The first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections have concluded in India. On Friday, approximately 60% of eligible voters cast their votes for the second phase's 88 seats. The first phase saw voting for 102 seats. Now, attention turns to the third phase on May 7, when 95 seats across 12 states and union territories will go to polls.
A total of 2963 nominations were filed for these 95 Lok Sabha seats. Election officials declared 1563 of these applications valid. Following the deadline for withdrawal of nominations, the count of contesting candidates stands at 1351.
- 1:42 PM
'If the arrogant alliance wins, who will be PM?' - Amit Shah speaks out in Begusarai
While addressing a public rally in Begusarai's Jhanjharpur, the Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that ensuring a third-term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi signifies the eradication of caste-based politics in Bihar, starting a new era of meritocratic governance. 'Modi's victory is assured,' says Shah, questioning who would lead if the 'arrogant alliance' wins. Could they appoint Lalu Yadav? Is it Stalin or Mamata Banerjee who can manage this nation? Could one even contemplate 'Rahul Baba' at the helm?
- 1:34 PM
'Whatever the public has gained post-independence is a gift from the Constitution, we must protect it' - Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat
Speaking at an election rally in Gujarat's Patan, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the ongoing battle is between two ideologies. According to Gandhi, while BJP and RSS are seeking to dismantle democracy and the Constitution, he aims to safeguard it. The public has inherited all post-independence benefits from the Constitution, which some BJP leaders now openly threaten to change or discard entirely if they win, Gandhi warns.
- 1:27 PM
'Modi Must Apologize to the Daughters of India...' - Owaisi slams PM over Prajwal Revanna allegations
AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for campaigning in Mysuru for the NDA's Hassan candidate, who faces allegations of sexually assaulting women and creating thousands of blackmail videos. BJP was aware of the candidate's background, yet the Prime Minister supported him, says Owaisi. Modi needs to apologize to the daughters of India and explain why he chose political power over the dignity of the nation's women.
- 12:29 PM
'In Karnataka, not a government but a recovery gang operates,' claims PM Modi
Addressing a public meeting in Karnataka's Bagalkot, PM Narendra Modi stated that the citizens' vote would strengthen him, propelling the country to become the world's third-largest economy. 'Our resolve is to make India a manufacturing and skill hub.' Political commitments made by those who enjoy leisure cannot be fulfilled, Modi implies.
- 12:09 PM
Rajnath Singh files nomination from Lucknow
BJP leader Rajnath Singh has submitted his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Rajnath Singh and the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami were present during this occasion. Voting for Lucknow in the Lok Sabha elections' fifth phase is scheduled for May 20.
- 12:01 PM
Uttar Pradesh: Smriti Irani conducts a roadshow in Amethi
Union Minister and BJP candidate from Amethi Smriti Irani held a roadshow ahead of her nomination filing today. Madhya Pradesh's CM Mohan Yadav also participated. Voting in Amethi for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is on the agenda for May 20.
- 11:18 AM
Sambit Patra of BJP stages a roadshow in Odisha's Puri
BJP candidate Sambit Patra, contesting from the Puri Lok Sabha seat in Odisha, will file his nomination today, preceded by a roadshow in Puri. Congress has fielded Suchitra Mohanty in this electoral battle. Elections for the Puri Lok Sabha seat are set for May 25.
