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‘BJP tries to kill, imprison people who speak out against it’

South Dinajpur: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee speaks during an election campaign rally for Lok Sabha polls, in South Dinajpur, Sunday, April 21, 2024.(IANS)

Banerjee expressed her bewilderment at the BJP’s intimidation tactics, questioning why they were resorting to such measures if they were confident…reports Asian Lite News

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has levelled serious accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging a campaign of violence and intimidation against those opposing them. This was during an election rally in support of Trinamul Congress (TMC) candidate Satabdi Roy for the Birbhum Lok Sabha seat.

Banerjee’s concern stemmed from the recent arrest by Kolkata Police of a Mumbai resident, purportedly linked to a meeting with 26/11 attack accused David Headley, who was allegedly conducting surveillance on the residence and office of her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, a TMC national general secretary.

Banerjee expressed her bewilderment at the BJP’s intimidation tactics, questioning why they were resorting to such measures if they were confident in their prospects for winning the polls. She cited instances where BJP leaders made threatening remarks, with one even declaring intentions to detonate a bomb, prompting Banerjee to challenge them to target her instead. She highlighted the gravity of the situation by emphasizing that the arrested individual had conducted a reconnaissance of Abhishek’s residence and attempted to set up a meeting, potentially endangering his life.

The chief minister accused the BJP of attempting to silence dissenting voices by either eliminating or incarcerating them, portraying them as a threat to democracy. Banerjee’s concerns were further fueled by remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, hinting at a significant disruptive event aimed at the TMC leadership.

The arrest of the individual, identified as Rajaram Rege, from Mumbai by the Special Task Force of Kolkata Police intensified the political tension. Rege, allegedly associated with a political party in Maharashtra, had reportedly made contact attempts with Abhishek Banerjee and his personal assistant, raising suspicion of sinister motives. Additional Commissioner of Police Murlidhar Sharma revealed Rege’s prior connection with David Headley, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.

Banerjee’s apprehensions about her safety and that of her nephew were validated by these events, prompting concerns over their security despite receiving Z+ security cover. The developments underscored the intense political rivalry in West Bengal, with the specter of violence and intimidation looming large over the electoral landscape.

ALSO READ: Farmers protest BJP candidates across Punjab

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Patnaik’s ‘double conch’ challenge to BJP’s narrative

The unique symbol was introduced to counter the BJP’s rhetoric of establishing a ‘double engine’ government at both the central and state levels…reports Asian Lite News

Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader, Naveen Patnaik, recently advocated for the symbol of the ‘double conch’ in the upcoming simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the state.

This unique symbol was introduced to counter the BJP’s rhetoric of establishing a ‘double engine’ government at both the central and state levels.

In a promotional video circulated by the BJD, Patnaik is depicted holding two conch symbols, which represent the party’s logo, urging voters to support the concept of ‘double conch’ while casting their votes.

Patnaik emphasized the significance of voting for ‘double conch,’ encouraging citizens to allocate one vote for their MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) and another for their MP (Member of Parliament).

The elections in Odisha are scheduled to be conducted in four phases from May 13 to June 1, adding to the anticipation surrounding Patnaik’s electoral strategies.

As Patnaik prepares to embark on his campaign journey, starting from his stronghold of Hinjili in Ganjam district, he plans to contest from two assembly constituencies this time—Hinjili, his current constituency, and Kantabanji in western Odisha.

Having represented Hinjili since 2000 and being elected five consecutive times, Patnaik stands poised to potentially secure his position as the longest-serving chief minister in the country if re-elected.

Ahead of his campaign kick-off, the fervor among supporters is palpable, with women observed performing pujas in various temples across Hinjili, expressing their hopes for Patnaik’s victory.

Interestingly, Patnaik’s campaign launch coincides with Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s planned rally in Sonepur, Bolangir Lok Sabha seat, underscoring the competitive political landscape in Odisha.

Additionally, Patnaik’s itinerary includes campaigning for BJD candidates in Rayagada district on April 25, further intensifying the electoral fervor in the state.

With four Lok Sabha seats—Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur, and Koraput—along with their corresponding assembly segments slated for polls on May 13, the political dynamics in Odisha are poised for a significant transformation.

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Farmers protest BJP candidates across Punjab

These demonstrations mark another chapter in the ongoing saga of farmer frustration over unmet demands…reports Asian Lite News

Farmer discontent boiled over in Punjab on Sunday as protests erupted against BJP candidate Dinesh Babbu in Batala and party leader Arvind Khanna in Barnala. These demonstrations mark another chapter in the ongoing saga of farmer frustration over unmet demands, a sentiment that has been simmering despite the election fervour surrounding the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Throughout the campaign trail, BJP candidates such as Hans Raj Hans, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Preneet Kaur have encountered the ire of farmers, who have resorted to showing black flags and vocalizing their grievances. The anger reached a crescendo in Fatehgarh Churian, where farmers rallied against Mr. Babbu, the BJP nominee from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat, prompting police intervention to prevent the situation from escalating.

In the face of mounting protests, BJP candidate Mr. Babbu attempted to reassure farmers, asserting that only his party could effectively address their concerns through dialogue. However, the demonstrators remained steadfast, expressing skepticism towards political promises and a determination to hold leaders accountable.

Similar scenes unfolded in Barnala, where BJP leader Arvind Khanna faced the wrath of protesting farmers during his campaign. Allegations flew from both sides, with Mr. Khanna accusing AAP workers of instigating the protests, while protesters criticized the BJP government’s handling of farmer issues.

Meanwhile, BJP candidate Taranjit Singh Sandhu, hailing from a farming family, reiterated his commitment to improving farmers’ incomes despite facing their ire on the campaign trail. The farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), have vowed to oppose the BJP in the upcoming polls, citing the government’s failure to address their demands, including a law on minimum support price (MSP).

The ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, led by farmer unions SKM and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), underscores the depth of farmer discontent, with demands for a legal guarantee of MSP for crops. Since February 13, farmers have maintained a presence at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana, symbolizing their resolve to fight for their rights.

As the polling for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab approaches on June 1, the farmer protests serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing political parties in winning over this crucial voter demographic. The outcome of the elections will not only shape the political landscape but also determine the future trajectory of farmer-government relations in the region.

BJP MP attacks Punjab CM over unpaid salaries to cops

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday attacked Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann over the unpaid salaries of more than 85,000 Punjab police personnel and said that while the crucial phase of elections is underway, the morale of the security force is low.

The BJP leader said that the Punjab Chief Minister should clarify to the people of Punjab why the salaries of 85,000 employees of Punjab police are unpaid.

Taking to social media handle X, the Ludhiana MP posted, “Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, please tell the people of Punjab why 85,000 employees of Punjab police have not been paid a salary for March and the April salary is almost due. Elections are on, safety and security is very important but the morale of the force is very low.”

Ravneet Bittu criticised the Punjab Chief Minister’s false claims of no lack of funds in Punjab and questioned the condition of the state where the law enforcement agency of the state itself has due salary.

“The state is heading for elections and the police force has a major role in executing it peacefully but what will the police employees standing on the naka or road do if he is not being paid by the state government for the last one and half months,” said Bittu.

The BJP leader also said that the issue of unpaid paychecks has affected the employees’ family budgets and made them unable to carry on with their routine requirements.

“We all know school admissions, uniforms, books and fees have to be paid around this time of the year. The issue of unpaid salaries has shaken the family budget of the employees and they are unable to carry on with their routine requirements,” said Bittu.

Bittu questioned the Chief Minister to stop making hollow claims and admit the state is bankrupt or tell why there is a delay in the release of the salary of the police force.

“Even if there is some problem with the state treasury the state government should have prepared itself with a backup plan. The morale of the force is very low now but because of the disciplined force, they can’t protest or go on strike,” he said.

Adding further he said that the Punjab Chief Minister has broken all the records of delay in the salary which never happened earlier.

“What will happen to our law and order if the morale of the force is not boosted? The government employees of some other departments have also been ruing over the government’s laxity in paying salaries,” claimed the BJP leader.

Ravneet Singh Bittu joined the BJP at the party headquarters in Delhi earlier in March, in a major setback to Congress, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Ravneet Singh Bittu is the grandson of former Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh and the son of former Punjab minister Tej Parkash Singh.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Bittu defeated Simarjeet Singh Bains from the Lok Insaaf Party by 76,372 votes.

In 2014, he defeated the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Harvinder Singh Phoolka with a margin of 19,709 votes.

Polling for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab will take place in the last phase on June 1.

Aam Aadmi Party and Congress are contesting the election in Punjab separately despite being in alliance in other states.

Yesterday, in yet another blow to the Congress party, Tajinder Singh Bittu joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the party headquarters in Delhi on Saturday in the presence of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and party general secretary Vinod Tawde.

Tajinder Singh Bittu resigned from his post as AICC Secretary-in-Charge of Himachal Pradesh and primary membership Congress.

This comes at a crucial time, in the backdrop of Lok Sabha elections being held across the nation. Bittu’s exit marks another setback for the Congress party, which has witnessed an exodus of big leaders in the last few weeks.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, the INC-led UPA alliance won eight seats, while the NDA secured four. The Aam Aadmi Party, in its debut, won one seat. (ANI)

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Weak BJP not fielding candidates from Kashmir: Congress

Congress expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory in the Jammu region’s two seats,..reports Asian Lite News

Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Vikar Rasool Wani asserted that the BJP’s decision not to field candidates in the Kashmir region’s three Lok Sabha seats reflects its weakness in the area. He expressed confidence in the Congress’s ability to secure victory in the Jammu region’s two seats, affirming that an INDIA bloc government at the Centre would safeguard culture, jobs, and land, restore statehood, and organize assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

In response to BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit chief Ravinder Raina’s defense of the decision, Wani dismissed Raina’s justifications as fanciful, labeling him a “Hawa Baaz” (one who builds castles in the air). Wani argued that the BJP lacks a voter base, public support, polling agents, campaign infrastructure, and cadre base in Kashmir, rendering their participation in elections infeasible.

Highlighting perceived disenchantment with the BJP in both Jammu and Kashmir, Wani attributed this to the BJP’s failure to deliver on promises over the past decade, characterizing their efforts as mere token gestures. He contended that the electorate’s dissatisfaction manifested in the first phase of polling in Udhampur, predicting a similar outcome in the Jammu Lok Sabha seat.

Expressing gratitude to the people of Udhampur for their robust participation in the electoral process despite adverse weather conditions, Wani interpreted their engagement as a desire for change and expressed confidence in the Congress’s electoral prospects.

Wani seized upon the theme of change, suggesting a shifting political landscape in the country and criticizing the BJP’s actions regarding Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into Union Territories. He assured voters of the Congress’s commitment to preserving culture, jobs, and land rights, along with restoring statehood, reinstating the bi-annual Darbar move tradition, scrapping smart electricity meters, and implementing promises outlined in the party manifesto, including farmer loan waivers.

Omar accuses PDP of working for BJP’s benefit

National Conference Vice President and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday accused the PDP of working for the BJP’s benefit in the Kashmir Valley.

After having dismissed Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP as a “spent force”, he said that the party, by contesting the election against the INDIA bloc in J&K, is benefiting the BJP.

Omar Abdullah also accused the PDP of having joined the INDIA bloc only to get the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency.

Addressing an election campaign in Anantnag district, he said that the INDIA bloc is fighting the BJP and the alliance is here on this stage. “Those who are not on this stage are trying to benefit the BJP,” he said.

Stressing that his NC has joined the INDIA bloc only to keep the “communal BJP” away, Omar Abdullah said: “It is unfortunate that in this constituency, we are fighting with another member of the alliance. Now we are being accused of being selfish. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, in her speeches every day, says that NC is acting selfishly.”

He noted that both the Congress and M.Y.Tarigami of the CPI-M have also supported the NC candidate in the constituency, and asked the PDP whether they deem both the Congress and the CPI-M as selfish too.

In another election meeting in Pulwama district, which is part of the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat, Omar Abdullah appealed to people to vote for NC candidate Syed Ruhullah Mehdi. He called the Lok Sabha elections as the semi-final and told people that the final (Assembly elections) will also be held by September this year.

Mehbooba Mufti slams Akram over remark

Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that Congress should think about their support to the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir after the leader of the latter Chaudhary Mohammad Akram equated the Congress with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

“The statements made by Choudhary Akram while joining JKNC, he said that there is no difference between Congress and BJP. He said BJP is Congress. He is the same Choudhary Akram whose father (Chaudhary Mohammad Aslam) was part of the Congress party. What worse can he say about Congress? I don’t understand how the Congress workers would support the NC. The NC leadership used to refer to Congress workers as ‘gandi naali kay keeday’ (the worms of the gutter). They used to face social boycott,” Mufti told reporters.

She said that it was “unfortunate” that Akram chose to describe the Congress in that manner.

“This is for the Congress workers to think about. They have to support the National Conference (in this election) but they (Akram) are calling them the B team of the BJP,” she added.

Akram joined the National Conference earlier this month and he was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on a Congress ticket in the 2014 polls.

Earlier on April 8, the Congress and National Conference announced the seat-sharing agreement for the five constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir and one constituency of Ladakh.

Under the seat-sharing agreement, the Congress will contest from Jammu, Udhampur and Ladakh parliamentary constituencies, while the National Conference will contest from Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar and Baramulla Lok Sabha seats.

Polling in Udhampur was held on April 19 (Phase 1), while Jammu, Anantnag-Rajouri, Srinagar, and Baramulla will poll on April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20.

In 2019, polling for the Lok Sabha was held for six seats in Jammu and Kashmir. However, following the abrogation of Article 370, which resulted in the split of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state into two Union Territories–Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, there is no longer a separate Lok Sabha constituency for Ladakh.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP won three seats while the National Conference won the remaining three.

The elections for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting on April 19. The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4. (ANI)

ALSO READ-We have the numbers to stop BJP, says Kharge  

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We have the numbers to stop BJP, says Kharge  

The grand rally was being held amidst the Lok Sabha polls in the absence of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and the AAP’s Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, two of the key faces of the INDIA bloc. Both Hemant Soren and Kejriwal are in judicial custody…reports Asian Lite News

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks that the Congress is now incapable of contesting on 300 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, who landed in Ranchi to address the INDIA bloc rally, said he has not taken responsibility to answer every question of PM, declaring that the numbers needed to stop the Bharatiya Janata Party from coming to power are with them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Congress which had once won 400 seats is now incapable of contesting on 300 seats in this Lok Sabha election.

“Let him (PM Modi) speak whatever he wants to. I am not here to answer his questions. The number needed to stop them (BJP) are there with us,” Kharge told.

He further thanked former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s wife Kalpana Soren, Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren and Congress workers for organising a rally.

“There were lakhs of people (in the rally). I was late as I was in a programme in Satna, Madhya Pradesh. I was happy that Mrs Soren, the Chief Minister and Congress organised such a huge rally. INDIA bloc has got an asset because of this rally,” he added.

The grand rally was being held amidst the Lok Sabha polls in the absence of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and the AAP’s Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, two of the key faces of the INDIA bloc. Both Hemant Soren and Kejriwal are in judicial custody.

Earlier today, taking a jibe at the deteriorating condition of the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the Congress which had once won 400 seats is now incapable of contesting on 300 seats in this Lok Sabha election adding that the party is the “symbol of instability.”

He further said that the Congress party, which is a symbol of instability, and its alliance can never run the country properly.

“Congress was in power for 60 years; once they used to win 400 seats, but today they can’t even find candidates for 300 seats. They are paying the price of their wrongdoing. Now they have made an opportunistic alliance in the name of the INDIA bloc which got its wings clipped before it could take flight. The so-called allies are contesting against each other in the States and at least in 25 per cent of seats,” PM Modi said.

Addressing a public rally in Rajasthan’s Jalore, PM Modi said that the people of the country is punishing the Congress for its “sins”.

“You have given your blessings to BJP every time, this time too, the people of Jalore-Sirohi are saying ‘Phir ek baar Modi sarkar’. In the first phase of polling for the Lok Sabha elections, half of Rajasthan has taught a good lesson to the Congress party. The patriotic people of Rajasthan know that Congress couldn’t provide a strong government in the Centre. Their government used to run on remote control. The country does not want the conditions that existed before 2014 to return again,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister further without naming Sonia Gandhi, slammed the former Congress president for choosing the Rajya Sabha route to reach Parliament.

“The Congress party itself is responsible for the condition it has reached today. Earlier, Rajasthan sent former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Rajya Sabha, and now you have another leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha (Sonia Gandhi). People who knew that they could not win, ran away from the race and reached Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan. Congress hollowed the country by spreading the termites of ‘parivaarwad’ and corruption. The youth of the country is so angry with Congress that it doesn’t want to see their face again,” the PM said.

The first phase of voting for 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories was held on Friday with a voter turnout of nearly 64 per cent. The estimated voter turnout was recorded at 63.89 per cent till 9:00 pm in the first phase of polling. (ANI)

Rahul to skip INDIA bloc’s rally

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who was scheduled to campaign in Satna and Ranchi where the INDIA Bloc’s ‘Ulgulan Rally’ is being held on Sunday has fallen ill suddenly and ubnable to leave New Delhi at present, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted today on X.

“Rahul Gandhi was all set to campaign in Satna and Ranchi today, where the INDIA rally is being held. But he has suddenly fallen ill and cannot leave New Delhi at the moment. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge ji will join the Ranchi rally after addressing the public meeting in Satna,” Jairam Ramesh wrote on X.

Meanwhile, general secretary of the Wayanad District Congress Committee, PM Sudhakaran, resigned from the party and joined the BJP today.

Sudhakaran, who joined the BJP at the election Committee office in Kalpetta in Kerala said that Rahul Gandhi who is the MP from Wayanad is not even accessible for him and asked as how can such a politician be accessible for the common man.

Addressing a function at the committee office, Sudhakaran said, “I am joining the BJP as iam an admirer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his politics of development. BJP is a party that has more relevance in today’s society. For the development projects of PM Modi to be implemented, K Surendran should be elected as the MP from Wayanad and I will strive towards that. If the people of Wayanad elect state president of BJP, K Surendran, the people of Wayanad are going to benefit out of it”.

The grand Oppostion rally in Ranchi today is being held amidst the Lok Sabha polls is themed around the arrest of the ex-Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and AAP’s Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, two of the key faces of the INDIA bloc. Both Hemant Soren and Kejriwal are in judicial custody.

Earlier, Congress MP Syed Naseer Hussain said today that it’s the beginning of the fight against the fascist forces.

“It will be the fourth rally (of alliance) after Mumbai, Patna, and Delhi. It’s not just about the trumpeting but the beginning of the fight against the fascist forces. Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, and other leaders will join the rally. PM Modi has been the PM since 2014, he has made many promises to the people of the country, and this is the time for him to present the report card and vision for the coming days,” Hussain said.

Posters of INDIA bloc leaders, including Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, party MP Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren and his wife Kalpana Soren were seen put up in Ranchi ahead of the mega rally scheduled at Prabhat Tara Ground.

Samajwadi Party National President Akhilesh Yadav will also participate in the rally.

Apart from SP chief, other INDIA bloc leaders will also participate in today’s rally. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Sanjay Singh will join the “Nyay Ulgulan Rally.” (ANI)

ALSO READ-BJP, Congress lock horns in high-stakes battle for Chittorgarh

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BJP, Congress lock horns in high-stakes battle for Chittorgarh

Yogi Adityanath held grand roadshows in Chittorgarh and Jodhpur in favour of party candidate CP Joshi, Union Jal Shakti Minister and BJP candidate Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, respectively.

The Chittorgarh constituency in Rajasthan braces for a high-stakes showdown as the Lok Sabha elections draw near, featuring a fierce contest between the BJP’s State President, CP Joshi, and Udai Lal Anjan, a former Rajasthan government minister

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party’s star campaigner, Yogi Adityanath, entered the electoral battle in Rajasthan for the second time on Saturday in view of the Lok Sabha elections. Yogi Adityanath held grand roadshows in Chittorgarh and Jodhpur in favour of party candidate CP Joshi, Union Jal Shakti Minister and BJP candidate Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, respectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address a rally on Sunday.

Speaking to ANI, BJP candidate Joshi said that the election is not just a contest but that a significant victory is awaiting them. He emphasised the developmental work done under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also asserted the BJP’s dominance in all 25 constituencies in Rajasthan.

On the other hand, Congress candidate Udai Lal Anjana, a former Rajasthan government minister, highlighted the ongoing issues facing farmers, promising to advocate for their rights. He criticised the BJP for neglecting farmers’ concerns and pledged to address them effectively. Anjana also pointed out the lack of substantial issues from the BJP’s side, emphasising the need for a discussion on national development.

In the 2019 elections, the BJP’s candidate, Chandra Prakash Joshi, won the seat by securing 982,942 votes. He defeated Gopal Singh Shekhawat of the Indian National Congress by a margin of 576,247 votes.

In the 2014 general elections, Joshi clinched the seat with 703,236 votes, surpassing Congress candidate Girija Vyas by 316,857 votes.

Voting for the 12 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan was held in the first phase on Friday.

The remaining 13 seats in Rajasthan will be contested in the second phase on April 26.

The remaining phases will be held on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases.

In 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP registered a sweeping victory, winning 24 out of 25 seats in Rajasthan, while the remaining one seat was won by Rashtriya Loktrantrik Party candidate Hanuman Beniwal.

Adityanath holds roadshows in Rajasthan

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party’s star campaigner, Yogi Adityanath, entered the electoral battle in Rajasthan for the second time on Saturday in view of the Lok Sabha elections. Yogi Adityanath held grand roadshows in Chittorgarh and Jodhpur in favour of BJP state president and party candidate CP Joshi, and Union Jal Shakti Minister and BJP candidate Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, respectively.

He also addressed a huge public meeting in Rajsamand, seeking votes for BJP candidate Mahima Vishweshwar Singh Mewar.

During his roadshows, rose petals were showered on Yogi Adityanath.

The roadshow in Chittorgarh started at the Mall Road warehouse and culminated at Bhairo Singh Chowk, passing through the main market of the city. Despite the scorching heat, people gathered in large numbers to greet the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister throughout the roadshow while the continuous chant of ‘Yogi-Yogi’ filled the air. At Bhairo Singh Chowk, Yogi garlanded the statue of Bhero Singh and gave a speech.

Addressing the voters at the concluding point of the road show, Yogi Adityanath said, “I have come to pay respects to the land of valour, Mewar, from the birthplace of Lord Ram, Ayodhya. The history of this land reveals that it has never deviated from nationalism and has always been eager to make sacrifices for the motherland. As a modern pilgrimage site in India, this land receives homage from the whole of India.”

Later, addressing a public meeting in Rajsamand, Yogi Adityanath urged voters in Rajasthan to relegate the Congress Party to history. “Bring the party to a state where people reminisce, ‘Once upon a time, there was Congress’,” he remarked.

CM Yogi said that his ancestors came from Rajasthan, pointing out that his grandfather guru arrived in Gorakhpur from Mewar and ignited the flame of nationalism there. He added, “I am a follower of truth, and on the land of Rajasthan, the voice of truth gets strengthened. That’s why I receive the most love here.”  (ANI)

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Will I.N.D.I.A. stop BJP juggernaut in Northeast?

As the Bharatiya Janata Party has continued to expand its footprint in the north-east, it will be looking forward to continuing with its dominance, while the INDIA bloc which is aiming to stop the BJP juggernaut from seeking a third consecutive term, will try to inflict as much damage as possible to the ruling party in the region.

The eight north-eastern states — Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh – are currently in the first phase of polls, either fully or in phase.

Assam

The north-eastern state that sends the maximum number of MPs to the Lok Sabha — 14, undergoes polls in three phases starting on April 19. Out of 14, five seats will go to polls tomorrow namely: Dibrugrah, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Kaziranga and Sonitpur.

BJP is contesting on 11 out of 14 seats in Assam, while its ally parties, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), are contesting in two seats (Barpeta and Dhubri) and UPPL in one seat (Kokrajhar), respectively.

Among the seats going to poll in the first phase Jorhat and Dibrugarh are of most significance because of high-profile contests on the seats.

While in Jorhat, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has decided to challenge BJP MP Topon Kumar Gogoi, the Dibrugarh presents another big clash with former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal taking on INDIA candidate Lurinjyoti Gogoi.

Notably, the BJP has expanded its footprint in the state. From winning 5 seats in Assam in 2009, it has risen to 7 in 2014 and 9 in 2019. The party is also in power in the state since 2016.

Mizoram

Voting to elect the only MP Mizoram sends to the Parliament is taking place in the first phase on April 19.

Mizo National Front (MNF), which currently holds the seat, has fielded Vanlalvena this time from the only seat the state sends to the Parliament.

In 2019, MNF’s C Lalrosanga won the seat against the INC’s Lalnghinglova Hmar by a margin of 8140 votes.

Candidates of several major parties in the poll fray in the state, eyeing the sole LS seat; including Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)’s Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Lalbiakzama, Mizo National Front’s K Vanlalvena and Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC), which has fielded Rita Malsawmi.

The election comes in wake of issues of border fencing with Myanmar and suspension of Free Movement Regime between New Delhi and Naypyidaw.

These issues are expected to play big role as in February, the Mizoram Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with the neighbouring country.

Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced for “immediate suspension of Free Movement Regime (FMR)” between India and Myanmar to ensure the internal security of the country and to maintain the demographic structure of India’s north-eastern states bordering Myanmar.

In this regard, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also announced that the government has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometre-long Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate better surveillance and ensure a patrol track along the border.

The assembly polls were also conducted recently in the state, in which ZPM-led by Lalduhawma overthrew the MNF rule by registering a massive victory winning 27 out of 40 seats.

Tripura

The state of Tripura is another crucial front in the north-east, where the BJP will be looking forward to continue its recent momentum.

There are two parliamentary seats in Tripura. The West Tripura parliamentary constituency will go to the polls on April 19 and polling for East Tripura is slated on April 26.

Notably, BJP won both seats in the 2019 elections. The party is also in power in the state since 2018, when it formed the government under the leadership of Biplab Deb.

The party decided to change the Chief Minister in 2022, and Manik Saha took over the post. BJP also won the 2023 assembly elections in the state winning 32 out of 60 seats.

This time, BJP has fielded a strong face in former Chief Minister Biplab Deb from West Tripura. He is up against Congress’ Asish Kumar Saha, who left BJP in 2022 and was made party’s state chief.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said this week that 2024 Lok Sabha elections holds high significance in re-electing Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister for a third term and in making a corruption-free and developed nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently emphasised the importance of north-east region and said that it is an issue of ‘priority’ for him and not just ‘poltiics’.

“North East plays a major role in making India ‘Viksit’. After years of Independence and during the rule of Congress justice was not done with the capabilities of the states in North East.

Communists ruled in Tripura and they just destroyed the people of Tripura. But, today in Delhi there is a government that continuously thinks about North East and Tripura. North East ‘mere liye politics ka nahi, prem aur prathmikta ka vishay hai,” he said during a rally in Agartala.

Arunachal Pradesh

The state of Arunachal Pradesh also presents a high-profile contest with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in the poll fray.

The state has two parliamentary constituencies, Arunachal East and Arunachal West. The Assembly elections will be held concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections for these two seats in Arunachal on April 19. The votes will be counted on June 4.

The Minister of Earth Sciences is up against Nabam Tuki from the Indian National Congress (INC).

Rijiju, a prominent figure in Arunachal Pradesh politics, has held this seat since 2014. Meanwhile, Nabam Tuki, a veteran leader and former state chief minister, is the candidate representing the Congress.

BJP won one seat in 2014 while upped its tally and came out victorious on both seats in 2019.

The state is going to polls at a time when neighbouring China has came up with its co-called renaming of 30 places in the state.

Beijing’s action has received strong condemnation from New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have repeatedly asserted that irrespective of what China does, Arunchal Pradesh is and will remain an ‘integral’ part of India.

Sikkim

Sikkim is another state which undergoes Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls simultaneously on April 19.

In 2019, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM)’s Indra Hhang Subba won the lone Lok Sabha seat from the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The SKM also won 17 out of 32 seats in the Assembly polls while the Sikkim Democratic Front won 15 seats.

This time, SKM has repeated Subba from the seat. BJP has fielded Dinesh Chandra Nepal while the Congress candidate from the seat is Gopal Chhetri. SDF, on the other hand, has fielded Prem Das Rai.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya has two Lok Sabha constituencies: Shillong and Tura, and polling is underway in both the places.

Key political parties and alliances in Meghalaya include the INDIA bloc represented by the Indian National Congress, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and the Regional Democratic Alliance.

The state will witness a multi-cornered contest for its two Lok Sabha seats, with 10 candidates vying for victory. The BJP is not contesting and NDA will be represented by National People’s Party (NPP).

In 2019, Congress’ Vincent Pala and National People’s Party candidate Agatha Sangma won the two seats in the state.

This time Congress has repeated Pala from Shillong and fielded Saleng Sangma from Tura.

NPP has repeated Agatha Sangma from Tura and fielded Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh from Shillong.

TMC has also fielded its candidate Zenith M Sangma from the Tura constituency.

Nagaland

The state of Nagaland sends only one MP to the Lok Sabha. In 2019, the NDPP-BJP coalition secured a significant victory over the Indian National Congress, emerging as the winner.

The seat is currently being held by Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party candidate Tokheho Yepthomi.

However, he has not been repeated from the seat. NDPP has fielded Chumben Murry as the NDA candidate from the seat. The Congress party has fielded Supongmeren Jamir from the seat.

Earlier, BJP exuded confidence that their alliance would register a huge victory from the lone seat.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had visited Kohima as part of his Bharat Jodo Naya Yatra in January this year.

Manipur

The north-eastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence for close to a year, will also participate in the country’s festival of democracy, but in a special manner.

Manipur will poll in two phases, with Inner Manipur voting on April 19 and Outer Manipur in both phases, on April 19 and 26.

While there is no official word on the rationale behind holding the polls in Outer Manipur in both the phases, it is believed that the decision was taken after assessing security concerns in the violence-hit state.

A total of 15 assembly segments will see polling for the Lok Sabha on April 19, while another 13 assembly segments will poll on April 26.

Significantly, the district of Churachandpur, which was epicentre of the ethnic violence that erupted last year, leaving many dead while displacing still more in the face of rampant violence and arsoning, will also go to polls in the opening phase on April 19.

Currently, the two constituencies are held by Minister of State Rajkumar Ranjan Singh (Inner Manipur) and Naga People Front’s Lorho Phoze (Outer Manipur).

This time, however, the NPF is going into the polls as a partner in the BJP-led NDA. The BJP, earlier, announced its support for NPF candidate for Outer Manipur, Kachui Timothy Zimik.

Zimik is up against Congress MLA Alfred K Arthur, who is the joint Opposition candidate of the INDIA bloc.

BJP has fielded Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh from Inner Manipur and decided against repeating its MoS Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. He is up against Congress’ Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.

The Bharatiya Janata party will aim to hold and expand its dominance in the north-east while seeking a third consecutive term at the Centre.

In its election manifesto, the party has said that it will continue its effective efforts to establish peace in the North-East and phase out the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

“We will continue our efforts to address the issues in the disturbed areas and remove AFSPA in a phased manner. We will further work towards the resolution of inter-state border disputes amongst Northeastern states through sustained efforts,” the party said in its manifesto.

Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc, mainly led by Congress, will be looking to inflict some damage to NDA in these states riding on regional issues especially the situation in Manipur. (ANI)

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Will Congress breach BJP fortress in Bengaluru Central?

Infighting hampered Mansoor Ali Khan’s campaign in the initial stages, including the absence of top leaders of the Congress at the time of filing of nomination, reports M.K. Ashoka

Mansoor Ali Khan, son of former Union Minister K. Rahman Khan and the sole Muslim candidate not only from the Congress but from any major party in Karnataka in the coming Lok Sabha polls, has been fielded from Bangalore Central parliamentary constituency where he faces the challenging task of wresting the seat regarded as a BJP stronghold.

While sitting BJP member P.C. Mohan has won the seat in the last three elections, the Congress, which won five out of eight Assembly constituencies that comprise the parliamentary constituency in the 2023 elections, is hopeful this time.

Making it more of a prestige issue is the fact that out of the five seats it holds are those won by Power Minister K.J. George, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and Housing and Wakf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan.

The Congress has tasked the ministers to ensure the victory of Mansoor Ali Khan but infighting hampered his campaign in the initial stages, including the absence of top leaders of the Congress at the time of filing of nomination.

Congress MLA from Shanthinagar Assembly constituency N.A. Haris was lobbying for the ticket for the seat for his son Mohammed Nalpad while Political Secretary to the Chief Minister Naseer Ahmed was also an aspirant, and both remained aloof from the campaign earlier.

Apart from them, the three ministers also remained absent during the nomination, but cite the change of dates for filing of nomination as the reason.

Sources within Congress say that the leaders are not happy with the choice of the candidate.

However, Mansoor Ali Khan is well educated and the trustee of KK Educational and Charitable Trust, established by his father, which has made significant contributions in the field of education.

Taking up intensified campaigning in the constituency, he has been claiming that there has been no development there for 15 years now.

On the other hand, BJP candidate P.C. Mohan, seeking his fourth consecutive term, is confident of retaining the seat due to his people connection, simple nature, and availability to the public.

Mohan had defeated Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad by 70,968 votes in the 2019 polls and by 1.37 lakh votes in 2014. However, in 2009, he won against Congress’ H.T. Sangliana by around 35,000 votes. He was elected from Bengaluru’s Chickpet Assembly constituency twice – in 1999 and 2004.

The BJP cadres are looking to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bengaluru on April 20 and are confident that this will give them a boost. The BJP, which holds the C.V. Ramannagar, Rajajinagar, and Mahadevapura assembly segments, is also hopeful that the alliance with the JD-S will fetch them more votes.

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BJP’s manifesto won’t succeed in TN, says Vaiko

MDMK founder Vaiko is considered a great orator and a strong voice for Tamil nationalism and the Dravidian movement. In an exclusive interview with IANS, the veteran leader said that the election manifesto of the BJP which promised to promote Tamil language and culture would not be accepted by the people of Tamil Nadu. He also said that the aim of the INDIA bloc was to win all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry’s one seat and sweep the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Tamil Nadu eight times in the last two months and the recently released election manifesto of the BJP has touched upon Tamil Nadu, its language and culture extensively. Is the BJP slated to win at least a few seats in the state in the forthcoming elections?

The Prime Minister has visited Tamil Nadu several times and the BJP promises to open Thiruvalluvar cultural centres globally in its election manifesto. This won’t make any impact for the BJP in Tamil Nadu. These visits by the Prime Minister won’t get the BJP a single seat nor will the party’s new-found love for Tamil Nadu. The people of the state are smart enough to see through the game plan of PM Modi and the people will give a fitting response to the PM and his party from our state.

You are part of the INDIA bloc. What are the chances of your front in the April 19 Lok Sabha polls?

I don’t have any doubts that the DMK-led INDIA bloc will sweep the elections in Tamil Nadu. We are aiming to win all 39 seats of Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry in the forthcoming elections. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, we won 38 of the 39 seats in Tamil Nadu.

How are you so confident of the DMK-led INDIA bloc sweeping the polls in Tamil Nadu even before the elections?

I have been in politics for several decades and can easily understand the pulse of the people and how they think. Everywhere INDIA bloc leaders go there is a huge welcome from the public. The people of the state wait for long hours just to meet our leaders and to hear what we say. These are clear indications that the people are waiting for the moment to vote for us.

Is there any specific reason for such a positive response from the electorate?

Yes indeed, there are reasons for this fabulous response and love from the people. First there is a people-friendly government at the helm in Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Chief Minister Stalin. The Chief Minister introduced several welfare measures for the people of the state ever since the DMK government assumed office. These people-friendly schemes are of immense help to the citizens. The breakfast scheme for schoolchildren and the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) scheme that puts Rs 1,000 into the account of women heads of families each month are path-breaking measures. The Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme of taking healthcare to the doorstep of the people is another revolutionary scheme of the Stalin government.

I can count many welfare schemes that have been successfully implemented ever since the DMK government under Stalin assumed office in Tamil Nadu. The care shown by the Stalin government is being reciprocated by the people of the state and they wait for hours to have a glimpse of the INDIA bloc leaders. My experience in electoral politics has given me the required insight to tell you that it will be a sweep for the DMK-led front in Tamil Nadu.

What’s your opinion about the General Elections at the national level?

Nationally, the BJP and its allies cannot repeat the 2019 performance. The BJP’s allies cannot win more seats in Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Its strength lies in North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. However in Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who was instrumental in bringing the BJP back to power in MP has been sidelined. This will lead to the Congress winning more seats in Madhya Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar also, the BJP will not be able to repeat its earlier performance and the Congress will gain.

How do you rate the preparations of the Congress in the elections at the national level to take on the BJP?

The Congress party is united this time and has done proper groundwork. This was not the case six months ago. The Congress has settled all its differences and is now fighting the elections unitedly in a more cohesive manner. This is necessary for the country because if the BJP comes back to power, they will change the Constitution. Power has gone to the head of the BJP and PM Modi is trying to take the country towards the Presidential form of government like in the US.

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KCR urges people to reject both Congress & BJP

The former chief minister said if people elect BRS candidates in all constituencies, they can have a strong opposition to question the government and get their problems solved…reports Asian Lite News

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday launched the party’s campaign for next month’s Lok Sabha elections in the state with an appeal to people to reject both the Congress and the BJP.

Addressing Praja Ashirwad sabha in Chevella constituency near Hyderabad, he said both the Congress and BJP had betrayed the people of Telangana and claimed that only BRS can safeguard people’s interests as the party was born for Telangana.

The BRS chief urged people to make a conscious decision while voting.

He said during Assembly elections, the people fell prey to the false promises of the Congress and as a result, they are facing problems in getting water for drinking and irrigation.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, said tankers have come back while crops over 20 lakh acres have withered due to lack of water supply and the government’s failure to provide uninterrupted power.

He cautioned people that if they vote for Congress or BJP, these parties will not do anything for people as they tend to think that people voted for them despite making false promises and betraying them.

The former chief minister said if people elect BRS candidates in all constituencies, they can have a strong opposition to question the government and get their problems solved.

He asked why people should vote for Congress and BJP and appealed to them to elect BRS candidates as they alone can raise voice in the Parliament on behalf of the people.

The BRS chief said people should not remain silent but fight. He told them that if they remain silent their problems will not be solved. He said the Congress came to power by offering allurements to people.

Hitting out at the Congress over its four-month rule, he said the Congress government was not sincere in people’s welfare. KCR also lashed out at the BJP saying it did not fulfil a single commitment made to Telangana and neglected the state.

KCR said the Congress government in Telangana not only failed to deliver on the promises made in Assembly elections but also stopped implementation of the schemes launched by the previous BRS government. “The A. Revanth Reddy government has failed in providing investment support to farmers under Rythu Bandhu or protecting their crops by providing water and uninterrupted power,” he said.

Asserting that Telangana state was achieved after many struggles and indefinite fast, he said the BRS government launched many schemes to help distressed farmers. He mentioned that the government implemented Rythu Bandhu under which farmers were provided financial support of Rs 10,000 per acre every year, supplied quality power for 24 hours to farmers, implemented insurance scheme for farmers and procured the entire produce of the farmers.

KCR said the BRS government without any discrimination on the basis of caste and religion extended financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each for the marriage of poor girls under Kalyana Lakshmi.

He said Congress promised gold in addition to financial assistance but has not implemented the promise. The BRS chief also asked what happened to the Congress promises to procure all agriculture produce, pay bonus of Rs 500 per quintal of agricultural produce. He claimed that the previous government launched Dalit Bandhu to financially empower Dalits by giving Rs 10 lakh to every family.

He said Rs 1.30 lakh Dalits were sanctioned Dalit Bandhu funds. He alleged that the Congress government stopped release of funds under the scheme. He said the Congress party promised that it would give Rs 12 lakh to Dalits but it was not even giving Rs 10 lakh.

KCR announced that if the government failed to release the funds immediately under Dalit Bandhu, he would stage a protest at Ambedkar statue along with the beneficiaries identified under the scheme. “As long as I am alive, I will continue to fight for people,” he said.

The BRS chief urged people of Chevella to reject Ranjith Reddy, who quit BRS to join Congress party. Ranjith Reddy, who was elected on BRS ticket from Chevella in 2019, recently joined the Congress, which has named him as its candidate.

BJP candidate Vishweshwar Reddy was also with BRS before joining Congress in 2018. He later quit Congress to join the BJP.

BJP alleges secret deal by Cong for Owaisi’s victory

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP K. Laxman on Friday alleged that Telangana’s ruling Congress has entered into a secret deal with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) to ensure its victory in Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency.

The Rajya Sabha member claimed that the Congress is trying for the victory of AIMIM President and sitting MP Asaduddin Owaisi in the next month’s elections.

He told media persons that as the elections are coming closer, “fear and insecurity is gripping the Congress”, alleging that it has failed to implement the promises made in the Assembly elections and has not yet waived farm loans, which has made the farmers angry.

He said the Congress’s attempts to link all guarantees with the Lok Sabha elections were creating doubts and that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was claiming a conspiracy against him to divert people’s attention and get public sympathy.

Claiming that the BJP is ahead of other parties in campaigning, he exuded confidence that it will win most Lok Sabha seats in Telangana and also come to power in the state whenever elections are held.

Laxman remarked that despite the defeat in the Assembly elections, BRS leaders are still showing arrogance. Replying to a query, he said the BJP has no plans to change the candidates in Telangana.

He said the party would soon announce its candidate for the by-election to the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly constituency.s

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