Elections

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren accused the BJP of using "lollipop traps" to mislead voters with false promises, particularly criticizing their claim of providing LPG cylinders for ₹500. Soren questioned the feasibility of such promises, citing the rising prices across various states and calling the BJP's rhetoric "jumla." He also condemned the party for divisive politics based on caste and religion, despite its leaders' calls for development-focused voting. The remarks came amid controversy over a BJP social media post that the JMM and INC claimed was misleading and intended to create division.

Anil Deshmukh, former Maharashtra Home Minister and NCP (SP) leader, was injured in a stone-pelting attack on Monday evening while returning to Katol near Nagpur. The 74-year-old politician, who is campaigning for his son Salil, was taken to a local hospital and later shifted to a specialty facility in Nagpur. The incident has sparked outrage, with MVA supporters demanding the immediate arrest of the attackers. Political leaders, including Balasaheb Thorat and Supriya Sule, condemned the attack, with some suggesting it could be politically motivated. Deshmukh, previously arrested in connection with money laundering and corruption charges, was targeted while traveling through Belphata. Authorities have launched an investigation, but the motive remains unclear.

Campaigning for the Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections wrapped up on Monday, as political parties made their final push before voters head to the polls. In Maharashtra, the high-stakes contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi and the ruling Mahayuti alliance is centered around key issues such as Dharavi slum redevelopment and caste census. Over 9.7 crore voters will choose from 4,136 candidates. Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the ruling JMM-Congress alliance is fighting to retain power against the BJP, with the second phase of voting covering 38 constituencies. Additionally, bypolls in nine Uttar Pradesh assembly seats are seen as a precursor to the 2027 elections, adding another layer of importance to this election season. The outcome of these elections could reshape the political landscape in several states and provide crucial momentum for national parties ahead of the 2024 general elections

The Election Commission of India (EC) has directed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Jharkhand unit to remove a controversial video from its social media platforms, following complaints from the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). The video was accused of being “misleading and malicious,” aiming to create division and sway voters. The EC has also sought an explanation from the BJP for violating the model code of conduct. Additionally, the poll panel issued notices to BJP President JP Nadda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over complaints filed by both parties during the ongoing assembly elections.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sought responses from BJP President J.P. Nadda and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge following complaints filed by both parties over alleged violations during the ongoing assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. BJP has accused Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of making false and divisive statements, particularly targeting inter-state relations and Maharashtra’s economic opportunities. In turn, Congress has lodged complaints against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly inciting caste-based animosity and spreading false narratives about Congress leadership. The EC has called for responses by Monday, November 18, as it examines the complaints under the Model Code of Conduct.