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Haryana: Rahul Gandhi Targets PM Modi Over Agniveer Scheme

May 22, 2024, 5:23 pm

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Agniveer scheme, reiterating that the party would scrap the scheme after it forms the government at the Centre after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Adressing the meeting in Haryana’s Mahendragarh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said,”..Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the Jawans of India like labourers… The Army doesn’t want the Agniveer scheme, it’s a scheme made by the Prime Minister’s Office. Once Congress comes to power (forms government at the Centre) we will throw this scheme in the dustbin…”

“The farmers of Haryana work in the fields of the country; the Modi government snatched away your rights and abolished the Land Tribunal Bill to help the billionaires; then three (farm) laws came, but the government had to step back,” Rahul Gandhi added.
The Congress leader further said, “I undertook a yatra across the country, and the farmers told me their views, but all this was not visible in the media, only Modi ji’s face and marriage were visible.”

Rahul Gandhi accused PM Modi of waiving the loans of 22 rich people,”Loans were waived off during the United Progressive Alliance, and Modi ji has waived off the loans of 22 rich people. This is an insult to the farmers.”
The Lok Sabha elections for the 10 parliamentary constituencies of Haryana are going to be held in a single phase on May 25.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in the state, the BJP swept, capturing all 10 seats. In the 2014 elections, the BJP won 7 seats, while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) won 2 seats and the Congress secured only one seat.
The first five phases of polling were held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 20. The next two rounds of voting will be held on May 25 and June 1. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being held in seven phases, in a six-week marathon running from April 19 to June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.

LS Polls 2024 Phase 5 Records 57.47% Voter Turnout

May 20, 2024, 8:37 pm

Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 commenced on May 20. It constitutes 8 states and union territories namely Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh and a total of 49 principal constituencies.

The voter turnout recorded in the fifth phase of elections is 57.47%.

Here is a compilation of the voter turnout state wise:-

Bihar- 52.60%

Jammu & Kashmir- 54.49%

Jharkhand- 63.00%

Ladakh-67.15%

Maharashtra- 48.88%

Odisha- 60.72%

Uttar Pradesh-57.79%

West Bengal- 73.00%

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Sara Ali Khan, Amrita Singh Vote In Mumbai

May 20, 2024, 6:20 pm

Actor Sara Ali Khan, accompanied by her mother Amrita Singh, arrived to vote at a polling center in Mumbai for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Sara, wearing her characteristic white kurta set, was spotted with Amrita at their assigned polling booth in Mumbai.

Earlier today, veteran actor Dharmendra was observed casting his vote at the Jamnabai Narsee School in Juhu. Other celebrities including Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Rajkumar Rao, and Janhvi Kapoor were also spotted at various polling stations across the city.

The fifth phase of the elections encompasses six Lok Sabha constituencies in Mumbai: Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South, and Mumbai South Central. Additionally, Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi, and Thane are also participating in the polls during this phase.

With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra is the second-largest state in terms of parliamentary constituencies after Uttar Pradesh. The ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections, conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, have witnessed significant contests across various states. The final results are slated to be announced on June 4.

Notable leaders participating in the fifth phase include Rajnath Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, Chirag Paswan, Omar Abdullah, and Rohini Acharya.

To guarantee a smooth and secure voting process, the Election Commission has implemented comprehensive security measures, including the deployment of 2,000 flying squads, 2,105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams. These teams are conducting round-the-clock surveillance across 94,732 polling stations.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 5: Saif, Kareena step out to cast vote

May 20, 2024, 4:02 pm

Star couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan caught the attention of photographers with their appearance at a polling station in Mumbai. On Monday afternoon, the couple arrived together to cast their votes in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, notably dressed in matching white outfits.

In the visuals captured by ANI, Kareena and Saif were seen wearing white kurtas, making a simple yet striking fashion statement that their fans admire.

Earlier in the day, veteran actor Dharmendra was seen voting at the Jamnabai Narsee School in Juhu. Other celebrities, including Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Rajkumar Rao, and Janhvi Kapoor, were also spotted at various polling stations across the city.

The fifth phase of the elections covers six Lok Sabha constituencies in Mumbai: Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South, and Mumbai South Central. Additionally, Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi, and Thane are also voting in this phase. With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra is the second-largest state in terms of parliamentary constituencies, following Uttar Pradesh.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections, conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, have seen significant contests across various states. The results are scheduled to be announced on June 4. Voting began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), over 8.95 crore voters, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, are eligible to decide the fate of 695 candidates in this crucial phase, which involves polling in 49 seats.

Prominent leaders contesting in the fifth phase include Rajnath Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, Chirag Paswan, Omar Abdullah, and Rohini Acharya.

The Election Commission has implemented extensive security measures, deploying 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams. These teams are ensuring round-the-clock surveillance across 94,732 polling stations to guarantee a smooth and secure voting process.

LS Polls 2024: 47.53 % Voter Turnout Recorded Till 3 Pm In Phase 5 , Ladakh Leads With 61.26 % Turnout

May 20, 2024, 3:26 pm

The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections for 49 parliamentary constituencies saw a cumulative voter turnout of 47.53 per cent till 3 pm, as per the data shared by the Election Commission.

According to the poll body, Ladakh recorded the highest voter turnout (61.26 per cent) followed by West Bengal (62.72 per cent), Jharkhand (53.90 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (47.55 per cent), Odisha (48.95 per cent), Jammu and Kashmir (44.90 per cent), Bihar (45.33 per cent) and Maharashtra (38.77 per cent).

Mumbai continued to disappoint with voter turnout failing to cross 40 per cent till 3 pm. Mumbai North recorded a turnout of 39.33 per cent; Mumbai North Central saw a turnout of 37.66 per cent, Mumbai North East saw a turnout of 39.15 per cent per cent, Mumbai North West recorded a turnout of 39.91 per cent.

Mumbai South had the lowest turnout in the city with 36.64 per cent recorded till 3 pm. Mumbai South Central saw a turnout of 38.77 per cent.

In the fifth phase of voting, 695 candidates will be chosen by more than 8.95 crore voters, comprising 4.69 crore men, 4.26 crore women, and 5409 electors who identify as third gender. There are important elections in several constituencies during the fifth phase.
Election success is sought after by figures including Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah, the chairman of the JKNC, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya.

Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal are the eight states/UTs that will vote in phase 5.
Cities that have historically shown urban apathy to voting, like as Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow, are voting in this phase. Fourteen of the forty-nine Lok Sabha seats are located in Uttar Pradesh, thirteen in Maharashtra, seven in West Bengal, five in Bihar, three in Jharkhand, five in Odisha, and one in each of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Over 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are monitoring the 94,732 polling places around-the-clock in an effort to foster a calm environment for voters.

A total of 216 international border check posts and 565 inter-state border check posts are keeping a strict vigil on any illicit flow of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies. Strict surveillance has been kept on sea and air routes, the ECI said.

LS Polls 2024: 36.73 % Voter Turn Out Recorded In Phase 5 Till 1 pm

May 20, 2024, 2:32 pm

In the fifth round of the Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout reached 36.73 percent by 1 pm across 49 parliamentary constituencies, according to data from the Election Commission. Ladakh reported the highest turnout at 52.02 percent, followed by West Bengal with 48.41 percent, Jharkhand at 41.89 percent, Uttar Pradesh at 39.55 percent, Odisha at 35.31 percent, Jammu and Kashmir at 34.79 percent, Bihar at 34.62 percent, and Maharashtra at 27.78 percent.

Mumbai’s voter turnout remained below 30 percent by 1 pm. Specific turnout rates in Mumbai included: Mumbai North at 26.78 percent, Mumbai North Central at 28.05 percent, Mumbai North East at 28.82 percent, Mumbai North West at 28.41 percent, Mumbai South at 28.41 percent, and Mumbai South Central at 27.21 percent.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) reported that over 8.95 crore voters, comprising 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, are participating in this phase to determine the outcome for 695 candidates. Significant contests are taking place, with notable candidates such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya vying for success.

This phase includes polling in eight states and union territories: Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Urban areas like Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow, which have historically shown voter apathy, are also voting in this phase. Out of the 49 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are from Uttar Pradesh, 13 from Maharashtra, 7 from West Bengal, 5 from Bihar, 3 from Jharkhand, 5 from Odisha, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

To ensure a peaceful voting process, there are 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams monitoring the 94,732 polling stations. Additionally, 216 international border check posts and 565 inter-state border check posts are in place to monitor and prevent any illegal activities involving liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies. Surveillance is also heightened on sea and air routes, according to the ECI.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: “BJD Gave Land, Sand, Coal, Mining Mafia To Odisha”; PM Modi

May 20, 2024, 1:57 pm

Coming down heavily on the Biju Janata Dal-led government in Odisha over corruption, PM Narendra Modi said on Monday that the state government has given only land mafia, sand mafia, coal mafia and mining mafia to the state.

While addressing a rally in Cuttack, PM Modi claimed that the people of Odisha will create a new history by electing the BJP’s first Chief Minister in the state.

“The media have started saying that there will be a hung assembly, but that’s not true; the BJP will form the government in Odisha. If there is something that BJD has given to Odisha, it has given land mafia, sand mafia, coal mafia and mining mafia,” he said.

“Women have come here in such large numbers. First-time voters seem full of enthusiasm. Your enthusiasm and zeal show that, after 25 years, Odisha is going to create a new history. On June 10, the BJP’s first CM in Odisha will take an oath, it is certain. With your blessings, the Modi government will take the oath for the third time in Delhi,” PM Modi added.

As a jab at the state’s BJD administration, the prime minister declared, “The Cuttack people’s problems are not of concern to the BJD government.” Rivers round Cuttack on all sides, yet the availability of clean drinking water is an issue. Modi wants water to be available through taps, but they put up barriers.”

“These elections will punish the BJD for its misdeeds. The way the BJD government misrules and loots the people of Odisha has been completely exposed. Hardly there will be any block in Odisha from where people have not gone to Gujarat to get a job. The state is so prosperous, this election is to punish all those who have destroyed the state,” he added.

He went on to say that it is quite regrettable that a capable state like Odisha is experiencing such dire circumstances.
“It is quite regrettable that an otherwise capable state like Odisha is in such worse shape. Odisha is now in a very depressing scenario as a result of BJD,” PM Modi stated.

On Monday, the PM is visiting West Bengal and Odisha for the entire day.
In the midst of strict security and preparations, voting for the fifth round of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024 got underway on Monday morning across 49 parliamentary constituencies dispersed throughout six states and two Union Territories (UTs).
From April 19 to June 1, there will be seven phases to the Lok Sabha elections. June 4 is the date set aside for the counting.

A third term in office is sought by the BJP led by Narendra Modi, while the opposition INDIA alliance hopes to overthrow the party by putting an end to its momentum.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Parents-To-Be Deepika Padukone And Ranveer Singh Vote In Mumbai

May 20, 2024, 1:57 pm

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh cast their votes in Mumbai’s Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Bollywood’s expectant couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, stepped out in white attire to participate in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha Elections in Mumbai.

Radiant with her pregnancy glow, Deepika wore a loose white shirt paired with light blue jeans, her baby bump gently showing. Ranveer matched her look in a similar white outfit. Their cheerful presence at the polling booth highlighted the essence of civic responsibility.

Meanwhile, veteran actor Anupam Kher also emphasized the significance of voting, stating that it is crucial to participate in the democratic process to elect the government for the next five years. He stressed that those who do not vote forfeit their right to complain about governance.

Several other prominent Bollywood personalities, including Dharmendra, Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, Rajkummar Rao, and Janhvi Kapoor, were also spotted exercising their voting rights at various polling stations across Mumbai.

This phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 covered six constituencies in Mumbai and several others in Maharashtra, making it a crucial part of the electoral process. The Election Commission ensured a secure and smooth voting environment with extensive security measures and surveillance teams deployed across polling stations.

As the voting day progressed, the enthusiastic participation of voters continued, marking a significant engagement in the democratic process.

Rahul Gandhi Visits Rae Bareli On Polling Day, visits Hanuman Temple

May 20, 2024, 1:55 pm

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Rae Bareli today, the constituency where he is contesting, and offered prayers at the Peepaleshwar Hanuman Temple. Gandhi is also running for reelection from Wayanad in Kerala, where he is the sitting MP. Earlier in the day, the former Congress Chief arrived at Lucknow airport from the National Capital and traveled to Rae Bareli by road.

Rae Bareli is holding its vote today to elect its representative. Rahul Gandhi inspected several polling booths and interacted with voters who had cast their ballots. He is contesting from Rae Bareli, a seat previously held by his mother Sonia Gandhi for five terms before she moved to the Rajya Sabha this year.

Today’s polling in Uttar Pradesh includes 13 Lok Sabha seats: Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Amethi, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj, and Gonda. Rahul Gandhi is also seeking reelection from Wayanad in Kerala.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi posted on X about the significant changes he believes are occurring across the country. “The people of India are fighting this election together and a storm of change is sweeping across the country. I am appealing to the entire country, including Amethi and Rae Bareli – come out in large numbers and vote for the prosperity of your families, for your rights, for the progress of India,” he posted. He added, “It has become clear in the first four phases that the people have stood up to protect the Constitution and democracy and are defeating the BJP.”

Uttar Pradesh, contributing the highest number of seats to the Lok Sabha, is voting in all seven phases. The fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Monday morning across 49 parliamentary constituencies spread over six states and two Union Territories (UTs) under tight security and arrangements.

The Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the counting scheduled for June 4. The Narendra Modi-led BJP is seeking a third term, while the opposition INDIA bloc aims to gain power by halting the BJP’s momentum.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Kailash Kher Encourages Citizens to Prioritize Voting

May 20, 2024, 1:08 pm

Voting for the Phase-5 Lok Sabha Elections began on Monday. Several prominent personalities have come out to cast their votes. Kailash Kher, a renowned singer also reached the polling booth to exercise his right to vote.

The voting started at 7 am on Monday and will continue till 6 pm. Those in line by the closing by the closing time will still be allowed to vote.

After casting his vote, Kher spoke to ANI, “…I want to say that India is changing, and you (people) are responsible for this. I want you to keep working in the national interest.”

According to the Election Commission of India, more than 8.95 crore voters, comprising 4.69 crore men, 4.26 crore women, and 5409 third-gender individuals, will determine the outcome for 695 candidates in the fifth phase of voting. This phase features significant contests across multiple constituencies.

Prominent leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP members Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya are seeking electoral success. In the fifth phase, voters in eight states and Union Territories—Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal—will cast their ballots. Of the 49 Lok Sabha seats contested, Uttar Pradesh accounts for 14, Maharashtra for 13, West Bengal for 7, Bihar for 5, Jharkhand for 3, Odisha for 5, and Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for 1 each.

To ensure a peaceful environment for voters, 2,000 flying squads, 2,105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are monitoring the clock at 94,732 polling stations.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Salman Khan’s Parents Vote In Mumbai

May 20, 2024, 1:00 pm

Bollywood celebrities turned out in large numbers in Mumbai on Monday to cast their votes in the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections. Among the veterans who stepped out to exercise their franchise were Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s parents, Salim Khan and Salma Khan. Photographers captured the pair at a polling booth in Mumbai.

A few days prior, Salman Khan had shared a post on X, encouraging people to vote. He announced that he would be voting on May 20 and urged everyone to do the same for their country. His post on X read, “I exercise 365 days a year no matter what, and now I’m going to exercise my right to vote on the 20th of May no matter what. So do whatever you want to do man, but go and vote and don’t trouble your Bharat Mata. Bharat Mata ki Jai (sic).”

Voting on Monday started at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, with those in line by closing time still allowed to vote. According to the ECI, over 8.95 crore voters, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, will decide the fate of 695 candidates in the fifth phase of voting.

The fifth phase features key contests in various constituencies. Leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya are seeking electoral success. The eight states/UTs participating in phase 5 are Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Of the 49 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are from Uttar Pradesh, 13 from Maharashtra, 7 from West Bengal, 5 from Bihar, 3 from Jharkhand, 5 from Odisha, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

To ensure a peaceful voting environment, a total of 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are monitoring the 94,732 polling stations round the clock.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Aamir Khan’s Mother, Children Cast Their Votes

May 20, 2024, 12:59 pm

As voting for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections commenced on Monday, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan’s family members stepped out and exercised their voting rights.

Aamir and his first wife Reena Dutta’s children Junaid and Ira happily posed for shutterbugs after casting their votes. The actor’s mother Zeenat Hussain was also spotted at a polling booth, defying age.

The voting on Monday started at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, with those in line by the closing time still allowed to vote. As per the ECI, over 8.95 crore voters, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, will decide the fate of 695 candidates in the fifth phase of voting.

In a bid to create a peaceful atmosphere for the electors, a total of 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are keeping surveillance round the clock across the 94,732 polling stations.

LS Polls 2024: Indian Cricketer Ajinkya Rahane And Wife Cast Votes In Mumbai

May 20, 2024, 12:33 pm

Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and his spouse exercised their voting rights on Monday during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Mumbai. Rahane shared a photo on social media, displaying their inked fingers after casting their votes, with the caption, “We did our duty. Have you?”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane)

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar also participated as an early voter in Mumbai, emphasizing the importance of voting for the nation’s development and strength. After voting, Kumar expressed his belief that India should vote for what they consider right and anticipated a good voter turnout.

Actor Randeep Hooda encouraged citizens to participate in the democratic process, stating, “In a democracy, through voting, you have the right to decide your future and that of your country. You must vote…Participate in this festival of democracy and vote.”

The ongoing fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections is significant, with elections in 6 Lok Sabha seats of Mumbai and several other constituencies in Maharashtra. The voting process, spanning seven phases from April 19 to June 1, involves over 8.95 crore voters deciding the fate of 695 candidates. Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and secure voting experience across the 94,732 polling stations.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 23.66 % Voter Turnout Record In Phase 5 Till 11 AM

May 20, 2024, 12:01 pm

The fifth phase of Lok Sabha polling on May 20 across 49 parliamentary constituencies in six states and two Union Territories (UTs) witnessed a voter turnout of 23.66 per cent by 11 am, according to the Election Commission (ECI). Bihar recorded a 21.11 per cent turnout, Jammu and Kashmir 21.37 per cent, Jharkhand 26.18 per cent, Ladakh 27.87 per cent, Maharashtra 15.93 per cent, Odisha 21.07 per cent, and West Bengal 32.70 per cent.

Over 8.95 crore voters, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, are deciding the fate of 695 candidates in this phase. The contest features prominent leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya.

The polling in this phase covers Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Cities like Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow are included, which have faced urban apathy in voting in the past. Out of the 49 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are from Uttar Pradesh, 13 from Maharashtra, 7 from West Bengal, 5 from Bihar, 3 from Jharkhand, 5 from Odisha, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

To ensure a peaceful environment, 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are monitoring the 94,732 polling stations. Additionally, 216 international border check posts and 565 inter-state border check posts are vigilant against illicit activities, with strict surveillance on sea and air routes, as per the ECI.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Veteran Star Dharmendra Casts Vote In Juhu

May 20, 2024, 11:57 am

Veteran actor Dharmendra, renowned for his iconic roles and enduring charm, demonstrated civic responsibility by casting his vote in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Sporting his trademark black bowler hat, the 88-year-old actor was captured by photographers at a polling station in Juhu’s Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai, exuding joy.

Among the array of celebrities exercising their voting rights, Dharmendra’s presence added sophistication and significance to the electoral process. Earlier, several film industry luminaries, including Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, RajKummar Rao, and Janhvi Kapoor, were also seen at various polling booths across Mumbai.

The current phase of Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai encompasses six constituencies: Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South, and Mumbai South Central. Additionally, several other constituencies in Maharashtra, such as Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi, and Thane, are actively participating in this phase.

With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra is the second-largest state in terms of parliamentary constituencies after Uttar Pradesh. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, with the final results scheduled for declaration on June 4.

Voting commenced in the morning at 7 am, with key contests in various constituencies featuring prominent leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya.

LS Polls 2024: Shahid Kapoor Casts His Vote In Mumbai

May 20, 2024, 11:03 am

As the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced on Monday morning across 49 parliamentary constituencies, Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Mumbai.

The ‘Kabir Singh’ actor took to his Instagram handle to share a picture proudly displaying the indelible ink mark on his finger, urging his fans to fulfill their democratic duty. Shahid wrote, “Cast your vote, every vote matters.”

Earlier in the day, several other Bollywood celebrities, including Akshay Kumar, Janhvi Kapoor, RajKummar Rao, Zoya Akhtar, and Farhan Akhtar, were also seen at their respective polling booths, emphasizing the importance of participating in the democratic process.

The fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is a significant part of the seven-phase electoral process, with elaborate arrangements in place to ensure a smooth and secure voting experience for all citizens.

In Maharashtra, elections are underway for 6 Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai, including Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South, and Mumbai South Central. Other constituencies in Maharashtra participating in this phase are Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi, and Thane. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second largest after Uttar Pradesh.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the counting and results scheduled for June 4. Voting commenced at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, with those in line by the closing time still allowed to vote.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), over 8.95 crore voters, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, will decide the fate of 695 candidates in the fifth phase of voting.

Key contests are taking place in various constituencies, with leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya vying for electoral success.

Eight states/UTs participating in phase 5 are Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Out of the 49 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are from Uttar Pradesh, 13 from Maharashtra, 7 from West Bengal, 5 from Bihar, 3 from Jharkhand, 5 from Odisha, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

To ensure a peaceful voting environment, a total of 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance across the 94,732 polling stations.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Akshay Kumar Becomes Early Voter in Mumbai After Getting Citizenship

May 20, 2024, 10:41 am

Actor Akshay Kumar was one of the early voters in Mumbai on Monday during the fifth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In a video shared by ANI, the actor was seen casting his vote at a designated polling booth, proudly displaying his ink-stained finger afterwards. Akshay, who became an Indian citizen last year, spoke to reporters and encouraged people to exercise their right to vote.

‘India Should Vote for What It Deems Right’

Speaking in Hindi, Akshay said, “I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted, keeping that in mind. India should vote for what it deems right… I think voter turnout will be good (in Mumbai)…” Reflecting on casting his vote for the first time as an Indian citizen, he added, “This is great! I am feeling very good!”

Akshay Acquired Indian Citizenship Last Year

In August 2023, Akshay had shared a picture of his government documents, confirming that he had obtained Indian citizenship. “Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani (Heart and citizenship, both Indian). Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind,” he tweeted.

Commenting on his citizenship, Akshay told ANI in 2023, “For 9 to 10 years I didn’t go there. It’s a very nice place and one of my best friends is there. I decided that I should take my citizenship. It was just a coincidence that I had received a letter on 15th August that I had got citizenship. But it is not just a passport, it is your mind, it is your heart, it’s your soul that has to be Indian. What is the point if I do have an Indian passport but my soul, mind, and heart are not Indian?”

Akshay Kumar on Canadian Citizenship

Akshay Kumar applied for Canadian citizenship in the 1990s after experiencing a series of box office failures. In 2019, he renounced his Canadian citizenship, but the process took a long time due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He explained to ANI, “I became a Canadian because my films were not doing well at one time and I gave 13 to 14 flop films. My friend in Canada suggested I move there and we could work on something together. My friend had offered me that we would do cargo business together. I said okay, my films are also not going well, and a person has to work, no matter where he is.”

Akshay added, “When I started living in Toronto, I got a Canadian passport. During that period, two of my films were released and became big hits. I told my friend that I was going back. Then I got more films and reached where I am today. But I never thought people would make an issue out of it, it was just a travel document. I pay my taxes, and I am the highest taxpayer.”

Akshay Kumar’s participation in the elections and his encouraging message highlight the importance of civic duty and national pride as India moves through a crucial phase of its democratic process.