The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its outreach to young voters through innovative strategies, including a music video featuring catchy lyrics and appearances by gamers and influencers. However, the use of problematic symbols like Pepe the Frog and potential violations of electoral rules have sparked controversy. The campaign highlights the growing importance of social media and youth engagement in political messaging.
Over six lakh election campaign materials, including posters, banners, flex boards, and decorative ribbons, were removed or marked with black paint in Thrissur district due to violations of the model code of conduct. The anti-defacement squad, under the district election administration, acted on complaints from both public and private property owners. The squad removed a total of 6,90,521 items, of which 2,523 were removed from private properties after unauthorized use. The district administration received thousands of complaints through the cVigil mobile application, and over 10,000 have been addressed. No fines were imposed at the time, but decisions regarding penalties will be made after the elections on April 26.
Civil society organizations in Karnataka have filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, seeking strict action against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged divisive and hateful remarks against the Muslim community during his election campaign in Rajasthan. The delegation accused Modi of spreading false information, inciting hatred, and promoting dangerous stereotypes of Muslims. They demanded his disqualification and a ban on his election campaign. The CEO, Manoj Kumar Meena, said he would forward the complaint to the Election Commission of India, but any further action was beyond his jurisdiction.
Parth Pawar, son of Maharashtra Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, has been granted Y+ security by the state government. This move comes amidst an intense electoral battle in the Baramati Lok Sabha seat, where two Pawar families are contesting against each other. NCP spokesperson Umesh Patil clarified that the security was granted based on threat perception reports, not the ongoing political rivalry.
Prime Minister Modi has targeted the Congress, accusing it of conspiring to seize people’s wealth and distribute it selectively. Modi’s remarks, initially made at a rally in Rajasthan, sparked outrage from the Congress and its allies, leading to accusations of abuse directed at the Prime Minister.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has intensified its campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, planning roadshows and public meetings to connect with voters. The party is targeting the Congress government’s unfulfilled promises and the BJP’s challenges, highlighting issues such as farming distress and social welfare benefits. BRS’s social media cell is also active in countering propaganda from opposition parties.
During a heated election rally in Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used divisive language that framed politics as a zero-sum game and portrayed the Muslim minority as adversaries. This rhetoric goes against his previous efforts to celebrate India’s diversity and send an expansive message to all citizens. While political debate about welfare and identity is legitimate, the PM’s speech narrowed the possibilities and painted an entire community as an adversary. This is a disturbing step back from his trajectory as a leader who has risen above India’s fault lines.
