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

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar penned a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, expressing the party's decision to endorse the Indian National Congress on seven seats in Maharashtra.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned emotional while addressing a public rally in Tamil Nadu's Salem today, recalling the murder of BJP leader Ramesh in Salem in 2013.

The event was attended by state BJP chief K Annamalai and members of the alliance party Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), who earlier today announced the seat-sharing agreement with BJP in Tamil Nadu.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also held a roadshow in the Palakkad district of Kerala as part of the election campaign.

Check out these stories related to the Lok Sabha election 2024.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari, commenting on the resignation of Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP) leader Pashupati Kumar Paras from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) cabinet, said that the BJP's nature is to discard once the work is done.

“Every alliance party of BJP should take a lesson from this. It’s BJP’s nature to dump people once their work is done,” he said.

Earlier today, Pashupati Kumar Paras stepped down from the Narendra Modi cabinet, citing "injustice" by the BJP. He accused the party of sidelining his own in the seat-sharing arrangement for the Bihar Lok Sabha polls.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami detailed in a press conference today the nominations that will be filed for the upcoming general election in the constituencies of the state. “Party workers are very enthusiastic...We will be present at all nomination filings,” Dhami said. Check the dates-

• Nominations will commence on March 22, with the first filing expected from the Almora Lok Sabha constituency.

• March 23 will see nominations from Haridwar.

• On March 26, nominations are scheduled for Tehri and Pauri Garhwal.

• Nainital Lok Sabha will witness nominations on March 27.

(With ANI inputs)

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress party have both unveiled two rounds of candidate lists for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, while the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has issued one.

• The BJP's initial list of 195 contenders was revealed on March 2, featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi contesting from Varanasi again, along with 34 Union ministers like Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh. A second list of 72 candidates, including Manohar Lal Khattar, Anurag Thakur, and Piyush Goyal, was released on March 13.

• On March 8, the Congress disclosed its first list of 39 candidates spanning eight states and one Union Territory. Following this, on March 12, the party unveiled its second list of 43 candidates.

• Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) disclosed its entire slate of candidates for West Bengal's 42 Lok Sabha seats on March 10. Notably, former cricketer Yusuf Pathan was nominated from Berhampore, while TMC MP Mahua Moitra will contest from Krishnanagar and Partha Bhowmick from Barrackpore.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA Sita Soren from the Jama constituency resigned today, ahead of the Lok Sabha election. She sent a letter to the party president and her father-in-law, Shibu Soren, according to the MLA's office as reported by PTI. Here are details on Jharkhand's Lok Sabha seats and election dates.

• The Election Commission announced that the 14 Lok Sabha seats in Jharkhand will be contested in four phases.

• On May 13, Singhbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga, and Palamu will vote, followed by Chatra, Koderma, and Hazaaribag on May 20. Polling for Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Jamshedpur will take place on May 25, while Rajmahal, Dumka, and Godda will vote on June 1.

• Out of these seats, five are reserved for STs and one for SCs. The state has over 2.55 crore voters, including 1.29 crore male, 1.25 crore female, and 407 transgenders. Among them, 22 lakh are first-time voters and 3.6 lakh have disabilities.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: The Congress Working Committee meeting was held in the national capital today to discuss the Lok Sabha poll manifesto. The grand old party's president, Mallikarjun Kharge, said that the country is "seeking a change," in an attack on the ruling BJP. He said that the present government's "guarantees" meet the same fate as the "India Shining" slogan of 2004.

• At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, the party's top decision-making body, discussions focused on approving the manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They emphasised the importance of conveying every issue highlighted in the manifesto to every village, town, and household across the nation.

• Kharge emphasised the need for Congress workers in villages and towns to actively ensure that the party's manifesto reaches every household.

• The Congress president affirmed that all commitments made in the manifesto would be rigorously fulfilled.

• Prior to including promises in the manifesto, thorough deliberations were conducted to ensure their practicality and feasibility.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Following the announcement of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 schedule, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced a new mobile application called 'Know Your Candidate' (KYC). Here are its key features:

• Voters can search for candidates by their names.

• It presents details about the candidate's criminal history, if applicable.

• Information about the status of any criminal cases against the candidate is displayed.

• It specifies the nature of the offences the candidate has been accused of.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Nalgonda police in Telangana seized gold worth ₹5.73 crore as part of vehicle checking, news agency ANI reported quoting officials.

• The gold seizure occurred within the jurisdiction of Miryalguda 1 Town police station limits. Superintendent of Police Chandana Deept said that in line with the Model Code of Conduct enforced with the announcement of the Lok Sabha polls schedule, the district police have intensified vehicle checks to prevent illegal transportation of cash and valuables aimed at influencing voters.

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented various measures to prevent the misuse of money and muscle power in the 2024 general elections.

• Previously, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that extensive reviews with enforcement agencies have been conducted by the poll body to stem the flow of illicit money.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party President Pashupati Kumar Paras resigned as the Union Minister today, stating that injustice has been done to him and his party in the alliance with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

“I have resigned as Union minister," he said in a press conference according to news agency ANI.

“PM Modi is a big leader but injustice done to me and my party,” Pashupati Kumar Parasadded. Click here for more details

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Speaking to the media, Karnataka's Bharatiya Janata Party chief BY Vijayendra slammed the Congress party, stating that it is in a "pathetic condition" and unable to finalize candidates for most of the constituencies for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. Earlier in the day, he briefed the media about the seat-sharing agreement with the Janata Dal (Secular) party.

“The Congress party is not able to find candidates for Lok Sabha (election). For most of the constituencies, Congress has not yet declared their candidates, simply because they don't have candidates. Even ministers are reluctant (to contest election) because of PM Modi's popularity. Congress is in a very pathetic condition,” BJP Karnataka state president BY Vijayendra said.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: After Congress MP Shashi Tharoor slammed the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Kerala, CPI General Secretary D Raja said, " It is an absurd statement. An educated man like Shashi Tharoor must understand the history of Kerala properly. It is the Left that is fighting the communal and fascist forces...so many Congress leaders are leaving and joining BJP...Rahul Gandhi claims that he is spearheading the fight against BJP, then why is he contesting from Wayanad and fighting against LDF? Congress must explain, what message they want to convey to people. Who are their main political enemies..."

Check our post at 10.08 am to know what Congress's Shashi Tharoor said

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a roadshow in Kerala's Palakkad today as a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha election campaign. Additionally, he is set to visit Salem, Tamil Nadu, later in the day.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Regarding the seat-sharing with Janata Dal (Secular) party, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra says, “I spoke to our national leaders last night & I also spoke to former PM H. D. Deve Gowda. Things will be resolved amicably...JDS MLAs were invited (for rally). There was some communication gap in Kalaburagi and we'll resolve it.”

• Earlier on Tuesday, Janata Dal (Secular) JDS's election in-charge, co-in-charges, and core committee members voiced their discontent regarding the BJP's announcement of candidates for twenty Lok Sabha constituencies in Karnataka, as stated in the party's statement on Monday.

• Party officials claimed that they were not consulted before the announcements and accused BJP leaders of attempting to withhold the Kolar constituency from JDS, as mentioned by JDS leaders during the meeting.

• During the meeting at the party's state office JP Bhavan, attended by former prime minister and JDS national president HD Deve Gowda, and former chief minister and party state president HD Kumaraswamy, core committee members, election in-charges, and co-in-charges expressed their dissatisfaction.

(With ANI inputs)

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: After Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and BJP signed the seat-sharing agreement, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai says, "It is a strong alliance. The political scenario has changed due to the decision taken by the PMK to align with the BJP-led NDA. We came to Thailapuram from Coimbatore overnight. Both leaders Ramadoss and Anbumani Ramadoss will be taking part in the public meeting in Selam today where PM Modi will deliver his speech." Here are the details on seat-sharing

• The BJP secured a seat-sharing agreement with the PMK led by S Ramadoss in Tamil Nadu for the Lok Sabha polls on April 19, allocating 10 seats to the regional party.

• BJP state president K Annamalai and PMK founder Ramadoss finalised the agreement at Ramadoss's residence in Thailapuram.

• The PMK, known for its dominance in the Vanniyar community, holds significant sway in several northern districts of Tamil Nadu.

• As per the understanding, “PMK will fight from 10 seats in Tamil Nadu in the NDA,” Annamalai later told reporters in a joint press briefing with PMK President and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anbumani Ramadoss.

(With PTI inputs)

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: In light of the upcoming general election, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini held a roadshow in Ambala today.

"I want to thank all our party workers in Ambala and I appeal to you to give your votes to our candidate Banto Kataria. Today, our party president JP Nadda will begin the election campaign. We have to bring PM Modi back to power by winning all 10 seats in the state..." he said.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: In today's Congress Working Committee meeting, the party will finalise the manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha Election. Here are some key updates:

• Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party MP Rahul Gandhi have arrived at the AICC headquarters in Delhi to participate in the CWC meeting.

• Congress leader Sachin Pilot has also arrived at the AICC headquarters in Delhi for the CWC meeting.

•Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, Jairam Ramesh, has arrived at the AICC headquarters in Delhi to join the CWC meeting.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticised the CPI on Tuesday, saying that it is ironic for the Left party to oppose Rahul Gandhi's candidacy in Wayanad while simultaneously “playing the BJP's game” in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram.

Tharoor, contesting from Thiruvananthapuram, asserted that the CPI's campaign against him serves only to split the anti-BJP vote, contrasting their stance with their calls for alliance unity in Wayanad.

Having represented Thiruvananthapuram in the Lok Sabha for the past 15 years, Tharoor is aiming for a fourth consecutive term.

He faces competition from BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and Information Technology, as well as CPI's candidate, Pannian Raveendran.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a rally in Tamil Nadu's Salem today after participating in a roadshow in nearby Coimbatore yesterday.

• Leaders from alliance parties, including PMK founder S Ramadoss, are expected to be present at the public meeting.

• Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls on April 19 in Tamil Nadu, the BJP has intensified its focus on the southern state, aiming to secure victory in a significant portion of the 39 constituencies as part of its 'mission 400' seats in the upcoming polls.

• Modi had delivered a public rally in Kanniyakumari last week and has made several visits to the southern state in recent months.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: On Tuesday, TMC leader Derek O’Brien demanded that the upcoming Lok Sabha election 2024 be monitored by the Supreme Court. He also accused the BJP of turning ECI into a party office to target Opposition.

"BJP's filthy tricks destroying institutions like ECI. Are BJP so nervous to face people that they are turning ECI into a party office to target Oppn? ECI or HMV? Transferring officers of elected State govts!," wrote the TMC leader.

"For free & fair elections WE WANT SUPREME COURT MONITORED ELECTION 2024," he added.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Uttarakhand Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar said on Tuesday that the state police are “fully alert” with Home Guards and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) set to be stationed at all polling booths for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

• Earlier, on Sunday, Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer BVRCC Purushottam, convened a virtual meeting with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from all districts to discuss election preparations at the Secretariat.

• During the meeting, the Chief Electoral Officer emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance, particularly at checkpoints located in districts bordering other states and international borders.

• He also instructed all agencies involved in the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) to accurately fill out seizure and interception reports to avoid any discrepancies.

(With ANI inputs)

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Congress candidate Rohan Gupta, contesting from Gujarat's Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat, has announced his withdrawal from the election race citing his father's critical health condition on Monday.

"Due to serious medical condition, my father is admitted in hospital and I am withdrawing my candidature for Ahmedabad east parliament seat as Congress Candidate. I will extend complete support to the new candidate nominated by party," Gupta said in a post on X.

Gupta, who also serves as the Congress' national spokesperson, was among the candidates listed by the party on March 12.

All 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will witness polling in a single phase on May 7 and vote counting will be held on June 4.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President Anbumani Ramadoss convened a meeting on Tuesday to negotiate seat sharing for the impending Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu.

On Monday, the PMK declared its alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Additionally, the party's general secretary revealed that PMK founder Ramadoss would announce the candidates' names on Wednesday.

Lok Sabha Election 2024 LIVE: The Odisha Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has advised all district collectors to develop a contingency plan due to the expected heatwave conditions in the state from March to May, coinciding with the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, news agency ANI reported.

The SRC emphasised the need for effective heatwave management following communication from the National Disaster Management Authority Joint Secretary after the Election Commission announced the election schedule.

The SRC mentioned that the election period could bring about severe heatwave conditions, which could present challenges to health and the election process.