The Congress party faces turmoil ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with MP Ravneet Singh Bittu joining the BJP and TN leader Supriya Shrinate facing backlash for her comments against BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut. The party's Central Election Committee is set to meet and announce candidates for Madhya Pradesh, where state president Jitu Patwari claims that the BJP has bought off 500 MLAs and caused the fall of 17 governments. Meanwhile, BJP's TN state president will file his nomination from Coimbatore, expressing confidence in the NDA's chances in the state.
Congress Faces Challenges, BJP Makes Gains Ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections
As India gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the political landscape is witnessing significant developments. The incumbent Congress party grapples with internal turmoil, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) makes strategic moves to bolster its position.
Congress's Internal Struggles
The Congress party has faced a series of setbacks in recent months. High-profile leader Ravneet Singh Bittu defected to the BJP, while Tamil Nadu leader Supriya Srinate faced backlash for her controversial remarks against actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut. These incidents have raised concerns about the party's unity and ability to mount a credible challenge in the upcoming polls.
Amidst these challenges, the Congress's Central Election Committee is expected to meet and announce candidates for Madhya Pradesh. State president Jitu Patwari has alleged that the BJP has bribed 500 MLAs and orchestrated the downfall of 17 state governments, further exacerbating tensions between the two parties.
BJP's Political Maneuvers
The BJP, on the other hand, has been making strategic moves to consolidate its position. In Tamil Nadu, the party's state president, K. Annamalai, will file his nomination from Coimbatore. He has expressed confidence in the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) chances in the state, where the BJP has traditionally been less influential.
Background and Significance
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be crucial for the future of Indian politics. The BJP has been in power for two consecutive terms and is aiming to extend its dominance further. The Congress, once the dominant force in Indian politics, is facing a formidable challenge to regain its position.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
The Congress is facing internal divisions, with leaders defecting to other parties and facing criticism for controversial remarks.
Patwari has accused the BJP of buying off 500 MLAs and causing the downfall of 17 state governments.
K. Annamalai, the BJP's state president in Tamil Nadu, will run from Coimbatore.
The elections will determine whether the BJP will continue its dominance or if the Congress can reclaim its position as the leading party.
The economy, unemployment, corruption, and national security are likely to be major issues in the election campaign.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.
The nation bids farewell to former President Jimmy Carter as his funeral procession takes place from the U.S. Navy Memorial to the Capitol in Washington D.C. The event was attended by many political figures and members of the public, paying their respects to the late President. Despite the solemn atmosphere, the streets were lined with people celebrating Carter's life and legacy.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has released the draft guidelines for the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. These new regulations aim to bring flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence in faculty recruitment and career progression in Indian higher education institutions. They also align with the goals of the New Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) and place emphasis on Indian languages and interdisciplinary backgrounds. Additionally, the guidelines include specialized recruitment pathways for fields such as Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sculpture, and Drama to attract the best talent and preserve India's cultural heritage.
Hickman, a former Parkland High School student, is scheduled to appear in Forsyth Superior Court for slapping a teacher and making threats towards her. The incident was captured on a viral video which showed the teacher remaining calm as she was assaulted and verbally abused. Hickman's case was continued by Judge Aaron Berlin on Monday.
Self-styled godman Asaram, who was convicted in two separate rape cases, has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on medical grounds. However, the bail is only until March 31 and he will remain in jail as he has to obtain bail in another rape case. Asaram's request for bail was based on his deteriorating health condition, for which he had previously received treatment in Pune and AIIMS Jodhpur. The Supreme Court also ordered police officers to escort him to the hospital for treatment without imposing any restrictions on where he should go.
In response to concerns raised about discrepancies in voter turnout and vote counting, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar clarified the process of EVM commissioning and security measures. He assured the public that EVMs are tamper-proof and backed his statements with court judgments stating that hacking or altering results is impossible. Kumar also explained the mock poll process done in the presence of election agents to further ensure transparency.
The life and papacy of Pope Innocent XI, previously known as Benedetto Odescalchi, was marked by his deep devotion to piety and his relentless efforts to reduce expenses and fight against nepotism in the Curia. He gained admiration from the people of Ferrara as a "father of the poor", and as pope, he faced challenges from Louis XIV of France on the issue of "Gallican Liberties" and ambassadorial immunities. Despite a long period of ill health, Innocent XI left a lasting legacy of selflessness and service, leading to his eventual beatification in 1956.