Maharashtra, Jharkhand Election Live Updates: 'Will ensure that those wearing slippers can travel by air,' says PM Modi in Jharkhand

Maharashtra, Jharkhand Election Live Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced his Maharashtra assembly election campaign on October 13 with a unity slogan "Ek hai, toh safe hai", complementing UP CM Yogi Adityanath's 'batenge to katenge' message. He challenged Congress allies to have Rahul Gandhi deliver a 15-minute speech praising V D Savarkar and Bal Thackeray, highlighting their significant contributions to the nation.During his two campaign rallies, the BJP's prominent leader criticised Congress for fostering divisive caste-based politics. He noted that since Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure, the party has consistently opposed reservation policies.Campaigning for the Mahayuti alliance, he emphasised their developmental achievements whilst describing the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as lacking direction, likening them to a dysfunctional vehicle with coalition partners vying for control.Meanwhile, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren criticised the BJP on Friday, dismissing their 'Roti, Beti and Mati' claims. At a public gathering in Gandhnia Hat Maidan, Ghatsila, he highlighted his government's welfare initiatives for women's safety. "We have launched schemes like the Savitribai Phule Jhano Yojana for the safety of our daughters, with 12 lakh students linked to it," Soren said, supporting JMM MLA Ramdas Soren.He indirectly criticised Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's statements about tribal safety in Madhya Pradesh, whilst challenging BJP's claims regarding 'Roti, Beti, and Mati' protection, particularly referencing the government's response to women's issues in Manipur.Soren expressed confidence in the JMM-led coalition's electoral success.