Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will be campaigning for BJP in North Bengal’s Jalpaiguri.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is beginning BJP’s poll campaign in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday.

He is scheduled to hold a roadshow in Jabalpur, along the 1.2-kilometer route from Shaheed Bhagat Singh crossing to Adi Shankaracharya crossing in Gorakhpur locality.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday will hold a nationwide collective fast against the arrest of its party supremo and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Congress general secretary and the party's Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir has said INDIA-bloc will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state together.

In a presser, Mir said: “The polling dates for the Lok Sabha constituencies of Jharkhand are fast approaching. The INDIA alliance partners in the state will contest together here.”

He added: “Our agendas and policies are clear. Today’s meeting was to review the preparations for the upcoming polls. I am hopeful that the people will support us, and we will win by a good margin.”

The preparations are underway at Delhi's Jantar Mantar ahead of AAP's 'Upvas Diwas' (fast) scheduled to be held later on Sunday against the arrest of its party supremo Arvind Kejriwal.

The preparations are underway in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally on Sunday.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Nawada rally, BJP’s national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain on Sunday claimed that the people of Bihar will give all 40 seats to PM Modi, while the Opposition ‘Mahagathbandhan’ in the state won't even get one seat in the elections.

He said,"...PM Modi is coming to the land of Bihar today, RJD and Mahagathbandhan are rattled because PM Modi is visiting Bihar. They think that they are in a contesting position now by having an alliance with VIP. PM Modi visits Bihar as he loves this place. This time Mahagathbandhan won't get even one seat in the elections, the people of Bihar will give all 40 seats to PM Modi."

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has alleged that the Congress’ manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections was more appropriate for elections in Pakistan than in India. Sarma claimed that the manifesto was aimed at dividing the society to come to power.

In a fresh setback to the Uddhav Thackeray camp ahead of Lok Sabha elections, former Maharashtra minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Babanrao Gholap has joined the Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the locals in Lakhimpur area have urged the political parties to resolve the border dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

Several tourists visiting the country’s famous hill stations are facing tight security measures due to the implementation of the model code of conduct (MCC) ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

“They are checking us for cash, which is becoming an inconvenience for the tourists. They are interrupting tourists who are visiting these places. So, due to this, tourists may be facing some issues. They should simply consider that if someone is a tourist, they should let them go instead of searching their bags or cars," said a tourist taking a ride on the Nilgiris Heritage train.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday addressed an election rally in Puducherry.

Ahead of his rally in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the people of West Bengal are “tired of TMC’s corruption and poor governance”.

Taking to micro-blogging site X, he said: "This afternoon, I will be among the people of Jalpaiguri to address a rally. The people of West Bengal are tired of TMC’s corruption and poor governance. Only the BJP can fulfil their dreams."

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Bihar’s Nawada, Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) national president Chirag Paswan on Sunday said BJP led NDA will win all 40 seats Lok Sabha in Bihar. “Not only Bihar but the entire country, and the world also believe in PM Modi’s guarantee. We (NDA) will win all 40 seats (Lok Sabha) in Bihar. I am going to Nawada today, PM Modi will be there,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Sunday said BJP led NDA will win all 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh.

He said: "I am thankful to everyone who has given their blessings to PM Narendra Modi irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or community... In UP, BJP will win all the 80 seats... NDA will win more than 400 seats in the country."

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched attacks on the Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the BJP over the Telangana phone tapping row.

Addressing a rally in Telangana's Rangrareddy district yesterday, Rahul Gandhi reportedly said, "What your former Chief Minister (K Chandrashekar Rao) did here, the Prime Minister and the BJP is doing in Delhi, Enforcement Directorate has become Extortion Directorate."

Gandhi's comments on ED are part of the Opposition's charge at the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of misusing probe agencies for political objectives.

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Nawada, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Sunday said he welcomes PM Modi to the holy land of Bihar. He said: “We welcome PM Modi to this holy land of Bihar.”

BJP leader Rahul Sinha on Sunday alleged that the attack on National Investigation Agency (NIA) team in West Bengal was supported by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee.

He said: "Attack on NIA was supported by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, she stood in the support of attackers; just like Sandeshkhali, in the beginning, TMC assisted and later took a step back...Where a CM is extending her support, then attacks are obvious..."

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Sunday said the arrest of two chief ministers is “undoubtedly dangerous for democracy”.

Tiwari’s reaction came on AAP’s ‘Upvas Diwas’ scheduled to be held later today.

He said: “The way two CMs of our country were arrested is undoubtedly dangerous for democracy. The arrest could have been made after the elections. I wish AAP leaders all the best. They have the right to raise their voices.”

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chaand on Sunday targeted BJP, saying it’s failure to answer questions on corruption is making it to defame INDIA-bloc.

Chaand while commenting on PM Modi’s ‘INDIA bloc is about commission, NDA is about mission’ remark said, “BJP has failed to give any answers to the issues that were raised like corruption. Therefore, it is now trying to defame the INDIA alliance.”

AAP leader Jasmine Shah on Sunday said the party’s ‘Samuhik Upvas’ has been organised in the country to raise our voices against the “dictatorship”.

AAP is holding nationwide fasting against the arrest of its supremo Arvind Kejriwal today.

“The citizens of the country are watching the kind of environment we have here. This event ‘Samuhik Upvas’ has been organised in the country to raise our voices against the dictatorship. We have gathered today at Jantar Mantar,” Shah said, as he arrived at Jantar Mantar for the party’s ‘Upvas Diwas’ event.

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, BJP leader Gouarab Vallabh on Sunday said he developed differences with his former party—Congress since the day it decided not to attend the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

He said: "When I resigned from Congress, since then I have been saying that I went to all the senior members of the party that we cannot remain silent on the opposition of 'Sanatana Dharma' and since the day Congress decided not to attend the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Temple, I decided that I will not represent Congress on TV anymore."

He added: "I told all the senior leaders that we need to stop criticising the wealth creators of the country...Adani and Ambani have been criticised day and night by Congress. I did a press conference against Adani but when SEBI gave Adani a clean chit, I stopped giving statements about them. I told Congress leaders that when SEBI has given a clean chit to Adani, we should stop criticising them now...Congress kept criticising Sanatana, Ram Temple, Adani and Ambani...When I was asked by Congress to do a press conference on the Budget, I clearly told them that I would not do it until Congress leaders visit the Ram Temple..."

Ahead Of PM Modi’s Nawada Rally Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Bihar’s Nawada, Rajya Sabha MP and RJD leader Manoj Jha on Sunday targeted PM saying he should speak on Supreme Court’s judgement on electoral bonds and the state’s special status which he had promised to the people 11 years ago.

He said: "...I request PM Modi not to make WhatsApp forwards as an election issue. If you want to speak, speak on the Supreme Court judgement on the Electoral Bond that how after raids from ED, donations have gone to your party. In 2013, you talked about the special status of Bihar, after 11 years, Bihar is asking you the same question, you should speak on these issues, then only people will evaluate you honestly..."

BJP on Sunday held ‘Sharab se sheesh mahal’ campaign against AAP in Delhi. The party’s supporters led by its Delhi president Virendraa Sachdeva held the campaign against AAP leadership.

Several AAP leaders including the party’s supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and others have been accused in now scrapped Delhi Liquor Policy Excise case.

In view of the Lok Sabha elections in the parts of Uttar Pradesh connected to Delhi, the Excise Department of Delhi Government has issued orders that there will be a dry day in Delhi from 6 pm on April 24 to 6 pm on April 26.

During this period, the liquor shops will remain closed.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday said Congress’ manifesto reflects “the ideology of the Muslim League”.

He said, "What Congress has said to implement Muslim Personal Law, it reflects their mindset of appeasement what they have done after the independence for votes. Their manifesto reflects the ideology of the Muslim League. The country is talking about empowerment, UCC, and women's security but they are talking about the same old thing of appeasement, and vote bank politics. The people and the country have moved forward and they are rejecting such appeasement tactics under the leadership of PM Modi..."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the party’s manifesto is the “voice of every Indian”.

In a video shared on social media, he said: “I made this video last night at 12:30 AM, but my team thought it was too late to post. So I’m posting it now because the message is still relevant. The #CongressManifesto is the voice of every Indian, share your thoughts on social media.”

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday launched a scathing attack at RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife Rabri Devi, saying the “hushand-wife rule the state for 15 years without doing any work”.

During his address at a rally in Nawada, Kumar said, “Development is happening at a fast pace in Bihar. What was the condition of Bihar before 2005? You could not step out of your house after the evening. Today you can move around freely...Husband and wife (Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi) ruled for 15 years but no work was done."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public rally in Bihar’s Nawada on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Bihar, saying “great land of Magadha has the bravery of Chandragupta Maurya, the intellectual capacity of Acharya Chanakya”.

During his rally at Nawada, he said: "...I salute the land of Bihar and Magadha. This great land of Magadha has the bravery of Chandragupta Maurya, the intellectual capacity of Acharya Chanakya and it has the ability to give direction to the country. This area is also the birthplace of Bihar Kesari Krishna Babu, the first CM of Bihar. Nawada is also the workplace of Loknayak Shri Jaiprakash Narayan. I respectfully bow to all these great personalities..."

AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Sunday said the people of Bihar won’t support Nitish Kumar since they supported Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan.

 He said: "It was hurtful. Nitish Kumar comes from Samajwadi Andolan (Socialist movement), he has been with Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan. He (Nitish Kumar) kept switching sides like that; it was not good at all...The people of Bihar supported Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, who gave the slogan of a complete revolution. They (people) won't support Nitish Kumar..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the strong government elected by people is taking bold steps for the country, during a rally in Bihar's Nawada.

Taking a dig at INDIA-bloc, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his government has achieved in 10 years what couldn’t be achieved in the last 60 years after independence.

He also said the Opposition INDIA-bloc is upset with “Modi's guarantee”, during his rally in Bihar’s Nawada.

He said: “This is the birthplace of Bihar’s first CM Shri Krishna Babu. Nawada has always shown its support and love to BJP and NDA. I am witnessing that excitement and love today as well, which tells that NDA will win in the entire Bihar.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cornered the Opposition for not attending the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

During his address at a rally in Bihar’s Nawada, he said: “INDIA bloc leaders did not attend Ram temple consecration, don't forget that”.

He added: “Today the entire country and Bihar is saying ‘Fir Ek Baar Modi Sarkaar’. Once I said from Lal Quila, ‘Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay hai’. If we work together now then India can get developed and can eliminate property. Therefore, this 2024 election is crucial.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said Congress’ manifesto smacks of appeasement, while saying that it appears to be poll document of Muslim League, during a rally in Bihar’s Nawada.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday targeted Congress saying the party used to starve poor and feed ‘biryani’ to terrorists.

During a rally in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur, he also said Article 370 abrogation has ended terrorism in Kashmir.

He said: "This is 'new India' that knows to protect its citizens and international borders... In 1952, Congress gave a wound to India by implementing Article 370 in Kashmir, PM Modi and HM Amit Shah by abrogating Article 370 ended terrorism, forever. Now, no one can shelter terrorists and naxals in India. On one side it's The Guardian's report that is saying that terrorists are being killed in Pakistan, and the world is taking terrorism as a burden and on the other side it is Congress who used to feed biryani to terrorists when they were in power. Congress starved the poor and fed biryani to terrorists, PM Modi has been giving free rations to 80 crore people for the last 4 years and will continue to give for the upcoming 5 years."

AAP leader Ram Niwas Goel on Sunday said “the battle has now started with those who buy the MLAs of the elected governments and bring down their governments”.

During the party’s day-long fast at Jantar Mantar against the arrest of its supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Assembly Speaker Goel said: "The supporters of democracy all over the world are on a day-long hunger strike... This battle has now started with those who buy the MLAs of the elected governments and bring down their governments... We can protect the constitution of India... They wanted to break AAP, but we became stronger..."

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said he is pained when “Congress questions power and valour of defence forces”.

During a rally in Rajasthan’s Bikaner, he said: “I am pained when Congress questions power, valour of defence forces.”

He also expressed confidence over “one nation, one election” saying the people will support it.

“One nation, one election' will get support of people, while Congress habitually opposes it,” he said.

Saying his party supremo Arvind Kejriwal is an “honest” Chief Minister, AAP leader Sanjay Singh on Sunday said he has been put inside jail on false charges.

During the party’s day-long fasting program against the arrest of Kejriwal, Singh said: “Show me where it is written that if an honest Chief Minister is put in jail on false charges, then he has to submit his resignation. AAP leaders have not been getting bail for the past one year.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday targeted the Opposition-bloc INDIA, saying the alliance has not been able to decide its leader.

During his address at a rally in Bihar’s Nawada, he said: "INDI alliance is not able to decide its leader”.

Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar on Sunday termed BJP’s ‘400 par’ slogan as “perception management” and “malicious attempt” to alter reality.

He said, “BJP is raising '400 paar' slogan so that no one asks why petrol crossed Rs 100, why there is so much inflation, unemployment: Kanhaiya Kumar”.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over calling Opposition being 'Sanatan Virodhi'.

He said: "PM Modi is a factory of lies. They're not talking on issues. We have a temple at our home and we offer prayers. BJP people shouldn't try to become God."

AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi on Sunday alleged that Election Commission of India (ECI) “is only working as a weapon for the BJP”.

She  said: "When BJP complaints about AAP, then within 12 hours Election Commission issues notice, however, when complaint is made against BJP, then EC does not issue any notice even after 48 hours...It's a matter of worry for the country that an Election Commission who is meant to hold a free and fair election...Today, the EC is only working as a weapon for the BJP...I hope the three Election Commissioners will not be remembered as those who were not able to save India's democracy...If EC does not take any action then we will move High Court.”

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday said as the country’s “freedom and Constitution” are in danger, it is time to convey a message against “dictatorship”.

He said: “This is not a time to show political strength but to convey a message against the dictatorship. Today, we are in the village of Bhagat Singh who gave us freedom, that freedom is in danger. BR Ambedkar gave us the constitution, and that constitution is in danger..."

AAP leader Kailash Gahlot on Sunday said the party’s ‘Upvas Diwas’ is their party’s  attempt to show that “voices of opposition are being suppressed”.

AAP on Sunday  organised one-day fasting protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against the arrest of its supremo Arvind Kejriwal.

He said,“The way Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested and put behind bars is absolutely illegal. By gathering together for fasting, it's our attempt to show that voices of opposition are being suppressed. The sympathy of people is with AAP and Arvind Kejriwal.”

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday enthralled the audience with his dance moves during his rally in Golaghat.

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday addressed an election rally in Purulia.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Sunday held a roadshow, in Churu.

The party has fielded Paralympian Devendra Jhajharia from the Churu constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Hitting out at the Opposition for targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan on Sunday the Opposition led by Congress today had also got time to do things during their tenure which they didn’t.

He said: “... If they (RJD) aren't against the Sanatan Dharm why they keep silent when their alliance partners say absurd things about it, DMK even linked Sanatan Dharm to disease... Today they are with Congress who ruled this country for decades, what they did do? They have given the slogan of 'gareebi hatao' but how many poor were uplifted from the poverty? If PM Modi has set a goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, work is being done in this regard. Not only the economy of the country has been going well but the borders are safer, and technology is getting a boost. The opposition has got the time as well but they did nothing and if Bihar is behind at every parameter, who is responsible if noth they?..."

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has reacted to PM Modi's remark on them being 'Sanatan Virodhi'.

 "PM Modi is a factory of lies. They're not talking on issues. We have a temple at our home and we offer prayers. BJP people shouldn't try to become God," said Tejashwi as quoted by news agency PTI.

Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress leader DK Shivakumar said, "The Congress party and the Gandhi family have kept the country united. The PM does not know the value of South's contribution to the country. So he is just trying to create confusion in the minds of the public because the people of the South, don't vote for him."

"Our manifesto is a manifesto with a secular ideology. It is a manifesto that looks at the growth of every common man," he added

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is set to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. According to the news agency PTI, the party's youth wing president Waheed Parra will contest from Srinagar, while former Rajya Sabha member Mir Fayaz will contest from Baramulla.

The Rajouri-Anantnag constituency has a controversial origin, stemming from a decision by the Delimitation Commission in May 2022. This decision merged the distant districts of Rajouri and Poonch from Jammu with the Anantnag and Kulgam areas of Kashmir, creating a single parliamentary constituency.

Divided by the imposing Pir Panjal mountain range, the Rajouri-Anantnag constituency encompasses 18 assembly segments, representing a diverse electorate of around 14 lakh voters. While Kashmiris constitute nearly half of the voter base, Paharis and Gujjars make up significant portions at 28.5 per cent and 21.5 per cent, respectively.

Despite historical challenges faced by the BJP in this region, recent developments, such as the granting of Scheduled Tribe status to the Pahari community, have introduced a new dimension. However, this move has also raised concerns among the Gujjar-Bakerwal community, who fear potential marginalisation.

For political parties, especially the BJP, the Rajouri-Anantnag constituency has emerged as a symbol of representation of Kashmir. Winning this seat would be considered a significant electoral triumph, with the BJP potentially claiming victory in Kashmir as a whole as the seat is spread over much of south Kashmir.

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"TMC govt wants to have a free pass to loot and terrorise people in Bengal"

"TMC attacks central agencies when they come to investigate corruption cases"

"TMC govt putting obstacles on implementation of Centre's welfare schemes for poor people."

"The anti-farmer government also interferes with the PM-Kisan Nidhi scheme by the Centre."

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said, "Whatever I have been doing on the land of Jammu and Kashmir for the last five years, I have always become the voice of the people here."

"Our manifesto, our request is to strengthen my voice so that we can raise our issues in the parliament."

Mufti is set to contest LS polls  from Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, facing ex-Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj told news agency ANI that mass fasting has been kept in 25 different states.

"Sanjay Singh and other leaders sang patriotic songs, I think we have in front of us the Jantar Mantar and Ramlila Maidan of 2011 and 2012."

"Today, AAP is in the mood of 2011 and 2012; the undercurrent nation witnessed back then, the same undercurrent and sympathy are being seen today," the minister added.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and supporters have started a mass fast in protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other leaders of the ruling party in the national capital.

The schedule for Lok Sabha elections 2024 was announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI)on March 16. The poll body announced that voting for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 will take place in seven phases, starting April 19, while the counting of votes will take place on June 4.

While voting for Phase 1 will take place on April 19, polling for Phase 2 to Phase 7 will take place on: April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.

A total of 102 constituencies from 21 states/UTs will vote in Phase 1, while 89 constituencies from 14 states/UTs will vote in the second phase. The third phase includes 94 constituencies from 12 states/UTs, 96 constituencies from 10 states/UTs will vote in the fourth phase, 49 constituencies from eight states/UTs in fifth, 57 constituencies from seven state/UTs in the sixth and 57 constituencies from eight states/UTs will vote in the last phase on June 1.

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Thiruvananthapuram BJP Lok Sabha election candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar has filed a complaint with the Election Commission against Congress MP Shashi Tharoor after Tharoor accused him of bribing voters with cash. Chandrasekhar and Tharoor are contesting the Lok Sabha elections from Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram constituency.

On Saturday, Tharoor claimed in an interview that he had received information from various sources, including "certain important community leaders and parish priests," suggesting that the Bharatiya Janata Party was trying to influence voters with cash, The Hindu reported.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while addressing a press conference in Jaipur, alleged there was an "atmosphere of frustration and despair" before 2014 and now even "world leaders believe that the 21st century is India’s century".

"In the year 2014, there was an atmosphere of frustration and despair in this country, our country was struggling with inflation and corruption. Then the NDA government came to power under the leadership of PM Modi, and after seeing our functioning, the trust and confidence of the people in this government increased rapidly. Even world leaders believe that the 21st century is India’s century. Today, every person feels that the future of the country is bright," the minister said.

India, the world’s largest democracy, is set to hit the polls in less than three weeks to elect its next government. An estimated 96.9 crore voters are registered to vote in the upcoming general electionswith the poll season lasting 44 days.

Over the years India’s general elections have seen various trends in terms of percentage participation of voters and their demographic as well as region-wise trends. Outlook India looks at how voting trends have evolved with time.

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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to address a public rally and hold roadshows on April 8 in Tamil Nadu's Namakkal, Tenkasi and Nagapattinam.

Several people were injured today after a stage collapsed during PM Modi’s roadshow in Jabalpur. The injured have been taken to the hospital. The incident occurred as PM Modi began the BJP's campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh with a rally in Jabalpur.