The RJD on Tuesday afternoon claimed that Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Telugu Desam Party president Chandrababu Naidu “shared a dislike for vendetta politics,” which could lead them away from the BJP-led NDA. RJD national spokesperson Manoj Kumar Jha also recalled Kumar’s forecast, who heads the JD(U), that “those who came to power will be ousted in 2024,” and the efforts he made in laying the foundation of the INDIA bloc.
“We have been, formerly, in alliance with both Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu. We know they share a dislike for vendetta politics which the BJP stands for. Narendra Modi seems to be on his way out. We are hopeful that the two leaders will play a crucial role in the change of guard at the Centre,” Jha told reporters here.
He also made it clear, “I am making no appeal to Nitish Kumar or Chandrababu Naidu. I am only expressing my hope, given the understanding I have of their temperament.”
Notably, the JD(U) has put up a better-than-expected performance in the Lok Sabha polls, establishing a lead in 14 out of the 16 seats it had contested, surpassing the BJP, which had fought 17 but was trailing in five of these.
In Bihar, the INDIA bloc was leading in only eight out of the 40 Lok Sabha seats, but Jha was confident that the numbers would look up for the coalition in the state, even as he complained about the tardy pace of counting.
“We have written to the Election Commission drawing attention towards the extremely slow pace of counting. Only 3-4 lakh votes have been counted till afternoon in most seats in Bihar where, on average, about 10 lakh people have exercised their franchise in each constituency,” said Jha.
“We are confident that as the counting progresses, in many seats where we are trailing by slender margins, the picture will change. But we urge the Election Commission to carry out the exercise as per the rule book and not act on any telephone calls they may be getting from Delhi,” said the Rajya Sabha MP, who has been alleging that the poll panel has often acted under pressure from the ruling BJP at the Centre.
“To all our cadres in the INDIA coalition, I would appeal not to let their guard down. Counting may continue till late in the evening. We must remain vigilant,” said Jha.
Among the INDIA constituents in Bihar, RJD had contested 23 seats, out of which it was trailing in all but four, while Congress, which got nine seats, was leading in two. The CPI(ML) Liberation, which had contested three seats, was leading in two.
Aspirational India and demographic dividends are now coming into play as two veteran politicians, Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu, step into pivotal roles in national politics. Their parties, Janata Dal United (JDU) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP), are poised to significantly influence the formation of a new government.
Nitish Kumar’s Strategic Victory in Bihar
Nitish Kumar has managed to outplay his senior partner, the BJP, with reports indicating that JDU is leading in 14 seats, one more than the BJP. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah already in contact with Naidu, presumably discussing the future of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the key question remains: Can these experienced leaders provide the INDIA alliance with the numbers needed to unseat the NDA government? The political drama of June 4th continues to unfold with numerous coalition possibilities being discussed both publicly and privately.
Despite earlier speculations about his health, Nitish Kumar has demonstrated resilience through a strong electoral performance. His supporters, mainly from the poorest and most underprivileged sections, have remained steadfast. PTI reports indicate that both Congress and BJP are courting Nitish, with the latter offering him the NDA convenorship. As a nine-time chief minister of Bihar, Nitish’s potential switch could be a game-changer in Indian politics.
Chandrababu Naidu’s Political Acumen in Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu is proving his political prowess with TDP leading in 16 seats. Known as “Babu” to his supporters, Naidu has a track record of integrating IT into governance and has been a significant figure in state and national politics. TDP leader Varla Ramaiah expressed confidence in their alliance’s victory, predicting a landslide win in both the assembly and all 25 Lok Sabha seats. Naidu’s leadership and strategic alliances will be crucial as the political landscape evolves.
Future Prospects
As the nation watches closely, the next moves of Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu could significantly impact the formation of the new government, potentially altering the course of Indian politics.
AP Election Results 2024, YSRCP’s Jagan Mohan Reddy to Resign as Andhra CM, TDP’s Naidu Set to Form Government
Live Updates: 2024 Lok Sabha Election Results
In Telangana’s Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency, BJP Telangana chief G. Kishan Reddy is leading by 35,543 votes against Indian National Congress candidate Danam Nagender at the end of Round 6.
Maharashtra: Supriya Sule is leading in the battle for Baramati, while the NCP vs. NCP standoff in Shirur is tilting in favor of Dr. Amol Kolhe, both representing the NCP-SP faction.
The political landscape in Maharashtra is divided between the Mahayuti alliance, consisting of the BJP, Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party, and Rashtriya Samaj Paksha (RSP), and the Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising the Indian National Congress, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (Shiv Sena-UBT), and the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) (NCP–SP).
Rajasthan : BJP candidates are currently leading in 14 out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats, while the Congress is ahead in eight seats. Additionally, three INDIA bloc parties are leading in one seat each, with CPI(M), Rashtriya Loktantrik Party, and Bharatiya Adivasi Party leading in Sikar, Nagaur, and Banswara respectively.
Notable BJP candidates in the lead include Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Bhupender Yadav, and Om Birla.
Congress stalwart and Leader of Opposition in the 17th Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, is trailing in his home constituency of Baharampur. TMC candidate and former cricketer Yusuf Pathan is leading in the constituency by a margin of 5,539 votes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken a lead of 49,859 votes over Congress’s Ajay Rai in the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh as the counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on June 4th.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is leading in both Kerala’s Wayanad and Uttar Pradesh’s Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seats. According to initial trends, there is a close fight between the Samajwadi Party and BJP in Uttar Pradesh, while Congress is leading on 8 seats.
NDA Approaching 300 Seats, Congress Near 100-Mark
The NDA is inching close to the 300-mark while the Congress is on the verge of reaching 100 seats. The BJP’s reduced tally is primarily attributed to its underwhelming performance in Uttar Pradesh against the Samajwadi Party. In the 56 constituencies where the BJP and SP directly competed, the BJP is leading in 25 seats, while the SP is ahead in 31.
Thackeray, Shinde in Neck-and-Neck Fight in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, the battle between Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) is extremely close in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Out of the 13 constituencies where these two factions are competing head-to-head, Shiv Sena (UBT) is leading in 6 seats, while the Shinde-led faction is ahead in 7 seats. Shinde’s party is part of the NDA alliance, whereas Thackeray’s faction is aligned with the INDIA bloc.
Additionally, in the two seats where Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Sharad Pawar’s NCP are contesting against each other, the Sharad Pawar-led faction, which supports the INDIA alliance, is leading in both constituencies. Ajit Pawar’s NCP is backing the NDA coalition this time.
Shashi Tharoor Trailing from Thiruvananthapuram In the Thiruvananthapuram constituency, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is trailing behind BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar. According to the Election Commission of India, Chandrasekhar is ahead with a margin of over 12,000 votes.
Jyoti Prakash Gadia, Managing Director at Resurgent India, commented on the emerging trends:
“As the trends are emerging, the landslide victory predicted by the exit polls does not seem to be happening. This outcome is likely to prompt the government to reconsider its approach to difficult economic reforms, potentially making them less aggressive than previously anticipated. However, there may be a shift in focus towards ground-level welfare schemes and employment generation. Despite this, the overall growth trajectory is expected to remain stable, with a continued emphasis on infrastructure development, which may become a consensus strategy in the long run.”
Update: Varanasi Lok Sabha Constituency
As per early trends from the Election Commission’s website, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now leading in Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi constituency with a margin of 12,000 votes after trailing for a brief period. Congress candidate Ajay Rai is currently in second place.
The Varanasi Lok Sabha seat is highly significant among the total of 543 parliamentary seats, with Mr. Modi aiming for his third consecutive victory since selecting it as his launchpad in 2014 as the BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate.
In the 2019 elections, Prime Minister Modi secured 6,74,664 votes, approximately 63% of the total votes, defeating his nearest rival Shalini Yadav of the Samajwadi Party (SP), who polled 1,95,159 votes. Mr. Modi won by over 4,78,000 votes. Ajay Rai, who also contested as a Congress candidate in 2019, received 1,52,548 votes. He previously contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls against Mr. Modi, finishing third with 75,614 votes.
“Early Trends Indicate Not Just a Political but a Moral Defeat for PM Modi: Jairam Ramesh”
“The Opposition Poised for Strongest Performance in a Decade: INDIA Bloc Leads in 230 Seats”
“Smriti Irani Trails in Amethi, Annamalai Behind in Coimbatore
Prominent BJP figures Smriti Irani and K Annamalai are facing setbacks in the Lok Sabha elections. Smriti Irani trails in Amethi, while Annamalai is behind in Coimbatore. Exit polls had previously predicted clear victories for both candidates, indicating unexpected turnouts in their respective constituencies.
Update: Mandi Lok Sabha Constituency, Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi Lok Sabha seat, BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut is leading over Congress’ Vikramaditya Singh by over 31,000 votes, according to Election Commission trends.
The NDA has crossed the 250-mark, leading in over 250 parliamentary seats. However, the Opposition INDIA bloc is putting up a strong fight, leading in a significant number of seats. The final outcome remains to be seen as counting continues.
The latest figures show the BJP-led NDA leading in 294 seats, with the INDIA bloc closely trailing behind, leading in 220 seats. A significant development unfolds in Uttar Pradesh, where the Samajwadi Party has dealt a severe blow to the BJP by leading in 35 of the 80 seats.
Telangana Election Update:
Hyderabad: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) candidate and sitting MP Asaduddin Owaisi leads over Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) K.Madhavi Latha with a margin of 46,891 votes.
Update: Medak Lok Sabha Constituency
A keen contest is underway in the Medak Lok Sabha seat. BRS candidate P. Venkatarami Reddy is leading with a slender margin of over 700 votes, securing 42,741 votes. His BJP rival, M. Raghunandan Rao, follows closely with 42,021 votes, while Congress nominee Neelam Madhu is also in contention with 41,099 votes after the second round of counting.
Update: Mahabubabad Lok Sabha Constituency
In the Mahabubabad Lok Sabha seat, former MP and Minister Porika Balram Naik of the Congress party is leading by 33,753 votes after the second round of counting. The BRS candidate has polled 28,021 votes, while Balram Naik secured 61,774 votes. The BJP candidate, Prof Azmeera Seetram Naik, garnered 11,795 votes.
Update: Hyderabad Lok Sabha Constituency
As per the official trends from the Election Commission of India, AIMIM chief and candidate from Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi, is leading by a margin of 15,461 votes. The counting of votes is currently underway. Stay tuned for more updates as the counting progresses.
According to data from the Election Commission of India, candidates from the Congress party are leading in several constituencies in Telangana:
In the Chevella Lok Sabha constituency of Telangana, Bharatiya Janata Party’s Konda Vishweshwar Reddy is currently leading by 21,071 votes against Indian National Congress candidate G. Ranjit Reddy. Stay tuned for further updates as the counting progresses.
Update: Khammam Lok Sabha Constituency
In the high-profile Khammam Lok Sabha constituency, Congress party’s nominee R Raghuram Reddy maintains his lead after the third round of vote counting. He is currently ahead by a significant margin of 68,837 votes. Trailing behind is Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) candidate and incumbent MP Nama Nageswara Rao with 33,994 votes. Stay tuned for further updates as the counting progresses.
Update: Bhongir Lok Sabha Constituency
At the end of the third round of counting, Congress candidate Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, a debutant, is leading in the Bhongir Lok Sabha constituency with 92,358 votes. This places him ahead by 26,083 votes. Following behind is BJP’s Dr. Boora Narsaiah Goud with 66,275 votes, trailed further by Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s Kyama Mallesh with 42,471 votes. CPI (M) candidate Mahamd Jahangir is at a distant fourth position with 7,787 votes. Stay tuned for further updates as the counting progresses.
Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, BJP candidate Eatala Rajender leads by over 17,000 votes over his Congress rival Sunita Mahender Reddy after the first round of counting.
AIMIM maintains its lead in the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat.
Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency, Bharatiya Janata Party’s G. Kishan Reddy leads by 11,677 votes against Indian National Congress candidate Danam Nagender at the end of Round 1.
Peddapalli SC-reserved Lok Sabha constituency, Congress party candidate Gaddam Vamsi Krishna is leading by a margin of 5,094 votes against his nearest BJP rival Gomase Srinivas after the first round of counting.
In the Karimnagar Lok Sabha constituency, BJP nominee Bandi Sanjay has taken the lead in the initial counting. Mr. Sanjay, the BJP national general secretary, is eyeing his second consecutive win, having polled 28,184 votes in the first round of counting. Meanwhile, Congress party candidate V Rajender Rao is trailing behind with 15,716 votes. Stay tuned for further updates as the counting progresses.
West Bengal Election Update:
Trinamool Congress (TMC) is currently ahead in 16 seats, while both the Congress and BJP are leading in two seats each.
In the Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat, ‘Rajmata’ Amrita Roy of the BJP is contesting against Trinamool Congress’ incumbent but expelled MP Mahua Moitra. According to the latest trends from the Election Commission, Ms. Roy is leading with 7,837 votes. Stay tuned for further updates as the counting progresses.
Smriti Irani, seeking re-election from Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi, has secured 24,859 votes so far. In contrast, Congress candidate Kishori Lal has garnered 35,282 votes, according to early trends provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is leading in the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh. He currently holds a lead of 18,000 votes over BJP’s Dinesh Pratap Singh.
A reversal in the trend: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now leading in Varanasi with 619 votes, as reported by the Election Commission website. Congress candidate Ajay Rai follows closely behind in the second position with 35,805 votes.
The latest data released by the Election Commission of India indicates a significant lead for the BJP, with the party ahead in 200 seats. Meanwhile, the Congress is leading in 80 seats. Stay tuned for further updates as the counting progresses.
“Tight Contest Unfolds: Takkar ka Muqabala”
NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc narrows significantly. Initial trends that favored the BJP are now seeing a tighter race. As per the latest updates, the NDA is leading in 293 seats, while the INDIA bloc is catching up, leading in 211 seats.
Rajasthan Election Update:
Latest trends from Rajasthan indicate that BJP candidates are leading in 12 seats, while Congress candidates are leading in 10 seats. Additionally, the CPI(M), Rashtriya Loktanatrik Party, and Bharat Adivasi Party are leading in one seat each. With trends available for all 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state, the competition remains intense. Stay tuned for further updates as the counting progresses.
Uttar Pradesh Election Update: INDIA alliance is currently leading in 44 out of the total 80 seats. The BJP-led NDA is trailing behind, leading in 36 seats according to early trends. Additionally, the Samajwadi Party (SP) is ahead on 38 seats.
“Market Plummets: BSE Sensex Drops by 2,200 Points” The market has witnessed a significant downturn, with the BSE Sensex plummeting by 2,200 points. This sharp decline reflects heightened volatility and investor concerns.
Live Updates: Election Results 2024
Latest reports indicate Prime Minister Narendra Modi trailing in Varanasi, while Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress is leading by 13,163 votes in the Wayanad constituency of Kerala. Stay tuned for more updates as the counting progresses.
Election Results 2024 LIVE: Narendra Modi trailing against Ajay Rai in Varanasi : EC
According to the initial trends released by the Election Commission of India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trailing behind Congress candidate Ajay Rai in Varanasi. As per the EC data, Ajay Rai is leading by 6,223 votes against PM Modi. Stay tuned for further updates on this significant development.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is seen leading in 298 seats while the INDIA bloc is seen leading in 192 seats, as per available trends. The NDA is ahead in 27 seats while the INDIA bloc is leading in 17 seats so far.
Live Updates: Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha Election Results 2024
Counting is underway for the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh. As of now, the BJP is leading in 23 seats, while the Congress is ahead in the Mandla constituency.
In the Mandla seat, Congress’ Omkar Singh Markam is leading against Union Minister and BJP candidate Faggan Singh Kulaste. Stay tuned for more updates as the results continue to come in.
Live Updates: Election Results 2024
Early trends reveal that in the state, the BJP is leading in 27 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats, while the INDIA bloc is ahead in 17 seats. Notably, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are both leading from their respective constituencies. Stay tuned for further updates as the counting progresses.
Live Updates: Lok Sabha Election Results 2024 – Gujarat
In Gujarat, the BJP has already secured one seat with Surat. Additionally, Home Minister Amit Shah is leading from Gandhinagar constituency. Stay tuned for more updates on the unfolding election results.
Live Updates: Election Results 2024
In West Bengal, early trends indicate a close contest between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress. The BJP is currently leading in 19 seats, while the Trinamool Congress is ahead in 17 seats. It’s a neck-and-neck battle, reflecting the heightened anticipation following the exit polls that favored the BJP. Notably, in the 2019 polls, the BJP won 18 seats against the TMC’s 22. Stay tuned for more updates as the counting progresses.
Live Updates: Election Results 2024
As per early trends, the NDA is leading in a significant number of seats, with 302 seats in its favor. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc is leading in 170 seats. Specifically, the BJP is ahead in 256 seats based on available trends. Stay tuned for more updates as the counting progresses.
Jammu and Kashmir Election Update:
In Jammu and Kashmir, the political landscape is witnessing shifts. Sajad Lone of the People’s Conference is leading from the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, while National Conference candidate Mian Altaf is ahead in the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat. Notably, former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti are currently trailing from the Anantnag and Baramulla seats, respectively. Stay tuned for further updates as the results continue to unfold.
Live Updates: Mandi Lok Sabha Election Results
In the initial trends coming in from Mandi, BJP’s prominent candidate Kangana Ranaut appears to have taken a backseat. Stay tuned for further updates as more trends emerge.
Gujarat Election Update – Live:
As of the latest count, the BJP has clinched victory in one seat and is currently leading in 14 others. Meanwhile, the Congress is also leading in one constituency, with candidate Geniben Thakor maintaining an edge in the initial round of vote counting on June 4th. Stay tuned for further updates.
In Bihar, the latest updates on the Lok Sabha seat count show the NDA leading on 19 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan is ahead on 10 seats out of the total 40.
Strong room key lost
In Tamil Nadu, a concerning development has occurred as the key to the strong room containing the EVMs used in the Ambasamudram Assembly segment of the Tirunelveli parliamentary constituency has been reported lost. Additionally, the strong room’s lock has been tampered with and broken using stones.
Election Results 2024 LIVE Update: The latest count of postal ballots indicates a significant lead for the NDA, with 155 seats, while the INDIA bloc trails behind with 69 seats, according to initial trend reports on TV.
India General Election 2024 Vote Counting Begins Soon
The vote counting for the 2024 India General Election is set to start shortly on June 4, with postal ballots being counted first. This will determine the fate of over 8,000 candidates amid tight security in states like West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, citing the Conduct of Election Rules on June 3, confirmed that postal ballots will be counted first at all centers, stating there is “no doubt about it.” Half an hour later, the counting of electronic voting machine (EVM) votes will commence.
Most TV exit polls, released after the final phase of voting on June 1, forecast a third term for the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), predicting close to 360 seats for the NDA and around 150 for the INDIA bloc. However, INDIA bloc parties have dismissed these predictions as bogus.
New Delhi, June 3, 2024 – With only one day remaining until the counting day, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed a press conference on Monday, shedding light on the monumental turnout of women voters in India during the recently concluded polls. Over 31 crore women exercised their voting rights, contributing to a total of 64 crore votes cast in these elections.
“We have set a world record with 642 million proud Indian voters. This stands as a historic moment for all of us, for the nation as a whole,” Kumar declared. He emphasized the scale of this achievement, noting that it surpasses the voters of all G7 countries combined by 1.5 times and exceeds the voters of the 27 countries in the EU by 2.5 times.
Expressing gratitude to all voters, especially women, Kumar noted that approximately 312 million women participated in the voting process this time, marking the highest turnout ever recorded globally and surpassing the figures from the 2019 elections in terms of both total votes cast and women voters.
This year’s elections also witnessed a significant decrease in repolling incidents, with only 39 occurrences recorded in 2024 compared to the 540 reported in 2019. The Chief Election Commissioner attributed this achievement to the meticulous work of personnel involved in the election process. Out of the 39 repoll incidents, 25 occurred solely in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur, with just 14 reported in the rest of India. Additionally, he highlighted that 27 states did not witness any repolls.
Speaking on post-poll violence, Kumar mentioned that in a few states like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Manipur, and Uttar Pradesh, among others, central paramilitary forces would remain post-MCC to monitor the situation.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar underscored the significance of these elections, not only in terms of the unprecedented voter turnout but also in terms of the efficient management and handling of the electoral process, which contributed to the smooth and peaceful conduct of the polls.
Hyderabad :- June 3, 2024 – The Southwest Monsoon has made an early entry into Telangana, reaching areas such as Kurnool, Gadwal, and Nalgonda. Typically, the monsoon arrives in the state in the second week of June, but this year it has arrived a week ahead of schedule. Meteorological department officials are predicting that this year’s monsoon season will bring higher than normal rainfall to Telangana.
A surface circulation is causing light to moderate rains in the state today, with heavy rains expected in southern districts for three days starting from Tuesday. Residents are advised to be prepared for potential flooding and take necessary precautions during this period of increased rainfall. Further updates on the monsoon situation in Telangana will be provided as necessary.
In Andhra Pradesh, the Southwest Monsoon has entered the Rayalaseema and Nellore districts three days ahead of schedule, according to meteorological officials. The monsoon is expected to spread across the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana within the next three days. Heavy rains with thunder and lightning are predicted to occur in various parts of Andhra Pradesh. Dry areas are also likely to receive some precipitation, bringing much-needed relief to farmers and residents.
Sunanda, a weather department official, has stated that the first significant rains of the year are expected soon. The early arrival of the monsoon has brought relief to the region, but authorities are urging caution as heavy rains may lead to flooding in low-lying areas. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid traveling during heavy rainfall to ensure their safety.
Stay tuned for further updates on the monsoon progression and weather conditions in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. www.akainewsindia.com
On June 2, Telangana Formation Day celebrations will unfold, but with an unexpected development: media photographers and videographers have been barred from the event. Does this mark a departure in Revanth Reddy’s relationship with the media? Is Revanth Reddy now implying that he no longer requires media coverage?
Revanth Reddy’s actions seem reminiscent of KCR’s approach. During KCR’s tenure, media coverage of government events was notably scarce, causing concern among media professionals. With Congress now in power following BRS’s defeat in state elections, Revanth Reddy, initially an advocate for media transparency, has apparently taken a different stance. Unfortunately, on June 2, 2024, Telangana’s Formation Day celebrations were conducted without media personnel present. Does this echo KCR’s media strategy? Shouldn’t at least a token presence of media personnel be allowed to cover such a significant event? What rationale has been provided for excluding the media? Does Revanth Reddy now perceive media coverage as superfluous? It’s incumbent upon the Revanth Reddy government to reconsider its decision and promptly allow media coverage of such significant celebratory events.
The State government has laid out extensive plans for the decennial celebrations of State Formation Day on June 2. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will commence the day by paying homage to Telangana martyrs at Gun Park around 9:30 am.
Subsequently, as part of the celebrations, the Chief Minister will unfurl the national flag at Parade Grounds at 10 am, followed by receiving a guard of honor from the police forces. Additionally, he will release the State song on this auspicious occasion.
Following these formalities, Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi and the Chief Minister will address the gathering. Thereafter, awards will be bestowed upon exceptional police officers and contingents. The evening festivities at Tank Bund promise to be a vibrant showcase of Telangana’s rich culture and arts.
The venue will host handloom stalls, special product exhibitions, and food courts featuring Telangana cuisine. At 6:30 pm, the Chief Minister will inaugurate the cultural carnival, showcasing various art forms and performances by 700 artists.
A special highlight will be cultural dance performances lasting 70 minutes, followed by a flag walk involving 5,000 individuals waving national flags to the tune of the “Jaya Jayahe Telangana” song. Poet Andesri and music director MM Keeravani will be honored on stage.
Finally, at 8:50 pm, the celebrations will culminate with a 10-minute fireworks display at the iconic Hussain Sagar.
Ludhiana: Voter turnout stands at 43.82% at 3 p.m.
Chandigarh: Records 52.61% voter turnout till 3 p.m.
BJP Candidate Kangana Ranaut Discusses Contributions to the Film Industry if Elected
“A lot of changes are needed in the film industry. Medical and pension-related requirements for the artists. The biggest example is Saroj Khan, who said she didn’t have the money to pay the hospital bills. I empathise with these people,” stated BJP candidate from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi Lok Sabha seat Kangana Ranaut during a press conference.
In response, some have raised questions, pointing out the BJP government’s decision to revoke pensions for soldiers and their families. They ask, “While Kangana talks about providing pensions to film industry workers, is she disregarding the needs of the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency? Is she playing with the sentiments of the people?”
VIDEO | “A lot of changes are needed in the film industry. Medical and pension-related requirements for the artists. The biggest example is Saroj Khan, who said she didn’t have the money to pay the hospital bills. I empathise with these people,” says BJP candidate from Himachal… pic.twitter.com/gMBCxtXaDT
INDIA Bloc Leaders to Meet in Delhi on Saturday to Discuss Strategy, TMC and PDP Likely to Skip
Top leaders of the INDIA bloc will gather in Delhi on Saturday to strategize for the vote counting on June 4, with the TMC and PDP expected to skip the meeting.
Senior leaders from the Congress, CPI-M, CPI, DMK, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar) will convene at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence this afternoon.
TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced they will not attend the meeting due to elections in the State. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is also likely to be absent.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann are expected to attend, along with senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and K.C. Venugopal.
DMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated that party leader T.R. Baalu will represent the DMK at the meeting.
INDIA Bloc Leaders to Meet in Delhi on Saturday to Discuss Strategy, TMC and PDP Likely to Skip
Senior leaders from the Congress, CPI-M, CPI, DMK, AAP, RJD, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (Sharad Pawar) will convene at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence this afternoon.
TMC chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced they will not attend the meeting due to elections in the State. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is also likely to be absent.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann are expected to attend, along with senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and K.C. Venugopal.
DMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated that party leader T.R. Baalu will represent the DMK at the meeting.
Jharkhand Lok Sabha Elections 2024: BJP Dumka Candidate Sita Soren Alleges Irregularities at Polling Booths, Calls for Repolling
BJP Dumka candidate Sita Soren has raised concerns over irregularities at polling booths. “I have visited several booths in the city and found irregularities, about which I have informed the DC. I have been receiving calls from everywhere. I will write to the Election Commission to cancel the election and order repolling,” said Soren.
Lok Sabha Elections Exit Poll Results Today:
A voter turnout of 40.09% was recorded till 1 PM in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections across 57 parliamentary constituencies in eight states and Union Territories today.
In Punjab, BSP candidate for the Ferozepur Lok Sabha seat, Surinder Kamboj, has been booked for allegedly recording his vote and making the video public, officials said.
With the seven-phase elections drawing to a close, attention will now shift to the exit polls, which will start emerging soon after the voting period officially ends, until the results are declared on June 4.
Over 40% Voting Recorded Till 1 PM in 57 Constituencies Across 8 States
Voter Turnout Update:
A voter turnout of 40.09% was recorded till 1 PM in the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Here are the turnout percentages by region:
Today, May 31st, reports confirm a distressing toll of over 40 suspected heat-related deaths across several states in India, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar bearing the brunt as scorching temperatures persist.
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar alone accounted for 25 casualties, with 17 and 14 deaths respectively. Odisha reported 10 deaths, followed by Jharkhand with 4, and Rajasthan with 5 fatalities. The situation remains critical, with over 1,300 individuals hospitalized in Jharkhand alone due to heatstroke conditions.
The heatwave has exacerbated water scarcity issues, particularly in Delhi, where residents endure long queues to secure their daily water needs. Vibha Devi from Geeta Colony lamented, “I stand in line from 4 am, but due to the crowd, I cannot reach the water tanker… It’s hard to get water.”
Meteorological records reveal alarming temperatures, with Kanpur recording a scorching 48.2 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest place in the country. Haryana’s Sirsa follows closely at 47.8 degrees Celsius, while Delhi’s Ayanagar registered a peak temperature of 47 degrees Celsius.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of severe heatwave conditions prevailing over several states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, with relief expected in the coming days.
Tragically, the heatwave claimed the lives of 15 election staff in Uttar Pradesh, just ahead of crucial polls. Mirzapur’s Maa Vindhyavasini Autonomous State Medical College confirmed 13 deaths, including home guard jawans, sanitation workers, and administrative staff, due to suspected heatstroke.
In Bihar, fourteen people, including election officials, succumbed to heatstroke in the past two days, further complicating the electoral process. Authorities have taken preventive measures, shutting down schools, coaching institutes, and Anganwadi centers until June 8th.
The situation in Odisha and Jharkhand remains dire, with confirmed sunstroke-related deaths and numerous hospitalizations. Medical facilities are on high alert, with provisions made for heatstroke patients.
Despite these grim conditions, there’s a glimmer of hope as the Southwest Monsoon begins its advance into northeastern regions, offering potential relief from the relentless heatwave.
“Last-Minute Polling Material Checks at Dispersal Center (Netaji Indoor Stadium) in Kolkata North District, West Bengal, Engage Polling Personnel” Pic Via -X- CEO -WB
New Delhi, May 31, 2024 – As many as 904 candidates, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are in the fray in the final phase of Lok Sabha elections. Polling will take place on Saturday across 57 seats in seven states and the Union territory of Chandigarh, including Varanasi, where PM Modi is seeking a third consecutive term.
The seventh and final phase includes all 13 seats of Punjab and four of Himachal Pradesh, along with 13 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, nine in West Bengal, eight in Bihar, six in Odisha, and three in Jharkhand, besides Chandigarh. Additionally, the remaining 42 assembly constituencies of Odisha and bypolls to six assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh will also see voting.
Prominent candidates among the 904 contestants include Union minister Anurag Thakur, Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee, Lalu Prasad’s daughter Misa Bharti, and actor Kangana Ranaut. Over 100.6 million citizens, including nearly 52.4 million men, 48.2 million women, and 3,574 third-gender electors, are eligible to vote in this phase.
This voting will conclude the marathon polling process that began on April 19 and has covered 486 Lok Sabha seats across 28 states and Union territories. The assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim also went to the polls. Counting of votes will commence on June 4. According to Election Commission guidelines, exit poll data and results can be broadcast on June 1 after 6:30 PM.
The Election Commission reported that polling parties, along with machines and poll materials, have been dispatched to their respective stations. At the 109,000 polling stations, basic facilities such as shade, drinking water, ramps, and toilets are provided to ensure a comfortable and secure voting environment. The poll panel has directed state CEOs and machinery to take measures to manage the adverse impact of hot weather or rainfall wherever predicted.
The commission urged voters to turn out in greater numbers and vote responsibly. The turnout in the first six phases was 66.14%, 66.71%, 65.68%, 69.16%, 62.2%, and 63.36%, respectively.
Campaigning for the last phase, which ended Thursday evening, saw BJP leaders led by Modi accusing the Congress and the INDIA alliance of corruption, anti-Hindu sentiments, and engaging in loot, appeasement, and dynastic politics. The opposition claims the BJP is anti-farmer, anti-youth, and would change and scrap the Constitution if they win.
Key Contestants and Constituencies
In Uttar Pradesh, prominent seats include Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Robertsganj (SC). Notable contestants include Union ministers Mahendra Nath Pandey, Pankaj Chaudhary, and Anupriya Patel. Ghazipur sees Afzal Ansari contesting, and Ballia features Neeraj Shekhar. In Varanasi, PM Modi faces Ajay Rai (Congress), Ather Jamal Lari (BSP), Kolisetty Shiva Kumar (Yuga Thulasi Party), Gagan Prakash Yadav (Apna Dal, Kameravadi), and independents Dinesh Kumar Yadav and Sanjay Kumar Tiwari.
West Bengal’s elections will test TMC’s dominance, particularly in South Bengal constituencies like Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jayanagar, Mathurapur, Diamond Harbour, Jadavpur, Kolkata Dakshin, and Kolkata Uttar. TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee is a key candidate in Diamond Harbour, facing CPI(M)’s Pratikur Rahaman and BJP’s Abhijit Das.
In Punjab, key candidates include four-time MP Preneet Kaur, former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, three-time MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and Ravneet Singh Bittu. This election marks the first time since 1996 that BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal are contesting separately. Congress and AAP are contesting as part of the INDIA bloc.
In Himachal Pradesh, stakes are high for Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, seeking a fifth term from Hamirpur, and Congress candidate Anand Sharma from Kangra. Prominent candidates in Mandi include actor Kangana Ranaut and Vikramaditya Singh.
In Bihar, Union minister RK Singh is aiming for a third term from Arrah, with his main challenger being CPI(ML)’s Sudama Prasad. In Patna Sahib, veteran BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad faces Congress spokesman Anshul Avijit. In Pataliputra, Misa Bharti seeks a third attempt against BJP MP Ram Kripal Yadav. Karakat features Bhojpuri superstar Pawan Singh as an Independent, with a multi-cornered fight involving Upendra Kushwaha (BJP), Raja Ram Kushwaha (CPI-ML), and Priyanka Chaudhary (AIMIM).
The polling process will mark the end of a significant electoral exercise, with counting of votes on June 4 set to determine the political landscape of the country.
Government Declares Two-Day Public Holiday Amid Rising Water Levels
Imphal, May 31, 2024 – Floods have severely impacted Manipur, affecting 188,143 people and damaging at least 24,265 houses due to incessant rainfall following Cyclone Remal, according to state officials.
Minister for Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management, Awangbou Newmai, reported that 18,103 people have been evacuated and 56 relief camps have been established. In a Facebook post, he detailed a meeting held with the Additional Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner Imphal West & East, and the Directorate of Relief and Disaster Management to strategize immediate relief, search, and rescue operations.
The minister also noted that approximately 401 hectares of crops have been affected. Relief materials have been distributed across several districts including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bisnupur, Noney, Churachandpur, Senapati, and Kakching.
Tragically, the floods have resulted in three deaths, nine injuries, and one missing person as of May 29. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced that breaches in river embankments occurred at 18 spots, with 17 already sealed. He confirmed that flooding in the surrounding areas has been successfully controlled.
The northeastern state has experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms triggered by the cyclone over the past few days. Due to severe flooding from breaches in river embankments, the government declared a two-day public holiday for all state offices until May 31, urging citizens to stay indoors unless in emergencies.
Deep concern over the severe flash floods has been expressed widely. Rahul Gandhi, in a tweet, conveyed his condolences to those affected and urged Congress leaders and workers to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
This natural disaster underscores the ongoing need for effective disaster management and prompt relief efforts to mitigate the impact on the affected populations.
— PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland & South Arunachal (@prodefkohima) May 30, 2024
#Manipur: Flash flood continues to wreak havoc in the state. Three people have died in different flood-related incidents so far, while one person is missing.
The Army and central forces have been engaging in rescue work, and affected families have been taking shelter in relief… pic.twitter.com/7T8coCERec
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 31, 2024
