Elections 2024 Updates: PM Modi Targets Lalu In Bihar On Godhra Incident; Ex-Delhi Congress Chief Arvinder Singh Lovely Joins BJP

Congress after a long suspense on the candidates for its key constituencies - Raebareli and Amethi, finally announced the names. They fielded Rahul Gandhi from Raebareli and Gandhi family close aide Kishori Lal Sharma from Amethi, both of whom submitted their nominations on Friday.

PM Modi will visit Palamu and Gumla in Jharkhand on Saturday to address election rallies in favour of BJP candidates BD Ram and Arjun Munda.

The PM held a 1.5 km mega roadshow in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on Friday evening and stayed at Raj Bhavan overnight.

According to reports, a visit to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is scheduled for PM Modi on Saturday, May 4. During this visit, a 1.2 mile roadshow will be conducted by him to campaign for the BJP candidates contesting for seats in the area.

Hyderabad police have registered a case against Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency candidate K Madhavi Latha and other BJP leaders for allegedly using minors in a poll campaign in the city recently.

In a complaint to the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) vice- president Niranjan Reddy alleged that on May 1 during a BJP rally from Laldawaza to Sudha Talkies, a few minor children were on the dais with Shah.

Niranjan Reddy alleged that a child was seen with a BJP symbol, highlighting that it was a clear violation of the guidelines of the Election Commission, according to information available on the FIR copy.

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With Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal behind bars, AAP leaders on Friday addressed public meetings in different parts of Delhi to rally support for the opposition INDIA bloc's candidates in the Lok Sabha polls.

Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Delhi minister Atishi held a 'Sankalp Sabha' as part of the AAP's 'Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se' campaign in Kalkaji assembly segment which falls under South Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.

The INDIA bloc has fielded Sahiram Pahalwan from South Delhi seat.

Singh said Kejriwal has done a lot for the people of Delhi, including reducing electricity and water bills and providing free travel facility for women in public buses.

"Therefore, it is an appeal to the people of Delhi that this time, give all the seven (Lok Sabha) seats in Delhi to the INDIA alliance and reduce the BJP's tally to zero," he said.

The people should elect a candidate who can stand with them at any time, Singh said.

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Union Minister and BJP candidate from Gujarat's Porbandar, Mansukh Mandaviya held 'parbhat feri' in his constituency on Saturday morning.

Speaking to reporters about his unique election campaign, Mandaviya said, "Waking up early and doing 'bhajan' and going around the village is a traditional thing. During my election campaigns, I go to the villages early morning and get connected to the people and also interact with them. This is also one of my ways to get connected to the public..."

Former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has removed "thorns" like Article 370 and terrorism sown by the Congress and strengthened the country during his 10 years in power.

The country made rapid progress under Modi while the Congress only gave hollow slogans, he said.

Khattar was addressing a gathering in support of Mohan Lal Badoli, the BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Sonipat, after he filed his nomination papers on Friday.

This election is like a fight between the Kauravas and the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. The character of the Congress is like that of the Kauravas, said Khattar, who is contesting the polls from Karnal parliamentary seat.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the country is moving rapidly on the path of becoming a developed nation, he said.

The Congress had sown "thorns" like Article 370, Naxalism and terrorism in the country during its rule of 55-60 years, the former chief minister alleged.

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Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday attacked the BJP claiming its Hindutva is "gaumutradhari" (regressive), while his party's Hindutva was reformist.

Addressing a rally in Kankavali in Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg district, his second this week, Thackeray accused the Centre of "looting" Maharashtra.

He said when INDI alliance comes to power, he will ensure the lost glory of the state is reclaimed.

"BJP's Hindutva is gaumutradhari. Our Hindutva is reformist," Thackeray said.

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The Delhi Chief Election Officer's office has approved AAP's Lok Sabha elections campaign song after the party made modifications to it, officials said on Friday.

AAP MLA Dilip Pandey, who penned and voiced the song, confirmed that the song has been approved.

The party had claimed on April 28 that the Election Commission "banned" its campaign song "Jail ka Jawab Vote se Denge".

Delhi poll body officials, however, had said AAP was asked to modify the contents of the song since it violated the Election Commission's guidelines and advertising codes.

The villagers of Bangaon village in Bihar's Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency are facing monkey infestation issue.

They have decided to boycott the upcoming elections unless something is done resolve the problem.

They've even put up posters saying they'll only support a candidate who can solve this issue.

The election in Madhepura is set for May 7.

Villagers in Maharashtra's Sangli district engage in 'No water, no vote' protest as they face water scarcity issue.

Sangli is located near Karnataka border.

The Congress recently shared a video of Rahul Gandhi playing chess on his mobile phone while on the Lok Sabha election campaign trail. The MP from Wayanad named Kasparov as his favourite chess player and drew parallels between the game and politics.

Kasparov responded to that post saying "Traditional (sic) dictates that you should first win from Raebareli before challenging for the top," as he referred to Gandhi's recent nomination there and Congress' aim to get back to the control at Centre.

Kasparov later explained that it was just a joke and should be seen as one after others started mocking Gandhi with his comment.

Aam Aadmi Party candidate from East Delhi Lok Sabha seat Kuldeep Kumar sought blessings from his parents on Saturday morning before he files nomination papers for the upcoming elections.

Kumar is facing BJP leader Harsh Malhotra in the LS fight.

BRS leader KT Rama Rao on Saturday morning met locals at a vegetable market as he was campaigning in Sircilla, Telangana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president J P Nadda are scheduled to visit Odisha over the next few days to campaign for the simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Modi is slated to address two political rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday, a party leader said.

Simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections will be held in Odisha in four phases from May 13.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the Lok Sabha elections 2024 will be divided into seven phases beginning on April 19 and end on June 1.

The counting of votes and declaration of results has been scheduled for June 4.

The 13th descendent of Chhatrapati Shivaji and BJP candidate from Santara, Udayanraje Bhosale speaking to PTI on the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the country said, "The issue has been development. There was a Congress rule for 55-60 years. Only there were announcements. They gave slogans like 'Garibi Hatao Desh Bachao', 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan' but nothing happened. Now there is a stable government under the leadership of PM Modi."

He also stated, "INDIA bloc is finding it difficult to find consensus on PM candidate. They don't have vision, development plan. They call themselves Maha Vikas Aghadi but did nothing in 55-60 years. I win elections on my own. People made me win because of my work. It is my fortune that I was born in this family. But I have never used the family for my work."

Congress candidate from Puri constituency Suchitra Mohanty withdrew from election and she explained her decision to the media on Saturday, she said, "I was denied funds from the party. In Assembly segments, weak candidates were given tickets. BJP and BJD are sitting on mountain of money. It was difficult. Vulgar display of wealth is everywhere. I don't want to compete that way. I wanted a people-oriented campaign but that was also not possible with the lack of funds. Party is also not responsible. BJP govt has crippled the party. There are a lot of curbs on expenditure. I was getting good response. They (people) want change."

Speaking of the importance of voting during his address in Jharkhand's Palamu, PM Modi said, "You all know the importance of your vote very well. In 2014, the entire world saluted the power of Indian democracy because of your votes. In 2014, with your one vote, the people removed the corrupt government of Congress."

He added, "Recognise value of your one vote, it resulted in scrapping of Article 370 in J&K, wiped out terrorism."

PM Modi on Saturday claimed that his name has not been involved in any corruption cases over the last 25 years. He said, "There is no blot of corruption on me in past 25 years as chief minister and prime minister."

He further claimed, "I don't own a home or even a bicycle" as he went on to call out ex-Jharkhand CM who is currently in custody for money laundering, PM Modi asserted, "corrupt JMM, Congress leaders amassed huge wealth for their children."

PM Modi in an attack on Congress said, "Earlier, after terrorist attacks, Congress' 'coward' government used to weep on the global platform. The time when India used to weep on the global platform has gone."

Reiterating Congress' connection with Pakistan, PM Modi said, "Now, Pakistan is weeping and screaming for help. Pakistani leaders are praying for 'shahzada' (referring to Rahul Gandhi) to become PM. However, strong India wants a strong government."

He also added, "Till I am alive, will not now allow any design of Cong to succeed in changing constitution for reservation to Muslims."

UP CM Yogi Adityanath addressing an election rally in Ashoknagar in Guna constituency, said, "The land which got the support of Vijayaraje Scindia, is getting the leadership of Jyotiraditya Scindia. The Ramlila Ground in front connects us to Tulsidas. When Tulsidas was asked to meet Akbar to get included in his 9 Ratnas. He said that he doesn't know Akbar and said he knows only one King and he is Raja Ram. During the PM Modi's regime, Ramlala returned to his home after 500 years. PM Modi is going to Ayodhya tomorrow."

He also said, "The area has got the proximity of Vijayaraje Scindia and Madhavrao Scindia. Now it is getting the proximity of Jyotiraditya Scindia. He has a vision for development. Only 74 airports were there till 2014. Scindia has now took the number to 150. The family has contributed in Ram Janmabhoomi movement. The country is now saying 'Fir ek baar Modi Sarkaar'. People are saying that the ones who brought Ram will be brought at the Centre."

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi while addressing a public meeting in Banaskantha, Gujarat criticised PM Modi as she said, "People of Gujarat gave PM Modi respect and power. He (Narendra Modi) has been a Prime Minister for 10 years now. You must have seen him on big platforms with capitalists, and Prime Ministers and Presidents of other countries. But, have you ever seen him visiting a house of a farmer or poor? In his own constituency, Varanasi, PM Modi has never visited house of any poor person."

Defending allegations made by BJP against Congress, Gandhi said, "Many BJP leaders have said that if BJP wins the election, then the Constitution will be changed. So, it is important to understand the Constitution and how it affects your life. The Constitution gives you (people) rights including the right to cast your vote. This right has been given to everyone in the country, farmers, labourers, poor, ministers."

AAP East Delhi Lok Sabha seat Kuldeep Kumar held a roadshow in the city ahead of filing his nomination on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters and AAP's agenda, Kumar stated, "People have come out today against those dictators who have jailed the Delhi CM (Arvind Kejriwal) and Delhi's deputy CM (Manish Sisodia). People of Delhi will respond to 'jail' by their votes and end their (BJP's) dictatorship."

PM Modi in his next rally in Gumla and Lohardaga speaks of providing free ration to the poor and making internet accessible to all.

He stated, "You all must have seen how much criticism I face for working for the poor and Adivasis. However, I am here to only serve you. You must remember, that when I started Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Congress asked what would happen from this. When I opened common service centres in every village, they (Congress) questioned it too and said the people of the villages are illiterate. Today, they are the heroes of social media."

He also added, "Modi ensured the poor get access to internet, which was meant only for rich people during Cong rule."

In another attack on former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, PM Modi said, "Former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren behind bars for corruption, Modi committed to wipe out the menace."

He added, "Modi unmasked corrupt forces, all those who indulged in corruption will face action under law in next five years."

"INDIA bloc leaders take out rallies in support of those indulging in corruption," alleged PM Modi.

AAP candidate from West Delhi Mahabal Mishra on Saturday filed nomination for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He spoke to the media later and said, "There is no challenge. There is a lot of anger among people about putting Arvind Kejriwal, who works for poor, in jail. They know that he is jailed because he made electricity, water free, there is Mohalla clinic, CT, MRI scans happening in hospitals for free, gave free transportation to women. INDIA alliance will come to power. It is looking like the election of 2009. NDA didn't give tickets to 6 MPs, the party is accepting that they didn't work. There is a sympathy for Arvind Kejriwal. It will be good if he comes out of jail."

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi held a door-to-door campaign in the Charminar constituency of Hyderabad, Telangana on Saturday.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday took a dig at Rahul Gandhi for contesting from the Wayanad and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats, claiming that the Congress leader will lose from Rae Bareli by a huge margin.

"Rahul Baba, take my advice. The problem is with you, not with the seats. You will lose from Rae Bareli also, by a huge margin. Even if you run away, people will find you," the senior BJP leader said.

Akhilesh Yadav's daughter Aditi participates in a political campaign in UP's Saifai.

"Our party has always worked in favour of women, youth and farmers. We will make a government that will empower women, provide good education to children and jobs to youth. I want you all to give your blessings to me", Aditi said.

While addressing a rally in Bihar's Darbhanga, PM Modi said, "I have given a roadmap of development for the next five years. I have also tabled a vision for the next 25 years, but it is also important to keep in mind the past. Similar to a 'shahzada' in Delhi, there's a 'shahzada' in Patna too. One 'shahzada' considers entire India as his' jagir' since his childhood, another one considers entire Bihar as his 'jagir'."

Days after quitting the post of Delhi Congress chief, Arvinder Singh Lovely on Saturday joined BJP at party Headquarters in Delhi, in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and party’s national general secretary Vinod Tawde.

Amid the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Congress Leader has urged PM Modi to "not be afraid" and contest from the South, just like Rahul Gandhi.

"We are saying to PM Modi that don't be afraid, fight from the South. Just like Rahul Gandhi has the courage to fight the South and the North. Why doesn't Modi ji go and fight from the South? He is the Prime Minister of the country, why doesn't he show courage, why is he so afraid of the South?..."

The burnt body of Tirunelveli Congress East District president has been found by cops. The leader had been missing since Thursday night, was found on a farm on Saturday. The police are now investigating if this was a case of murder or suicide.

For the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be contesting from the seat of Raebareli in UP. Addressing this, BJP State President for Tamil Nadu, K Annamalai has predicted the same fate for Raebareli in 2024 as Amethi in 2019

"Rahul Gandhi lost to Smriti Irani ji in 2019 and now he wants to go to a safe seat, a so-called safe seat. This clearly shows the character of a person who is aspiring for the Prime Minister's chair. So it's a moral bankruptcy of Congress that has come to the open...He lost Amethi in 2019, so Raebareli will also go on the same path in 2024," he said speaking to reporters.

HD Revanna, Karnataka MLA with JD(S), has been taken into custody by the Special Investigation Team. The MLA was brought in amid the kidnapping allegations against him and his son Prajwal Revanna.

Reacting to PM Modi's ‘shehzade’ remark against him, Tejashwi Yadav said, “I will say that he is ‘peerzada’. This is the land of Mithila, people here want to listen to useful talk. NDA has its MPs in Jhanjharpur, Darbhanga and Madhubani for the past 15 years. They have done no work here. The public is irritated and fed up with the NDA. Bihar will give a shocking result this time.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday charged RJD president Lalu Prasad, the BJP’s principal opponent in Bihar, with having tried to "shield" those guilty in two-decade-old Godhra train burning incident and “put blame on kar sevaks”.

Addressing an election rally at Darbhanga, Modi, who was then the chief minister of Gujarat where riots had erupted after the incident, also alleged that the RJD supremo had acted in connivance with the Congress, which headed the UPA, in power at the Centre.

This is probably the first time Modi raised the Godhra issue during the ongoing elections.

Without mentioning Prasad by name, Modi described the RJD supremo, who was the Railway minister in the first UPA government, as one “serving sentences, out on bail (in fodder scam cases)".