Lok Sabha Election 2024 Highlights: Former JMM MLA Sita Soren joins BJP

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Highlights: Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned emotional while addressing a public rally in Tamil Nadu. Stay tuned for more updates.

Sita Soren joins BJP (ANI)

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Highlights: The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on March 16 that this year's general election will be conducted in ‘seven phases’, beginning on April 19 and ending on June 1. While the counting for all the state assemblies, which are going for election during the same time, has been set for June 4, the poll body changed the counting dates for Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, where counting will occur on June 2. Other states going for Assembly elections are Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with 175 and 147 seats, respectively....Read More

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• 19 Mar 2024, 10:40:34 PM IST

  Don't fight on basis of religion, fight on issues: Smriti Irani attack on Rahul Gandhi

  Coming down heavily on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani said on Tuesday that if the former considers himself secular, then he should not fight in the name of religion, but based on issues.

  During a session on the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, the Union Minister said the destination of a nation cannot be decided by a man who is scared of defeat in Amethi.

  Amethi in Uttar Pradesh was long considered a bastion of the Gandhi family until Rahul Gandhi lost the seat to Irani in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

• 19 Mar 2024, 09:40:35 PM IST

  Assam BJP's lone Muslim MLA resigns, alleges party of using Muslims for votes

  Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Assam BJP's lone Muslim MLA and former deputy speaker of Assam Assembly, Aminul Haque Laskar has resigned from the party alleging that the party has lost its ideology. Laskar said that he'll join the Congress party on Wednesday.

  Aminul Haque joined BJP in 2011 and became MLA from Barak Valley's Muslim dominated Sonai constituency in 2016. BJP appointed him as the Deputy Speaker in 2020. However, he lost the election in 2021 and later he was appointed as the chairperson of Assam Minorities Development & Finance Corporation.

  Aminul lost to All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) candidate in 2021 and he alleged that BJP conspired against him. On Tuesday he resigned from the primary membership of the BJP. However, the BJP is yet to respond to this.

• 19 Mar 2024, 09:32:36 PM IST

  There is a difference between our Hindutva and BJP's Hindutva, says Uddhav Thackeray

  Former Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray says, "The names of the candidates of Maha Vikas Aghadi will be announced in a day or two...The candidates who were sent from here as MLAs and MPs betrayed the same people who made them win. Those who left us are spreading rumours that I have left Bala Saheb's ideology. I have not left Hindutva. There is a difference between our Hindutva and BJP's Hindutva. Our Hindutva is nationalist. Spreading hatred against other religions is not our Hindutva..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 09:27:32 PM IST

  Congress to highlight failures of BJP's Delhi MPs, says Arvinder Singh Lovely

  The Congress will reach out to people and highlight the failures of the seven BJP MPs in Delhi during their tenures, the party's Delhi unit chief Arvinder Singh Lovely said on Tuesday.

  The move comes a day after the BJP's seven candidates in Delhi listed their 100-day "priorities", including improving health and education facilities, if elected.

  "We will go to every Lok Sabha constituency and highlight the failures of the respective BJP MP in the past 10 years," Lovely said at a press conference.

  The Congress is also likely to release a "charge sheet" against the BJP MPs next week, he added.

• 19 Mar 2024, 09:19:05 PM IST

  Ajit Pawar will be able to use it "clock" symbol, says NCP (SCP) leader Jitendra Ahwad

  NCP (SCP) leader Jitendra Ahwad says, "...Ajit Pawar will be able to use it "clock" symbol but it will have to be written on every poster that we (NCP) are using this symbol till the final decision of the Supreme Court, which means that the symbol is about to go. They cannot use Pawar Saheb's photo at all..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 09:03:37 PM IST

  PM Modi's big South India push: Roadshows, public rallies

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrapped up his whirlwind tour of South India by holding a roadshow in Kerala and a public rally in Tamil Nadu, marking the continuation of the BJP's southern outreach, as he made a strong election pitch for the party, a month ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

  Over the last five days, Modi visited all of south, held roadshows, made an aggressive bid for his party, and took on the rivals with full gusto, especially the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, and the BRS in Telangana that was in power for 10 years. He also stepped up his attack on the opposition bloc India over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' remark.

  Not just through the week, but PM Modi had made repeated stopovers in multiple southern destinations in the past few months, crisscrossing the region, in a bid to get a firmer foothold for the saffron party. He combined official engagements with visits to places of Hindu religious significance. But for Karnataka, the region has eluded the BJP of many electoral gains. Kerala and Tamil Nadu even bucked the national trend in 2014 and 2019, cold-shouldering an otherwise resurgent and powerful BJP that swept across the country in the polls. Corruption, dynasty politics, and graft were the focus of his addresses while attacking the Congress and other INDIA bloc constituents, even as he made Gandhi's 'Shakti' remark his key talking point for two days. Gandhi's comments also drew a sharp retort from the Prime Minister during his public rallies.

• 19 Mar 2024, 08:52:52 PM IST

  No voting arrangement planned for Manipuri people taking shelter in Mizoram till now: Official

  Thousands of Kuki-Zo community people of Manipur, who have taken shelter in Mizoram following the ethnic violence in their home state, may not be able to exercise their franchise in the Lok Sabha polls, an official said here on Tuesday.

  No voting arrangement has been made for these Internally Displaced People (IDPs) from Manipur till now, an Election Commission official said.

  According to Mizoram Home Department's data accessed by PTI, altogether 9,196 adults and children from neighbouring Manipur have taken shelter in different parts of the state.

  "A discussion is on among officials of the Election Commission to enable the Manipuris, displaced in different parts of the country, to exercise their franchise in the upcoming polls. However, till now, there is no plan to make special arrangements for them," the official told PTI on condition of anonymity.

  The two Manipur Lok Sabha seats will go to polls on April 19. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar recently said that the EC has drawn up a scheme to allow displaced people in Manipur to cast their votes from the camps where they are staying.

• 19 Mar 2024, 08:50:54 PM IST

  Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, called on the Vice-President of India

  Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, called on the Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas today.

• 19 Mar 2024, 08:49:09 PM IST

  Tomorrow we will announce (our list of candidates)," says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

  Tomorrow we will announce (our list of candidates)," says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah after the Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting in Delhi

• 19 Mar 2024, 08:47:44 PM IST

  Attempts are made to distort all of his statements, says Salman Khurshid on BJP's attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' remark

  On BJP's attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' remark, party leader Salman Khurshid says, "We don't give much weightage to their words, to PM's words...Attempts are made to distort all of his statements..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 08:25:13 PM IST

  INDIA Alliance is going to win 300 seats, says Congress

  On the declaration of party's candidates for Lok Sabha elections 2024, party MP Manickam Tagore says, "4 hours of meeting has just concluded. Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge sat together with all state leaders, Chief Ministers and others. Congress party is well prepared and we are strategically announcing the candidates. Congress party will fight the battle to win and INDIA Alliance is going to win 300 seats."

• 19 Mar 2024, 08:01:47 PM IST

  11 'Shakti Ammas' give special welcome to PM Modi at rally in Tamil Nadu's Salem

  Eleven 'Shakti Ammas' gave a special welcome to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in Tamil Nadu's Salem on Tuesday amid a political row arising from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks relating to 'Shakti.

  As they came on the stage, PM Modi greeted them by folding his hands.

  PM Modi has attacked the INDIA bloc over Rahul Gandhi's "Shakti' remarks made at a rally in Mumbai on Sunday.

  In his remarks at the Salem rally on Tuesday, PM Modi accused the INDIA bloc leaders of "deliberately insulting" Hindu dharma and said that the opposition's leader's every statement against the religion is very "well thought out."

• 19 Mar 2024, 07:58:39 PM IST

  ECI notifies the category of electors mentioned therein for the purposes of facility of voting through postal ballot

  Election Commission of India (ECI) notifies the category of electors mentioned therein for the purposes of facility of voting through postal ballot as absentee voters on essential services; allows voting by postal ballot for authorised media persons on election duty

• 19 Mar 2024, 07:42:46 PM IST

  Former Karnataka Deputy CM KS Eshwarappa on his decision to contest as an Independent candidate from Shivamogga

  Former Karnataka Deputy CM KS Eshwarappa on his decision to contest as an Independent candidate from Shivamogga seat said, “Karnataka’s BJP is in control of one family, and we are protesting against this. All those people who are talking about Hindutva have been sidelined. Whether it is CT Ravi, Pratap Simha, Basangouda Patil Yatnal, Sadananda Gowda, or anyone else, those who speak about Hindutva are being sidelined. They are all leaders, who have done a lot of work for the party.”

• 19 Mar 2024, 07:36:47 PM IST

  MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar on Raj Thackeray's meeting with Amit Shah

  On Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar says, "He (Raj Thackeray) said that positive discussions were held and a decision would be taken in 2-3 days. I can't tell how many seats were demanded but all the demands were discussed positively..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 07:15:31 PM IST

  Congress CEC holds meeting to discuss candidates for LS Polls

  The top Congress leadership on Tuesday held deliberations on the party's candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

  The meeting of the Central Election Committee headed by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge was attended by former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other members of the panel.

  Sources said candidates from states of Karnataka, Telangana, Puducherry, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat were discussed during the meeting, besides candidates for assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh and Sikkim.

  A total of around 60 to 70 Lok Sabha candidates were discussed during the meeting.

  The Congress has so far announced 82 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls beginning April 19.

• 19 Mar 2024, 07:14:51 PM IST

  AIUDF MLA Dr. (Hafiz) Rafiqul Islam on BJP's mission of '372 for BJP, 400 plus for NDA

  On BJP's mission of '372 for BJP, 400 plus for NDA', AIUDF MLA Dr. (Hafiz) Rafiqul Islam says, "I don't think BJP will get those many seats. BJP has no seats in South India, West Bengal, Odisha and several other states. So, this too is a 'jumla' of the BJP. They can't get those many seats. But, had the Opposition fought unitedly, it would have been good. But due to Congress party's arrogance and because it doesn't make sacrifices and can't tolerate regional parties, several of the regional parties have parted ways. They should have contested the election together. But this couldn't happen, it is unfortunate. But BJP's 'jumla' of 370 and 400 will not happen. It will win lesser number of seats than it won the last time."

• 19 Mar 2024, 07:01:58 PM IST

  BJP dares Rahul Gandhi: 'Have courage to use derogatory terms for other religions?'

  On Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Shakti' remark, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "Rahul Gandhi insulted Hindu culture yesterday. We thought that he would realise his mistake. But even after a day, there have been no efforts to rectify the statement. His coterie spokespersons were looking for meaning in his remark and attempting to justify it...The Congress party under Rahul Gandhi is no more the Congress party imbued with the doctrine and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. This is a Congress party led by a divisive mind, Maoist thought and anti-Hindu thought. Rahul Gandhi is completely in the sway of these elements...Rahul Gandhi, do you have the courage to speak in the same derogatory terms with regard to the fundamental principles of faith of other religious thoughts or gods?..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 06:50:32 PM IST

  Congress finalised the names of candidates for 12 Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal in CWC meet

  In the Central Election Committee meeting, Congress finalised the names of candidates for 12 Lok Sabha seats of West Bengal, reported ANI.

• 19 Mar 2024, 06:43:25 PM IST

  Babulal Marandi on Sita Soren joining BJP

  On Sita Soren (former JMM MLA and sister-in-law of ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren) joining BJP, Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi says, "We welcome her to BJP. The way she has resigned and from what I saw in (her resignation letter), there was hidden pain in it and it seemed that she was feeling humiliated. It is natural that a person has a limit to tolerate anything..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 06:34:48 PM IST

  Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan on poll preparations

  Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Anupam Rajan says, "... The first phase poll in the state is on April 19 in 6 constituencies. Second on April 26 for 6 constituencies. The third phase is on May 7 for 8 seats, and the last and fourth phase is on May 13 for 8 seats... The voters aged 18-19 years are 16,49,641... Facility for home voting would be available to those aged more than 85 years and for Divyang voters who are more than 40% Divyang..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 06:26:30 PM IST

  Jitan Ram Manjhi on Pashupati Kumar Paras resigning as Union Minister

  On Pashupati Kumar Paras resigning as Union Minister and alleging 'injustice' in NDA, former Bihar CM and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) leader Jitan Ram Manjhi says, "...He used to make two kinds of statements. He used to call himself a soldier of NDA and now he has left NDA. This means he was never a true soldier of the NDA..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 06:24:15 PM IST

  SC allows Ajit Pawar to keep name, symbol of NCP, freezes symbol allotted to Sharad Pawar

  The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar-led faction to continue using the name Nationalist

  Congress Party (NCP) and the election symbol “clock” as it turned down the request of the faction led by the party founder Sharad Pawar to restrain his nephew from using the party name or symbol that could confuse voters who identify the party and its symbol with him.

  The top court said that this interim arrangement will continue till it takes a final call on the petition filed by Sharad Pawar

  against the Election commission’s February 6 order declaring the Ajit Pawar faction to be the real NCP based on the numerical strength of members supporting him in the Maharashtra assembly.

  The order came as a setback to the NCP founder as in his application, he sought to restrain the rival faction from using the

  name NCP and fight elections with any other symbol other than the ‘clock’ till the matter is finally decided by Court.

• 19 Mar 2024, 06:21:29 PM IST

  In J&K, Congress likely to rope and field Lal Singh against Dr Jitendra Singh

  Despite embroiled in a money laundering case being probed by Enforcement Directorate, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) has been mulling to rope in and field former minister and chairman of the Dogra Swabhimaan Sangthan, Choudhary Lal Singh against union minister Dr Jitendra Singh from Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency on a Congress ticket.

  Speculations were rife that the fiery politician may join the grand old party anytime soon.

  However, a senior Congress leader, who declined to be named, said, “nothing has been decided yet but discussions are on at the screening meeting. Though JKPCC president Vikar Rasool Wani has strongly pitched for Choudhary Lal Singh before the party high command including Rahul Gandhi, the final call will be taken by the Congress working committee.”

• 19 Mar 2024, 05:49:32 PM IST

  Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) acting president MM Hassan on polling date in Kerala

  Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) acting president MM Hassan says, "The polling date in Kerala is April 26. In Kerala, Friday and Sunday will be inconvenient to various sections of the community. So we have demanded to change the polling date to some other date. I have also sent emails to the Central Election Commissioner and the UDF chairman and the opposition leader. He has also sent a mail to the Central Election Commissioner."

• 19 Mar 2024, 05:45:55 PM IST

  Daljit Singh Cheema on Shiromani Akali Dal CEC meeting

  On Shiromani Akali Dal CEC meeting, party leader Daljit Singh Cheema says, "The core committee meeting is going to happen on March 22 at the party head office in Chandigarh. The election strategy of the Parliamentary elections will be finalised... As far as alliances are concerned, I don't want to make any speculations. Whatever would be decided, it will be conveyed through media..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 05:02:56 PM IST

  BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's big claim on CM Champai Soren's future

  BJP MP Nishikant Dubey welcomed the induction of ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's sister-in-law Sita Soren into the party.

  When asked if JMM MLA Lobin Hembrom will also join the BJP, Dubey said, "Only time will tell if it will be Champai (Soren) or Lobin (Hembrom). When Kalpana Soren (Hemat Soren's wife) files nomination for the CM post, what will Champai Soren do?"

• 19 Mar 2024, 04:47:49 PM IST

  JD(U) national general secretary Mohd Ali Ashraf Fatmi resigns from party, set to join RJD

  Four-time MP from Darbhanga Lok Sabha seat and national general secretary of Janata Dal (United), Mohammed Ali Ashraf Fatmi has tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the party. He is set to join Lalu Prasad's RJD.

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:59:20 PM IST

  MCD removes over 60,000 posters, banners, hoardings from all 12 zones after MCC comes into force

  The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has removed a total of 60,587 posters, banners, hoardings and small boards from across its 12 zones in view of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

  The civic body has taken down the highest number of posters 12,143 from its Shahadara North zone, followed by 11,680 from Shahadara South zone and 4,359 from South zone.

  The Election Commission on Saturday announced the dates for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The Model Code of Conduct came into force immediately and will be in place till the results of the elections are announced.

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:50:10 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress, CPI both want Narendra Modi to be toppled, says Rajeev Chandrasekhar

  Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, "Everything about the Congress is beginning to look like a surreal circus because on one day Rahul Gandhi will attack 'Shakti' in Mumbai without knowing what that means...He is the sitting MP. This is an election to elect the next MP and he wants the voters to think about something else. I don't understand his logic. This newly found strategy by the Congress to criticize their own INDI alliance partner CPM, CPI. What that game is I don't know. Except to say these are the two parties who have more commonality than any other two parties in India. They both have MoUs with China. They both want Narendra Modi to be toppled and they both today are in an alliance to keep Kerala and Thiruvananthapuram behind..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:45:20 PM IST

  ‘Rahul Gandhi will have to suffer’: Swami Akhileshwaranand Giri on Congress leader's 'Shakti' remark

  Spiritual leader Swami Akhileshwaranand Giri took a potshot at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday over his 'Shakti' remark, saying the Congress MP would have to suffer.

  "If he (Rahul Gandhi) is talking about defeating Shakti by taking the strength of the evil people, the vengeful people and those who are standing against the culture, then he (Rahul Gandhi) will have to suffer. He will not have to wait long for that. It will be visible within two-three months. One can never acquire Shakti by challenging it. Only if you have faith, devotion and feeling towards Shakti will you be able to acquire Shakti," Swami Giri told ANI.

  He also targeted INDIA bloc and said that the one with whom he (Rahul Gandhi) is having an alliance is challenging Sanatan Dharma.

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:35:16 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: MDMK MP Vaiko on seat sharing

  On seat sharing, MDMK MP Vaiko says, "He (PM Modi) is making bluff after bluff. He is making false promises & fraudulent assurances. This election Tamil Nadu will be a testing zone...Tamil Nadu is once again going to prove that this is the land of Periyar..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:12:39 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: India's former Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu joins the BJP

  India's former Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu joins the BJP, in Delhi.

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:11:26 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: No trust deficit with BJP over seat-sharing in Karnataka, says JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy

  A day after indicating unhappiness over the seat sharing issue with BJP for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Tuesday said it did not mean that there is a trust deficit between the two parties. The former Chief Minister asserted that there is no confusion in the ties between BJP and JD(S), as he expressed hope that the issue over giving Kolar seat to the regional party "will be clear". Apparently expressing displeasure over the seat sharing issue, Kumaraswamy on Monday said he has faith that his party will get three to four seats, amid reports that the saffron party may cede it only two. He had also said his party leaders have asked him to communicate to the BJP leadership about the need to treat the JD(S) "respectfully" and make them understand its strength in at least 18 Lok Sabha segments.

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:09:56 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Prakash Ambedkar reaches out to Congress

  Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) chief Prakash Ambedkar wrote a letter on Tuesday to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, offering his support to Congress candidates in 7 Lok Sabha constituencies. He requested Kharge to provide the names of those 7 constituencies from the list that Congress will receive in the MVA seat-sharing arrangement.

  Ambedkar's offer to Congress followed the final offer given to him by MVA leaders of four seats. They decided against offering more seats due to suspicions that he is not genuinely interested in joining the opposition coalition in Maharashtra. Ambedkar had been demanding 12 out of the 48 Lok Sabha seats to join the MVA and has publicly criticised its constituents.

  In his letter, Ambedkar expressed dissatisfaction with MVA leaders holding multiple meetings for seat-sharing discussions without inviting VBA. He lamented, "The Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) have refused to listen to VBA's representatives in the numerous MVA meetings, and we have lost faith in both of these parties due to their unequal attitude towards VBA."

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:06:00 PM IST

  In our manifesto, we will also speak about the situation in the country, says Congress leader Sachin Pilot

  Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "A meeting of the Congress Working Committee was held over manifesto, today. Several issues were discussed. We gave a proper form to the guarantees that Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have spoken about several times...In our manifesto, we will also speak about the situation in the country. We will also give a broad blueprint for the time when INDIA alliance forms a government after winning. We will announce our official manifesto soon...Our main focus is on farmers, youth, women and the poor..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 03:05:05 PM IST

  I worked for the party (JMM) for 14 years but I never got the respect, says Sita Soren after joining BJP

  After joining BJP, Sita Soren says, "I worked for the party (JMM) for 14 years but I never got the respect I deserved from the party. Due to this, I had to take this decision (to join BJP). Expressing my confidence in PM Modi, JP Nadda ji and Amit Shah ji, I joined the BJP today. We have to save Jharkhand and the lives of our tribal brothers. There is a need for change in Jharkhand.."

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:58:10 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: JMM's reaction on Sita Soren joining BJP

  On Sita Soren (former JMM MLA and sister-in-law of ex-Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren) joining BJP, JMM MP Mahua Maji says, "We are all shocked. We don't have much knowledge about this that why did she do this but the party is going through a crisis right now. So, I think everyone should have had some patience. This is unfortunate for our party...Elections are around the corner. Our party is strong. People like this alliance, Hemant Soren worked with the guidance of Shibu Soren and Champai Soren is completing the incomplete work. So, this is a good message for even the last person...People want JMM once again and the alliance government to continue. Such decisions are hasty..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:53:54 PM IST

  'Aaj Salem ka mera Ramesh nahi hai..., PM Modi breaks down remembering BJP leader in Tamil Nadu

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned emotional on Tuesday while remembering BJP state general secretary 'auditor' V Ramesh, who was allegedly hacked to death in Tamil Nadu's Salem in 2013.

  Addressing a public rally in Salem, the Prime Minister said that V Ramesh worked day and night for the party.

  "Today I am in Salem, I remember Auditor Ramesh... Aaj Salem ka mera vo Ramesh nahi hai. Ramesh worked day and night for the party. He was a dedicated leader of our party. He was a great orator and a very hardworking man. I pay homage to him," PM Modi said.

  BJP state general secretary 'auditor' V Ramesh, 54, was hacked to death by an unknown gang inside the compound of his house in Maravaneri area in Salem town in 2013.

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:44:51 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar at BJP's 'abhinandan samaroh' in Karnal

  At BJP's 'abhinandan samaroh' in Karnal, former Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar says, "...We look at the changes in politics. We have been looking at these changes for years now...I had been after the leaders for a year now, telling them that it is the right time for them to find an alternative and make a decision to bring a new face that would make the people of Haryana, party and me happy. On 12th March, my desire was fulfilled and Haryana Legislative Party unanimously decided to have Nayab Singh Saini as the new CM of the state...Different kinds of reactions and comments were received from the public...Had this been some other party, there would have been chaos for a month or two...We see this in Congress..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:37:02 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: BJP will cross 400 seats, Modi will become PM for the third time, says Nitin Gadkari

  Speaking at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari affirmed his faith in the BJP’s victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and his commitment to the party. He also dismissed allegations that the revelation of donations made through the electoral bonds scheme showed that the BJP had engaged in corruption while awarding government tenders, claiming that it had not done any government work without going through the E-Tender process.

  “The party is right, and so is the man. I started my life as a Sangh Swayamsevak and an ABVP Karyakarta. And whatever I am today, and whatever goodness is in me, is because of these two organizations. So everything is good. I am very much proud of my convictions. If I am good, so is my party. And if I am good, so is my ideology,” Gadkari said. He later said that Uddhav Thackeray’s public offer to give him a ticket from the Maharashtra Vikas Agadi (MVA) is “laughable”, and there is no question of him joining any other party.

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:34:42 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress party is absolutely ready for the upcoming polls, says Ramesh

  Congress General Secretary in-charge Communications Jairam Ramesh says "The meeting we had today was not just for our manifesto but for our 'Nyay Patra'. Congress party is absolutely ready for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In the meeting today, there were discussions on our agenda. For the last 63 days, Rahul Gandhi has been talking about our 5 Nyay and has announced 25 guarantees...This is not just a simple manifesto but an important 'Nyay Patra' so that the people of our country can see a better future..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:29:26 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Former JMM MLA Sita Soren joins BJP

  Former JMM MLA and sister-in-law of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren- Sita Soren joins BJP.

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:28:40 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on CPI naming candidate from Thiruvananthapuram

  Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, "...Last two elections the BJP came second, if they're really so concerned about opposition unity why are they undercutting my vote by running a candidate whose campaigning has been entirely against me? I have not heard the left speaking against the BJP, they're speaking against me all the time and trying to take away for example minority votes. This is a tactic which can only help the third party namely the BJP, so I'm asking the CPI what are you talking about? Why are you doing this here? And then demanding alliance between Dharma and Wayanad be consistent that's my message."

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:24:17 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: DMK & Congress means- Big corruption & one family rule, says Modi

  "DMK & Congress are two sides of the same coin. DMK & Congress means- Big corruption & one family rule. When the country got rid of Congress, the country reached 5G technology. But in Tamil Nadu DMK is running its own 5G- one family's fifth generation to have control over Tamil Nadu..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:22:25 PM IST

  Bihar Minister and JD(U) leader Dr. Ashok Choudhary on Pashupati Kumar Paras resignation

  On Pashupati Kumar Paras resigning as Union Cabinet minister and alleging 'injustice' in NDA, Bihar Minister and JD(U) leader Dr. Ashok Choudhary says, "Paras ji was a part of NDA. How can JD(U) react on this...When Paras ji had left, he did not speak well for Nitish ji also.?"

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:21:49 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: PM Modi says INDI alliance deliberately insult Hindu Dharma

  PM Modi says, "INDI alliance deliberately insult Hindu Dharma & every statement against Hindu Dharma is well thought of. Congress-DMK INDI alliance never speak against other religions. But they do not take a second to insult Hindu Dharma..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:17:38 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Election Commission directs West Bengal govt to appoint Sanjay Mukherjee as DGP

  Election Commission directs West Bengal govt to appoint Sanjay Mukherjee as DGP

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:16:11 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress MP Deepender Hooda on CWC meet

  On CWC meeting today, Congress MP Deepender Hooda says, "Today, we had discussions regarding the Congress manifesto. We will release the manifesto once all the work is completed. All sections of society are tired of the BJP. We will work on the development of all sections...The 5 Nyay that were discussed during Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra have been included in the manifesto..."

• 19 Mar 2024, 02:10:18 PM IST

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Sita Soren, JMM MLA who resigned earlier today, likely to join BJP shortly

  Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s (JMM’s) MLA from Jama, Sita Soren, who is the daughter-in-law of party president Shibu Soren and sister-in-law of former chief minister Hemant Soren, resigned from the party earlier today. According to reports from news agency ANI, she is expected to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) soon.