As the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 begin with the first phase of voting, the opposition INDIA bloc has raised questions about the performance of the ruling BJP government. They have accused the government of neglecting border security, orchestrating scams, and failing to address issues like unemployment and inflation. Meanwhile, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has reassured voters about the safety and integrity of Electronic Voting Machines as voters turn out in large numbers to participate in the "festival of democracy". Congress leader Sachin Pilot has also predicted that the INDIA alliance will surpass the majority mark of 272 seats, with the Congress winning more seats than the BJP in Rajasthan.
India's 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: A Battle for the Future
As India gears up for its 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the political landscape is witnessing a heated contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition alliance, INDIA. The elections, scheduled to be held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19, promise to be a pivotal moment for the nation's democratic future.
Opposition Questions BJP's Governance
The INDIA bloc, led by the Indian National Congress, has launched a scathing attack on the BJP government's performance. They have accused the ruling party of:
BJP Defends Record
The BJP, however, has vehemently defended its record, claiming that it has taken decisive steps to ensure national security, promote economic growth, and improve the lives of its citizens. The ruling party has also pointed to its successful implementation of policies such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
Election Commission Assures Fair Voting
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has emphasized the safety and integrity of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that will be used in the elections. He has assured voters that all measures have been taken to prevent fraud and ensure a transparent voting process.
Congress Confident of Victory
Congress leader Sachin Pilot has expressed confidence that the INDIA alliance will surpass the majority mark of 272 seats in the Lok Sabha. He has predicted that the Congress will win more seats than the BJP in the key state of Rajasthan.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers Related to Lok Sabha Elections
1. When will the Lok Sabha elections be held?
2. How many phases will the elections have?
3. Which alliance is challenging the BJP?
4. What are the main issues in the elections?
5. What measures are being taken to ensure fair voting?
Vaikuntha Ekadashi is a significant day for Hindus, particularly in South India. It is a time to fast and pray to Lord Vishnu for forgiveness and a chance to go to heaven. This year, it falls on January 10, 2025, and devotees celebrate by lighting lamps, chanting mantras, and visiting temples for blessings. The holiday is rooted in the belief that observing it dedicatedly can bring good fortune and a peaceful afterlife.
In the aftermath of a tragic stampede at the Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has taken swift action by suspending officials and ordering a judicial probe into the incident. Criticizing the lack of responsibility and failure to assess the situation, Naidu's political opponents are also utilizing the incident to attack his government. Amidst the controversy, the temple's reputation for managing large crowds has taken a hit and measures are being suggested to prevent such incidents in the future.
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
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.