CEC Rajiv Kumar reminded them that as observers, they represent the commission, and are expected to conduct themselves professionally and be accessible to all stakeholders, including candidates. (PTI)Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Campaign Live Updates: During the Election Commission’s (EC) day-long briefing of all its observers ahead of the polls, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar directed them to ensure a level-playing field for free and fair elections. The polls should be free of intimidation and inducement, he said in Delhi today. The observers, numbering almost 2,000, will be sent to their constituencies soon. Meanwhile, both the BJP and the Congress’s central election committees are expected to meet on Monday to deliberate on the second list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls.
Sources have said the BJP CEC meeting is likely to begin around 5 pm. After its first meeting on March 2, the BJP released a list of 195 candidates. Discussions on 150 seats are likely to be held on Monday following which a second list of candidates will be finalised, according to sources. The Congress, in comparison, released only 39 names in its first list last Friday and the names of candidates from Uttar Pradesh are likely to be discussed on Monday.
After announcing the first list of 42 candidates for the upcoming LS polls in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said on Sunday: “We will contest the Lok Sabha polls in Bengal alone and will fight against the Congress, BJP and the CPI(M). We will also contest elections in Assam and Meghalaya. We are in talks with Akhilesh Yadav (of SP) for contesting one Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh.” She was addressing the ‘Jana Garjan Sabha’ rally today. TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee will be contesting from Diamond Harbour, while cricketer Yousuf Pathan will be fighting from Berhampore.
With vacancies, Election Commission’s moment of reckoning: Former Election Commmissioner Ashok Lavasa writes
Since the introduction of The Chief Election Commissioner And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions Of Service And Term Of Office) Bill, 2023 in Parliament, I have been trying to understand the thought behind some of its provisions and the final amendments. The words belong to law professionals but is the wisdom theirs?
The Indian Constitution provides for many institutions that form the spine of our democracy. Although each institution has a different purpose and character, it has a relationship with the government either supportive or regulatory, or as a counterweight.
Read more here
BJP's poll body holds 2nd meet to finalise Lok Sabha candidates
The BJP's Central Election Committee held its second meeting today to decide on the party's candidates for the Lok Sabha elections as its senior leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, went through the list of probables for several states to make final choices.
The states, which were tipped to come up for discussion, included Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana.
Political Pulse | Raebareli wants ‘attention’, not just Gandhi tag: ‘Even Emotions have a shelf life’
While Rahul Gandhi’s 2019 loss to Smriti Irani in Amethi still rankles, the party will be desperate to hold on to Raebareli – the only seat it won from the state in the 2019 elections. A win or loss here will determine the Congress’s future in the heartland and send out signals right down to the grassroots.
With Sonia Gandhi declaring herself unavailable for the Lok Sabha contest and the BJP determined to chip away the last vestiges of Congress influence here, cadres and other old-timers are aware that the road to Raebareli is unlikely to be a smooth one.
Read more here
Congress' CEC meets to finalise next list of candidates
The Congress' Central Election Committee (CEC) chaired by president Mallikarjun Kharge meet to finalise candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, days after the party released its first list for the polls.
Besides Kharge, former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Ambika Soni, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, T S Singhdeo and Mohammad Jawaid, among others, are members of the CEC.
Election Commission reviews LS polls preparations in Jammu and Kashmir | CEC Rajiv Kumar arrives
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit to review preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Jammu and Kashmir.
No formal engagements are scheduled for the Election Commission team consisting of Kumar and nine other EC officials for Monday, officials said.
BJP holds CEC meeting in Delhi
Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrives for the BJP CEC meeting at the party headquarters, in Delhi.
Lok Sabha Elections Live Updates: EC tells observers to ensure intimidation-free polls
The Election Commission on Monday asked its observers to ensure polls free of coercion and intimidation and pushed for judicious use of central and state forces keeping in mind that their deployment should not favour any particular party.
Addressing a meeting of more than 2,100 general, police and expenditure observers here ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections and some state assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar directed them to ensure a level-playing field for free and fair elections. The polls should be free of intimidation and inducement, he said.
The CEC reminded them that as observers, they represent the commission, and are expected to conduct themselves professionally and be accessible to all stakeholders, including candidates.
The observers were instructed to be tough but polite in their conduct on the field, the Election Commission (EC) said in a statement.
The observers were also asked to be confined physically within the boundaries of a parliamentary constituency they are allotted during the entire electoral process. GPS tracking has been proposed to be fitted in their vehicles, it said.
They were also told to always remain available on their phones and e-mails, and respond to the calls of candidates, parties, voters and polling personnel. "Any complaints in this regard shall be viewed seriously by the commission," it said.
Election Commission briefing to Observes ahead of Lok Sabha polls
Over 2150 senior officers drawn from IAS, IPS officers as well as officers from Indian Revenue Service and a few other Central Services attended the briefingmeeting which was organised in a hybrid mode at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
During the briefing, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar is said to have instructed the poll observers to ensure a level playing field for free, fair, intimidation and inducement-free elections.
Churu MP Rahul Kaswan joins Congress after quitting BJP
Churu MP Rahul Kaswan, who joined the Congress in the presence of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, said he felt his "voice was not being heard" in the BJP.
He was was denied ticket by the BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
PM Modi unveils 112 National Highway projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore across the country
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stone of 112 National Highway projects spread across the country worth about Rs. 1 lakh crore, including the Haryana section of the landmark Dwarka Expressway, and the 9.6 km long six lane Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)- Package 3 from Nangloi - Najafgarh Road to Sector 24 Dwarka section in Delhi, among others.
"These projects will significantly contribute towards the growth of the National Highway network as well as help in boosting socio-economic growth, enhance job opportunities and promote trade & commerce in regions across the country," read a press release.
Arvind Kejriwal in Mohali: 'We will get 20 seats in Lok Sabha'
Delhi CM and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal addressed public rally in Mohali.
He said, 'When the central government stopped Punjab's funding of Rs. 8,000 crores, where were these MPs of Punjab? When Punjab's tableau was rejected, what were these MPs doing?... If you make AAP win all 13 seats here, 4 from Delhi and other seats from Gujarat and Assam, then we will get 20 seats in Lok Sabha.'
Rahul Kaswan, BJP MP who resigned today, joins Congress
Churu MP Rahul Kaswan, who resigned from BJP earlier today, joins Congress in presence of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
Akhilesh Yadav, Congress leader Ajay Rai hold press conference after alliance
Former UP CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and UP Congress President Ajay Rai held a joint press conference after their alliance, in Lucknow.
After weeks of tense negotiations and hard bargaining, the INDIA alliance partners Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress had finalised their seat-sharing pact in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Under their agreement for UP, the Congress will contest 17 seats out of 80 in the state, leaving the remaining 63 seats for the SP and its smaller allies.
In MP, the Congress has agreed to allot the Khajuraho seat to the SP and will field its candidates from the remaining 28 constituencies in the state.
EC briefs its observers ahead of Lok Sabha elections, CEC to address officials
The Election Commission (EC) on Monday organised here a meeting for the observers it will be deploying for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The day-long briefing for the over 1,800 observers is being addressed by EC officials on different subjects.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar is also likely to address the observers drawn from different services.
These police, general and expenditure observers are drawn from services such as IAS, IPS, IRS and other allied services.
They are deployed in poll-bound areas ahead of announcement of elections and work as eyes and ears of the poll authority in the states. PTI
PM to inaugurate the Haryana section of the Dwarka Expressway
To help improve traffic flow and ease congestion between Delhi and Gurugram on NH-48, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Haryana section of the landmark Dwarka Expressway today.
The 19 km long Haryana section of the 8 lane Dwarka Expressway has been built at a cost of around Rs. 4,100 crore and includes two packages of 10.2 km long Delhi-Haryana Border to Basai Rail-over-Bridge (ROB) and 8.7 km long Basai ROB to Kherki Daula. It will also provide direct connectivity to the IGI Airport in Delhi and Gurugram Bypass.
'My third term will write new chapter in women power': PM Modi
PM Modi said his third term will 'write a new chapter in rise of women power.' He was speaking at the Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat programme in Delhi.
PM Modi participates in 'Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat' programme in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Sashakt Nari-Viksit Bharat programme in Delhi, where he interacted with 'Lakhpati Didis', saying "whenever I have spoken about the empowerment of women, parties like Congress made fun of me and insulted me. Modi's schemes are the result of on-ground experiences."
He added, "Over 1 crore women have become 'Lakhpati Didis' due to various government schemes."
Alliance suspense: Odisha BJP leaders called to Delhi for discussion
After BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik issued a one-line statement saying that "rumours" and "lies" were worst aspects of politics, the BJP top brass called its state unit leaders and those in charge of elections in Odisha to Delhi for a discussion.
Patnaik, in an Instagram video on Saturday, had said that "rumours" and "lies" were worst aspects in politics.
The BJD president's statement came barely hours after Odisha BJP election in-charge Vijaypal Singh Tomar and the party's state president Manmohan Samal publicly said there were no talks on alliance with the BJD.
Both Tomar and Samal also said the BJP in Odisha will fight all the 147 assembly and 21 Lok Sabha seats alone.
Tomar even claimed that he was not aware of talks between BJD leaders and BJP central leaders on alliance. BJP MP Jual Oram had, however, said the BJP's core committee meeting had discussed the alliance matter, but nothing was finalised. PTI
PM to inaugurate & lay foundation stone of 112 National Highway projects worth Rs 1 lakh crore
"Today is an important day for connectivity across India. At around 12 noon today, 112 National Highways, spread across different states, will be dedicated to the nation or their foundation stones would be laid," wrote PM Narendra Modi in a post on X.
In order to help improve traffic flow and ease congestion between Delhi and Gurugram on NH-48, Prime Minister will inaugurate the Haryana section of the landmark Dwarka Expressway.
Other major projects that will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister include the 9.6 km long six lane Urban Extension Road-II (UER-II)- Package 3 from Nangloi - Najafgarh Road to Sector 24 Dwarka section in Delhi; three packages of Lucknow Ring Road developed at cost of about Rs. 4,600 crores in Uttar Pradesh; Anandapuram - Pendurthi - Anakapalli section of NH16 developed at a cost of about Rs. 2,950 crores in the state of Andhra Pradesh; Kiratpur to Nerchowk section of NH-21 (2 packages) worth around Rs. 3,400 crores in Himachal Pradesh; Dobaspet - Heskote section (two packages) worth Rs. 2,750 crores in Karnataka, along with 42 other projects worth Rs. 20,500 crores in different states across the country.
BJP, Cong to hold meetings to discuss 2nd list; EC to convene all observers
Both the BJP and the Congress’s central election committees are expected to meet on Monday to deliberate on the second list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. More importantly, the Election Commission (EC) is also scheduled to hold a meeting of all its observers, including the police, general, and expenditure observers. After the briefing in Delhi, the observers, numbering almost 2,000, will be sent to their constituencies.
Sources have said the BJP CEC meeting is likely to begin around 5 pm. After its first meeting on March 2, the BJP released a list of 195 candidates. Discussions on 150 seats are likely to be held on Monday following which a second list of candidates will be finalised, according to sources. The Congress, in comparison, released only 39 names in its first list last Friday and the names of candidates from Uttar Pradesh are likely to be discussed on Monday.
CPI parts ways with INDIA bloc, to contest election on its own in Jharkhand
"We have decided to contest the Lok Sabha polls on our own," CPI state secretary Mahendra Pathak told PTI.
"The BJP has announced its candidates, but the Congress and the 'Mahagathbandhan' have not yet held any talks on seat-sharing. So, we have decided to go solo," he said.
We will destroy BJP's 'chor bazar' in the elections: Uddhav Thackeray
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray addressed party workers in suburban Mumbai today.
"The BJP was not part of the freedom movement, the Sanyukta Maharashtra struggle or the Marathwada Mukti Sangram. It only knows to snatch. We will destroy BJP's 'chor bazar' in the elections. It has seen our friendship. Now BJP will see the heat of our 'mashaal' (poll symbol lighted torch)," he said.
Thackeray asked Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation officials to not be part of the BJP's "corrupt activities".
Political Pulse | Abhishek Banerjee’s imprint on TMC’s Lok Sabha list, over half are first-timers
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday released its list of candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, with 25, or more than half of its candidates, first-time contestants. With this, the TMC has attempted to quell any anti-incumbency sentiment that may exist against sitting MPs.
The list, among other things, illustrates the impact of TMC number two and Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee, with many leaders believed to be close to him getting a ticket.
Read more
Over Opposition's remarks over ECI resignation, Anurag Thakur: All is fine if they win, nothing is fine if they lose
Union minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said the the parties only have a problem when they lose elections.
Thakur's remarks on the sidelines of a programme in Hamirpur district's Taun Bharari comes a day after the Congress said it was "concerned" over Election Commissioner Arun Goel's resignation.
The Congress alleged that there is absolutely "no transparency" in how a constitutional institution like the Election Commission has been functioning and the manner in which the government "pressures" it.
Goel resigned on Saturday,
TMC waited enough: former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma
In a video statement issued by the TMC, Sangma said "We have waited long enough, the whole country can see. There was a collective intent to have single candidate from the INDIA bloc to ensure we put our strength collectively... But this did not happen." "If the Congress today says that the TMC has not waited and gone ahead with announcement of all 42 candidates in West Bengal, I think they need to be reminded of the fact that Congress is probably not grounded with what is on ground zero. There's a complete delink from the ground reality," he said.
Check out the full list of 42 candidates fielded by TMC
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) Sunday declared its full list of candidates for West Bengal’s 42 Lok Sabha seats at a rally on Brigade Ground in Kolkata. The list, announced by TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, includes prominent faces – Abhishek Banerjee contesting from Diamond Harbour and former MP Mahua Moitra fielded from Krishnanagar – and springs a few surprises, like cricketer Yousuf Pathan.
CLICK to see the full list
'Lord Krishna is with us', says Kejriwal in Kurukshetra; campaign for Sushil Gupta from the LS seat
Addressing a public meeting in Haryana's Kurukshetra Lok Sabha constituency, the Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal urged people to vote for his party candidate Sushil Gupta from the seat.
The AAP chief said his party has 'dharma' with it and asked people to decide whether they are with 'dharma' or 'adharma'.
The AAP and the Congress will fight the Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Haryana. Under the tie-up, the AAP will contest from the lone Kurukshetra seat out of total 10 parliamentary seats in the state.
PM Modi will be at the centre of the Lok Sabha polls, says Kapil Sibal
In a video interview with PTI, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said PM Modi will be at the centre of the Lok Sabha polls and whether what he stands for is for the good of the people of the country would be the subject matter of the elections.
He also said the opposition INDIA bloc needs to come out with a joint vision document which entails what key issues are there before the country which need to be addressed.
Scenes from the Bengal rally: CM Mamata with announced TMC candidates
Announcing the list, Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, “Our party will contest outside West Bengal as well. We will field candidates in Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh also.”
Lok Sabha Elections Live Updates: Demand for private jets, helicopters likely to rise up to 40% during polls
The demand for chartered planes and helicopters is expected to jump by up to 40 per cent during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, compared to the previous general elections, according to industry experts.
"There will be an exponential demand for private jets and the demand is expected to outstrip the availability of chartered planes and helicopters. There is a limited supply of chartered planes and helicopters," Club One Air CEO Rajan Mehra told PTI.
With increased demand, some players will be taking chartered planes and helicopters on lease during the general elections for which the dates are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Yusuf Pathan to fight LS polls on TMC ticket from Adhir Chowdhury’s bastion Berhampore
Former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan will be the Trinamool Conresss’s candidate from West Bengal’s Berhampore in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The TMC has decided to not field a few sitting MPs and introduce some new faces instead. Hence, the candidate list, announced by Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday, included former cricketers Pathan and Kirti Azad.
Yusuf Pathan will be contesting Behrampore, while Kirti Aazd will contest from Bardhaman-Durgapur.
Read more
We will contest the Lok Sabha polls in Bengal alone: CM Mamata
The Trinamool Congress on Sunday announced its candidate list for the 42 Lok Sabha seats and launched its poll campaign from the grand rally at Kolkata's famed Brigade Parade Grounds.
“We will contest the Lok Sabha polls in Bengal alone and will fight against the Congress, BJP and the CPI(M). We will also contest elections in Assam and Meghalaya. We are in talks with Akhilesh Yadav (of SP) for contesting one Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh,” she said while addressing the 'Jana Garjan Sabha'
West Bengal CM Mamata lauds Arun Goel who resigned from EC post yesterday
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee was speaking at a mega rally of the TMC at Brigade Parade Grounds today.
A day after Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigned from the post, she lauded him for "not succumbing" to the BJP's pressure, and asserted that the saffron camp would be defeated in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Banerjee said the sudden resignation of Goel proves that the “BJP is attempting to loot votes in the Lok Sabha polls”.
“I salute Arun Goel for not succumbing to pressure by Delhi leaders (of BJP) and his top bosses in connection with the West Bengal LS polls and the deployment of forces. It is proven that what they (the BJP-led NDA government.) want to do in the name of election. They want to loot votes,” she said.
TMC renominates Mahua Moitra from Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat in Bengal
TMC has renominated Mahua Moitra from the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat in Bengal.
Cricketer Yusuf Pathan joins TMC; to contest upcoming Lok Sabha elections Berhampore
Cricketer Yusuf Pathan has joined the TMC. He will contest upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Berhampore constituency.
Lok Sabha Polls: TMC list of candidates
Malda Dakshin : Shahnawaz Ali Rehaan
Behrampore : Yousuf Pathan
Dum dum : Sougata Roy
Basirhat : Hazi Nurul Islam
Diamond Harbour : Abhishek Banerjee
Jadavpur : Sayoni Ghosh ( actor turned politician)
Kolkata Dakshin : Mala Roy
Kolkata North : Sudip Bandopadhyay
Howrah : Prasoon Bandopadhyay (footballer)
Sreerampore : Kalyan Bandopadhyay
TMC announces candidates for LS polls; Abhishek to contest from Diamond Harbour
TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday announced the list of candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from West Bengal. While Abhishek Banerjee will be contesting from Diamond Harbour, cricketer Yousuf Pathan will be fighting from Berhampore.
Will not let the Centre implement CAA or NRC, says Mamata Banerjee
"Before the election, they (the Centre) will say CAA will be implemented but we will not let them implement CAA or NRC. They have plans to send you that side of the border but we will shelter you. We will not let them do this here in Bengal," said Mamata Banerjee at TMC's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday.
'Salute Arun Goel for not succumbing to pressure by Delhi leaders,' says Mamata Banerjee
“I salute Arun Goel for not succumbing to pressure by Delhi leaders (of BJP) and his top bosses in connection with West Bengal Lok Sabha polls and force deployment. It is proved that what they (central govt/Modi govt) want to do in the name of election. They want to loot votes," said Mamata Banerjee at TMC's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday.
Election Commissioner Arun Goel tendered his resignation on Saturday, just days before the expected announcement of the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee arrives at Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata
In Pics | TMC's mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground
(Express Photos by Partha Paul)
TMC government in Bengal declares holiday for Ram Navami, BJP alleges electoral motive
In a significant move, the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal has declared Ram Navami, which falls on April 17 this year, as a public holiday just ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This is the first time that the state government has declared a holiday for Ram Navami.
The state secretariat Nabanna on Saturday issued a notification in this regard as per which all state government and government-sponsored institutions, barring emergency services, will be closed on April 17. (Read More)
PM should answer how much money he has given to Bengal over the past 3 years, asks TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee
“I will urge PM - whenever he comes to Bengal next, he must publish a white paper on how much money he has given to Bengal over the past 3 years. I am ready to debate this on any channel with anyone. But they don't have the courage. This is just the trailer, we will show the full picture during elections," said TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee while addressing the TMC's mega rally being held in Kolkata’s famed Brigade Parade Grounds today.
Who's guarantee do you believe in Didi or Modi, asks TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee at party's mega rally in Kolkata
"Who's guarantee do you believe in Didi or Modi? Are you in favour of Bengal or you are against Bangla," Banerjee asked the public at TMC's mega rally being held in Kolkata’s famed Brigade Parade Grounds today.
BJP is anti Bengal, says TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee at party's mega rally in Kolkata
“BJP is anti Bengal. Five years back (during Amit Shah's rally in 2019 Lok Sabha) goons from the BJP vandalised the bust of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. Now they have stopped funds from Bengal. Did they apologise? They called a Sikh officer Khalistani. Did they apologise? No," TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said.
At mega TMC rally in Kolkata, Abhishek Banerjee hits out at PM Modi
Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday said that “Modi’s guarantee is 0 warranty.” Speaking at the Trinamool mega rally being held in Kolkata’s famed Brigade Parade Grounds, he said, “Earlier, thieves used to go to jail but today they join BJP. This is Modi’s guarantee”.
People in previous govts used to make announcements to deceive people during election campaign, alleges modi
"You can see that in the past few days, I have been inaugurating several projects of the country from one place itself. When people hear about several airports, several railway stations, several IIMs and several AIIMS, they get surprised. Sometimes, they also put the old mindset in the same bracket - that it is an election season. What used to happen in election season earlier? People in previous governments used to make announcements to deceive people...When I analyse, I find that announcements were made 30-35 years ago. They used to put up a plaque before elections and disappear after that, the leaders disappeared too...Today, the country can see that "Modi doosri mitti ka insaan hai," said PM Modi while addressing a public rally in Azamgarh today.
"The foundation stones we laid in 2019, were not for elections. You can see that we have inaugurated it too. Even in 2024, nobody should see it through the glasses of elections. This is the campaign of my journey for development. I am making the country gallop to make it a developed country by 2047," he said further.
Azamgarh, which was once considered backward, is a shinning star today: PM Modi in UP
Addressing a public rally in Azamgarh PM Modi said, "Azamgarh's star is shining today. There was a time when an event was held in Delhi and (people from) other states used to attend it. Today, the event is being organised in Azamgarh and people from different parts of the country are attending it."
He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of several development projects in Azamgarh.
In Pics | TMC to launch Lok Sabha poll campaign with mega rally in Kolkata on Sunday
(Express Photos by Partha Paul)
TMC to announce LS candidate list from mega rally in Kolkata
The TMC will announce its candidate list for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on Sunday from a mega rally at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground.
'All India Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee will announce the party's candidates for the 42 parliamentary constituencies in West Bengal,' the TMC said in a statement.
This is the first time the party will announce its candidate list from a mega public meeting at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground, it said.
Kerala: Congress leader KC Venugopal conducts roadshow in Alappuzha ahead of LS polls
Congress general secretary and candidate from Alappuzha for Lok Sabha elections, KC Venugopal is conducting a roadshow in the city on Sunday.
Venugopal has represented the constituency in the past. It is the only one of Kerala’s 20 constituencies that the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) lost last time.
Venugopal’s decision to fight the Lok Sabha election is surprising since he has a little over two years left in his Rajya Sabha term. If he wins the election, he will have to resign his Rajya Sabha membership from Rajasthan.
Election commission has become an extended arm of the government, alleges Kapil Sibal
Speaking about Arun Goel quitting as election commissioner ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Congress leader Kapil Sibal said, "The Constitution, which has three pillars - Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, is the base of the democracy. The election commission's role is to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair way. However, in the last 10 years, it looks like the election commission has become an extended arm of the government."
BJP is anti-Bengal, says TMC MP Sagarika Ghosh
Ahead of TMC's grand rally on Sunday at Kolkata’s famed Brigade Parade Grounds today, partyMP Sagarika Ghosh accused the BJP of being "anti-Bengal" and said that it is a party of "outsiders and zamindars".
"BJP is anti-Bengal and anti-Bengali. It is a party of outsiders and 'zamindars'. Funds to Bengal have been stopped. Trains in Bengal have been stopped. Central forces are only sent to Bengal, not to Gujarat or UP. Now on the eve of elections, Election Commissioner Arun Goel has resigned. What message does this send about the world's largest democracy? TMC will not allow you to come into Bengal and loot our votes..." she said.
TMC LS list likely today: Hit for sitting MPs, miss for star names?
Following a series of high-profile exits from both the TMC and the BJP, all eyes are now on the ruling party’s ‘Jana Garjan Sabha’ on Sunday where the Trinamool is likely to announce its list of nominees from West Bengal for the Lok Sabha elections, according to sources.
To be held at Kolkata’s Brigade Ground, TMC’s mega rally will be led by party second-in-command and its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Ahead of the rally, a massive stage has been set up at the venue. The stage also has a 340-metre cross ramp which would allow TMC leaders to interact with the audience more closely. TMC supporters had started camping in Kolkata since Saturday. The party has set up camps for its supporters at Salt Lake, Howrah and Gitanjali Stadium in Kolkata. (Read More)
Ahead of TMC’s campaign launch today, Mamata stands lonesome, unlike 2019
There will be a distinctly different feel to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) rally at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground this Sunday, from where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee are all set to launch their Lok Sabha campaign. Unlike the upbeat and assertive rally five years ago at the same historic grounds, there is an undercurrent of apprehension in the party ranks heading into the ‘Jana Garjan Sabha (People’s Roar Rally)’.
And the reason is not difficult to fathom. In 2019, neither was the ruling party in the state weighed down by as much anti-incumbency, nor were its mountain of woes this high, including cascading charges of corruption and the Sandeshkhali embarrassment. (Read More)
People in Goa hamlet who boycotted voting in 2019 LS polls for road now want bus connectivity
After boycotting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to highlight their demand for a road, the residents of a hamlet housing 30 families in South Goa are now seeking bus connectivity so that the youth can go out to nearby towns for jobs.
The residents, however, said they will not shun the general elections this time.
This hamlet - Marle - bordering Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is part of Poinguinim village panchayat in Canacona taluka of South Goa. The villagers were unanimous in boycotting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections to press for their demand for a road.
Due to their pressure, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state finally built a road before the 2022 assembly polls.
"Govt doesn't want free and fair election": KC Venugopal on Election Commissioner Arun Goel's resignation
Congress General Secretary, KC Venugopal, expressed shock over the abrupt resignation of the Election Commissioner ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, saying that the entire nation is anxious about the upcoming elections. He also said that the government doesn't want a "free and fair election."
"This is quite shocking; just before the declaration of elections, the Election Commissioner has resigned. Now, only one Election Commissioner is there... What is happening in this Election Commission? The entire country is anxious. The government of India doesn't want a free and fair election," said Venugopal while speaking to ANI.
"Earlier, they removed the Chief Justice of India from the selection body of the Election Commission and Election Commissioner. In place of CJI, they included a cabinet minister... now it has become a government affair... transparency has been lost in this process," he added. (inputs from ANI)
Days before announcement of LS polls, Arun Goel quits as election commissioner
? Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigned on Saturday, days before the expected announcement of the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
? His tenure was till December 5, 2027, and he would have become Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) after incumbent Rajiv Kumar retired in February next year.
? According to a law ministry notification, Goel's resignation has been accepted by President Droupadi Murmu with effect from Saturday. It was not immediately known why he stepped down.
? Goel, a retired bureaucrat, was a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre. He had joined the Election Commission in November 2022.
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