Sugar prices have surged 4.5% in the last two weeks due to increased demand from ice cream and beverage companies, as well as from political rallies. The government has taken steps to increase sugar production, but rising temperatures and the upcoming elections are continuing to drive up prices.
Indian Railways (IR) has witnessed an unprecedented surge in passenger footfall, with over 411 million passengers taking train journeys across India in the first three weeks of April. This marks the highest ever footfall recorded during this period, surpassing the previous records set in 2019 before the Covid-19 pandemic. The unexpected rush has been attributed to a combination of factors, including the onset of the wedding season, ongoing elections, and the usual heavy rush during summer vacations.
Former Mumbai police commissioner and BJD’s Puri Lok Sabha candidate Arup Patnaik fainted due to heatstroke during campaigning in Pipili on Monday. Patnaik, 67, was hospitalized but released after a few hours. Doctors have advised him to refrain from campaigning during peak sun hours. The Election Commission has warned against sun exposure and urged candidates to take adequate measures while campaigning during the heatwave.
To ensure increased voter turnout, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is intensifying its campaign efforts. The party believes that large rallies and roadshows led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attract maximum crowds and boost participation. Despite facing challenges like heatwave and voter apathy in the first phase of elections, the BJP hopes to improve the turnout compared to 2019 figures. Senior leaders like Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh will also contribute to the campaign. Meanwhile, the party has expelled KS Eshwarappa for six years after he decided to contest the Shimoga seat as an independent candidate. The BJP candidate for the upcoming Ladakh election has yet to be announced, with mixed opinions among party leaders regarding the incumbent MP, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal.
Vlaams Belang, a nationalist and pro-independence party, leads in recent polls in Flanders, the wealthiest and most populous region in Belgium, ahead of the upcoming European, federal, and regional elections. However, the party faces challenges in other regions, with the far-right party Chez Nous struggling to gain traction in Wallonia and Brussels.
Police in Anantapur district are implementing strict measures to prevent illegal activities and ensure a peaceful election. They are closely monitoring inter-state buses and private vehicles at border check-posts to curb the flow of liquor, money, and freebies. Security has also been enhanced at nomination centers, and rowdy sheeters have been counseled against engaging in unlawful behavior.
Despite the potential ban on TikTok in the US, candidates are still actively using the platform for campaigning. They recognize the importance of reaching their voters where they are, even if it means facing criticism for supporting a bill that could lead to the app’s demise. The political landscape, partisan divides, and the platform’s user demographics also influence candidates’ decisions on using TikTok.
