India election 2024 live:
Excitement is brewing as India’s 2024 elections kick into high gear, with all eyes turning towards the southern states as Prime Minister Narendra Modi vies for another victory in the Lok Sabha. Today marks the beginning of the second phase of this mammoth democratic process, spanning seven phases in total.
India election 2024 In this phase, 13 states are casting their votes to fill 88 seats in the Lok Sabha, the powerhouse of India’s Parliament. Just a week ago, the first phase saw 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories exercising their democratic rights.
The battlefield is set between the National Democratic Alliance, led by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, fronted by the Indian National Congress, the primary opposition party.
The stakes are high, as these elections will decide who holds the reins of power in India’s next government. With 969 million registered voters, this electoral extravaganza is rightly hailed as the largest democratic exercise globally, spanning an impressive six weeks.
As anticipation builds, the nation eagerly awaits the results, slated to be unveiled on June 4th. Stay tuned as India’s political landscape unfolds in this riveting saga of democracy in action.
In a election 2024 poignant tale that echoes the struggles of many farmers across India, the story of 45-year-old farmer Rathod from Dabhadi village in Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region stands out. Back on March 20th, Modi chose Dabhadi, nestled among over 15,500 villages in Vidarbha, to launch his outreach to the farming community. 
Filled with hope and anticipation, Rathod and thousands of other farmers gathered to hear Modi’s reassuring words. “Your pain, your struggle, and your troubles will force me to do something good,” Modi proclaimed, promising change.
But as time passed, Rathod’s optimism waned, and his losses mounted. By 2015, Rathod found himself drowning in despair. Burdened by crop failures and saddled with a debt of 120,000 rupees ($1,440), Rathod saw no way out. Tragically, he took his own life, a stark reminder of the grim reality faced by many farmers.
Rathod’s story is not unique. Even as Modi gears up for another shot at re-election, the promise he made to farmers like Rathod seems to have faded away. Despite the rhetoric, the ground reality for many farmers remains dire, underscoring the challenges that persist in India’s agricultural sector. ALSO READ: Axis Bank Q4 results highlights: Profit at Rs 7,130 cr; dividend, Rs 55,000 cr fundraising announced
As the election 2024 campaign heats up, Modi and the Congress party are clashing over communal issues, with Modi accusing Congress of favoring Muslims and planning to impose an inheritance tax. Congress, on the other hand, denies these claims, accusing Modi of using divisive language to divert attention from pressing issues like unemployment and rising prices.
Despite the political back-and-forth, some voters in Bengaluru are leaning towards the BJP. Shree Hari S S, a 23-year-old voter, expressed concern about taxpayers’ money benefiting one community and intends to vote for the BJP.
Meanwhile, Kareemulla Basha, a 47-year-old software engineer and Muslim voter, prioritizes tackling unemployment, inflation, and high taxation. He emphasizes the importance of fiscal responsibility in government promises, suggesting a balance between subsidies and fiscal prudence.
These perspectives highlight the diversity of opinions among voters and the varied considerations they weigh when casting their ballots.
India’s Supreme Court has made a decision regarding the ongoing national election, declining petitions to alter the vote-counting process. This means that there won’t be any changes to how votes are tallied, rejecting requests to count all paper slips generated alongside electronic voting machine records.
This ruling comes amidst the ongoing voting process, which began on April 19 and will culminate in the counting of votes on June 4.
Meanwhile, several states are grappling with a severe heatwave, adding another layer of challenge to the electoral process. Districts in phase two of the election, particularly in Bihar, Karnataka, and parts of Uttar Pradesh, are experiencing scorching temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Despite these conditions, voting is proceeding as scheduled.
In election 2024 response to the heatwave, the election commission has formed a task force to assess its impact before each round of voting, ensuring the safety and well-being of voters amidst these challenging weather conditions.