News on AIR

Campaigning for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls is in full swing; it will conclude tomorrow. Leaders of various political parties are holding multiple rallies across the country to woo voters. Polling for this phase will take place in 89 constituencies in 13 states and union territories on Friday.

Prime Minister and senior BJP leader Narendra Modi addressed a public meeting in the Janjgir Champa Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh. Mr. Modi said that the NDA’s priority is the welfare of the poor, youth, women, and farmers. He also addressed a public meeting in Dhamtari town under the Mahasamund Lok Sabha constituency.

Earlier, Mr. Modi also addressed an election rally at Uniara in Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Lok Sabha constituency in Rajasthan. On the other hand, All India Congress Committee General Secretary Jairam Ramesh held a press conference in Udaipur today.

In Uttar Pradesh, political parties came out with all guns blazing on the penultimate day of the poll campaign for the second phase of the elections. Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh today campaigned for party candidate Mahesh Sharma in Gautam Budh Nagar district. Addressing a large gathering, he said that now the state is known for its law and order, development, investment, and good governance. Another senior BJP leader and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, held a road show for party candidate Arun Govil in Meerut. He addressed rallies in Amroha and Baghpat districts of western Uttar Pradesh earlier in the day. Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav held a rally in Aligarh district for SP-Congress Alliance candidates Bijendra Singh from Aligarh and Jasveer Balmiki from Hathras. Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati also addressed a rally in Meerut district in support of party candidate Devbrat Tyagi.

In Madhya Pradesh, BJP National President JP Nadda addressed many election meetings. Addressing the gathering in Rewa, he said that for a developed India, we need a stable, strong, and decisive government.

In Karnataka, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a public rally in Chitradurga. Speaking on the occasion, the Congress National General Secretary raised the issue of unemployment and price rise. She also charged that the central government is not releasing funds to the states ruled by the opposition parties. On the other hand, BJP Karnataka President B Y Vijendra has criticised the Congress-led state government in Karnataka for its failure to safeguard women.

In Kerala, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public meeting in Wayanad this evening. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kharge said that the Congress manifesto is for the poor, youth, farmers, and women. Earlier, addressing a public meeting in Chengannur, Mr. Kharge said Congress would undertake a nationwide caste-based census not to divide society, but to know more about people’s lives, education and income.

In West Bengal, senior BJP leader Amit Shah held a public meeting in the Raiganj parliamentary constituency. Earlier, he joined a road show in Malda Town in support of the party’s Dakshin Malda candidate.

In Manipur, the polling teams for far-flung areas started their journey to the designated polling stations for the upcoming second phase of Lok Sabha elections. The remaining teams for polling stations in two assembly segments under the Pherzawl district will be dispatched by road tomorrow.

In Bihar, senior leaders and star campaigners of NDA, Grand Alliance and other parties are leaving no stone unturned to garner the support of voters in the poll-bound constituencies of the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnea, Kishanganj and Banka. The campaigning will end tomorrow in these five Lok Sabha segments.

Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh addressed a public meeting in Bhagalpur in support of the JD(U) candidate. Mr Singh alleged that Congress is doing politics on the lines of Hindu and Muslim while on the other hand PM Narendra Modi has worked for inclusive development without any discrimination. He alleged that RJD and Congress want to return Bihar to the era of Jungle Raj and Lantern. Mr. Singh accused Congress and RJD of ruining the future of Bihar due to misrule.

JD(U) President and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar addressed election rallies in Katihar and Purnea. He also held a road show in Bhagalpur in support of the JD(U) nominee. Mr. Kumar said that for the development of Bihar, NDA government is necessary and under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country will attain new heights.

On the other hand, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav held public meetings at Bhagalpur, Katihar and Munger. Mr Yadav alleged that BJP and JD(U) are misleading youths and making false claims regarding the solution to unemployment.

The RJD leader claimed that if voted to power I.N.D.I.A Alliance would work for the eradication of unemployment in the country. He said due to his attempts, several youths got permanent government jobs in Bihar.

Leaders of Lok Janshakti Party (Ramvilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha and Rashtriya Lok Morcha are also campaigning for candidates of NDA. Congress, Vikas Sheel Insaan Party and leaders of Left Parties are also canvassing for Grand Alliance candidates.

In Maharashtra, Senior BJP leader Amit Shah today said, BJP has given importance for the water management in Vidarbha. He said that by sanctioning the project of interlinking Painganga and Nalganga rivers worth 89,000 crore Rupees, about 4 lakh hectares of land will be irrigated in the districts of Vidarbha. He was addressing an election campaign meeting in favour of BJP candidate Anup Dhotre in Akola today.

Mr. Shah stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi by abrogating Article 370 made Kashmir an integral part of India. He also alleged that the previous UPA government did nothing to stop the terrorism but it was under Prime Minister Modi who responded strongly to the terror attacks in Pulwama and Uri by conducting the surgical strike in Pakistan. He also mentioned that naxalism from Maharashtra has been curbed under Prime Minister Modi.

Highlighting the work done under the leadership of Narendra Modi for the poor’s welfare, Mr. Shah informed that about 80 crore people are getting 5 kgs of free ration, 4 crore houses are built for poor people, 10 crore gas connection under Ujjwala schemes and 4 crore piped water connections were given.

Mr. Shah also clarified that reservation of SC, ST and OBC will not be abolished till the BJP is in power.

BJP Candidate of Akola Constituency, Mr.Anup Dhotre is the son of sitting MP Sanjay Dhotre who is suffering from prolonged Illness. The Congress has fielded Dr. Abhay Patil. Former MP from Akola, Adv.Prakash Ambedkar who is heading the Vanchit Bahujan Aaghadi is also contesting in this constituency. A total of 17 candidates are in the fray. The polling for this seat will be held on the 26th of this month.