BJP's Sambit Patra, while speaking to an Odia channel, inadvertently stirred a controversy by labeling Lord Jagannath as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's devotee. The slip of tongue remark ignited widespread condemnation from political leaders, including Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, who deemed it an insult to the revered deity. Congress demanded an apology from PM Modi. Patra later clarified the statement as a mistake. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding religious sentiments, particularly regarding Lord Jagannath, a cherished figure in Odisha.

In Phase 5 of the Lok Sabha elections, 57.5% provisional voter turnout was recorded across 49 constituencies spanning six states and two Union Territories. Notable candidates include Smriti Irani, Rahul Gandhi, Chirag Paswan, and Omar Abdullah. This phase witnessed significant contests in Maharashtra's 13 seats, with tension in Bengal's seven seats due to Congress and CPM's involvement. BJP secured 32 seats out of 49 in 2019, with key contests featuring Union Ministers like Piyush Goyal, Bharati Pawar, and Rajnath Singh. The next phase, covering 58 seats, is scheduled for May 25, with results announced on June 4.                

Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh exercised their voting rights during the Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai. Sporting matching white outfits, the duo showcased their solidarity as they cast their ballots. Deepika, visibly pregnant, radiated joy while proudly displaying her baby bump. Ranveer, the doting husband, attentively accompanied her throughout the voting process. Their synchronized appearance and civic participation captivated onlookers, emphasizing their commitment to both social responsibility and each other. This voting moment not only underscored their influence but also hinted at the exciting journey ahead for the soon-to-be parents.

In the ongoing fifth phase of elections, India saw a 36.73% voter turnout by 1 pm. Ladakh leads with 52.02% while Maharashtra lags at 27.78%. Across six states and two Union Territories, including Baramulla in Jammu and Kashmir, 49 Lok Sabha seats are being contested. Trouble brewed in West Bengal, with 1036 complaints lodged, citing EVM malfunctions and voter intimidation. Simultaneously, Odisha is holding its second phase of state assembly elections alongside the Lok Sabha polls.

In Prayagraj, a stampede-like situation cancels Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav's public meeting, leading to a candid conversation. Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh predicts INDIA bloc's victory in 79 out of 80 UP seats, challenging PM Modi in Varanasi, dubbed 'Kyoto'. He criticizes Modi's unfulfilled promise to develop Varanasi like Japan's Kyoto. Rahul Gandhi blames Modi for unemployment crisis in UP. Akhilesh warns that 'Mann ki Baat' won't suffice; the government must heed the Constitution and the voice of 140 crore citizens. The duo's exchange underscores the heated political atmosphere ahead of the elections.

Voting for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is underway across 49 constituencies in six states and two Union Territories. By 11am, voter turnout was recorded at 23.7%. Key seats include five in Bihar, three in Jharkhand, 13 in Maharashtra, five in Odisha, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, and seven in West Bengal, along with one each in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Notable candidates include Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Smriti Irani, and Rajnath Singh, as well as Congress’s Rahul Gandhi and former J&K CM Omar Abdullah.

Several Bollywood stars cast their votes on Monday, May 20, during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Among the early voters were Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Akshay Kumar, and Sanya Malhotra. Akshay Kumar, voting for the first time after regaining Indian citizenship in August 2023, joined the queue early. Janhvi Kapoor donned a pink anarkali suit, while Sanya Malhotra and Rajkummar Rao posed for the paparazzi with their inked fingers. Farhan Akhtar, accompanied by his sister Zoya Akhtar and mother Honey Irani, also participated. Other notable voters included Anita Raj, Kunal Kohli, and Aamir Khan's children, Junaid and Ira Khan.

The fifth phase of India's Lok Sabha elections 2024 is in progress, with voting taking place in 49 constituencies across six states and two union territories. High-profile seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Rae Bareli and Amethi, are up for grabs, with key candidates like Rahul Gandhi and Smriti Irani in the fray. Other notable contestants include Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goyal, and Omar Abdullah. Voting began at 7am and will end at 6pm. Enhanced security measures have been implemented, especially in West Bengal and Odisha, to ensure smooth polling. Nearly 9 crore voters will decide the fate of 695 candidates.

The Delhi Police have secured five days of custody for Bibhav Kumar, former aide to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, over the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal. The police, represented by additional DCP Anjitha Chepyala, argued that Kumar was uncooperative and evasive. The remand paper, supported by medical evidence, detailed Maliwal's allegations of verbal and physical assault at the CM's residence. It also noted Kumar's recent phone formatting, which is suspected to contain vital evidence. The police expressed concerns that Kumar could tamper with evidence and intimidate witnesses due to his influential role.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) released its manifesto for the Punjab Lok Sabha polls, focusing on key issues. SAD aims to facilitate the transfer of Kartarpur Sahib from Pakistan to India through mutual land exchange and advocate for the inclusion of Chandigarh and Punjabi-speaking areas into Punjab. They plan to simplify pilgrimage to Kartarpur Sahib by replacing passport requirements with a permit system. The manifesto also promises to address water disputes by cancelling decisions made without Punjab's consent and seeking royalties for its river water provided to non-riparian states. SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal reiterated the party's determination to pursue these objectives.