The ruling NDA and the Opposition INDIA bloc held significant rallies in Mumbai on May 17, 2024. The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a show-cause notice to BJP candidate Abhijit Gangapadhyay for remarks against West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.
PM Modi’s Rally: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, conducted a campaign rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Modi expressed confidence in a historic victory in the upcoming election and pledged to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. He criticized the Congress’ manifesto, calling it “Maoist-influenced,” and assured that reservations for Dalits and backward classes would be protected.
INDIA Bloc Rally: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal led the opposition rally at BKC, warning that a Modi victory would threaten democracy and lead to the imprisonment of various opposition leaders. Kejriwal reiterated claims that Modi would step down, making Amit Shah the Prime Minister and that Yogi Adityanath would be removed as Uttar Pradesh’s CM.
PM Modi: “I will leave only after giving Viksit Bharat to you. I’m working 24/7 for the year 2047.” Modi also pledged free medical care for those over 70 and firmly opposed any rollback of Article 370.
Arvind Kejriwal: “The Prime Minister aims to finish democracy… If Modi wins, on June 4, Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Stalin, and Vijayan, will also go to jail, like me.”
Additional Developments:
Voter Turnout: The voter turnout for the fourth phase of polling on May 13 was 69.16%, an increase from the corresponding phase in 2019.- Controversies and Challenges: The Congress questioned the BJP’s support for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, labelling it a “land grab” favouring the Adani Group. TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee challenged the BJP to a public debate on development records.
Expulsions and Roadshows: The BJP expelled senior leader Bijoy Mohapatra for “anti-party activities,” while Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted a roadshow in Ranchi.
Regional Issues: Over 25,000 displaced Kashmiri Pandits are eligible to vote in Baramulla, with special polling stations arranged. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee promised to scrap the NRC if the INDIA bloc comes to power.
This update captures the intensity and dynamic nature of the ongoing general election campaign, highlighting key rallies, statements, and developments across India.
