Lok Sabha Elections HIGHLIGHTS: Please follow this space for all the latest news and updates on Lok Sabha elections 2024. The Election Commission of India announced the dates for the elections to the 18th Lok Sabha on Saturday. The votes will be polled in seven phases across the country starting from April 19 and will continue till June 1. The votes will be counted on June 4.

The political temperatures have been soaring in the country with each passing day in the run up to the elections. A new furore erupted in the last two days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the Congress and other opposition parties were fighting against a 'Shakti'.

Addressing the concluding event of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Mumbai, Rahul said, "There is a word 'Shakti' in Hinduism. We are fighting against a Shakti. The question is, what is that Shakti? The soul of the King is in the EVM. This true. The soul of the King in the EVM and every institution of the country, in ED, CBI and Income Tax department."

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party were quick to hit back the Congress MP including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who said that the Congress's manifesto is to finish 'Shakti'.

"The INDI alliance in their manifesto said that their fight is against 'Shakti'. For me, every mother, daughter, and sister is a form of 'Shakti'," Modi said.

"I worship them in the form of 'Shakti'. I am the worshiper of Bharat Mata...Their manifesto is to finish 'Shakti', and I accept the challenge...' Main jaan ki baazi laga dunga'...,"he said while addressing a public rally in Telangana's Jagtial on Monday.

The BJP has so far released two lists of candidates including Modi who will contest the polls from Varanasi while the Congress has also released two lists of candidates so far.

22:19 PM (IST) • 20 Mar 2024

AIMIM To Announce Candidates In Maharashtra Soon: Owaisi

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that at present, his party has announced candidature only from Hyderabad, Aurangabad, and Kishanganj. He further said that Imtiyaz Jaleel will soon officially announce the names of candidates from Maharashtra.

Speaking on the meeting between Raj Thackeray and Amit Shah, Owaisi said that he had nothing to do with the meeting. "I definitely remember one thing here that a few days ago Raj Thackeray put it as a video on the LED screen, so I don't know if that picture is out now or not," he said.

On electoral bonds, the AIMIM chief said, "all the parties got crores of rupees, but we did not get even a single rupee, it is said that you are the B team of BJP. Still Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that I will not eat, nor will I allow anyone to eat".

21:36 PM (IST) • 20 Mar 2024

Candidates Finalised For Atleast 12 Seats, Meeting With Uddhav, Sharad Tomorrow: Cong Maharashtra Chief

After the CEC meeting, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole said, "We have discussed at least 18-19 seats of Maharashtra, we have finalised at least 12 seats and tomorrow morning we have a meeting with Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. Final discussions will be held and all seats will be announced by tomorrow or the day after tomorrow...''

#WATCH | After CEC meeting, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole says, "We have discussed at least 18-19 seats of Maharashtra, we have finalized at least 12 seats and tomorrow morning we have a meeting with Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray. Final discussions will be held… pic.twitter.com/WOPL53IZlc
— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2024