Election 2019: Bengal BJP Urges Modi to Contest from the State
Catch the latest news updates of Lok Sabha elections 2019 here.
Polling has concluded in 95 constituencies across India, in the second phase of elections, on Thursday, 18 April. The seven-phase voting will end on 19 May, and the results will be announced on 23 May.
Catch all the updates on the 2019 Lok Sabha elections here.
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Urban Bangalore Gives Cold Response to LS Polls
Almost half of Bangalore's urban voters didn't vote during the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday, 18 April, as voter turnout in India's tech hub continued to remain stagnant and the lowest in Karnataka.
"Comparison of voting percentage in the city's three Lok Sabha constituencies and its 28 Assembly segments during the parliamentary and Assembly elections shows no change in the apathy of the urban electorate in exercising their democratic rights," a poll official told IANS on Friday.
(Source: IANS)
Pragya's Remark on Karkare to Be Referred to EC
Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao has said that their media monitoring cell has taken cognizance of Pragya Thakur’s controversial remark on Hemant Karkare, reported Indian Express, adding that the matter will be referred to the Election Commission.
The poll panel may take a call on the matter on Saturday, the report said.
Priyanka Slams Modi Government over OROP
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of politicising the Armed Forces by calling the one rank one pension (OROP) a favour to them, reported news agency IANS.
Addressing party supporters at the Phoolbagh crossing, she said, "When I was coming here from the airport, there were lots of posters and hoardings along the way. One of the hoardings that read 'Sena ko OROP ka uphaar' (OROP gift to the armed forces) got me thinking.
"Is the OROP really a gift and favour to the Armed Forces or is it their right? The right of the Armed Forces is being publicised as a favour by the government. What is this mentality and who will change it?" she asked the crowd.
PM Modi Misleading People on Balakot Strike: Kumaraswamy
Speaking to news agency ANI, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has said that the prime minister is misleading the country and taking advantage out of it.
“He is misleading the people that he went to Pakistan border and he only dropped the bomb. Several PMs ruled this country, several times India-Pakistan war took place. Nobody took advantage about that issue for personal benefit,” Kumaraswamy said.
SP Announces Phulpur Candidate
Samajwadi Party has announced Pandhari Yadav as its candidate in the Lok Sabha elections for the Phulpur constituency.
Priyanka Gandhi Addresses Rally in Wayanad
While addressing an election rally in Wayanad, Kerala, Congress General Secretary for UP West, Priyanka Gandhi, said: “Five years ago, a government came into power that was voted in with a big majority. In all their wisdom, people of our country placed their faith and hopes in the BJP govt. That government, from the moment it came to power, began to betray that faith.”
“They began to believe that power belonged to them and not to the people. The first indication of this gross misunderstanding came when their own president declared shortly after the election that the promise of Rs 15 Lakh in every bank account was just for the sake of elections... what he called a 'jumla',” she added, as per ANI.
Amethi Poll Officer Postpones Scrutiny of Rahul's Nomination
Amethi returning officer orders postponement of scrutiny of Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s nomination papers to 22 April, reported news agency ANI.
Those With 'Tukde Tukde Gang' Can't Work for India's Progress: Modi
Speaking at a rally in Araria in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: “Those who feel discomfort chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and side with those saying 'Bharat Tere Tukde Honge' can do nothing for the progress of India, reported news agency PTI.
“The country is witnessing two types of politics - 'vote bhakti' and 'desh bhakti'. 'Vote bhakti' prevented the Congress from acting tough on Pakistan,” he also said.
SP Announces Allahabad Candidate
Samajwadi Party has announced the candidature of Rajendra Singh Patel in Allahabad in the upcoming Lok Sabha election, reported news agency ANI.
Cong's Jyotiraditya Scindia Files Nomination From MP's Guna Constituency
Congress' Jyotiraditya Scindia files nomination from Guna constituency in Madhya Pradesh, reports ANI.
EC Issues Notice to Pragya Thakur Over Remarks on Karkare
A notice has been issued to Pragya Singh Thakur by District Election Officer and Collector under model code of conduct seeking an explanation from her for her comment on Late Hemant Karkare within a day, reported news agency ANI.
EC Sends Notice to Eros Over Modi Series
EC orders Eros Now to take down web series on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In it’s notice, the EC has said: “It was brought to our notice that a web series "Modi-Journey of a Common Man", having 5 episodes is available on your platform. You're directed to stop forthwith the online streaming & remove all connected content of the series till further orders.”
Modi Suffering Form Fear of Losing Elections: Mamata
Addressing a rally on Saturday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is suffering from 'haratanka', a phobia of losing elections and is trying to win in the state by dividing the people on communal lines.
"He (Modi) knows that he will lose the elections and that is why his face has turned pale. He is now suffering from 'haratanka' and everyday is uttering nonsense thinking about losing in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, New Delhi, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha and others," she said at a rally in Panighata in support of party candidate for Krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency Mohua Moitra.
"Just Because I Asked A Question, You Can't Label Me Not A Nationalist": Sam Pitroda
Sam Pitroda, Chief of the Indian Overseas Congress, lashed out at the Opposition for calling him “not a nationalist” after he questioned the Prime Minister on the Balakot airstrikes.
Former Congress MP from Kollam Joins BJP
S Krishna Kumar, former Congress MP from Kollam (Kerala), joins Bharatiya Janata Party in New Delhi. Joining the party, Kumar said: “My motive for the rest of my life is to strengthen hands of PM Modi who I think the people of India should give a mandate not only for 5 yrs, but for another 10 yrs. By this time, he'll modernise the nation & take it to the forefront.”
Gujarat Minister Likens PM Modi to a 'Lion', Rahul Gandhi to a 'Puppy'
Addressing a rally in Gujarat, state Minister Ganpat Vasava said: “When PM Modi stands, it looks like the lion of Gujarat is standing. When Rahul Gandhi stands, it looks like puppy of a dog is there wagging its tail, if Pakistan offers it a 'roti', it'll go there & if China offers it 'roti', it'll go there as well.”
Allahabad HC Notice to EC, Congress Over Nyay Scheme
According to a report in News18, the Allahabad High Court has issued a notice to the EC and the Congress over the Nyay scheme. The notice reportedly comes after a petition which claims that the Nyay scheme amounts to “a bribe to the voters.”
By-Poll in Darjeeling Assembly Seat on 19 May
The by-poll to Darjeeling assembly constituency will be held on 19 May and its votes will be counted along with those of the Lok Sabha seat, the Election Commission said.
The assembly seat fell vacant after the sitting MLA Amar Singh Rai of the Trinamool Congress resigned following his nomination by the party to contest from the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency.
Polling for the Darjeeling parliamentary constituency was held on April 18 in the second phase.
BJP’s Badaun Candidate Asks Supporters To Indulge in Fake Voting
BJP’s Badaun candidate Sanghmitra Maurya was caught on camera encouraging her supporters to indulge in ‘fake’ voting. In a video which has gone viral on social media, Maurya is seen addressing party workers at an election meeting and asking them to cast votes of those not present on the polling day.
“Not a single vote should go in vain and if some are absent, then it is common everywhere that fake vote is cast… if you get a chance, do take advantage of it… do not do it, but if you get a chance… try to take the real voters to cast their votes but in case… then something can be done in a hidden manner,” she says amidst peals of laughter.
At Kerala Rally, Priyanka Gandhi Reminisces Watching Football with Indira
Addressing a rally in Kerala’s Areekode, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said: “Not many people know Indira Ji, my grandmother used to watch World Cup Soccer. In 1982, we were watching the final, I asked her, 'Who're you cheering for?'. She said, 'India isn't playing so I'll cheer for Italy, today.'”
“My son and Rahul Ji are great soccer fans,” she added.
Malda SP Removed from Post by ECI
Ahead of Lok Sabha polls in Malda district, Election Commission of India has removed Arnab Ghosh from the post of Malda Superintendent of Police. Baruipur SP Ajay Prashad will take charge as Malda SP, reported news agency ANI.
Amit Shah Meets Actor Sunny Deol, Triggers Speculations
BJP President Amit Shah had a meeting with actor Sunny Deol at Pune Airport, yesterday evening. The meeting lasted for 5 minutes, at the airport lounge, reported ANI.
EC Curbs Entry of Journalists Inside Headquarters
According to a News18 report, the Election Commission has now issued a directive to curb entry of journalists inside the EC headquarters. Only the CEC, election commissioners and senior officials of EC can approve media passes to allow entry of journalists.
Tejashwi Was Not Allowed to Meet Lalu ji: Rabri Devi
Rabri Devi, wife of former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav alleged that her son and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was not allowed to meet Lalu. Speaking to ANI, she said:
Guj: PM's Rally, Shah's Roadshow on Last Day of Campaigning
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally in Patan in north Gujarat on Sunday, the last day of campaigning before the state's 26 Lok Sabha seats go to polls on 23 April.
BJP chief and Gandhinagar Lok Sabha candidate Amit Shah will hold a roadshow in Sanand area in his constituency on the last day of the campaign after meeting leaders from Ghatlodia and Vejalpur Assembly constituencies.
There Has Never Been Such a 'Weaker Govt', 'Weaker PM': Priyanka
Congress leader Priyanaka Gandhi Vadra Saturday lashed out at the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying there has never been a "weaker government" and "weaker Prime Minister" than the incumbent ones.
Priyanka, who is in Wayanad where her brother and party chief Rahul Gandhi is contesting besides in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, sought to know whether suppressing the voice of those who criticise the government's policies amounts to nationalism.
14 Polling Officers Suspended in Odisha
Odisha chief electoral officer Surendra Kumar has suspended 14 government officers for dereliction of duty in the second phase of polling on 18 April and recommended fresh polling at a booth in Sorada assembly segment in Ganjam district.
Kumar said the 14 officers were deployed in five Lok Sabha and 35 assembly constituencies amd were suspended on charges of dereliction of duty during the simultaneous polls.
Bengal BJP Urges Modi to Contest from Bengal
Senior BJP leader Mukul Roy Saturday said that the Bengal BJP unit has approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to contest from a Lok Sabha seat in Bengal.
"We have expressed our desire to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he should contest from any of the Lok Sabha seats from Bengal this time going to the polls in the last two phases on 12 May and 19 May," he told reporters.
EC Notice to Sidhu for Asking Muslims to Vote to Defeat Modi
The Election Commission Saturday issued a showcause notice to Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu for his remarks wherein he asked Muslims to vote en bloc to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The poll panel said prima facie Sidhu violated the model code of conduct in place for the Lok Sabha polls, and also a Supreme Court direction barring use of religious references for political propaganda.
The Congress leader has been given 24 hours to respond to the notice.
Cong Announces Candidates For 2 Lok Sabha Seats in Punjab
Congress announces candidates for two Lok Sabha seats in Punjab; Sher Singh Gubhaya from Firozpur, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring from Bhatinda
Scuffle Breaks Out at Hardik Patel's Rally
A scuffle broke out in the crowd at Congress leader Hardik Patel’s rally in Ahmedabad. According to a tweet by a News18 reporter, while the scuffle ensued after leaders from PAAS convenor Alpesh Kathiriya reached the venue armed with posters, the supporters of Patel have alleged a BJP hand in the incident.