seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections

Rahul Gandhi took a swipe a Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that if the Enforcement Directorate were to question him about corruption post June 4, the Prime Minister might deflect responsibility by claiming divine ordination.

In a concerning incident, AIMIM leader and former Malegaon Mayor Abdul Malik fell victim to a shooting perpetrated by two unidentified attackers around 1 am on Monday. The attack occurred outside a restaurant along the Mumbai Agra highway in the Malegaon city area.

As the seventh phase of Lok Sabha elections approaches, Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, is scheduled to conduct three rallies today in Patna Sahib, Pataliputra, and Arrah. Meanwhile, Home Minister Shah will address public gatherings in Kushinagar, Salempur, and Chandauli Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttar Pradesh. Simultaneously, BJP’s national president J P Nadda will be in Varanasi, campaigning for the party.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, another Congress leader, criticized the BJP-led central government, questioning the lack of prosperity despite claims of rapid economic growth. At a rally in Punjab, she accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of deceit and hollow promises to gain power. At another rally in Chandigarh, she refuted BJP’s allegations of Congress being anti-Hindu, stating that their ideology is rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing truth, love, harmony, and non-violence.

Elsewhere, voting for the by-election to the Telangana Legislative Council from the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Graduates’ constituency was underway. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of sitting MLC Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, who won the Assembly polls from the Jalgaon constituency last November.

Key Events

BJP leader Jairam Thakur declared, “This election is crucial in selecting the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already secured a majority in the five-phase elections. With your continued support, we aim to exceed the ambitious target of 400 seats.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah predicted that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge would lose his position following the announcement of Lok Sabha poll results on June 4. However, he assured that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi would not be held responsible for the defeat. Shah mentioned that Rahul Gandhi’s team would likely attribute their loss to EVMs during a post-poll press conference. He further emphasized, “Based on data from the first five phases, PM Modi has already crossed the 310-seat mark. Rahul Gandhi is not expected to surpass 40 seats, and Akhilesh Yadav is unlikely to secure even 4 seats by June 4.”

While campaigning for Anand Sharma, the Congress candidate for the Kangra Lok Sabha seat in Chamba, Priyanka Gandhi accused PM Modi of employing corrupt tactics to undermine the democratically elected Congress government in Himachal Pradesh. She highlighted Modi’s alleged use of corrupt practices and financial influence in attempting to topple the state government. Additionally, Priyanka Gandhi pointed out that despite being in power for 55 years, the Congress party did not become the wealthiest, suggesting a focus on public service rather than accumulating wealth.

During a rally in Bihar, Rahul Gandhi announced that the “Agnipath” scheme, which pertains to recruitment in defense services, would be abolished once the INDIA bloc forms the government. This scheme, often criticized for its alleged biases and inefficiencies, is slated for removal under the INDIA bloc’s governance agenda.

Priyanka Gandhi exposes Modi that a government formed by the INDIA bloc would address the issue of 3 million job vacancies. This commitment reflects the bloc’s focus on addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth through employment opportunities.

Leaders of the opposition INDIA bloc are scheduled to convene on June 1 to evaluate their performance in the General Elections and discuss strategies ahead of the results. This meeting is crucial for the bloc to assess its electoral progress and strategize for future political maneuvers.

VK Pandian, a leader of the BJD, expressed confidence that their party would secure a majority in the Assembly polls with an overwhelming 85% of the votes. This assertion underscores the BJD’s optimism regarding its electoral prospects and signals a strong mandate from the electorate.

Delhi CM Kejriwal raised questions about PM Modi’s self-descriptions over the years, from being the “prime servant of the country” to a “Chowkidar,” and now claiming divine origin. Kejriwal’s remarks highlight skepticism regarding Modi’s evolving persona and its implications for political leadership.

An AIMIM leader was shot and injured by unknown assailants in Malegaon in the early hours of Monday. The incident occurred outside a restaurant along the Mumbai Agra highway in the Malegaon city area, underscoring concerns about political violence and safety in the region.

Six disqualified Congress MLAs, now contesting assembly bypolls on a BJP ticket, emphasized that they prioritize the support of the public over party allegiance. These MLAs were disqualified for defying a party whip during a Rajya Sabha election, illustrating the complexities of party loyalty and individual political aspirations.

Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi criticized both the BJP and AAP, alleging that the central government’s policies were detrimental to Punjab’s interests. He accused AAP leaders of involvement in criminal activities, including attacks on officials, highlighting ongoing tensions within Punjab’s political landscape.

PM Modi praised the high voter turnout in Anantnag-Rajouri constituency during the Lok Sabha polls, commending the enthusiasm of the voters as a testament to their democratic spirit. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of civic engagement and voter participation in strengthening democratic processes.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned the disconnect between the claimed rapid economic growth and the lack of prosperity experienced by the people. She accused PM Modi of making false promises to gain power, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in governance.

BJP chief JP Nadda is scheduled to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Kaal Bhairava Temple in Varanasi during his campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. This religious visit underscores the BJP’s strategy of appealing to religious sentiments and cultural identities in electoral campaigns.

Lok Sabha Elections: BJP Chief JP Nadda to Visit Kashi Vishwanath and Kaal Bhairava Temples

BJP National President JP Nadda arrived in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday. During his visit, he is scheduled to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Kaal Bhairava Temple for ‘darshan’. This visit is part of his broader campaign efforts to connect with voters by emphasizing cultural and religious values. Nadda will also participate in several programs, including meetings with local BJP leaders, public engagements, and outreach events aimed at galvanizing support for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Rahul Gandhi to Hold Three Rallies in Bihar, Amit Shah to Campaign in UP

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is set to hold three rallies in Bihar today, targeting key constituencies: Patna Sahib, Pataliputra, and Arrah. These rallies are part of his intensive campaign strategy to mobilize support and address key voter concerns ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Rahul Gandhi is expected to focus on issues such as employment, economic development, and social justice. Priyanka Gandhi exposes Modi

Simultaneously, Home Minister Amit Shah will be campaigning in Uttar Pradesh, conducting three public meetings in the constituencies of Kushinagar, Salempur, and Chandauli. Shah’s campaign will emphasize the achievements of the current government, development projects, and the party’s future vision. Both leaders aim to maximize voter turnout and secure a strong mandate in their respective regions.