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Bihar: Actor Neha Sharma Votes in Father’s Constituency Bhagalpur

April 26, 2024, 11:03 am

On Friday, actress Neha Sharma cast her ballot in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, where her father Ajeet Sharma is contesting.
Ajit Sharma is the Congress candidate competing in Bhagalpur.

Following their visit to the polling booth to vote, the senior Congress legislator, along with his wife and daughter Neha, proudly showed off their inked fingers.

After participating in the democratic process herself, Neha encouraged others to exercise their right to vote.

After casting her vote, Neha told ANI, “This is a very important day…I request people that this is a very important right that we have. As an aware citizen, step out and vote because your vote is precious.”

Today, Bhagalpur, along with Banka, Kishanganj, Katihar, and Purnia, constitutes one of the five seats in Bihar where polling will take place.

Voting for the five Bihar Lok Sabha seats will be conducted today between 6 AM and 7 PM. The general elections are scheduled in five phases, with the second phase commencing today for the remaining constituencies.

In the ongoing second round of the Lok Sabha elections, a total of 89 seats across 13 states and union territories are up for voting.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: Tripura leads with 16.65 % voter turnout follwed by WB with 15.68 % till 9 am

April 26, 2024, 10:45 am

Tripura reports a significant voter turnout with 16.65 percent recorded by 9:00 AM, as per Election Commission of India data. Similarly, states like West Bengal (15.68), Manipur (15.49), and Chhattisgarh (15.42) are also witnessing considerable participation. In contrast, Maharashtra recorded the lowest turnout at 7.45 percent by 9 AM.

Voting percentages for other states participating in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls at 9 AM are as follows: Assam–9.71 percent, Bihar–9.84 percent, Jammu and Kashmir–10.39 percent, Karnataka–9.21 percent, Kerala–11.98 percent, Madhya Pradesh–13.82 percent, Rajasthan–11.77 percent, and Uttar Pradesh–11.67 percent. The overall voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was over 67 percent.

Voting for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced at 7:00 AM on Friday across 88 Parliamentary Constituencies spread over 12 States and Union Territories. Due to severe heat, polling time has been extended till 6 PM in many polling stations in Banka, Madhepura, Khagaria, and Munger constituencies in Bihar to facilitate voters.

Polling for 29-Betul PC in Madhya Pradesh was rescheduled to the third phase due to the death of a candidate from the Bahujan Samaj Party. The polling for 102 seats in phase one was completed on April 19.

A total of 34.8 lakh first-time voters are registered to cast their votes, with 3.28 crore young voters in the age group 20-29 years. There are 1202 candidates (males: 1098; females: 102; third gender: 02) contesting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA, a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, aims to oust him from power.

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

April 19, 2024, 5:28 pm

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

During the Damoh election rally, PM Modi said

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lok Sabha Polls: Madhya Pradesh Witness Strong Voter Engagement, Hits 53.40% by 3 PM

April 19, 2024, 5:28 pm

In the initial phase of polling for six parliamentary seats in Madhya Pradesh, state recorded a robust 53.40 per cent voter turnout till 3 pm in the first phase of polling for six parliamentary seats in the state, according to data released by the Election Commission.The polling for the six parliamentary seats–Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat and Chhindwara–got underway at 7 am on Friday.

Out Of the six seats that went to polls on the day, Balaghat topped the charts in terms of voter turnout at 63.69 per cent, followed closely by Chhindwara, a Congress stronghold, at 62.57 per cent, Mandla at 58.28 per cent, Shahdol at 48.64 per cent, Jabalpur at 48.05 per cent and Sidhi 40.60 at per cent till 3 pm, according to the Election Commission.

Previously, the polling rate in the state stood at approximately 15% until 9 am, then escalated to 30.46% by 11 am, and further to 44.43% by 1 pm.

Earlier in the day, Anupam Rajan, the Chief Electoral Officer of Madhya Pradesh, remarked, “Ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha polling, mock polls were successfully conducted at 13,588 polling stations today. During these mock polls, certain issues were detected in some balloting units, control units, and VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails), which were promptly replaced. A total of 78 balloting units, 59 control units, and 88 VVPATs were replaced.”

The Lok Sabha elections in the state will be carried out over four phases, with the subsequent three phases slated for April 26, May 7, and May 13. Vote counting is set to take place on June 4.

Madhya Pradesh, with a total of 29 Lok Sabha constituencies, ranks as the sixth-largest state in terms of its representation in the Lower House. Among these constituencies, 10 are reserved for SC and ST candidates, while the remaining 19 are unreserved.

TN Governor RN Ravi Votes, Urges Enthusiastic Participation

April 19, 2024, 2:04 pm

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and his wife Lakshmi put forth their votes at a polling booth in Chennai in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections on Friday.

Governor RN Ravi also encouraged people to participate enthusiastically and fulfill their democratic responsibility.

After casting his vote, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi said, “This is the festival of democracy. I am immensely happy and proud to have participated in it. This mark (inked finger) is the most beautiful insignia of a citizen.”

“I urge all citizens, especially first-time voters, to take part in this festival with full enthusiasm,” he added.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also called on voters to fulfill their democratic obligation. Sharing his voting experience on his official X Handle, the Tamil Nadu CM posted pictures and stated, “I have done my Democratic duty. I request people to do their democratic duty.”

The Tamil Nadu CM also encouraged young voters to participate in the electoral process with enthusiasm.

“Everyone vote correctly. Especially young people, who are first-time voters should vote with enthusiasm! The future of our India is in your hands…”

Voting is currently in progress for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu during the first phase of the general elections.

The first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the extensive seven-phase electoral process began at 7:00 am. Voters will continue to cast their votes until 6:00 pm.

In Tamil Nadu during the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, consisting of the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, secured a landslide victory by winning 38 of the 39 seats in the state.

Those participating in the first phase include constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The second phase is scheduled for April 26, followed by subsequent phases on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, respectively.

According to ECI data, an estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

Amit Shah Files Nomination from Gandhinagar Constituency for 2024 Lok Sabha Polls

April 19, 2024, 1:58 pm

Union home minister Amit Shah and a senior leader of BJP Amit shah has filed nomination papers from Gujarat’s capital Gandhinagar for coming Lok Sabha elections. While filing the nomination, he was accompanied by sitting CM of the western state Bhupendra Patel.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Union Home Minister Amit Shah files his nomination from the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat for the upcoming #LokSabhaElections2024

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel is also present.

Congress has fielded its party secretary Sonal Patel from Gandhinagar. pic.twitter.com/M3Noc9otu3

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

This decision marks Amit Shah’s attempt to secure re-election in a constituency which enjoys a rich political legacy with the likes of Atal Bihari Vajapyee and L.K. Advani. With the former having won from both Lucknow & Gandhinagar in the 1996 general election. But the former PM left the latter for Lucknow. Paving way for future leaders.

In 2019, however, Amit Shah managed to achieve a clear win in the BJP’s stronghold, defeating Congress candidate Dr CJ Chavda. where the vote share reached 69.67 percent.

Meanwhile from Congress, has put forward its party secretary Sonal Patel.

Gujarat will go to the polls in 7th May 2024, in the third phase of the election. Results will be declared on 7th June.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 First Phase: Tripura leads with 80.17% in voter turnout while Bihar recorded the lowest with 48.50%

April 19, 2024, 12:23 pm

The Election Commission of India announced dates for the 2024 Lok Sabha election through a press conference. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 are set to be held in 7 phases beginning on April 19 and ending on June 4. A total of 543 Principal Constituencies will be set up throughout the elections. CEC Rajiv Kumar arrived at the press conference with Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu at 3 pm. On June 16, the current administration will come to an end.

These are the voter turnouts as recorded in the states and union territories.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 56.87%

Arunachal Pradesh: 67.15%

Assam: 72.10%

Bihar: 48.50%

Chhattisgarh: 63.41%

Jammu & Kashmir: 65.08%

Lakshadweep: 59.02%

Madhya Pradesh: 67.08%

Maharashtra: 55.35%

Manipur: 69.13%

Meghalaya: 74.21%

Mizoram: 54.23%

Nagaland: 56.91%

Puducherry: 73.50%

Rajasthan: 56.58%

Sikkim: 69.47%

Tamil Nadu: 65.19%

Tripura: 80.17%

Uttar Pradesh: 58.49%

Uttarakhand: 54.06%

West Bengal: 77.57%

Stock Market Dives Amid Rising Iran-Israel Tensions: Sensex and Nifty See Steep Declines

April 19, 2024, 12:15 pm

Amidst a turbulent day of trading, the Indian stock market sharply declined, influenced by the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The Sensex dropped by 591.21 points, starting at 71,898.32, while the Nifty fell by 183.55 points, opening trading at 21,812.30.

With market sentiment bleak, only six Nifty companies made gains, while a significant 44 experienced declines. Noteworthy advancers among the Nifty firms were ONGC, Apollo Hospital, Cipla, ITC, and Dr. Reddy, whereas BPCL, HDFC Life, Bajaj Auto, Infosys, and Coal India were notable losers.

Amid apprehensions of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, oil prices surged by nearly 4 percent. Varun Aggarwal, the founder and managing director of Profit Idea, noted that the Nifty 50 index encountered significant volatility, ultimately closing the day down by 152 points below the 22,000 threshold. Despite lingering below the crucial 21-EMA moving average, the hourly chart revealed a bullish harami pattern, suggesting a possible bullish turnaround in the short run. Furthermore, the hourly chart displayed a bullish divergence.

Against a backdrop of subdued global signals, the domestic equity market commenced Friday’s session with a lower opening. Asian markets trended downwards, mirroring mixed performance in the US stock market, influenced by hawkish remarks from US Federal Reserve officials and robust economic indicators indicating a hesitance towards near-term interest rate cuts.

Aggarwal remarked, “Market anticipation of a rate cut in June has dwindled to 15.2 percent, with July at 41.5 percent, down from 48.4 percent a week earlier. Reports of explosions in Iran, Syria, and Iraq heightened risk sentiment, prompting a decline in oil prices and a retreat to the dollar.”

US equity futures declined, accompanied by a roughly 2 percent drop in Japanese stocks. Safe-haven assets saw a surge in demand, resulting in a decrease in Treasury yields and an uptick in the index of dollar strength.

Economic indicators revealed subdued US jobless claims and a Philadelphia Fed factory index surpassing expectations. Nonetheless, concerns about inflation resurfaced, tempering prospects for rate cuts in 2024.

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, emerging market currencies saw a decline, while gold prices surged. S&P Global Ratings downgraded Israel’s sovereign rating for the first time ever, citing increased regional geopolitical risks.

As the standoff between Israel and Iran intensifies, investors are on edge, anticipating potential market volatility in the near future.

Violence Reported in West Bengal Elections; TMC and BJP Lodge Complaints

April 19, 2024, 11:32 am

Intermittent instances of violence are emerging amidst the ongoing elections in West Bengal, where voting is underway for three seats – Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar. As of 10 am, both the TMC and BJP had filed numerous complaints with the Election Commission regarding violence in the Cooch Behar Lok Sabha constituency.

In another incident, in the Naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, a Barel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) cell explosion occurred approximately 500 meters away from a polling booth in the Galgam area of Bijapur during ongoing elections. According to reports, a security personnel member, who was part of a team conducting area domination exercises, sustained injuries in the blast.

The other states and Union Territories where elections are being held in the first phase today include Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5 seats), Bihar (4 seats), Chhattisgarh (1 seat), Madhya Pradesh (6 seats), Maharashtra (5 seats), Manipur (2 seats), Meghalaya (2 seats), Mizoram (1 seat), Nagaland (1 seat), Rajasthan (12 seats), Sikkim (1 seat), Tamil Nadu (39 seats), Tripura (1 seat), Uttar Pradesh (8 seats), Uttarakhand (5 seats), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1 seat), Jammu and Kashmir (1 seat), Lakshadweep (1 seat), and Puducherry (1 seat).

In the first phase, at least 16.63 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes at 1.87 lakh polling stations. There are a total of 18 lakh polling officials deployed on poll duty. The eligible voters consist of 8.4 crore men, 8.23 crore women, and 11,371 third-gender electors. Among the 3.51 crore young voters aged 20-29 years, there are 35.67 lakh first-time voters registered to cast their votes in the first phase.

Tamil Nadu Phase 1 Polling Live: Annamalai Accuses Election Officials of Removing 1 Lakh Voter Names

April 19, 2024, 11:04 am

In the initial phase of the Lok Sabha elections, all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu are embroiled in a high-stakes contest involving the DMK, BJP, and AIADMK, with outcomes anticipated by June 4. Prominent contenders include K Annamalai from the BJP in Coimbatore and Tamilisai Soundararajan in Chennai South.

Apr 19, 2024 05:28 IST

Coimbatore BJP candidate K Annamalai alleged that election officials had removed approximately 1 lakh voter names from the Coimbatore Lok Sabha constituency.

Apr 19, 2024 04:55 IST

Satyabrata Sahoo updates on latest voting percentage. “Till 3 PM, the voting percentage for the entire state is 51.41%. The highest percentage of voting has been noted in Dharmapuri at 57.86%. Namakkal comes second with 57.67% voting… Minimum voting has been reported in the three constituencies of Chennai. Chennai Central is at 41.47%, Chennai South is at 42.10%, Chennai North is at 44.84%. Voting is going on smoothly in all the places,” he said.

Apr 19, 2024 04:55 IST

“We are also Amma’s followers. People understand this and will vote for us…This time NDA will win in many constituencies in Tamil Nadu,” stated AMMK General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran.

Apr 19, 2024 03:00 IST

51.41% voter turnout recorded at 3 PM.

Apr 19, 2024 01:37 IST

Voter turnout gets to 39.52 per cent by 1 PM.

Apr 19, 2024 01:37 IST

Dhanush and Ajith casts vote.

Apr 19, 2024 01:11 IST

Tamil Vettri Kazhagam president and Actor Vijay cast his vote.

Apr 19, 2024 01:10 IST

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and leaders vote

Apr 19, 2024 01:07 IST

Two voters die in Tamil Nadu in polling booths

Apr 19, 2024 12:31 IST

Governor RN Ravi stresses, “This is the festival of democracy…I am immensely happy and proud to have participated in it. This mark (inked finger) is the most beautiful insignia of a citizen.”

Apr 19, 2024 11:43 IST

Tamil Nadu records a 23.72 per cent turnout at 11 am.

Apr 19, 2024 11:18 IST

DMK leader A Raja participates in the voting process in Tamil Nadu’s Perambalur constituency, while actor Ajith Kumar exercises his voting privilege in Thiruvanmiyur for the Lok Sabha elections.

Apr 19, 2024 11:05 IST

Actor Dhanush arrives at a polling booth in Alwarpet, Chennai.

Apr 19, 2024 11:01 IST

Satyabrata Sahoo, the Chief Electoral Officer in Tamil Nadu, on Friday, reported that Chennai Central experienced low voter turnout because Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were delayed at certain locations due to technical issues.

“Till 9 AM, it is 12.55 per cent. Chennai Central has the lowest voter turnout of 8.59 per cent. There were delays in EVMs due to technical faults at 4-5 places but all were rectified. The election is going smoothly as of now in the state,” he said.

EVM delays caused Low Voter Turnout: Satyabrata Sahoo

April 19, 2024, 10:44 am

Nevertheless, the Election Commission’s official voter turnout application indicated that the turnout in the southern state stood at 9.21 percent as of 9 am.

Voting is currently underway for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu. As per data released by the Election Commission of India, West Bengal witnessed a voter turnout of 15.09 percent, while Madhya Pradesh recorded a turnout of 15 percent as of 9 a.m.

Voting percentages for the states participating in phase 1 elections are as follows: Andaman and Nicobar Islands – 8.64 percent, Arunachal Pradesh – 6.29 percent, Assam – 11.15 percent, Bihar – 9.23 percent, Chhattisgarh – 12.02 percent, Jammu and Kashmir – 10.43 percent, Lakshadweep – 5.59 percent, Maharashtra – 6.98 percent.

The voting percentages for the states participating in phase 1 elections are as follows: Manipur – 11.91 percent, Meghalaya – 13.71 percent, Mizoram – 11.22 percent, Nagaland – 10.64 percent, Puducherry – 10.11 percent, Rajasthan – 10.67 percent, Sikkim – 7.92 percent, Tamil Nadu – 8.25 percent, Tripura – 15.21 percent, Uttar Pradesh – 12.66 percent, Uttarakhand – 10.54 percent.

The voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections surpassed 67 percent. In the meantime, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin exercised his franchise in Alwarpet, Chennai, stating that he fulfilled his democratic responsibility to safeguard the country.

MK Stalin also requested to the voters to do their democratic duty. Taking to his official X Handle, the Tamil Nadu CM posted his pictures during the voting and said, “I have done my Democratic duty. I request all should do their democratic duty.”

Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 commenced on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise began at 7:00 am. Voters will exercise the franchise until 6:00 pm.

In the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, consisting of the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI (M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, achieved a sweeping victory, securing 38 out of the 39 seats in the state.

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

April 19, 2024, 10:19 am

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

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

— ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024

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

SP Leader ST Hasan Slams Modi’s Rally Clash with Election Day

April 19, 2024, 10:10 am

ST Hasan, a leader from the Samajwadi Party, strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for holding an election rally on the same day as the first phase of the 2024 general election.

“The election commission should take cognizance of the matter. I believe that this is not justified for free and fair elections,” Hasan told ANI.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to conduct public rallies in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Damoh in Madhya Pradesh, and Wardha in Maharashtra on Friday.

Hasan urged voters to exercise their rights to cast their votes.

“This is the festival of democracy in which people cast their vote. Casting votes is required to save democracy and the Constitution. The kind of ‘jumle’ they (BJP) provide and messages they deliver to fool people,” he said

Initially, ST Hasan submitted his nomination for the Moradabad seat, but later withdrew it when the SP announced Ruchi Vira as the candidate.

Today, elections are taking place in Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina (reserved for Scheduled Castes), Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh. In the first phase, voting is underway in 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories.

Over 16 crore eligible voters are participating in the first phase of elections. Polling for assembly elections in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim began concurrently with the commencement of voting for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday morning.

Arunachal Pradesh is conducting elections for two Lok Sabha seats and its 60-member Assembly. Additionally, Sikkim is voting for 32 assembly seats and a single Lok Sabha seat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vying for his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc, INDIA, a coalition of opposing parties formed to challenge the BJP in the general elections, is aiming to remove him from office.

A total of 16.63 crore voters are going to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, deciding the fate of 1625 candidates, with Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Bhupendra Yadav, and Arjun Ram Meghwal among several Union ministers in the fray.

Rajasthan Set to Repeat History of 2014 and 2019: CM Bhajanlal Sharma Confident After Casting Vote

April 19, 2024, 10:09 am

During the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma cast his vote at a polling booth in Jaipur on Friday. He expressed confidence that the state would mirror the outcomes of the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, ensuring victory for all 25 Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in the Parliamentary constituencies.

During the previous two elections in 2014 and 2019, the BJP and its allies clinched victory in all 25 seats. In 2019, Hanuman Beniwal of the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party secured the Nagaur seat with BJP’s support. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma urged citizens to participate in this festival of democracy by casting their votes, emphasizing its role in strengthening the nation. He expressed confidence that Rajasthan would echo the electoral successes of 2014 and 2019.

State Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, after casting his vote, emphasized the significance of the ongoing election, stating that it holds immense importance for the nation. He highlighted that this election reflects the stature of India as the world’s fifth-largest economy and the largest democracy. Rathore expressed confidence in Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, envisioning India’s ascent to becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He reiterated the adage, “Matdaata hi Bharat ke nirmaata hai” (Voters are the creators of India).

In the Jaipur City Lok Sabha constituency, Manju Sharma represents the Bharatiya Janata Party, while Pratap Singh Khachariyawas stands as the Congress candidate. Historically, both Congress and BJP candidates have held this seat at different times. Currently, it is represented by Ramcharan Bohra from the BJP.

Rajasthan’s 25 parliamentary constituencies will vote in two phases. The first phase, also the opening phase of the seven-phased elections, commenced on April 19, with voting underway for 12 seats. The remaining 13 seats in the state will be contested in the second phase on April 26.

Today marks the beginning of the world’s largest democratic exercise, as the first phase of polling unfolds in 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories. Scheduled from April 19 to June 1, this Lok Sabha election is poised to become the second longest polling process in India’s electoral history, following the inaugural general election spanning five months from September 1951 to February 1952. Similar to the 2019 general elections, this year’s polls are divided into seven phases. Vote counting is slated for June 4.

Common people have to rise above caste and religion and vote for PM Modi: Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary

April 19, 2024, 9:49 am

As the first phase of polling began on Friday, Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary urged voters to cast their ballots considering the progress made in the state. He called upon eligible voters to transcend caste and religion and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the polls.

“Polling is taking place on the four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar regarding that I want to make a special request from the voters to cast their votes on ‘development, development and development.’ With the progressive work done by PM Modi in the last 10 years and the fight that he (PM) picked up against corruption, therefore common people have to rise above caste and religion and vote for PM Modi,” he said.

“People of Bihar are quite smart, they know very well whom to give the mandate and this time 40/40 seats will be accorded to BJP by them (people),” the Samrat Choudhary added.

Voting is currently in progress for four parliamentary constituencies in Bihar: Aurangabad, Gaya, Jamui, and Nawada.

Bihar will undergo voting in all seven phases. The second phase is scheduled for April 26, the third phase for May 7, the fourth phase for May 13, the fifth phase for May 20, the sixth phase for May 25, and the seventh phase for June 1. Vote counting will take place on June 4.

Mahagathbandhan, the opposition coalition in Bihar consisting of the RJD, Congress, and Left parties, declared that the RJD, its primary constituent, will contest 26 out of the state’s 40 Lok Sabha seats in the elections.

The NDA in Bihar has also reached a seat-sharing agreement with the Janata Dal-United (JDU) and the LJP for the Lok Sabha polls.

The Bharatiya Janata Party is poised to contest 17 seats, while the JD-U will contest 16 seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NDA, consisting of the BJP, JD(U), and LJP, secured a dominant victory by winning 39 out of 40 seats.

In the previous general elections, all four seats were won by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) — the BJP in Aurangabad, the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) in Gaya, and the then-united Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) in both Jamui and Nawada. With 40 Lok Sabha seats, Bihar is regarded as one of the most crucial states in Indian politics.

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

April 19, 2024, 9:28 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rahul Gandhi Calls for Voter Turnout, Emphasizing the Power of Each Ballot

April 19, 2024, 9:16 am

At the onset of the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged all eligible voters to participate in the electoral process, highlighting the significance of each vote to “decide the future of Indian democracy and the coming generations.”

“Today is the first phase of voting! Remember, each of your votes is going to decide the future of Indian democracy and the coming generations. So come out and strengthen democracy by applying the power of your vote to the wounds inflicted on the soul of the nation in the last 10 years. Defeat hatred and open the ‘Muhobbat ki Dukan’ in every corner,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a special appeal to young and first-time voters, urging them to participate in large numbers, highlighting the significance of each vote and the importance of every voice.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections commence today! As 102 seats across 21 States and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to vote in large numbers. After all,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2024

“The 2024 election commences today! As 102 seats across 21 states and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!” the PM said in a post on X.

The world’s largest democratic event began in the country today, marking the start of a marathon process spread across seven phases to elect 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

The upcoming election, scheduled from April 19 to June 1, is poised to become the second-longest polling exercise in the country’s electoral history, following the first general election, which lasted over five months from September 1951 to February 1952. The previous general elections in 2019 were also conducted in seven phases.

Today, a total of 102 constituencies spanning 21 states and Union Territories will participate in the first phase of voting. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

In the first phase, voters from constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry will participate in the election.

In Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, voting will occur in all seven phases, with the first phase scheduled for April 19.

On April 19, single-phase polling is scheduled to take place in Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Additionally, voters in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim will also participate in their respective assembly elections today, as announced by the Chief Election Commissioner on March 16.

Out of the total 96.8 crore registered voters, 49.72 crore are men, while 47.1 crore are women.

PM Modi Encourages High Voter Turnout as Phase 1 of LS Polls Commences

April 19, 2024, 7:56 am

As the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections commenced on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon all eligible voters to cast their ballots in unprecedented numbers.

PM Modi has specifically appealed to young and first-time voters to turn out in large numbers, highlighting the significance of each vote and the importance of every voice.

“The 2024 Lok Sabha elections commence today! As 102 seats across 21 states and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!” the PM said in a post on X.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections commence today! As 102 seats across 21 States and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to vote in large numbers. After all,…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2024

The world’s largest democratic event began in the country today, marking the commencement of the first phase of a marathon process spanning seven phases to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha.

This Lok Sabha election, scheduled from April 19 to June 1, is poised to become the second lengthiest polling process in the nation’s electoral history, trailing only the inaugural general election which spanned over five months from September 1951 to February 1952. The previous general elections in 2019 were also conducted in seven phases.

Today, a total of 102 constituencies spanning 21 states and Union Territories will participate in the first phase of voting. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

The constituencies participating in the first phase include those from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. In Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, voting will occur in all seven phases, starting from April 19.

Among the total 96.8 crore registered voters, 49.72 crore are men, while 47.1 crore are women.

CEC Urges High Turnout as Lok Sabha Elections Begin: 16.86 Crore Voters Eligible

April 19, 2024, 7:16 am

As the Lok Sabha Elections kick off today, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has encouraged maximum participation, noting that approximately 16.86 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase across 102 constituencies. He revealed that nearly 1.86 lakh polling stations have been established for this purpose. Kumar emphasized in an interview with ANI that preparations for the elections commenced two years ago.

“From preparing the border list to preparing polling stations, finding their routes, deployment of forces, finding out vulnerable booths, creating amenities at the booths–light, shade, ramps, minimum facilities…it’s a tremendous exercise that started over two years ago.”

He also mentioned the Election Commission’s utilization of technological advancements to enhance inclusivity and encourage broader participation in the electoral process. “So everything is set. It is now time for voters to come and vote in large numbers at every polling station.”

Kumar emphasized the importance of voter engagement, particularly urging women and youth to actively participate in the elections.

“We made an amendment in the Act where qualifying dates were made four instead of one – on January 1 of every year. There are a large number of young voters. There are voters who are transgenders. It’s a truly inclusive voter list that has been prepared. The campaigning for the first phase is over. The silent period is over. Now this is the day of polling, the first one. It’s for the voters to come, enjoy it at the polling station,” he said.

The CEC expressed great enthusiasm at the sight of young voters registering for participation in the elections.

“We also did a lot of activities in the colleges and very youth-specific activities. We see a lot of enthusiasm. We have also done a lot of awareness-raising activities. So, if you keep using your finger on social media or on the phone the whole day, this is the time to spend five minutes and enjoy the power of voting at the polling station. Press the button on the electronic voting machine there. I’m sure this time our young voters are going to come ….we have appealed to them to become our ambassadors, to become our influencers,” he said.

“Bring as many friends as possible including family members to the polling station. Enjoy the festival. Feel the responsibility of selecting and electing your own government,” he added.

Addressing methods to facilitate the maximum participation of specially-abled and elderly individuals in the Lok Sabha election, the CEC mentioned the provision for them to cast their vote from the convenience of their homes.

“We have earmarked in our electoral rolls persons with disabilities, 40 per cent and above. There is a facility for them to cast a vote from the comfort of their home, if they so desire. But our experience is that many of them want to come to the polling station. And we provide them a volunteer, we provide them with wheelchairs, and it’s not a question of physical comfort that we provide, it’s a question of giving them the due respect and empowerment,” he said.

In a landmark move for the Lok Sabha Election, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced the option of home voting for the elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) for the first time. Eligible voters, including those above 85 years of age and PwDs with a 40 percent benchmark disability, can now avail themselves of this facility. Across the nation, there are over 81 lakh registered voters aged 85 and above, and more than 90 lakh registered PwD voters.

“We have issued great guidelines to political parties to be very sensitive while talking about people with disabilities…they are more capable than most of us. It’s a question of just giving them those opportunities,” Kumar added.

He also discussed the efforts to streamline the voting process in Manipur, which has been marred by ethnic violence.

“We have made a special scheme for voting in the camps. There are more than 18,000 people who have already registered with us to vote from the camps. Our teams will take their vote wherever they are. Our attempt was and is that nobody is disfranchised, everybody is given a chance to vote. Postal ballet, through camp…wherever. So we have done something, and I’ am sure people will vote and establish the point that it’s the ballot that gives the answers,” he said.

Explaining strategies to address muscle power, monetary influence, misinformation, and violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the CEC highlighted the implementation of numerous security and non-security measures aimed at ensuring safety and curbing violence.

“We are informing of all the steps we have taken to tackle the MCC violations and the money seizures done to the media and to everybody at large. So, everything is being reported and today is the day of voting.”

The CEC mentioned the deployment of Strategic Surveillance Teams (SSTs) and Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) in addition to police personnel as part of the measures.

“A large number of security and non-security measures are in place. The only point is that people must come and vote. Whoever is listening, please come and vote. It’s phase one, and there are six phases to come. Find out your polling station through our applications.We have distributed VIS (voter information slips),” he said.

“More than 16 crore voter slips have been distributed in phase one. It’s a kind of invitation that is reaching your house, saying this is your polling station. This is your voter list. Please come and vote. youth, male, female, old age, transgender, everybody we are looking for. Our staff is a very well trained. Teams are there at all the polling stations to welcome you very, very courteously. Please come,” the CEC noted.

In the first phase, polling will take place across constituencies in 21 states and union territories. These include Arunachal Pradesh (two seats), Assam (five), Bihar (four), Chhattisgarh (one), Madhya Pradesh (six), Maharashtra (five), Manipur (two), Meghalaya (two), Mizoram (one), Nagaland (one), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (one), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (one), Uttar Pradesh (eight), Uttarakhand (five), West Bengal (three), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (one), Jammu and Kashmir (one), Lakshadweep (one), and Puducherry (one).

The 2024 general elections in India are scheduled to take place in seven phases, spanning from April 19 to June 1, to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results of the elections are set to be announced on June 4.