THE HEADLINES::
- Top leaders of various political parties hold multiple rallies and road shows in different parts of the country for Lok Sabha polls.
- Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds public meeting in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri and roadshow at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh; TMC President Mamata Banerjee addresses election rally at Purulia in West Bengal.
- Withdrawal of candidature for second phase of election end tomorrow.
- Election Commission initiates several innovative campaigns on social media platforms to promote participation of young and urban voters in Lok Sabha polls.
- World Health Day being observed today.
- And in IPL Cricket; Mumbai Indians defeat Delhi Capitals by 29 runs in Mumbai; Match between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans underway at Lucknow.
||<<><>>||
Top leaders of various political parties are holding multiple rallies and road shows in different parts of the country to garner support for their candidates in the Lok Sabha polls.
Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a public meeting at Jhumur of Dhupguri block of Jalpaiguri in West Bengal this afternoon. Speaking at the rally, Mr Modi said, he is working 24/7 to make the country a developed nation by 2047. He said, the upcoming Lok Sabha election is about a stronger and stable government at the Centre.
Highlighting that India has become terror-free today, Prime Minister Modi said, abrogation of Article 370 is a testimony to a terror-free Kashmir, which is the pride of India. He asserted that BJP-led NDA government’s policies have made the lives of poor easier. He accused the ruling TMC government of the state of putting obstacles on implementation of Centre’s welfare schemes for poor people. Mr Modi said, the I.N.D.I.A bloc has no vision to lead the country.
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress President and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a public meeting in Purulia Lok Sabha constituency in support of party candidate Shantiram Mahto. She said, Trinamool Congress is committed to the development of the state. Attacking the BJP, she alleged that under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, people will be ousted from their homes.
Prime Minister Modi also conducted a roadshow at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh this evening. The roadshow which started from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk, covered a distance of more than a kilometre and ended at Adi Shankaracharya Chowk.
Earlier in the day, Mr Modi addressed an election rally at Kunti Nagar in Bihar’s Nawada Lok Sabha seat which is going to polls in the first phase on the 19th of this month.
<><><>
BJP President JP Nadda held attended several election meetings across Tamil Nadu today. Speaking at Karur district, Mr Nadda listed out the achievements of NDA government during the past ten years. He criticised the DMK and the Congress for encouraging dynastic politics which was against democratic rule.
<><><>
In Kerala, BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Congress-led United Democratic Front and the Left parties led Left Democratic Front are undertaking a whirlwind state-wide tour. BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed media in Thiruvananthapuram today. He said, the country has progressed immensely under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
<><><>
The withdrawal of nominations for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections will end tomorrow. Scrutiny of nominations for this phase was held on Friday except in Jammu and Kashmir. Scrutiny in Jammu and Kashmir took place yesterday. The filing of nominations for the second phase ended on Thursday. In this phase, 88 Lok Sabha seats in 12 States and Union Territories along with the remaining part of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls on the 26th of this month
<><><>
The Haryana Lok Hit Party President, Gopal Kanda has announced unconditional support to BJP in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. He said, the Haryana Lok Hit Party will fully support the BJP Loksabha candidate from Sirsa Ashok Tanwar.
<><><>
Congress today released a list of three candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. Party has fielded Pradip Biswas from Bangaon, Azahar Mollick from Uluberia and Dr Papiya Chakraborty in Ghatal in West Bengal. Party also announced Anju Begam as its candidate for by-poll to Bhagabangola Assembly Constituency in West Bengal.
<><><>
In our series, covering profiles of key constituencies across States and Union Territories during the Lok Sabha elections, today we bring a report on Bikaner Lok Sabha seat in Rajasthan. The state is going to polls in two phases on 19th and 26th of this month. The Bikaner Parliamentary seat is among the 12 Lok Sabha constituencies of the state going to polls in the first phase on 19th of April. Our correspondent has submitted this report:
“Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency has been formed by combining seven Assembly constituencies of Bikaner district and Anupgarh Assembly Constituency. There are more than 20 lakh 48 thousand voters in this constituency. From 1957 to 1971, a member of the Bikaner royal family, Karni Singh was elected four times as an independent candidate. Film actor Dharmendra also represented this seat in 2004 from BJP. After delimitation in 2009, this seat has been reserved for Scheduled Caste. Since then, Arjunram Meghwal has won three times in a row as a BJP candidate. This time, a total of nine candidates are in the fray including from BJP, Congress and Bahujan Samaj Party. BJP has once again reposed its faith in Arjunram Meghwal. He is facing a main challenge from Congress candidate Govind Ram Meghwal, who has also been a minister in the state government. Jitendra Dwivedi, Akashvani News, Jaipur.”
<><><>
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated several innovative and unique campaigns on social media platforms to engage young and urban voters for enhanced participation in the upcoming elections. The poll body through campaigns like ‘Turning18’ and ‘You are the One’ is employing tailored messaging strategy incorporating compelling themes, collaboration with popular ECI icons and GenZ content.
The primary objective of ECI’s Turning 18’ campaign is to galvanize youngsters to participate in the upcoming elections and address critical issues of urban and youth apathy noticed in previous elections.
On the other hand, ‘You are the One campaign aims to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contribution of various stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
<><><>
You must have seen during the election season, social media is flooded with people flaunting, selfies under the title ‘I voted’ and showing their index fingers marked with indelible ink. This tiny mark, a symbol of democratic participation, holds a great role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Listen in to our correspondent’s special story to know more:
“Some seven decades ago, when India just started having elections, there emerged a huge challenge. Some people were trying to cheat by voting more than once. The Election Commission scrambled for an immediate solution. They collaborated with the Union Law Ministry, National Physical Laboratory and National Research Development Corporation. Together they came up with a solution that a Public Sector Undertaking, Mysore Paints and Varnishes Limited or MPVL, will manufacture the voter’s ink. Initially, this ink was only used for elections like parliamentary and assembly elections. However, as time passed, its use expanded to include municipal bodies and other elections. MPVL claims that their indelible ink is of high quality and dries quickly, in less than 40 seconds. Even if the ink touches the skin for just one second, it leaves a lasting mark. This ink isn’t just a mark. It shows how important it is to keep elections fair. DURGESH BHADAURIA, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI.”
<><><>
In Tripura, a cyclothon for democracy-a ride to vote programme as a part of the voter awareness campaign was organised in Agartala today. About a hundred cyclists joined the cycle ride and took part in the voter awareness drive.
<><><>
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has refuted the allegations of unlawful actions levelled against it over the arrest of two accused in West Bengal’s Bhupatinagar blast case yesterday. The agency said in a statement today that its actions were bona fide, lawful and legally mandated as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime. It further added that the case is related to the fabrication of crude bombs that killed three persons in Naruabila village in December 2022.
The NIA reiterated that its team had come under violent attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches in Naruabila village in West Bengal yesterday.
<><><>
Israel has pulled its ground forces out of the southern Gaza Strip today in partial withdrawal. The move comes after six months of devastating war triggered by the terror attacks on Israel on 7th of October last year by the Palestinian group Hamas. The military however said that a significant force will keep operating elsewhere in the besieged Palestinian territory, able to conduct precise intelligence-based operations. As new truce talks are due to be held in Cairo, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, there will be no ceasefire without the return of hostages. Netanyahu stressed that Israel is ready for a deal, but not ready to surrender.
<><><>
The World Health Day is being observed today to raise awareness for healthy lifestyles and universal healthcare access. The theme this year is ‘My health, My right’ highlighting the importance of quality health services, education, and prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Speaking to Akashwani News, Professor in AIIMS, Delhi Dr. Rima Dada said that key changes in lifestlye and adoption of practices such as yoga can help beat lifestyle diseases.
<><><>
In IPL Cricket, Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by 29 runs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Put in to bat first, Mumbai Indians posted 234 for 5 in the stipulated 20 overs. In reply, Delhi Capitals failed to achieve the target of 235 runs, posting 205 for 8 in the stipulated 20 overs.
The match between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans is underway in Lucknow. Opting to bat first, Lucknow were 161 for 5 in 19 overs, when reports last came in.
<><><>
The Indian men’s hockey team lost to Australia 2-4 in the second Test of the five-match series in Perth today. Yesterday the visitors went down againt the Host 1-5.
<><><>
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Top leaders of various political parties hold multiple rallies and road shows in different parts of the country for Lok Sabha polls.
- Senior BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds public meeting in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri and roadshow at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh; TMC President Mamata Banerjee addresses election rally at Purulia in West Bengal.
- Withdrawal of candidature for second phase of election end tomorrow.
- Election Commission initiates several innovative campaigns on social media platforms to promote participation of young and urban voters in Lok Sabha polls.
- World Health Day being observed today.
- And in IPL Cricket; Mumbai Indians defeat Delhi Capitals by 29 runs in Mumbai; Match between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans underway at Lucknow.
||<<><>>||
