Highlights of the day: LS election counting on Jun 4 after 6 wks of voting

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10:56 PM

Campaign song titled 'Mai Modi ka parivar hun' released ahead of Lok Sabha polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday released a campaign song titled, 'Mai Modi ka parivar hun', showcasing his commitment to all. The campaign song 'Main Modi Ka Parivar hu' described how India's situation has become better after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister.

10:56 PM

Would be better if elections were conducted in 3-4 phases, says Mayawati

Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Saturday said that it would have been better if the Lok Sabha elections were held in three or four phases. In a statement issued by Mayawati on X in Hindi, Mayawati said, "Our party welcomes today's announcement of dates for the Lok Sabha General Elections 2024, but it would have been much better if the elections were held in a shorter period of time, in about three or four phases, so that both time and resources could have been saved, and it would have also been possible to reduce election expenses."

9:48 PM

SC to deliver order on bail plea of former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain in money laundering case on March 18

Supreme Court to deliver order on the bail plea of former Delhi Minister Satyendar Jain in money laundering case on March 18, Monday.

9:46 PM

People eager to make Modi Prime Minister again, says MP CM Yadav

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Saturday said people are enthusiastic about making Narendra Modi the prime minister once again, while his party colleague and MP BJP chief VD Sharma asserted they will win all 29 seats in the state with 'Modi ki Guarantee'. Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases beginning April 19 and votes will be counted on June 4, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday. The polls in MP be held in four phases, between April 19 and May 13.

9:45 PM

First Apache attack helicopter raised

First Apache attack helicopter Squadron of Army Aviation raised in the presence of Director General Army Aviation Lt Gen AK Suri, under Thar Raptors in the Western Sector on Friday. "This marks a significant enhancement in our defence capability, boosting operational reach & Aerial Strike capability, " said Indian Army officials.

9:40 PM

Elections should have been completed in three or four phases, says Congress President Kharge

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday said a seven phase election for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls meant that "Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to tour everywhere". Kharge opined that the polls should have rather been completed in three or four phases. "We are not anxious about what is going to happen, but Modiji putting seven phases, it means that he wants to tour everywhere.

9:39 PM

BJP government has only served capitalists, friends, says Cong leader Pawan Khera

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country, Congress leader Pawan Khera lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying that the government has served only the capitalists and some of their friends during their tenure. "All the sections of the society including women, middle-class, adivasis and other marginalised communities have been ignored," he added further. He lashed out saying, "The government has not worked on unemployment which has broken the 45-year-record. Issues like women's safety and farmers protesting over MSP have not been paid attention."

9:19 PM

Polls to be held in 2 phases in Outer Manipur, voting allowed from relief camps

Voting in the Outer Manipur constituency will be held in two phases, and those living in camps in violence-hit state will be allowed to vote from their camps, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday.

 

As the Election Commission announced the dates for Lok Sabha polls, queries were raised over the number of seats totalling up to 544, instead of 543.

 

Kumar said the increase was due to Outer Manipur being counted twice, since polls will be held there in two phases.

 

The elections for two Lok Sabha seats in Manipur will be held in two phases on April 19 and 26.

 

While Inner Manipur and some segments of Outer Manipur will vote in the first phase on April 19, the remaining segments of Outer Manipur will vote in Phase 2 on April 26.

 

Asked about the situation in Manipur, the Chief Election Commissioner said, "we will make all arrangements."

9:18 PM

Not surprised at EC's decision not to hold Assembly, LS polls together in J&K: Omar Abdullah

National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah on Saturday said he was a bit "disappointed but not surprised" at the Election Commission's (EC) decision not to hold the much-awaited Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir with the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

 

The former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also said the Congress should not be blamed for everything that has gone wrong in the INDIA opposition bloc and suggested avoiding personal attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during campaigning.

 

Abdullah said this while taking part in a debate on the INDIA bloc -- "India's opposition: The search for a narrative and strategy" -- at the "India Today" conclave.

9:06 PM

Over 100 workers injured in boiler blast at Dharuhera factory in Haryana’s Rewari

More than 100 workers at a factory in Dharuhera industrial area of Rewari district in Haryana were injured due to a reported boiler blast on Saturday evening.

 

Dozens of workers sustained burn injuries in the blast and at least 30 of them were rushed to local hospitals.

7:04 PM

Model Code of Conduct kicks in as Election Commission announces poll dates

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect from Saturday after the Election Commission of India announced the dates for elections to the Lok Sabha and four state assemblies, with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar asking all political parties and their leaders to strictly adhere to the poll code.

7:03 PM

Crucial test for Sukhu, bypolls to six Himachal assembly seats to be held on June 1

Bypolls will be held in six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh on June 1, coinciding with the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls, on the vacancies that arose due to the disqualification of six Congress MLAs who had cross-voted in Rajya Sabha election last month and defied the party whip in the House during cut motion.

7:03 PM

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Debates on national, state issues set to impact voter sentiments in Kerala

Ahead of the April 26 Lok Sabha election in Kerala, the political scene in the southern state is buzzing with debates on various key national issues that have the potential to sway voter sentiments significantly. The upcoming elections are poised for a heated contest as critical issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), electoral bond controversies, Manipur's unrest, and human-animal conflicts in the state dominate the electoral landscape, setting the stage for a showdown between the CPI(M)-led LDF, the Congress-led UDF, and the BJP-led NDA.

6:30 PM

Andhra Assembly polls: Stage set for fierce poll battle between YSRCP and TDP

With the EC on Saturday announcing the poll schedule for the Legislative Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh on May 13, the poll bugle has been sounded in the southern state for a double battle.

 

With an electorate of 4.08 crore voters--two crore male, 2.07 crore female and 3,482 third gender voters, Andhra Pradesh is poised to elect members to its 16th Legislative Assembly, constituting 175 constituencies, besides 25 Lok Sabha members.

 

The Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP which got nearly 50 per cent vote share with 151 seats in the last assembly polls is deploying all its might to retain power. TDP secured just 23 while Janasena, one in 2019.

 

The Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP on Saturday announced the list of candidates for all the 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies, coinciding with the date of the election notification announcement by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

6:30 PM

Amit Shah appeals all to vote for leadership which has vision, track record of doing work

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the country has witnessed a historic decade of good governance, security, welfare of all sections under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and appealed to everyone to vote for a leadership which has a track record of doing work and a vision to make India developed.

 

He also appealed to youths, women and all voters of the country to participate in this great festival of democracy by voting in maximum numbers to elect the BJP-led NDA which will put the nation first.

 

"The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have been announced today by the Election Commission. Elections are a great festival for the world's largest democracy. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country has witnessed a historic decade of good governance, security, welfare of all sections and reconstruction of cultural heritage.

 

"To maintain the pace of India's development journey, cast your vote for a leadership which has a track record of doing work and a vision to make India developed," he wrote in Hindi on 'X' with the hashtag 'Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar'.

6:20 PM

Congress questions delay in holding J&K assembly elections

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "I hope the upcoming elections will be conducted fairly and without violence. We have been saying since starting that everyone should get equal rights, we demand this only. Elections can be conducted in 10 phases also if ECI wants but this shows that things have not changed, we are still stuck with the 7 phases process. We talk about digital India but are stuck with the 7-phase process. Also, it would have been a good thing if elections (Assembly) had been announced in J&K also, why are we waiting till September?"

6:18 PM

'There will be a change of power in Himachal Pradesh', says BJP leader Jairam Thakur

On the announcement of 2024 Lok Sabha election dates, Himachal Pradesh's LoP and BJP leader Jairam Thakur said, " In this schedule, there will be a change of power in Himachal Pradesh. BJP will come to power in Himachal Pradesh as well. We have got another chance so we won't let it go, we will win the by-election and Congress govt will fall"

6:18 PM

'Not anxious about what is going to happen, concerned about development', says Congress president Kharge

“We are not anxious about what is going to happen, it was a routine announcement. I have seen nearly 12 (Lok Sabha) elections and there hardly used to be 4-5 phases, but this time it is happening in seven phases. For the entire period, all development work will be stopped, imagine how the country will progress,” says Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on the 2024 Lok Sabha

5:48 PM

We will go to the people with a report card of what PM Modi has done in ten years: UP BJP president

After the Election Commission of India declares the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, UP BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary says, "...We are fully prepared. We will go to the people with a report card of what PM Modi has done in ten years. I believe that PM Modi will become the PM for the third time and that too with the biggest margin."

5:47 PM

When will Delhi go to vote for the Lok Sabha polls?

The Election Commission of India (EC) announced that Lok Sabha elections in the national capital will occur in a single phase on May 25. Counting of votes will be done on June 4.

5:36 PM

I hope the upcoming elections will be conducted fairly: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury

On the announcement of Lok Sabha election dates, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "I hope the upcoming elections will be conducted fairly and without violence...We have been saying since starting that everyone should get equal rights, we demand this only... Elections can be conducted in 10 phases also if ECI wants but this shows that things have not changed, we are still stuck with the 7 phases process. We talk about digital India but are stuck with the 7-phase process... Also, it would have been a good thing if elections (Assembly) had been announced in J&K also, why are we waiting till September?..."

5:34 PM

'BJP will win 5 out of 5 seats,' says Uttarakhand CM after EC announced poll dates and schedule

On the announcement of 2024 Lok Sabha election dates, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, " Preparations in Uttarakhand have been fully complete...Uttarakhand govt has done all the preparations. People of Uttarakhand consider PM Modi as part of their family...therefore in Uttarakhand, BJP will win 5 out of 5 seats"

5:32 PM

This election is an expression of our ability to work towards building developed India: Defence minister

'This election is not just for gaining power but also an expression of our dedication and ability to work towards the resolve of building a developed India', said defence minister Rajnath Singh on poll dates.

5:30 PM

'Freebies like liquor, gas, sarees will be stopped,' CEC said in the press conference

Strict vigil over illicit online cash transfers, suspicious transactions through payment wallets, Election Commission further informed on poll preparations.

5:29 PM

'Elections belong to you,' says CEC Rajiv Kumar to voters

"Elections belong to you," CEC says as he asks voters to come forward and take part in elections. 2,100 observers deployed to ensure level-playing field and conduct of polls free of inducement, coercion, intimidation, said ECI.

5:27 PM

By-elections to 26 assembly constituencies to be held alongside Lok Sabha polls

"There are 26 assembly constituencies where byelections are due. These are in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," says Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar at a press conference.

5:26 PM

Here's what CEC Rajiv Kumar said on Arun Goel's decision to quit

'Arun Goel was very distinguished team member, we must respect if he had personal reasons to quit', Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Arun Goel's decision to quit before Lok Sabha elections.

5:26 PM

'I call upon the people of the entire nation to vote in record numbers', says BJP national president JP Nadda

'Elections are the biggest festival of democracy.. I call upon the people of the entire nation to vote in record numbers', says BJP national president JP Nadda

5:24 PM

India is on a verge of becoming 'vishwa guru', says Shivraj Singh Chouhan on poll dates

"We were waiting for the announcement of poll dates. There's positive atmosphere across the country, PM Modi has done what he said, and India is on a verge of becoming 'vishwa guru'," says former Madhya Pradesh CM and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

5:23 PM

EC stands committed to holding Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir soon after Lok Sabha, says CEC Rajiv Kumar

Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Saturday that Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) assembly elections will be held 'soon after Lok Sabha elections.' "EC stands committed to holding Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir soon after LS elections," said CEC Rajiv Kumar.