The countdown to the first phase of Lok Sabha elections has begun. In just three days, on April 19, voting will take place for 102 seats across 21 states and union territories.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had triumphed in 40 of these seats, while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) settled for 24, and the Congress for 15. It's going to be fascinating to see how many seats each party secures this time. There will be six more voting phases following this one.
Political turbulence has accelerated as the first phase of voting approaches. Both the BJP and Congress have released their election manifestos. In the midst of this, the bluster of political attacks continues. Let us fill you in on the significant political developments from Tuesday, April 16, across the nation.
- 11:01 AM
Election 2024 news: Invitation for 'Prana Pratishtha' scorned
At a rally in Gaya, Bihar, PM Modi said, 'The sun's rays will tomorrow specially anoint the crown of Ramlala in Gaya. But the arrogant alliance is troubled even by the Ram Temple. Those who once questioned the existence of Lord Ram, look at the language they're using today. They spurned the invitation for 'Prana Pratishtha' over their obsession with a communal vote bank. This isn't aligned with our nation's traditions.'
- 10:35 AM
Lok Sabha Election: Jyotiraditya Scindia performs pre-nomination rituals
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will shortly file his nomination papers. Prior to this, he visited the Hanuman Temple for worship. Notably, Congress has fielded Rao Yadavendra Singh against Scindia.
- 9:14 AM
Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra election teams travel by helicopter to Naxal-affected areas
In Chhattisgarh, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the voting team is being dispatched by helicopter to Naxal-affected regions in Bijapur. Chhattisgarh will conduct voting over three phases on April 19, April 26, and May 7, with Bastar being the sole constituency voting in the first phase on April 19.
- 8:44 AM
Election 2024 news: Dhananjay Singh's wife gets ticket from Jaunpur
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has granted a ticket to strongman Dhananjay Singh from Jaunpur. BSP has officially announced Dhananjay Singh's wife, Shrikala Reddy, as their candidate, featuring her in the newly released list.
- 8:21 AM
Lok Sabha polls: PM Modi to rally in Bihar and West Bengal
Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will campaign in the states of Bihar and West Bengal.
- 8:18 AM
Election 2024 news: Jyotiraditya Scindia to file nomination
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will file his nomination for the Guna Lok Sabha seat today. Attending the event will be Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and former CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan as well.
- 8:16 AM
Lok Sabha Election 2024: Dimple Yadav to file nomination today
Dimple Yadav, the Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav’s wife and SP candidate from Mainpuri, will file her nomination today. She will also hold a mega show, joined by Akhilesh Yadav and other members of the Yadav family.
- 8:15 AM
Election 2024 news: Jayant explains why he left Akhilesh's side
Jayant Chaudhary, President of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, openly expressed for the first time why he disagrees with the politics of Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief. He accused Akhilesh of wanting to overshadow him, prompting Jayant to part ways politically.
