Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Updates | Lok Sabha Polls: Rahul Gandhi, Hema Malini, Shashi Tharoor In Fray For Phase 2 Voting

Lok Sabha Polls: Fate Of Over 1,200 Candidates To Be Decided In Phase 2 Elections

As many as 1,202 candidates, including prominent faces such as Rahul Gandhi, Om Birla and Hema Malini, will try their electoral luck in phase two of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday. Polling is scheduled from 7 am in 88 constituencies across 13 states and Union territories in this phase.

The remaining five phases of the polls will continue till June 1, with counting of votes scheduled on June 4. More than 16 lakh polling officials have been deployed across 1.67 lakh polling stations for over 15.88 crore voters, the Election Commission (EC) said.

Voters include 8.08 crore male, 7.8 crore female and 5,929 third gender electors. As many as 34.8 lakh first-time voters are registered to cast their votes. Additionally, there are 3.28 crore young voters in the age group of 20-29 years, the poll authority said. Voter awareness and facilitation measures have been further geared up for higher turnout this time.

PM Modi Slams Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at the alliance of Samajwadi Party and Congress in Uttar Pradesh and alleged that "do shehzade" (two princes) have come together for the politics of appeasement. Without taking any names but in an apparent attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Modi said, "Can you expect development from the flop pair of 'Do ladkon ki jodi' (a pair of boys)?"

Modi addressed a rally here in support of the BJP candidates from Shahjahanpur and nearby Lok Sabha constituencies."Politics of appeasement is the biggest reason for the "do shehzade" to come together," he said.

Rahul Gandhi Appeals To Vote For 'Hand' Symbol To Form 'Hindustaniyon Ki Sarkar'

Ahead of the second phase of Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the voters to support the Congress and vote for the 'hand' symbol to form a 'government of the Indians'.

In a video message shared on his official 'X' handle, Gandhi said that this election is meant to protect the Constitution and democracy while urging the citizens to "fulfil their duty towards democracy".

"This election is an election to save democracy and principles. On one side, BJP and RSS are trying to destroy democracy and the constitution. And on the other side, Congress party and INDI alliance are making efforts to protect the constitution and democracy," Rahul Gandhi said.

Modi Explains Why 'The Leaders Of Congress Will Not Be Able To Vote For Congress'

Addressing a public rally in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, PM Modi says "...The leaders of Congress will not be able to vote for Congress but Modi will vote for BJP. In this election, the royal family of Congress that lives in Delhi will not vote for Congress because there is no candidate from Congress contesting elections there..."

PM Modi Praises CM Yogi Aditynath's Government In UP  

Addressing a public rally in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, PM Modi says "...When CM Yogi Adityanath's government came here, all the schemes which were stalled during the Samajwadi Party regime and the vehicle of development started running fast. Earlier, where the roads were not safe...now expressways are passing there..."

Congress Accused PM Modi Of Speading 'Lies' 

The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of spreading "lies" to divert attention from real issues in the Lok Sabha polls and challenged him to point out where in the party's manifesto is "redistribution of wealth" mentioned.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed that PM Modi "symbolises Asatyamev Jayate'. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Ramesh said the Congress will not play on the pitch prepared by the BJP but "will play on the pitch of issues of unemployment and price rise".

Ramesh claimed that the trends from the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls show that in some states, the BJP has been "wiped out" and in some states, its seats are going down as compared to the 2019 polls.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Campaigning Ends For Jammu Lok Sabha Seat

Campaigning for the election to the Jammu Lok Sabha seat ended Wednesday evening, setting the stage for over 17.81 lakh eligible voters to exercise their franchise on April 26 to decide the fate of 22 candidates in the fray.

This is the second Lok Sabha seat in Jammu and Kashmir to go to polls in this election. Earlier, polling was held in the Udhampur seat on April 19 and a voter turnout of over 68 per cent was recorded.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir Pandurang K Pole said there was no untoward incident reported during the campaigning.

Telangana Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live Updates: BJP Will End Muslim Reservation Imposed By BRS And Congress, Says Amit Shah In Medak Rally

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a public rally in Medak Lok Sabha seat. He says, "BJP has decided to end the Muslim reservation imposed by BRS and Congress. BJP will bring the reservation for SC, ST and OBC... The holistic development of Telangana can only happen when the BJP government will be formed in the centre."

#WATCH | Siddipet, Telangana: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a public rally in Medak Lok Sabha seat.

He says, "BJP has decided to end the Muslim reservation imposed by BRS and Congress. BJP will bring the reservation for SC, ST and OBC... The holistic development of… pic.twitter.com/pgSqPxgF5L

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Live Updates: Congress Targets PM Modi Citing RBI Data On Rising Gold Loan 

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh addresses a press conference during which he targets the Modi govt citing the latest RBI data on rising gold loans taken by ordinary Indian families.

RBI के आंकड़े कहते हैं -

31 मार्च 2024 तक देश के परिवारों ने अपना सोना गिरवी रखकर बैंकों से कुल 1 लाख करोड़ रुपए का कर्ज लिया है।

ये आंकड़ा केवल बैंकों का है। इसमें असंगठित क्षेत्रों और साहूकारों से लिया गया कर्ज शामिल नहीं है।

अगर सभी क्षेत्रों से लिए गए कर्ज का आंकड़ा… pic.twitter.com/wGUkPKfQum

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 25, 2024

UP Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Live: Congress Insults Ambedkar, Constitution Daily, Says PM Modi In Agra

During his speech in Agra rally, PM Modi slams the Congress party, saying that it is “insulting” Baba Saheb Ambedkar and the Constitution daily referring to the “reservation based on religion”. PM Modi says, “It was clear after Independence that reservation cannot be given based on religion...Congress is such a party which insults Baba Saheb Ambedkar daily, insults the Constitution and tears apart social justice.”

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Live Updates: 'Jab Tak Modi Zinda Hain...', PM's Big Warning To Congress In Agra Rally

Addressing a public gathering in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slams appeasement politics, stating that it has fragmented the nation and deprived the honest of their rights. PM Modi asserts his commitment to ending appeasement politics and transitioning towards a culture of satisfaction and inclusivity. In a big warning to Congress,INDI bloc, PM Modi says, "...Will you let go of your property to the corrupt SP-Congress alliance? Before looting the SC, ST and OBC rights and eyeing women's mangal sutra- 'Jab tak Modi zinda hain, aisa koe bhi paap karne se phele apko Modi se nipatna padega'..."

#WATCH | Addressing a public gathering in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...Will you let go of your property to the corrupt SP-Congress alliance? Before looting the SC, ST and OBC rights and eyeing women's mangal sutra- 'Jab tak Modi zinda hain, aisa koe… pic.twitter.com/vfz6cACnv9

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Live Updates: Will Strengthen BJP In Bihar, Says YouTuber Manish

After joining the BJP, YouTuber Manish Kashyap says, "...We came from Bihar with Manoj Tiwari, yesterday. I could be released from jail only due to them and the bad days of my life ended. So, I joined the BJP. We have to strengthen Bihar. Lalu family looted and destroyed Bihar. So, I joined the BJP. Together with the BJP, I will strengthen Bihar...Allegations were levelled against me but the Patna Court not only granted me bail but also acquitted me. NSA slapped on me was withdrawn...My fight against those who defame Sanatana and those who are against nationalism will continue..."

#WATCH | Delhi: After joining the BJP, YouTuber Manish Kashyap says, "...We came from Bihar with Manoj Tiwari, yesterday. I could be released from jail only due to them and the bad days of my life ended. So, I joined the BJP. We have to strengthen Bihar. Lalu family looted and… pic.twitter.com/1AHSz74THk

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Live Updates: 'Will Hit Sixes On All Six Balls', Says Akhilesh On BJP Rival In Kannauj 

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "I have filed my nomination papers. The sentiments of the party, leaders, workers, and everyone were that I should contest the election from here on behalf of the Samajwadi Party. I express my gratitude to everyone. I hope I will get blessings from here." ''The development was deliberately stalled by the BJP government because it was started by Samajwadi. BJP has done negative politics. BJP has time and again insulted people...I had come to serve the people of Kannauj earlier as well. The people of Kannauj have seen development happening," he says.

On BJP candidate from Kannauj, Subrat Pathak's 'India Vs Pakistan Match' Jibe, SP chief says, "Neither will he be able to throw the ball, nor will he be able to swing the bat. 'Agar pehli ball par chhakka nahin maara toh hum bhi Samajwadi nahin'. We will hit sixes on all six balls."

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: On BJP candidate from Kannauj, Subrat Pathak's "India vs Pakistan match", SP chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "Neither will he be able to throw the ball, nor will he be able to swing the bat. 'Agar pehli ball par chhakka nahin maara toh hum bhi Samajwadi nahin'.… pic.twitter.com/25ECBL124D

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Live Updates: Tharoor Doing Third-Rate Politics, Says Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat, Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, "He (Dr Shashi Tharoor) relies upon this type of third-rate politics, putting fear in people's minds and telling lies. In any case, I have clearly said that everybody is free to do politics. Article 19 protects everybody's free speech. But, if you trespass into lying about my personal integrity, then I will come after you. I will ensure under the law that the consequences will be served on you... But, the facts about these elections are far simpler to understand and fundamental..."

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Live Updates: YouTuber Manish Kashyap Joins BJP

Popular YouTuber Manish Kashyap joins the BJP and the party office in Delhi. Kashyap, who hails from Bihar, joined the saffron party in the presence of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari and Anil Baluni, at its New Delhi office.

#WATCH | YouTuber Manish Kashyap joins the BJP, in Delhi.

(Video Source: BJP) pic.twitter.com/eMnSxRJZmL

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Live Updates: YouTuber Manish Kashyap Joins BJP

Popular YouTuber Manish Kashyap joins the BJP and the party office in Delhi. Kashyap, who hails from Bihar, joined the saffron party in the presence of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari and Anil Baluni, at its New Delhi office.

#WATCH | YouTuber Manish Kashyap joins the BJP, in Delhi.

(Video Source: BJP) pic.twitter.com/eMnSxRJZmL

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Chunav LIVE Updates: BJP Is In Trouble, PM Modi Is Baffled, Says Congress' Jairam Ramesh

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserts that the BJP is facing challenges, suggesting that the Prime Minister is facing confusion. "BJP is in trouble. The PM is baffled," Ramesh said, highlighting the Prime Minister's attempts since April 19 to shift the agenda, including adding a communal angle to their manifesto and raising issues not present in it. "He is publicising our manifesto during his election rallies. Even though this publicity is wrong, it is based on lies, still, this is the first time that the PM is publicising the opposition's manifesto," he adds.

#WATCH | Congress leader Jairam Ramesh says, "BJP is in trouble. The PM is baffled. Since 19th April, he has been trying to take the whole agenda in a different direction. He tried to give a communal angle to our manifesto, after which, he raised some issues which are not there… pic.twitter.com/bm29AUtU5p

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE Updates: Rajiv Gandhi Scrapped Inheritance Law To Save His Property, Says PM Modi In MP

Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The facts relating to Inheritance Tax are eye-opening...When former PM Indira Gandhi died, her children were going to get her property. But there was a rule earlier, that before the property goes to the children some part of it was taken by the government...To save the property so that it does not go to the government, the then PM Rajiv Gandhi scrapped the Inheritance law..."

#WATCH | Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The facts relating to Inheritance Tax are eye-opening...When former PM Indira Gandhi died, her children were going to get her property. But there was a rule earlier, that… pic.twitter.com/RE4ExXF4PA

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

UP Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Live Updates: Akhilesh Yadav Files Nomination From Kannauj

Amid Samajwadi Party flip-flop, Akhilesh Yadav throws his hat in the Lok Sabha poll ring, and files nomination from Kannauj seat.

माननीय राष्ट्रीय अध्यक्ष श्री अखिलेश यादव जी ने कन्नौज लोकसभा से समाजवादी पार्टी के प्रत्याशी के रूप में अपना नामांकन पत्र दाखिल किया।#kannauj #AkhileshYadav pic.twitter.com/w4EXGgyGh7

— Jaysingh Pratap Yadav (@JaysinghYa) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Elections LIVE Updates: EC Takes Cognizance Of Alleged Model Code Violations By PM Modi, Rahul 

ECI has taken cognizance of alleged MCC violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Both BJP and INC had raised allegations of causing hatred and divide based on religion, caste, community, or language. ECI seeks response by 11 am on 29th April.

MP Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: PM Modi Slams Congress' 'Family First' Policy, Calls It Anti-Development Party  

Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Nothing is greater than the country for BJP. But for Congress, it is family first. Congress' policy is to keep the one who makes the maximum contribution, hard work and dedication for the country at the back. Therefore, for so many years, Congress did not allow the demands of army personnel like One Rank-One Pension to be fulfilled. We implemented One Rank-One Pension as soon as the government was formed."

#WATCH | Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Nothing is greater than the country for BJP. But for Congress, it is family first. Congress' policy is to keep the one who makes the maximum contribution, hard work and… pic.twitter.com/1mQlcHm39w

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

MP Lok Sabha Elections LIVE: Congress Party Is Anti-development Entity, Says PM Modi In Morena Rally 

During his address at the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the people of Madhya Pradesh understand the importance of distancing themselves from problems once they are resolved. He also referred to the Congress party as an anti-development entity. 

#WATCH | Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The people of Madhya Pradesh know that once you get rid of a problem, you should stay away from it. Congress party is such an anti-development party..." pic.twitter.com/fuC9GNhrXa

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

PM Modi In Madhya Pradesh Live: 'Under Congress, Chambal Suffered From Poor Governance'

PM Narendra Modi addressed the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, he said, "How can the people of Chambal forget the time during Congress rule? During Congress’ rule , Chambal suffered from poor governance." 

#WATCH | Addressing the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Morena, Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "How can the people of Chambal forget the time during Congress rule? During Congress' rule, Chambal's identity was bad governance" pic.twitter.com/CX2xRm6exR

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live Updates: Sharad Pawar's NCP Releases Election Manifesto

The NCP faction led by Sharad Pawar unveiled its manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha Election. The manifesto is named as the 'Shapath Patra'.

#WATCH | Pune, Maharashtra: NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar releases party's manifesto, for Lok Sabha elections. https://t.co/AkUtVjm5qK pic.twitter.com/endlJcTRzt

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Elections Live: AAP Leader Accuses BJP Of Carrying Out ‘Operation Lotus’ On Unopposed Victory In Surat

AAP leader Sanjay Singh commented on the BJP's uncontested victory in the Surat seat during the Lok Sabha Polls 2024. He stated that the situation in Surat showed the implementation of 'operation lotus' over the past decade. He added that Surat marked only the initial phase. Singh urged the public to recognise this as their final opportunity to cast their votes, highlighting that the BJP's unchallenged victory indicated a concerning trend. He expressed concerns that similar occurrences might become widespread across the nation post-2024, leading to the erosion of constitutional principles, reservation policies, and the electoral process.

VIDEO | Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Here's what AAP leader Sanjay Singh said reacting to BJP winning Surat seat unopposed.

"The live example of how 'operation lotus' has been carried out in the last 10 years is in front of us. Surat is just the beginning. BJP will finish the election.… pic.twitter.com/7EPD4NlGIN

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 25, 2024

Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Live: AAP Carry Out 'Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se' Campaign In Delhi

#WATCH | Delhi: AAP workers and leaders, including party MLA Somnath Bharti, carry out 'Jail Ka Jawab Vote Se' campaign, over CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in liquor policy case.

Visuals from outside Hauz Khas Metro Station. pic.twitter.com/LTF21dGWms

— ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2024