large numbers and celebrate the festival of democracy," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Modi shares light-hearted moments with reporters, public</strong></h2>

<p>While interacting with media personnel, the prime minister advised them to take care of their health while covering the Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>“You should drink more water and it will be good for your health and will also give you energy," said PM Modi.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India General Elections 2024: India votes in Phase 3, polls across 10 states 2 Union territories</strong></p>

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<p>He also met with people gathered outside the polling booth after casting his vote. He&nbsp;was also seen playing with a child.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people after casting his vote for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> at a polling booth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/ifC1WadSEJ">pic.twitter.com/ifC1WadSEJ</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1787676480899633610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a light-hearted moment with a child as he greets people after casting his vote at a polling booth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/h1QI7l1dDD">pic.twitter.com/h1QI7l1dDD</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1787675311812849681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>As PM Modi greeted people after casting his vote, an elderly woman standing in the queue tied a rakhi on his wrist.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | An elderly woman ties rakhi to PM Modi as he greets people after casting his vote for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2024</a> at a polling booth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat <a href="https://t.co/pGKPQhQiQd">pic.twitter.com/pGKPQhQiQd</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1787677912843374932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections! Urging everyone to do so as well and strengthen our democracy."</p>

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<p>The voting for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections commenced on Tuesday (May 7). Voting will&nbsp;be held&nbsp;in 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories (UTs)&nbsp;and&nbsp;around 17.24 crore voters will cast their votes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday (May 7).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday (May 7). He was greeted by scores of people as he arrived at the polling booth. Home Minister Amit Shah was also present at the polling booth. Also Read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 3: India in middle of its poll summer as voting begins across 93 seats After casting his vote, PM Modi displayed his inked finger and interacted with the reporters gathered outside the polling booth in Ahmedabad. #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 × "Today is the third phase of voting. I appeal to countrymen that they should vote in large numbers. There is great importance of 'Daan' (charity) in our country and in the same spirit, the countrymen should vote as much as possible. Four rounds of voting are still ahead. As a voter in Gujarat, this is the only place where I vote regularly and Amit Bhai is contesting from here as a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate," said the prime minister. He further appreciated the election management of the country and said that a case study should be done on it by the biggest universities. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people after casting his vote for #LokSabhaElections2024 at a polling booth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also present. pic.twitter.com/0UOfKDacd0 — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024 × "India's election process, election management is an example for the world's democracies to learn from. The world's biggest universities should do a case study. There are elections in around 64 countries and there should be a comparison of all of them. This year is like a celebration of democracy... I again tell the countrymen to vote in large numbers and celebrate the festival of democracy," he said. Modi shares light-hearted moments with reporters, public While interacting with media personnel, the prime minister advised them to take care of their health while covering the Lok Sabha elections. “You should drink more water and it will be good for your health and will also give you energy," said PM Modi. Watch: India General Elections 2024: India votes in Phase 3, polls across 10 states 2 Union territories He also met with people gathered outside the polling booth after casting his vote. He was also seen playing with a child. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people after casting his vote for #LokSabhaElections2024 at a polling booth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/ifC1WadSEJ — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024 × #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a light-hearted moment with a child as he greets people after casting his vote at a polling booth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/h1QI7l1dDD — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024 × As PM Modi greeted people after casting his vote, an elderly woman standing in the queue tied a rakhi on his wrist. #WATCH | An elderly woman ties rakhi to PM Modi as he greets people after casting his vote for #LokSabhaElections2024 at a polling booth in Ahmedabad, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/pGKPQhQiQd — ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2024 × Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, "Voted in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections! Urging everyone to do so as well and strengthen our democracy." The voting for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections commenced on Tuesday (May 7). Voting will be held in 93 constituencies across 11 states and Union Territories (UTs) and around 17.24 crore voters will cast their votes. (With inputs from agencies)

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<p>Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself in a dilemma over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she, however, surprised everyone by going to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote on a stretcher.</p>

<p>Medical examinations said her oxygen saturation to be at 80 per cent, significantly lower than the typical 95 per cent&nbsp;or higher, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dr Aravinda GM, from Manipal Hospital in Jayanagar, initiated treatment for&nbsp;Kalavathi, administering antibiotics alongside oxygen therapy, inhalation, antiviral medications, and supportive care.</p>

<p>As Kalavathi's health gradually improved and she transitioned to the recovery room, she expressed her desire to vote.</p>

<p>She was overjoyed when the medical team supported her decision to participate in the democratic process.</p>

<p>Assisted by the nursing staff, she was then transported to the Jayanagar constituency to cast her vote on a stretcher.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-sudha-murty-gets-narayana-murthy-discharged-from-hospital-to-vote-715211">Also read |&nbsp;WATCH: Sudha Murty gets Narayana Murthy discharged from hospital to vote</a></p>

<p>Voting is currently underway across 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka. Polling commenced at 7 am, with an estimated voter turnout of 22.34 per cent recorded in the southern state by 11 am.</p>

<p>Among the 14 areas voting, Dakshina Kannada saw the highest turnout at 30.98 per cent, followed by Udupi-Chikmagalur at 29.03 per cent. The lowest turnout was in Bangalore Central at 19.21%.</p>

<p>In Bangalore, the turnout was 19.81 per cent&nbsp;in the South and 19.78 per cent in the North.</p>

<h2><strong>Defying odds: 102-year-old man votes in Jammu</strong></h2>

<p>A 102-year-old man made his way to a polling booth in Jammu to exercise his right to vote on Friday.</p>

<p>Accompanied by a family member, Haji Karam Din, carrying a walking stick, entered the polling station in the Reasi district of the Jammu constituency and received assistance through the pre-voting procedures.</p>

<p>After casting his vote, the centenarian proudly showed his inked finger and posed for photographs outside the polling booth.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India General Elections 2024: Fate of 1202 candidates to be sealed</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-2024-fate-of-1202-candidates-to-be-sealed-715222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"I am very happy to vote at this polling station at this age. I have voted every time. This journey is continuing even today at the age of 102," he told news agency PTI.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself in a dilemma over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she, however, surprised everyone by going to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote on a stretcher.

Kalavathi, aged 78 and from Bengaluru, found herself in a dilemma over voting after being hospitalised for low blood oxygen levels. Urgently admitted with symptoms of cough and breathlessness, she, however, surprised everyone by going to the polling booth on Friday (April 26), where she cast her vote on a stretcher. Medical examinations said her oxygen saturation to be at 80 per cent, significantly lower than the typical 95 per cent or higher, leading to a diagnosis of pneumonia. Dr Aravinda GM, from Manipal Hospital in Jayanagar, initiated treatment for Kalavathi, administering antibiotics alongside oxygen therapy, inhalation, antiviral medications, and supportive care. As Kalavathi's health gradually improved and she transitioned to the recovery room, she expressed her desire to vote. She was overjoyed when the medical team supported her decision to participate in the democratic process. Assisted by the nursing staff, she was then transported to the Jayanagar constituency to cast her vote on a stretcher. Also read | WATCH: Sudha Murty gets Narayana Murthy discharged from hospital to vote Voting is currently underway across 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka. Polling commenced at 7 am, with an estimated voter turnout of 22.34 per cent recorded in the southern state by 11 am. Among the 14 areas voting, Dakshina Kannada saw the highest turnout at 30.98 per cent, followed by Udupi-Chikmagalur at 29.03 per cent. The lowest turnout was in Bangalore Central at 19.21%. In Bangalore, the turnout was 19.81 per cent in the South and 19.78 per cent in the North. Defying odds: 102-year-old man votes in Jammu A 102-year-old man made his way to a polling booth in Jammu to exercise his right to vote on Friday. Accompanied by a family member, Haji Karam Din, carrying a walking stick, entered the polling station in the Reasi district of the Jammu constituency and received assistance through the pre-voting procedures. After casting his vote, the centenarian proudly showed his inked finger and posed for photographs outside the polling booth. Also watch | India General Elections 2024: Fate of 1202 candidates to be sealed "I am very happy to vote at this polling station at this age. I have voted every time. This journey is continuing even today at the age of 102," he told news agency PTI. (With inputs from agencies)

78-year-old woman hospitalised for low oxygen levels votes while on stretcher

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<p>Two youngsters, each aged 18, a businessman, a senior citizen and a fisherman led by acclaimed scuba diving instructor SB Aravind Tharunsri&nbsp;submerged themselves into the depths of the sea off the coast of Chennai. Why? The world's biggest democracy is in the middle of a heated election summer with about 97 million eligible voters set to seal their electoral verdict inside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) starting April 19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The six divers went nearly sixty feet underwater in Neelankarai in Chennai to promote voter awareness ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.</p>

<p>The divers took with them a mock Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and placards showing messages related to the importance of casting their vote</p>

<p>Speaking to WION,&nbsp;SB Aravind Tharunsri&nbsp;director of Puducherry-based Temple Adventure, said, "The idea behind doing all this 60 feet deep into the sea was to put out that even if you want to cast your vote on the NOTA, come to the polling booth and do that. But you have to come to the polling booth."</p>

<p>Indian voters cast their vote through Electronic Voting Machines. The voters press the key in front of their chosen candidate, and the one with the most number of votes is declared the winner. None of the Above, abbreviated as NOTA, has been provided as an option to the voters in elections since 2013. The voters have the option to press NOTA in case they do not wish to vote for any of the candidates.</p>

<p>A video capturing the campaign shows one of the divers talking about the importance of voting. "We organised a voter awareness programme to show that casting a vote is our duty and right."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India elections: Meet the richest candidates</strong></p>

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<p>Tharunsri's innovative approach aimed to engage citizens in an impactful manner, and netizens have showered praise on the initiative on social media.</p>

<p>The Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will see voters across the country exercise their democratic rights. With nearly 970 million eligible voters, this will be the world's largest election exercise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/india-news/business-economy/6-side-effects-of-ginger-that-are-dangerous-1708942941735">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Seating Pretty With Opposition?</a></strong></p>

<p>With initiatives like the underwater voter awareness campaign, individuals and organisations are striving to ensure maximum participation in the electoral process.</p>


Two youngsters, each aged 18, a businessman, a senior citizen and a fisherman led by acclaimed scuba diving instructor SB Aravind Tharunsri submerged themselves into the depths of the sea off the coast of Chennai.

Two youngsters, each aged 18, a businessman, a senior citizen and a fisherman led by acclaimed scuba diving instructor SB Aravind Tharunsri submerged themselves into the depths of the sea off the coast of Chennai. Why? The world's biggest democracy is in the middle of a heated election summer with about 97 million eligible voters set to seal their electoral verdict inside Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) starting April 19. The six divers went nearly sixty feet underwater in Neelankarai in Chennai to promote voter awareness ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The divers took with them a mock Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and placards showing messages related to the importance of casting their vote Speaking to WION, SB Aravind Tharunsri director of Puducherry-based Temple Adventure, said, "The idea behind doing all this 60 feet deep into the sea was to put out that even if you want to cast your vote on the NOTA, come to the polling booth and do that. But you have to come to the polling booth." Indian voters cast their vote through Electronic Voting Machines. The voters press the key in front of their chosen candidate, and the one with the most number of votes is declared the winner. None of the Above, abbreviated as NOTA, has been provided as an option to the voters in elections since 2013. The voters have the option to press NOTA in case they do not wish to vote for any of the candidates. A video capturing the campaign shows one of the divers talking about the importance of voting. "We organised a voter awareness programme to show that casting a vote is our duty and right." Also watch | India elections: Meet the richest candidates × Tharunsri's innovative approach aimed to engage citizens in an impactful manner, and netizens have showered praise on the initiative on social media. The Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will see voters across the country exercise their democratic rights. With nearly 970 million eligible voters, this will be the world's largest election exercise. Also read | Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Seating Pretty With Opposition? With initiatives like the underwater voter awareness campaign, individuals and organisations are striving to ensure maximum participation in the electoral process.

Indian divers take voting awareness campaign to the depths of sea

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