Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Highlights | 'I said in 2014 that Maa Ganga has called me. Today Maa Ganga has adopted me': PM Modi after roadshow

96 seats across 10 states/UTs head to polls today

Uttar Pradesh- 13

Maharashtra- 11

West Bengal- 8

Madhya Pradesh- 8

Bihar- 5

Jharkhand- 5

Odisha- 5

Jammu and Kashmir- 1

Andhra Pradesh- 25

Telangana- 17

Phase 4 LS poll candidates: Criminal cases, educational qualification, and all you need to know

Phase 4 of the Lok Sabha elections could provide one with an example of the rich-poor divide in the country -- TDP's Guntur candidate Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani has declared the highest assets of Rs 5705.47 crore while an independent candidate in Bapatla Katta Anand Babu has declared assets worth just Rs 7.

According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms, around 16 per cent or 274 of the candidates fighting phase 4 polls have serious criminal cases registered against them while around 28 per cent or 476 are crorepatis. ADR has analysed the affidavits of 1,710 of the 1,717 candidates contesting the polls.

Read the full story here

Fate of several star candidates to be decided in fourth phase LS polls in Bengal

Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC's Shatrughan Sinha, Mahua Moitra and Yusuf Pathan, BJP's S S Ahluwalia and Dilip Ghosh will be among the candidates whose fates will be decided in the EVMs as eight Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal go to the polls in the fourth phase today.

Read the full story

Polling prep underway at polling booth in Kadapa Constituency in Andhra Pradesh

Polling preparations are underway at a Jayamahal Anganawadi Polling Booth in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa Constituency where Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will cast his vote. His sister and Congress president Y S Sharmila is contesting from Kadapa Constituency.

Mock Poll begins at polling booth in Indore

Mock Poll is underway at polling booth No. 188 in Madhya Pradesh's Indore Lok Sabha Seat. As many as eight Lok Sabha seats will go to polls in Madhya Pradesh.

Weather predicted to be normal today

Normal to below normal temperatures are likely in areas going to polls on Monday, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

While the usual hours of voting are from 7 am to 6 pm, they are curtailed keeping in mind the terrain, time of sunset and security situation.

In view of the hot weather conditions and people's reluctance to step out in the afternoon, the Election Commission has increased the poll timing in some Telangana seats.

--PTI Inputs

Mock polling under way at polling booths

Mock Poll is underway at several polling booths across 96 seats. During the mock polling, presideing officers conduct mock poll in the presence of polling agents following which they they sigh a mock poll certificate. It is usually conducted 30 minutes prior to the official kick start of polling.

Who are the prominent candidates in Phase 4?

The Prominent candidates in Phase 4 include Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Giriraj Singh (Begusarai), Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Baharampur), Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar), Shatrughnan Sinha (Asansol), Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad) and Y S Sharmila (Kadapa).

Over 19 lakh polling officials deployed across 1.92 lakh polling stations

Over 19 lakh polling officials have been deployed across 1.92 lakh polling stations for Phase 4 polls. As many as 364 observers — 126 general observers, 70 police observers, 168 expenditure observers — for the Phase 4 had already reached their constituencies days before the polls.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy arrives at a polling booth to cast vote

YUnion Minister and BJP candidate from Secunderabad Parliamentary constituency, G Kishan Reddy on Monday arrived at a polling booth in Telangana to cast his vote.

He is contesting against Danam Nagender and BRS' Theegulla Padma Rao.

Voting begins for Phase 4

The voting for Phase 4 of the Lok Sabha elections covering 96 seats from 10 States and UTs kicked off on Monday.

PM Modi urges people to cast vote in 'large numbers'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged the voters to cast their ballot in the phase 4 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

In Pics | Polling under way in Kashmir

Watch | Actor Allu Arjun casts vote in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills

Watch | Actor Jr NTR shows inked finger after casting his vote in Hyderabad

Watch | AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi casts his vote in Hyderabad

BJP candidate from Hyderabad, Madhavi Latha casts vote

"I only have to tell the voters that it is the responsibility of every citizen that they need to go out to vote", the BJP candidate said after casting her vote.

People do not agree with BJPs ideology, Modi's statements towards minorities: Asaduddin Owaisi

After casting his vote, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that people do not agree with BJP's ideology and the 'statements that PM Modi has given for on minority community.'

"Please understand what PM Modi has done with Agniveer, he is now going to go ahead and do the same if he comes back to power with BSF, CRPF, RPF and SSP. Four years of service and you are out. People must understand that it will come out very soon...", he said.

Watch | TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu casts his vote in Andhra Pradesh

Naidu, who is the former CM of Andhra Pradesh said, "I have never seen such a crowd during my political career. People have come from America, Bengaluru, Chennai to cast their votes... People want to protect democracy and their future..."

Let’s all do our duty and strengthen our democracy: PM's message to people

PM Modi took to social media platform 'X' to convey a message to voters urging them to strengthen democracy by doing their duty of vote casting.

Watch | Film star Chiranjeevi Konidela casts his vote

Madhya Pradesh Deputy CM Jagdish Dewda arrives to cast his vote

Watch | JKNC Chief Farooq Abdullah arrives at Srinagar polling booth to cast vote

BJP win all 29 seats in MP and get 400 seats in the country, says Mohan Yadav ahead of casting vote

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said, "It is a festival of democracy. I am participating with my family. I appeal to voters to vote in large numbers. I hope a Modi government will be formed again. We will win all 29 seats in the state and get 400 seats in the country."

We were waiting for this day for a long time, says Omar Abdullah

Ahead of casting his vote, JKNC Vice President Omar Abdullah appealed to the people of Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian to cast their votes.

"We were waiting for this day for a long time. We were expecting that along with parliament elections, Assembly elections will also take place. I want to appeal to the people of Srinagar, Budgam, Shopian to come out and cast their votes...", he said.

Watch | Omar Abdullah arrives to cast his vote

Watch | Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan casts his vote

Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan casts his vote at a polling booth in Mangalagiri.

Voting for Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections and the fourth phase of Lok Sabha Elections are taking place simultaneously today.

Centre says there is no violence, but our party workers have been locked up for 2 days, says Farooq Abdullah

After casting his vote, JKNC President Farooq Abdullah said that the Centre claims that there is no violence in Kashmir and that 'everything is running smoothly' but his party workers have been locked up for two days.

"We have given the names of workers detained and police stations. It was not an exhaustive list but an indicative list. Polling agents were frightened," said Omar Abdullah.

It is sad that they say that there is no violence and everything is smooth but I want to say that the workers of our party have been locked up for 2 days. I want to ask Union HM and PM Modi why have our workers been locked? Are they scared that they will lose? They will definitely lose.

JKNC President Farooq Abdullah

Watch | Voters queue up at a special polling booth for Kashmiri migrants, set up in Barnai, Jammu

Uttar Pradesh Minister Jitin Prasada casts his vote in Shahjahanpur

Dr K Laxman, National President of BJP OBC Morcha casts his vote in Hyderabad

"I appeal to the people to come out and vote and strengthen the country... Use your right to vote to strengthen democracy...", Laxman said.

'Not over confident, '400 paar' will come true', says Pankaja Munde, BJP candidate from Beed

BJP candidate from Beed, Pankaja Munde exerted confidence about the elections saying that BJP's '400 paar' slogan will come true.

"My mindset is positive, I am calm. Beed is my family and we are part of it. There was an undercurrent here. But people are sorted. People are mindful in their voting. We will win. I am not over confident. '400 paar' will come true", she said.

Watch | Actor Srikanth casts his vote at a polling booth in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Watch | PDP candidate from Srinagar, Waheed Para casts his vote at a polling booth in Pulwama

Assembly Polls Live: Naidu '100%' sure of victory; Andhra CM Jagan urges votes for 'brighter future'

Follow out live coverage of Assembly elections here.

10.35% total voter turnout recorded till 9 am, lowest in J&K at 5.07%

Here is the approximate state/UT-wise voter turnout till 9 am:

• Andhra Pradesh: 9.05%

• Bihar: 10.18%

• Jammu & Kashmir: 5.07%

• Jharkhand: 11.78%

• Madhya Pradesh: 14.97%

• Maharashtra: 6.45%

• Odisha: 9.23%

• Telangana: 9.51%

• Uttar Pradesh: 11.67%

• West Bengal: 15.24%

Source: ECI

Watch | Clashes break out between BJP, TMC workers in Bengal's Durgapur

TMC leader Ram Prasad Haldar alleged that the saffron party is using central forces to 'influence the voter'.

"Since 6 am these (BJP) people have been coming with the central forces and trying to influence the voters. We protested against it, voters also protested... They are trying to bring polling agents from outside... People of the area are opposing them here", he said.

Many of our party workers, polling agents have been arrested by the police, claims PDP's Waheed Para after casting vote

After casting his vote, PDP's Srinagar candidate Waheed Para claimed that PDP worker, polling agents have been arrested by police. He also alleged that efforts are being made to slow the polling process down.

" I want to urge people across Kashmir to come out and vote. It has been five years so please vote and choose your representative. Many people want to derail the process and try to cause obstruction... Many of our party workers and polling agents have been arrested by the police. They are trying to have a slow polling process. I want to urge the people, media, and the Election Commission to strengthen the process and ensure transparency... For the first time, new voters of Kashmir are coming out to vote. We should take it positively and the government should encourage the process rather than trying to derail it... Violence has reduced in the last five years but the way the government facilitates voting plays a major role...", he said.

Many people want to derail the process and try to cause obstruction... Many of our party workers and polling agents have been arrested by the police. They are trying to have a slow polling process.

PDP leader Waheed Para

Last time in Maharashtra we got 41 seats, this time we will get more, says Prakash Javadekar

Exuding confidence about winning the general elections, BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "Last time in Maharashtra we got 41 seats but this time we will get more. There is a Modi wave in the country because people are thinking about their future and are voting for PM Modi. We are confident that we will cross 400 seats..."

Muslims will also vote for Modi even though Congress asked them to press NOTA, says BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya

Madhya Pradesh Minister Vijayvargiya said, "Voting percentage is less in morning, it will be better in afternoon. Muslims will also vote to Modiji. They are getting benefits of schemes. Congress told them to press NOTA, people are smart, they will vote. We will felicitate the polling staff where the highest voting will be recorded. India's economy is progressing well when the global conditions are not favourable. Indore is a positive city. We will win all 29 seats."

Muslim bhaiyo ki aage line lagi hai woh bhi Modi ji ko vote denge kyunki gareeb kalyan yojana ka laabh yadi kisi ko mila hai toh hamare Muslim bhaiyo ko mila hai yeh baat sahi ki Congress unke pass gayi kehne ki NOTA mei vote daalo par Indore ek sakaratmak sheher hai.

BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya

Watch | Madhya Pradesh Minister and BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya casts his vote

Watch | BRS leader KT Rama Rao casts his vote in Hyderabad

Watch | Apni Party Chief Altaf Bukhari casts his vote in Srinagar

RJD, Congress do not envision a developed Bihar, says PM Modi in the state

Speaking in Bihar, PM Modi said that RJD and Congress do not envision a developed India and that RJD has made people downtrodden.

Laalteen ne Bihar mei andhera kar diya hai.

PM Modi

PM Modi in Bihar

.Watch | Telangana CM Revanth Reddy along with his family show their inked finger after casting their votes at a polling station in Kodangal

24.87% voter turnout recorded till 11 am, lowest in J&K at 14.94%

Here is the approximate state/UT-wise voter turnout till 11 am:

Andhra Pradesh: 23.10%

Bihar: 22.54%

Jammu & Kashmir: 14.94%

Jharkhand: 27.40%

Madhya Pradesh: 32.38%

Maharashtra: 17.51%

Odisha: 23.28%

Telangana: 24.31%

Uttar Pradesh: 27.12%

West Bengal: 32.78%

Voting for Chirag means voting for Modi, says PM in Bihar

Campaigning for Chirag Paswan president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), PM Modi said that every vote registered for Chirag would go into PM's account and that voting for Chirag would mean voting for Modi himself.

He also said that Congress and RJD have ruined Bihar and that the state needs to be 'protected' from such parties.

"RJD and Congress run away from development work because it demands hard work. Their worthlessness has ruined a lot of years of Bihar. We need to protect Bihar from these kinds of people. Every party of the INDIA alliance is talking rubbish about the Ram Temple. Will you forgive them? Their priority is not you but their own vote bank," he said.

Modi has to step down. Now, regional parties will be the power in India: K Chandrashekar Rao

After casting his vote, BRS leader K Chandrashekar Rao said that according to BJP's rule, Modi will have to step down and regional parties will be the power in India.

"The voting percentage should be a minimum of 65-70%...That is the situation which is forming in the country (increased role of regional parties), there is no doubt about it", he added.

According to the BJP's own rule, after 75 years of age nobody will take up any position. So, accordingly, Mr Modi has to step down. It is quite possible. It is up to the BJP people...There is nothing like a bloc. Now, regional parties will be the power in India

K Chandrashekar Rao

Watch | Tennis star Sania Mirza's family cast their vote in Hyderbad

Watch | YRSCP leader VS Shivakumar engaged in a slapping battle with a voter at a polling booth in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur

BJP leaders have said that they will throw out the constitution if they get elected to power: Rahul Gandhi

Addressing a public rally in UP's Raebareli, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the saffron party aims at changing and destroying the constitution if elected to power.

"BJP leaders have categorically said that they will tear and throw the constitution if elected to power", the Congress leader said.

Rahul Gandhi in Raebareli.

Adani, Ambani have put a leash on media, says Rahul Gandhi in Raebareli

Rahul Gandhi said that Adani, Ambani control media and have 'put a leash on media'. He further expressed that issues of unemployment and poverty are not highlighted in the media but Ambani's wedding and his cars are.

Modi considers farmers 'terrorists', says Rahul Gandhi in Raebareli

Speaking about farmers' protest wherein 70 farmers lost their lives, the Congress leader said that Modi considers farmers terrorists.

He further promised the implementation of MSP.

Rahul Gandhi in Raebareli.

When the county did not have oxygen during the pandemic, PM was asking people switch on their phone torches: Rahul Gandhi

Speaking about the government's management during the pandemic, Rahul said that the PM asked people to 'switch on their phone torch and when that did not work, he came up with 'thali bajao'.'

Public should thank PM, Ambani, Adani for their unemployment, says Rahul Gandhi

Taking a jibe at Modi, Rahul asked the public to thank Modi, Ambani, Adani and other billionaires for their unemployment.

Rahul Gandhi.

BJP workers reportedly detained in Hyderabad, Madhavi Latha reaches Mangalhat police station

Watch | Union Minister Anurag Thakur arrives at Himachal Pradesh DC office to file his nomination

BJP wanted to insult me, crush AAP, says Arvind Kejriwal about arrest

Speaking about his arrest, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal said that BJP made his arrest happen only to 'insult him'. He further said that the saffron party wants to crush AAP but have failed in doing so.

Arvind Kejriwal.

Controversy fumes as Madhavi Latha asks Muslim women to prove identity inside polling booth

BJP's Hyderabad candidate cross-checked Muslim women voters' identity inside the polling booth. This action has fumed a controversy as she selectively asked women to proved their identity.

She defended the action saying, "As per law, candidate has the ight to check the ID card without face mask, I am not a male, I'm a female and with a lot of humbleness, I've only requested them 'can I please see and verify with the card' and if somebody wants to make an issue out of it, that means they are scared..."

40.32% voter turnout recorded till 1 pm, J&K remains the lowest at 23.57%

Here is the approximate state/UT-wise voter turnout till 1 pm:

• Andhra Pradesh: 40.26%

• Bihar: 34.44%

• Jammu & Kashmir: 23.57%

• Jharkhand: 43.80%

• Madhya Pradesh: 48.52%

• Maharashtra: 30.85%

• Odisha: 39.30%

• Telangana: 40.38%

• Uttar Pradesh: 39.68%

• West Bengal: 51.87%

Watch | TMC supporters block convoy of BJP candidate from Bardhaman-Durgapur constituency Dilip Ghosh in Bardhaman

Voting happening without coercion, NC-PDP lodged false FIRs against young boys: Altaf Bukhari

Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari said that election happening in J&K without any coercion.

"By the grace of God, voting is happening without any coercion. I think this is the first victory of democracy...We too stepped out to vote, there is no pressure on anyone. I appeal to everyone to cast the vote", he said.

He further claimed that NC, PDP has lodged false FIRs against young boys.

"Did you see any 1987-like atmosphere?...Get hold of people who lodged FIR. NC-PDP lodged false FIRs against young boys, do you think boys should be detained stone pelting?...They said that FIR would be taken back but it was never done...", he said.

BJP's return to power is now impossible, says Kharge in Jharkhand

Addressing a public rally in Jharkhand, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said that reports of polling are coming in favour of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc and that BJP's return to power is now 'impossible'.

Mallikarjun Kharge.

Everybody fought against the British, now BJP is the new dictator, says Kharge in Jharkhand

The Congress president labelled BJP as 'dictator' . He said that earlier people fought against the British and now BJP has become the dictator.

He further said that the saffron party is trying to divide the nation on communal grounds.

Ek Pradhan mantri harr baar mangalsutra, Muslim ki baat karte hain. Hindu-Muslim karke desh ke tukde karna chahte hain.

Mallikarjun Kharge

'You can find Hemant Soren's money but you can't find Ambani-Adani's money?': Kharge in Jharkhand

'Will make Pakistan wear bangles,' says PM Modi; claims I.N.D.I.A. leaders scared of neighbour's nuclear powers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lashed out at the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc, calling its leaders “cowards” who were “scared of Pakistan’s nuclear power”.

“The I.N.D.I.A. bloc seems to have leaders who are scared of Pakistan and have nightmares of its nuclear power,” he said.

Read more

BSP Chief Mayawati is set to hold an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi on Tuesday

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya accepts Rahul Gandhi's challenge for an open debate

After Congress leader Rahul Gandhi challenged BJP for an open debate amid ongoing Lok Sabha elections, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has accepted the challenge and will be nominating Abhinav Prakash, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha's National VP.

Approximate voter turnout in Phase 4 of polling recorded at 52.60% till 3 PM.

A scuffle broke out between police and locals outside Booth No. 85 in Mirzapur Khagdupara of Beldanga block in West Bengal's Murshidabad earlier today.

Anurag Thakur files nomination from Hamirpur, says will win with majority of votes

BJP's candidate from Hyderabad, Madhavi Latha visits booth number 267 in Chanrayan Guttan assembly segment in the parliamentary; asks police present how slogans were raised by AIMIM party workers near the polling booth.

The Election Commission removed the presiding officers of two pooling booths at Birbhum and Baharampur Lok Sabha seats. The poll panel took the decisions after noticing through webcasting that a few people were repeatedly going inside the booths and influencing the voters, but the presiding officers did not take any action against them.

106-year-old Ram Nath Singh casts his vote at polling booth 144 in Khamhar in Begusarai parliamentary constituency.

BJP candidate from Bardhaman Durgapur Lok Sabha seat Dilip Ghosh's car was allegedly pelted with stones by Trinamool Congress supporters

Sea of saffron in Varanasi for PM Modi's roadshow

PM Narendra Modi is now on his Varanasi roadshow. The BJP leader will be contesting for the third time from the constituency. He will file his nominations papers tomorrow. UP Congress chief Ajay Rai has already filed his papers from Varanasi. Modi tweeted about the warm reception he got in the city, saying, "Kashi is special..." He also paid tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya ahead of the start of his roadshow in Varanasi.

Overall, more than 62% voter turnout recorded in Phase 4 of Lok Sabha polls till 5 PM.

NCP SP MP Supriya Sule alleged that the CCTV of strong room in Baramati was turned off for 45 mins; EC refutes allegation

Lalu's daughter Misa Bharti files nomination for Patliputra Lok Sabha seat

Madhavi Latha stages protest outside polling booth at Jamal Colony, Riyasat Nagar, accusing people allegedly holed up inside 'rigging the election'

WATCH: EVMs get sealed as voting concludes for Phase 4 of polling in West Bengal, Bihar, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh

'Rahul Gandhi wants a debate with PM Modi. But debates are done with people of the same designation': BJP MP Tejasvi Surya as he deputes 'Yuva Morcha worker' Abhinav Prakash for debate with Congress leader

BJP candidate Smriti Irani walked and met locals from Amethi as part of her poll campaign

Glimpses from PM Modi Varanasi roadshow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayer at Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi

Salute and salutation to the god-like people of the city of Baba Vishwanath! Today every pore of my body is saluting every particle of Kashi. The affection and blessings I have received from all of you in the road show are unimaginable and incomparable. I am overwhelmed and emotional! I did not even realize how 10 years passed under the shade of your affection. Then I had said that Maa Ganga has called me. Today Maa Ganga has adopted me.

PM Modi after Varanasi roadshow

63.04% approximate voter turnout was recorded today in Phase 4 by 9 pm; EC will update data at 11:45 pm

Andhra Pradesh: 68.20%

Bihar: 55.92%

Jammu and Kashmir: 36.88%

Jharkhand: 64.30%

Madhya Pradesh: 69.16%

Maharashtra: 52.93%

Odisha: 64.23%

Telangana: 61.59%

Uttar Pradesh: 58.02%

West Bengal: 76.02%

(Source: ANI via Voter Turnout App)

Srinagar PC records 36.58% voter turnout at 8 pm; 'highest in many decades', says EC

A polling official in Champapet, Telangana dies while on duty.

Taking cognizance of the unfortunate incident, the Election Commission has directed CEO Telangana to immediately disburse the ex-gratia payment to the family of the deceased polling officer.

Phase 5 of polls scheduled for May 20, 2024 in 49 constituencies in 8 States and Union Territories