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LS Polls 2024 Phase 1: Madhya Pradesh Records 67.08 Voter Turnout

April 20, 2024, 3:31 am

In the initial phase of polling for six parliamentary seats in Madhya Pradesh, there was a 67.08 percent voter turnout, as per data released by the Election Commission. The highest turnout was in Chhindwara at 79.18 percent, followed by Balaghat at 73.18 percent, Mandla at 72.49 percent, Shahdol at 63.73 percent, Jabalpur at 60.52 percent, and Sidhi at 55.19 percent.

However, compared to the 2019 general elections, there was a decrease in turnout for all constituencies. Despite a dispute in Chhindwara, the polling across 13,588 stations was peaceful, stated the Chief Electoral Officer, Anupam Rajan.

The state will conduct Lok Sabha polling in four phases, with the next rounds scheduled for April 26, May 7, and May 13, and the vote counting set for June 4. Madhya Pradesh contributes 29 seats to the Lower House, with 10 reserved for SC and ST candidates.

‘’Congress and INDI alliance are busy insulting our faith”: PM Modi

April 19, 2024, 5:28 pm

Attacking congress and India alliance, Prime minister Narendra Modi, that congress and India bloc are occupied in insulting hindu faith & beliefs. Comparing Sanatan Dharma to dengue and Malaria. He further added that these are the same individuals who labeled the worship of Lord Ram as hypocritical.

During the Damoh election rally, PM Modi said

“Congress and the INDI alliance are busy insulting our faith. These people say that our Sanatan is dengue and malaria. They were against the Ram Temple that had been built in Ayodhya. These people call the worship of Lord Shri Ram ‘paakhand’ (hypocrisy). These were the same people who did not come to Ayodhya to attend Pran Pratishta. It is just for vote bank politics.”

Speaking further that the now BJP-led union government doesn’t yield to anybody as its core principle is “Nation First”. Using India’s oil acquisition at a lower price as an example, to further stress on the nation’s first point.

“Aaj desh mein vo BJP sarkar hai jo na kisi se dabti hai aur na hi kisi ke saamne jhukti hain’. Our principle is nation first. India should get cheap oil; hence we took the decision in the interest of the country. Today, the condition of many countries in the world is very bad, many countries are going bankrupt,”

Talking about the goal of making India a global power, he also added

“This is an election to make India a big power in the world. When there is an atmosphere of war in the world, then a government working on a war footing is very important in India. In such a time, there should be a strong government and only the BJP government with full majority can do this,”

Taunting Pakistan, the prime minister said that our neighboring country who earlier used to supply terrorism is now struggling for wheat. Meanwhile he also congratulated the citizens for the brahmos cruise missile export.

Later appealing to the public, he said to vote for the BJP- NDA alliance. As it will aid in the realization the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.”

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1: Actor Dhanush Casts His Vote in Chennai

April 19, 2024, 3:52 pm

Actor Dhanush exercised his right to vote on Friday during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Alwarpet, Chennai, amid the fervor of electoral democracy. At the central Chennai polling station, the ‘Raanjhanaa’ actor was dressed in black slacks and a white shirt.

Voting for all (39) parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu, as well as (102) parliamentary constituencies dispersed throughout (21) states and Union Territories, commenced at 7:00 am on Friday during the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024. The polls close at 6:00 p.m. In Chennai, celebrities Rajinikanth, Ajith Kumar, and Kamal Haasan have also cast their votes.

These performers waved to fans and paparazzi, showing off their inked fingertips to recorders and photographers so they could film the moment as they cast their votes.
The opposition created a coalition named as INDIA to take on the BJP in these general elections, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is running for a third term in a row. The goal of the INDIA bloc is to remove PM Modi from office.

Understanding the importance of these elections, Prime Minister Modi called on voters nationwide to cast their ballots in unprecedented numbers. He emphasized the value of each vote and urged young people and those who are voting for the first time to fully engage in determining the direction of the country in a social media post on X.

WATCH HERE:-

A great effort to inspire first time voters to vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections! #MeraPehlaVoteDeshKeLiye. https://t.co/EXBsCDpwDf

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2024

With (38) out of (39) seats, the Secular Progressive Alliance, led by the DMK, won the preceding general election in 2019.
Further phases of the election process are planned as it develops. The second phase is slated for April 26 and will be followed by May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.
On June 4, the ballots will be counted.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: ‘Congress not going to get even 30 seats’ says Anil Baluni

April 19, 2024, 2:09 pm

Anil Baluni, the candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the Pauri Garhwal seat, declared on Friday that the Congress will not win even 30 seats in the Lok Sabha. In Uttarakhand, polling for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections is now taking place on all five seats.

“Congress is not going to get even 30 seats in this election, and it is going to drop to its lowest level in this election,” Anil Baluni stated.

Baluni further argued that this is the largest festival of the largest democracy in the world. We implore everyone to cast a ballot, especially the younger generation.

At the Kandoliya Devta temple, Anil Baluni prayed before casting his ballot. Ganesh Godiyal, the previous head of the Pradesh Congress Committee, is the candidate put out by the Congress for this seat.
The last two consecutive parliamentary elections, held in 2014 and 2019, the BJP emerged victorious.

Tirath Singh Rawat, a senior BJP leader and former chief minister, is now holding the Garhwal constituency.
Meanwhile, at GRD Polytechnic Rajpur Road, Dehradun District Magistrate Sonika cast her ballot.

At Flower Dale School in the Mussoorie Assembly Constituency of Dehradun, Chief Electoral Officer Dr. BVRC Purushottam was the first to cast his ballot.

As the BJP hopes to replicate its 2019 success and win the entire state, the Congress wants to increase its vote share and weaken the BJP’s grasp on power.
Interestingly, the BJP has also controlled Uttarakhand’s state assembly since 2017.
On Friday, the first round of elections for the 543 seats in the 18th Lok Sabha got underway.

The results will be made public on June 4.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 1: Sound of gunfire exchange near polling booth in Manipur

April 19, 2024, 1:58 pm

Gunfire erupted near a polling station in Manipur today, as captured in a 25-second video circulating online. The footage depicts chaos and people shouting before two rapid shots are heard. A third shot follows, possibly in response to the initial gunfire. Subsequently, a series of gunshots, potentially from an automatic weapon, is heard, prompting the person filming to take cover behind a doorway. The exchange of gunfire continues for about 10 seconds before ceasing.

The location of the incident, whether in Inner Manipur or Outer Manipur constituency, remains unclear. In the 2019 election, the BJP’s Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh clinched victory in the Inner seat, while the Outer seat, reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates, was won by Naga People’s Front leader Kachui Timothy Zimik, who is contesting again with the backing of the BJP’s ally, the NPF.

Manipur has grappled with sporadic violence since May last year, stemming from clashes between ethnic communities that resulted in numerous casualties and displacements. Consequently, stringent security measures have been implemented for the initial phase of the two-part elections in the state. Fifteen of Outer Manipur’s 28 Assembly segments are scheduled to vote on April 26.

To accommodate displaced voters, special polling stations have been established, with 22 in Churachandpur district and 24 in Kangpokpi, according to officials.

Expressing confidence in the electoral outcome, Chief Minister N Biren Singh remarked, “I am fully confident both Manipur seats will definitely elect a BJP government at the centre. Yes, Manipur is facing a troubled time but, in the last four-five months peace was restored and that is why we are holding an election.”

Phase1 Voting: Here’s what’s open and what’s closed today

April 19, 2024, 1:18 pm

In a number of states, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will begin today. There will be first-phase elections for 102 Lok Sabha seats spread across 21 states and Union territories.

All (39) seats in Tamil Nadu, (5) in Uttarakhand, (2) in Arunachal Pradesh, (2) in Meghalaya, (1) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, (1) in Mizoram, (1) in Nagaland, (1) in Puducherry, (1) in Sikkim, and (1) in Lakshadweep will be polled. (12) seats in Rajasthan, (8) in Uttar Pradesh, (6) in Madhya Pradesh, (5) in each of Assam and Maharashtra, (4) in Bihar, 93) in West Bengal, (2) in Manipur, and (1) in each of Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh will also be up for vote.

The UPA had won 45 and the NDA 41 in 2019, Of these 102 seats. As part of the delimitation process, six of these seats have been redrew.

Here’s What’s Open Today

The stock markets will stay open today. The NSE had previously announced that it will close on May 20 in conjunction with the Mumbai polling day.

Even though it’s a public holiday, not all businesses will be closed. Nonetheless, if you are able to vote, you can take a day off work to cast your ballot and are entitled to a public holiday.

Here’s What’s Closed Today

Banks will be closed in the following cities today: Chennai, Agartala, Dehradun, Aizawl, Itanagar, Jaipur, Kohima, Nagpur, and Shillong.

Government offices in the states where public holidays have been announced are also be closed. Colleges and schools will also be closed.

Liquor stores will also be closed today. In fact, 48 hours before voting day, a dry day has been declared in the constituencies used for polling.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: ‘Is baar Kamal ka phool khilna tay hai’ says Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu

April 19, 2024, 12:37 pm

Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, declared that the BJP will win both Lok Sabha seats and that “Kamal ka Phool” would definitely bloom in the state after casting his ballot in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

CM Khandu went to a Tawang polling place to cast his ballot for the State Assembly and Lok Sabha. On Friday morning, voting for the first round of the Lok Sabha elections coincided with the beginning of polling for assembly elections in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

“Today is the mega festival of democracy and voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway. I expect that the number of voters this year will surpass the number of voters in 2019. BJP is going to make history in the state. We will also win both Lok Sabha seats. In the previous election, BJP got 41 seats and we hope that this time BJP will get 60 out of 60 seats,” he stated

“This time the lotus flower is sure to bloom in Arunachal Pradesh,” CM Khandu continued.

WATCH HERE:-

#WATCH | Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu says “Today is the mega festival of democracy and voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway. I expect that the number of voters this year will surpass the number of voters in 2019. BJP is going to make history in the… pic.twitter.com/pCWvviIvlx

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

The chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh further underlined that people are moving forward with the BJP’s performance in politics.

“I toured both the Lok Sabha seats and after interacting with the people I saw that people are very happy with PM Modi. Everyone will thank Modi ji by making both the candidates win,” he stated

In Arunachal Pradesh West, the Congressman Nabam Tuki is running against the BJP’s Kiren Rijiju, while in Arunachal Pradesh East, the Congressman Bosiram Siram is taking on the BJP’s Tapir Gao.

Sikkim is set to cast votes for 32 assembly seats and one Lok Sabha seat, with the exception of Arunachal.
Elections for the 543 seats in the 18th Lok Sabha are now taking place.
On June 4, the results will be announced.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Puducherry CM Rangaswamy ride Bike to Polling Booth

April 19, 2024, 10:42 am

As the Union Territory went to vote in the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy followed tradition and rode his reliable motorcycle to the polling place in Thilaspet to cast his ballot.

Rangasamy arrived at the Delarshpet polling place on a black Yamaha RX100 motorcycle.
The chief minister, who frequently rides his motorcycle instead of his government automobile, entered the polling place today flanked by party members.

Rangasamy went to the Appa Paithiam Sami shrine in Gorimedu with the BJP candidate A Namassivayam after he cast his ballot. Namassivayam is competing against Congressman V Vaithilingamn for the Puducherry Lok Sabha seat. In these Lok Sabha elections, Menaka from Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) and G Thamizhvendan (AIADMK) are also running for the same seat.

Voting for the only Puducherry seat as well as all 39 Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha seats started this morning.
The Union Territory’s only seat where more women than men vote is Puducherry.
The BJP and Congress candidates are engaged in a fierce struggle, according to the locals.

Along with certain requirements, they also placed essential amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and sheds in front of growth to protect it from the sun’s heat.
The statehood is the primary concern of the residents here.

During the contentious campaign road, the leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserted that during the decades the Congress was in power at the Center, it accomplished very nothing in terms of giving the UT complete statehood.

The Congress leaders retaliated by claiming that Puducherry will receive complete statehood under the terms of the grand old party’s ‘Nyay Patra,’ or manifesto.
The two parties have been regularly hurling punches at one another over a wide range of subjects during the campaign trail, despite the general perception that neither party is eager to pursue the ‘statehood’ claim past a certain point.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voting Update: Sadhguru votes in first phase

April 19, 2024, 10:19 am

A renowned spiritual leader and a founder of Isha Foundation Sadhguru casted his vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Through his participation, he expressed the importance of voting and civic duty.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev casts his vote for the first phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 in Coimbatore. pic.twitter.com/VZ5A4FNXvT

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Meanwhile, polling has begun for the 39 Lok Sabha seats of Tamil Nadu, in the first phase of the general election. With BJP looking to increase its vote share and challenge the status quo in the southern state. Which for decades has remained the stronghold of the two regional parties- DMK & AIADMK. But BJP this time looks confident not just winning hugely in terms of its vote share. But also looks confident of acquiring huge seats in the state.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voting Update: BJP’s Annamalai alleges after casting his vote

April 19, 2024, 9:58 am

The Tamil Nadu BJP president and Coimbatore candidate, K Annamalai casted his voting in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections and alleged that the DMK and AIADMK have collectively spent over 1000 crores in Coimbatore to sway the voters. Annamalai cast his vote at a polling booth in Uthupatti, Karur, as voting unfolds across all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu today.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu BJP chief and party's candidate from Coimbatore constituency, K Annamalai says, "People of Tamil Nadu are with PM Modi. We are confident, our party is strong and the people are with us and June 4 will be a historic result for NDA…In Karnataka, we are… pic.twitter.com/Vn7AKP59Nl

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

In the Coimbatore constituency, DMK leader Ganapathy P Rajkumar and AIADMK’s Singai Ramachandran are contesting against the BJP state President. Annamalai emphasized that he would quit politics if anyone could prove that a BJP member attempted to influence them, stating, “What DMK, AIADMK is doing in Coimbatore, everybody is watching it. More than 1000 crores have been spent in Coimbatore. If they can bring one voter in front of the media to say that some BJP person is trying to influence them, I will leave politics the same day because I am running in this election as a matter of principle.”

He further alleged, “DMK thinks that it can buy people with money and AIADMK is also on the same boat. Officials in Coimbatore have gone blind for the last 2-3 days. Our people repeatedly have complained to the collector. The action has not been taken, it is not neutral.”

Annamalai asserted that the BJP would secure over 25 per cent of the votes independently and win in double digits. Expressing confidence in the electorate, he stated, “Today I have done my democratic duty and it is an important duty for every citizen of our country because India has a functioning democracy where citizens make democracy to function. We are extremely confident that people will repost their trust in good people and governance. I am extremely confident that Tamil Nadu will witness a historic change. People will honour our all candidates for their hard work.”

Addressing the governance, he mentioned, “The people have seen 10 years of governance (BJP at centre) and they want it to continue for five more years. The opposition is clueless. The INDIA bloc is yet to announce its Prime Minister candidate. The people of Tamil Nadu deserve an answer. Tamil Nadu has benefitted on every single point, be it funds coming, be it the glory and honour given to the Tamil language.” Annamalai faces tough competition from parties like DMK and AIADMK, which wield significant influence in Tamil Nadu with their dedicated supporters.

Amit Shah: “Every vote of yours has power to create secure, developed, and self-reliant India”

April 19, 2024, 9:28 am

Encouraging the citizens to vote in large numbers in this first phase of elections, Union Home minister Amit Shah declared that every vote of yours will lead to the creation of secure, developed and self-reliant India.

Talking about the importance of Vote, the Union home minister said, “It is an important day today, as the first phase of voting is taking place in the country. I appeal to all the voters who are voting in this phase to vote in large numbers because every vote of yours has the power to create a secure, developed, and self-reliant India. Your vote is not only meant to determine the fate of a Lok Sabha or a candidate but also to shape a bright future for India.”

Writing further on twitter (Now X), he also said

“My appeal is to choose a strong and decisive leadership that has shown the determination to free the country from corruption, nepotism, and appeasement while fulfilling its promises,”

This is another instance when a key leader of the BJP has again requested people to vote in maximum numbers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi too earlier called upon people to vote in large numbers.

“2024 Lok Sabha Elections Begin Today! As 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs are going to polls, I appeal to all those voting for these constituencies to vote in record numbers. I especially appeal to young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!”

This Lok Sabha, Amit Shah is fighting election from Gandhinagar seat, which he had previously won in 2019.

The first phase of the election is organized across 102 parliamentary constituencies covering 21 states and Union Territories.

Voters will have the opportunity to vote until 6:00 pm.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Voting Update: Actor Rajnikanth casts his vote at polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu

April 19, 2024, 8:26 am

Actor Rajnikanth cast his vote in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, polling place on Friday.
In the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Tamil Nadu will hold elections in all 39 of its parliamentary constituencies today.

The first phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu began on Friday, April 19, setting the stage for a pivotal contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The results are expected to be announced on June 4.

In addition to Rajinikanth, Ajith Kumar, a legendary figure in Tamil cinema, made news for being the first actor in the business to cast a ballot in the Lok Sabha Election of 2024.

The BJP has thrown its weight behind the polls and mounted a vigorous campaign following the formation of an alliance, while the DMK-led alliance hopes to replicate its record in the state from 2019. For AIADMK, which broke away from the BJP-led NDA in September of last year, the elections are also very important. Interesting races for a number of seats are taking place in the state, and some prominent leaders are involved.

#WATCH | Actor Rajnikanth casts his vote at a polling booth in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/6Ukwayi5sv

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Arunachal Pradesh to set up 100-200 ‘Pink Polling Stations’

April 19, 2024, 6:15 am

Arunachal Pradesh is set to vote on Friday for the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, with the Election Commission setting up dedicated women-centric polling stations in various constituencies.

Voting will notably take place in the north-eastern state to elect two Lok Sabha MPs and 50 MLAs. There are 133 candidates in the fray for the assembly constituencies and 14 for Lok Sabha seats.

“To ensure the safety of women, women-centric polling stations have been established. We have set up 100-200 pink polling stations, and good arrangements have been made in those polling stations. My message to all women would be that everyone has the right to vote, so women should be able to vote without any influence,” Chemy Doker, Presiding Officer of the Shyaro polling station under the Mukto Assembly constituency, said.

“There are 77 polling stations in the district, hence 77 teams. One team going to Luguthang has already been dispatched. By evening, all teams will have reached their booths. Polling will commence at 7 am and continue until 5 pm,” she added.

Tashi Chhota, another presiding officer of 2/14 Tawang Higher Secondary School, said, “Our polling station is hardly 1km from here, so after we reach, we will inspect all the preparations. Polling will start at 7 am tomorrow. Our team consists of 8 people, including polling staff and security personnel, and we will stay there overnight. We have around 670 voters at our polling station.”

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed all-women-led teams comprising the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Assistant Returning Officer (ARO), along with all polling parties, including security personnel, in the Lower Dibang Valley district of the state.

Visuals from the Upper Siang Valley district in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday showed security personnel being deployed. Given the mountainous terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, polling teams traverse difficult terrain to reach their respective polling booths.

Polling teams could be seen reaching their respective polling booths in the East Kameng district on Thursday. Another depicted polling team was seen navigating the stunning hanging bridge of Lower Heyo.

Arunachal Pradesh has two parliamentary constituencies, Arunachal East and Arunachal West.

In 2019, the BJP won both Lok Sabha seats. While in the assembly, the BJP emerged victorious with 41 seats. The JD (U) won seven seats, the NPP won five, and Congress won four seats. The PPA won one seat and independent candidates won two seats.