<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1714394131650" alt="Dramatic twist as Congress candidate Akshay Bam withdraws from Indore seat; joins BJP" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

In an unexpected turn of events, the Congress party experienced a setback as its Lok Sabha candidate in Madhya Pradesh's Indore constituency, Akshay Kanti Bam, withdrew from the race and switched allegiance to the BJP.
The surprising announcement was made public by senior Madhya Pradesh BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya, who shared a photo of the candidate alongside the BJP leaders in a car.
Expressing his welcome, Mr. Vijayvargiya stated, "Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Indore Akshay Kanti Bam is welcome in the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, party national president JP Nadda, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and state president VD Sharma."
Today marked the final day for nominations in Indore, slated for voting in the fourth phase of elections on May 13. District Collector Ashish Singh confirmed that three candidates, including Congress' Bam, withdrew their nominations in compliance with the due process, which was also video graphed.
Accompanied by BJP MLA Ramesh Mendola, Akshay Bam visited the district collector's office to formally retract his candidacy. The Congress had fielded Mr. Bam, 45, as a first-time contestant against the incumbent BJP MP Shankar Lalwani in Indore, known for having the largest electorate in Madhya Pradesh. This development comes amidst a series of party workers, including three former MLAs, defecting to the BJP in the state.
This setback for the Congress comes shortly after a similar incident in Gujarat's Surat, where the Congress candidate was disqualified, leading to the BJP's uncontested victory in the constituency. In response to these setbacks, local Congress leaders in Indore expressed disappointment, questioning the leadership's decision to nominate Mr. Bam.
During the nomination scrutiny, the BJP's legal cell had raised objections to Mr. Bam's nomination form, citing an old land dispute case under section 307 of the IPC (attempt to murder). Despite the objection, poll officials accepted his nomination since the charge was added on the day of nomination.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP nominee Shivraj Singh Chouhan remarked on the Congress's situation, highlighting that even candidates were losing faith in the party. Chouhan emphasised the trust placed in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, attributing the Congress's challenges to its direction and policies.

Dramatic twist as Congress candidate Akshay Bam withdraws from Indore seat; joins BJP

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1715175513457" alt="Amit Shah criticises Akhilesh Yadav's vaccination stance & election tactics during Kannauj rally" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

During his campaign in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on Akhilesh Yadav, accusing him of neglecting the region during the pandemic and allegedly discouraging people from getting vaccinated as the vaccines were developed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
"Have you all got vaccinated? PM Modi has ensured vaccination for everyone and got the country rid of Covid. When Corona vaccines were being administered, Akhilesh Yadav gave a statement urging people not to get vaccinated because this is PM Modi's vaccine. It is good that no one listens to Akhilesh in UP or in Kannauj," the Home Minister said.
Shah questioned Yadav's absence in Kannauj during the pandemic, contrasting it with the presence of BJP's sitting MP Subrat Pathak. He also mocked Yadav's remarks urging people not to get vaccinated, stressing that vaccination played a crucial role in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.
"You have been voting for Mulayam Singh's family for years. This is such a family that does not visit the place when it wins or even when it loses. Did Akhilesh or Dimple come to Kanauj during the pandemic? Our Subrat Pathak was here," remarked HM Amit Shah, while campaigning for the BJP’s sitting MP Subrat Pathak.
Furthermore, Shah also criticised Yadav's alleged reluctance to accept the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha invitation, suggesting that political considerations may have influenced this decision.
"When the Yadav family got the invite for the Ram Temple, they did not go because they fear losing their vote bank. Do you know who their vote bank is? The BJP does not fear vote bank. You are our vote bank," he added.
Shah highlighted Prime Minister Modi's leadership in handling the pandemic, ensuring widespread vaccination coverage, and overseeing the construction of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.
In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Akhilesh Yadav, the chief of the Samajwadi Party, is contesting from Kannauj, while the Bahujan Samaj Party has fielded Imran Bin Zafar as their candidate. The Congress party, under a seat-sharing agreement with the Samajwadi Party, is not contesting from Kannauj.

Amit Shah criticises Akhilesh Yadav's vaccination stance & election tactics during Kannauj rally

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1715098553968" alt="Three independent MLAs withdraw support from BJP Govt in Haryana, extend support to Congress" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

With just over two weeks remaining until the Lok Sabha elections in Haryana, three Independent MLAs have withdrawn their support from the BJP government in the state. They have instead extended "outside" support to the Congress party.
This move leaves the BJP tentatively placed with 40 MLAs in the Assembly. With the House strength reduced to 88, the majority mark stands at 45. Although the BJP government claims to have the support of 43 MLAs currently, it suggested on Tuesday that four Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) MLAs might also provide "tactical assistance" if necessary, potentially raising its strength to 47.
The three Independent MLAs who switched sides on Tuesday are Dharampal Gondher from Nilokheri, Randhir Golan from Pundri, and Sombir Sangwan from Dadri. They made their decision public in the presence of former Congress Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda in Rohtak.
Following this development, Hooda stated that the current BJP government should resign considering public sentiments and demanded that President’s rule should be imposed in the state.
Haryana INC President Udai Bhan urged that the Assembly elections, scheduled for the end of this year, be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls on May 25.
Chief Minister Saini accused the Congress of engineering the MLAs' defection, asserting that the Congress was prioritising personal ambitions over public welfare.
The current strength of the House is 88, down from its total of 90, as two MLAs had resigned earlier to contest the Lok Sabha polls on BJP tickets. Former BJP CM Manohar Lal Khattar is contesting from Karnal, while Ranjit Singh Chautala, previously an Independent MLA, is now running on a BJP ticket from Hisar.
Some time ago, the BJP ended its alliance with the JJP of Dushyant Chautala, whose 10 MLAs had helped form the government in 2019. Since then, at least six JJP MLAs have distanced themselves from Chautala.
The Congress currently holds 30 seats in the House, and with the addition of the three Independent MLAs, their tally rises to 33.
Rejecting claims of losing its majority, Saini's media secretary Praveen Attrey stated that besides the BJP's 40 MLAs, the party also has the support of two Independent MLAs, Nayan Pal Rawat and Rakesh Daultabad, as well as Gopal Kanda of the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP), and four JJP MLAs.
Independent MLA Randhir Golan clarified that their decision was not opportunistic, but reflected the sentiments of the public concerning issues like inflation, unemployment, and controversial government schemes like family and property IDs.
Sombir Sangwan echoed these sentiments, mentioning that their discontent had roots in previous actions of the government during the farmer protests, indicating a broader dissatisfaction with the ruling party.
Gondher added that their previous support for the BJP was contingent on Khattar being CM, suggesting that the sudden change in leadership was a factor in their decision.
Former CM Hooda commended the MLAs' move, indicating a growing lack of confidence in the current regime and expressing optimism for a Congress government in the upcoming state elections.

Three independent MLAs withdraw support from BJP Govt in Haryana, extend support to Congress

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1715083544349" alt="BJP welcomes Radhika Khera and Shekhar Suman amidst allegations against Congress" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Former Congress leader Radhika Khera and actor Shekhar Suman made headlines as they officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party at the BJP headquarters in Delhi during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The induction ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent BJP leaders, including BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde.
Expressing gratitude, Radhika Khera, former Congress National Media Coordinator, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and JP Nadda for warmly welcoming her into the BJP fold. Khera, who recently parted ways with the Congress, cited reasons of the party being "anti-Ram" and "anti-Hindu." She recounted an incident where she alleged mistreatment and disrespect after visiting the Ayodhya temple.
Actor Shekhar Suman, known for his roles in various Bollywood movies, contested the Lok Sabha election in 2009 from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency on a Congress ticket but lost to BJP's Shatrughan Sinha.
In a statement, Radhika Khera highlighted her discomfort within the Congress, stating, "Today's Congress is not Mahatma Gandhi's Congress, it is anti-Ram, anti-Hindu Congress." She elaborated on her experience at the Ayodhya Ram Temple, emphasising that she wouldn't have reached this decision without the protection and support of the BJP government.
Khera also criticised the silence of Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Sachin Pilot, regarding the mistreatment she faced after her temple visit. She raised concerns about justice and accountability within the party, especially when it comes to women's empowerment.
Alleging mistreatment and censorship within the Congress party, Khera recounted being locked inside a room and facing harassment after sharing content related to her visit to the Ayodhya Ram Temple. She expressed disillusionment with the Congress's alleged anti-Ram and anti-Hindu stance, citing instances where she faced reprimands for expressing her religious beliefs.
The move by Radhika Khera and Shekhar Suman to join the BJP marks a significant shift in their political affiliations, underlining their dissatisfaction with the Congress party's approach and their alignment with the BJP's ideology.

BJP welcomes Radhika Khera and Shekhar Suman amidst allegations against Congress

<img src="https://api-discussion.policharcha.com/1714736088526" alt="Congress's strategic seat swaps in Amethi and Raebareli – Implications and challenges ahead" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

The last-minute decision by the Congress regarding the constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli has brought about a major twist. Contrary to expectations, Rahul Gandhi, who was anticipated to vigorously contest to reclaim Amethi, has been announced as the party's candidate for Raebareli. This seat was recently vacated by his mother Sonia Gandhi when she moved to the Rajya Sabha.
In Amethi, which was won by BJP’s Smriti Irani five years ago, the Congress has put forward Kishori Lal Sharma, a longtime loyalist of the Gandhi family, as its representative. Despite efforts, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could not be persuaded to contest from Raebareli, a constituency she had nurtured on her mother's behalf for over a decade.
The Congress's decision was disclosed on Friday following weeks of suspense. Following his nomination, Rahul Gandhi is expected to lead a grand roadshow today. Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge, along with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will also be part of the roadshow.
Immediately after the candidates for these prestigious seats were announced, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra congratulated KL Sharma, expressing confidence in his "loyalty and dedication" that would aid him in securing victory.
However, there are concerns that Rahul Gandhi's switch in constituencies might play into the hands of the BJP, particularly considering Union minister Smriti Irani's 2019 victory in Amethi. She is geared up to defend her seat and has suggested that the Congress's delay stems from apprehension about her impending victory.
In an interview with NDTV earlier in the week, Smriti Irani implied that the Congress leadership is aware of Amethi being a challenging seat for them, citing their delayed candidate announcement as evidence. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's decision to not contest may further unsettle the party, as some Congress leaders fear it could create a negative perception affecting the election outcome nationwide.
Sources suggest that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's reluctance to contest stems from concerns that her victory in Raebareli could bolster BJP's accusations of dynasty politics, with all three family members being in parliament. Sonia Gandhi is already in the Rajya Sabha, and Rahul Gandhi has contested from Kerala's Wayanad.
A victory for Rahul Gandhi in both Raebareli and Wayanad would pose a dilemma for the party, as he would have to vacate one of the seats that equally demand his attention. While Raebareli holds historical significance as a family bastion, Wayanad is a Congress stronghold that secured his Lok Sabha seat when Amethi shifted allegiance. However, resolving this issue is a challenge the Congress will address in due time.

Congress's strategic seat swaps in Amethi and Raebareli – Implications and challenges ahead

From saying that he won't join politics or hold a political office, to swearing on his kids' lives to never do an alliance with Congress, to now finally saying that he will not step out of the alliance with Congress no matter what.

True politician. We need more like him.
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<a href="/hashtag/GeneralElection2024">#GeneralElection2024</a>

Arvind Kejriwal has surely come a long way

TMC pulled out in West Bengal
AAP pulled out in Punjab
Now, even Nitish Kumar's JD(U) might go back to NDA, as the reports are suggesting.

I have said just yesterday that

West Bengal toh jhaanki hai,
Bihar, UP, Tamil Nadu abhi baaki hai.

Bihar is almost gone. In the coming days, you will hear similar news from UP and Tamil Nadu too.
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<a href="/hashtag/GeneralElection2024">#GeneralElection2024</a>&nbsp;

As expected, INDI Alliance is falling like a pack of cards | Nitish Kumar might join NDA

In bengal, Mamata Banerjee said TMC will contest <a href="/hashtag/GeneralElection2024">#GeneralElection2024</a> alone in the state.
Where as in Punjab, Bhagwant said pulled out of the alliance and sad that AAP will contest on all the 13 seats.

Big blows to INDIA bloc and Congress today.

So, the ceremony went ahead as planned. There were largely no disturbances or riot like situations in the nation. That is a big plus. Although, there was some issue in Mira Road, Mumbai, but that was dealt with by public initially, and then by the administration. Strong message has been sent to the perpetrators.

PM Modi did not mention Babur or Masjid or any sort of demolition in his speech. His speech was a constructive one which incited positive emotions. This signifies that it is time to look forward to the future and not delve into the past. PS – Don’t forget the past, but at the same time don’t let it haunt you.

In his speech, PM Modi mentioned numerous times how it is a new era, a new ‘kaal chakra’, and how this day would be remembered for thousands of years to come. This speaks on the overall mentality/plan of the Government to establish Bharat as the Vishwaguru on the ideals of a Ram Rajya (not to be confused with a Hindu Raashtra – More on that later).

PM Modi did throw a subtle political jibe when he said how he is sorry that it took 500 years for Shri Ram to return to Ayodhya. The innocent way of apologising did make the listeners think about what the previous governments were doing.

Later he asked “shri Ram ka mandir toh bann gaya, ab aage kya? Sadiyon ka intezaar toh khatam ho gaya, ab aage kya?” I’ll tell you aage kya.
The polity of the world has been largely influenced by the Vatican and the Mecca. It is the apt time for a third axis – Ayodhya ji.

Jai Shree Ram
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<a href="/hashtag/GeneralElection2024">#GeneralElection2024</a>&nbsp;

Dramatic twist as Congress candidate Akshay Bam withdraws from Indore seat; joins BJP

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Arvind Kejriwal has surely come a long way

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