Lohia Global Ventures into Real Estate Sector; Plans Rs 1,000 Crore Investment for Housing Projects
Lohia Global Ventures into Real Estate Sector; Plans Rs 1,000 Crore Investment for Housing Projects Lohia Global, which is mainly into handicrafts exports and automobile businesses, on Thursday said it has entered into the real estate business and will invest Rs 1,000 crore over the next five years to develop projects across Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh. Delhi-based Lohia Global is a privately held company with an annual revenue of around Rs 1,200 crore from four businesses - handicraft exports, electric vehicles, tiles and solar energy. It has formed a separate entity Lohia Developers Pvt Ltd for real estate business. The company has a land bank of around 200 acres across various cities in North India. ''We are entering into the real estate business as we feel it is the right time to monetise our land bank. Market condition is supportive,'' Lohia Developers Director Piyush Lohia told reporters here. ''We will be investing Rs 1,000 crore over the next five years to develop housing projects in Delhi, Moradabad and Lucknow. This will be funded through a mix of debt and equity,'' he said. The company plans to develop 3-4 housing projects in Moradabad and one each in Lucknow and Delhi over the next 4-5 years. In total, it is targeting to develop more than 1,500 apartments with a total area of 30-35 lakh square feet. ''We will be launching our first housing project at Moradabad in July this year. The price range will be around Rs 1-1.5 crore,'' Lohia said. He said the company is acquiring more land for future development. ''Real estate will be contributing significantly to our total group turnover,'' Lohia said. He noted that housing demand would sustain in the coming years as consumers prefer to invest in property both for end-use and investment purposes.
Business Wire India Mosquito sculpture installation (Picture for representation purpose only) Unlock the puzzle by scanning the QR code below and escape without being bitten by mosquitoes As the world commemorates World Malaria Day, Mortein, in collaboration with Prayatna, announced the launch of a school malaria curriculum and a unique mosquito sculpture public installation in Bareilly, as part of its Mission Zero Malaria program. To educate the community on malaria prevention with focus on making Bareilly malaria-free, Mortein Mission Zero Malaria joined forces with renowned artist Dr. Bibhuti Adhikary to create a striking public installation dedicated to raising awareness about mosquito-borne diseases, particularly malaria. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India, where Bareilly district alone accounted for a high percentage of the states malaria cases, underscoring urgent need for targeted interventions. Since its inception in 2023, Mortein Mission Zero Malaria strives to raise health awareness and drive behavioral change among communities in Bareilly. Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt South Asia, said, The elimination of malaria by 2030 is a critical global and national public health objective. At Reckitt, we uphold the belief that access to health is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for all. As we observe World Malaria Day, we are proud to leverage art and culture to convey the message that while malaria is a serious threat, it can be prevented through effective mosquito control, timely diagnosis, and proper treatment. Given that Bareilly is a land of public art installations, we believe this unique sculpture will serve as a perpetual reminder to mobilize the Bareilly community to remain vigilant until we achieve a malaria-free environment. Pratik Kumar, President, Prayatna said, On this World Malaria Day, we are happy to partner with Reckitt as we stand united in our commitment to combatting one of the oldest and deadliest foes humanity has faced - Malaria. Together, with collective action and unwavering determination, we can beat malaria. Let us stand together in solidarity, not just today, but every day until we achieve our goal of a malaria-free Bareilly and a malaria-free world. Sonali Khan, Managing Director, Sesame Workshop India said, As we embark on the Mission Zero Malaria journey with Mortein and Prayatna, Sesame Workshop India proudly introduces an engaging school malaria curriculum with quirky characters like Malaria Jasoos, Malaria Police, Malaria Guru, and Miss Malaria to educate children. Our goal is to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice, instilling critical attitudes towards malaria prevention through engaging content. The educational kit, Stop Malaria Club, aligned with STEM curriculum, not only prevents malaria but also nurtures a generation of informed, responsible citizens. Sesame Workshop India focuses on empowering children with tools to understand the breeding cycle, recognize symptoms, and take proactive measures. The mosquito installation at the Machhar Chowk of Bareilly, akin to the iconic Polio Chowk in Moradabad and the 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat, aims to spark conversations and sensitize schools, communities, organizations, and healthcare professionals, on the importance of malaria prevention and control. The artwork features an 18-foot-tall structure adorned with three pillars and three mosquitoes, serving as a poignant reminder of the threat posed by mosquitoes. The sculpture will have 3 lights that will change colours based on the pattern of mosquito infestation in the city: Green for when there is no need to fear malaria/mosquito infestations, Orange when there is an outbreak of cases of malaria in the city and Red when the cases are increasing, and people need to protect themselves. Sculpture Artist, Dr. Bibhuti Adhikary said, For an artist, the opportunity to make a profound social impact through their art is unparalleled. When Reckitt approached me about creating a public art installation addressing malaria, I recognized the immense potential of the project. Embracing Reckitt's vision, I brought it to life using my artistic skills. As an artist, I strongly believe in the idea that art is not what you see, but what you make others see. If this artwork succeeds in raising awareness about malaria and encourages the community in Bareilly to take collective necessary measures, it will have achieved its purpose. Based on Know. Act. Control framework, Mortein along with Sesame Workshop India developed a comprehensive school malaria curriculum with the aim to educate and raise awareness among children. Tailored for children aged 5-15 years, the curriculum comprises of engaging educational materials such as Malaria Activity sheets, Macchar Hunt Books, Malaria Calendars, Malaria Suraksha Chakras, and Stop Malaria Club badges along with fun characters to effectively communicate with children. The school malaria curriculum aims to reach over 4 lakh children across 850 schools in the district of Bareilly, equipping them with essential knowledge and empowering them to become agents of change within their communities by adopting desired behaviour change practices. Mortein remains committed to its mission of making Bareilly malaria-free, with its Mission Zero Malaria program. The partnerships ensure investments, access to technology, and innovation that can be leveraged to lessen the burden of malaria in the targeted area. Through collaborative efforts and community engagement, the campaign aims to overcome the challenges posed by malaria and build a healthier, malaria-free future for generations to come. About Reckitt Reckitt* exists to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We believe that access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment is a right, not a privilege. Reckitt is the company behind some of the worlds most recognisable and trusted consumer brands in hygiene, health and nutrition, including Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, Clearasil, Dettol, Durex, Enfamil, Finish, Gaviscon, Harpic, Lysol, Mortein, Mucinex, Nurofen, Nutramigen, Strepsils, Vanish, Veet, Woolite and more. Every day, more than 30 million Reckitt products are bought globally. We always put consumers and people first, seek out new opportunities, strive for excellence in all that we do and build shared success with all our partners. We aim to do the right thing, always. We are a diverse global team of 40,000 colleagues. We draw on our collective energy to meet our ambitions of purpose-led brands, a healthier planet and a fairer society. Find out more, or get in touch with us at www.reckitt.com * Reckitt is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies
Another Tragedy For BJP After Moradabad, Party's Hathras MP Rajveer Diler Dies Of Heart Attack
Rajveer Diler won the 2019 Lok Sabha election on the BJP ticket and became a Member of Parliament. However, he was not given the ticket to contest the Lok Sabha polls this time.
Another Tragedy For BJP After Moradabad, Party`s Hathras MP Rajveer Diler Dies Of Heart Attack
Rajveer Diler won the 2019 Lok Sabha election on the BJP ticket and became a Member of Parliament. However, he was not given the ticket to contest the Lok Sabha polls this time.
Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi visits late Kunwar Sarvesh Singh's residence to condole his demise
Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi visits late Kunwar Sarvesh Singh's residence to condole his demise Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the residence of late BJP candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar Singh in Moradabad on Tuesday to offer his condolences to the bereaved family members. Paying homage to Singh, Yogi Adityanath placed flowers on his portrait and consoled the family members. Kunwar Sarvesh Singh, the BJP's contender for the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat, breathed his last at AIIMS on Saturday at 71. The electoral contest for this constituency was drawn to a close on Friday, April 19, marking the culmination of the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. A seasoned politician, Singh had represented the Thakurdwara constituency in Moradabad as an MLA for four consecutive terms. Additionally, he clinched the MP seat for Moradabad under the BJP banner in 2014. Despite his setback in 2019, the BJP reaffirmed its trust in Singh's candidature by again nominating him for the Lok Sabha ticket. (ANI)
NGT Directs Prompt Demarcation of Ganga's Floodplain in Uttar Pradesh
NGT Directs Prompt Demarcation of Ganga's Floodplain in Uttar Pradesh The National Green Tribunal has directed the authorities concerned to expedite the demarcation of floodplain zones of the Ganga and the Ram Ganga in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district. The green panel was hearing a plea alleging a state-owned company in the energy sector is carrying out illegal construction in the rivers' floodplains in the Milak Kharakpur Baaje village of the district's Munda Pandey block. A tributary of the Ganga, the Ram Ganga originates in Uttarakhand and enters Uttar Pradesh in Bijnor district. In February, a report by the Moradabad district magistrate and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board said a pipeline was being constructed by GAIL. A bench of National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava said in pursuance of the tribunal's earlier directions, the district magistrate filed another report, saying Rs 1.12 crore had been paid to the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) in Roorkee for demarcation of the floodplain. According to the NIH, the determination of geo-coordinates for demarcating the floodplain would be completed within 12 months, following which the demarcation process would begin, the bench -- also comprising Judicial Member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member A Senthil Vel -- said noting the report. In an order passed on April 12, the bench noted that according to the authorities concerned, it could be ascertained whether the construction work was within the floodplains only after the process of demarcation was completed. ''Hence, we dispose of the original application, directing the authorities to expedite the process of demarcation of floodplain zone in question and submit a quarterly report before the tribunal disclosing the progress till it is demarcated and to take action against the project proponent (GAIL), if required, after demarcation, and submit final action taken report thereafter,'' the tribunal said.
Delhi Police Special Cell Arrests Alleged Kingpin of Interstate Firearms Racket
New Delhi: T he Delhi Police Special Cell arrested an alleged kingpin of an interstate firearms racket in Sonia Vihar and recovered three semi-automatic pistols from his possession. The arrested individual, identified as 34-year-old Dayal Singh, is a resident of Pachauri in Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh, the police said. Pratiksha Godara, DCP Special Cell, stated that based on specific information, they apprehended Gandh Das Dawar, a resident of Burhanpur, on February 3, and recovered 20 illegal firearms from his possession. A case under Section 25(8) of the Arms (Amendment) Act was registered at the Police Station Special Cell, Delhi. During interrogation, Davar revealed that he received the consignment of illegal arms from Dayal Singh, intending to supply them to one of his contacts in Delhi. Although efforts were made to arrest Dayal Singh, he evaded arrest during the raids conducted at his hideouts in Madhya Pradesh. On April 18, the police received specific information that Singh would come near Sonia Vihar, Delhi, to supply the illegal firearms to one of his contacts. A trap was laid near Sonia Vihar, resulting in the apprehension and arrest of Singh. Three semi-automatic pistols were recovered from his possession. During interrogation, Singh confessed that he had been involved in manufacturing illegal firearms for the last 6-7 years in his native village in Madhya Pradesh. He learned this skill from his ancestors, who had been making these illegal weapons for many years. Singh disclosed that he supplied 20 illegal firearms, which were recovered from the possession of accused Gandh Das Davar in the present case. He further revealed that he made illegal weapons using a furnace located at his residence. The cost of one pistol was around Rs 1,800-2,000, and he sold them for approximately Rs 5,000 each, the police stated. Security Forces Encounter Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, One Killed Father Allegedly Murders Children, Found Dead on Railway Tracks; Mother Seriously Injured BJP's Moradabad Lok Sabha Candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Singh Passes Away
Congress is history, new opposition of clean people will emerge says UP Dy CM Maurya
Congress is history, new opposition of clean people will emerge says UP Dy CM Maurya Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Sunday slammed opposition and said that the challenge named Congress used to be there in history, not at present and in their place, a new opposition consisting of clean people will emerge. The challenge of the name Congress used to be there in history, but not at present. In their place will come a new opposition consisting of clean people. Akhilesh Yadav has scored the boundary of defeats. He lost in 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2022. Now he will also hit six of defeats when he loses in 2024 and 2027. Even after losing so many times, he is still fighting, I admire his courage. People are now busy eliminating the Samajwadi Party and Congress has no importance left in Uttar Pradesh, he said. Further, speaking on the INDIA bloc's 'Ulgulan Rally', Maurya said all the opposition parties do not have anything to show in comparison with the works of the BJP. INDIA alliance started from Karnataka and by the time it reached Mumbai it remained half. Now whatever rally they hold, the BJP government has done such a good job that the opposition is not able to get space. Once upon a time, everyone would have come together against Congress and today the entire opposition has come together against BJP but still cannot stop our victory. The big targets set for 2024-2029 are our strength. Youth power, women power, and farmers are our strength, UP Deputy CM said. Exuding confidence in winning the Lok Sabha elections, Keshav Prasad Maurya said, BJP and our allies will win eight seats in the first phase with a huge margin. Preparations for the second and third phases are going on in full swing and we are confident that BJP will win 80 seats in 2024. Eight seats in western Uttar Pradesh, including Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, and Saharanpur, went to polls in the first phase of the general elections on Friday. The most populous state, which sends the most members to the Lower House of Parliament, at 80, will poll across all seven phases. In the 2019 elections, turning the arithmetic of the SP-BSP 'Mahagatbandhan' in Uttar Pradesh upside down, the BJP and its ally Apna Dal (S) won 64 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats. The partners in the alliance, Akhilesh Yadav's SP and Mayawati's BSP, could only muster 15 seats. (ANI)
BJP's Moradabad Lok Sabha Candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Singh Passes Away
Lucknow: BJP's candidate for the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, Kunwar Sarvesh Singh, passed away on Saturday following a prolonged illness. Singh breathed his last at AIIMS in Delhi around 6.30 pm. Despite voting for the Moradabad seat taking place in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday, the late BJP nominee couldn't participate in his election campaigns due to his health conditions. UP BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary informed the media, Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar has passed away. He had some problem in his throat and had an operation. Yesterday, he had gone to AIIMS for a check-up. Expressing his condolences, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to social media, praying for strength for Singh's supporters and bereaved family. I am shocked by the demise of BJP candidate from Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency and former MP Kunwar Sarvesh Singh ji. This is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. My condolences are with the bereaved family. I pray to Lord Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family and their supporters to bear this loss, Adityanath wrote on Twitter. I pray to Shri Ram Chandra Ji to give a place to the departed soul in his feet and give strength to his supporters and bereaved family to bear this unbearable loss. My condolences are with the bereaved family, he added. Kunwar Sarvesh Singh, a businessman, was a prominent leader of the party in Uttar Pradesh. He belonged to the Thakur caste and had been elected MLA four times from the Thakurdwara Assembly seat before becoming an MP. Sarvesh Kumar's son, Kunwar Sushant Singh, is an MLA from the Badhapur assembly seat, which falls under the Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency. Sarvesh Kumar was also in the news during the loudspeaker controversy in the Kanth assembly constituency in 2014. A little over 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded in eight western Uttar Pradesh seats that went to polls in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, with Moradabad recording a turnout of 60.60 per cent. Enhanced Efficiency of Enforcement Directorate under NDA Government, says PM Modi Truck Drivers in Manipur Launch Steering Wheel-Down Strike West Bengal CID Busts Multi-State Cyber Fraud Gang, Mastermind Arrested in Gujarat
Security Forces Encounter Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, One Killed
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Police reported an encounter with Naxalites in the Keshkutul area of Bhairamgarh, Bijapur district, resulting in the death of one Naxalite. Police confirmed the recovery of weapons from the site. Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav stated that the encounter operations are ongoing, and further details are awaited. This incident follows a recent encounter earlier this week in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district, where 29 Naxals were killed, and three security personnel sustained injuries. Bastar Inspector General of Police (IG) P Sundarraj declared that 71 Naxals have been neutralized since January 2024, marking significant progress in the fight against Naxals. 71 Naxals have been gunned down to date since January 2024. This is one of the major breakthroughs in Chhattisgarh on the Naxal front. The fight against Naxals is at a decisive step. Our endeavor in the future will be to build on what we have accomplished against the Naxalites. Preparations have started to give a new identity to the area and its people, said IG Sundarraj. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commended the District Reserve Guard and BSF personnel after the encounter in Kanker district, terming it a significant achievement. The operation resulting in the death of 29 Naxals is considered one of the most significant counter-Naxal operations in recent times. Father Allegedly Murders Children, Found Dead on Railway Tracks; Mother Seriously Injured BJP's Moradabad Lok Sabha Candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Singh Passes Away Enhanced Efficiency of Enforcement Directorate under NDA Government, says PM Modi
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Flags Off Mahavir Jayanti Yatra in Rajkot
Surat: Vijay Rupani, former Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP leader, flagged off the Mahavir Jayanti Yatra in Rajkot on Sunday and extended his best wishes to everyone. On the auspicious day of Mahavir Jayanti, with all excitement, Jain society across the country celebrates with the principles of Lord Mahavir. I extend my best wishes to everyone, Rupani told the media. Claiming victory for his party in Gujarat, Rupani stated, The environment is heating up as the election is going forward. BJP is ahead in campaigning across the nation, and in Gujarat, 26 out of 26 seats BJP will win, he told the media.Lok Sabha elections in Gujarat's 26 parliamentary constituencies are scheduled to be held on May 7, 2024, in a single phase during the third phase.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah Extend Wishes Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to the countrymen on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, stating that the messages of Lord Mahavir are an inspiration for the country in building a developed India.In a post on social media, PM Modi said, On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, my best wishes to all the families of the country. Lord Mahavir's messages related to peace, restraint, and goodwill are an inspiration for the country in building a developed India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended wishes on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti and said that Lord Mahavir's principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession will guide generations.In a post on social media, Amit Shah said, Infinite wishes to everyone on Lord Mahavir Jayanti. Lord Mahavir Ji, the eternal symbol of sacrifice, penance, truth, and non-violence, paved the way for the welfare of the entire human race through his teachings. His Panchsheel principles of non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession will guide generations. Significance of Mahavir Jayanti Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was given the name of 'Vardhamana' in his childhood. Born in 615 BC in a royal family, Mahavira renounced his princely status at the age of 30 to start his spiritual journey in search of truth and enlightenment. He practiced austerities and meditated for 12 years in a forest to achieve 'Kevala Jnana.' He then propagated the Dharma known as Jainism. The festival of Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with rituals such as praying at Jain temples, processions, singing hymns adoring Lord Mahavira, fasting to purify the body and soul, charity, cultural programs, and lectures by religious scholars and leaders. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated to highlight the significance of Jainism in the world, especially in India. The core teachings of Mahavira, including non-violence, non-stealing, chastity, and non-attachment, hold great importance in the world today. Delhi Police Special Cell Arrests Alleged Kingpin of Interstate Firearms Racket BJP's Moradabad Lok Sabha Candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Singh Passes Away Security Forces Encounter Naxalites in Chhattisgarh, One Killed
BJP LS candidate from Moradabad seat Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar dies
Bharatiya Janata Party candidate from Moradabad Lok Sabha seat Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar, who was unwell for some time, died at Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Saturday, a senior party leader said. He was 72. Kumar is survived by his wife Sadhna Singh, a son and a daughter. Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar has passed [] The post BJP LS candidate from Moradabad seat Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar dies appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .
The BJP had chosen Kunwar Sarvesh Singh as its candidate for Moradabad Lok Sabha consituency. He was a five-time MLA and one-time MP.
Cong against development, stalled canal project, says Shah
JAIPUR/MATHURA: At a rally in Rajasthans Kota, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday sharply criticized the Congress, branding it as anti-development. Shah was in the town to garner support for Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Had the electorate voted for Congress in 2019, Kota would have been a stronghold for the Popular Front of India (PFI), a banned Islamic outfit. However, due to our support for Prime Minister Modi, the PFI influence has been eradicated, said Shah. He accused the former Ashok Gehlot-led government of hindering the states development. The Gehlot government halted the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) for five years. In contrast, the Bhajan Lal administration advanced the ERCP work within just three months. PM Modi is committed to ensuring water in every village through the ERCP, said the minister. He expressed confidence in the BJP sweeping all seats. All 12 seats contested in the state will be won by Narendra Modi, Shah said. Om Birla has won from Kota twice with a margin of over two lakh votes. He faces Congress Pahlad Gunjal, who recently switched from BJP to Congress. Every vote cast for Om Birla in Kota-Bundi directly supports Modi ji, he added. Earlier, Shah attended a Vijay Sankalp Mahasabha in Bhilwara to support BJPs Damodar Agarwal. Sonia Gandhi aims to make her son Rahul Gandhi the PM, while Modi strives to elevate the nation. Congress politicized Ram Lalla for vote banks, neglecting the true sentiment of the people, he said. Addressing another rally in Mathura in support for party candidate Hema Malini for a third term, Shah said the Congress-SP combined was wiped out in the first phase. The voting in Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit seats took place on Friday. Cong failed to protect national security: Yogi UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a roadshow supporting BJPs CP Joshi from Chittorgarh Lok Sabha constituency. Yogi criticized Congress, saying, During their tenure, terrorists were pampered with biryani. They even questioned Lord Rams existence. Those disrespecting faith and failing to bolster national security shouldnt govern. He also expressed confidence in BJPs victory.
BJP Moradabad candidate, a 5-time MLA, dies day after polling
JP Nadda condoles death of BJP candidate from Moradabad LS seat Sarvesh Kumar Singh
JP Nadda condoles death of BJP candidate from Moradabad LS seat Sarvesh Kumar Singh BJP national president JP Nadda offered his heartfelt condolences to the party's Moradabad candidate, Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar Singh, who passed away on Saturday. In a post on X, JP Nadda said, The news of the demise of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader, former MP, and our candidate from Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency Kunwar Sarvesh Singh ji is extremely sad. My condolences are with the bereaved family. As a public leader of Uttar Pradesh and Moradabad, your life full of public service and dedication to the society is unforgettable. I pray to God to give strength to the grieving family and give a place to the departed soul on his feet. Om peace! he added in the post. Earlier, speaking to ANI on Saturday, Ritesh Gupta, the sitting BJP MLA from Moradabad, said Kunwar Sarvesh passed away after a heart attack. He was rushed to AIIMS, Delhi, but couldn't be revived, the BJP MLA added. Condoling the demise of the party's Moradabad candidate, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to his official X handle to post, I am shocked to learn of the demise of our Moradabad candidate and former MP, Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar Singh-ji. This is an irreparable loss for the BJP Parivaar. In this hour of grief, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family members and loved ones. I pray that Prabhu Shri Ram grants eternal peace to the departed soul while giving his family the strength and forbearance to bear this loss. Om Shanti! Kunwar Sarvesh was pitted against Ruchi Veera of the INDIA bloc in the battle for Moradabad, voting for which was concluded on Friday. (ANI)
BJP candidate from Moradabad seat Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar dies
BJP candidate from Moradabad seat Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar dies BJP candidate from Moradabad Lok Sabha seat Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar, who was unwell for some time, died at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Saturday, a senior party leader said. He was 72. Kumar is survived by his wife Sadhna Singh, a son and a daughter. ''Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar has passed away,'' UP BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary told PTI. ''He had some problem in his throat and had an operation. Yesterday, he had gone to AIIMS for a check-up,'' Chaudhary said. Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar was among the 12 candidates in the poll fray from Moradabad parliamentary constituency that went to polls in the first phase on April 19. He won the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in the 2014 general elections but lost in 2019 to the Samajwadi Party's S T Hasan. He has also been a five-time BJP MLA from the Thakurdwara assembly segment in Moradabad from 1991 to 2007 and from 2012 to 2014. Condoling his death, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in a post in Hindi on X, said, ''I am shocked by the demise of BJP candidate from Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency and former MP Kunwar Sarvesh Singh ji. This is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. My condolences are with the bereaved family.'' ''I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family and their supporters to bear this loss. Om Shanti,'' he said. Both deputy chief ministers --- Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak -- also expressed grief over the death of Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar. In a post in Hindi on X, Maurya said, ''The news of the sudden demise of former MP from Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency and hardworking and popular BJP leader Kunwar Sarvesh Singh ji is extremely sad. His demise is an irreparable loss for the BJP and the political world. I pray to God to give a place to the virtuous soul in his feet and give strength to the grieving followers to bear this sorrow. Om Shanti!'' Pathak expressed shock over the death of the BJP candidate from the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat. ''My condolences are with the bereaved family. May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to the family members. Om Shanti!'' he said. UP BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary and General Secretary (Organization) of UP BJP Dharampal Singh have expressed deep condolence on the demise of Kunwar Sarvesh Singh. In a statement issued from the UP BJP headquarters, Chaudhary said, ''The untimely demise of Kunwar Sarvesh Singh ji, a hard-working leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party, a source of inspiration for BJP workers and former MP from Moradabad, is extremely sad and painful.''
Sarvesh Singh was contesting Lok Sabha elections from the Moradabad seat which went into polls in the first phase of elections held on April 19.
Condoling the demise of the party's Moradabad candidate, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took to his official X handle to post, I am shocked to learn of the demise of our Moradabad candidate and former MP, Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar Singh-ji.
First day, first flop show by BJP: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav recently held a joint rally in UP's Amroha. Yadav expressed optimism about the first phase of polling, labeling the BJP's efforts on the first day as a flop. Gandhi highlighted Congress' promises, such as the Mahalakshmi scheme, which he believes will be revolutionary. The alliance has fielded sitting MP Danish Ali for the Amroha seat. BJP's candidate from Moradabad Lok Sabha seat, Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar, passed away at the age of 72 after being unwell for some time.
BJP candidate from UP's Moradabad Kunwar Sarvesh Singh passes away a day after polling
LUCKNOW: In major turn of events, BJP candidate from Moradabad, Kunwar Sarvesh Singh passed away on Saturday. He had not being keeping well for sometime. He breathed his last in Delhi's AIIMS. He was 72. Moradabad had voted in phase -I on Friday and the BJP candidate had cast his vote. As per the initial reports, the demise of the BJP candidate was attributed to a cardiac arrest, however, the official confirmation was yet to land. However, BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhury confirming Singh's demise, stated that he had a medical condition in his throat and had undergone surgery. He had gone to AIIMS for a follow-up on Friday. Pall of gloom descended in the ruling party camp with the news of Singh's demise. Significantly, Kunwar Sarvesh Singh had been the five-time MLA of the BJP from Thakurdwara assembly segment of Moradabad. He represented the seat in UP assembly in 1991,1993,1996, 2002 and 2012. He was elected MP from Moradabad in 2014 after the seeping saffron wave. However, he failed to retain the seat in 2019 and lost it to Samajwadi party candidate Dr ST Hasan. Condoling his death, UP Chief Minister in a post on X in Hindi said, I am shocked by the demise of BJP candidate from Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency and former MP Kunwar Sarvesh Singh ji. This is an irreparable loss for the BJP family. My condolences are with the bereaved family. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family and their supporters to bear this loss. Om Shaanti. Yogi Adityanath ( ) (@myogiadityanath) April 20, 2024 Kunwar Saresh Singh's son, Kunwar Sushant Singh is the BJP MLA from Barhapur. As per Moradabad DM Manvendra Singh, the demise of the BJP candidate would not hamper the poll process. The counting of votes of Moradbad would be held as per the schedule on June 4. Only If the BJP candidate wins, bypoll would be held. BJP leader and party's candidate for the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh died on Saturday. Notably, voting on Moradabad seat took place in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday. Kunwar Sarvesh Singh, born on December 23, 1952, was a businessman and strong leader of the party in Uttar Pradesh. He belonged to Ratupura Village of Thakurdwara in Moradbad. His father Raja Rampal was a 4-time MLA of Congress from Thakurdwara and once an MP from Amroha.
Before becoming an MP, Kunwar Sarvesh Singh represented the Thakurdwara assembly seat five times as its MLA.
Day after polls, BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Moradabad, Kunwar Sarvesh Singh passes away at 72
BJP's Lok Sabha candidate from Moradabad, Kunwar Sarvesh Singh, has passed away at the age of 72 due to a heart attack at Delhi's AIIMS. The voting for the Moradabad constituency took place on Friday during the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed shock at the news, offering condolences to the bereaved family.
Day after polling, BJPs Moradabad candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar dies
Voting in Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh took place in the first phase
Day After Moradabad Polling, BJP's Lok Sabha Candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Dies Due To Heart Attack
UP CM Yogi Adityanath expressed shock over the demise of the BJP's Moradabad candidate and called it to be an irreparable loss for the party
BJP's Moradabad Candidate Sarvesh Singh Dies A Day After UP Constituency Went To Polls
BJP's Moradabad candidate Sarvesh Singh, who was undergoing treatment in Delhi, died a day after his Uttar Pradesh constituency went to polls in phase one of general elections.
A day after polling for Moradabad LS seat, BJP candidate dies of heart attack, CM Yogi reacts
The News Mill
BJP's Moradabad Candidate Dies A Day After UP Constituency Went To Polls
BJP's Moradabad candidate Sarvesh Singh, who was undergoing treatment in Delhi, died a day after his Uttar Pradesh constituency went to polls in phase one of general elections.
BJP candidate from UP's Moradabad Kunwar Sarvesh Singh dies
BJP candidate from UPs Moradabad Kunwar Sarvesh Singh dies
Congress-SP combine wiped out in first phase: Amit Shah in Mathura
Union Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that the Congress-SP combine was defeated in the first phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh. Polling was held for eight seats, including Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina (reserved), Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit. Speaking at an election rally in support of BJP candidate Hema Malini in Vrindavan, Shah asserted that Congress and SP were wiped out in the first phase. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav claimed a change in the state's atmosphere, stating that people had rejected the BJP after the initial polling.
Rae Bareli: BJP may field Varun against Priyanka
New Delhi: With the possibility of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi contesting from the Gandhi bastion, Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, saffron corridors are abuzz with speculations that the BJP could field Varun Gandhi from this high-profile seat. The BJP had replaced Varun Gandhi with Jitin Prasada from the Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency. After his replacement, talks of parleys between Varun Gandhi and Congress emerged, with some claiming that Congress was considering fielding him from Rae Bareli. However, sources close to Varun Gandhi revealed that the top BJP leadership was now contemplating making it a Gandhi vs Gandhi battle in Rae Bareli. When asked, BJP officials remained tight-lipped on the issue. It may be recalled that recently, the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee and Rae Bareli Congress passed resolutions stating that the party should field Priyanka or any other member of the Gandhi family from Rae Bareli. Reports from UP indicated that some top Congress leaders, including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, rooted for Varun Gandhi. We will be happy if Varun Gandhi joins Congress. He is a tall leader and a well-educated politician. His image exudes transparency, and he has relations with the Gandhi family. We want Varun Gandhi to join the Congress now, Chowdhury told the media. Meanwhile, as the BJP replaced Varun Gandhi, the party fielded his mother, Maneka Gandhi, from Sultanpur. While polling in Bareli is slated for May 20, Sultanpur will vote on May 25. Polling in the Pilibhit Lok Sabha constituency was held today. It was learned that the party began sidelining Varun Gandhi following his alleged anti-party stand on various issues. In 2021, going against the party line, Varun Gandhi demanded the arrest of the perpetrators in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, where farmers agitating against the contentious farm laws were mowed down by a vehicle driven by BJP leader and Union minister Ajay Mishra's son. He also clashed with the Yogi government in UP following the suspension of the licence of Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Amethi. There had also been an influential section in the BJP targeting Gandhi, sources revealed. This particular section mounted pressure on the BJP high command to drop Gandhi and replace him with any other candidate. Jitin Prasada, who was seeking to contest from Kheri, was brought in by the party to contest from Pilibhit. Earlier, breaking her silence on her son being dropped by the party, Maneka Gandhi had said, He (Varun Gandhi) was a very good MP, even issue-wise and for his constituency. But I am sure whatever he does will be good for the country. As polling for the first phase kicked off this morning, a section of BJP leaders indicated that this particular phase could be tricky for the BJP in UP. It may be recalled that of the eight seats that went to polls on Friday, the BJP had won only three during the last general elections, namely Pilibhit, Kairana, and Muzaffarnagar. Samajwadi Party had won Moradabad and Rampur.
Lok Sabha elections: Data shows over 55 pc voting at all 8 seats in Uttar Pradesh
Lok Sabha elections: Data shows over 55 pc voting at all 8 seats in Uttar Pradesh A total of 57.90 per cent voter turnout was recorded in all eight parliamentary constituencies of western Uttar Pradesh, where voting was held on Friday in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election, according to the Election Commission of India. A total of 80 candidates--73 men and seven women--are contesting in the first phase in the state. According to the ECI, Saharanpur recorded 63.29 per cent of voter turnout while Rampur recorded 52.42 per cent, Muzaffarnagar recorded 54.91 per cent and Pilibhit recorded 60.23 per cent. Today, the first phase of elections was held peacefully in eight Lok Sabha constituencies. At most places, voting began at 7 am and concluded by 6 pm but at some places, voting is still going on. According to information received till 5 pm, the average voting percentage in Uttar Pradesh is 67.54 per cent, Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa said. He also said that the state poll body office also received complaints from various political parties and candidates of malfunctioning of EVMs through emails. Complaints of malfunctioning EVMs were received from various political parties and candidates through various mediums, mainly through emails. All the complaints were promptly sent to the districts. There was no incident of violence anywhere, there was a minor scuffle between two parties outside a booth, but prompt action was taken by the police there, he added. The voter turnout in Bijnor was recorded at 54.68 per cent, Kairana at 60.39 per cent, Moradabad at 58.25 per cent, Nagina at 59.17 per cent. Voting for phases two will be held on April 19 and April 26. Next, the state will once again poll in phases three and four on May 7 and May 13. (ANI)
Who Is Isha Arora? Saharanpur Polling Agent Goes Viral; Know All About Her
A total of 21 states are voting today in the first phase of the Lok Sabha Elections. Let us inform you that, of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, voting is being conducted on 8 of those seats in the first round - Saharanpur, Pilibhit, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, and Rampur. Ahead of the voting, a polling official has gone viral for her looks and opinion for the elections.
List of Uttar Pradesh MPs representing Lok Sabha phase 1 seats
Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs to the Lok Sabha, is witnessing polling on eight seats in the first phase of the general elections, which is being held on Friday. These constituencies include Pilibhit, Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, and Rampur. List of MPs of Uttar Pradesh Phase 1 Lok Sabha Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
102 LS Seats in 21 States Vote Today
NEW DELHI: In another few hours, the curtain will finally lift from the Lok Sabha battleground for 2024. One hundred and two Lok Sabha seats across 21 states and Union territories will go to the polls in the first phase Friday. During the last general election, the Opposition had won 45 of these 102 Lok Sabha seats, while the BJP-led NDA had won 41. With 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry, the largest number of seats which will vote in the first phase is from South India. In 2019, the DMK-led alliance won 39 of the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Armed with the potent arsenal of Lord Ram, Sanatan Dharma, the Citizenship Amendment Act and the unyielding promise of Modis guarantees, the BJP aims to unsettle its main rival, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. With rising unemployment, inflation, communal tension, caste census and the farmers agitation emerging as the frontline battlegrounds, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc is all set to engage its adversaries head-on. There are a few wrinkles on the saffron forehead as the 2024 CSDS-Lokniti pre-poll survey indicated that unemployment and price rise remained the main concern of the electorate. As the BJP sought to emphasise issues like the inauguration of the Ram temple and went into a high decibel campaign on Sanatan Dharma, these issues failed to click with voters in comparison to livelihood concerns. Regardless, the survey indicated that the BJP and its allies have a comfortable 12 per cent lead over the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Tamil Nadu where the BJP is desperate to open its account. Besides the charisma and popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP is also banking heavily on its newfound Tamil star and state unit chief, former IPS officer K. Annamalai, his constituency Coimbatore will be going to the polls on Friday. His seven-month long En Mann, En Makkal (My land, my people) padayatra culminated in a rally attended by the Prime Minister. In Coimbatore, Annamalai is locked in a triangular fight with the DMK and AIADMK. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP led by Modi had been repeatedly hitting out at the DMK leaders for insulting Sanatan Dharma. Under Annamalai in Tamil Nadu, the BJP is contesting 23 seats on its own, a departure from its approach to contest as an ally. Speaking to this newspaper, a senior BJP leader sounded somewhat cynical. He argued: The BJP has no traditional vote bank in Tamil Nadu. We only gained when the party aligned with the Dravidian players. It was further argued that Tamil Nadu might not positively respond to the BJPs call for one language, one nation, one poll. Tamil Nadus electoral dynamics are crucial for the BJP's broader electoral objectives, whether it aims to retain its current seats or make significant gains towards achieving a landmark majority in the Lok Sabha. Of its 80 Lok Sabha seats, the first phase of polling will be held in eight seats in Uttar Pradesh. The state which has often been electorally viewed as the gateway to Delhi, will be involved in all seven phases of the general election. It may be recalled that of the eight seats voting on Friday, the BJP had managed to win only three in the last general election. These were Pilibhit, Kairana and Muzaffarnagar. The Samajwadi Party had won Moradabad and Rampur. The Bahujan Samaj Party won Saharanpur, Bijor and Nagina. Of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan, polling in the first phase will be held in 12 seats. Securing 24 of 25 seats, it was a clean sweep for the BJP in the desert state during the last general election. Even as the BJP is banking on religion and the CAA to woo the voters, the Opposition is stoking the fire of farmers protests, which it believes is simmering in the desert state. Of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, polling will be held in five seats on Friday. In the fray will be Union minister Nitin Gadkari' on his home turf Nagpur. Given the context of the intense political manipulation in the state, the situation may become tricky for the BJP. During the last general election, it had won 23 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats. Its ally, the Shiv Sena (before the split), secured 18 seats. Sources revealed that in the case of the Uddhav Thackery-led Shiv Sena, the fallout with the BJP and subsequent political maneuvering to oust it, could potentially elicit sympathy from certain sections of voters. Unemployment has also emerged as a major electoral issue in the state, a Congress leader claimed. Other states and union territories going to polls in the first phase include: Madhya Pradesh (6) Bihar (4), Assam (5),Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (3), Chhattisgarh (1), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Sikkim (1), Tripura (1), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1) and Puducherry (1).
Elections 2024: 21 states, UTs set for polling in phase one; 102 LS seats in fray
The first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will see 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories go to polls on Friday. The first phase of polling will take place across all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, all five seats in Uttarakhand, both seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Meghalaya, and the sole seat in Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim, respectively. Polling will also take place for 12 out of 25 seats in Rajasthan, eight out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, six out of 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, five out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, five out of 14 seats in Assam, and four out of 40 seats in Bihar. Additionally, three out of 42 seats in West Bengal, one out of 11 seats in Chhattisgarh, and one out of two seats in Tripura will be contested. In the union territories, one out of five seats in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the sole seats in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry, will be up for grabs. Voting for the 543 Lok Sabha seats will take place across seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the counting of votes slated for June 4. Separately, voting will also be held for 92 assembly seats in the state elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on Friday. Of the 102 Lok Sabha seats, the BJP had won 39 in 2019, with the ruling alliance NDA bagging 12, five and three of them in Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and West Bengal, respectively. The BJP's existing allies hold seven of them. And in Tamil Nadu, the DMK-led alliance had swept 38 of the 39 seats in 2019 general elections. Amongst the prominent leaders trying their electoral luck in phase one are Union ministers Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur, Kiren Rijiju from Arunachal Pradesh (West), Arjun Ram Meghwal from Bikaner, Sarbanada Sonowal from Dibrugarh in Assam, Sanjeev Baliyan from Muzaffarnagar in western UP, Jitendra Singh from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir and Bhupendra Yadav from Alwar in Rajasthan. Tamilisai Soundararajan, who recently resigned as governor of Telangana and Lt Governor of Puducherry to return to active politics, is contesting from Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency. Nakul Nath, son of Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, is seeking reelection from Chhindwara. Will the BJP's lotus bloom in Tamil Nadu? Tamil Nadu is gearing up for polls a mid fierce campaigning and an intense three-way political battle between the alliances led by state heavyweightsthe DMK and the AIADMKand the BJP, respectively. With elections for 39 Lok Sabha seats looming, approximately 6.23 crore voters are poised to cast their ballots across nearly 68,000 polling stations. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has made unprecedented efforts to gain ground in the Dravidian stronghold. Modi's exhaustive campaign across Tamil Nadu, including rallies in Chennai, Coimbatore, Vellore, and Tirunelveli, underscores the BJP's determination to break its electoral jinx in the state. From raking up alleged corruption and 'parivarvad' politics of the DMK-Congress alliance to the Katchatheevu issue, Modi left no stone unturned in his nine visit to the state Coimbatore, the hub of western Tamil Nadu, is the most keenly watched constituency in the state and the BJP's K Annamalai is slogging to emerge victorious, battling against Dravidian giants the DMK and AIADMK. Meanwhile, the DMK, led by Chief Minister Stalin, has campaigned on platforms of social justice and welfare measures, portraying the elections as a battle against the BJP's divisive politics. Throughout the campaign, Stalin has repeatedly emphasised the importance of these elections, likening them to a second independence movement aimed at freeing the nation from the BJP's influence. In contrast, the AIADMK, under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami, has staunchly defended its record in governance and taken a strong stance against the DMK's campaign. Palaniswami has vigorously addressed various issues, including law and order, and has accused the BJP of discrimination based on caste and religion. Despite facing challenges from both the DMK and BJP, the AIADMK remains confident in its ability to weather the storm, with Palaniswami asserting that the party will emerge victorious with the support of the electorate. UP: Eight seats up for grabs in India's largest state The first phase of the seven-phase parliamentary election in western Uttar Pradesh sees voters in eight Lok Sabha constituencies exercising their constitutional right. These constituencies, falling in the Jat and sugarcane belt, include Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit, spread across nine districts. The contest is three-cornered, primarily between the ruling BJP-led NDA, the Samajwadi Party (SP), and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The BJP has allied with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), while the SP has partnered with INDIA bloc ally Congress. The BSP, however, decided to go solo. Key issues for voters include employment, education, and development. A total of 80 candidates, including seven women, are in the fray. The eligible voter count stands at 1.43 crore, with a significant Muslim voter presence ranging from 35 to 50 percent. Notable candidates include Jitin Prasada from Pilibhit, who got the ticket over sitting BJP MP Varun Gandhi , Union Minister Sanjeev Balyan from Muzaffarnagar, and Azad Samaj Party chief Chandra Shekhar Azad from Nagina. In the previous 2019 polls, the BJP secured victories in Muzaffarnagar, Kairana, and Pilibhit, the BSP won in Saharanpur, Nagina and Bijnor, while the SP won in Moradabad and Rampur, the stronghold of its jailed leader Azam Khan. However, the party later lost Rampur to BJP in a bypoll. Cracking the Jat code: BJP's strategic courting of RLD and what it means in western Uttar Pradesh Maharashtra: Polls in 5 LS seats; Gadkari among 97 nominees in fray More than 95 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise on Friday in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Maharashtra , covering five of the 48 constituencies, where 97 candidates, including Union Minister Nitin Gadkari of the BJP, are in fray. Polling will be held in the constituencies of Nagpur, Ramtek (SC), Bhandara-Gondia, Chandrapur and Naxal-hit Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), all located in the easternmost parts of the state. There are 95,54,667 voters in the five Lok Sabha constituencies in the Vidarbha region where voting will take place on Friday. Of these, 48,28,142 are male, 47,26,178 are female and 347 are transgender voters, according to a statement from the state electoral office. In Nagpur, which houses the RSS headquarters, a direct fight is on cards between Gadkari, who is seeking a third term, and Congress candidate Vikas Thakre. First phase of LS polls in Maharashtra: It's Congress party's 'caste calculations' vs BJP's 'Modi charisma' In Chandrapur, BJP candidate and Maharashtra minister Sudhir Mungantiwar is facing Congress nominee Pratibha Dhanorkar, wife of late parliamentarian Suresh Dhanorkar, who was the lone MP from the grand old party to be elected from Maharashtra in 2019 from the seat. In Bhandara-Gondia, the BJP has fielded sitting MP Sunil Mendhe, who is pitted against Congress candidate Dr Prashant Patole. Two-time Lok Sabha MP of BJP, Ashok Nete, is contesting against Congress nominee Dr Namdev Kirsan in Gadchiroli-Chimur (ST), where some areas are affected Naxal insurgency. In the 2019 elections, Nete had defeated Congress candidate Dr Namdev Usendi. In Ramtek (SC), the fight is between Shyamkumar Barwe of the Congress and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's candidate Raju Parwe. Maharashtra, which has 48 Lok Sabha seats, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh, will vote in five phases between April 19 and May 20. Rajasthan: 12 seats in fray; will BJP's dominance continue? In the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan, 12 out of 25 seats will be contested. Polling will be held in Churu, Nagaurm, Ganganagar, Jhunjhunu, Bikaner, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur and Dausa. According to chief electoral officer Praveen Gupta, a total of 2.54 crore voters are set to vote in the first phase on Friday. Notably, a Union minister is among the 114 candidates in the fray. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is contesting from Bikaner against Congress candidate Govind Ram Meghwal. The Bharatiya Janata Party won all 25 seats in Rajasthan on its own in 2014, and in 2019, the NDA won 25 seats, the saffron party won 24 seats and the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) won one seat. Key constituencies include Nagaur, witnessing a contest between the RLP, now in alliance with Congress, and the BJP, and Churu, with former BJP MP Rahul Kaswan contesting as a Congress candidate. In Sikar, the CPI(M) is challenging the BJP's incumbent MP. The ruling BJP focused its campaign on PM Modi's popularity and its infrastructure work, while the Congress raised issues of central agency misuse and unemployment. Notable campaigners include PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. The second phase of the elections in Rajasthan will be held on April 26. In the second phase, polls will be held in 13 Lok Sabha constituencies: Tonk, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar. MP: Six LS seats in action, including Kamal Nath's bastion Six constituents will be in action during the first phase of the four phases for the Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh. The constituencies include Shahdol, Mandla, Jabalpur, Balaghat, Chhindwara, and Sidhi, covering 13 districts and 27 assembly segments. A total of 88 candidates are in the fray, with Jabalpur having the highest number at 19 and Shahdol the lowest at 10. The total number of registered voters across the six constituencies is 1,13,09,636, with arrangements made for shelter, water, and medical assistance at polling booths due to the hot weather. In the 2019 elections, the BJP secured 28 out of 29 Lok Sabha seats, while the Congress won only one seat in Chhindwara, held by Nakul Nath, the son of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath. The second, third and fourth phases of the elections will take place on April 26, May 7 and May 13. Kamal Nath fighting lone battle to help son win Chhindwara and protect home turf Over 75 lakh voters to decide four seats in Bihar In Bihar, the stage is set for the first phase more than 75 lakh voters will decide the fate of 38 candidates standing in four constituencies: Nawada, Aurangabad, Gaya and Jamui. Tight security arrangements are in place at Nawada and Aurangabad, besides reserved seats in Gaya and Jamui, where a majority of nearly 5,000 polling booths have been marked as sensitive, given these districts' long history of naxal violence. Nawada, with 20.06 lakh voters, sees a tough battle primarily between the BJP's Vivek Thakur and the RJD's Shravan Kushwaha, with Independent candidate Binod Yadav adding complexity. Gaya, with 18.18 lakh voters, witnesses 14 candidates, including former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi, an NDA ally, and RJD's Kumar Sarvajeet. Jamui, with 19.07 lakh voters, features a showdown between Arun Bharti from Chirag Paswan's LJP (Ram Vilas) and RJD's Archana Ravidas. The party's president Chirag Paswan, whose sister is married to Bharti, has shifted base to Hajipur after having represented the seat for two consecutive terms. Aurangabad, with over 18 lakh voters, sees BJP's Sushil Kumar Singh facing RJD's Abhay Kushwaha. 76.01 lakh voters, including 36.38 lakh females and 255 belonging to the third gender, are expected to cast their votes. Uttarakhand: Can BJP 'three-peat' clean sweep? Uttarakhand's all five Lok Sabha seats go into polling in phase one, with the BJP aiming to retain the seats for the third time and the Congress looking to regain lost ground in the state. The five seats going to polls on Friday are Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and the lone reserved seat of Almora. The BJP won all five seats in Uttarakhand in the 2014 and 2019 general elections. More than 83 lakh voters will decide the fate of 55 candidates in the fray. Sitting BJP MPs Ajay Bhatt, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah and Ajay Tamta have been fielded by the party from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar, Tehri Garhwal and Almora, respectively. The BJP has replaced its candidates in Haridwar and Pauri Garhwal. Former chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat is contesting in place of Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank from Haridwar and Anil Baluni in place of Tirath Singh Rawat from Pauri Garhwal. The Congress has fielded former PCC president Ganesh Godiyal from Pauri Garhwal, former chief minister Harish Rawat's son Virendra Rawat from Haridwar, Jot Singh Gunsola from Tehri Garhwal, Prakash Joshi from Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and Pradeep Tamta from Almora. Candidates from the Bahujan Samaj Party, Uttarakhand Kranti Dal and relatively smaller outfits and independents are also in the fray, but straight contests are likely between traditional rivalsthe BJP and Congressin all the seats. Experts say that Haridwar's demography, which has substantial minority and Dalit votes, may also not be a cakewalk for the BJP's Trivendra Rawat, despite his advantage over his rival in terms of experience, as Congress veteran Harish Rawat, who had won the seat in 2009, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure his son's victory from the seat. If the Modi factor works again as it did in 2014 and 2019, overriding all other factors, the BJP will obviously reap the benefits but if unemployment, inflation, continued migration from the hills and performance of BJP MPs over the past 10 years outweigh the national issues, the Congress will gain, political analyst Jaisingh Rawat said. Bengal: Triangular tussle between TMC, BJP and Cong-Left In the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, all attention is on Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduars constituencies in north Bengal. A total of 56,26,108 voters are eligible to vote in 5,814 booths in this phase. Coochbehar, where Union Minister Nisith Pramanik faces TMC's Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia, remains significant due to past violence and political rivalries. The deployment of central forces is higher in Coochbehar compared to the other two constituencies. Both BJP and TMC have intensified their campaigns, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee addressing rallies. Key issues include corruption allegations against ruling party leaders, denial of central funds, and the 2021 Sitalkuchi firing incident. The BJP won all three constituencies in the 2019 general elections and maintained its grip in Coochbehar and Alipurduars in the 2021 assembly polls. But, the TMC had the upper hand in Jalpaiguri in the 2021 assembly polls, winning five and the saffron party managed to win two. The Left Front and Congress are contesting together, having secured only single-digit vote shares in 2019. The BJP has renominated Jayanta Roy in Jalpaiguri and Pramanik in Cooch Behar, but replaced last time's winner John Barla with the party's Madarihat MLA Manoj Tigga in Alipurduars. The TMC has, however, changed candidates in all three seats, fielding Prakash Chik Baraik in Alipurduars, Nirmal Chandra Roy in Jalpaiguri and Sitai MLA Basunia in Coochbehar. Direct, triangular contests in Assam's five LS seats Assam gears up for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in five constituencies, with 35 candidates vying for victory, including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal . The electorate of 86,47,869, comprising 43,64,859 women and 42,82,887 male voters, will cast their votes in 10,001 polling booths under tight security with 60 companies of security forces deployed. The BJP is contesting in all five seats, the Congress in four and supporting the Assam Jatiya Parishad contestant in one, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in two and the All India Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) in one seat each. A direct contest is on the cards between the BJP and Congress in Jorhat, Kaziranga and Lakhimpur, while in Dibrugarh and Sonitpur, there is likely to be a triangular fight among the ruling party, Congress, AJP and AAP. The prestigious Dibrugarh constituency has three candidates in fray: BJP's Sonowal, a Rajya Sabha MP, pitted against the United Opposition Forum, Assam (UOFA) candidate Lurinjyoti Gogoi of the AJP and AAP's Manoj Dhanowar. In Jorhat, four candidates are in contention, with Lok Sabha's Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gaurav Gogoi locked in a direct contest with sitting BJP MP Topon Gogoi. Gogoi had to shift his constituency to Jorhat from Kaliabor, which has been renamed Kaziranga following a delimitation exercise in the state last year. In Kaziranga, BJP's Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa is locked in a direct contest with former Congress MLA Roselina Tirkey, with both candidates belonging to the tea workers' community. Kaziranga has the highest number of 11 candidates in the fray. In Sonitpur, also renamed from the earlier Tezpur after delimitation, there are eight nominees, with a triangular contest likely between BJP MLA Ranjit Dutta, Congress candidate Prem Lal Ganju and AAP's Rishiraj Kaundinya. Lakhimpur has nine contestants, prominent among them being sitting BJP MP Pradan Baruah and Uday Shankar Hazarika of the Congress. Two LS seats in strife-torn Manipur go to polls Manipur gears up for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections amid tight security measures, particularly in the wake of recent ethnic violence. The Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat, which comprises 32 of the 60 assembly segments in the state, and 15 assembly segments of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat will go to polls in the first phase on Friday. Six candidates, including state Education Minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh of the BJP and Angomcha Bimol Akoijam of the Congress, are in the fray for the Inner Manipur seat. Outer Manipur, which is reserved for Scheduled Tribes, will witness a four-cornered contest between Naga People's Front's K Timothy Zimik, Congress' Alfred Kanngam Arthur and independent candidates Kho John and Alyson Abonmai, with all the candidates being Nagas. A total of 9.91 lakh voters are eligible in Inner Manipur and over 10.22 lakh voters in Outer Manipur. Special arrangements have been made for people displaced due to ethnic strife, with special polling stations set up. The campaigning has been subdued due to the prevailing tensions, and security has been heightened with the deployment of central armed police forces, especially in vulnerable and critical polling stations. Polling personnel have been dispatched to their respective stations, with special provisions for internally displaced people. The election authorities have ensured gender diversity in the management of polling stations, with some stations being exclusively manned by women. Despite the challenges posed by the recent unrest, efforts are underway to conduct the elections in a free, fair, and peaceful manner. Tripura and Nagaland In Tripura, the first phase of Lok Sabha polls will see voting for the Tripura West Parliamentary constituency and a by-poll in the Ramnagar Assembly. The main contest in Tripura West is between the BJP's Biplab Kumar Deb and state Congress president Asish Kumar Saha. With 14.61 lakh eligible voters, including 7.33 lakh males and 7.28 lakh females, the constituency has 1682 polling booths. Central paramilitary forces will secure all booths, with webcasting from each. In the Ramnagar Assembly by-election, BJP's Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumer faces former CPI(M) MLA Ratan Das, with 54,669 electors deciding their fate. In Nagaland, over 13.25 lakh voters will decide the fate of three candidates. Congress nominee S Supongmeren Jamir, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) candidate Chumben Murry and Independent Hayithung Tungoe Lotha are contesting the elections. BJP President J P Nadda, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and Deputy Chief Ministers T R Zeliang and Y Patton addressed several rallies in support of their candidate. Polling will run from 7 am to 4 pm, with 13,25,383 eligible voters, including 19,999 first-time voters and 6,707 people with disabilities. Female voters slightly outnumber male voters. In 2019, NDPP's Tokheho Yepthomi won against Congress's K L Chishi. J-K: Udhampur LC seat in action amid ceasefire The Udhampur seat in Jammu and Kashmir will go to polls on Friday in the first phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. In view of the ongoing ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the heavy deployment of paramilitary forces, the voting process is expected to be peaceful in 2,637 polling stations in the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, a senior election official said. Union Minister Jitendra Singh is eyeing a third consecutive term in the constituency after winning the seat for BJP in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, facing a major challenge from Congress candidate Choudhary Lal Singh, who had also won the seat twice in 2004 and 2009. Democratic Progressive Azad Party's (DPAP) candidate G M Saroori, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Amit Kumar and six independents will also be contesting the elections from the Udhampur constituency. According to officials, there are 16,23,195 eligible voters. Among them, 845,283 are men, 777,899 are women and 13 are third-gender voters. There are a total of 84,468 potential first-time voters, aged 1819, of whom 45,825 are men, 38,641 are women and two are third genders, the officials said. Lone Puducherry segment all set for three-way fight The fate of the 26 candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha polls will be sealed on Friday when voters spread across four regions will pick the lone MP from this union territory, where the fight is largely confined between the ruling BJP and Congress. BJP leader and Home Minister A Namassivayam, fielded on behalf of the AINRC-BJP combine, will face off Congress MP and PCC president V Vaithilingam, while AIADMK's G Tamizhvendhan is also testing his luck as a debutant. The Union Territory has a total of 10,23,699 voters spread over Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions. Andaman's lone seat in action The lone seat in Andaman and Nicobar Islands will see 3.15 lakh voters get an opportunity to exercise their franchise. A total of 12 candidates, including two women and five independents, are in the fray for the polls. Of the 3.15 lakh voters, 1.64 lakh are men and 1.51 lakh are women, while there are four third-gender voters. The electorate also includes 39 voters from the Great Nicobarese tribe of the Strait Islands, 68 members of the Onge tribe at Hut Bay and 98 members of the Shompen tribe of Great Nicobar Island. Special polling stations have been established for them. This time, the saffron party has nominated Bishnu Pada Ray as its candidate, while the Congress has fielded its sitting MP, Kuldeep Rai Sharma. Ray was first elected to Lok Sabha in 1999, when he defeated Congress candidate Sharma by 2,990 votes. He was re-elected in 2009 and again in 2014. In the 2019 elections, however, Sharma secured a victory against BJP's Vishal Jolly (Ray was denied a ticket) by a narrow margin of 1,407 votes.
Lok Sabha election: Stage set for close contest in western Uttar Pradesh
All three main parties face challenges in this region owing to the sizable presence of Muslims, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and other backward classes (OBCs) across the eight Lok Sabha seats Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit which will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19.
Lok Sabha election: Stage set for close contest in western Uttar Pradesh
All three main parties face challenges in this region owing to the sizable presence of Muslims, Scheduled Castes (SCs) and other backward classes (OBCs) across the eight Lok Sabha seats Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit which will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19.
8 LS seats in western UP to go to polls on Friday
8 LS seats in western UP to go to polls on Friday The voters of eight Lok Sabha constituencies in western Uttar Pradesh, falling in the Jat and sugarcane belt, are set to exercise their constitutional right as polling for the first phase of the seven-phase parliamentary election begins on Friday. The seats going to polls on Friday are Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina (reserved for Scheduled Castes), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit. The seats are located in nine districts of western Uttar Pradesh. The poll campaign for the first phase ended on Wednesday evening. Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said no campaign-related activity by candidates is allowed in these eight constituencies now and the final preparations for polling are on. The stage is set for a three-cornered poll contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Employment, education and development are among the leading issues for the voters in these constituencies. While the BJP has pitched its campaign on development and the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the opposition leaders have raised the issues of farm bills and unemployment in the region. According to poll officials, the presence of the workers of all political parties has been restricted in these constituencies with the conclusion of the campaign. ''Flying squads, excise teams, static surveillance teams and the District Control Room are active in these constituencies,'' an officer said. A total of 14,849 polling booths and 7,689 polling centres have been set up for the first phase of voting. According to information provided by the Uttar Pradesh Police headquarters, 6,018 inspectors and sub-inspectors, 35,750 constables and 24,992 home guard personnel, along with 60 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and 220 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed. A total of 80 candidates -- 73 men and seven women -- are in the fray in the first phase of polling. According to the Election Commission (EC), 1.43 crore people are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase. Of them, 76.23 lakh are men, 67.14 lakh women and 824 are transgender persons. According to data compiled by political parties, Muslim voters account for 35 to 50 per cent of the electorate in these constituencies. Twelve candidates are in the fray from Moradabad, 14 from Kairana, 11 each from Muzaffarnagar and Bijnor, 10 each from Saharanpur and Pilibhit and six each from Nagina and Rampur. The BJP has joined hands with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and the SP has allied with the Congress for the election, while the BSP has decided to go solo. The poll campaign was launched in the region by Prime Minister Naredra Modi with a massive rally on March 31. On April 9, Modi held his second rally in Pilibhit, where the BJP has fielded Jitin Prasada, neglecting two-time member of Parliament Varun Gandhi. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has addressed more than 20 rallies in the constituencies going to polls in the first phase. SP president and former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has addressed rallies in Pilibhit, Bijnor, Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad and Nagina while BSP supremo Mayawati, also a former chief minister, and her nephew Akash Anand have addressed several election meetings. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a roadshow in Saharanpur on Wednesday, garnering support for Imran Masood, who is in the fray as the INDIA opposition bloc candidate. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP bagged Muzaffarnagar, Kairana and Pilibhit, while the SP emerged victorious in Moradabad and Rampur, and the BSP in Saharanpur, Nagina and Bijnor. Subsequently, the BJP wrested back Rampur in a bypoll. Prominent candidates in this phase are Prasada from Pilibhit, Union minister Sanjeev Balyan from Muzaffarnagar and Azad Samaj Party chief Chandra Shekhar Azad from Nagina. The SP's Muslim face in Rampur, Azam Khan, is conspicuous by his absence in the constituency as he is lodged in a jail in Sitapur.
UP Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1: Uttar Pradesh prepares for its first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19, covering eight key constituencies out of the total 80 constituencies. These include Pilibhit, Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, and Rampur, with intense competition among candidates from various alliances.
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Campaigning ends for first phase in 102 seats
NEW DELHI: Campaigning for 102 parliamentary constituencies distributed across 21 states and Union territories, where voting will be held in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, concluded on Wednesday. In the first phase, polling will be held in Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (1), Madhya Pradesh (6), Maharashtra (5), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (1), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (1), Uttar Pradesh (8), Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (3), Andaman and Nicobar (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1) and Puducherry (1). Campaigning for the first phase of polling on April 19 in Uttar Pradesh concluded Wednesday evening, with candidates closing up their campaigns for eight parliamentary seats. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, both members of the opposition's INDIA bloc, held rallies in Saharanpur and Moradabad on the final day of the campaign. On what basis is BJP claiming 400 seats: Priyanka Gandhi smells a rat in NDA slogan The seats going to the polls in the first phase on Friday are Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit. Likewise, campaigning drew to a close in Uttarakhand at 5 pm this evening, Chief Electoral Officer B VRC Purushottam said. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a roadshow in Haldwani on the last day of the election campaign, earlier on Wednesday. After winning all five seats in Uttarakhand in the 2014 and 2019 general elections, the BJP is attempting to retain them for a third term. Six personnel for four voters -- a unique polling booth in Uttarakhand Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP's campaign, built around the development plank, in Madhya Pradesh for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections that ended on Wednesday. With the first phase scheduled for April 19, the fate of 88 candidates contesting six seats in the MP will be sealed by voters. As TN gears up to vote, poll boycott decisions in the Vengaivayals of the state fail to draw attention In Maharashtra, campaigning for Lok Sabha elections came to an end in five constituencies of the Vidarbha region on Wednesday evening. Polling will be held in the constituencies of Nagpur, Ramtek, Bhandara-Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli in the first phase on April 19. The campaigning in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur parliamentary constituency ended on Wednesday evening. It is witnessing its first major electoral battle since the abrogation of Article 370. The polling is slated for the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat in the first phase on April 19 and will decide the fate of 12 contestants. Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai said, On April 17 at 6 pm, we suspended all election-related campaigning, and political parties have been directed to not hold campaigning, roadshows, or canvassing other than door-to-door campaigning. Section 144 is also imposed. Flying squad and static surveillance teams have been deployed. Our main objective is a free and fair and inducement-free election, said Rai. Asaduddin Owaisi's Uttar Pradesh gambit and why it has left the BJP chuckling in delight Meanwhile, campaigning for three Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal - Cooch Behar (SC), Jalpaiguri (SC) and Alipurduars (ST) -- going to polls in the first phase on April 19 came to an end at 6 PM on Wednesday. Altogether 14 candidates, including sitting MP and Union minister Nisith Pramanik, are contesting the parliamentary elections from Cooch Behar. Verbal exchanges between main rivals Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress over issues such as corruption, poverty, and pre-poll promises dominated the campaigning for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh, which concluded on Wednesday evening. Naxal-affected Bastar is the only seat among the 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state that will vote in the first phase on April 19, an exercise that will take place in the shadow of the major counter-insurgency operation in Kanker district on April 16. In Mizoram, the campaigning for the lone Lok Sabha seat ended on Wednesday with political parties making last ditch efforts to sweep the voters. Campaigning for the April 19 simultaneous polls in Arunachal Pradesh came to an end on Wednesday evening, setting the stage to elect two Lok Sabha MPs and 50 lawmakers for the state assembly. The BJP has already opened its account by securing 10 seats in the assembly in Arunachal. Campaigning for five Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam, which are due to go for polling on April 19, including the high-profile constituency of Dibrugarh, ended on Wednesday. Congress gave problems to Northeast, BJP made it a source of possibilities: PM Modi in Assam The Lok Sabha poll campaigning for 2024, for the first phase of elections, ended at 5 pm on the five Lok Sabha seats in Assam, including the high-profile seat of Dibrugarh, where Union Minister and former Chief Minister of Assam are contesting. The voting for the Lok Sabha election in the first phase is to be held across 21 states in 102 seats, including five seats in Upper Assam. The campaign for the Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency and the Ramnagar Assembly constituency by-poll also ended at 5 pm on Wednesday. Modi says Congress 'loot' policy would have led to Rs 5,000 mobile bills in northeast All preparations, including security arrangements, have been made for the polling to be held on April 19, an election department official said. Rallies, public meetings and roadshows marked the two-week-long high-decibel campaign. In the meantime, speaking on the preparations for Lok Sabha elections in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, South Andaman SP Niharika Bhatt says, The election campaign will be banned from 6 PM today and no political gathering or street processions will be allowed, that's called the 'Silent' period. Only door-to-door campaigning will be allowed and that too without speakers. DC has also given orders regarding Section 144 to maintain law and order. Voting will start at 7 in the morning on April 19 and go until 6 p.m. A few pink polling booths have been established where all the officials will be women, said the official. The 2024 general elections will be held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. From backroom boys to consultants: Poll strategists turn campaign makers in India's political war rooms
Campaigning ends for first phase of Lok Sabha polls in 102 seats
Campaigning ends for first phase of Lok Sabha polls in 102 seats Campaigning ended Wednesday evening for 102 Lok Sabha seats across 21 states and Union territories which will go to polls in the first phase on April 19 with top leaders of the BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc making a last-gasp effort to woo voters. Leading the charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took whirlwind tours of various constituencies in the past few days, addressing rallies and holding roadshows, and asserting that he went to people with hope in 2014, trust in 2019 and guarantee in 2024. Many times he said there is ''Modi's guarantee across the country and I am giving the guarantee of fulfilling all these guarantees''. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several of their cabinet colleagues, leaders of the Congress such as Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and other parties also canvassed for their candidates. The BJP has come out all guns blazing at the INDIA bloc over corruption, dynasty politics and insulting the Constitution and Hinduism. The Opposition leaders, in turn, have attacked the government over electoral bonds, alleged misuse of agencies, inflation and unemployment among other issues. The BJP in its manifesto prioritised development and welfare while shunning populist measures and contentious issues like the NRC. Named ''Modi ki Guarantee'', the manifesto largely built on the government's existing welfare schemes targeted at different sections of society, while reiterating the BJP's commitment to roll out one-nation-one-election and Uniform Civil Code, two issues mentioned in its 2019 manifesto too. In its 45-page manifesto titled 'Nyay Patra', the Congress focussed on five ''pillars of justice'' and 25 guarantees under them. Right to apprenticeship, a legal guarantee for MSP, passing a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, a nation-wide caste census and scrapping of Agnipath scheme are among the promises made by the party in the manifesto. Modi, however, lambasted the Congress manifesto saying it carries the imprint of the Muslim League with ''every page reeking of breaking India''. Eight Union ministers - Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Sarbanada Sonowal, Sanjeev Baliyan, Jitendra Singh, Bhupendra Yadav, Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan, two former chief ministers - Biplab Kumar Deb (Tripura) and Nabam Tuki (Arunachal Pradesh), and former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan (Telangana) are among those in fray. In 2019, the UPA had won 45 of these 102 seats and the NDA 41. Six of these seats have been redrawn as part of the delimitation exercise. Polling will be held in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1). Besides, there will be voting in 12 seats in Rajasthan, 8 in Uttar Pradesh, 6 in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Maharashtra, 4 in Bihar, 3 in West Bengal, 2 in Manipur, and one seat each in Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh. Authorities in these constituencies have been directed to ensure that no outsider remains in these areas 48 hours before polling. Any form of electioneering, public meetings, press conferences by political parties, interviews and panel discussions in electronic or print media have been strictly prohibited. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister and DMK boss M K Stalin, on the last day of campaigning, described the polls as the ''second freedom movement'' and reiterated that the election is about deciding ''whose regime must not continue'' rather than who should capture power. He also alleged that Modi has ruined the nation for the sake of his ''selfish politics''. BJP Tamil Nadu unit president K Annamalai also held high-voltage campaigns. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav addressed rallies in Saharanpur and Moradabad Wednesday in Uttar Pradesh. In Jammu and Kashmir, Modi had reassured the people about holding of assembly elections and restoration of statehood. Home Minister Shah, during a rally, reiterated that the assembly elections will be held in accordance with the deadline of September 30 set by the Supreme Court. Naxal-affected Bastar in Chhattisgarh will vote in the first phase, an exercise that will take place in the shadow of a major counter-insurgency operation in Kanker district Tuesday in which 29 Maoists, including senior cadres, were gunned down by security forces. The second phase of polling for 89 seats in 13 states and Union territories will be held on April 26.
UP: BJP wants to take away right to vote, says ex-CM Akhilesh
Moradabad: Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday, April 17, claimed that the BJP has given the 400 par slogan for the Lok Sabha polls as they want to change the Constitution of the country and take away the right to vote from people. Addressing an election rally here in support of Ruchi Veera, the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Moradabad: BJP, SP slog it out in the land of biryani
MORADABAD: In the meetings of the BJPs local units in Moradabad, emphasis is on bringing voters to polling stations on the voting day. Encouraging party sympathisers to come out and vote is a course correction the BJP has planned following the mistake it committed in the last Lok Sabha elections. Last time we thought we were winning, therefore didnt make much effort. The party lost this seat despite a strong Modi wave that swept the country. In every meeting, stress is on working on the ground to ensure each voter reaches the booth and votes on April 19, said Sudhanshu Agrawal, convener of BJPs Moradabad Dehat unit. The BJP has nominated Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar Singh, an influential zamindar of the district, fourth time from the seat while the Samajwadi Party has preferred former MLA of Bijnor Ruchi Veera over incumbent Dr ST Hasan. Veera belongs to the influential family of Bijnor, which is part of the management of education institutions in UP and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Considered a close confidant of party heavyweight from Rampur Azam Khan, she managed to get the nomination at the eleventh hour. The BSP has fielded Irfan Saifi, chairman of Thakurdwara Nagar Palika. The message is being sent out to support and vote for Modi. We cant afford to make a mistake again, said Agrawal who stays in Mandi Bans of old city area, close to the residence-cum-nursing home of Hasan. In 2019, Hasan wrested the seat from Singh when the SP had stitched an alliance with BSP. Moradabad is among five seats won by the SP in UP. Singh had defeated Hasan in 2014 after an unsuccessful debut in 2009 Lok Sabha polls. Guddu Chaudhary, incharge, Moradabad division of Bharatiya Gauraksha Sena, also said overconfidence led to BJPs defeat in 2019. The other reason was the SP-BSP alliance that transferred Jatav votes to Hasan, he added. This time Jatavs are with us. Moreover people who have benefitted from the schemes introduced by Modi, such as Ujjawala and Ayushman Bharat health card, will fetch votes for BJP, said Chaudhary, who runs a dhaba. Besides consolidation of Hindu votes, simmering anger among some SP sympathisers against the leadership for ignoring Hasan is a concern for the party. Some said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav should come to Moradabad and hold a rally with Hasan to quell dissatisfaction among voters. Locals and SP supporters believe that a direct contest between SP and BJP, meaning no split in minority votes, would result in Veeras victory. It seems BSP will not get a good votes. Akhilesh must bring Dr Hasan on board to prevent a divide in Muslim votes, said an SP sympathiser.
'Treated as a soft target ...': Robert Vadra hints at joining politics
Robert Vadra considers entering Lok Sabha elections from Amethi, Moradabad, or Haryana, if Congress approves. He views himself as a soft target due to Gandhi family association and advocates for a secular country in politics.
Moradabad and Rampur constituencies: BJP eyes strongholds of SP in 2024 elections
The News Mill
SP fielding Hindus in Muslim-dominated constituencies: Mayawati
Pilibhit: Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Monday found fault with the Samajwadi Party for fielding Hindus in Muslim-dominated constituencies and Muslims on seats where Hindus dominate. Addressing election rallies in Pilibhit and Moradabad, she also alleged that atrocities against the minorities are being committed in the guise of Hindutva. Also ReadLS polls: Mayawati focuses Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
SP fielding Hindus in 'Muslim-dominated constituencies': Mayawati
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Monday found fault with the Samajwadi Party for fielding Hindus in Muslim-dominated constituencies and Muslims on seats where Hindus dominate. Addressing election rallies in Pilibhit and Moradabad, she also alleged that atrocities against the minorities are being committed in the guise of Hindutva.
Mayawati promises to work for statehood for western UP, asks Muslims not to vote for Cong
Mayawati promises to work for statehood for western UP, asks Muslims not to vote for Cong Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Sunday said her party will take ''concrete steps'' to make western Uttar Pradesh a separate state if voted to power at the Centre. Launching her party's poll campaign in western Uttar Pradesh, the BSP chief also asked the Muslim community not to split their votes. ''If the Muslim community splits its votes, and votes for the Congress, then the BJP will get the benefit,'' she said at a rally in Saharanpur. Addressing another rally in Muzaffarnagar, where she campaigned for party candidate Dara Singh Prajapati, she referred to the long-standing demand for statehood for western Uttar Pradesh. ''There has been a long-standing demand for statehood by the people of western Uttar Pradesh. For this, concrete steps will be taken if our government comes to power at the Centre,'' Mayawati told the gathering. The BSP is fighting this Lok Sabha election alone and is not part of the opposition INDIA bloc. Twenty-five years ago, Uttarakhand was carved out of Uttar Pradesh as a separate state. The BSP chief also claimed that if free and fair elections are held and voting machines are not tampered with, the BJP will not return to power this time. ''Most of the BJP's time was spent on making wealthy businessmen wealthier and protecting them... The BJP and other parties run their organisations and contest elections with the support of these businesses. Electoral bond data revealed this,'' she added. At the Saharanpur rally earlier in the day, Mayawati asked Muslims not to split their votes. ''To the Muslims, I would like to say that you should not allow your votes to be split. If you want to defeat the BJP candidate, I would ask the Muslim community not to allow your votes to get split,'' she said. Sharpening her attack on the Congress, the BSP chief said, ''Whenever the BSP has fielded a Muslim candidate, the Congress and other parties have also given tickets to Muslim candidates.'' ''The Congress knows that its candidate will not win the polls. The BSP has a huge chunk of Dalit votes along with Muslims. From the Kairana Lok Sabha seat, we have given the ticket to a 'Kshatriya'. Our candidate will get the 'Kshatriya' votes in Saharanpur as well,'' she added. She further claimed that it would not be easy for the BJP to return to power because of the difference in its words and actions. ''The BJP and its allies have been in power at the Centre and in most states. Owing to their casteist, capitalist, narrow and vindictive policies and style of working, and due to the significant difference in their words and actions, it now seems that it would not be easy for them to return to power at the Centre,'' the BSP chief said. People are not going to fall for the ''rhetoric'' served by the political parties ahead of the polls anymore, she said and accused the BJP of ''politicising'' probe agencies. She said her party is contesting the Lok Sabha election on its own instead of forging an alliance with any party and has given ''appropriate share to all sections of society'' in ticket distribution. Mayawati also hit out at rival political parties, saying their wrong policies have adversely impacted the economy. Apart from this, the country's borders are not completely safe, she claimed. Asking the voters to remain alert, Mayawati said other political parties use the media, opinion polls and surveys to create a favourable atmosphere. ''The BSP does not release its manifesto. Our party believes in speaking less and working more. Our government in Uttar Pradesh did historic work which is now being copied by governments of most parties,'' she said. Hitting out at the free ration scheme Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Mayawati said, ''Food materials given to extremely poor families is not going to benefit them. This problem can be addressed by giving them work and our party will pay attention to this.'' Earlier in the day, Mayawati accused other mainstream parties of giving an ''ostensible'' respect to Dr BR Ambedkar and ignoring his followers. ''For narrow electoral interests, the ostensible respect given to Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, and ignoring his followers, exemplifies the proverb 'mooh mein ram, bagal mein chhuri', she said in a statement. In a post in Hindi on X, Mayawati paid tributes to Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and called him ''a messiah of millions of poor, exploited, deprived and neglected people in the country''. Eight parliamentary constituencies of Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh will vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on April 19. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
Mayawati to address rallies in Moradabad and Pilibhit
Mayawati's ongoing campaign in UP includes rallies in Moradabad and Pilibhit, seeking votes for multiple candidates. She emphasizes the alliance with Samajwadi Party and RLD for the upcoming LS elections.
Tragic Lightning Strike Claims Lives of Two Children in Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal: Two children tragically lost their lives, and three others were injured due to a lightning strike amid rain on Saturday in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh. Satish Dubey, the in-charge of Vijaypur police station, reported that the incident occurred in the evening in Dhamini village while five children, aged between 8 to 15 years, were grazing goats. According to Dubey, the lightning struck when all the children were gathered under a tree. Unfortunately, two boys, aged 12 and eight, lost their lives, while three others, including two girls, sustained injuries. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Vijaypur Health Centre. The weather abruptly changed this evening, with strong winds and light to moderate rain occurring in several states, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and the surrounding areas of Delhi. The Meteorological Department has forecasted the possibility of heavy rain accompanied by thunder in the coming hours. Due to adverse weather conditions in Delhi, 17 flights bound for the airport had to be diverted. Among these, 7 were Indigo flights, 2 were Vistara, 6 were Air India, and 1 was Air India Express. As per IMD predictions, there is a likelihood of hailstorms in many regions of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Western Madhya Pradesh on April 13 and 14, and in Uttarakhand and Western Uttar Pradesh on April 14. Additionally, the Meteorological Department has warned of heavy thunderstorms, rainfall, lightning, and strong winds in Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Western Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab from April 13 to 15. Rainfall is expected in most districts of Karnataka until April 17. In response to the forecast, the Meteorological Department has issued an advisory urging people in Delhi-NCR and surrounding areas to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The advisory recommends closing windows and doors and seeking shelter in safe places. People are also cautioned against taking refuge under trees during the adverse weather conditions. Iran Launches 300 Drone Missiles on Israel, Escalating Regional Tensions Gunfire Outside Salman Khan's Residence: Security Concerns Heightened Samajwadi Party's Moradabad Dilemma: ST Hasan Reluctant to Campaign for Ruchi Vira Amidst Party Discontent
Lucknow: A head of Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav's visit to Moradabad, party leader and sitting MP ST Hasan stated that he would accompany the party chief out of compulsion but would refrain from campaigning for the party's candidate, Ruchi Vira. Hasan expressed concerns that campaigning might provoke opposition from the people, who are currently discontented. I learned about this through media reports and newspapers. If Akhilesh Yadav calls me or visits my home, I'll accompany him out of compulsion as my etiquette dictates. I'll go out of respect for Akhilesh Yadav but will not campaign (for SP candidate, Ruchi Vira). People are upset, and if I campaign, they'll oppose me, Hasan told the media on Saturday.Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to address an election rally in Moradabad in support of party candidate Ruchi Veera on Sunday. National President of Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister Shri Akhilesh Yadav will address an election rally at Government Inter College Police Station Mughalpura Moradabad on Sunday, April 14 at 12:25 pm in support of Samajwadi Party INDIA Alliance candidate Ruchi Veera (Lok Sabha, 06-Moradabad) in Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency, the official X handle of SP posted on Saturday. There was suspense over the Moradabad seat as sitting MP ST Hasan filed his nomination on March 26, but there were speculations that the Samajwadi Party would go with Ruchi Vira. Later, Ruchi Vira filed her nomination from the Moradabad constituency for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls on March 27, and Hasan withdrew his nomination the same evening. After filing her nomination, Ruchi Vira said that anyone having doubts should speak to the returning officer regarding the rules. The BJP has fielded Kumar Sarvesh Singh against Ruchi Vira from the Moradabad constituency. In the 2019 general elections, SP's ST Hasan won the Moradabad seat, gathering 50 per cent of votes. He defeated the BJP's Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar, who gathered 551,538 votes. Congress' Imran Pratapgarhi came in third. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases. Earlier in the 2019 elections, defying expectations, the BJP and its ally Apna Dal(S) won 64 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats. The alliance partners, Akhilesh Yadav's party and Mayawati Party's, won 15 seats. Voting for phases one and two will be held on April 19 and April 26. Next, the state will once again poll in phases three and four on May 7 and May 13. The voting for the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat will be held in the first phase on April 19. PM Narendra Modi Pays Tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar on Birth Anniversary Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy Injured in Stone Pelting Incident During Roadshow in Vijayawada Key Promises in BJP's Election Manifesto: Focus on Development, Women's Welfare, and Viksit Bharat
The News Mill
Opposition manipulated with peoples faith, formed ties with criminals: U.P. CM
At poll rally in Moradabad, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlights that no one dares to threaten women or businessmen anymore fearing the repercussions
From Moradabad, Shah says Congress pampered Art 370 for 7 decades
LUCKNOW: Addressing a public rally in Moradabad, the brass city, which he visited twice in a span of 10 days, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a gathering, launched a broadside on Congress over the Kashmir issue, accusing the grand old party of pampering Article 370 like a child in its lap for seven decades until it was scrapped in 2019. For 70 years, the Congress pampered Article 370 like an illegitimate child in its lap, Shah said, referring to the special status enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir under the provision. In the same vein, he flayed AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge for questioning the reference to Kashmir given by PM Modi in his rallies in other states. Is Kashmir not ours? Khargeji asks what Rajasthan and UP have to do with Kashmir. I must remind him that every child of Moradabad is ready to sacrifice his life for Kashmir, said Shah. Modi became PM in 2014 and 2019 because of Uttar Pradesh, he said. UP gave 73 seats in 2014 and 65 seats in 2019 to see Modiji as PM with a full majority. We have to make him PM for the third time by winning all 80 seats in UP. This time, 73 and 65 will not work. We have to ensure a win on all 80, said the Home Minister. Appealing to the voters of western UP to exercise their right judiciously, Shah referred to a common saying that the future of a baby is reflected by his/her actions in the cradle. He said similarly, western UP used to set the trend for success in the rest of UP by voting in phase-I. Rejecting the Oppositions narrative around caste census and its mention in their manifestos, Shah said, Modiji has divided the country into four castes women, poor, youth, and farmers. Work has been done on this basis. Western UP Shah referred to a common saying that the future of a baby is reflected by his or her actions in the cradle. Similarly, he said, western UP used to set the trend for success in the rest of UP by voting in phase-I.
Shah exudes confidence of BJP winning all 80 Lok Sabha seats from U.P.
At election rally in Moradabad, the top BJP leader says attempts are being made to divide the society on caste lines but voters in Uttar Pradesh have made up their minds to give all the 80 seats to the party
Amit Shah slams Congress chief Kharge over remarks on Article 370
Moradabad (UP), April 12: Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent remarks on the abrogation of Article 370. Speaking at a rally in Moradabad, HM Shah said: Mallikarjun Kharge asks what people of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have to do with Kashmir. I want to tell them (the [] The post Amit Shah slams Congress chief Kharge over remarks on Article 370 appeared first on The Shillong Times .
In This Uttar Pradesh Town, Eid Is A 'Black Day' For Many Muslims
Four decades after the 1980 Moradabad Eidgah massacre, the UP government has released a report on the incident.
UP: Only PM Modi can keep the country united: Amit Shah
Moradabad (UP), Apr 12 (UNI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday attacked the opposition parties and said only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can keep the country united because if Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress will come to power then they will divide Uttar Pradesh into castes again and split the state into pieces. Addressing... The post UP: Only PM Modi can keep the country united: Amit Shah first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .
Shah slams Congress for doing nothing on Article 370 for decades
Moradabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday attacked the Congress over its handling of the Kashmir issue, saying the party pampered Article 370 like a child in its lap for decades till it was scrapped. At an election meeting in Moradabad, Shah also slammed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge for suggesting recently that Prime Minister Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
For 70 Years, Congress Nurtured Article 370 Like Its Child: Shah At Moradabad Rally
Moradabad (UP), Apr 12: Union Home minister Amit Shah on Friday attacked Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge over his recent remark on the abrogation of Article 370. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp Addressing an election meeting in Moradabad, Shah said, Khargeji of the Congress asks what do people of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have to do with Kashmir. I want to tell them that every child of Moradabad is ready to give his life for Kashmir. For 70 years, [] The post For 70 Years, Congress Nurtured Article 370 Like Its Child: Shah At Moradabad Rally appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Under PM Modi's leadership, Kashmir has been united with India forever: Amit Shah at rally in Moradabad. Under PM Modi's leadership, Kashmir has been united with India forever: Amit Shah at rally in Moradabad.
The importance of being Akhilesh Yadav in this Lok Sabha election
Any discussion around the Lok Sabha election has to begin with Uttar Pradesh. The 80 seats in the state that has given India nine Prime Ministers till date are where any serious electoral calculation begins. More so, since the BJP reestablished the primacy of the state in India's electoral map by winning 71 seats there in 2014 and 62 seats in 2019. Five years on, standing between the BJP and another big tally is Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. The 50-year-old ex-CM is allying with the Congress this time around. While the Congress has little say in driving the campaign in the state, confined as it is to the speculation over possible faces in Amethi and Rae Bareli, Akhilesh has the opportunity of making it work for himself and his party. This is especially so because of his appeal as the CM behind the first expressway in UP, the launch of the Lucknow Metro and the distribution of free laptops to meritorious students. Will he, wont he? Amethi awaits their Rahul answer even as Smriti Irani gets going But the confusion unleashed in finalising his candidates for many seats, coupled with his frantic efforts to emerge as a well-wisher of the Muslims, have made his supporters wonder if Akhilesh has a firm strategy in place ahead of the first phase of polling on April 19. His recent visit to Ghazipur to offer condolence at the death of Mukhtar Ansari -- a bid to seek the sympathy and support of the Muslim community -- has caused confusion among his supporters who had seen him taking a stand against organised crime and criminals during his chief ministership from 2012 to 2017. It is also pointed out that Akhilesh preferred to stay away from the Ram Mandir temple consecration ceremony but went to comfort Ansaris family. The no-truck-with-criminals CM and a lost election Akhilesh's chief ministership had come after the Samajwadi Party had won 224 seats in the 403-member House in the 2012 Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh, since the SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav was not keeping well. The young sons appeal, aided by a state-wide cycle yatra, had been instrumental in ensuring the partys win then. He took over as Chief Minister on March 15 - nine days after the result was announced -- and after reported disgruntlement from many party seniors, and his oath-taking was marked by thousands of people storming the stage constructed for the ceremony. The fiasco damaged tables, chairs, microphones, public address system, flower pots, garlands and the backdrop etc, and made the entire structure come crashing down. The embarrassment made Akhilesh take an independent stand on maintenance of law and order and he started portraying himself as one dedicated to development. He went to the extent of putting his foot down when veteran leaders of SP wanted to induct another criminal-turned politician DP Yadav into the party fold. He carried this further in 2016 by refusing to endorse the merger of Quami Ekta Dal (QED), an outfit headed by the then already jailed gangster Mukhtar Ansari, with the Samajwadi Party. The SP leadership had mooted this move prior to the 2017 Assembly election, but Akhilesh chose to sacrifice these votes calculating that aligning with tainted leaders may outweigh the electoral gains. However, the SP lost the ensuing election in a big way and failed to stage a comeback even in 2022. Candidate one day, not so the next day! The coming Lok Sabha election, thus, is a crucial test for Akhilesh where he is under pressure to post good results. But the frequent change of the candidates in many seats by the SP has led to bewilderment among the workers especially when the responsibility of selecting the candidates has been widely believed to be his. The chaos which was witnessed by changing the candidates in Moradabad, Rampur last week was followed by the Gautam Budh Nagar and Meerut candidates too being changed. To rub salt into the wounds, the embarrassment was used as an excuse by Jayant Chaudhary, leader of SPs erstwhile ally Rashtriya Lok Dal, to mock Akhilesh -- since RLD is now an ally of the BJP. Muslim vote and Owaisi, BSP threat The latest move by Akhilesh then of cosying up to Ansari can be understood in the context of the Muslim vote, which is crucial in the state elections. The Muslim community is believed to be confused due to the BJP's dominance, the incarceration of Azam Khan, and demise of criminal-turned politicians Atiq Ahmad, his brother Ashraf and Mukhtar Ansari. In this scenario, Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM has also jumped into the fray as a potential threat to the SP by targeting the Muslim vote. Akhilesh not only visited Mukhtar Ansari's family but also supported the demand for a probe into Ansari's death, while saying that Ansari was a benefactor for the poor. By doing so, Akhilesh aims to consolidate the Muslim vote and counter the influence of AIMIM in the state. However, the Bahujan Samaj Party has added to Akhilesh's headaches by putting up 10 Muslim candidates so far followed by 10 Dalits and 11 Brahmins. The SP owed its earlier dominance of state politics to effectively using the Muslim-Yadav (popularly known as M-Y) combination in previous elections, but it later started adding leaders from smaller but influential castes. The trick UP Mayawati's electoral sleeve The INDIA bloc platform Joining the INDIA bloc did not mean much as the Congress is struggling for survival in the state, but it gave SP the clout to raise issues such as advocating for a caste census, fighting against injustices faced by STs, OBCs, and Muslims. Even as Akhilesh Yadav failed to retain his allies especially the Apna Dal (K), RLD and SBSP, he has remained the most visible and vocal opposition leader since BSP's Mayawati and Rahul Gandhi and others of the Congress preferred to stay away from an on-ground presence. For most non-BJP supporters, his appeal lies in a youthful countenance and in his performance as Chief Minister during 2012-2017. The tale the numbers tell It is also noteworthy that the SP has maintained a steady vote share in major elections in last ten years and managed to improve its vote share by 10% in the last assembly elections (in comparison to the previous one). In the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the vote share stood as follows: BJP 42.6% (71 seats), SP 22.3% and BSP 19.8 - while the SP tally stood at 5 seats, the BSP did not win a single seat. Interestingly, in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, SP and BSP contested in am alliance. While the SP got a 18.1% vote share (5 seats), the BSP got 19.4% (10 seats) in contrast to BJP's 50% (62 seats.) As far as Assembly elections are concerned, the figures of vote percentage and seats won are: 2017- BJP 40% (312 seats), SP 22% (47 seats), BSP 22.4% (19 seats.) 2022- BJP 41.6% (255 seats), SP 32.3% (111 seats), BSP 13% (1 seat.) Going by the maths, the SP has momentum in its favour. Will it stay that way is the big question. 'Is Bar PDA Sarkar': Samajwadi Party finally gets into poll mode, releases vision document
Accused of Uttarakhand dera chief's murder killed in police shootout
Accused of Uttarakhand dera chief's murder killed in police shootout Amarjeet Singh Bittu alias Ganda, one of the assailants who allegedly shot dead Nanakmatta Sahib Gurdwara dera kar seva chief Baba Tarsem Singh last month, was killed by a joint team of the STF and police in an encounter on Tuesday. Bittu had a bounty of Rs 1 lakh on his head. The police said another accused Sarabjit Singh fled from the spot in Haridwar's Kaliyar, and a search is underway to nab him. A reward of Rs 1 lakh has also been announced on Sarabjit Singh, a resident of the Tarn Taran district in Punjab. Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar said that late on Monday evening, the STF received a tip-off that the criminals wanted in the murder case were going from Saharanpur to Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh via Bhagwanpur and Kaliyar in Haridwar. Kumar said that based on the information, the police and STF jointly conducted operations at various places in Haridwar. Around 12:30 am, when the police team tried to stop two suspicious people moving on a motorcycle at the Gagalhedi intersection in Bhagwanpur, both of them started fleeing towards Imlikheda-Kaliyar, the DGP said. When the police surrounded both the accused, they allegedly started firing. In the retaliatory action of the police, Bittu was shot while Sarabjit Singh escaped from the spot taking advantage of the darkness, according to the DGP. The injured accused was taken to the Civil Hospital Roorkee, where doctors declared him brought dead, the DGP further said. Bittu alias Ganda has a long criminal history and several cases are registered against him and his associates in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand for allegedly harbouring terrorists, raising slogans in support of Khalistan, robbing banks etc. Considering the sensitivity of the case, apart from forming a six-member SIT, 11 teams were formed to unravel the murder case. Seven other accused were already arrested in the case during the investigation. Baba Tarsem Singh was shot dead on March 28 on the shrine's premises by two motorcycle-borne men in Udham Singh Nagar district. Besides the two assailants, the police have booked retired IAS officer Harbans Singh Chugh, who heads the Nanakmatta Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Baba Anup Singh and Pritam Singh Sandhu, the vice-president of a regional Sikh outfit, in the murder case.
PM Modi declares on first day of 'Navratri' that worshippers of 'Shakti' will not forgive INDIA alliance With the Navratri festival beginning on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country should remember how the INDIA bloc ''has taken a vow to destroy Shakti'' and those who worship the Goddess will never forgive the Congress and its allies. Nine forms of Goddess Durga or Shakti are worshipped during the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival. ''Today, on the first day of Navratri, I am also reminding the country how the INDI alliance has vowed to destroy 'Shakti'. The 'Shakti' before which we bow our heads, the leaders of the Congress are speaking about uprooting that 'Shakti','' Modi said at an election rally, again targeting the opposition over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'fight against Shakti' remarks. During the election campaign, Modi and the BJP have been accusing the Congress and the opposition alliance of being ''anti-Hindu'', repeatedly attacking them over Rahul Gandhi's remarks, the comments of DMK leaders against Sanatan Dharma and for staying away from the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The opposition has, in turn, alleged that the ruling party was resorting to communal polarisation as it has nothing to show in its report card. ''Pilibhit's land is blessed by Mother Yashwantri Devi. This is the origin place of Adi Ganga Maa Gomti. ''Today, the 'Shakti', who is being worshipped in the country, that 'Shakti' has been insulted by the Congress... No worshipper of 'Shakti' will forgive the INDI alliance for this insult,'' Modi said. At an INDIA bloc rally in Mumbai last month, Rahul Gandhi had said, ''In the Hindu religion, there is a word called 'Shakti' . We are fighting against a 'Shakti'.'' Later, Gandhi accused the prime minister of twisting his words. ''The 'Shakti' that I mentioned, Modi ji is the mask of that power and we are fighting against it. It is such a power that today it has captured India's voice, India's institutions, the CBI, I-T, ED, Election Commission, the media, Indian industry and the entire constitutional structure of India in its clutches,'' he had said on X. ''I recognise that power and so does Narendra Modi ji. It is not any kind of religious power, it is the power of unrighteousness, corruption and falsehood. That's why whenever I raise my voice against it, Modi ji and his machine of lies gets upset and enraged,'' the Congress leader had added. Addressing an election rally in Saharanpur on April 6, Modi had said that it is the country's misfortune that leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc are openly talking about ''fighting against Shakti''. ''In every corner of Hindustan, worshipping Shakti is a part of our natural spiritual journey. ''But it is the misfortune of the country that the leaders of INDI Alliance openly throw a challenge that their fight is against Shakti. Can anyone finish Shakti, and challenge the power of Shakti? And, those who made an effort to destroy Shakti, what happened to them? It is mentioned in history and the Puranas,'' Modi had said. Eight parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh -- Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit -- will vote in the first phase of general elections on April 19.
Three accused arrested for raping minor model in UPs Moradabad
The News Mill
Some leaders conspired against me: SP's S T Hasan on missing out party ticket for LS polls
S T Hasan faced nomination issues in Moradabad due to delays caused by conspiracy. Confusion arose when Ruchi Vira claimed to be SP's official candidate on March 24, clarified later. Hasan received party papers late due to delays in Rampur.
India showing world nothing is impossible: PM Modi
India showing world nothing is impossible: PM Modi Amid the various difficulties being faced by the world now, India is showing that there is nothing impossible for it to achieve, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. He said this has been possible due to every single vote of the people. ''No matter how difficult the goal is, if India is determined to achieve it, it will definitely achieve. Today, with this inspiration and energy, we are working towards the resolution of a developed India,'' he said at a poll rally here. ''Amidst the difficulties of the entire world, India is showing that there is nothing impossible for it,'' he said The prime minister noted there was a time when the Congress government used to ask for help from the world, but during the Covid pandemic, medicines were made available to the whole world from India. ''When India became the world's fastest growing economic power, were you (people) proud of it or not? When our Chandrayaan hoisted the tricolour on the moon, were you proud or not? The grand G20 summit held in India was praised all over the world,'' he added. ''When the country becomes strong, the world listens to it,'' Modi said. Eight parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on April 19. These are Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit. Counting of votes will be held on June 4.
Bijnor Lok Sabha constituency: Candidates list, polling date, present MP and more
Bijnor will go to polls along with seven other parliamentary constituencies in UP, including Bijnor and Moradabad, in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls.
Power Games | Parties go all-out to pick best candidate
Battle Preparedness Parties go all-out to pick best candidate The current Lok Sabha election is a keenly contested battle in which all political parties are trying to put up the best possible candidates in every parliamentary seat. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadavs failed attempt to change the Moradabad candidate on the last day of filing nomination after he fell out with the jailed co-founder of his party Azam Khan drew a lot of media attention. The Akhilesh-Azam brinkmanship had all the makings of a potboiler. Akhilesh travelling to jail to meet the veteran leader; Azam putting tough conditions for lending support to Samajwadi candidates and then both reportedly going back on their promises. As a result, Akhilesh got stuck with a candidate he didnt want in Moradabad and Azam didnt get the candidate he wanted in his stronghold Rampur. It was quite a thriller. But who can beat Lalu Yadav when it comes to delivering an interesting story. Lalus search for the right candidate for the Munger Lok Sabha constituency against former president of the Janata Dal (United) and Nitish Kumars confidant Rajiv Ranjan aka Lalan Singh led him to local strongman Ashok Mahto. But there was a problem. Mahto had walked out of jail after seventeen years only a year back while the law puts a six-year bar on persons convicted for over two years in criminal cases. Lalu found a novel solution to a seemingly difficult impasse. A decision was taken to help Mahto, who was a bachelor, find a bride and then give his wife the Lok Sabha ticket from Munger. A hunt was launched for a suitable girl for Mahto and he married Anita Kumari. Anita will now take on Lalan. Media Matters Govt may look into BBCs new partnership The BBC has outsourced its entire business of generating news content in six Indian languages to a newly created entity Collective Newsroom. The BBC top brass is flying down from London for the formal launch of the new entity on April 12 in Delhi. The Collective Newsrooms owners and employees are all BBC staff who are now part of the new company. The four founders of the Collective Newsroom are Rupa Jha, who was the editor of languages till the day the new entity was formed, Sara Hassan, a general manager at the BBC, Sanjoy Majumder, managing editor of the BBC and Mukesh Sharma, digital editor of the BBC. Two hundred employees of the BBC have now shifted to the new company. The Collective Newsroom is practically the BBC with a new name and management. The BBC will pay Collective Newsroom a fee for news gathering (salaries of journalists and support staff) and operational expenses (office rentals and other overheads) which will be equal to what the British company was spending on these heads when it directly controlled these operations. The only difference is that Collective Newsroom is a hundred per cent Indian-owned company, while the BBC was a foreign company. The Collective Newsroom was formed as a recent change in the FDI laws barred foreign entities from owning more than 26% of Indian digital news companies. The BBC, UK owned almost 100% of the company managing its India operations. The BBCs UK arm has now applied for a 26% stake in Collective Newsroom. Government sources said the tax authorities will look into the beneficial ownership and the structure of the new entity before acceding to the BBC request for equity acquisition. Shahid Faridi The writer is Resident Editor, TNIE, New Delhi. Follow him on X @Shahid_Faridi
The News Mill
Acting against corruption to ensure a better future for people: PM Modi in UP
Eight parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh -- Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit -- will vote in the first phase on April 19. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
Congress manifesto completely bears imprint of Muslim League: PM Modi
Congress manifesto completely bears imprint of Muslim League: PM Modi Virtually equating the Congress with the Muslim League, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the grand old party's election manifesto reflects the same thought as that of the Muslim League at the time of the freedom movement. Prime Minister Modi said the Congress, which existed at the time of the freedom movement, has ''ended decades ago''. ''A number of great personalities were associated with the Congress. The name of Mahatma Gandhi was associated with the Congress. The Congress, which is left today, neither has policies in the interest of the nation nor vision for the nation's development,'' Prime Minister Modi said. ''Yesterday, the kind of election manifesto was released, it has proved that today's Congress is completely cut off from the hopes and aspirations of today's India,'' he added addressing an election rally in Saharanpur. Sharpening his attack further, he said said the Congress is not visible even remotely. Prime Minister Modi also took a jibe at the Samajwadi Party, which is a member of the INDIA bloc and an election partner of the Congress in Uttar Pradesh. ''The situation of SP (Samajwadi Party) in Uttar Pradesh is such that here they have to change their candidates every hour, whereas the situation of Congress is even more strange. The Congress is not getting candidates at all,'' Prime Minister Modi said. ''Even on the seats, which the Congress considered as its stronghold, it is not able to muster the courage to field candidates,'' he added apparently referring to the Congress strongholds of Amethi and Rae Bareli. Prime Minister Modi said the ''INDI alliance has become another name for instability and uncertainty''. ''That's why today the country is not taking seriously even a single thing said by them,'' he added. Without taking the name of former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Prime Minister Modi said, ''You might remember here in Uttar Pradesh that the film featuring two boys ('do ladke'), which had flopped last time, the film of two boys has been re-released by these people.'' ''I do not understand how many times will these INDI alliance members put the wooden pot (on fire)?'' he added. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party had also contested the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections together. According to the election schedule, eight parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls on April 19. These are Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
INDI alliance is for commission, NDA is on mission: PM Modi
INDI alliance is for commission, NDA is on mission: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the opposition INDIA bloc's aim is to earn commission after coming to power while the BJP-led NDA is on a mission. Addressing an election rally in Saharanpur, Modi said the opposition alliance was fighting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections just to stop the BJP from winning more than 370 seats. ''During its rule, the Congress' focus was on earning commissions. The INDI alliance too aims to earn commission after coming to power but the NDA and Modi sarkar is on a mission,'' Modi said. ''The opposition is fighting just to stop the BJP from winning more than 370 seats. The Samajwadi Party is changing candidates every hour while the Congress can't even find candidates to field,'' Modi said. ''The Congress does not have the courage to field candidates even in those seats which are considered its stronghold,'' he added. Modi said the Congress manifesto bears a Muslim League imprint and part of it is dominated by leftists. The prime minister said the INDIA bloc has become synonymous with instability and uncertainty and the people of the country were not taking them seriously. He said it is the misfortune of the country that the opposition alliance is talking about fighting against 'shakti'. ''Worshipping shakti is a part of our natural spiritual journey. But, the people of the INDI alliance say their fight is against shakti,'' Modi said. According to the election schedule, eight parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on April 19. These are Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.
After Moradabad & Rampur, SPs Musical Chair Of Candidates In Meerut
2024 LS Polls: SP Caught in bind yet again, this time in Badaun over Shivpal's candidature
LUCKNOW: The Samajwadi Party seems to be in a state of persistent confusion over ticket distribution in Uttar Pradesh. After a mix-up in the selection of candidates for Moradabad, Rampur, Meerut, and Baghpat, leading to repeated replacements, the spotlight now shifts to the prestigious Badaun seat, where Shivpal, the uncle of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, has been named as the party candidate. In fact, Akhilesh had already made one change in Badaun. Initially, he had nominated cousin Dharmendra Yadav in the first list, only to replace him with his uncle Shivpal within a couple of days. Dharmendra has been shifted to Azamgarh. Badaun is scheduled for polling in the third phase on May 7th. Shivpal Yadav is already engaged in robust campaigning in the constituency, reaching out to people and holding party workers meeting in each assembly segment. Late on Tuesday night, a buzz suddenly started doing rounds in the political circles that Shivpal Yadav may leave Badaun seat for his son Aditya Yadav as Samajwadi Party candidate. The buzz gained weight after a resolution to this effect was formally passed at the party's 'karyakarta sammelan' (party workers conference) held in Gunnaur assembly segment of Badaun Lok Sabha seat on Tuesday. The party workers conference in Gunnaur was a part of a similar exercise being held in each of the five assembly segments of Badaun LS seat. Such conferences have already been held in Bisauli, Sahaswan and Badaun assembly segments. In Gunnaur assembly seat, workers turned out in large numbers, Shivpal said, talking to the media on the sidelines of the conference. Asked about the resolution passed by the party workers seeking Aditya Yadavs candidature from the seat, Shivpal confirmed the development. The resolution was passed and now it will be sent to the party president. It is for partys national leadership to take a call, he said adding: ab rashtriya netritva ki sehmati mil jaani chahiye (Now partys national leaderships consent is all that is needed), he said. However, in a U-turn on Wednesday, Shivpal said that his name had been included in the partys official list as the candidate from Badaun and would remain unchanged unless the party made a different decision. Wherever we went and held meetings in Badaun, public made the demand for the candidature of Aditya. They made the demand and they have the right to do that. List is released by the national leadership and it has my name. So I shall be the candidate. Strategies are formed and they can't be divulged to the media. Let strategy be strategy, said Shivpal while talking to news persons. In fact, Badaun has been a very prestigious seat for the Samajwadi Party, as it has been represented in Lok Sabha by its candidates half a dozen times since 1996 till 2014. In 2019, BJPs Sanghmitra Maurya wrested it from SPs Dharmendra Yadav. Significantly, Shivpal has been trying the political rehabilitation of his son Aditya Yadav for quite some time but party chief Akhilesh Yadav has not been lending an ear to him. He had sought a ticket for Aditya in 2022 Assembly polls as well when his Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party -Lohia (PSPL) had contested in alliance with the SP. PSPL finally merged SP after party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadavs demise in October 2022 and Shivpal played a very crucial role in ensuring the victory of Dimple Yadav in Mainpuri by-poll necessitated by the demise of MSY. However, as per the party insiders, in the ensuing elections, Shivpal was keen on getting a ticket of Lok Sabha for his son Aditya in his place. The party sources also claim that Shivpal wants to limit himself to the state politics and is not interested in going to Centre. Akhilesh Yadav is yet to pay heed to chachas wish of establishing Aditya in politics.
Seven women among 80 candidates in first phase of LS polls in Uttar Pradesh
NOIDA: Among the 80 candidates in the fray for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh, just seven or 8.75 per cent are women, according to official data. The figure is lower than the first phase of the 2019 general elections when 12 of the 91 contenders or 13.18 per cent were women. However, none of those female candidates were victorious. Of the 80 Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, eight -- Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit -- will go to polls in the first phase on April 19. Kairana, Moradabad and Saharanpur have two female candidates each and Muzaffarnagar has one. Bijnor, Pilibhit, Rampur and Nagina do not have any female contenders, the Election Commission website showed. In Kairana, the Samajwadi Party has fielded Iqra Choudhary while Priti Kashyap is representing the Rashtriya Mazdoor Ekta Party. Ruchi Vira is the Samajwadi Party nominee and Sadhna Singh is an Independent candidate in Moradabad. In Saharanpur, Tasmeem Bano and Shabnam are fighting it out as Independents while Kavita, the lone woman candidate in Muzaffarnagar, is representing Rashtrawadi Janlok Party (Satya). During the first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, when voting was held in these eight seats, Pilibhit, Kairana and Rampur had three female candidates each, Saharanpur had two and Nagina one. Bijnor, Moradabad and Muzaffarnagar didn't have any female candidates. March 30 was the last date of nomination withdrawal for the first phase of the 2024 general elections. Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said 155 candidates had filed nominations and during their scrutiny on March 28, nomination papers of 71 were rejected. Four candidates -- two from Saharanpur and one each from Kairana and Moradabad -- withdrew their nomination. In the eight Lok Sabha constituencies of the first phase, 80 candidates are in the fray. There are 73 male candidates and seven female candidates. The list format 7A of all candidates has been prepared and election symbols have also been allotted to all candidates. Voting for the constituencies of the first phase will be held on April 19, Rinwa added.
PM Modi to address public meetings in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan tomorrow
PM Modi to address public meetings in Uttarakhand, Rajasthan tomorrow Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address public meetings in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan on April 2. PM Modi will speak at public gatherings in Uttarakhand's Rudrapur and Kothrutali in Rajasthan. Additionally, as part of his campaigning, the Prime Minister will conduct an election tour in Uttar Pradesh. He will address a public meeting in Saharanpur on April 6 and hold a roadshow in Ghaziabad on the same evening. The Prime Minister will also hold a huge public meeting in Pilibhot on April 9. He is likely to hold a public meeting in UP's Moradabad on April 16. Meanwhile, with more than two weeks to go for the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will celebrate the party's foundation day with the slogan '400 Paar' on April 6. The party has issued an official circular to its office bearers (from the central leadership to booth-level teams), detailing various programs to be conducted to celebrate the foundation day. These programs include meetings with beneficiaries, door-to-door interactions, Padyatras, bike rallies, and felicitations of senior workers, to be organized across the country. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 303 seats, while the Indian National Congress (INC) managed to secure only 52 seats. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections for 543 seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19. Nearly 97 crore voters are eligible to cast votes in the general elections. (ANI)
SP NOMINATIONS: CONFUSION GALORE AS SEATS SEE MULTIPLE CANDIDATES
Confusion prevailed in Rampur and Moradabad Lok Sabha constituencies over the authorised Samajwadi Party candidates, as two of them, each from both the seats, filed their nominations on Wednesday proclaiming themselves to be the original party candidate. In Rampur, SP leadership furnished a surprise when it sent party state president Naresh Uttar Patel to accompany [] The post SP NOMINATIONS: CONFUSION GALORE AS SEATS SEE MULTIPLE CANDIDATES appeared first on Northlines .
In name of PDA, Akhilesh continuously fooling Muslims: Asaduddin Owaisi
In name of PDA, Akhilesh continuously fooling Muslims: Asaduddin Owaisi After forming PDM (Pichda, Dalit Musalman) alliance in Uttar Pradesh, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that this alliance will be a huge step for delivering social justice. Owaisi further accused Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav of exploiting Muslims in the name of participation but never gives them any chance to rise and live with dignity. Owaisi told ANI that Akhilesh Yadav's PDA has been continuously fooling the Muslims. In the name of PDA, Akhilesh Yadav has been continuously fooling the Muslims and he wants the Muslims to just keep selling carpets and shouting slogans for them. He cancelled the ticket of a senior political leader in Moradabad (ST Hasan). Akhilesh Yadav talks about the participation of Muslims but does not give them any participation. Their aim is that Muslims keep voting for them blindly . They are creating drama in Rampur also, he said. Further, the AIMIM chief said that on one side there is BJP which does not want Muslim votes. This alliance will be a huge step for social justice. This will be a revolutionary step in the history of Uttar Pradesh. This has not only been made keeping the Parliamentary elections in mind but will also be taken forward till the Legislative Assembly elections, Owaisi added. On the matter of delay in announcing the alliance, Owaisi agreed that there has been a delay but they will work ahead and fight the elections with full strength. Meanwhile, AIMIM and Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) announced an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha elections on Sunday. Apna Dal (Kamerawadi)'s leader Pallavi Patel and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi led the alliance, which has been named PDM, which means Pichda, Dalit and Musalman. Other parties like Premchand Bind's Pragatisheel Manav Samaj Party and Rashtriya Uday Party are also included in the alliance. Recently, the Samajwadi Party called off its ties with Apna Dal (Kameravadi) amid the differences between the alliance partners that had been playing out in public for a long time. Uttar Pradesh, which sends the maximum number of MPs, 80, to Parliament, will vote in all seven phases. Voting for phases one and two will be held on April 19 and April 26. Next, the state will once again poll in phases three and four on May 7 and May 13. The Uttar Pradesh electorate will also vote in phases five, six and seven on May 20, May 23 and June 1 respectively. The votes will be counted on June 4. (ANI)
Thousands of Muslims attend PM Modi rally in UP's Meerut: BJP
Thousands of Muslims attend PM Modi rally in UP's Meerut: BJP Thousands of people from the Muslim community, some of them part of a motorcycle rally, on Sunday attended the election meeting addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here, BJP's minority wing office-bearers said. ''A little over 10,000 Muslims attended the election rally. Most of them came from Meerut district,'' said Javed Malik, president of Minority Morcha of UP BJP's western unit. ''There is a craze among people regarding Modi ji. People who got benefits of the Centre's various schemes came here to listen to him. Those who have seen the works of Modi ji and Yogi (Adityanath) ji, and those who wanted to see Modi ji came here,'' Malik told PTI here. Sameer Khan, in-charge of Minority Morcha of UP BJP for Meerut Lok Sabha seat, who also attended the rally, said that a motorcycle march was taken out from Gandhibagh to the rally venue with active participation of 100 bikers. ''The level of enthusiasm among the participants of the motorcycle rally was high,'' Khan said, adding that people now feel much more safe in the Meerut city. People who participated in the PM's rally poll said they were excited about the event. ''The reason for the excitement is that for the past 10 years, the Samajwadi Party, the BSP and the Congress were never seen enquiring the wellbeing of the citizens,'' Anjum Nizami, who runs a battery repairing unit here, said. Yunus Saifi, a resident of Meerut South assembly segment, claimed that the BJP will win a majority of the Lok Sabha seats in the state. Dilshad Ahmad, a veterinary doctor who came from Bijnor to attend the rally, said that along with him, around 300 people came to listen to Prime Minister Modi. ''There has been a significant change of mindset among people about the BJP. A large number of beneficiaries of various schemes of the government including Ayushman Yojana and Awas Yojana are Muslims. This election rally will definitely send a strong message to the public,'' he said. BJP's Malik also said that ''the turnout of so many Muslims in the election rally definitely suggest a significant shift of the community towards the BJP''. He added that the Meerut Lok Sabha constituency has a significant number of Muslim voters. Malik said that in the 2019 elections, the alliance of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), SP and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) had achieved success in the Muslim-dominated region of western UP. However, the political equations have completely changed this time, he claimed. The Lok Sabha constituencies in western UP with a sizeable Muslim population are Rampur (42 per cent), Amroha (32 per cent), Saharanpur (30 per cent), Bijnor, Nagina and Moradabad (28 per cent each), Muzaffarnagar (27 per cent), Kairana and Meerut (23 per cent each) and Sambhal (22 per cent). Apart from this, the Muslim voters constitute 19 per cent of the electoral population each in Bulandshahr, Baghpat and Aligarh. Around 15.34 crore people are eligible to vote in Uttar Pradesh -- a politically crucial state with 80 Lok Sabha seats where the elections will be held in seven phases beginning April 19. According to the election schedule, eight parliamentary constituencies will vote in the first phase on April 19. These are Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP won 62 seats and its ally Apna Dal (S) two seats, brushing aside the challenge of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance. The BSP was the biggest gainer in the alliance with 10 seats. Akhilesh Yadav's SP won five seats while the RLD couldn't open its account in the polls. The Congress won the lone Raebareli seat from where Sonia Gandhi had contested.
LS polls: Apna Dal (K) quits INDIA bloc, launches joint front with Owaisi's AIMIM
LS polls: Apna Dal (K) quits INDIA bloc, launches joint front with Owaisi's AIMIM Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) on Sunday formally broke away from the opposition INDIA bloc and tied up with Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM to launch a joint front ahead of Lok Sabha polls. The two opposition parties floated the PDM Nyay Morcha, calling it a front to bring justice to Pichda (backwards), Dalits and Muslims. This is similar to PDA -- an acronym for Pichda, Dalit and Alpasankhyak (minorities) -- coined by the former Apna Dal (K) ally Samajwadi Party. Apna Dal (K) leader Pallavi Patel made it clear that the party was no longer an ally of the SP which is a member of the INDIA bloc. ''We are not a part of the INDIA bloc now,'' Apna Dal (K) chief Krishna Patel told PTI. She also said that her party's alliance with the SP does not exist anymore and blamed Akhilesh Yadav for the breakup. Pallavi Patel told PTI that it was SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who said that the alliance with Apna Dal was for the 2022 Assembly elections, and not for the Lok Sabha polls. ''We were invited by the Congress to be a part of the INDI alliance and they should have made it clear whether we are a part of the INDIA bloc or not? But the Congress did not take much interest,'' Pallavi Patel said. Pallavi Patel along with her mother Krishna Patel, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Owaisi and leaders of other political parties held a joint press conference to announce the formation of the PDM Nyay Morcha. Pallavi Patel also indicated that Owaisi can look after the interests of Muslims better than SP chief Yadav. ''Without this (PDM) 'morcha', no government will be formed in the country,'' Pallavi Patel told reporters. Asked if the A in PDA was replaced with M due to Owaisi, Pallavi Patel said, ''If this is the result of the company of Owaisi sahab, then what is the harm in it? The fight for social justice should be fought with transparency.'' ''There was confusion surrounding the alphabet A as in some cases, it stood for 'aadhi aabaadi' (half the population), sometimes it was 'agrhaa' (upper caste), sometimes it stood for 'alpasankhyak' (minorities) and sometimes, it stood for 'Adivasi' (tribals),'' she added. ''I am of the view that there should not be any confusion in politics. So, to remove the confusion about A, we have worked to make those (people) join, who have been victims of social, economic and political exploitation,'' she said. Currently, Pallavi Patel is an SP MLA from the Sirathu Assembly constituency in Kaushambi district. Asked if the PDM can safeguard the interests of the 'alpasankhyak', Owaisi said, ''You can see what happened in Moradabad (Lok Sabha seat). S T Hasan was the leader of the party in the Lok Sabha, and he was insulted and mistreated.'' Samajwadi Party's Moradabad MP S T Hasan was denied a ticket by the party. Owaisi also said that the fight has to be taken beyond the parliamentary elections and exuded confidence that the people of Uttar Pradesh will support the PDM. Krishna Patel urged the workers of all the parties of the PDM Nyay Morcha to unite for the Lok Sabha polls and strengthen the alliance. The Apna Dal (K) on March 22 expressed displeasure over not being given any seat by the INDIA bloc for the Lok Sabha polls. It also said that the opposition alliance leaders should clarify if Apna Dal (K) was still part of the bloc. The development came after the SP chief's remarks that the alliance with Apna Dal (K) was for the 2022 Assembly elections and not the Lok Sabha polls. Yadav made the comments after Apna Dal (K) said that it would be contesting three Lok Sabha seats -- Phulpur, Mirzapur and Kaushambi. Pallavi Patel contested the 2022 Assembly elections from the Sirathu seat on an SP ticket and defeated BJP candidate and deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Asked if she would resign as MLA, Pallavi Patel said, ''I am not an MLA of the Samajwadi Party. I am an MLA of the Apna Dal's alliance. However, SP has the right to ask for my resignation and expel me.'' The rift between the SP and the Apna Dal came out in the open during the recent Rajya Sabha election when Pallavi Patel insisted that she would only vote for PDA candidates. Two of the three SP candidates were not from any of the three groups. The Mirzapur Lok Sabha seat is currently represented by Union minister and Apna Dal (Sonelal) chief Anupriya Patel. The Phulpur and Kaushambi Lok Sabha constituencies are also represented by BJP MPs.
Will split in Muslim votes yet again help BJP in western UP?
Lucknow: As the polling date for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh draws near, all eyes are on the seats of Rampur, Moradabad and Sambhal and other seats of western UP, where the Muslims constitute 23 per cent to 42 per cent of the electoral population. Around 15.34 crore people are Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tragic Accident Claims Four Lives in Moradabad District
Lucknow: Four individuals tragically lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries in a car accident that occurred in the Kanth area of Moradabad district, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Moradabad, Sandeep Kumar Meena, reported that the incident took place around 2 a.m. when a vehicle traveling from Dehradun, Uttarakhand, collided with an electric pole near Kanth. According to Meena, the collision resulted in the immediate death of four individuals from the same family, while two others were injured and subsequently admitted to the district hospital. Postmortem examinations are being conducted for the deceased, while the injured are receiving medical treatment. Further investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, also a member of the affected family, had fallen asleep at the wheel, leading to the loss of control and collision with the electric pole. Currently, the driver is in a state of shock and is undergoing questioning by authorities. Authorities have initiated further investigations into the incident, and additional details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses. Amit Shah Criticizes Congress Over Katchatheevu Island Surrender BJP Criticizes INDIA Bloc's Rally at Ramlila Ground as Save Family Rather Than Save Democracy NCP Leader Jitendra Awhad Questions AAP's Raghav Chadha's Absence Amid Arvind Kejriwal's Custody
BJP Dominates Arunachal Pradesh Assembly Elections: 10 Candidates Elected Unopposed
Itanagar: I n a significant turn of events, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain announced on Saturday that 10 BJP candidates have clinched victory unopposed as the nomination withdrawal period came to a close. The electoral battleground witnessed a scenario where only one candidate had filed nomination papers in six assembly constituencies, paving the way for their uncontested victory. Similarly, in four other constituencies, the withdrawal of rival candidates left the BJP nominees unchallenged. Among the notable winners are Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his deputy Chowna Mein, both securing their seats without contest. Pema Khandu emerged as the sole candidate for the Mukto assembly constituency, while Deputy CM Chowna Mein secured victory in the Chowkham seat after his lone rival from the Congress, Bayamso Kri, withdrew his nomination on the final day. In a statement, CEO Pawan Sain highlighted the single nomination filings in six constituencies and the withdrawal of opposition candidates in four others, solidifying the BJP's dominance in the electoral landscape. The list of victorious BJP candidates includes prominent figures such as Ratu Techi, Jikke Tako, Nyato Dukam, Mutchu Mithi, Hage Appa, Techi Kaso, Dongru Siongju, and Smt Dasanglu Pul, alongside Pema Khandu and Chowna Mein. Despite the BJP securing 10 uncontested seats, the number falls short of the 11 seats won unopposed by the Congress in 2014. Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed a history of unopposed victories, with candidates winning without contest in previous elections. Expressing delight over the unopposed victories, CM Pema Khandu attributed the success to PM Modi's leadership and the state government's development initiatives. He emphasized the people's trust in the BJP's commitment to comprehensive state development. Echoing Khandu's sentiments, Assam Minister Ashok Singhal expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the state assembly polls. Singhal envisioned a landslide victory for BJP candidates, setting the stage for a historic achievement of winning all 60 assembly seats. Earlier reports indicated that six BJP candidates were poised to win unopposed after no other candidates filed nominations, underscoring the BJP's stronghold in Arunachal Pradesh. The state, with 60 assembly seats and 2 Lok Sabha constituencies, is set for polling on April 19. With BJP fielding candidates in all 60 assembly constituencies and Congress contesting 34 seats, the electoral landscape is primed for a fierce battle. Recent political developments, including defections and party mergers, have bolstered BJP's position, indicating a formidable electoral campaign ahead. Tragic Incident in Bihar: Mohammad Iddu Mian Commits Suicide After Killing Family Tragic Accident Claims Four Lives in Moradabad District Amit Shah Criticizes Congress Over Katchatheevu Island Surrender
4 dead, 2 injured as car collides with electric pole in Uttar Pradeshs Moradabad
The News Mill
