The Congress party has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks about “redistribution of wealth” and accused him of resorting to lies and hate speech. The party claims that over 40% of the wealth created in India from 2012 to 2021 went to just 1% of the population, while most of the public assets sold in the last ten years have gone to one or two companies. The Congress asserts that only an INDIA bloc government can deliver more inclusive economic growth.
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are scheduled to address public gatherings in Bengaluru today, April 23, as part of their election campaigns. Gandhi will hold rallies in Chitradurga and Bengaluru’s HSR Layout, while Shah will participate in a roadshow in the Bengaluru South constituency.
Satish Jarkiholi, a Congress leader, urged voters in Belagavi district to confront BJP leaders about their development plans and contributions. He accused the BJP of avoiding relevant issues and resorting to sensationalism. Priyanka Jarkiholi, the Congress candidate for Chikkodi constituency, pledged to make Chikkodi a model constituency and highlighted the party’s commitment to welfare schemes.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections, calling it more suited for Pakistan than India. Sarma accused the Congress of planning to snatch resources from the masses for ‘appeasement’ and pledged to challenge them to a public debate.
A video circulating online claiming that South Indian superstar Allu Arjun is campaigning for the Congress party in the ongoing general elections is false. The video is from an India Day parade held in New York in 2022, where Arjun participated as the Grand Marshal. The actor has not endorsed any political party or candidate. Fact-checking organizations and social media users have debunked the misleading caption.
Telangana is gearing up for the 2024 General Elections, and several key political figures are making their presence felt. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will address public meetings in Kodangal and Nagarkurnool, while External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will deliver a talk in Bhongir. BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao will embark on a 17-day bus tour across the state, aiming to connect with various societal groups. Congress leader Velichela Rajendra Rao has filed his nomination for the Karimnagar Lok Sabha seat, and the Khammam seat issue will be discussed in Bengaluru between Telangana and Karnataka officials. BJP Legislative Party leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy is scheduled to address the media today.
Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP candidate for Kota constituency, Om Birla, has vehemently denounced the Congress for spreading misinformation among Scheduled Castes, claiming the BJP intends to alter the Constitution and curtail their rights. Birla firmly stated that the Constitution remains inviolable and the BJP has consistently protected the rights of marginalized communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress’s manifesto, alleging plans for wealth redistribution, yet refrained from specifying beneficiaries. He emphasized increased Haj pilgrimage quotas and smoother visa processes for Muslims, also highlighting BJP’s law against triple talaq. Modi targeted Pasmanda Muslims’ neglect by Congress and SP, promising upliftment. He accused Congress of planning to seize assets like “streedhan” and redistribute wealth, symbolized by their hand symbol, ‘panja.’ Meanwhile, he secured a larger Haj quota from Saudi Arabia. Modi sought votes in Aligarh, emphasizing past achievements and future promises, urging early voting for change.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has expressed confidence in the party’s ability to win 15-20 seats out of 28 in Karnataka in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized the people’s desire for change and the importance of addressing issues such as employment, inflation, and support for the poor. Kharge also criticized the BJP for focusing solely on winning elections rather than serving the country.
A study by CSDS-Lokniti analyzed 150 campaign songs and 52 print advertisements released by the Congress and BJP in preparation for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. BJP songs focused on pride and patriotism, highlighting India’s relations with China and Pakistan, while Congress songs criticized the government’s policies and called for accountability. BJP songs had a strong religious connotation, with nearly 72% mentioning religious themes, while only 10% of Congress songs did. BJP songs focused more on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Congress songs emphasized the party. The study also found that the BJP invested more in digital media, spending over ₹17 crore on Google ads, compared to the Congress’s ₹13 crore. The Congress’s print ads highlighted issues but lacked a clear vision, while BJP’s ads focused on achievements and used statistics to support claims.
