Tag: Lok Sabha elections 2024

  • Assam MLA Bharat Chandra Narah Quits Congress After Wife Denied Ticket For Lok Sabha Polls

    Narah had hoped for his wife, Ranee Narah, a former Union Minister, to be nominated for the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat.

  • Bihar Lok Sabha Elections: JDU Releases Candidate List, Fields Lalan Singh From Munger, Lovely Anand From Sheohar

    The party has once again fielded Rajiv Ranjan alias Lalan Singh from the Munger seat while Lovely Anand got a ticket from Sheohar. 

  • Bihar: New RJD Entrant From JDU Sets Stage For Clash With Congress |

    In Bihar, while the NDA has finalized its seat-sharing deal sidelining Pashupati Paras, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has fresh trouble at its disposal. On Saturday, JD(U) MLA Bima Bharti, once close confident of Nitish Kumar, quit the party and joined Lalu Yadav’s RJD. She may likely be fielded in the Lok Sabha elections from Purnia by the RJD. 

    “People of Purnia are ready to vote for us. I will contest Lok Sabha polls from Purnia if my party asks me to,” former Bihar Minister Bharti said. The RJD is likely to release its candidate list for Bihar today. The list may include names of former Bihar Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughters, Rohini Acharya and Misa Bharti. Rohini Acharya is expected to contest from Saran, while Misa Bharti may run from the Pataliputra constituency.


    Bima Bharti Trouble For Mahagathbandhan

    Bima Bharti’s entry has indicated a fresh rift within the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan in Bihar. While Bharti has expressed willingness to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Purnia, Pappu Yadav made a tweet indicating his claim on the seat. Yadav has recently merged his Jan Adhikar Party into the Congress and is likely to contest the Lok Sabha polls. He wants to contest the Purnia seat as well. “Will die, will not leave Congress. Will leave the world, will not leave Purnia,” said Pappu Yadav. In 2019, Santosh Kumar of Janata Dal (United) won the Purnia seat as part of the NDA bloc.

    Bharti’s Rift With Nitish

    Once known to be in the good books of Nitish Kumar, Bimar Bharti got on his wrong side a few years ago when she threw a fit over the induction of Leshi Singh in the state cabinet. Leshi Singh is the JD(U) MLA from Dhamdaha in Purnea and her late husband Butan Singh, a local strongman, had been a fierce rival of Bharti’s spouse Awadhesh Mandal. Bharti also wanted a cabinet post but did not get it. She was reportedly upset with the move.

    Challenge For Madhubani Seat

    Former JDU MLA Faraz Fatmi also quit the party following his father Mohammed Ali Ashraf Fatmi’s footstep who also resigned last week from the party. The father-son duo has been formerly associated with the RJD. Fatmi senior is a four-term former MP and has expressed his desire to contest the Lok Sabha poll from Madhubani, a seat which has gone into the kitty of JD(U)’s ally BJP. They are likely to rejoin the RJD and stake claim to the Madhubani seat.

    Bihar Lok Sabha Polls

    Bihar is set to witness a seven-phase poll for its 40 Lok Sabha seats. The first phase will see voting on four seats, followed by five seats each from Phase 2 to Phase 5. The last two phases, 6 and 7, will have elections on eight seats each.

  • Election Quiz: Who Is The Shortest Serving Prime Minister Of India? |

    NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister of India holds a pivotal position in the country’s political landscape. As the head of government, the Prime Minister wields significant authority and is responsible for leading the nation’s executive branch. Over the years, India has seen several Prime Ministers, each leaving their mark on the nation’s history and politics.

    Gulzarilal Nanda: India’s First Interim PM

    Among the list of Prime Ministers, Gulzarilal Nanda stands out for his remarkably short tenure. Serving as the interim Prime Minister of India for two brief periods, Nanda’s leadership spanned only 13 days each time. His interim roles came in the wake of the deaths of two prominent leaders, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964 and Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966.

    A Congress Veteran And Freedom Fighter

    Gulzarilal Nanda’s legacy extends beyond his brief stints as Prime Minister. A seasoned politician and a dedicated freedom fighter, Nanda’s contributions to Indian politics are noteworthy. Despite his affiliation with the Indian National Congress, Nanda displayed a principled stance, even resigning from the party over ideological differences, notably during the Emergency period.

    Champion Of Labour Rights And Socialist Ideals

    Nanda’s early involvement in the freedom movement under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership shaped his political ideologies. His advocacy for labour rights, evidenced by his role in establishing the Majdoor Mahajan Sangh, underscored his commitment to socialist principles. Moreover, his participation in international conferences further reinforced his dedication to implementing socialist policies in India.

    Anti-Corruption Crusader

    Assuming office during tumultuous times, Nanda faced significant challenges, including food crises and political volatility. Despite encouragement to retain the Prime Ministership after Lal Bahadur Shastri’s demise, Nanda’s reluctance stemmed from his principled stand against power politics. His short tenures limited his ability to enact lasting changes, yet he remained vocal against corruption, exemplifying his rigid adherence to principles.

    Legacy And Controversies

    Gulzarilal Nanda’s principled persona earned him respect but also invited controversy. His anti-corruption stance and unwavering socialist beliefs clashed with prevailing political dynamics, leading to his replacement by the Congress party. Despite his contributions, Nanda’s uncompromising stance and perceived impracticality contributed to his eventual downfall as a political leader.

    Gulzarilal Nanda’s legacy is one of principled leadership and unwavering commitment to socialist ideals. Despite his brief tenure as Prime Minister, Nanda’s contributions to Indian politics, particularly in championing labour rights and combating corruption, stand as a testament to his integrity and dedication to public service.

  • Lok Sabha Election 2024: Samajwadi Party release Another List Of Six Candidate

    Samajwadi Party on Wednesday announced another list of six candidates with their constituency to contest in the 18th Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections. The party has released the photo through a post on X mentioning the candidate’s name and this constituency.

  • Lok Sabha Polls 2024: How BJP Is Expanding Its Footprints In Tamil Nadu |

    CHENNAI: In a significant development ahead of the crucial 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a crucial seat-sharing agreement with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Tamil Nadu. As part of the deal, the PMK, representing the Vanniyar minority, has been allocated ten parliamentary constituencies for contesting the upcoming polls in the southern state. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss expressed optimism about this alliance, stating, “The people of Tamil Nadu are yearning for a change after six decades of rule by other parties. To fulfil this aspiration, PMK has chosen to align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP.”

     

    #WATCH | PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss says, “For the last ten years PMK has been part of the NDA in Delhi. Today, PMK has decided to join the NDA in Tamil Nadu and an agreement was signed. We are happy that we have joined the NDA in Tamil Nadu for a change. The last 57-58… pic.twitter.com/tAhx1mE4iQ
    — ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2024

     

    Impact Of BJP-PMK Alliance 

    Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai echoed Ramadoss’s sentiments, emphasizing the strength of the alliance. He highlighted the transformative impact of the PMK’s decision to align with the NDA, leading to an immediate shift in the political landscape. Both leaders are set to participate in a public meeting alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscoring the significance of this collaboration. 

    The PMK, which mostly represents the Vanniyar minority in Tamil Nadu, was the second main alliance partner of the BJP in the Lok Sabha election 2019, which contested on seven alliance seats. With a vote percentage of 5.42 per cent, it was unable to secure even one seat in the polls. PMK contested 23 seats in the AIADMK alliance in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election and won five seats by securing 4.04 per cent.

    During the 2019 general elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which comprised INC, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, AIFB, registered a landslide victory by winning 38 of the 39 seats. In 2019, the DMK won 23 Lok Sabha seats with 33.2 per cent vote share, Congress bagged 8 seats with 12.9 per cent vote and CPI won 2 seats in Tamil Nadu. CPI(M) got a seat, IML won 1 seat and independents were elected on 2 seats.

    The PMK had a slight increase in vote share to 5.42 per cent over seven seats in 2014, up from 4.4 per cent for eight seats. Anbumani Ramadoss is currently a Rajya Sabha member having been elected unopposed in 2019.

    BJP’s Seat-Sharing Arrangements

    Following the agreement, discussions are underway to finalize the specifics of the seat-sharing arrangement. PMK leaders are expected to attend Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming public meeting in Salem, where the official announcement of PMK candidates will take place. This alliance marks a strategic move by the BJP to bolster its presence in Tamil Nadu, a state historically dominated by Dravidian parties.

    Expanding Footprints In DMK-Ruled Tamil Nadu

    The recent seat-sharing deal with the PMK underscores the BJP’s concerted efforts to expand its influence in Tamil Nadu, despite being under the rule of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Prime Minister Modi’s extensive outreach in the state, coupled with alliances with regional parties and prominent figures like actor R Sarath Kumar, signals the BJP’s determined push into Tamil Nadu’s political arena. This was followed by Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran’s announcement of his party’s unconditional support to the BJP-led alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. 

    Inclusive Approach and Political Strategy

    The BJP’s inclusive approach, demonstrated through the selection of leaders from diverse backgrounds to helm the party in Tamil Nadu, aims to dispel misconceptions and broaden its appeal beyond traditional voter bases. By showcasing a commitment to inclusivity and embracing regional sentiments, the BJP seeks to carve a niche in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.

    Challenges And Optimism

    While the BJP faces challenges in Tamil Nadu, particularly in garnering support amidst existing political dynamics, the party remains optimistic about its prospects. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, the BJP’s concerted efforts to engage with voters and forge alliances underscore its determination to establish a formidable presence in the state and reshape Tamil Nadu’s political narrative in the upcoming elections.

    Lok Sabha Elections In Tamil Nadu

    The first phase of voting for all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu is scheduled for April 19. The Election Commission has announced a seven-phase polling schedule across the nation, with voting taking place from April 19 to June 1 and counting of votes slated for June 4.

  • EC Orders Large-Scale Transfer Of Several Bureaucrats, West Bengal DGP Ahead Of LS Polls |

    The Election Commission on Monday ordered the transfer of bureaucrats from the region to uphold fairness in the Lok Sabha polls. The Commission directed the removal of Home secretaries of states including Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.  Along with this, The EC ordered the removal of the secretary of the general administrative departments of Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, they also ordered the removal of director general of police in West Bengal, PTI reported.

    Days after the declaration of the LS elections schedule, the chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar also ordered the removal of Brihanmumbai Municipal Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, additional commissioners and deputy commissioners.

    The EC had instructed all state governments to transfer officers connected with elections-related duties, who have served three years in the same place or are stationed in their home districts. Maharashtra had not fully complied with the given directions, especially with a few municipal commissioners and deputy municipal commissioners. 

    While expressing the discontent to the state chief secretary, the commission has ordered the transfer of BMC and the additional and deputy commissioners with the content to report by 6 pm on Monday. 

    The EC has also directed the chief secretary to transfer all the similarly placed municipal commissioners and additional or deputy municipal commissioners of other corporations in Maharashtra.

    Therefore, steps are taken to maintain fairness and ensure the integrity of the electoral process, which has been emphasised by CEC Rajiv Kumar on several occasions.

  • Congress-RJD Meet Today To Finalise Seat Sharing For Bihar, Phase-Wise Candidates Name Likely

    The Lok Sabha Election dates have been revealed, yet the allocation of seats between the INDIA-bloc and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) remains undecided.

  • J&K Assembly Polls Soon After Lok Sabha Elections: CEC Rajiv Kumar |

    NEW DELHI: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, on Saturday said that assembly elections in J&K will be held soon. CEC Rajiv Kumar, while addressing a press conference, stated that assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held soon after the Lok Sabha polls.

    Speaking to reporters, CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed the issue of holding simultaneous central and state elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Kumar cited security concerns as a primary obstacle, leading the poll panel to deem it unfeasible at this time. However, he emphasized the panel’s dedication to conducting elections in the region, assuring that they would proceed following the Lok Sabha polls.

    Kumar highlighted the consensus among all parties in J&K regarding the desire for Assembly elections to coincide with parliamentary polls. Despite this shared sentiment, logistical challenges presented a significant hurdle. The sheer number of candidates expected in each Assembly segment, averaging between 10 to 12, would necessitate substantial security arrangements. Kumar explained that accommodating over 1,000 candidates would be impractical given the existing constraints.

    Nevertheless, Kumar reaffirmed the commitment of the poll panel to facilitate elections in J&K. He assured that once the current electoral processes conclude, the panel would prioritize holding polls in the region. This statement underscores the panel’s acknowledgement of the importance of democratic participation in J&K, despite the complexities involved in ensuring a secure and efficient electoral process.

    Importantly, the Lok Sabha elections in J&K will be held in five phases – April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13 and May 2. 

    The CEC also announced the dates for polls for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, which will be held in 7 phases starting from April 19. Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13, Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. Counting of votes will be held on 4 June.

    Lok Sabha Election 2024 Full Schedule

    Phase 1 voting will be held on April 19, Phase 2 voting will be held on April 26, Phase 3 voting will be held on May 7, Phase 4 voting will be held on May 13,
    Phase 5 voting will be on May 20, Phase 6 voting will take place on May 25 and Phase 7 voting will be held on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4.

    With the formal announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has also come into effect across the country. It may be noted that the tenure of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 16 and a new House must be constituted before that. In 2019, the general elections were held over seven phases from April 11 to May 19, with results declared four days later. The BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats, in the 2019 general elections. 

    Total 96.8 Crore Voters Eligible To Cast Votes: CEC 

    A total of 96.8 crore voters will be eligible to cast their vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said on Saturday. Addressing a press conference here to announce the dates of Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls to four states, Rajiv Kumar said there will be 10.5 lakh polling stations and 1.5 crore polling officials and security staff will be deployed to conduct the elections in the world’s largest democracy.

    “We are committed to giving the nation a truly festive, democratic environment. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is due to expire on 16th June 2024. The terms of the Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are also due to expire in June 2024. Elections are due in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
    Kumar said approximately 49.7 crore voters are male and 47.1 crore voters are female.

    “We have 1.8 crore first-time voters and 19.47 crore voters between the age group of 20-29 years,” he said, adding that 88.4 lakh voters are of PwD category, 2.18 lakhs are centenarians and 48,000 are transgenders.

  • Lok Sabha Poll Dates Announcement Live: Election Commission Press Meet Shortly |

    Ending the wait for the festival of democracy, the Election Commission of India will announce the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 dates at 3pm today besides announcing the Assembly election dates for some states. In a post on X, a spokesperson of the ECI said, “Press Conference by Election Commission to announce the schedule for #GeneralElections2024 and some State Assemblies will be held at 3 pm tomorrow ie Saturday, 16th March. It will be live streamed on social media platforms of the ECI”. Voting likely to take place in seven to eight phases just like the previous Lok Sabha Elections.

    Watch Live Press Briefing:


    The election dates announcement will mark the implementation of the Mode Code of Conduct for the polls. The Election Commission’s decision to announce the poll dates comes after holding extensive talks with political parties across India. The EC team visited several states including Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier this week, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said that the poll body will decide on holding Lok Sabha Elections and Assembly Elections together or separately in Jammu and Kashmir after reviewing the security situation. It’s likely that the poll body may announce the assembly dates for Jammu and Kashmir as well.

    2019 Poll Dates

    In 2019, Lok Sabha elections were held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19 and the results were declared on May 23. The first phase of polls was held on April 11, the second on April 18, the third on April 23, the fourth on April 29, the fifth on May 6, the sixth on May 12 and the seventh on May 19. In 2019 polls, the BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats.

    Campaign, Candidate List

    Political parties have already started announcing candidate lists and their political campaign. While the BJP has released a list of 266 candidates so far, the Congress has announced 82 candidates. Other parties like Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party, Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and Left have also announced several candidates for their respective states so far.