India’s parliamentary elections, the largest democratic exercise in the world, continue with the second phase on April 26. The polls will be held across 88 constituencies in 13 states and union territories, including the southern states of Kerala and Karnataka. Key candidates include a former opposition leader, a former United Nations official, and a Bollywood star seeking her third term. The results of the election, which began on April 19, will be announced on June 4.
Manish Kashyap, a prominent YouTube personality from Bihar, has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today in the presence of BJP leaders Manoj Tiwari and Anil Baluni. Kashyap, who has a strong presence on YouTube with approximately 8.75 million subscribers, had previously announced his intention to contest the Lok Sabha elections from the West Champaran constituency as an independent candidate. However, he has now decided against contesting the elections. There is speculation that Kashyap might be offered a significant responsibility or even a ticket as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) within the party.
The BJP’s top leadership has vehemently denied allegations that it intends to change the Indian Constitution after crossing the 400-seat mark in the Lok Sabha. The party’s General Secretary, Vinod Tawde, dismissed these claims as false propaganda spread by the Congress. The BJP, he emphasized, has used its majority in the Lok Sabha to implement anti-terror measures, abrogate Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, and scrap the Planning Commission. Tawde also highlighted the party’s respect for the Constitution, citing the celebration of Constitution Day and the release of its manifesto on the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Congress leader Nilesh Kumbhani from Surat has gone missing, leading to rumors of him joining the BJP. His nomination for Lok Sabha was earlier rejected, and his disappearance coincides with Mukesh Dalal’s victory from the BJP stronghold. Congress workers protested at Kumbhani’s residence, calling him a ‘people’s traitor.’ The police detained the protesters.
