The ongoing seven-phased Lok Sabha elections have been marked by new controversies and discussions with each phase. India is witnessing a fierce contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition's INDIA bloc for the 18th Lok Sabha.
Controversies have included remarks on inheritance tax, allegations of racism, debates over succession, and more. Voting for the sixth phase is scheduled for May 25, with the final phase on June 1. Results will be announced on June 4.
Here is what made headlines in each phase:
Ab ki baar 400 paar: Initially a popular slogan, it lost traction in later phases. The NDA aimed for 400 out of 543 seats, with the BJP targeting at least 370 constituencies. The Opposition alleged EVM rigging and bogus voting to help the NDA reach its target.
Inheritance tax debate: Senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda caused controversy by suggesting an inheritance tax similar to the US. "In America, there is an inheritance tax... you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair," he said. The BJP criticised Congress for attempting to "loot" the public if they came to power.
Revannas alleged sexual assault case: Ahead of the third phase in Karnataka, JDS MP Prajwal Revanna and his father, MLA HD Revanna, were implicated in a sexual assault case. Prajwal fled to Germany on April 27, and an arrest warrant and Interpol Blue Corner Notice were issued against him.
Sam Pitroda's racist remarks: Pitroda made controversial comments on the diverse appearances of Indians, which were criticized as racist. He stated, "We could hold together a country as diverse as India — where people on the East look like Chinese, people on the West look like Arabs, people on the North look like maybe White, and people in South India look like Africans." Following the backlash, Pitroda resigned from his role as the party's overseas chief.
Kejriwal's interim bail: Just three days before the fifth phase, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted interim bail in a money laundering case related to an alleged liquor policy scam. He will be out of jail until June 1 for campaigning and must return on June 2. The Aam Aadmi Party launched the campaign 'Jail ka jawab vote se'.
Modi's successor debate: The Opposition questioned who would succeed Modi after he turns 75 in 2025, as BJP leaders are supposed to retire from active politics at that age. Arvind Kejriwal repeatedly raised the issue, suggesting Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the likely successor. Modi responded that he has no successor and that the people of India are his true successors. Shah affirmed that Modi would complete his tenure.
Controversies have included remarks on inheritance tax, allegations of racism, debates over succession, and more. Voting for the sixth phase is scheduled for May 25, with the final phase on June 1. Results will be announced on June 4.
Here is what made headlines in each phase:
Ab ki baar 400 paar: Initially a popular slogan, it lost traction in later phases. The NDA aimed for 400 out of 543 seats, with the BJP targeting at least 370 constituencies. The Opposition alleged EVM rigging and bogus voting to help the NDA reach its target.
Inheritance tax debate: Senior Congress leader Sam Pitroda caused controversy by suggesting an inheritance tax similar to the US. "In America, there is an inheritance tax... you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair," he said. The BJP criticised Congress for attempting to "loot" the public if they came to power.
Revannas alleged sexual assault case: Ahead of the third phase in Karnataka, JDS MP Prajwal Revanna and his father, MLA HD Revanna, were implicated in a sexual assault case. Prajwal fled to Germany on April 27, and an arrest warrant and Interpol Blue Corner Notice were issued against him.
Sam Pitroda's racist remarks: Pitroda made controversial comments on the diverse appearances of Indians, which were criticized as racist. He stated, "We could hold together a country as diverse as India — where people on the East look like Chinese, people on the West look like Arabs, people on the North look like maybe White, and people in South India look like Africans." Following the backlash, Pitroda resigned from his role as the party's overseas chief.
Kejriwal's interim bail: Just three days before the fifth phase, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was granted interim bail in a money laundering case related to an alleged liquor policy scam. He will be out of jail until June 1 for campaigning and must return on June 2. The Aam Aadmi Party launched the campaign 'Jail ka jawab vote se'.
Modi's successor debate: The Opposition questioned who would succeed Modi after he turns 75 in 2025, as BJP leaders are supposed to retire from active politics at that age. Arvind Kejriwal repeatedly raised the issue, suggesting Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the likely successor. Modi responded that he has no successor and that the people of India are his true successors. Shah affirmed that Modi would complete his tenure.
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