The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections officially begun on 11 April. Polling for the first phase took place in 91 parliamentary constituencies spread across 20 states. The final results will be announced on 23 May. Catch all the updates on the Lok Sabha 2019 elections here.
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Azam Khan Gets Another EC Notice for Inflammatory Remarks
Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan was issued a fresh show cause notice on Tuesday, 16 April, by the Election Commission for allegedly making inflammatory remarks at various places in Uttar Pradesh in the past few days.
The EC gave him 24 hours to respond to the notice saying prima facie he is guilty of violating the provisions of the model code.
Giving instances of his remarks, the EC said on one occasion, he had allegedly said that "fascists are trying to kill him".
On another occasion, he had allegedly claimed that the prime minister has killed Muslims.
(Source: PTI)
Country Will See Priyanka as a 'Thief's Wife', Says Uma Bharti
Union Minister Uma Bharti courted controversy by saying the country will see Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the way it views a "thief's wife", while claiming that the Congress general secretary will have no impact on the outcome of Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh.
When asked to comment on the impact the Congress leader could have on the poll outcome, the firebrand BJP leader told reporters in Chhattisgarh's Durg, "Nothing. Why will she have an impact... Whose husband is facing theft charges. She will be seen the way India sees a thief's wife."
(Source: PTI)
Cong Files Complaint with CEO as Row Erupts over 'Letter'
The separate religious tag for Lingayats has reared its head with the BJP in Karnataka on Tuesday sharing a 'letter' on social media, triggering a strong reaction from the Congress which has lodged a complaint with the CEO against the BJP state president and other leaders.
The Congress took the step after BJP shared a letter on its Twitter handle allegedly written by then home minister M B Patil to Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi in July 2017.
This comes on a day when curtains were drawn on campaigning for 14 Lok Sabha seats, which will go to polls during the first phase in Karnataka, on 18 April.
(Source: PTI)
EC Officials Seize Rs 50 Lakh from AMMK Office
An Election Commission flying squad seized nearly Rs 50 lakh from an AMMK (TTV Dhinakaran’s party) election office in Andippatti, Theni on Tuesday. The officials reached the office based on a tip-off that the AMMK cadre was hoarding money for distribution to voters.
A face-off took place between the cadre and the officials, following which the police had to fire in the air to control the situation. Five people have been detained.