LS polls highlights: My aim is to increase speed and scale of development, says PM Modi to ANI

General Elections 2024 news updates: Catch all the news updates of the announcements related to Lok Sabha polls here

6:16 PM

My aim is to increase the speed and the scale of development: PM

“My aim is to increase the speed and the scale of development in the country in my next term,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

6:00 PM

'We never claimed this was the absolute way,' PM Modi on electoral bonds

In an interview with ANI, PM Modi said the electoral bonds scheme was aimed at curbing black money in elections and said the opposition wants to run away after making allegations. Noting that he had never said that a decision taken cannot have a shortcoming, PM Modi has accused the opposition parties of "spreading lies" over the electoral bonds scheme, which has been struck down by the Supreme Court, and said, "everyone will regret it when there is an honest reflection". He said of the 16 companies who gave donations after action by probe agencies, only 37 per cent of the amount went to the BJP and 63 per cent to opposition parties opposed to the BJP.

5:53 PM

Diversity is our strength, we should celebrate it: PM Modi

On the 'North-South divide' PM Modi says, "...Viewing India as different units is a result of mindlessness regarding India. Which part of India has the most number of villages associated with Lord Ram's name? Tamil Nadu...Diversity is our strength, we should celebrate it..."

 

"Bharat ek bahuratna vasundhara hai. India is a country of diversity...Viewing India as different units is a result of mindlessness regarding India. Which part of India has the most number of villages associated with Lord Ram's name? Tamil Nadu...How can you term it a separate (unit)?...There is diversity. An individual from Nagaland will not be like a person from Punjab. A person from Kashmir will not be like a Gujarati. Diversity is our strength, we should celebrate it. India is a bouquet where everyone can see their flower. That is the sentiment which should be harboured."

5:48 PM

PM Modi opens up about Elon Musk and Tesla

Elon Musk is supporter of Modi is one thing, basically, he is a supporter of India...I want investment in India. Paisa kisi ka bhi laga ho, paseena mere desh ka lagna chahiye, uske andar sugandh mere desh ki mitti ki aani chahiye, taaki mere desh ke naujawan ko rozgar mile (Whoever wishes to invest can, but it must be built by Indians so that the youth of my country get employement): PM Narendra Modi when asked about Elon Musk's entry into the Indian market and job creation.

5:45 PM

One nation, one election is our commitment, says PM Modi in pre-poll interview with ANI

"On One Nation One Election, PM Modi says, "...One nation one election is our commitment...Many people have come on board in the country...Many people have given their suggestions to the committee. Very positive and innovative suggestions have come. The country will benefit a lot if we are able to implement this report. You have raised the right point. One nation one election is our commitment. We have spoken in the Parliament as well. We have also made a committee. The committee's report has also come. So in terms of one nation one election, many people have come on board in the country...Many people have given their suggestions to the committee. Very positive & innovative suggestions have come. The country will benefit a lot if we are able to implement this report."

5:33 PM

'When I say, I have big plans, no one should be scared,' says PM to ANI

Speaking in an interview with ANI, PM Modi also questioned the opposition for spreading fear that the BJP would seek to change the constitution if it is voted to power in the Lok Sabha elections. "When I say that I have big plans, no one should be scared. I don't take decisions to scare or run over anyone, I take decisions for the wholesome development of the nation. Additionally, governments always say we have done everything, but I don't believe I have done everything. I have tried to do everything in the right direction, yet there is so much I need to do because I see that my country has so many needs. How do I fulfill the dreams of every family, that is why I say this is a trailer," the PM said.

5:33 PM

PM Narendra Modi says Congress manifesto destroys aspirations of first time voters

"Pran Jaaye par Vachhan na jaye" PM Modi reiterates guarantee to fulfil promises during a pre-poll interview with ANI.

4:46 PM

Former BJD MP Prabhas Kumar Singh joins BJP

Former BJD MP Prabhas Kumar Singh joined the BJP today days before the first phase of General Elections.There was no "dignity and self-respect" in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Singh said. He has represented Odisha's Bargarh seat in the past.

4:42 PM

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi file nominations

Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, BJP leader Pralhad Joshi and actor Shivarajkumar's wife Geetha Shivarajkumar were among some of the faces who filed their nominations on Monday for the General Elections in Karnataka. Bommai filed his papers as the BJP candidate from Haveri. He earlier paid respects to his parents' memorial. Bommai is the son of veteran Janata Party leader and former Chief Minister late S R Bommai. Bommai's opponent from Congress, Anandswamy Gaddadevarmath, too filed his papers on Monday. Joshi who is the Union minister for parliamentary affairs, coal and mines entered the fray from Dharwad. 

4:38 PM

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP will implement UCC after returning to power, says Union minister Piyush Goyal

Union minister and BJP's candidate for Mumbai North Lok Sabha seat, Piyush Goyal, on Monday stated that his party will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country after being elected for a third term. He also rejected criticism of the BJP's manifesto by opposition parties, saying it reflects their defeatist mindset.

 

4:00 PM

This election is between forces trying to break Manipur and those keeping it united, says Amit Shah

The destiny of country will change when that of Northeast and Manipur changes, Home Minister Amit Shah said today at a rally in Manipur. Shah asserted that the BJP has ended corruption in Manipur and in the coming days, PM Modi's priority is to maintain peace in Manipur.

3:55 PM

Rajput groups demand Rupala's removal as BJP candidate, threaten to intensify agitation

Several Rajput groups in Gujarat have threatened to intensify their agitation across all 26 Lok Sabha constituencies in Gujarat the ruling BJP to cancel the candidature of Parshottam Rupala from Rajkot Lok Sabha seat over his alleged controversial remarks against the community. Rupala, a Patidar, stirred the hornet's nest when he suggested erstwhile maharajas succumbed to the oppression of foreign rulers, including the British, and dined with and arranged marriages for their daughters with them. The comments triggered protests and prompted calls for withdrawing Rupala’s candidature.

3:43 PM

Establishment of peace in Manipur priority of Narendra Modi govt: Home Minister Amit Shah in Imphal

The establishment of peace in Manipur by taking all communities on board is priority of Narendra Modi government, Amit Shah said at a rally in Imphal. Shah added, "The most important thing is that no matter how much one tries- 'hum Manipur ko tutne nahi denge'."

3:26 PM

Lok Sabha polls 2024: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee dares I-T officials to check chopper of BJP leader

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee today dared the Income tax officials to check the chopper used by BJP leaders for the poll campaign, a day after a slugfest erupted over the TMC's claim of a "raid" by income tax officials targeting a helicopter used by party leader Abhishek Banerjee.

Banerjee, while addressing a rally in Cooch Behar, alleged that the BJP is abusing the powers of central agencies against the TMC ahead of the elections.

3:19 PM

BJP govt committed to safeguarding Kerala coastline: PM Modi at Thiruvananthapuram rally

The BJP government is committed to safeguarding Kerala coastline in order to enhance livelihoods of fishing communities, PM Modi said at an election rally in Thiruvananthapuram today.

3:14 PM

Detailed roadmap in BJP manifesto for every section of society in India: PM Modi

"Yesterday in Delhi, BJP has released its Sankalp Patra. BJP's Sankalp Patra means Modi's guarantee... Under Modi's guarantee, India will become the center of world-class infrastructure. Under Modi's guarantee, India will achieve a memorable achievement like Gaganyaan in the field of space. Under Modi's guarantee, farmers will continue to get the money of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Along with all this, 3 crore new houses will also be built for the poor. Every citizen above 70 years of age will get free treatment...In BJP's development approach, a broad roadmap is available for every section and every society of Kerala," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a rally in Thiruvananthapuram today.

2:42 PM

TMC in WB providing shelter to anti-govt forces, claims Union minister Anurag Thakur

During his election campaign in Siliguri, Union Minister Anurag Thakur questioned why actors of terror activities, committed in the state or elsewhere in the country, "find protection and shelter in West Bengal." "Why is this so?" he asked. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested two key accused, including the mastermind, in Bengaluru's Rameshwaram Cafe blast case from West Bengal, a development that led to a slugfest between the BJP and the state's ruling TMC.

2:39 PM

Congress in backdoor deal with banned organisation to secure victory in Kerala, says PM Modi in Alathur rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today came down heavily on Rahul Gandhi who is contesting the elections from Kerala's Wayanad, indirectly signaling that he is taking the help of the political wing of a banned organisation to win this election. "A big leader of Congress has found it difficult to save the respect of his family seat in Uttar Pradesh and has made his new base in Kerala. To win the elections, Congress has entered into a backdoor agreement with the political wing of an organization which has been banned in the country for its anti-national tendencies. Have you ever heard this from them?" PM Modi said speaking at a public meeting in Kerala's Alathur.

2:35 PM

'On 40-day tour': Manoj Tiwari's slams Cong rival Kanhaiya as LS battle heats up in NE Delhi

A day after Congress fielded Kanhaiya Kumar from the North East Delhi Lok Sabha seat, BJP nominee Manoj Tiwari took a jab at his rival, saying he was on a "40-day tour" of the constituency and could see how an MP works in his area. Kumar, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) president, was involved in an incident on the campus in February 2016, in which slogans were raised allegedly against the country.

2:31 PM

Kerala will ensure its voice is heard in Parliament this time, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that Kerala will ensure its voice is heard in Parliament after the upcoming General Elections. PM said that it will be a year of progress in Kerala and referred to the various promises and development programmes mentioned in the BJP's manifesto -- called 'Modi ki Guarantee' -- that was released on Sunday. He also took multiple jabs by alleging that it created a weak image of India in the world, while the BJP had built the country into a strong nation.

1:53 PM

Chief poll official declares paid holiday for voters on polling day in Delhi NCT

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi P Krishnamurthy has announced the implementation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) order, granting a paid holiday to employees on the day of polling in the NCT of Delhi. The polling day in the NCT of Delhi is scheduled for May 25.

 

1:50 PM

Congress MP Mukul Wasnik calls BJP's manifesto 'jumla patra'

Congress MP Mukul Wasnik called the party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections as a "Jumla patra," stating that the party has not provided any explanation for the promises it had made in the past.

 

Wasnik said, "10 years ago, the Bharatiya Janata Party had made many promises to the entire country. Now that the elections are around the corner and the BJP has put forward their manifesto, it is necessary that the party also clears out all the promises fulfilled by them in the past."

1:03 PM

Election Commission has seized over Rs 100 crore per day since March 1

Ahead of the General Elections starting on April 19, the Election Commission of India (ECI) said it was on track of record highest seizure of inducements in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha polls in the country. The seizure has reached Rs 100 crore each day since March 1, the poll body stated.

12:32 PM

State govt is hindering efforts of NDA government: PM Modi on Kerala's development

 "LDF-UDF are deteriorating the condition of Kerala...The state govt is also hindering the efforts that the NDA government is making for the development of Kerala and the region. These people also want to stop the projects of National Highways...Whether they are in Tripura, WB or Kerala, the Left parties have only one character- Nothing Left and Nothing Right," PM Modi said at a public rally in Palakkad.

 

12:28 PM

Language is not something that is imposed from the top: Rahul Gandhi at Wayanad rally

"Today, the main fight is against the ideology of the RSS. The BJP people, the Prime Minister, they say one nation, one people, one language, one leader. Language is not something that is imposed from the top. Language is something that comes out from inside the person, inside the heart of the person. To tell a person from Kerala, that your language is inferior to Hindi is an insult to the people of Kerala. This idea that India should have only one leader is an insult to every single young Indian person," Rahul Gandhi said at the Wayanad rally.

12:21 PM

Today's India has power to rescue people from war-torn countries: PM Modi

"This election is to decide the future of India. It is for guarantee of your bright future. Kerala people have seen how NDA has worked to boost the stature of India. People going abroad get respect. Today's India has power to rescue people from war-torn countries. We made indigenous vaccine and helped other countries as well. The work of last 10 years is just a trailer," PM Modi said at the Alathur rally.

12:14 PM

News update: Poll officials search Rahul Gandhi's chopper

12:13 PM

Uttrakhand to cast votes at over 11,000 polling booths on Apr 19

The polling for all five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand is set to take place in a single phase on April 19. To boost voter turnout in the hill state over 11,000 polling booths are being set up across the state. Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Kumar Jogdande said, "A total of 11,729 polling booths are being set up in the state for the Lok Sabha elections, where around 75,62,830 voters are likely to exercise their right to vote."

11:56 AM

BJP manifesto promises Modi's guarantees, says prime minister in Kerala

BJP manifesto promises Modi's guarantees and speaks about development programmes, said PM Modi said at an electoral rally in Kerala. PM Modi also said that a survey for bullet trains in east, north, south India will commence once NDA comes back to power.

11:49 AM

People no longer support the LDF and UDF: PM Modi at Kerala rally

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today that the politics of Kerala is seeing a major shift and people of that no longer support the LDF and UDF.