Elections 2024: Tejashwi Yadav Calls Chirag Paswan 'Brother'; Rahul Gandhi Launches Congress Manifesto In Hyderabad

BJP president JP Nadda on the party’s foundation on Saturday said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all the BJP workers are moving ahead on the path of unprecedented victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Union Minister and BJP leader Arjun Ram Meghwal on the party’s foundation day on Saturday said “today lotus has bloomed in the country”.

He said: “BJP was formed on April 6, 1980. On this day, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Mumbai had forecast – ‘Andera chatega, suraj niklega aur kamal khilega’. His forecast proved right. Today 'lotus' has bloomed in the country."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the foundation day of BJP on Saturday said the party has not only become number one political party in India but in the world as well.

He said: "Heartiest greetings on the foundation day of BJP. I congratulate all the party workers, who have made BJP the number one political party not only in India but in the world. Today, under the leadership of PM Modi, BJP is moving ahead with the resolution of a developed India..."

Congress is scheduled to hold ‘big public meeting’ in Rajasthan on Saturday with the party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, former president Sonia Gandhi and other leaders of the party to publicly launch its election manifesto.

“Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will hold a big public meeting tomorrow in Jaipur and will tell the people about the manifesto. There is a great enthusiasm among the workers for tomorrow’s meeting,” Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra said.

The meeting will be held at Jaipur’s Vidhyadhar Nagar stadium.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot posted on X, “Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge are arriving in Jaipur tomorrow to launch the Congress manifesto 'Nyaya Patra' that guarantees justice.”

Union Minister Anurag Thakur on the BJP’s foundation day on Saturday said the party has achieved its every target.

He said: “I congratulate everyone on BJP’s foundation day. BJP was formed with a vision and I believe that it has achieved every target. Whether it’s the abrogation of Article 370, the removal of triple talaq, the formation of CAA law, the construction of the Ram Temple, and the welfare of the poor. BJP did what it said.”

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday said that the “Governor is not above criticism, Governor has to receive criticism when it comes from the people around”.

His reaction came in response to the remarks made by West Bengal Minister Bratya Basu against him.

Bose said: “I am very glad to hear that. It shows that we have true democracy in this nation where anyone can criticise anyone else. He (Bratya Basu) is welcome to criticise me. Governor is not above criticism, Governor has to receive criticism when it comes from the people around."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his wishes to the party leaders and workers on BJP’s foundation day, saying the party is "India's preferred party”.

Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani took a jibe at Congress and Left parties saying “Delhi mein hugging, Kerala mein begging.”

"The condition of the opposition is that they are fighting in Wayanad. Left parties are saying, Why does Rahul Gandhi not go to Uttar Pradesh and contest. But when the same Left goes to Delhi for an INDI Alliance meeting, they hug Rahul Gandhi,” she said.

Taking a swipe at the situation, she said, "Yesterday I said in Kerala, 'Delhi mein hugging, Kerala mein begging.' The situation through which the Congress is going in Karnataka is, 'Delhi mein hugging, Kerala mein begging, Karnataka mein thugging."

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari on Saturday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying “the biggest appetiser was that electoral bonds was a scam. If this was an appetiser then what would be the main dose?”

He said: “Appetiser shows the trailer whether it’s the rise in unemployment or inflation in the last 10 years.”

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi on Saturday alleged that Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken no action from last 16 days in Delhi Excise Policy case “because it knows that this money (trail) is being transferred from Sharat Reddy to BJP’s account.”

In a presser, Atishi said: “Despite money trail not being found, several AAP leaders have been arrested. On March 21, 2024, strong evidence of money trail came into front in the excise policy case. It’s been 16 days now but ED has not done anything since. ED arrested no one, and sent no summons to anyone because it knows that this money (trail) is being transferred from Sharat Reddy to BJP’s account.”

BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday hoisted the party flag on the party’s foundation at BJP headquarters in Delhi.

The Congress on Saturday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the double-engine government in Uttar Pradesh is running "dangerously low" on fuel and that the PM must answer key issues of the state before the engine comes to a "sputtering halt on June 4".

Ahead of the Modi’s rally in Saharanpur, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh posed three questions to the PM including one on Saharanpur's wood-carving industry.

"Today, PM Modi visits Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, a state where the double-engine sarkar is running dangerously low on fuel. Before the engine comes to a sputtering halt on June 4th, we hope the PM can answer these three questions on why the machinery is breaking down," Ramesh said on X.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday unfurled the party flag in Dehradun, on the occasion of BJP’s Foundation Day.

BJP leader Bansuri Swaraj on Saturday said she doesn’t take manifesto released by Congress “seriously”.

She said: "They are mere statements, not promises; I do not take their manifesto seriously as those who make big promises, are still mum on Sandeshkhali incident...."

The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party’s (YSRCP’s) Puthalapattu MLA MS Babu on Saturday joined Congress in presence of Andhra Pradesh Congress chief YS Sharmila in Kadapa.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary on Thursday accused RJD supremo Lalu Prasad's family of “establishing 'gundaraj’” in the state.

His reaction came after reports about Rohini Acharya, RJD candidate from Saran, carrying along the security staff of her mother and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi during her roadshows.

"What else do you expect from the Lalu family? Lalu's family stands for establishing 'gundaraj', corruption, loot, and disobeying the law," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday targeted Opposition-bloc INDIA saying “it is the country's misfortune that people of INDI alliance are openly challenging that their fight is against Shakti”.

During his rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, he said: “This is the place of Maa Shakti, this is the place of worshipping Maa Shakti. We are a country which never ignores worshipping Shakti. However, it is the country's misfortune that people of INDI alliance are openly challenging that their fight is against Shakti".

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said India is going to lead the world on corruption, anarchy or terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

“The message is clear. In a world where people used to hesitate to talk about topics, whether it's zero tolerance against corruption or any kind of anarchy, that world has now also accepted that terrorism is a challenge and we need a solution for it. India will lead the world in this under PM Modi’s leadership. There should be no doubt to anyone about this,” he said.

Saying Article 370 abrogation was his mission, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that he took stones thrown by stone-pelters in Kashmir to built ‘viksit’ (developed) Jammu and Kashmir

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said Election Commission of India (ECI) should work “impartially”.

During a rally in Balurghat, TMC supremo said, “We want Election Commission to work impartially”.

She said it should “not be turned into a BJP-run commission”.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said “sometimes friendly fight suits” as the ultimate aim should be INDIA-bloc’s win instead of BJP.

He said: "In alliance, sometimes friendly fight suits like what is happening in Punjab and some other seats. It depends on the local circumstances. Ultimately INDIA alliance should win instead of the BJP... It has happened in the past as well but those who are leaving Congress don't get respect, a ticket or even a seat to sit, there in the BJP. The people might have to leave because of pressure from ED and CBI but Congress is the ocean that if one leaves, 50 are there in waiting to replace them..."

Prime Minister Narenda Modi on Saturday said Congress’ manifesto bears Muslim League imprint.

During his rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, he said a part of Congress’ manifesto is also dominated by leftists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the BJP government works without any discrimination.

During his rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur, he said: “Our thinking is that government schemes should reach every section, every caste and everyone."

West Bengal Minister and TMC leader Shashi Panja on Saturday targeted BJP saying the party doesn’t say anything on inflation or unemployment.

She said "BJP doesn't say anything on issues of inflation or unemployment. A person who doesn't have a job, how can he think of 'Amrit Kaal? BJP only talks in future."

On Governor CV Ananda Bose ordering judicial inquiry into 'misuse' of university campuses in Bengal, she said: "Currently, MCC is in force in the country. There is no role of Governor in this as right now only the Election Commission is responsible."

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday questioned Income Tax Department over not conducting any action against BJP in the electoral bond case despite Supreme Court’s verdict that the money involved is illegal.

He said: "The Supreme Court's verdict on electoral bonds has made it clear that the money the BJP and other parties had was illegal. I want to ask the BJP - did you get any Income Tax notice? The money is illegal. I want to ask the Income Tax Department - did you send any notice to BJP? I want to ask the ED - did you conduct any raid? You freezed the account of Congress party."

Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday said BJP has weakened all the constitutional organisation in the country in the last 10 years.

During his address at a public gathering in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, he said: "This election is not being contested by an individual or a party. This is election is between two ideologies. The central government has deliberately weakened all the constitutional organisation in the country in the last 10 years.”

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is “living in hollow world” as the Opposition is under attack.

Congress general secretary made her remarks in reference to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren's arrest.

While addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, she said, “Today, we are presenting our ‘ghosna patra’ to you all. You all must have seen yesterday that ‘ghosna patra’ was released in Delhi. We have given it the name ‘Nyay Patra’ to make it obvious that it isn’t just a list of announcements made before elections but the voice of struggle which is seeking justice now.”

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Saturday targeted BJP saying the unemployment and inflation are at peak in the country, while paper leaks are happening in every state.

Congress general secretary also said there is no one to hear to poor, farmers.

During a rally in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, she said: “We named our manifesto 'Nyay Patra', this is voice of nation that wants justice”.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said there has been “darkness of injustice everywhere” in the country in the last years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led BJP government.

Former Congress president while addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Jaipur said. “There’s darkness of injustice everywhere. We all should fight against this seeking light of justice. For the last 10 years, our country has been under the leadership of such a government which promoted unemployment, inflation, discrimination, and atrocity. What the Modi government has done is in front of us all.”

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said the country's democracy is in danger, while conspiracy is being hatched to change the Constitution.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Saturday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of destroying the country’s democracy, during a rally in Rajasthan’s Jaipur.

She said, “Modi ji destroying country, democracy; various tactics being used to intimidate opposition leaders, force them to join BJP”.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying how many guarantees that he (PM) gave, have reached to the people.

During a rally in Rajasthan’s Jaipur, Kharge said: "We don't tell lies like PM Modi. He goes everywhere and tells some new lie. He gave several guarantees to the people, but I want to ask you all how many guarantees reached the people?"

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Akash Anand on Saturday questioned Congress for racking Dalits and Backwards issue ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Anand, who is national coordinator of BSP said, "They (Congress) were in power for 50-60 years, they had 50-60 years, what are they talking about Dalits and backwards now? Their time has gone."

Delhi Minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai on Saturday said the question has been raised in the country after the party supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest that whether democracy will be saved in the country.

He said: “Since Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested, there’s an atmoshphere of concern in Delhi. The way BJP’s Modi government arrested him, one question has been raised whether democracy will be saved in the country?”

He also said: “In view of this, in capitals of more than 25 states ‘samuhik upvas’ programme will be organised tomorrow in support of Arvind Kejriwal."

Karni Sena national president Mahipal Makrana on Saturday was detained by the police in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad.

RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday alleged everything has been finished by the BJP government during his 10 year rule in the country. He said: "Everything has been finished in the country. Whatever is left will also be finished."

PM Narendra Modi held a public meeting in Ajmer, Rajasthan where he claimed that the state has moved towards 'great heights' of development under the BJP rule.

Rajasthan was under the Congress rule till November 2023 and Modi slamming the opposition stated that, "Wherever there is Congress, development can never happen. Congress never bothered about the poor, downtrodden, underprivileged, youth. For the Congress, it can be said 'ek to karela, dusra neem chadha."

PM Modi also likened Lord Bramha with his party and said that, Lord Brahma is the creator and BJP is also committed to build a new India."

Bharatiya Janata Party President JP Nadda was nominated as Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat and he took oath for the role in Parliament on Saturday in the presence of Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar.

Bharatiya Janata Party workers have gathered in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a roadshow.

The INDIA bloc has not officially revealed the name of their PM candidate as of yet and recently Rahul Gandhi stated that they will only announce the name after 'winning polls' (Lok Sabha elections 2024).

Siddaramaiah on Saturday asked people to ensure that Prime Minister Narendra Modi steps down after the Lok Sabha polls and make Congress leader Rahul Gandhi the PM of the county.

He was speaking after a road show here in favour of the Congress candidate from Kolahr when he reportedly said, "Congress has yesterday announced guarantees, we will fulfill them too. Congress party always walks the talk, unlike the BJP....you should understand that and try to bring Congress to power at the centre by removing the BJP government. I humbly request you to make Narendra Modi step down and make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi along With Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath were present at the roadshow in Ghaziabad to campaign for BJP's Ghaziabad Constituency candidate Atul Garg for upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Andhra Pradesh CM and YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy participated in a public rally at Kavali town in Nellore on Saturday, as part of the election campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and Assembly elections.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party general secretary K.C. Venugopal & CM Revanth Reddy, launched the Congress Manifesto for 2024 Lok Sabha elections, in Hyderabad, Telangana.

Speaking about the different promises assured by the party in their manifesto, Gandhi spoke in details about the 'Nari Nyay Law', he said, "We will bring a 'Nari Nyay Law' under which we will put Rs 1 lakh in the bank account of every woman of every family in India, every year. This is a revolutionary step. This will change the face of the whole country. Just imagine, the Congress Party government is going to give at least Rs 1 lakh directly to the bank account of the poorest families in India. This means that there will not be a single family in India whose income will not be Rs 1 lakh per year."

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin addressed a public rally in Mayiladuthurai on Saturday as part of Lok Sabha campaign for DMK party.

RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday while addressing a public gathering spoke about the relationship that his father, Lalu Prasad Yadav, shared with late Ram Vilas Paswan.

Yadav referred to Paswan's son Chirag Paswan's alliance with BJP under NDA when he said, "has become 'Hanuman' now. However, he is also a brother to me."

Few days back PM Modi while addressing a rally also called Chirag Paswan his 'little brother' and praised their alliance in Bihar ahead of LS polls.

BJP President JP Nadda on Saturday evening held a roadshow in Kozhikode, Kerala.

Former Maharashtra Minister Babanrao Gholap who was a leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Bal Thackeray) faction has joined the Shiv Sena in the presence of Eknath Shinde on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde said, "It’s a people’s government that’s why he is getting a good response. Yesterday we were in Hingoli, and people were coming in numbers, we need to reach out to the people and tell them about the work of the state and also the Central government… Lakhs of people are supporting us just because of Balasaheb’s ideology, they (UBT Shiv Sena) need to do self-reflection…"

Former Minister and Congress leader Dinesh Agarwal resigned from Congress. A photo of his resignation letter read that he has notified about resigning from the primary membership of the party.