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JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar will take oath as chief minister of Bihar for the eighth time and his new ally Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD will be made deputy CM at the Raj Bhawan in Patna at 2 pm on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported. Kumar, who dumped the BJP-led NDA earlier in the day, will be heading a coalition of seven parties which is supported by an Independent.
Congress leader M V Rajeev Gowda challenges BJP's Shobha Karandlaje in Bangalore North, accusing her of promoting communal division. Gowda emphasizes the importance of quality of life and economic growth for the constituency. He expresses confidence in his electoral prospects, citing support from Assembly segments and disapproval of Karandlaje's controversial image. Gowda criticizes BJP's lack of delivery compared to Congress' guarantee schemes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address public meetings in Bengaluru and Chikkaballapura on April 20, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah will campaign in Karnataka on April 23 and 24. BJP leaders like Yogi Adityanath, JP Nadda, and Rajnath Singh will also participate in election activities in the state.
Three persons were assaulted in Bengaluru for chanting "Jai Shri Ram" on Rama Navami. Two men and two minors were arrested for the incident. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje condemned the attack. The victims were attacked by individuals who insisted they only say "Allahu Akbar." The victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. A case has been registered by the police.
BJP leader Jagdish Shetter challenges Congress to secure 40 seats in upcoming Lok Sabha elections, confident of BJP's victory. Shetter filed his nomination for Belagavi constituency, expressing optimism and support for Narendra Modi. Karnataka will vote in two phases on April 26 and May 7. BJP won 25 seats in 2019 elections. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 to be held in seven phases, starting on April 19.
BJP's Tejasvi Surya, seeking re-election from Bengaluru South, faces strong challenge from Sowmya Reddy of Congress. Congress, hoping to flip BJP stronghold, backs Sowmya with CM Siddaramaiah's support. Sowmya emphasizes Congress's five guarantees, including free bus travel for women. Surya highlights economic progress under PM Modi's leadership. Both candidates engage in active campaigning ahead of the elections.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will address public meetings in Mandya and Kolar, Karnataka for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He will visit both constituencies on Wednesday, his first visit to the state since the poll schedule was announced. The Congress is facing JD(S), BJP's ally, in both seats. The first phase of elections in Karnataka will take place on April 26.
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport saw record passenger traffic and cargo numbers in the financial year 2023-24, with 37.53 million passengers and 4,39,524 metric tonnes of cargo passing through. The airport connected travellers to 108 destinations, with notable growth in both domestic and international air traffic movements. The airport's commitment to cargo development was highlighted, solidifying its position as the premier gateway in South India.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will campaign in Karnataka for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, addressing public meetings in Mandya and Kolar. The Congress faces JD(S), BJP's ally, in both seats. Rahul Gandhi's visit marks his first to the state since the poll schedule was announced. Karnataka has 28 constituencies, with the Congress aiming to win 15 to 20 seats.
The Congress in Karnataka has complained to the Election Commission, seeking legal action against PM Narendra Modi for calling them the 'Sultan of Tukde Tukde gang' at an election rally in Mysuru. They allege Modi also accused the Congress of boycotting the Ram Mandir consecration and wanting to weaken the Hindu religion. The KPCC has urged the poll body to take action for free and fair elections.
Ram Lalla idol sculptor Arun Yogiraj welcomed PM Modi at a Karnataka rally, sharing images of the meeting. He plans to visit Ayodhya with his family on April 15 to celebrate Ram Navami. Yogiraj expressed joy in meeting devotees who share love for Ram Lalla, highlighting the beauty of the sculpture imbued with love.
EAM S Jaishankar is tracking the process of establishing a US consulate in Bengaluru and reminding US officials constantly. He expressed eagerness to visit the consulate on behalf of PM Modi. The initiative follows discussions between PM Modi and US President Biden last year to open new consulates in each other's countries, aiming for a stronger partnership.
The Supreme Court denied anticipatory bail to AAP leader Amanatullah Khan in a money laundering case related to Waqf Board irregularities. The court cautioned the ED against unnecessary arrests and ordered Khan to appear before ED on April 18, 2024. The High Court had previously refused pre-arrest bail, citing repeated evasion of summons. Khan is accused of illegal recruitment and property leasing during his time as Waqf Board Chairman.
The BJP criticizes Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for commenting on the demolition of houses in Goa, urging him to focus on issues in his own state first. The demolitions in Sangolda village were carried out following a Supreme Court directive. Siddaramaiah called for a halt to further demolitions until alternatives are provided. Goa BJP spokesperson Vernekar highlighted water crisis in Bengaluru and said Goa CM promised assistance to the affected families.
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai of Karnataka and BJP candidate for the Gadag-Haveri Lok Sabha constituency emphasized the importance of addressing Dr BR Ambedkar as "Mahatma Ambedkar" and following the path of the Constitution to show respect to the nation. He praised Ambedkar's role in shaping India's democratic framework, noting the relevance of his principles. PM Modi also paid tribute to Ambedkar on his birth anniversary, calling him an inspiration for backward-class people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the people of Mangaluru and Dakshina Kannada for their record turnout at his roadshow. He highlighted the development initiatives and promised more work in transportation, healthcare, and tourism if elected for a third term. Modi also criticized the Congress government, urging people not to vote for them. The roadshow in Karnataka was attended by enthusiastic crowds, with the state going to polls in two phases.