Lok Sabha polls HIGHLIGHTS: EC approves Andhra Pradesh's proposals for administrative changes, enquiry

In a fervent address ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, also a BJP candidate from Odisha's Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership as pivotal for the nation's progress. Pradhan questioned the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on their electoral agenda, urging clarity on their prime ministerial candidate, campaign issues, and parliamentary achievements. Expressing confidence in BJP's prospects, Pradhan predicted a sweeping victory, securing all 21 Lok Sabha seats from Odisha.

As the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 progress, candidates eyeing seats in the Seventh Phase have until May 17, 2024, to withdraw their candidature.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has given its approval to the proposals put forth by the Andhra Pradesh government regarding the transfer of District Collector Palnadu and Superintendent of Police (SP) Tirupati. Furthermore, the ECI has initiated a departmental enquiry into the incidents of post-poll violence that occurred in Andhra Pradesh.

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Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a dig at Rahul Gandhi's eradicating poverty 'khata khat' remark when they will come to power, saying after June 4, the Opposition's I.N.D.I.A bloc will break away 'khata khat, khata khat'. READ MORE...

Former Union Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram offered a sharp rebuttal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks regarding budget allocations during a public address. Chidambaram suggested that PM Modi's statement may have been scripted, speculating that it was likely prepared by a speechwriter and displayed on a teleprompter. He vehemently rejected the claim that Congress allocates 15% of the budget to Muslims, deeming it false and outrageous.

Addressing a public gathering in Sundargarh, Odisha, BJP national president JP Nadda lauded the transformative journey of India under Prime Minister Modi's leadership over the past decade. Nadda recalled India's image a decade ago as a fragile economy mired in corruption and pessimism. He emphasized the significant shift brought about by PM Modi's relentless dedication, which has instilled hope and confidence in the future of the nation.

Under PM Modi's visionary leadership, Nadda expressed confidence in the realization of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). He credited PM Modi's unwavering commitment to serving the nation for propelling India towards progress and prosperity.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: "The change and achievements have been brought about by your votes, not by Modi. It is the power of your vote that we have marked 'Shiv Shakti Point' on the Moon. That's why the world is saying that the third tenure of our government will be even more powerful," says PM Modi while addressing a public meeting in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh.

Rahul Gandhi, in a fervent appeal, emphasises the transformative potential of each voter's choice. He pledged to combat the rampant discrimination and injustice prevalent nationwide, stressing the impact of every vote. Gandhi vows to initiate the recruitment process for 30 lakh government positions by August 15, promising job opportunities for millions. Additionally, he pledges to deposit Rs 8,500 per month into the bank accounts of impoverished women starting on July 1, empowering them economically.

During a rally in Bihar, Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the INDIA Bloc, asserting the country's need for a strong and consistent Prime Minister, rather than one who changes yearly.

Addressing the ongoing elections, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav emphasized the significance of the battle ahead, thanking all supporters. He highlighted the people's desire to hear the voice of the Constitution rather than the government's 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcasts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that this Lok Sabha election is an opportunity for the country to choose a leader who can run a strong government which "makes the world aware of India's strength". Modi was addressing an election rally organised at a college ground here in support of BJP candidates Kripashankar Singh from the Jaunpur parliamentary constituency and BP Saroj from the Machhlishahr (reserved) seat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claim that Congress wanted to keep 15 per cent of the budget for Muslims is “foolish”, said NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday, stressing that allocation based on caste and religion can never happen. Talking to reporters here, Pawar said the central government budget is about the country not of any caste or religion. PM Modi on Wednesday alleged that the Congress during its previous rule wanted to allocate 15 per cent of the central government budget for Muslims and vowed not to allow splitting of budget or reservation in jobs and education on the basis of religion.

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the BJP wants to get more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha polls as it wants to end reservation. Kejriwal also reiterated his claim that Home Minister Amit Shah will be made the next prime minister and Yogi Adiyanath will be removed as Uttar Pradesh chief minister if the BJP returns to power. "The people of BJP have always been against reservation. They will change the Constitution and end reservation of SC/ST/OBC after coming to power," he said at a joint press conference along with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav here.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday the country has started granting citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act while the opposition Samajwadi Party and Congress tried to cause riots in the country by spreading lies about the law.

The Congress on Thursday renewed its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the BJP giving a Lok Sabha ticket to the son of incumbent MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is facing charges of sexually harassing women wrestlers, and asked whether women ever be safe in "Modi's India".

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said the BJP will change the Constitution and end reservation if it comes to power after the Lok Sabha polls. "The people of BJP have always been against reservation. They will change the Constitution and end reservation after coming to power," he said at a joint press conference with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. Kejriwal reiterated his claim that Yogi Adityanath will be removed as Uttar Pradesh chief minister if the BJP again comes to power. Yadav claimed the BJP has been defeated in the first four phases of Lok Sabha polls.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will address public meetings in Manjhanpur (Kaushambi) at 1:05 p.m., Banda at 2:20 p.m., and Fatehpur at 3:25 p.m. on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an election rally at Mumbai's Shivaji Park on May 17, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. Bawankule was speaking to reporters after meeting MNS chief Raj Thackeray, who has announced his party's support to BJP-led NDA's candidates in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. "PM Modi will address a poll rally at Shivaji Park on Friday (May 17). I invited Raj Thackeray for the rally and he has agreed to attend it," said the BJP leader. "Thackeray's support (to NDA candidates) and his appeal to voters will reflect in the (poll) outcome. We have asked Raj to join us for the poll campaign in the next few days," he said. On Wednesday, the PM addressed two elections in Maharashtra- in Nashik and Thane districts- in support of NDA nominees and also held a roadshow in Mumbai.

Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh has said that he will not withdraw his candidature from Bihar's Karakat Lok Sabha seat at any cost. The actor-politician made the remarks on Wednesday after senior BJP leader and Bihar minister Prem Kumar said that Singh should withdraw his nomination otherwise the party will take action against him. Interacting with media persons in Karakat, Singh said: "I will not withdraw my nomination... there is no point in returning from here. I am an artist, not a criminal against whom the BJP will take action against me. This is India and everyone here has the right to live a free life... No matter what anyone says, Pawan Singh will contest elections from Karakat at any cost." Singh is contesting as an independent candidate from the Karakat parliamentary constituency. His mother Pratima Singh has also filed the nomination paper from the same seat as an independent candidate.

Sri Amritsar Sahib: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann to hold a massive road show today for AAP Lok Sabha candidate in Punjab. 

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, and Akhilesh Yadav to hold a joint press conference at 10:00 am today (May 16) in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. 

Nirbhay Yadav, the son of former Bihar minister Dadan Singh Yadav alias Dadan Pahalwan, filed the nomination as an independent candidate from the Buxar Lok Sabha constituency on Wednesday. Sources said that Dadan Yadav wants to play it safe if the Election Commission rejects his nomination. If Dadan Yadav's nomination is cancelled, his son Nirbhay Yadav will contest the election from Buxar, they added. A similar strategy was adopted by Bhojpuri actor Pawan Singh in Karakat, where his mother Pratima Singh filed the nomination on Tuesday. Earlier, the main contest was between BJP's Mithilesh Tiwari and RJD’s Sudhakar Singh but now after Dadan Yadav and former IPS Anand Mishra filed nominations, Buxar is set to witness a quadrangular battle.