The 2024 Lok Sabha election is unfolding in seven stages. With four phases already behind us on April 19 and 26, and May 7 and 13, the political landscape is teeming with election campaigns for phase five. Voting for the fifth and sixth phases is set for May 20 and 25 respectively, and the final phase will conclude with voting on June 1 and counting to take place on June 4.
A total of 695 candidates in the fifth phase across 8 states/union territories will go to the polls for 49 seats. The states in the fray include Bihar (5 seats), Jharkhand (3 seats), Maharashtra (13 seats), Uttar Pradesh (14 seats), Odisha (5 seats), West Bengal (7 seats), Jammu & Kashmir (one seat) and Ladakh (one seat).
- 1:21 PM
'Every poor person will have a durable home,' vows PM Modi
Following his administration, PM Modi declared that a surge in the construction of PM Housing Scheme homes began in UP. So far, the BJP government has handed over 15 lakh homes in cities and 35 lakh in villages to the poor sectors of the population. And for those still without, the Prime Minister ensures every impoverished individual will eventually own a reliable home. He further added that UP, once notorious for its crime under SP government, now tops the charts in development under the BJP leadership. It also leads in the number of expressways, airports, metro networks, and welfare schemes for the poor.
- 1:14 PM
PM Modi criticizes SP-Congress in Fatehpur
Targeting SP and Congress, PM Modi stated that these parties believe breaking societal harmony will serve their interests, thus fueling their audacity. Congress 'princes', as he referred to them, dream of locking down the Ram Mandir, while SP leaders dismiss the temple as pointless. Coalition members openly threaten to dismantle Sanatana Dharma if they seize power.
- 1:11 PM
'Broken dreams of the Hand and the Cycle,' PM Modi addresses rally
In a spirited address, PM Modi remarked that the ambitions associated with the Hand and the Cycle, the symbols of Congress and SP respectively, had shattered. Emphasizing the post-poll planning underway, he hinted that after June 4, the focus would be on whom to blame for the electoral defeat. He even quipped about rumors of foreign trips being booked in anticipation of the loss.
- 1:08 PM
Congress sets 50-seat goal to save grace, PM Modi speaks in Fatehpur
During a public meeting in Fatehpur, PM Modi highlighted that his previous predictions about the 'prince' fleeing Wayanad and not daring to go Amethi have come true. He coolly noted that, amid public disfavor, Congress has set a modest target of wining 50 seats nationwide as their bar for success in these elections.
- 1:06 PM
PM Modi targets 'INDIA Bloc', claims their unity is dissolving
Following his rally in Barabanki, PM Modi addressed the citizens of Fatehpur, stating the coalition 'INDIA Bloc' appears fragmented and willing to concede defeat. With a lack of will among the remaining campaigners, supporters have grown despondent and opted to stay home.
- 12:43 PM
Kejriwal claims, 'PMO had eyes on me 24/7 in Amritsar'
Addressing AAP workers in Amritsar, Arvind Kejriwal revealed that the PMO kept him under surveillance around the clock during his time in Tihar. Faced with CCTVs and constant observation, he asserted that while he'd be back in jail on June 2 to witness the Lok Sabha election results, AAP's victory across Punjab's 13 seats is imperative. Kejriwal likened India's situation to Russia's, drawing parallels with Putin's suppression of dissent.
- 11:26 AM
'Only BJP can accelerate nation's development...', PM Modi campaigns in Barabanki
Campaigning for the BJP candidate from Barabanki, PM Modi proclaimed that the upcoming victory, perceived as a hat trick for his government, is recognized both nationally and internationally. With new mandates to make for the poor, youth, women, and farmers, he ensures a slew of prominent decisions are on the horizon.
- 11:10 AM
Punjab BJP Chief requests CM Yogi for rally assistance
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has penned a letter to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, requesting for his presence and rally support in Batala, Ludhiana, and Jalandhar. Jakhar praised Yogi’s administrative prowess and vocalized a shared interest in showcasing it during Punjab's current electoral period.
- 10:04 AM
CPI(M)'s Yechury questions Mamata's support stance
Mamata Banerjee's fluctuating stance between consolidating INDIA Bloc to offering external support raises questions with CPI(M) chief Sitaram Yechury. He seeks clarity on her position within or outside the bloc and nations her to decide promptly.
- 9:59 AM
TMC leaders' homes raided by CBI in West Bengal 2021 violence case
In an investigation into post-election violence in East Midnapore, CBI officers have conducted raids at the homes of TMC leaders Nandadulal Maity and Devbrat Panda. The probes are connected to the death of one Dhananjay during the 2021 electoral violence.
- 9:57 AM
Political saga ensues over the proposed Sita temple after Ram Mandir completion
Following the Ram Mandir's establishment in Ayodhya, Home Minister Amit Shah now pledges a grand monument at Sita's birthplace, Sitamarhi. He challenges those distanced from the Ram temple initiative, stating only BJP can honor Mata Sita’s sacrifice, dedication, and ideals.
- 7:09 AM
PM Modi Rally: Shivaji Park gears up for BJP's iconic electoral event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to galvanize crowds at Mumbai's iconic Shivaji Park today, with Maharashtra's BJP unit and the city's police issuing necessary advisories in anticipation of the mega rally.