LS polls highlights: PM has developed strategies to distract people from 'real' issues, says Rahul

General Elections 2024 Live: Catch all the latest news updates on the Lok Sabha polls here

9:34 PM

LS polls: Why do Cong repeatedly finds itself in cozy relations with Pak, asks Anurag Thakur

Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday alleged the Congress has been maintaining a "cozy relationship" with Pakistan and also accused it of being involved in corruption in defence deals since Independence. Addressing election rallies in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, the BJP leader asked, "Why do they (Congress) feel compelled to praise Pakistan while living in India? What kind of disgusting politics is it to sing praises of Pakistan during Indian elections to please a particular vote bank?" Thakur alleged that even 75 years after Partition, "the strings of Congress are still connected with Pakistan" and lashed out at the party for asking for proof of the 2016 surgical strikes across the Line of Control.

8:43 PM

INDIA bloc leaders likely to meet on June 1 to assess Lok Sabha polls performance, TMC to skip

The top leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc are likely to meet in the national capital on June 1 to assess their performance in the Lok Sabha elections and chalk out their strategy ahead of the results. The proposed meeting, sources said, will be convened in the afternoon of June 1 when the last phase of polling will be underway. During the meeting, the opposition leaders will discuss their strategy ahead of the June 4 results and assess their performance in the seven-phase elections, they said.

8:21 PM

LS polls: 'Jayalalithaa was a Hindutva leader,' reiterates Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday said the term Hindutva is distorted in the state and reiterated that former Chief Minister and late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was a Hindutva leader. He underscored her support for the Ram temple, Uniform Civil Code and abrogation of Article 370. Asserting that he was ready for a debate on the issue with AIADMK, Annamalai said: "Jayalalithaa was an ardent follower of Hindutva." Speaking to reporters, he said if anybody from the AIADMK had doubts about Hindutva they may refer to the 1995 Supreme Court judgement on the matter.

7:44 PM

NCW demands probe of call records of Arvind Kejriwal, others in Swati Maliwal assault case

The National Women's Commission (NCW) on Monday demanded that call records of all relevant persons, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, be investigated to determine who called accused Bibhav Kumar to the former's residence after AAP MP Swati Maliwal entered the premises. Taking to the microblogging site, the NCW shared a statement on Monday in which it said that Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar was called to the former's residence after Swati Maliwal entered the Chief Minister's residence.

7:01 PM

LS polls: BSP, BJP have joined hands covertly, 'Bahujan Samaj' should support INDIA bloc, says Akhilesh Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Monday claimed that the BJP and BSP have joined hands covertly and urged the voters from SC, ST and OBC communities that have been supporting Mayawati's party to choose the INDIA bloc this time "to save the Constitution". Addressing an election rally here, Yadav said only Uttar Pradesh "can save the country" by voting out the BJP. "This election is about saving our future. At the same time, this election is also about saving the Constitution, which gives us respect, which protects our rights.

6:36 PM

PM Modi made all-out efforts to topple Himachal's Congress govt: Priyanka Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made all-out efforts to topple Himachal Pradesh's democratically-elected government by using money power, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged on Monday. The only purpose of BJP leaders, starting from Prime Minister Modi, is to grab power at any cost and they indulge in corrupt practices, bribe legislators and mislead people in the name of God to achieve their purpose, she claimed. "Modi made all-out efforts to topple the democratically-elected Congress government in the state by indulging in corrupt practices and using money power," the Congress general secretary said while addressing a poll rally in Chamba for party's Kangra Lok Sabha seat candidate Anand Sharma.

6:20 PM

Electricity bills you get in thousands are because Adani buys coal from foreign, says Rahul Gandhi

"The electricity bills you get in thousands are because Adani buys coal from foreign, and till the time that coal arrives here, Adani increases its price, and the government buys that coal at higher prices to help him. Who gives the money? You," said Rahul Gandhi.

5:14 PM

PM has developed strategies to distract people from 'real' issues, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a poll rally in Bihar, stating the prime minister has developed strategies to shift people's focus away from 'real' issues. 

4:55 PM

SP used to function on funds given by Sahara. You (SP) let Sahara loot people, alleges Ami Shah

At a public rally in Kushinagar, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said: "Akhilesh Yadav recently raised the issue of Sahara Refund Portal. I want to know, under whose government did this Rs 85000 crore Sahara scam occur?... Akhilesh Yadav's party used to function on the funds given by Sahara. You let Sahara loot people. Narendra Modi began giving refunds. The refunds of all three cooperatives have begun, and the cases of all three private limited companies are being fought in the Supreme Court. We will return every penny of the Rs 85000 crore of the 3.5 crore people. It is our guarantee."

 

4:14 PM

'We have to convert Congress into cadre-based party', says Karnataka Cong chief DK Shivakumar

 Karnataka Congress president D K Shivakumar on Monday stressed on the need to convert his party into a "cadre-based party", and said that a programme will be launched in the state to achieve this.

Shivakumar, who is also the state's Deputy Chief Minister, said preparations are on to dissolve all the block units of the Karnataka Congress, aimed at giving opportunity to new faces.

4:05 PM

Home minister threatened to topple AAP govt in Punjab, this is dictatorship: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

At a gathering of traders in Amritsar, AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said: "Have you heard Amit Shah's statement? He gave a threat. Initially, he abused Punjabis a lot. He issued a threat that after June 4, the Punjab government will be toppled. Bhagwant Mann will no longer remain the chief minister after June 4." "We have 92 seats (MLAs). How can you topple (government)? There is a dictatorship (in the country)." 

3:38 PM

Adani and Ambani are the new 'Rajas', PM Modi works for their betterment 24X7: Rahul Gandhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday,  saying that the prime minister has created 22-25 Rajas and Maharajas and  he works for the betterment of their fortunes 24/7. "Their new names are Adani and Ambani, but they are Raja and Narendra Modi works 24 hours for them," he said while addressing a rally in Bakhtiyarpur, Bihar.

3:31 PM

Congress will definitely clean sweep the elections in Punjab, says Charanjit Singh Channi

The former chief minister of Punjab has expressed his confidence about Congress dominantly winning the elections in Punjab. Channi is the Congress candidate from Jalandhar Lok Sabha seat. Speaking with ANI, Charanjit Singh Channi said, "Congress will definitely clean sweep the elections in Punjab, as the central government of BJP has always tried to downgrade the public of Punjab. The economy of Punjab is mostly agrarian and the people of Punjab are distressed from their anti-farmer policies and this is the reason why they will choose Congress."

2:56 PM

PM has already achieved majority in five-phases; party aims to surpass 400 seats: BJP leader Jairam Thakur

"This election is about choosing the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already achieved a majority in the five-phase elections. Now, with your support, we aim to surpass the target of 400 seats," Leader of the Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Jairam Thakur said. 

2:49 PM

Kharge going to lose his job after LS polls; Rahul, Priyanka will not be blamed for defeat: Amit Shah

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge will lose his job after the Lok Sabha poll results are announced on June 4 but Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will not be blamed for the defeat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday. Shah said Rahul Gandhi's people will also do a press conference post polls, saying they lost due to EVMs."I have the details of the first five phases. In five phases of the Lok Sabha polls, PM Modi has crossed 310 seats. Rahul will not cross 40 and Akhilesh Yadav will not get even 4 seats on June 4," he said.

2:46 PM

PM Modi made all-out efforts, employed corrupt practices to topple Himachal's Congress govt: Priyanka Gandhi

"Modi made all-out efforts to topple the democratically-elected Congress government in the state by indulging in corrupt practices and using money power," Priyanka Gandhi said while campaigning in Chamba for the party's Kangra Lok Sabha seat candidate Anand Sharma. She also said the Congress was in power for 55 years but could not become the richest party.

1:46 PM

When INDIA block will form govt, Agnipath scheme will be junked: Rahul Gandhi

When INDIA block will form govt, Agnipath scheme of recruitment in defence services will be removed, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said today at a rally in Bihar.

1:37 PM

News update: Govt formed by INDIA bloc will fill up 3 million job vacancies, says Rahul Gandhi

1:33 PM

General Elections 2024: INDIA bloc leaders likely to meet on June 1 to assess Lok Sabha poll performance

Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc are likely to meet on June 1 to assess their performance in the General Elections and dicuss their strategy ahead of the results.

 

1:02 PM

We're sweeping elections with 85% votes: BJD leader VK Pandian

BJD leader VK Pandian has claimed that the party will secure a majority in the Assembly polls with with 85 per cent of the votes. Pandian said at a press conference: "We would humbly say that, with the closure of three phases of polls in Odisha, the BJD is getting a majority with these three phases alone. Our Chief Minister has also affirmed this." He added, "With the blessings of the Lord Jagannath and the people of Odisha, the BJD will form a stable government in the state."

12:19 PM

You should speak on jobs and economic and social justice: RJD MP Manoj Jha on PM Modi's 'Mujra' remark

Slamming Prime Minister for his statement alleging support from Pakistan to the INDIA bloc, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha said: "Prime Minister was talking about "Mangalsutra", "Mujra", now Pakistan has also arrived. What type of person are you? You contest elections here. You should speak on jobs and economic and social justice. What can I say about someone whose tongue utters a word like Mujra? What language are you using? Democracy is a thing of collectivity. Nothing comes out of your mouth regarding China." 

11:50 AM

Does RSS also believe that Modi Ji is an incarnation of God?: Delhi CM Kejriwal

 “In 2014, Modi ji said that he is the prime servant of the country. In 2019, he said that he is a Chowkidar. Now in 2024, Modi ji is saying that he was not born from his mother's womb but he is an incarnation of God. A senior leader of his party said that Lord Jagannath is also a devotee of Modi ji, Does RSS also believe that Modi Ji is an incarnation of God? RSS should clarify its stand,” AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X.

11:23 AM

News update: AIMIM leader shot at by unknown assailants in Malegaon

Unknown criminal opened fire on AIMIM leader and former Mayor Abdul Malik in the early hours of Monday, leaving him injured. The incident occurred in the Malegaon city area, where Malik was outside a restaurant along the Mumbai Agra highway.

10:35 AM

Himachal Congress ex-lawmakers now contesting assembly bypolls on BJP ticket

 The six disqualified Congress MLAs contesting the assembly bypolls on a BJP ticket have stated that  it is the public who voted for them that comes first and not the party they belong to. Rajinder Rana (Sujanpur), Sudhir Sharma (Dharamshala), Ravi Thakur (Lahaul & Spiti), Inder Dutt Lakhanpal (Barsar), Chaitanya Sharma (Gagret) and Devinder Kumar Bhutto (Kutlehar), along with three Independent lawmakers, voted for Harsh Mahajan -- the BJP's nominee in the Rajya Sabha election on February 27. Two days later, the six Congress MLAs were disqualified from the assembly for defying a party whip to be present in the House and vote in favour of the government. 

10:31 AM

Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi slams BJP, AAP

"Punjab is going to give a huge victory to the Congress because the central government has tried to bring Punjab down in every way. The Centre wants to drown Punjab by killing the farmers. People are fed up with their policies...AAP leaders are running the drug mafia in Jalandhar. The incident that happened in Nakodar yesterday, the officials going to mining were attacked. Everything is going on under the supervision of the AAP MLA. The attack that happened yesterday was also because of AAP,"  Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi said today. 

10:26 AM

Lok Sabha polls 2024: PM Modi extends special congratulations to Anantnag-Rajouri voters

"A very special congratulations to my sisters and brothers of Anantnag-Rajouri for the record turnout in the Lok Sabha polls. Their enthusiastic participation is a vibrant testament to their democratic spirit," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X. The constituency, which voted on May 25 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, recorded a turnout of 54.84 percent.

10:16 AM

General Elections 2024: If economy growing fast, why people not prosperous, asks Priyanka

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lashed at the BJP-led Centre on Sunday, asking why people have not prospered if the country's economy is growing at a rapid pace. At a poll rally in Punjab, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "speaking lies and making hollow promises to the public only to capture power". 

10:13 AM

Lok Sabha elections: BJP chief JP Nadda set to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Kaal Bhairava Temple

BJP National President JP Nadda arrived in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. He is set to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairava Temple for 'darshan'. Additionally, Nadda will participate in several programmes during his visit.

9:15 AM

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Rahul Gandhi to hold 3 rallies in Bihar today, Amit Shah to campaign in UP

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will hold three rallies in Bihar's Patna Sahib, Pataliputra and Arrah. Home minister Shah will hold three public meetings in Kushinagar, Salempur and Chandauli Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh w