Prime Minister Narendra Modi refutes claims of discrimination based on religion or caste, citing childhood experiences with Muslim friends. Speaking from Varanasi, he addresses attempts to tarnish his image post-2002 Gujarat riots. Modi emphasizes his governance model's inclusivity and denies targeting any religious group for family planning remarks. "The day I start doing Hindu-Muslim," he asserts, "I won't be fit to live in public life." Amidst ongoing elections, Modi's statements aim to quell religious polarization debates. He underscores his belief in garnering support from all communities, advocating for unity and development for all.            

AAP acknowledges Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal's claims of assault by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's Personal Secretary, Bibhav Kumar, at Kejriwal's residence. Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh confirms the incident, stating Kejriwal will take strict action. Maliwal reported the assault to police, sparking condemnation from political rivals. Delhi BJP chief alleges political pressure silencing Maliwal, urging immediate police action. Police await formal complaint. National Commission for Women promises inquiry. AAP stands by Maliwal, recognizing her contributions to society. The incident underscores concerns over women's safety in political spaces.

Political strategist Prashant Kishor predicts a tight race between BJP and Congress in Telangana, foreseeing 6-9 seats for each party in the Lok Sabha elections. Kishor highlights BJP's potential in the state, previously securing 4 seats in 2019. He dismisses the BRS as a major contender, emphasizing BJP vs. Congress dynamics. Kishor also forecasts a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expecting BJP to maintain its current strength of 300 seats nationally. His insights challenge notions of BJP's electoral decline, sparking debate over the party's future performance.            

Prime Minister Narendra Modi files nomination papers from Varanasi for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, revealing movable assets worth Rs 3.02 crore in his affidavit. Modi declares owning no house or car, with a modest cash holding of Rs 52,920. His taxable income surged from Rs 11 lakh in 2018-19 to Rs 23.5 lakh in 2022-23. Holding accounts in the State Bank of India, Modi's fixed deposit stands at Rs 2,85,60,338, alongside possessing four gold rings worth Rs 2,67,750. Seeking a third consecutive term, Modi's candidature is supported by top BJP leaders in Varanasi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will file his nomination from Varanasi for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections today, seeking a third term. He held a 6-km-long roadshow the day before, pledging further development for the city if re-elected. Expressing his emotional connection to Varanasi, Modi stated, "Aaj Maa Ganga ne mujhe god le liya hai" (today Maa Ganga has adopted me) on X. Modi first contested from Varanasi in 2014, defeating AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal by over 3 lakh votes, establishing it as a BJP bastion. Modi aims to continue this legacy in the upcoming elections.

In the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections, over 62% polling was recorded across 96 constituencies in 10 states and Union Territories. West Bengal led with 75.91% turnout, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 68.48%. However, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra lagged with 36.58% and 52.63% respectively. While largely peaceful, incidents of violence were reported in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, along with EVM malfunctions in some booths. A total of 1,717 candidates contested across seats, with over 17.70 crore eligible voters, including 8.73 crore women, participating.      

Swati Maliwal, an AAP leader, alleges assault at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence, claiming his aide attacked her. Delhi Police received two calls, reportedly from Maliwal, seeking assistance after the incident. Police confirm dispatching officers to the scene. Maliwal's visit to the CM's house, denied a meeting, preceded the calls for help. The accused aide, Bibhav Kumar, was terminated last month after facing legal scrutiny. Maliwal later cooperated with police but has yet to file a formal complaint. BJP IT Cell in-charge comments on Maliwal's past actions amid the alleged assault.

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and ex-Rajya Sabha MP, Sushil Kumar Modi, aged 72, passed away, leaving BJP Bihar in mourning. His contributions to Bihar's politics, spanning from being a Finance Minister to his role in the BJP, are remembered with respect. BJP National President JP Nadda expressed deep sadness, acknowledging Modi's lifelong dedication to Bihar's development. Modi's leadership during challenging times, including efforts against "jungle raj," leaves an indelible mark. Condolences pour in from across political spheres, recognizing Modi's enduring legacy in Bihar's political landscape.            

Uttar Pradesh's phase 4 of Lok Sabha elections, a 56% voter turnout was recorded by 5pm. Notable constituencies like Kheri, Dhaurahra, and Sitapur saw high polling percentages. Kannauj, contested by Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, recorded over 59% polling. Yadav alleged BJP's involvement in disrupting voting. BJP repeated 11 MPs out of 13 seats, introducing two new candidates. SP contests 11 seats, Congress two. More than 2.46 crore voters are eligible in this phase. The high-stakes battle continues in UP with significant turnout and key contenders vying for victory.

In the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls, 96 seats across nine states and Jammu and Kashmir witness 40.32% voter turnout by 1 pm. Key battlegrounds are West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, featuring notable candidates like Akhilesh Yadav, Mahua Moitra, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Simultaneously, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha conduct elections for all assembly seats. Bengal leads with a 66% turnout by 3 pm. Notably, the Srinagar seat's election marks a significant event in Jammu and Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370.