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Congress Spent ₹585 Crore On 2024 Elections And State Polls

October 8, 2024, 2:58 am

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress spent approximately ₹585 crore on both the general election and the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. The party allocated nearly ₹410 crore to media campaigns and advertisements, which made up the bulk of its expenses.

Virtual Campaigning Costs

In addition to traditional media, Congress spent around ₹46 crore on virtual campaigns using social media platforms, mobile apps, and other digital methods to reach voters.

Air Travel for Star Campaigners

A significant portion of the party’s budget, approximately ₹105 crore, was spent on air travel for its star campaigners, including party leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and others. These funds covered extensive travel during the election campaign.

Financial Support to Key Candidates

Congress also allocated ₹11.20 crore as lump sum payments to its key Lok Sabha candidates, including Rahul Gandhi, to help them contest the elections.

Advertising and Publicity Material

During the campaign, the party spent around ₹68.62 crore on printing posters, banners, hoardings, and other promotional materials.

Congress’s Financial Reserves and Receipts

At the time of the election announcement, Congress had ₹170 crore in deposits and received additional gross receipts of ₹539.37 crore, which included ₹13.76 crore in cash deposits.

Tax Disputes and Election Results

The party had raised concerns over a cash crunch after some of its accounts were frozen by the Income Tax department due to previous disputes. However, these accounts were later de-frozen after court intervention. Despite the financial hurdles, Congress won 99 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, positioning itself as the principal opposition party as BJP secured its third consecutive term in power.

‘Darr nahi lagta ab…’: Rahul Gandhi Criticizes BJP and Modi at US Event

September 10, 2024, 10:44 am

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, continued his critique of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) by claiming that the “fear of Prime Minister Narendra Modi” has dissipated following the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Fear of Modi Disappears Post-Election

Speaking at an Indian diaspora event in Herndon, Virginia, Gandhi alleged that the BJP and Modi had instilled widespread fear through the misuse of government agencies against small businesses, but this fear vanished almost immediately after the elections. “It is interesting to me that the BJP and PM Modi spread so much fear and the pressure of agencies on small businesses, but everything vanished within seconds. It took years for them to spread this fear and vanished within seconds,” Gandhi said.

Modi’s Image and Parliament Presence

Gandhi also took aim at Modi’s public image, suggesting that the grandeur surrounding the Prime Minister, including his reputed strong connection with the divine, has now faded. “In Parliament, I see the Prime Minister right up front and I can tell you that the idea of Mr Modi, 56-inch chest, direct connection with God, that’s all gone now, it’s all history now,” Gandhi remarked.

Congress Leader’s US Visit

During his visit to the United States, Gandhi also engaged with students at Georgetown University before attending the diaspora event. He is scheduled to be in Washington for two days before returning to Delhi.

BJP’s Response: Allegations of Weakening Democracy

The BJP has not officially responded to Gandhi’s latest criticisms, but it has previously labeled him as a “black spot” on Indian democracy. Gaurav Bhatia, a national spokesperson for the BJP, accused Gandhi of undermining Indian democracy with his statements abroad. Bhatia also alleged that Gandhi’s comments align with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Congress and the Chinese Communist Party during UPA rule. “Rahul Gandhi is an immature and part-time leader. I feel sad to say that Rahul Gandhi is a black spot in Indian democracy. He does not even know what to talk about when he visits a foreign country,” Bhatia stated.

Gandhi on Gender Roles and Ideological Differences

At the same event, Gandhi criticized the BJP and RSS’s stance on women’s roles and the idea of India. He claimed, “The BJP and the RSS believe that women should be restricted to a particular role. They should stay at home, they should cook the food, they should not talk too much and we believe that women should aspire to whatever they want to do.” Gandhi contrasted this with his belief that India is a “multiplicity of ideas,” in opposition to the RSS’s view of India as a singular concept.

WATCH: CEC Rajiv Kumar Hails 2024 Lok Sabha Elections as a Global Milestone

August 16, 2024, 3:24 pm

In a recent statement, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar praised the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, calling them “the biggest election process at the world level.” He emphasized the successful and peaceful completion of the elections, highlighting the democratic significance of the event.

Kumar described the elections as having created “a very strongly democratic surface for the entire democratic world,” noting the absence of violence and the widespread celebration of the electoral process across the country.

He also underscored the historic achievement of the elections, stating, “We made many records. For the first time, the maximum polling took place in the world.” This record-setting voter turnout reflects India’s commitment to democratic participation and the effective management of one of the largest electoral exercises globally.

The Chief Election Commissioner’s remarks underscore the scale and impact of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reinforcing India’s role as a vibrant and democratic nation on the global stage.

Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi Highlights Olympics, Math Olympiad Success, And Heritage

July 28, 2024, 12:50 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 112th episode of his monthly radio show, hg Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday, July 28, at 11 am.This was his second address since the Lok Sabha elections and his first since the UnionBudget 2024-25 was announced.

During the broadcast, he encouraged everyone to support the Indian athletes competing in the Paris Olympics. He said, “The Olympics are a global event where our athletes have the chance to represent India and make us proud. Cheer for our athletes and support Bharat!”

PM Modi also highlighted the achievements of Indian participants in the International Mathematics Olympiad, where India ranked in the top five. He congratulated the students who represented the country: Aditya Venkat Ganesh and Siddharth Chopra from Pune, Arjun Gupta from Delhi, Kanav Talwar from Greater Noida, Rushil Mathur from Mumbai, and Anando Bhaduri from Guwahati.

In his address, PM Modi praised Assam’s Charaideo Maidam, recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. He invited people to visit this historic site, which is India’s 43rd World Heritage Site and the first from the Northeast. He also reminded listeners about the unveiling of the statue of the Great Ahom warrior Lachit Borphukan earlier this year.

The Prime Minister urged people to participate in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign leading up to Independence Day on August 15. He encouraged citizens to upload selfies with the Indian flag on the website http://harghartiranga.com and to send in their suggestions as they do every year.

Mann Ki Baat is broadcast in 22 Indian languages, 29 dialects, and 11 foreign languages, including French, Chinese, and Arabic. Over 500 All India Radio centers broadcast the show, which has reached over 100 crore people. It aims to connect directly with the public, celebrate local achievements, and inspire positive action.

Delhi HC to Hear Somnath Bharti’s Plea Against Bansuri Swaraj’s LS Poll Win on Aug 13

July 22, 2024, 2:37 pm

The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for August 13 on a plea by Aam Aadmi Party leader Somnath Bharti contesting BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Bharti’s petition challenges Swaraj’s election from the New Delhi Lok Sabha Constituency, alleging “corrupt practices.” Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora’s bench adjourned the matter, noting typographical errors in the petition that need correction.

Bharti’s plea requests the court to direct the Returning Officer to produce records of the May 25, 2024 elections in the 04-New Delhi parliamentary constituency. According to the returning officer, Bharti lost the election, securing 3,74,815 votes, while Swaraj won with 4,53,185 votes, announced on June 4, 2024.

The petition claims that Raaj Kumar Anand, initially a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate, was effectively supported by Swaraj’s party to divide votes against Bharti. Anand, a former minister in the Aam Aadmi Party’s Delhi government, resigned from AAP on April 10, 2024, under alleged pressure from agencies like the ED, CBI, and IT. He then ran as a BSP candidate, securing 5,629 votes, and later joined the BJP on July 10, 2024, which Bharti claims confirms his intent to support Swaraj.

The plea also alleges BJP workers distributed money and goods, such as saris and suits, to residents while cross-checking voter lists, and that Swaraj’s campaign included divisive religious rhetoric. Bharti argues that these actions represent corrupt practices and improper campaign conduct.

NDA Allies Split On Choice For Lok Sabha Speaker

June 16, 2024, 10:56 am

In recent discussions, there is a disagreement about who should be the next Lok Sabha Speaker. The debate is between key NDA allies, Janata Dal (United) JD(U) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The Opposition’s INDIA bloc had suggested that the Speaker’s post should go to one of the BJP’s NDA partners. JD(U) and TDP, however, have different opinions on this matter. JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar said his party will support any candidate chosen by the BJP. “We will support the person nominated for Speaker by the BJP,” said JD(U) leader KC Tyagi. On the other hand, TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu believes the decision should be made collectively. TDP spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy stated, “The NDA partners will decide together who our candidate for Speaker will be. Once a consensus is reached, we will support that candidate.” Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), an ally of the INDIA bloc, said the Speaker’s post should go to either JD(U) or TDP.

The BJP won 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, which is 32 seats short of a majority. JD(U) and TDP, with their 16 and 12 seats respectively, have become important players in forming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third government.

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot expressed concerns about potential unfair practices. “Not just TDP and JD(U), but the people of the entire country are eagerly watching the election to the post of the Lok Sabha Speaker. If BJP does not have the intention to do anything undemocratic in the future, it should give the Speaker’s post to one of its allies,” he said.

Meanwhile, the election for the Lok Sabha Speaker is scheduled for June 26. All eyes are on the decision, as it will have significant implications for the NDA and its partners.

Watch: Pak Leader Shibli Faraz Praises India For Conducting Smooth Elections

June 13, 2024, 2:37 pm

Shibli Faraz, the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate of Pakistan, commended India for its successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections and criticized Pakistan’s electoral system. Despite referring to India as an “enemy country,” Faraz did not hold back in expressing his disappointment over Pakistan’s electoral shortcomings.

Shibli Faraz Praises India For Conducting Smooth Elections

In his speech, Faraz praised India for conducting smooth, free, and fair elections in the world’s largest democracy. He highlighted India’s use of EVMs, the announcement of results, and the peaceful transfer of power without any fraud allegations. Faraz questioned why Pakistan could not achieve the same level of success in its elections.

He stated, “I want to quote the example of our enemy country, they just concluded elections. More than 800 million people cast their vote. They had set up thousands of polling stations. They even made a polling station for a single person. Nobody said the election was rigged. We also want to be in the same league. In our country, nobody agrees. This is damaging our election system.”

Watch Here:

Pakistani opposition leader Shibli Faraz commends India for its smooth, free, and fair elections, praising the largest democracy in the world during a session in the Pakistani Parliament. pic.twitter.com/1zsaudywq8

— Vikash Singh (@iSinghVikash) June 13, 2024

By-Elections In Pakistan

By-elections in Pakistan were held on February 8 for 21 national and provincial assembly seats. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, won at least two national and 10 provincial assembly seats, according to unofficial results.

Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) criticized the by-elections, stating that April 21 would be remembered as a “black day” in Pakistan’s history due to open and blatant violations of the law.

Narendra Modi Secured Historic Third Term As Prime Minister

In contrast, in India, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leader Narendra Modi secured a historic third term as Prime Minister after the alliance crossed the majority mark, winning 303 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. The elections, known as the largest in the world, witnessed a significant 65.79% voter turnout.

Following the conclusion of the vote counting and the declaration of results on June 4, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the largest single party with 240 Lok Sabha seats, falling 32 seats short of the majority mark. With the support of NDA partners like the TDP and JDU, the NDA surpassed the required majority of 272, reaching a tally of 292. With additional support from small parties and independent candidates, the BJP-led NDA now stands ‘300 paar’.

Modi 3.0 Cabinet: BJP Asserts Strength Despite Reduced Majority

June 11, 2024, 2:13 pm

Formation of Government: Following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led NDA government has been established under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. This event marks a historic third consecutive term for Modi, despite the BJP experiencing a reduction in the number of seats. The Opposition has interpreted the BJP’s inability to secure an outright majority as a sign of their defeat. However, this narrative fails to account for the resilience and adaptability of the BJP’s coalition politics.

BJP’s Governance Agenda: The decrease in the number of BJP seats does not signal an end to the party’s governance agenda, which remains focused on India’s development and cultural revival. The saffron party has a proven track record of successfully managing coalition governments, as demonstrated by the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his deputy Lal Krishna Advani. This current scenario presents another challenge within a democratic framework but also serves to strengthen the BJP’s core ideologies and policies through coalition dynamics.

Modi’s 3.0 Cabinet: Prime Minister Modi’s new NDA government provides a strong rebuttal to Opposition propaganda. The formation of Modi’s 3.0 cabinet sends a clear message that the BJP’s political strength and ideological commitment remain intact, regardless of the seat count. PM Modi’s unwavering focus on development and the cultural revival of Bharat stands firm. The BJP is prepared to engage in respectful negotiations with its allies to ensure the continuity of its policy, and political, geopolitical, and economic agendas.

Opposition Narrative Countered: The narrative that the BJP would be forced to cede important cabinet posts to its allies has been effectively countered. The reappointment of experienced ministers indicates a continuity of policy and emphasizes stability and experience in governance. This is particularly significant at a time when India faces numerous challenges on various fronts, including economic recovery post-pandemic, border security issues, and the need for infrastructural growth.

Strategic Masterstroke: The composition of the new Modi cabinet is a strategic masterstroke that reinforces the BJP’s leadership narrative. It clearly declares that the party is not only in command but also prepared to lead India towards a future defined by robust security, dynamic diplomacy, and sustainable development. This cabinet reshuffle is a testament to the BJP’s ability to balance alliance dynamics while maintaining a firm grip on the government’s direction.

No Compromise on Ideology: One of the most significant messages conveyed through the new cabinet is that the BJP’s ideological base will not be diluted. By retaining key figures like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Nitin Gadkari, who have been instrumental in driving the party’s vision and policies, the Modi government signals continuity in its ideological stance. These leaders have been pivotal in shaping the BJP’s approach to governance, emphasizing economic development, national security, and cultural revival. Their continued presence in the cabinet ensures that these priorities will remain at the forefront of the government’s agenda.

Experience in Cabinet: In response to critics’ concerns about Modi’s ability to manage a coalition government, the strategic inclusion of seven former chief ministers in the cabinet serves as a robust counter to these allegations. The induction of seasoned leaders like Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Rajnath Singh, ML Khattar, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Kumaraswamy, and others who have helmed state governments brings a wealth of administrative experience to the central government. This move consolidates Modi’s position and sends a clear message that the coalition will benefit from the diverse expertise of these veteran politicians.

State Elections Strategy: The recent unveiling of Modi 3.0 cabinet is more than just a reshuffle; it is a strategic maneuver poised to influence upcoming state elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand. Haryana sees the BJP retaining key ministers as a testament to its social engineering prowess. Maharashtra, with its intricate alliance dynamics, showcases the delicate equilibrium the NDA strives to maintain. Jharkhand, rich in tribal hues, signals a potential shift in the state’s political tapestry with a focus on non-tribal constituencies. This strategic approach ensures the BJP is well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead, maintaining a strong ideological base and an unwavering commitment to India’s development.

PM Modi To Elon Musk: India’s Stable Policies Foster Business Environment

June 8, 2024, 2:08 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, for his congratulatory message following Modi’s victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi emphasized that India’s talented youth, favourable demographics, predictable policies, and stable democratic system will continue to create a conducive business environment.

On June 7, Musk congratulated Modi on being elected Prime Minister for a third term, expressing optimism about future collaborations in India. “Congratulations, Narendra Modi on your victory in the world’s largest democratic elections! Looking forward to my companies doing exciting work in India,” Musk posted on X.

Reports indicate that Tesla is exploring the establishment of manufacturing plants in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, with an estimated investment between $2 billion and $3 billion. In July of last year, Tesla announced plans to build a factory in India to produce a car priced around Rs 17,30,000.

Although Musk was scheduled to visit India in April this year, he postponed the trip, citing heavy obligations at Tesla and opting to visit China instead. “Unfortunately, very heavy Tesla obligations require that the visit to India be delayed, but I do very much look forward to visiting later this year,” Musk explained.

The Indian government continues to promote domestic manufacturing in the electric vehicle sector. Initiatives like FAME, launched in 2019, and recent reductions in import taxes for EV manufacturers who commit to investing at least USD 500 million and starting production within three years, underscore this commitment.

Delhi Court: Election Campaign Shows AAP Leader Kejriwal Is Not Suffering from Life-Threatening Disease, Diabetes Not Serious

June 6, 2024, 11:48 am

On Wednesday, a Delhi court ruled that Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal is not eligible for interim bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) due to his active participation in election campaigning and meetings during the recent Lok Sabha elections. This activity indicates he is not suffering from any severe or life-threatening conditions.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court remarked that Diabetes, including type-2 Diabetes, is not considered a serious disease warranting interim bail for Kejriwal in relation to the Delhi Liquor policy case.

The judge stated, “As stated earlier, it is also the plea of the Applicant (Kejriwal) that he is suffering from Diabetes Milletus for which certain orders have also been passed by this court on earlier occasions. However, Diabetes or even type-2 Diabetes cannot be said to be so serious an ailment so as to entitle him to the relief claimed. Further, the extensive campaigning tours and related meetings/events undertaken by Sh. Arvind Kejriwal as highlighted during the course of arguments also indicate that he does not appear to be suffering from any serious or ‘life threatening’ ailment so as to entitle him to the beneficial provision as contained in proviso to Section 45 PMLA.”

The court noted that Kejriwal sought interim bail due to a potential diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis, indicated by high ketone levels, and required a series of tests. However, the court stated these tests could be conducted while he remains in custody.

“In my considered opinion, the ground for grant of interim bail i.e. for conducting tests in order to determine if high ketone levels or the stated weight loss could have caused Diabetic Ketoacidosis, stands on an even weaker footing than a medical ground. Apparently, as per the Applicant (Kejriwal) himself, he seeks interim bail for ‘diagnosis’ of an anticipated ailment which, cannot be said to be a valid ground for the relief prayed for, particularly when this concern can be addressed while the Applicant is in custody.”

Judge Baweja emphasized there is no valid reason why these diagnostic tests cannot be performed while Kejriwal is in custody. Thus, the court found no grounds to grant the requested relief.

However, the court directed immediate attention to Kejriwal’s health concerns, ordering the reconstitution of the Medical Board of AIIMS for his examination. The Medical Board is to comply with the previous order dated April 22, 2024, and to carry out the necessary diagnostic tests within three days.

“The Jail Authorities shall ensure that the prescribed recommended tests/evaluations of the Applicant are got conducted without any delay. Upon receipt of the Test Reports, the Medical Board shall prescribe the further necessary treatment as may be required and the Jail Authorities shall ensure that the treatment so prescribed by the Medical Board is provided to the Applicant forthwith, under intimation to this court.”

Modi’s Swearing-In: Neighbouring Global Leaders Invited for Weekend Ceremony

June 6, 2024, 10:16 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended invitations to the Prime Ministers of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Mauritius, the President of Sri Lanka, and the King of Bhutan for his upcoming swearing-in ceremony, according to sources familiar with the matter as per report.

The invitations were extended to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Nepal, and Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth of Mauritius, along with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to each of these leaders for their congratulations on the electoral success of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Modi mentioned his telephone conversations with these leaders and conveyed his appreciation for their warm wishes.

“Happy to receive call from my friend President Joe Biden. Deeply value his warm words of felicitations and his appreciation for the Indian democracy. Conveyed that India-US Comprehensive Global Partnership is poised to witness many new landmarks in the years to come. Our partnership will continue to be a force for global good for the benefit of humanity” tweeted PM Modi.

Happy to receive call from my friend President @JoeBiden. Deeply value his warm words of felicitations and his appreciation for the Indian democracy. Conveyed that India-US Comprehensive Global Partnership is poised to witness many new landmarks in the years to come. Our…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2024

“I thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes. India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade. I look forward to working together to further strengthen our people-centric partnership,” said PM Modi in a post on social media platform X.

I thank Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her warm wishes. India and Bangladesh share historic relations, which have seen unprecedented growth in the last decade. I look forward to working together to further strengthen our people-centric partnership. @BDMOFA

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2024

Expressing his gratitude, Prime Minister Modi mentioned, “Thank you, Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, for your call and heartfelt wishes. I look forward to continued collaboration between our two countries to further strengthen the special India-Mauritius relationship in my third term.”

Thank you, Prime Minister @KumarJugnauth, for your call and heartfelt wishes. I look forward to continued collaboration between our two countries to further strengthen the special India-Mauritius relationship in my third term.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2024

He also highlighted his conversation with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Nepal, saying, “Happy to speak with PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Thanked him for his warm wishes. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to bolster the deep-rooted and multifaceted partnership between India and Nepal, and agreed to sustain the positive momentum in our relations.”

Acknowledging the call from the Bhutanese King, Prime Minister Modi stated, “I thank His Majesty the King of Bhutan for his call and warm wishes. Bhutan-Bharat partnership is unique and exemplary. I look forward to continuing working together and taking this extraordinary partnership to higher levels.”

I thank His Majesty the King of Bhutan for his call and warm wishes. Bhutan-Bharat partnership is unique and exemplary. I look forward to continue working together and taking this extraordinary partnership to higher levels.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 5, 2024

Additionally, numerous global leaders including US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and many others congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the NDA’s electoral victory.

People Voted For Protecting Constitution, Reservation, Democracy: SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav

June 5, 2024, 3:23 pm

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said that in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, people voted for protecting the Constitution, reservation and democracy.

“The votes were cast to save the Constitution, democracy and reservation, and we hope that by walking on the path of social justice we will be able to fulfil the dreams of Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav) and Samajwadis,” Akhilesh Yadav told ANI.
Asked about if the INDIA bloc would be able to form the government at the Centre, he said that it was all about numbers.

“Yes, I am going to Delhi (to attend the INDIA bloc meeting). It is all a matter of numbers (govt formation). The public has rejected negative politics. We aimed to stop the BJP. I thank the public for this and their cooperation,” he said.
Akhilesh Yadav won the Kannauj Lok Sabha constituency with a vote margin of 1,70,922 defeating BJP’s Subrat Pathak who was the incumbent.

“I want to assure the people of Kannauj that speed of development that Samajwadis gave to Kannauj, we will take it forward,” Akhilesh Yadav said.

The INDIA alliance performed impressively in Uttar Pradesh, securing victory in 44 Lok Sabha seats out of 80, while the NDA’s count dwindled to 35 from its previous 62 seats in 2019. The SP emerged with the largest share, clinching 37 seats, followed by the BJP with 33 seats. Congress secured six seats, while RLD, ASPKR, and ADAL each won one seat.

The tally for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was tallied on Tuesday. According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, a considerable decrease from its 2019 total of 303 seats. Conversely, the Congress exhibited significant progress, securing victory in 99 seats. The INDIA alliance surpassed the 230-seat mark, presenting formidable competition and defying all prognostications.

Naidu’s Emotional Pledge: Vows Return As Andhra Pradesh CM After Election Defeat

June 4, 2024, 11:14 pm

Chandrababu Naidu has emerged as the biggest hero of today’s results, sweeping the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections and playing a crucial role as the kingmaker in the NDA government formation at the Centre.

However, back in 2021, the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister broke down at a press conference, accusing YSR Congress MLAs of making inappropriate and personal comments about his wife. Naidu expressed his anguish, shedding tears over the alleged remarks made by the ruling party members.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief stated that the YSR Congress MLAs had crossed a line by targeting his wife, Bhuvaneswari, during a recent assembly session. “For the last two-and-a-half years, I have borne the insults and remained calm. Today, they targeted even my wife. They have attacked my wife, Bhuvaneswari. I am always an optimistic man and very positive in life, but they are crossing the limits,” Naidu said, his voice choked with emotion.

Naidu further mentioned that he had never faced such personal attacks in his 40-year-long political career. He questioned the motives of the YSR Congress Party behind the alleged remarks and demanded an apology from the ruling party.

Odisha Assembly Elections Phase 4: Voter Turnout Hits 74.41%

June 3, 2024, 8:24 am

The Odisha Chief Electoral Officer announced that the voter turnout for Phase 4 of the Odisha State Assembly Elections, excluding postal ballots, has reached 74.41 percent.

Voting in Odisha concluded on June 1, coinciding with the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The assembly polls in Odisha were held simultaneously with the General Elections.

Exit polls on Saturday indicated that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is anticipated to double its seat count in Odisha in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The BJP is striving to make inroads into the stronghold of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

According to the Republic PMarq Exit Poll for the 21 Lok Sabha seats, the NDA is projected to win 14 seats, leaving the BJD with 8. The Republic PMarq exit poll also predicted 359 seats for the NDA alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The News18 Mega Exit Poll forecasted that the BJP-led NDA might secure 13-15 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in Odisha, while the BJD might retain 6-8 seats. The India Today-Axis My India exit poll projected that the BJP could win 18-20 seats in Odisha in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, whereas the BJD might only secure 0-2 seats. In terms of vote share, the BJP is expected to receive 51 percent of the votes, the BJD 33 percent, and the Congress 13 percent.

Odisha, with a total of 21 constituencies, went to polls across four phases: the first phase on May 13, followed by phases on May 20, May 25, and June 1.

Watch: Delhi CM Kejriwal Refers To Exit Polls For LS 2024 As ‘Fake’

June 2, 2024, 4:31 pm

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal refers to the Exit Polls for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections as “fake” on Sunday.

Watch:-

#WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says “Exit polls for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections have come out yesterday. Take it in writing, all these exit polls are fake. One exit poll gave 33 seats to BJP in Rajasthan whereas there are only 25 seats there…The real issue is why they had to do… pic.twitter.com/oLkdoxh3ZL

— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2024

ANI quoted Kejriwal, “Exit polls for 2024 Lok Sabha Elections have come out yesterday. Take it in writing, all these exit polls are fake. One exit poll gave 33 seats to BJP in Rajasthan whereas there are only 25 seats there…The real issue is why they had to do a fake exit poll 3 days before the day of counting. There are several theories regarding this, one of them is that they are trying to manipulate the machines (EVMs)…”

Exit Polls 2024: Modi 3.0 To Attract Major Investments For India Inc

June 2, 2024, 1:42 pm

The exit polls for the Lok Sabha elections have excited India Inc, creating optimism that it will pave the way for substantial big-ticket investments. There is ongoing discussion about boosting domestic manufacturing.

Hemendra Kothari, Chairman of DSP Investment Managers, highlighted the need for numerous skilled institutions. He remarked, “The question is how do we all of this. There is a path for India to increase exports by positioning itself as a manufacturing base for large global companies.”

For India Inc, policy continuity is paramount, and the return of an incumbent government is typically seen as beneficial. Mahesh Singhi, Founder & MD of Singhi Advisors, an M&A advisory firm, believes that the exit poll results were anticipated and that the business growth momentum can continue from this point forward.

“The impact of any large decision taken now will be felt 5-10 years later. There will be a lot of confidence and comfort to invest in India now,” he notes.

Supporting the notion of a surge in domestic manufacturing, Singhi describes it as having an “inward-looking” approach. He adds, “There is expected to be a lot of interest in areas such as defence, automobiles and anything to do with overall consumption. If that can be done on the back of the continued large investments in infrastructure, there will be a lot of optimism.” Central to this optimism is a regime characterized by stable policy. Kothari emphasizes that this stability is crucial, especially in infrastructure, a sector where the government has consistently increased spending.

“There is no doubt India will do well and we are a shining example to the rest of the world. However, we will need to continue the focus on skilling and that is where something like AI can be of great help.”

Evidently, maintaining the current approach is beneficial, and Singhi asserts that it is essentially about having a clear and consistent policy framework. “There was a perception that nothing could be done with our railway infrastructure but something like Vande Bharat has changed that,” he says. He believes that the digital economy and its growth bode well for the future.

“Confidence levels among the corporates will increase if policies are clear. As a nation, we must ensure that it should not be broken only to ensure continuity.”

The key question is what the next term of a Modi government will mean for the nation. Deven R. Choksey, Chairman and MD of the wealth management and investment advisory firm DRChoksey Finserv, notes that an uninterrupted parliament is anticipated to implement numerous progressive reforms in India.“Economically, India will grow much faster now. This will be on the back of the bright prospect of reforms like central bank digital currency (CBDC), open network for digital commerce (ONDC) and de-dollarisation of payments for global trade by India.” From a market perspective, while excitement is anticipated, there may be a more significant takeaway. “Reforms will produce predictable earnings growth for India Inc. We are likely to attract premium dollars in the journey to becoming a $12 trillion economy by 2035,” says Choksey.

PM Modi To Review First 100 Days Of His Third Term With Top Officials

June 2, 2024, 10:46 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns to work on Sunday, having a review meeting with PMO officials, following a strenuous election campaign in intense heat, a 45-hour meditation at Vivekananda Memorial, and widespread exit polls indicating a landslide victory for his third term.

Before initiating his massive electoral campaign, Prime Minister Modi instructed the upper echelons of the bureaucracy to use the interregnum break to prepare for the decisions that would be made during the first 100 days of Modi 3.0.

He made it plain to them that he would not wait until the final 100 days before the 2029 elections to make any difficult decisions; instead, he would make them all during the first 100 years of his administration.

While the bureaucracy has planned the decisions that Prime Minister Modi must make in his first 100 days, it is also aware that going forward, appointments to important positions would be made solely on the basis of merit and performance, with an emphasis on the BJP’s tallest leader’s Viksit Bharat vision.

Given this, major adjustments might be implemented in August 2024 following the installation of the new Cabinet and the presentation of the Union budget during the first week of July. PM Dr. P K Mishra’s principal secretary and Ajit Doval’s national security advisor, who are both crucial to PM Modi’s administration and national security/intelligence, respectively, may be the first appointments. Key appointments that need to be done this month are that of new Army Chief and the vital post of Director, Intelligence Bureau.

Since PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat vision is anchored on “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, the focus of Modi 3.0 will be development of India’s military-industrial complex with priority on self-reliance and domestic manufacturing. There are strong indications that domestic military-civilian manufacturing will be incentivized and preference will be given to Indian platforms and Indian IPs.

Following Modi 3.0’s inauguration, PMO officials have created an agenda for the next 100 days, which has been fine-tuned based on PM Modi’s recommendations.

When he attends the G-7 on June 13, PM Modi will be by far the most senior and accomplished leader of the largest democracy in the world, ensuring that the NDA platform is implemented politically in its entirety.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: INDIA Bloc Holds Strategy Meet Ahead Of Counting Day

June 1, 2024, 4:36 pm

The INDIA bloc is conducting a significant strategy meeting as the Lok Sabha elections near their conclusion. The gathering is taking place at the Delhi residence of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Senior leaders including Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh from the Aam Aadmi Party, CPM’s Sitaram Yechury, National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah, and others have already arrived.

The only party not participating is Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress, due to the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections and ongoing relief operations for Cyclone Remal, which recently affected Bengal.

https://latest.thedailyguardian.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WhatsApp-Video-2024-06-01-at-4.26.33-PM-1.mp4

Officially, the meeting aims to formulate a strategy to ensure smooth vote counting at state and district levels. However, sources suggest the real focus is on maintaining unity within the alliance.

This is particularly important as the results approach, especially if the NDA secures a narrow victory, according to Congress leaders. They anticipate the NDA winning around 260-270 seats, just shy of the majority mark.

On today’s INDIA alliance meeting, Congress leader Pawan Khera tweets, “INDIA parties met and decided to expose the BJP and its ecosystem on the prefixed exit polls. After considering factors for and against participating in the exit polls, it has been decided by consensus that all the INDIA parties will participate in the exit poll debates on television this evening.”

Swaraj India chief Yogendra Yadav has predicted the NDA will secure no more than 270 seats, falling short of the majority by just two seats.

The exit poll results are expected this evening, but the Congress has opted out of any discussions following them, which has drawn criticism from the BJP camp.

The Congress stated it finds exit polls unnecessary with the vote counting happening soon, while the BJP interpreted this as a “tacit acceptance of defeat.”

Assessing Exit Poll Accuracy: 2019 and 2014 Elections Compared to 2024

June 1, 2024, 2:27 pm

The announcement of exit poll results is scheduled shortly after the conclusion of the final phase of Lok Sabha elections. Presently, polling is underway in seven states and one Union Territory. The Election Commission has strictly forbidden the dissemination of any exit poll data before the completion of the entire voting process. These polls, conducted through surveys and voter feedback, offer insights into voter opinions and their expectations from the outcomes. Notable agencies like Axis My India, Today’s Chanakya, IPSOS, CVoter, and CSDS undertake the task of conducting these exit polls.

Exit polls serve as an intriguing aspect of the electoral procedure, providing a glimpse into potential outcomes before official results are declared.

Examining the accuracy of exit polls in previous elections:

Exit poll forecasts are never to be blindly relied upon, as there is always a margin for error. Instances of exit polls failing to accurately predict outcomes are not uncommon. However, in both 2019 and 2014, exit poll predictions managed to capture the national mood reasonably well.

In the 2019 elections, exit polls on average predicted the NDA’s tally at 306 seats and the UPA’s at 120 seats. These predictions fell short of the actual results, with the NDA securing 352 seats and the BJP alone winning 303 seats. The then-UPA managed to secure 93 seats, with the Congress holding 52.

Similarly, in the 2014 elections, exit polls hinted at a victory for the BJP-led NDA, although they underestimated the extent of the landslide. On average, eight exit polls predicted 283 seats for the NDA and 105 seats for the UPA. However, the NDA ultimately secured 336 seats, with the BJP alone winning 282 seats. The UPA secured 60 seats, with the Congress winning 44.

What sets the 2024 elections apart:

The 2024 elections do not feature the traditional NDA vs. UPA dynamic; instead, they pit the NDA against the new opposition alliance, INDIA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set an ambitious target of ‘NDA 400 paar,’ where the BJP aims to secure over 370 seats independently.

In an unusual move, the Congress has announced its decision not to participate in exit poll debates on television channels, citing a desire to avoid speculation and sensationalism for the sake of ratings.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Mob Steals EVM, Throws VVPAT in Pond in South 24 Parganas

June 1, 2024, 1:45 pm

During the final phase of the Lok Sabha election on Saturday, a local mob looted Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and threw two VVPAT machines into a pond in South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, as reported by officials.

The Chief Electoral Office of West Bengal confirmed that an FIR has been lodged by the Sector Officer and necessary action has been initiated.

CEO West Bengal posted, “Today morning at 6.40 am Reserve EVMs and papers of Sector Officer near Benimadhavpur FP school, at 129-Kultali AC of 19-Jaynagar (SC) PC has been looted by local mob and 1 CU, 1 BU, 2VVPAT machines have been thrown inside a pond.”

Fresh EVMs and papers were provided subsequently. BJP leader Amit Malviya criticized the incident, stating that democracy is under threat in West Bengal, citing instances of violence and disruption.

Voting began in nine seats in West Bengal, including Barasat, Basirhat, Diamond Harbour, Dum Dum, Jaynagar, Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin, Kolkata Uttar, and Mathurapur. Following the conclusion of voting on June 1, exit polls will be aired, as the Election Commission has imposed a ban on exit polls from April 19 to June 1.

The earlier six phases of Lok Sabha elections were held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, and May 25. Assembly polls have also taken place in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, with Odisha witnessing simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and assembly in the last four phases.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 7: Six Candidates Contesting Against PM Modi In Varanasi

June 1, 2024, 11:07 am

The seventh and final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections is taking place today, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being one of the prominent candidates. Modi is running for the Varanasi seat for the third time, having previously contested in 2014 and 2019. In 2014, he defeated Arvind Kejriwal by a margin of 3.37 lakh votes and in 2019, he beat SP-BSP Mahagathbandhan candidate Shalini Yadav by 4.80 lakh votes. Modi faced 41 opponents in 2014 and 26 in 2019. This year, he is one of seven candidates.

Let’s look at his competitors:

Ajay Rai (Congress)

Ajay Rai, the Congress candidate, is making his third attempt to win the Varanasi seat, as reported by Moneycontrol. Rai began his political career in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later became a convener of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the BJP’s student wing. He was elected to the UP Assembly from Varanasi’s Kolasla on a BJP ticket in 1996, 2002, and 2007.

However, Rai left the BJP after being denied a Lok Sabha ticket in 2009. Rai has movable assets worth Rs 6.66 lakh and immovable assets valued at Rs 1.25 crore, and he has been booked in 18 cases. This time, he is running as the INDIA bloc candidate. In August, he replaced Brijlal Khabri as the Congress’ Uttar Pradesh chief, according to the Indian Express.

Kolisetty Shiva Kumar (Yuga Thulasi Party)

Kolisetty Shiva Kumar, from Hyderabad, is a former board member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Kumar has dedicated his life to cow protection and owns three gaushalas in Hyderabad that house 1,500 cows. He and his party, Yuga Thulasi Party, have been in conflict with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Hyderabad. Kumar’s main demand is for the cow to be declared India’s national animal, as per Deccan Herald.

Kumar has movable assets of Rs 36.19 lakh and immovable assets worth Rs 2.02 crore. Controversy surrounds his candidacy as two people have accused him of fraudulently using their Aadhaar cards to list them as his proposers for the election. The Indian Express reported that Station House Officer VK Shukla confirmed two FIRs have been registered against Kumar.

Ather Jamal Lari (Bahujan Samaj Party)

Ather Jamal Lari, the BSP candidate, has decades of political experience and has been associated with various parties, including the Janata Dal, Apna Dal, and Qaumi Ekta Dal. He was also with the Samajwadi Party before the 2022 elections. A resident of Varanasi, Lari is a loom owner and has been involved in socialist politics since the 1960s.

He has contested multiple elections in Varanasi but has yet to secure a win. Lari has movable assets worth Rs 6.52 lakh and immovable assets valued at Rs 1.8 crore, with one case against him, as reported by the Indian Express.

Gagan Prakash Yadav (Apna Dal, Kameravadi)

Gagan Prakash Yadav is the candidate for Apna Dal (K), a party that split from the Samajwadi Party over representation issues concerning Dalits, Backward, and minority communities. Yadav has not been actively campaigning due to the recent death of his brother in a road accident. He recently left the Samajwadi Party.

Yadav has movable assets worth Rs 19.16 lakh and immovable assets valued at Rs 66 lakh, with five cases against him, as per Deccan Herald.

Dinesh Kumar Yadav (Independent)

Dinesh Kumar Yadav, a three-time corporator from Varanasi’s Sikraul, has been involved in politics for over a decade.

Previously associated with the BJP, he decided to contest independently, stating, “I am fighting because there is democracy in the country.” BJP regional media in-charge Navratan Rathi denied any affiliation with Yadav, saying, “I have not heard this name.”

Yadav has movable assets worth Rs 16.40 lakh and immovable assets valued at Rs 10 lakh, with no cases against him, according to the Indian Express.

Sanjay Kumar Tiwari (Independent)

Sanjay Kumar Tiwari, a social worker based in New Delhi, has participated in workers’ rights movements and is a critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tiwari believes in Gandhian philosophy and has not been directly associated with any political party, although he has worked with them as an intellectual. Tiwari has movable assets worth Rs 11.46 lakh and immovable assets valued at Rs 29 lakh, as reported by Deccan Herald.

TMC Forecasts Improved Performance Over 2019: Abhishek Banerjee

June 1, 2024, 10:57 am

Trinamool Congress’ candidate for the Diamond Harbour seat in West Bengal and TMC General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, cast his vote in the final phase and expressed confidence in the party’s improved performance compared to the 2019 elections.

Banerjee exercised his franchise at Mitra Institution on Harish Mukherjee Road in Bengal. He criticized the stifling of democracy in Banaras, highlighting instances of candidate nominations being canceled and restricted access to returning officer offices. Banerjee reiterated his pre-election stance, asserting Trinamool’s anticipated gains in seat and vote shares.

He claimed that out of the 35 seats already concluded in Bengal, Trinamool has likely secured 22. Banerjee attributed the public’s discontent with the current administration’s policies and promised a fitting response through the election results. Contesting against CPI(M) candidate Pratikur Rahaman and BJP’s Abhijit Das, Banerjee aims to improve upon his 2019 victory margin of about 2.4 lakh votes. Voting commenced at 7 am in West Bengal’s nine constituencies, including Barasat, Basirhat, Diamond Harbour, Dum Dum, Jaynagar, Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin, Kolkata Uttar, and Mathurapur.

#WATCH | TMC National General Secretary and candidate from Diamond Harbour seat, Abhishek Banerjee shows his inked finger after casting his vote at a polling station, for the seventh phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/5tZsFstC2T

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

Following the close of voting on June 1, exit poll results will be broadcasted. The Election Commission has imposed a ban on exit polls from April 19 to June 1. The Lok Sabha elections’ preceding six phases were held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, and May 25, with simultaneous assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Odisha has seen parallel elections for both Lok Sabha and assembly in the last four phases.

Lok Sabha polls: Himachal Pradesh Leads with 14.35% Turnout, Odisha Lags at 7.69% till 9 am

June 1, 2024, 10:29 am

In the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Himachal Pradesh leads with a voter turnout of 14.35 percent, according to Election Commission data. Odisha, however, lags behind with only 7.69 percent turnout as of 9 am. Other states show varying participation rates: Bihar at 10.58 percent, Chandigarh at 11.64 percent, Jharkhand at 12.15 percent, Punjab at 9.64 percent, Uttar Pradesh at 12.94 percent, and West Bengal at 12.63 percent. Overall, the turnout across these regions stands at 11.31 percent by 9 am.

The seventh and final phase commenced at 7 am, encompassing voting across 57 parliamentary constituencies in seven states and Chandigarh. The Election Commission anticipates participation from over 10.06 crore electors, with approximately 5.24 crore male, 4.82 crore female, and 3574 third gender electors. All 13 parliamentary constituencies in Punjab are active in this phase, while six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh are also subject to by-polls on June 1, crucial for the state’s Congress government. Notably, all six of these seats were previously held by Congress, and the outcome could influence the political landscape.

Simultaneously, polling is ongoing for the remaining 42 Assembly Constituencies in the Odisha State Legislative Assembly. Following the close of voting on June 1, exit poll results will be broadcast on various TV channels. The Election Commission has imposed a ban on exit polls from April 19 to June 1, coinciding with the polling period.

The culmination of high-voltage campaigning occurred on Thursday for this final phase of Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Modi extensively campaigned, hosting over 200 events, including rallies and roadshows, within a span of 75 days, alongside multiple interviews. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi conducted more than 100 rallies and engaged in public interaction programs during the campaign.

The earlier six phases of Lok Sabha elections were conducted on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, and May 25. Additionally, assembly polls were held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Odisha witnessed simultaneous polls for both Lok Sabha and assembly in the last four phases.

Kangana Ranaut Confident in BJP’s Victory for All Four Himachal Seats

June 1, 2024, 10:21 am

Lok Sabha BJP candidate from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, exuded confidence in the BJP’s success in all four seats in Himachal Pradesh, attributing it to a pervasive “Modi wave” in the region. She arrived at a polling booth in Mandi to cast her vote in the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections and urged voters to exercise their democratic rights, emphasizing the sacrifices made for this privilege. Kangana asserted, “There is a complete Modi wave in Himachal Pradesh. Our Prime Minister has conducted almost 200 rallies, gave at least 80-90 interviews in just two months.” Expressing allegiance to the BJP’s “400 paar” slogan for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, she declared, “We are soldiers of PM Modi, and will win all four seats in Himachal Pradesh.”

Responding to criticism of PM Modi’s meditation in Kanyakumari, Kangana defended him, stating, “Meditation is not new for the Prime Minister. Even when he was not a politician he used to meditate. Now these people have a problem with that too.” The Mandi constituency is poised for a high-profile contest with Kangana Ranaut entering politics to challenge the Congress stronghold, symbolized by the Virbhadra family. The Congress has fielded Himachal Pradesh Minister and Virbhadra Singh’s son, Vikramaditya Singh, as their candidate for the seat, intensifying the battle between two prominent figures.

Today marks the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Himachal Pradesh, with Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Shimla constituencies in the fray, alongside by-polls in six assembly seats. With a total of 904 candidates contesting in this phase, prominent figures include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Nishikant Dubey, Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Charanjit Singh Channi, as well as leaders from other parties like Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 7 Live: 49.68% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 3 PM; Jharkhand In The Lead With 60.14%

June 1, 2024, 8:09 am

Voting for the seventh and final phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections commenced at 7 am on Saturday, concluding the largest democratic process to elect 543 representatives for the 18th Lok Sabha. A total of 57 constituencies (41 General, 3 ST, and 13 SC) across eight states and Union Territories are voting to decide the fate of 904 candidates. Simultaneously, polling for 42 assembly constituencies of the Odisha Legislative Assembly is also taking place.

The states and Union Territories involved in this seventh phase include Bihar (8/40 seats), Himachal Pradesh (4/4), Jharkhand (3/14), Odisha (6/21), Punjab (13/13), Uttar Pradesh (13/80), West Bengal (9/42), and the Chandigarh Union Territory.

Key candidates in this phase are PM Modi, who is seeking a third term from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, former Union Minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad (Patna Sahib), actress Kangana Ranaut (Mandi), Congress’ Manish Tewari (Chandigarh), Samajwadi Party leader Afzal Ansari (Ghazipur), and Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh (Karakat).

June 1, 2024 4 : 00 PM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: 49.68% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm, in the 7th phase of elections.

#LokSabhaElections2024 | 49.68% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm, in the 7th phase of elections.

Bihar 42.95%
Chandigarh 52.61%
Himachal Pradesh 58.41%
Jharkhand 60.14%
Odisha 49.77%
Punjab 46.38%
Uttar Pradesh 46.83%
West Bengal 58.46% pic.twitter.com/hPreOqwttt

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 1 : 52 PM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: BJP candidate from Hooghly Lok Sabha constituency, Locket Chatterjee casts her vote

#WATCH | West Bengal: BJP candidate from Hooghly Lok Sabha constituency, Locket Chatterjee casts her vote at a polling station in Dum Dum, North 24 Parganas for the last phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/HIpBG4QPDo

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 1 : 52 PM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Odisha records 37.64% voter turnout till 1 pm in the fourth phase of elections to its State Legislative Assembly.

Odisha records 37.64% voter turnout till 1 pm in the fourth phase of elections to its State Legislative Assembly. pic.twitter.com/2c4TzZ9WbJ

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 1 : 52 PM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: 40.09% voter turnout recorded till 1 pm, in the 7th phase of elections.

#LokSabhaElections2024 | 40.09% voter turnout recorded till 1 pm, in the 7th phase of elections.

Bihar 35.65%
Chandigarh 40.14%
Himachal Pradesh 48.63%
Jharkhand 46.80%
Odisha 37.64%
Punjab 37.80%
Uttar Pradesh 39.31%
West Bengal 45.07% pic.twitter.com/4jsl6EwUjG

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 12 : 47 PM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Odisha | BJD parliamentary candidate from Mayurbhanj, Sudam Marandi with his family casts his vote in Baridapa

#WATCH | Odisha | BJD parliamentary candidate from Mayurbhanj, Sudam Marandi with his family casts his vote in Baridapa pic.twitter.com/6Ckw2NAVIT

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 12 : 30 PM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Monks from ISKCON Temple in Kolkata cast their votes for the seventh phase at a polling station in Kolkata

#WATCH | West Bengal: Monks from ISKCON Temple in Kolkata cast their votes for the seventh phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 , at a polling station in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/8EwuZPiBJh

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 12 : 05 PM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Odisha records 22.97% voter turnout till 11 am in the fourth phase of elections to its State Legislative Assembly

June 1, 2024 12 : 05 PM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: 26.3% voter turnout recorded till 11 am, in the 7th phase of elections.

June 1, 2024 11 : 07 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Punjab Congress President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring Casts Vote in Sri Muktsar Sahib

Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab: Punjab Congress President and candidate from Ludhiana Lok Sabha Seat, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring casts his vote at a polling booth in Sri Muktsar Sahib under the Firozpur Lok Sabha constituency. Congress has fielded Sher Singh Ghubaya from this seat. BJP has fielded Gurmit Singh Sodhi, SAD has fielded Nardev Singh Bobby Mann and AAP has fielded Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar.

June 1, 2024 11 : 07 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: “TMC Supporters Protest Alleged Proxy Voting by BJP Candidate in Kolkata North

#WATCH | West Bengal: TMC supporters raise slogans against BJP candidate from Kolkata North Lok Sabha seat Tapas Roy outside a polling booth in Kolkata. They alleged that the BJP is doing proxy voting here. pic.twitter.com/9sG3Ukwqlj

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 11 : 07 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: “Vikramaditya Singh Urges High Voter Turnout, Emphasizes People’s Role in Mandi’s Success”

Congress candidate from Mandi Lok Sabha seat Vikramaditya Singh says “We have got a very good response from the people of Mandi. It will be the victory of 14 lakh people of Mandi and not just Vikramaditya Singh. I appeal to the people to come out in large numbers and exercise their right to vote…”

June 1, 2024 11 : 07 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: “INDIA Alliance Leads NDA by 50 Seats: Partap Singh Bajwa Ahead of Bloc Meeting

On INDIA bloc meeting in Delhi today, LoP and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa says, “As per our survey, INDIA Alliance leads NDA by around 50 seats. They will get 235-245 seats…So, we have called this meeting immediately so that no horse trading takes place. We suspect that they can go to any level. If the meeting has been called today, it means that we know that we are getting the majority…”

June 1, 2024 10 : 25 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: TMC candidate Abhishek Banerjee says “…This election is not to elect, but to protest and reject. “

TMC National General Secretary and candidate from Diamond Harbour seat, Abhishek Banerjee says “…This election is not to elect, but to protest and reject. This time, we are going to vote for our representative but also to give a befitting reply to the NDA 2 which came to power in 2019…From what I have seen on the ground, I can say that from 2021 to May 2024, the BJP has not been able to provide substantial relief to the people of West Bengal…Today, it is the day for the voters to give a reply to them. ‘4 ko jab result aaenge toh jawaab karaara milega’…”

#WATCH | TMC National General Secretary and candidate from Diamond Harbour seat, Abhishek Banerjee says "…This election is not to elect, but to protest and reject. This time, we are going to vote for our representative but also to give a befitting reply to the NDA 2 which came… pic.twitter.com/3uW1iZshpT

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 10 : 25 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Indian Army personnel stand in a queue to cast their votes

Punjab: Indian Army personnel stand in a queue as they await their turn to cast their votes in the last phase of Lok sabha Election 2024 at a polling booth in Ferozepur Cantt.

#WATCH | Punjab: Indian Army personnel stand in a queue as they await their turn to cast their votes in the last phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 at a polling booth in Ferozepur Cantt.

(Source – DPRO Ferozpur ) pic.twitter.com/Wu3njKndVs

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 10 : 25 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live:”Union Minister Murugan Predicts BJP’s Strong Electoral Performance in Tamil Nadu”

Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu: Union Minister and BJP candidate from Nilgiris, L Murugan says, “India’s economy, which was at 10th position in 2014, has improved in the last 10 years and now we have reached 5th position…BJP will win double-digit seats in Tamil Nadu…”

June 1, 2024 10 : 00 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: 11.31% voter turnout recorded till 9 am, in the 7th phase of elections.

#LokSabhaElections2024 | 11.31% voter turnout recorded till 9 am, in the 7th phase of elections.

Bihar 10.58%
Chandigarh 11.64%
Himachal Pradesh 14.35%
Jharkhand 12.15%
Odisha 7.69%
Punjab 9.64%
Uttar Pradesh 12.94%
West Bengal 12.63% pic.twitter.com/fVC2GPGH57

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 9:55 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Odisha records 7.69% voter turnout till 9 am in the fourth phase of elections to its State Legislative Assembly.

Odisha records 7.69% voter turnout till 9 am in the fourth phase of elections to its State Legislative Assembly. pic.twitter.com/IU0T3WOdYL

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 9:51 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: BJP national president JP Nadda emphasizes trust people have in Prime Minister Modi’s assurances

BJP national president JP Nadda emphasized the trust people have in Prime Minister Modi’s assurances, stating, “The only thing that people kept in their minds is that Modi’s guarantee means the guarantee of fulfilment of the guarantee. The country is in strong hands, the country is running a strong government under the leadership of PM Modi and is making India self-reliant.”

He criticized the Congress for creating confusion, particularly regarding their manifesto’s emphasis on special preferences for minorities, which he interpreted as appeasement tactics. Nadda underscored that issues like the Ram Mandir and Article 370 are matters of national importance and faith for the BJP, not merely political tools for garnering votes. He asserted, “But the whole country has stood with us and everyone understood that BJP has also saved the pride of India by building the Ram Mandir and by removing Article 370, the country has become stronger…”

June 1, 2024 9:51 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: “PM Narendra Modi Engages in Meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari”

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: PM Narendra Modi meditates at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, where Swami Vivekananda did meditation.

He started his meditation here on 30th May evening which will continue till 1st June evening. pic.twitter.com/PUrSzxJwZp

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 9:35 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Former Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav Urges Voters: “Defend Constitution, Democracy, and Reservation”

#WATCH | Patna: Former Bihar Deputy CM and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, "I appeal to people to come out of their homes and vote against those who want to end the Constitution, reservation, democracy…We have told you earlier also that Bihar will give a shocking result and we… pic.twitter.com/BAzBAq2vOs

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 9:35 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: We’ll win all 40 seats in Bihar”: RJD leader Rabri Devi after casting vote in Patna

June 1, 2024 9:20 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Ajay Rai, emphasizes the power of the public in decision-making

UP Congress chief and candidate from the Varanasi seat, Ajay Rai, emphasized the power of the public in decision-making, stating, “Public decides everything. Prime Minister had lost earlier too and ‘Banaras ka laal’ had defeated him. With the blessings of Baba Vishwanath and the people of Kashi, I will win. The love of Kashi is with me…”

Furthermore, he expressed his vision for promoting local interests, saying, “It will be absolutely Vocal for Local. People will give priority to Local. Someone who doesn’t know his lanes, his soil, a show-off son of Maa Ganga who is meditating by the seashore — if you have to do it, do it on the banks of River Ganga…”

June 1, 2024 9:20 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live: Mandi BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut casts her vote

In Himachal Pradesh, BJP candidate for the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency, Kangana Ranaut, cast her vote at a polling station in Mandi during the seventh and final phase of the general election. As for the competition, Congress has nominated Vikramaditya Singh for the Mandi Lok Sabha seat.

June 1, 2024 9:06 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: Charanjit Singh Channi, former Punjab CM and Congress candidate from Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat says ” BJP are spreading false propaganda”

Charanjit Singh Channi, former Punjab CM and Congress candidate from the Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat, addressed concerns about false propaganda by the Aam Aadmi Party and BJP. He stated, “Aam Aadmi Party and BJP are spreading false propaganda. Yesterday BJP posted about Dera Ballan that Dera Ballan supports them, which Dera Ballan has denied and said that if they spread false propaganda like this then they will file an FIR. Dera Ballan has made it clear that they do not support BJP… I thank Baba Ji. Aam Aadmi Party has started spreading false propaganda… I want to warn people not to fall for such propaganda. And wherever I am going, people are congratulating me and we are going to win in large numbers. I thank the people of Jalandhar who have accepted me.”

June 1, 2024 9:06 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s wife says after casting vote “I appeal to women to come out and vote in large numbers.”

After casting her vote, Dr Gurpreet Kaur, wife of Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann says, “I appeal to women to come out and vote in large numbers. We should also contribute to elect a good government that can work for us…”

June 1, 2024 8:53 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann casts his vote

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his wife, Gurpreet Kaur, cast their votes at a polling booth in the Sangrur constituency.

The seat is witnessing a competition between Congress’ Sukhpal Singh Khaira, BJP’s Arvind Khanna, AAP’s Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, SAD’s Iqbal Singh Jhundan, and Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)’s Simranjit Singh Mann.

#WATCH | Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and his wife Dr Gurpreet Kaur cast their vote at a polling booth in Sangrur constituency.

The seat sees a contest amid Congress' Sukhpal Singh Khaira, BJP's Arvind Khanna, AAP's Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and SAD's Iqbal Singh Jhundan and… pic.twitter.com/tZpH7OtZGK

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 8.55 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

BJP leader Jaiveer Shergill exercised his voting right for the final phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 at a polling station in Jalandhar, Punjab. In the constituency, AAP’s Pawan Kumar Tinu, BJP’s Shushil Kumar Rinku, and Congress’ Charanjit Singh Channi are competing against each other.

June 1, 2024 8.47 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

In Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister and BJP candidate from the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat, Anurag Thakur, accompanied by his father and former Himachal Pradesh CM Prem Kumar Dhumal, arrived at a polling station in Hamirpur to cast their votes for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

The Congress has nominated Satpal Singh Raizada as its candidate from the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat.

June 1, 2024 8.41 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

Rai is contesting against Prime Minister and BJP candidate Narendra Modi, as well as BSP’s Ather Jamal Lari.

UP Congress chief and candidate from the Varanasi seat, Ajay Rai, mentioned that they are receiving silent votes and support from those who previously backed other parties like BSP and Apna Dal. He noted that there appears to be a public desire for change, highlighting dissatisfaction among businessmen and weavers in the city, particularly due to the impact of GST. Rai remarked, “He (PM Modi) should have sat on the banks of Ganga ji and done meditation here.”

#WATCH | UP Congress chief & candidate from Varanasi seat, Ajay Rai says, "We are getting silent votes and those who were with other parties like BSP, Apna Dal are coming with us. That is why it seems that the public is in the mood for change. The businessmen, weavers in the city… pic.twitter.com/T4PFIHPY1f

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 8.41 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

In Himachal Pradesh, after casting his vote, BJP chief JP Nadda had tea and snacks with locals at a tea stall in Bilaspur and interacted with them.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: After casting his vote, BJP chief JP Nadda has tea and snacks with people at a tea stall in Bilaspur & interacts with them. pic.twitter.com/zgFZ0LM8fk

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 8:40 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: BJP Gorakhpur Ravi Kishan appeal to voters

As the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency undergoes voting during the final phase, actor and BJP candidate Ravi Kishan appealed to voters to exercise their vote.

“Humble greetings, namaste, and pranaam to all the voters of Gorakhpur. Friends, you all will be aware that today voting is being held in Gorakhpur under the seventh phase of Lok Sabha general elections. On this occasion, I humbly request all of you, the God-like voters who are the destiny makers of Gorakhpur, to exercise your right to vote in this great festival of democracy by discharging your duty as aware voters. Each and every vote of yours is important and will decide the future of your Lok Sabha and the country. Therefore, I once again appeal to all of you to participate enthusiastically in this festival of democracy,” he wrote on X.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: BJP MP and candidate from Gorakhpur, Ravi Kishan & his wife Preeti Kishan cast their votes at a polling booth in the constituency.

The Gorakhpur seat sees a contest amid BJP's Ravi Kishan, SP's Kajal Nishad and BSP's Javed Ashraf.#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/bTC51NMa3E

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 8.35 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Hamirpur, Anurag Thakur along with his wife Shefali Thakur leave from their residence in Hamirpur to cast their votes for the seventh phase of Lok sabha Election 2024 Congress has fielded Satpal Singh Raizada from the Hamirpur LS seat.

June 1, 2024 8.31 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

Sikkim Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya says, “I am happy to take part in this festival of democracy. I think that voting is a duty along with being a constitutional right and everyone should perform their duty and exercise their right…”

June 1, 2024 8.23 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

In Kolkata, West Bengal, after casting his vote at a polling booth in Belgachia, BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty stated that he had fulfilled his duty as a BJP cadre.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal: After casting his vote at a polling booth in Belgachia, BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty says, "…I am a BJP cadre, I have done my duty…"#LokSabhaElections2024 pic.twitter.com/jn7DPXT8i4

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

After casting his vote, UP CM Yogi Adityanath remarked, “PM Modi has taken some time out of his busy schedule of 2.5 months, although his entire life is dedicated to India. He has served India for 10 years and has increased India’s respect in the world by considering the country’s welfare as paramount. This spiritual worship of PM Modi is dedicated to the nation… Those who are involved in corruption and misconduct cannot understand the importance of this. To understand this, one needs to have faith in India and India’s eternal values, and we can say with confidence that the meditation and devotion of PM Modi is also a part of nation worship, and the country will also get its benefits…”

June 1, 2024 8.23 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

After casting his vote, UP CM Yogi Adityanath says, ” PM Modi is dedicated to nation.”

#WATCH | After casting his vote, UP CM Yogi Adityanath says "PM Modi has taken some time out of his busy schedule of 2.5 months, although his entire life is dedicated to India. He has served India for 10 years and has increased India's respect in the world by considering the… pic.twitter.com/DQperkT315

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

June 1, 2024 8.28 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

Congress candidate from Gurdaspur Lok Sabha constituency Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa casts his vote for Lok sabha election 2024. The constituency is witnessing a triangular contest between Congress’ Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, BJP’s Dinesh Singh and AAP’s Amansher Singh.

June 1, 2024 8.21 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

AAP candidate Malvinder Singh Kang, emphasizes the importance of voting, urging people to come out and cast their votes

AAP candidate from Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha seat Malvinder Singh Kang says, “Your vote decides your future…We are repeatedly requesting people that no matter how hot it is, to strengthen democracy and save democracy, more and more people should come out and cast their vote.” BJP has fielded Dr Subhash Sharma from Anandpur Sahib Lok Sabha seat. Congress has fielded Vijay Inder Singla.

June 1, 2024 8.16 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates

RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi and their daughter arrive at polling booth

Bihar: RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi and their daughter & party candidate from Saran Lok Sabha seat Rohini Acharya arrive at a polling booth in Patna to cast their vote.

June 1, 2024 8:07 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: EVM, VVPAT machines allegedly thrown into water in Bengal’s South 24 Parganas

June 1, 2024 7:56 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: Former Indian cricketer and AAP MP Harbhajan Singh casts his vote

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: Former Indian cricketer and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh voted at a polling booth in Pubjab’s Jalandhar.

“Today is a very important day for all of us, and I would appeal to everyone to come out and vote foand elect a government that can work for you,” he said.

Voting in all the 13 parliamentary constituencies of Punjab is underway today, during the final phase of the general elections.

June 1, 2024 7:48 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar casts his vote, appeals to people to vote for a better future

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: After casting his vote, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party president and Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar says, “I want to appeal to the people to come out of their houses and cast their vote for a better future of people.”

He cast his vote in Ballia today during the final voting phase of thegeneral elections.

June 1, 2024 7:43 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: BJP candidate from Amritsar constituency, Taranjit Singh casts his vote

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: In Punjab, former diplomat and BJP candidate from the Amritsar constituency, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, cast his vote at a local polling booth.

He is competing against Congress MP and candidate Gurjeet Singh Aujla, AAP’s Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and SAD’s Anil Joshi.

June 1, 2024 7:40 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: Sikkim Governor Laxman Acharya casts his vote in Varanasi

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: Sikkim Governor Laxman Acharya, along with his wife, cast a vote at the Ramnagar polling booth in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the fray as a BJP candidate from Varanasi during this phase.

June 1, 2024 7:36 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: AAP MP Raghav Chadha casts his vote in

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha showed his inked finger to the media after casting his vote at a polling station in Lakhnaur, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar under the Anandpur Sahib constituency in Punjab, during the seventh and final phase of the general elections.

June 1, 2024 7:29 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: A long queue of voters at a polling booth in Korauta of Varanasi

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: Entering its final phase, the Lok Sabha elections will feature a notable contest at the crucial Varanasi seat, where 1,997,577 voters will determine the fate of seven candidates, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

June 1, 2024 7:26 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: BJP chief JP Nadda casts his vote in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: BJP National President JP Nadda and his wife Mallika Nadda cast their votes at a polling booth in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur.

After voting, Nadda said, “I was the first voter here (in his booth). I appeal to all voters to vote in large numbers for a capable and self-reliant India. I urge voters to vote and contribute towards making India a capable, self-reliant and developed India…I consider this a festival of democracy.”

June 1, 2024 7:18 AM IST

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: UP CM Yogi Adityanath casts vote in Gorakhpur

Lok Sabha Election Phase 7 LIVE Updates: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi cast his vote in Gorakhpur’s Gorakhnath, where BJP’s Ravi Kishan, SP’s Kajal Nishad, and BSP’s Javed Ashraf are contesting.

A total of 13 parliamentary seats out of 80 are under-voting during the seventh and final phase of the general elections today.

Voting will continue until 6 pm

June 1, 2024 7:09 AM IST

Together, let’s make our democracy more vibrant: PM Modi urges voters to vote in large numbers

“Today is the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As 57 seats across 8 states and UTs go to the polls, calling upon the voters to turnout in large numbers and vote. I hope young and women voters exercise their franchise in record numbers. Together, let’s make our democracy more vibrant and participative,” tweets PM Modi

June 1, 2024 7:03 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 7 LIVE: Voting begins across 57 constituencies

Voting begins across 57 constituencies

June 1, 2024 7:02 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 7 LIVE: AAP MP Raghav Chadha stands in a queue at a polling station in Lakhnaur

June 1, 2024 6:43 AM IST

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 7 LIVE: Girls perform Gidda at a polling booth in Mohali

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 7: PM Modi Urges Young Voters, Women to Vote in Large Numbers

June 1, 2024, 7:48 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday urged voters, especially women and youth, to vote in large numbers in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. In a post on X, PM Modi emphasized the importance of voter turnout in the 57 seats across 8 states and UTs going to the polls. He encouraged young and women voters to make the democracy more vibrant and participative.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also posted on X, appealing to Uttar Pradesh voters to choose a development-focused government. He highlighted the need for an honest government to build infrastructure and provide essential services to the poor.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called on voters to support the INDIA bloc, emphasizing the fight against dictatorial forces and the importance of protecting the Constitution and fundamental rights.

The seventh and final phase of voting began on Saturday, covering 57 parliamentary constituencies across seven states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. This phase concludes the world’s largest polling marathon, with over 10.06 crore electors expected to vote.

Prominent candidates in this phase include PM Modi, BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad and Nishikant Dubey, Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Charanjit Singh Channi, and actor-turned-politicians Kangana Ranaut and Ravi Kishan.

Election Market Prediction: Three Potential Outcomes and Market Reactions

May 31, 2024, 1:46 pm

The national election, spanning six weeks, is nearing its end with voting concluding on Saturday. Financial markets are eagerly awaiting the results, which will be revealed after counting on June 4.

Experts and pollsters have differing opinions on the election outcome, with concerns about low voter turnout and voter apathy posing potential risks for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

In the 2019 election, the BJP and its allies secured 352 out of 543 seats in the Lok Sabha, with the BJP alone winning 303 seats.

While exit polls are prohibited before the end of voting this Saturday, early April opinion polls suggested a sweeping victory for the BJP.

The informal betting market, often monitored by traders, forecasts that the BJP will win close to 300 seats, similar to their 2019 performance.

As the 2024 election results approach, fund managers, analysts, and economists predict various market reactions based on different scenarios:

If BJP secure a stronger majority than in 2019

Should the BJP secure a stronger majority than in 2019, equity markets are expected to rally, driven by anticipation of growth-friendly economic policies, including infrastructure spending and a boost to the manufacturing sector, according to Rajesh Bhatia, chief investment officer at ITI Mutual Fund.

Benchmark indices S&P Sensex and NSE Nifty 50 could rise by 4-5%, stated Abhishek Goenka, founder of IFA Global, a forex consultancy and asset management firm.

The rupee could strengthen to around 82.80 against the dollar from its current level of 83.32, and benchmark bond yields might dip to 6.90%-6.92% from near 7%, according to VRC Reddy, treasury head at Karur Vysya Bank.

PM Modi’s return is seen positively by the market as it signals political stability and policy continuity, noted James Thom, senior investment director of Asian equities at abrdn in Singapore.

If BJP Holds Power With Fewer Seats

If the BJP and its allies win fewer seats than in 2019 but still exceed the 272 seats needed to form a government, markets may experience short-term volatility but stabilize quickly.

The market appears to have already adjusted to the possibility of a narrower victory margin for the BJP and its allies, said Gaurav Dua, head of capital market strategy at Sharekhan, a brokerage.

A seat count below 300 for the current government will not significantly impact the market’s trajectory, according to Umeshkumar Mehta, chief investment officer at Samco Asset Management.

The rupee and bond yields are unlikely to see significant changes in this scenario, added Vijay Sharma, senior executive vice president at PNB Gilts.

If Opposition-Led Coalition Forms Government

A surprise loss for the BJP and the potential formation of a coalition government led by Congress could cause a market sell-off until the new government’s policies are clarified.

The market favors continuity, so a victory by another party could trigger an immediate negative reaction, said Mittul Kalawadia, senior fund manager, equity, at ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund.

“Whether in the long run things are positive or negative we will know later, but in the short-term any change which impacts policy level continuity will be a big negative,” Kalawadia remarked.

IFA Global’s Goenka predicted a potential drop of up to 10% in benchmark stock market indices in such a scenario, while Sharekhan’s Dua suggested the fall could be as large as 15-20%.

In this situation, the central bank might intervene to prevent a decline in the rupee, said Anindya Banerjee, head of foreign exchange research at Kotak Securities.

Foreign outflows from bonds could lead to an immediate rise of 10-15 basis points in yields, Banerjee added.

Congress Objects to Modi’s Kanyakumari Meditation; Lodges Complaint To ECI

May 30, 2024, 2:56 pm

The Congress has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) claiming that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned two-day meditation retreat in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, from Thursday to Saturday will breach the 48-hour silence period before the final phase of Lok Sabha polling. Modi’s office announced on Tuesday that he will meditate at Kanyakumari’s Rock Memorial, coinciding with the seventh phase of the elections on Saturday. Modi had similar meditation breaks at the end of the 2014 and 2019 election campaigns.

“We have no problem if any leader keeps a fast of silence or campaigns, but during the silence period, there should be no campaigning,” stated Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi after a Congress delegation met with ECI officials on Wednesday.

The delegation submitted 28 complaints of alleged Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders, including Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Singhvi noted that the silence period before the polling starts on May 30 and lasts until June 1, arguing that Modi’s meditation violates the MCC. “…you are either campaigning this way or publicizing yourself through news channels and print media,” Singhvi asserted.

There was no immediate response from the ECI on whether the BJP has sought permission for Modi’s meditation during the silence period.

Singhvi suggested that Modi could begin his meditation on Saturday evening. If Modi insists on starting on Thursday evening, Singhvi proposed that the ECI should prohibit all media coverage of it. “He is a candidate himself in the last phase. About 55 constituencies are going to polls in the last phase. Such publicity should not be allowed,” Singhvi emphasized.

The Congress also accused the BJP of spreading “false, misleading, and divisive” posts on X (formerly Twitter) to push a narrative about wealth redistribution favoring a religious minority. They pointed to doctored videos of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s speech circulated on May 10 to mislead voters.

The Congress’s X account in Jharkhand was blocked, and party members in Telangana were arrested over a doctored video involving Shah.

Six of the 28 complaints involved Modi’s “derogatory” and “communal” remarks, accusing him of falsely claiming that Congress seeks to redistribute wealth among Muslims, referred to pejoratively as “those who do Vote Jihad.” They also cited Modi’s interviews with India Today and Aaj Tak aired on May 13, during the fourth phase of polling, as violations of the MCC and the Representation of People Act (RPA).

In three complaints against Adityanath, the Congress alleged that he accused the party of historically supporting “terrorism,” violating the MCC, RPA, and the Indian Penal Code. Two complaints were filed against Shah’s speeches.

The Congress also claimed that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged people on May 22 to vote based on religion while falsely portraying Congress as communal. They added that voters in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana received calls from the US to vote for the BJP, violating the MCC and RPA.

PM Modi’s Election Campaign: 180 Rallies and Roadshows Across India’s Political Heartlands

May 30, 2024, 12:18 pm

Upon his arrival in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on May 30, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concludes a journey that began with his extensive campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the same location on March 15 this year.

The Prime Minister conducted a total of 180 election campaign events, comprising rallies and roadshows, during this election season. Impressively, within the span of 75 days of active campaigning, Modi maintained a pace of over three events per day. There were days when he held five events, and on 22 days, he managed four events daily, demonstrating his tireless commitment to campaigning across the entire country.

In May, the PM intensified his campaign efforts, conducting a total of 96 events.

FOCUS ON FOUR STATES, 88 EVENTS

Four states were central to PM Modi’s campaign, contributing to over half of all his public events during this period. Uttar Pradesh (UP) topped the list with 31 events, given its significance as the state sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha and remains a crucial focus for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The PM’s increased campaign efforts in Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Bihar also reflected strategic priorities for the BJP.

In Maharashtra, where BJP formed new alliances, Modi doubled his rallies from 2019, holding 19 events. West Bengal saw significant attention, with the PM aiming to improve BJP’s tally from the last election. Telangana also emerged as a key focus, with 11 events held there.

CAMPAIGN ACROSS THE NATION

PM Modi made substantial efforts in South India, particularly in Telangana and Karnataka, where BJP anticipates electoral gains. His campaign also extended to Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, addressing various issues and sensing voter sentiment.

Additionally, he conducted rallies in his home state of Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the North-Eastern states. Jammu and Kashmir also witnessed one rally by the Prime Minister.