A Hindu seer’s inflammatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad sparked a violent clash in Amravati, Maharashtra. A mob demanding action against the seer attacked police, injuring 21 officers. The incident highlights the potential for religious tensions to escalate into violence.
The second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra is scheduled for April 26, with voting in eight constituencies: Buldhana, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal – Washim, Hingoli, Nanded, and Parbhani. Nanded, traditionally a Congress stronghold, will be keenly watched, especially with former Congress leader Ashok Chavan now aligning with the BJP. Amravati will also be a key battleground, with the BJP and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) fielding strong candidates against the Congress.
A tense situation has arisen in Maharashtra’s Amravati district after an Independent MLA’s permission to hold a rally at a ground was revoked due to the BJP choosing the same venue for a public meeting led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The development has sparked a confrontation between the MLA and the ruling ‘Mahayuti’ alliance, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde seeking to downplay the issue.
Navneet Rana’s political journey is marked by resilience and evolving ideologies. Despite facing opposition, she finds strength in her supporters, faith, and the endorsement of PM Modi. Her impressive electoral victory in Amravati against a seasoned Sena veteran in 2019 and her subsequent nomination as a BJP candidate demonstrate her political prowess. Rana’s transition from a Tollywood actress to a parliamentarian reflects her determination and desire to serve the people, particularly farmers.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are set to hold public meetings in Maharashtra and Kerala on Wednesday, the final day of campaigning for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi, who is resuming his campaign after a brief break due to illness, will address rallies in Amravati and Solapur, while Shah will hold a rally in Amravati and inaugurate the BJP’s election office in Varanasi. Meanwhile, senior leaders from both Congress and BJP will continue their campaigns across various states, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Wayanad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, and BJP president J.P. Nadda in Bihar. Additionally, the Supreme Court is likely to pronounce directions on a batch of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), while repolling will be held in eight polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh due to EVM damage and violence during the initial polling.
