Maharashtra, Jharkahand Assembly Election 2024 Live Updates: 'Soren govt followed 'divide and rule' policy,' says Nadda at Bokaro rally

Jharkhand elections: JMM chief Hemant Soren promises all electricity-related cases filed against people will be withdrawn

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren says, "You will get 24 hours of electricity supply but you will never get the electricity bill because we have made 200 units of electricity free for you...I promise you that all electricity-related cases filed against people will be withdrawn."

'Those who claim that they are not corrupt ...' : Priyanka Gandhi targets BJP

"Those who claim that they are not corrupt while the entire world is corrupt, they toppled an elected government here (in Maharashtra). You (referring to people of Maharashtra) elected a government, but PM Modi toppled an elected government," says Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in an election rally in Nagpur.

Maharashtra elections: Mahayuti government will come to power again, says Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat says, "The way Mahayuti has done the politics of development in Maharashtra, the people of Maharashtra have decided that the Mahayuti government will come to power again. Polarization in politics, dividing communities is an old habit of the Congress. At the time of independence, the country was divided on the basis of rich-poor, dialect and language, it has been an old habit of the Congress to gain power by dividing people..."

Swami Govinddev Giri, who serves as treasurer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, expressed concern over the phrase "vote jihad" being used in political discussions, stating that such terminology is unsuitable for describing political competition. These comments were made on Sunday, following Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis's contentious remarks that connected elections to a 'dharma-yudh'.

In his interaction with the media, Swami Govinddev Giri observed that whilst voting instructions were previously distributed discretely through leaflets at religious venues, phrases like "vote jihad" are currently being promoted openly. He called upon Hindu society to address this development.

The seer explained that whilst 'jihad' corresponds to 'dharma-yudh', it is not appropriate to label a political competition as 'yudh'. He stated, "Since 'vote jihad' is being openly advocated, it must be countered without hesitation." He highlighted voting as both a civic duty and right, adding, "True Hindus are pro-humanity, treating everyone equally, like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We should also tolerate injustice."

Maharashtra elections: Police seize gold and diamond worth over 5 crore

Jalgaon Police and Local Crime Branch seized gold and silver worth more than Rs 5 crores while conducting a check under the view of Maharashtra Assembly elections. Further investigation underway. PSI Sandip Gavit says, "In view of the Vidhan Sabha elections, checks are being conducted in the city. Yesterday, a blockade was imposed in Jalgaon city...We found a vehicle carrying silver and gold. When the punchnama was done, gold and silver worth Rs 5 crores 59 lakhs was found. It has been seized and handed to the flying squad. Further actions are being taken by the flying squad..."

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for labeling SP members as criminals. Yadav argued that the SP has consistently supported the police, unlike other parties. He also accused the BJP of deploying excessive police force in the Kundarki assembly constituency to intimidate voters ahead of the by-elections.

'Maha Vikas Aghadi will form the government with a majority': Congress leader Sachin Pilot

Congress leader Sachin Pilot says, "Maha Vikas Aghadi will form the government with a majority. People have made up their minds that they want a clean, transparent government... We are moving with a positive agenda. Wherever we are going, we are getting a good response. On the 23rd (November), we will form the government with good numbers."

BJP president J P Nadda accused the JMM-led Jharkhand government of harboring Bangladeshi infiltrators, facilitating their acquisition of official documents, and even land ownership. He vowed to introduce legislation to prevent land ownership for offspring of infiltrators who marry tribal women. Nadda also criticized the government's alleged corruption and divisive policies, predicting their downfall in the upcoming elections.

UP By-Polls: Centre and UP government are colliding, says Akhilesh Yadav

Addressing a public rally in Katehari Vidhan Sabha, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav says, "The engines of Delhi (central government) and Lucknow (UP government) are colliding with each other. There are a lot of reasons behind this collision. Due to this, (UP) DGP has not been appointed...Earlier their (Delhi and UP) engines were colliding, now their slogans are also colliding...After the results of the Maharashtra elections, the Maharashtra government will not be in power. They (BJP) will lose UP also..."

Selfish motives behind formation of anti-tribal JMM-Cong-RJD alliance; it promotes dynastic politics, appeasement, alleges Nadda in rally

'Will win with two-third majority,' BJP MP Nishikant Dubey says

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Sunday expressed confidence in the victory of the BJP-led NDA alliance in the Jharkhand Assembly elections and said that they are forming the government with a two-third majority.

Praising the party's in-charge and co-in-charge for Jharkhand polls, Dubey said that Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have done great work here.

"The BJP has 3-4 major strengths. One, the BJP has the world's most popular leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP has the most politically astute person in this country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The BJP has an army of dedicated workers... Assam CM Hemanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have been appointed as the in charge here and they have done great work. Hemanta Biswa Sarma is someone who makes quick decisions.... Overall, it looks like we are forming the government with a two-thirds majority," he said.

Maharashtra Elections: Will give farmers Rs 7,000 per quintal MSP for soybean crop, says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Maharashtra deprived of jobs due to shifting of Foxconn, Airbus projects to Gujarat: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

Jharkhand elections: Why his grandmother did not act on Mandal Commission report, JP Nadda asks Rahul Gandhi

Addressing a public rally in Bokaro, BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda says, "... Rahul Gandhi is discussing OBCs these days. He is roaming around with the Constitution and claims that he is worried about OBCs. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi the reason why his grandmother did not take action on the Mandal Commission report?... Mandal Commission was only implemented in our government and then the OBCs got the reservation... How many OBCs are there in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, how many OBCs were there in Sonia Gandhi's National Advisory Committee? How many OBCs are there in the Congress Working Committee?... There are 27 OBC ministers in the Narendra Modi government today..."

Jharkhand elections: 'Hemant Soren's government has done a huge fraud with you people,' says JP Nadda

Nadda also said, "In the 5 years of his government, the poor here became poorer, no attention was paid to employment, Jharkhand was looted with both hands and politics of nepotism and appeasement was done.

Therefore, now the people of Jharkhand are eager to oust this government and form a BJP-NDA government."

Jharkhand elections: 'These people (JMM, Congress) have committed scam here in every aspect,' said Nadda

"There was a mining scam of Rs 5 thousand crores, Hemant Soren himself is involved in a land scam of Rs 236 crores and is on bail. Now efforts are being made to launch land jihad and grab the land through Bangladeshi infiltrators," he added.

Jharkhand elections: Nadda hails PM Modi, BJP govt in Bokaro address

"Agri budget increased by 5 times under Modi rule, India became 3rd largest automobile maker, produces world's most affordable drugs," he said.

'Soren govt followed 'divide and rule' policy,' says Nadda at Bokaro rally

Addressing a public rally in Bokaro, BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda also said, "... Rahul Gandhi is discussing OBCs these days. He is roaming around with the Constitution and claims that he is worried about OBCs. I want to ask Rahul Gandhi the reason why his grandmother did not take action on the Mandal Commission report?... Mandal Commission was only implemented in our government and then the OBCs got the reservation... How many OBCs are there in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, how many OBCs were there in Sonia Gandhi's National Advisory Committee? How many OBCs are there in the Congress Working Committee?... There are 27 OBC ministers in the Narendra Modi government today..."

Maharashtra elections: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami addresses a public rally in Bhayander

Dhami was also welcomed by various leaders on stage as the rally went on.

Maharashtra elections: Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed by migrant Uttarakhandis at Mumbai airport ahead of Maharashtra elections

Upon reaching Mumbai airport on Saturday night, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami received a warm reception from Uttarakhandi migrants residing in the city.
The Chief Minister's visit coincides with his scheduled participation in Sunday's campaign activities, where he will support Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates during the Maharashtra elections.

Jharkhand elections: IPS officer suspended by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for dereliction of duty officer’s msg to his social media followers:

Rajasthan-cadre IPS officer Kishan Sahai Meena was suspended by the Election Commission of India for leaving his election duty post in Jharkhand without permission. Meena, who was assigned as a police observer, left his post on October 28th and returned to Jaipur. He later assured his social media followers that he would explain the circumstances surrounding his suspension. Read full story

Jharkhand elections: Hemant Soren evading responsibility in curbing infiltration: Amit Shah

At a Dumka rally, Union home minister Amit Shah accused Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren of failing to control infiltration and appeasing Muslims. Shah highlighted the BJP's commitment to tribal welfare and development, promising industrial growth and Naxalism's eradication by 2025. Read full story

EC seeks BJP, Congress's reply for charges against Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi, Amit Shah

Acting on BJP and Congress's allegations against each other, Election Commission Saturday exchanged the complaints and sought responses of the presidents of the two parties on the charges levelled against their functionaries. Congress had complained against PM Modi and home minister Amit Shah for allegedly labelling the party as anti-SC/ST/OBC, and sought a ban on campaigning by the two for the remainder of the campaign period. Read full story

Amid poll code, Rs 14.5 crore gold seized in Nagpur

Poll officials have confiscated gold worth Rs 14.5 crore in Nagpur during the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections, according to an official. A flying surveillance team intercepted the gold, consisting of ornaments and biscuits, whilst being transported by Gujarat-based Sequel Logistics on Saturday.

The consignment reached Nagpur via air transport on Thursday and was en route to Amravati. Officials stopped the vehicle as it travelled from Ambazari Lake towards Wadi.

"The gold was taken to the Ambazari police station. A probe indicated Sequel Logistics did not have the necessary permission from the Election Commission to transport such a large amount of gold during the poll period," the official said. The authorities are conducting additional investigations into the incident.

The model code of conduct has been active in Maharashtra since October 15.

Maharashtra declining under Mahayuti: Chidambaram

Former Union minister and Congress MP P Chidambaram on Saturday said once a leader under the Congress rule, now Maharashtra is facing a steady decline in all sectors under the Mahayuti regime.

Chidambaram said since its inception, Maharashtra had been at the forefront of all sectors in the country following Congress's vision and developmental policies. In recent years, though, Maharashtra is witnessing a steady decline in all sectors, he said. "Many projects have moved from Maharashtra to neighbouring states, resulting in loss of investment and jobs," Chidambaram said. Read full story

Fadnavis tears into Congress on Dharavi project ‘lies’, condemns Nomani’s ‘Vote Jihad’ call

Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis launched a dual-pronged attack on the opposition, accusing Congress of spreading "misinformation" about the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) and slamming Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani's call for a "vote jihad" as illegal and polarizing. Speaking to the media in Gadchiroli and Nagpur on Saturday, Fadnavis defended the tender process of Dharavi project and warned against communal tensions being stoked ahead of polls. Read full story

Maharashtra Assembly election: ‘BJP’s slogan shouldn’t be ‘batenge’ but ‘we’ll use & throw’,' says Uddhav Thackeray in interview with TOI

In an interview, Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized the BJP for its political tactics and expressed confidence in the Maha Vikas Aghadi's chances in the upcoming elections. He questioned the BJP's choice of candidates and highlighted their alleged role in destabilizing his previous government. Read full story

Maharashtra Assembly election: Harsh Sanghvi exudes confidence in BJP's victory

"Across every corner of Maharashtra, PM Modi and the citizens of the state are coming together with great enthusiasm to ensure the victory of BJP and its alliance candidates. The energy among the people is set to create a new chapter in history," said Gujarat Minister Harsh Sanghvi.

‘Vote Jihad’ a term coined by Fadnavis to give communal colour to poll: Sharad Pawar

Deputy chief minister and senior BJP politician Devendra Fadnavis coined the term "Vote Jihad" because, in some constituencies, minority community members voted for Maha Vikas Aghadi in the Lok Sabha election, said NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar said in Satara on Saturday."In Pune too, in one area, a particular community — the Hindu community — votes for BJP, because they follow the same ideology, but that does not mean ‘jihad'. Using the term ‘Vote Jihad', Fadnavis and his associates are trying to give a religious colour to the election. We are totally against it," added Pawar. Read full story

'I'll retire from politics if PM proves his allegations against Congress in Karnataka': CM Siddaramaiah

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his allegations that the Congress government "looted" people in the state and used the money for the poll campaign in Maharashtra.

Addressing a press conference in Maharashtra's Solapur on Saturday, CM Siddaramaiah dared the Prime Minister to prove his allegations and vowed to retire from politics if they're proven right.

CM Siddaramaiah campaigned for the Maha Vikas Aghadi in Solapur on Saturday in the run-up to the Maharashtra assembly elections scheduled to be held on November 20.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday that he was "disappointed with" recently-retired CJI D Y Chandrachud as he didn't deliver the verdict in the Shiv Sena MLAs' disqualification case.

4 days to Maha polls, 5 Maoists killed in fierce encounter

Four days before Maharashtra goes to polls, 5 Maoists, including 2 women cadres, were shot dead by security forces Saturday at the tri-junction of two districts of Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli in a fierce encounter at forested guerrilla headquarters of Abujmarh. Two jawans were seriously injured in the gunbattle. This comes just 48 hours before polling parties trek with EVMs through difficult terrain to reach remote booths in Gadchiroli district, reports Soumitra Bose.

Stage partially collapses during Uddhav Thackeray's event in Thane

A part of the stage partially collapsed while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray was meeting party workers after delivering a speech in Thane. No one was injured in the incident. This occurred as large crowd of supporters who had gathered on the stage to meet Thackeray.

Any party joining hands with Congress is doomed, says Rajnath Singh

peaking at a campaign rally here, Singh expressed confidence that as in Haryana, victory of the BJP and Mahayuti coalition was certain in the November 20 Maharashtra assembly elections. "Congress ruled the country for a long time, but now its condition has become so precarious that anyone associated with it is bound to drown....In Maharashtra, Congress has piggy-backed on the Shiv Sena (UBT ) and NCP (SP), and their drowning is certain," the senior BJP leader said.

Maharashtra polls: Congress never gave respect to Babasaheb Ambedkar, says Rajnath Singh in Palghar

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Saturday that Congress ruled the country for 20 years but never gave respect to Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar that he deserved,

He addressed three election meetings in Mumbai, Palghar and Pune where he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honoured Babasaheb by giving him Bharat Ratna.

Taking a potshot on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on the caste census, he said Rahul Gandhi roamed around with a red colour book claiming that it is the constitution. He is spreading confusion among people and is engaged in efforts to deceive the electorate in the name of caste census.

Maha Aghadi leaders are fighting among themselves, how will they develop Maharashtra? For Maha Vikas Aghadi, Mumbai and the whole of Maharashtra are like ATMs from which they only want to withdraw money, he said

Campaigning for a BJP candidate in Palghar, he said the kind of public support that BJP is getting in Maharashtra and Jharkhand has made it clear that an NDA government is sure to be formed in both these states. Many political analysts also agree with it.

"Every time Congress government gave the slogan of eradicating poverty but despite being in power in the state and centre for around 50 years, it could not eradicate poverty. After 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 25 crore people have come out of the poverty line," he said.

BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on PM Modi's 'Ek hai toh safe hai' slogan

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut on Saturday mocked the Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stating that he "needs small notes even for an 11-minute speech" and yet he claims Prime Minister Narendra Modi has memory loss.

“If you listen to the Prime Minister's speeches, he speaks for an hour without looking at any paper, whereas Rahul Gandhi needs small notes even for an 11-minute speech. Without them, he can't speak for a minute, yet he claims he doesn't have memory loss. I think he should have some manners,” the actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut said on leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's recent remarks on PM Modi.

Maharashtra Elections 2024: NDA will form a government with a thumping majority in Maharashtra, says Rajnath Singh

"Five months ago, Lok Sabha elections were held, but the BJP-led NDA didn't get much success in Maharashtra, Haryana and a few other states. However, when Assembly polls were held in Haryana, where we couldn't do will in Lok Sabha polls, we formed a government with a clear majority. I am sure that the NDA will form a government with a thumping majority in Maharashtra as well," Defence minister Rajnath Singh said addressing an election rally in Pune Cantt Assembly constituency.

Nana Patole writes to Maharashtra Governor, CEC

Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole has written to the Maharashtra Governor, CEC and others and has raised objection to the potential reappointment of Rashmi Shukla as DGP Maharashtra.

Elections to 43 seats in 1st phase indicate INDI alliance set to form govt in J'khand: Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Ranchi.

Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024 Live: BJP co-in-charge Himanta Biswa Sarma holds a roadshow in Bokaro

Assam's chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also serves as BJP's co-in-charge for the Jharkhand elections, conducted a roadshow in Bokaro. The final round of Jharkhand's assembly elections is scheduled for November 20, with vote counting set to take place on November 23.

BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan says 'Law and order is in shambles in Jharkhand'

Election Commission on complaint filed by Congress on model code violation

Complaints filed by BJP on poll code violation

Mallikarjun Kharge, JP Nadda to reply to each other's complaints

In the wake of complaints by BJP and Congress against one another in the ongoing assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, the Election Commission in separate letters to BJP President JP Nadda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge today, asked each one to comment on the complaint of the other. Commission exchanged the complaints between the two parties while seeking their responses.

Hemant Soren conspiring to give reservation to Muslims through backdoor: Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday attacked Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren saying he is "conspiring to provide reservations to Muslims through backdoor channels with the help of Congress" and warned that the BJP would thwart any such attempt. He also held Soren "responsible" for the declining tribal population.

"Hemant Soren is trying to provide reservations to Muslims through backdoor with the support from Congress. I warn that BJP will not allow any such plans of Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi to succeed," Shah said addressing a rally at Jharkhand's Dumka.

He alleged that the Jharkhand government is patronising infiltration for vote bank and said "Hemant Soren is responsible for declining tribal population as he is allowing infiltrators to enter Jharkhand and marry tribal women. They are snatching tribal land here which will not be allowed."

Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024 Live: This time we will form a govt with full majority, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

Jharkhand Assembly Poll: People of Congress-JMM are dejected, says BJP candidate Ragini Singh

BJP candidate Ragini Singh on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's chopper's delay, said that, "People of Congress-JMM are dejected, especially of Congress. People are pushing them back. In Jharia constituency, they (Congress-JMM) are doing work of pipes, roads and electricity. People are even filling forms of Maiya Samman Yojana on the basis of false documents. This is violation of Model Code of Conduct. Administration and officers are also at fault...You won't find any BJP leader doing anything illegal."

"We are seeking votes confidently by looking people in the eye. We are going to the people with the work done by PM Narendra Modi. BJP workers worked and stayed among people round the year...The only thing that has developed in last 5 years, in the tenure of this corrupt government, is murders and extortion. People of Jharia are in mood for change," she added.