Tag: Lok Sabha

Recent exit polls indicate a strong lead for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Indian general elections, projecting over 350 seats. The Congress-led INDIA alliance also shows improvement from 2019 but remains below 150 seats.

The Supreme Court deferred a decision on mandating the Election Commission of India to disclose detailed voter turnout data during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, citing potential chaos. The ECI argued that such disclosures could disrupt the electoral process, especially with training and adjustments for upcoming phases.

As the Lok Sabha elections approach their final stages, nearly 9 crore voters across various regions of India will decide the outcomes for 695 candidates. Prominent figures like Rajnath Singh, Rahul Gandhi, and Smriti Irani are among those contesting in this critical phase. The Election Commission has ensured extensive facilities at polling stations to accommodate all voters.

India's extensive electoral process hits its midpoint with the fourth phase covering 96 Lok Sabha seats across diverse regions. Alongside, Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha see key leaders defending their positions against strong coalitions. Over 17.7 crore voters will decide the fate of 1,717 candidates amid assured polling facilities.

During her election campaign in Jharsuguda, BJD candidate Dipali Das was confronted by villagers in Malibeunra over unfulfilled promises made during the 2019 elections. The incident, recorded and shared online, highlighted the villagers' demands for accountability on past commitments.

The Election Commission of India detailed to the Supreme Court the secure, tamper-proof design of Electronic Voting Machines, emphasizing that microcontrollers in EVM units are one-time programmable and sealed against unauthorized access. This was part of a hearing involving technical clarifications and previous mandates on cross-verification with VVPAT slips.

Thousands of party workers and leaders from seven panchayats were part of the roadshow of about 20 km. The bike rally passed through places like Buanla, Bangarpuan, Deuli Gaon, Sikudi, Kuhudi, and Akhuapada among others.     

Two CRPF jawans were injured in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur after a UBGL shell exploded near a polling booth during the first phase of general elections. The area, known for Maoist influence, saw enhanced security and aerial support by the Indian Air Force.

The BJP stalwart also went to Ram Mandir at Tinimuhani, where he offered worship to Lord Ram and sought His blessings. Later, Panda along with scores of devotees partook of prasad on the temple premises. 

The Election Commission of India reported handling around 200 complaints from various parties since the Model Code of Conduct took effect on March 16, with most resolved effectively. New guidelines were issued to enhance transparency in campaign materials, and a significant reduction in election violations was noted due to the cVigil app.

The manifesto will prominently feature PM Modi's vision aimed at making India a developed country by 2047.

It is said that the BJD is haunted by fears of losing ground in the Lok Sabha elections amid reports of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity in Odisha.    

Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Kerala together account for 204 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha but the BJP couldn't cross 50 seats in all these states put together either in 2014 or 2019 when it won 29 and 47 constituencies respectively.

Another leader who is inheriting the political legacy of his late father is Anshuman Mohanty, fielded by the BJD in the prestigious Kendrapara Lok Sabha seat. His father Nalini Mohanty was a BJD stalwart in the Rajnagar area but had been expelled from the party. Anshuman, who was earlier with Congress, recently joined the BJD.

Out of the total 15 Lok Sabha seats for which the party has declared candidates, it has fielded new candidates in as many as 11 seats. Of the nine names declared for Lok Sabha seats, only Kausalya Hikaka has been repeated in the Koraput seat.