New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) As voting for the 96 Lok Sabha constituencies in the fourth phase of general elections was underway on Monday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said this was a crucial phase to turn the tide in favour of the INDIA bloc’s win.

“This is a crucial phase to turn the tide completely in favour of NYAY – Justice and make INDIA win. Do not get deterred by the diversionary tactics of hateful speeches which divide the society,” said Kharge.

Addressing the voters through social media, he said, “I urge you to completely focus on our collective objective in protecting Democracy and safeguarding the basis of our existence – The Constitution of India.”

The Congress chief said, “In the first three phases of the Lok Sabha elections, you have shown your might by voting for Democracy and striving to save the Constitution from autocratic forces. Today, 96 Lok Sabha constituencies in 10 States/UTs are going to vote. Assembly elections for Andhra Pradesh and the first phase of Odisha Assembly elections would also be underway.”

“This is a crucial phase to turn the tide completely in favour of Justice and make INDIA win,” he added.

He also urged the voters to consider the INDIA bloc’s objectives of Nyay.

“These are paramount in our fight to rekindle the spirit of freedom, justice, equality, liberty and fraternity in our beloved INDIA. I warmly welcome the first time voters who are the catalyst for change. Do vote and encourage your family, friends and neighbours to vote in large numbers, Kharge added.

–IANS

gcb/dpb

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) As voting is underway for the fourth phase on 96 Lok Sabha seats across 10 states and union territories on Monday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged people to exercise their right to vote and exuded confidence that India bloc winning the elections.

Rahul said voting for the fourth phase is underway, and “it has already been clear from the first three phases that the INDIA bloc will form a government at the Centre on June 4.”

Emphasising the significance of voting and urging people to participate in large numbers, he wrote: “Remember, your one vote will not only protect your democratic rights but will also change the fate of your entire family.”

“One vote is equal to the first job of Rs one lakh per year guaranteed for youth. One vote is equal to Rs one lakh per year in the bank account of poor women,” he added, highlighting his election promises.

Reiterating that voting could bring about significant changes, the Congress leader added: “So come out in large numbers and vote and show that the country will now vote on its issues – it will not get distracted!”

The voting is underway in 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, five in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, four in Jharkhand, and eight in Madhya Pradesh, 11 seats in Maharashtra, four in Odisha, 17 in Telangana, 13 in Uttar Pradesh, and eight in West Bengal.

With the completion of the third phase of the general elections, voting has taken place in 283 parliamentary constituencies across 20 states/union territories.

The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4.

–IANS

gcb/sd/svn

Hyderabad, May 13 (IANS) About 9.51 per cent votes were polled in the first two hours in all 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in Telangana on Monday.

The process began at 7 a.m. in all polling stations across the state amid tight security.

According to the Election Commission, Adilabad recorded the highest turnout of 13.22 per cent followed by 12.88 per cent in Zahirabad and 2.80 per cent in Nalgonda by 9 a.m.

The lowest polling of 5.40 per cent was recorded in Secunderabad constituency in the state capital.

In the Secunderabad Assembly segment, where the by-election is being held, 6.28 per cent of voters cast their votes in the first two hours.

The vacancy arose following the death of sitting MLA Lasya Nanditha of BRS in a road accident in February 2024, just three months after she was elected in the Assembly elections.

A little over 3.17 crore voters will decide the political fortunes of 525 candidates in 17 Lok Sabha constituencies.

Polling will continue till 6 p.m. in 106 Assembly segments. However, in 13 Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected segments under five Lok Sabha constituencies the polling will conclude at 4 p.m. Those standing in queue at the time of closure of polling will be allowed to cast their votes.

Telangana had recorded a turnout of 71.34 per cent during the Assembly elections held in November 2023.

–IANS

ms/dpb

Jalgaon (Maharashtra), May 13 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Raver, Raksha N. Khadse cut a cake marking her 37th birthday at her home in Muktainagar (May 13) — and also the day which would decide her fate as she targets a hat-trick to the Lok Sabha, here on Monday.

Raver in Jalgaon district is among the 11 Lok Sabha constituencies going to vote in Maharashtra’s decisive fourth phase of voting.

Appearing edgy on V-day, Raksha — the daughter-in-law of senior Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLC Eknath Khadse — and her entire family and close relatives gathered for a brief birthday celebration at her home.

Attempting to manage a smile, she bent and touched the feet of her father-in-law (Eknath Khadse) while her mother-in-law Manda Khadse performed the traditional ‘aarti’ for the dual occasion of her birthday and the election day.

Surrounded by her minor children, nephews-nieces and other family members, Raksha blew out a candle and cut the cake on her 37th birthday with claps, cheers and singing the all-time favourite ‘Happy Birthday To You !’ song.

After a round of cake eating by all, greetings, wishes, blessings and merriment, the entire Khadse family trooped out to the polling station near their home in Muktainagar to cast their votes, with a large number of friends, relatives and admirers also joining them.

Incidentally, Raksha was first elected as MP in 2014, and along with her party colleague Dr. Heena V. Gavit of Nandurbar LS, had become the two youngest MPs of the 2016 Parliament, and both young women are now hoping for a hat-trick performance.

A widow, Raksha — a Computer Science graduate hailing from Khetiya town in Madhya Pradesh — was married to Eknath Khadse’s son, the late Nikhil Khadse who passed away in May 2013.

–IANS

qn/dpb

Chennai, May 13 (IANS) Senior leader of Communist Party of India (CPI) and Member of Parliament (MP) from Nagapattinam Lok Sabha constituency, M. Selvaraj passed away today morning in a private hospital in Chennai. He was 67.

Selvaraj was an MP for four terms from Tamil Nadu. He was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1989, 1996,1998 and 2019 from Nagapattinam constituency.

He is survived by his wife Kamalathanam.

He had undergone a kidney transplant and was under treatment for past few months. He did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections citing health conditions.

CPI national leadership condoled the passing away of the party leader and in a statement, said that he was an exemplary leader, always in the forefront for people’s issues.

The CPI Tamil Nadu unit also condoled the passing away of Selvaraj. The party said that his funeral will be held at his native Sithamalli village in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu.

–IANS

aal/kvd