The BJP, which secured 303 seats in the Lok Sabha in 2019, saw its numbers drop to 240 in 2024, forcing it to rely on coalition partners to form the government for a third term. Party leaders believe this setback was due, in part, to voter apathy among the salaried middle class, which had expressed frustration over rising costs and stagnant disposable income.

A senior BJP functionary noted that while the Opposition’s “false campaign” on constitutional issues impacted the elections, middle-class discontent also played a role. “Many salaried individuals felt they had less money in hand, but under PM Modi’s leadership, this concern has now been addressed. The party has shown it listens to the people,” the leader said.

In Bihar, where elections are scheduled for later this year, the budget included multiple infrastructure and employment initiatives aimed at boosting the BJP’s coalition government with the Janata Dal (United). Though no specific schemes were introduced for Delhi due to the ongoing model code of conduct, the increased tax exemption limit of ₹12 lakh is expected to appeal to the city’s large salaried workforce.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the budget as a “people’s budget,” while BJP leaders emphasized that it reflected the party’s attentiveness to public sentiment. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP’s grassroots cadres had repeatedly flagged concerns over inflation and rising costs, pushing for tax relief as a crucial step toward easing middle-class financial strain.

“In the last decade, policies focused on infrastructure, employment generation, and economic growth. However, there was growing dissatisfaction among middle-class voters, who felt overlooked in favor of schemes for the poor, youth, farmers, and women,” said a BJP leader.

A Lokniti-CSDS study in 2024 revealed that BJP’s support among middle and upper-middle-class voters declined from 38% in 2019 to 35% in 2024. This data reinforced the need for policy adjustments to win back this crucial segment of the electorate.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah echoed this sentiment, stating, “The middle class is always in PM Modi’s heart. The zero-income tax policy for incomes up to ₹12 lakh will greatly enhance their financial well-being.”

Another BJP leader highlighted the necessity of balancing welfare policies for lower-income groups with measures that benefit the middle class. “Free rations, medical care, and LPG subsidies expanded our support base, but the middle class felt neglected. While they make up 20-30% of voters, their influence is significant. The 2004 elections showed how a dissatisfied middle class could impact outcomes,” the leader said.

Organizations affiliated with the RSS played a pivotal role in shaping the budget, communicating key concerns from various labor unions, MSME groups, and farmer collectives. These groups emphasized tax simplification, gig worker insurance, expanded agricultural support, and policies promoting domestic manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

An RSS official acknowledged the government’s responsiveness to these demands. “We conveyed the ground reality—there was a strong call for tax restructuring and middle-class benefits. It is encouraging to see these issues addressed in the budget,” he said.

As assembly elections in Delhi and Bihar approach, the BJP is betting on its middle-class tax relief measures to rebuild voter confidence and strengthen its political standing in key states. Whether this strategy translates into electoral gains remains to be seen.

The post BJP Eyes Middle-Class Support with Budget Tax Breaks appeared first on FolksTimes.

Manoj Varshney, a travel agency owner in Delhi, believes this decision will stimulate economic activity. “The middle-class will now have more disposable income, which they will likely spend on travel, shopping, and dining out. This will, in turn, boost various sectors of the economy,” he said.

Beyond financial implications, political analysts suggest that this tax relief could influence the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. The BJP has historically been the preferred choice of the middle-class, and this budget announcement may reinforce that loyalty. Some believe it will also encourage higher voter turnout among Gen Z and millennials, who form a significant part of this demographic.

Delhi has one of the highest concentrations of taxpayers in the country, and according to data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), it also has a substantial proportion of salaried workers. This makes the budget’s tax relief particularly relevant for the city. Political experts argue that while this move could help BJP consolidate its support among the middle-class, it may not drastically alter the overall electoral outcome, as lower-income groups remain a major voting bloc in Delhi.

BS Vohra, president of the East Delhi RWAs Joint Front, emphasized the widespread impact of the tax relief. “Even households earning above ₹12 lakh will feel the effect because nearly every family has at least one member in this bracket. The additional income will provide financial breathing room for many families,” he said.

The budget announcement has also shifted the focus of the Delhi elections, which had been largely dominated by debates on welfare schemes and free services. With elections scheduled for February 5, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is seeking a third consecutive term, while the BJP is hoping to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with the current administration. The Congress, aiming to regain relevance after poor performances in the last two assembly elections, has yet to make significant inroads.

Praffulit Bisht, an assistant professor at Miranda House, believes the tax announcement could reshape public perception. “There has been a sentiment that the Centre has ignored the middle-class for too long. This budget shows that their concerns are finally being addressed,” he said.

Ashwini Marwah, general secretary of the Lajpat Nagar Traders’ Association, noted that middle-class voters have traditionally been overlooked in the race for votes. “This budget sends a clear message that the government values the middle-class, not just in Delhi but across India. However, whether this translates into electoral gains for the BJP remains to be seen,” he said.

Alka Kapoor, principal of Modern Public School in Shalimar Bagh, echoed similar sentiments. “For too long, the middle-class has been neglected in policymaking. Any move that eases our financial burden is welcome. This tax relief will benefit not just individuals but entire families,” she said.

Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva praised the budget, stating that it aligns with the aspirations of salaried professionals and young urban workers. “By increasing the income tax relief limit to ₹12 lakh, the Modi government has empowered the middle-class like never before,” he said.

A senior BJP leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that the party already has a strong presence among the middle and upper-income groups. “This budget further strengthens our position. Along with the upcoming eighth pay commission, these measures will help us consolidate our base,” he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party, which had earlier advocated for a tax rebate up to ₹10 lakh, argued that the budget did not go far enough. AAP leader Sanjay Singh questioned the lack of relief for small business owners. “This budget favors salaried individuals, but what about small and medium business owners? Where is their relief?” he asked.

Political analyst Sajjan Kumar Singh of PRACCIS highlighted the economic divide in Delhi’s electorate. “The middle-class has always leaned towards the BJP, and this budget will likely reinforce that trend. However, Delhi’s largest voting bloc consists of lower-middle-class and working-class voters. While the BJP may gain in vote share, achieving a clear majority could still be a challenge,” he said.

As Delhi prepares for the upcoming elections, the tax relief announced in the budget is likely to remain a major talking point. Whether it translates into electoral gains for the BJP or simply reinforces existing loyalties remains to be seen.

The post Middle-Class Tax Break in Budget May Sway Delhi Elections appeared first on FolksTimes.

The event witnessed the presence of prominent political figures, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administered the oath to Soren during the ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Soren, tweeting:
“Congratulations to Shri Hemant Soren on taking oath as Jharkhand CM. Best wishes to him for his tenure ahead.”

Soren retained his Barhait assembly seat in the recent state elections, defeating BJP candidate Gamliyel Hembrom by a margin of 39,791 votes. In the elections, the JMM-led INDIA bloc secured a commanding majority by winning 56 of the 81 assembly seats, leaving the BJP-led NDA with 24 seats.

The swearing-in ceremony impacted local life as schools in Ranchi were closed on Thursday to accommodate the arrangements.

In a strategic move, Hemant Soren took the oath alone, with plans to expand the cabinet following a vote of confidence in the assembly.

The ceremony also saw attendance from various political leaders, including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Raghav Chadha, and Sanjay Singh, Bihar’s Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin, and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Soren’s leadership is expected to set the tone for Jharkhand’s governance, with political observers keenly watching the developments in the coming months.

The post Hemant Soren sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Jharkhand. appeared first on FolksTimes.

The Wayanad constituency, a Congress bastion, witnessed a triangular contest between Priyanka Gandhi, BJP’s Navya Haridas, and CPI’s Sathyan Mokeri.

In addition, Congress leader Ravindra Vasantrao Chavan will also take the oath as an MP in the Lok Sabha. Chavan triumphed in the Nanded Lok Sabha by-election, winning with 5,86,788 votes. This by-election was necessitated by the passing of sitting Congress MP Vasantrao Balwantrao Chavan.

Meanwhile, Union Ministers Suresh Gopi (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas) and Tokhan Sahu (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) will table official documents in the Lok Sabha today.

On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi expressed her gratitude and joy after receiving her election certificate. She described it as a profound representation of shared values and trust.

“My colleagues from Wayanad brought my certificate of election today. For me, it is not just a document; it is a symbol of your love, trust, and the values we are committed to. Thank you, Wayanad, for choosing me to take forward this journey to build a better future for yourselves,” she shared on X.

Priyanka Gandhi’s victory in Wayanad comes after her brother, Rahul Gandhi, vacated the seat to contest and win from Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh during this year’s general elections.

Following her win on November 23, Priyanka expressed heartfelt thanks to the voters, promising to serve as their voice in Parliament. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the trust you have placed in me. I will make sure that over time, you truly feel this victory has been your victory and that the person you chose to represent you understands your hopes and dreams and fights for you as one of your own. I look forward to being your voice in Parliament!” she posted on X.

The by-elections for Wayanad and Nanded were part of a broader electoral exercise covering 48 assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats across 15 states. Priyanka Gandhi’s resounding win marks her official entry into parliamentary politics, setting the stage for her role in shaping the future of Indian democracy.

The post Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Take Oath as Lok Sabha MP Today appeared first on FolksTimes.

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), comprising the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP), struggled to counter the Mahayuti’s momentum, securing only 53 seats. The elections saw a record voter turnout of 66.05%, surpassing the 2019 turnout, reflecting heightened public engagement​.

Key contests highlighted the intense political rivalry in the state. For example, Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP faced a stiff challenge in Nagpur South West but managed to secure his seat. In Baramati, Ajit Pawar continued his dominance despite opposition from within his family​.​

This victory marks a pivotal moment for Maharashtra politics, reinforcing the BJP’s strategy of coalition-building and its ability to mobilize support across diverse voter bases. The MVA, on the other hand, faces challenges in regrouping and redefining its vision after this defeat.

The post Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: BJP-led Mahayuti Secures Sweeping Victory appeared first on FolksTimes.

The elections, conducted in two phases on November 13 and November 20, saw a high-stakes contest between the ruling alliance and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). While the BJP, AJSU, and their allies posed a strong challenge, the INDIA bloc’s focus on welfare schemes and grassroots development swayed voters in favor of the incumbent govermen​t.

Speaking after the results, Chief Minister Soren expressed gratitude to the people of Jharkhand, stating, “We have passed the exam of democracy. This victory is a testament to the faith people have in our governance and our commitment to progress.” He credited the success to the collective efforts of the alliance and its vision for the state’s future​.

This victory underscores the INDIA bloc’s resilience and strategy, even in the face of significant challenges. With this mandate, the JMM-led government is set to continue its developmental policies and address pressing issues like infrastructure and public welfare. The election results also reflect the voters’ preference for continuity and their support for policies that directly impact their lives.

Stay tuned for further developments as the newly-elected government begins its second term in office.

The post Hemant Soren’s JMM-Led Alliance Secures Victory in Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024 appeared first on FolksTimes.

In Maharashtra, Gadchiroli, a district affected by Naxal activities, reported the highest turnout at 62.99%, while Thane recorded the lowest at 38.94%. Mumbai city registered 39.34% voter participation by 3 PM. Other districts reported varied turnout figures, including Mumbai Suburban (40.89%), Nagpur (44.45%), Aurangabad (47.05%), Pune (41.70%), Nashik (46.86%), Satara (49.82%), Dhule (47.62%), Palghar (46.82%), Ratnagiri (50.04%), Nanded (42.87%), and Latur (48.34%).

Meanwhile, in Jharkhand’s second phase of polling, Pakur district led with the highest turnout of 69.31%, while Dhanbad recorded the lowest at 56.32%. Other districts reported voter participation as follows: Deoghar (64.55%), Dumka (64.79%), Giridih (60.57%), Hazaribagh (58.16%), Jamtara (68.24%), Ramgarh (66.02%), Ranchi (65.84%), and Sahebganj (60.08%).

In Maharashtra’s Nanded parliamentary constituency, the voter turnout stood at 41.58% by 3 PM.

By-elections also took place in several regions. In Uttarakhand, Kedarnath reported a turnout of 47%, while Palakkad in Kerala recorded 54.11%. Punjab’s bye-election figures included Gidderbaha (65.80%), Dera Baba Nanak (52.20%), Barnala (40%), and Chabbewal (40.25%).

In Uttar Pradesh’s by-polls, the voter turnout percentages as of 3 PM were: Meerapur (49.06%), Majhwan (43.64%), Khair (39.86%), Phulpur (36.58%), Kundarki (50.03%), Karhal (44.70%), Katehari (49.29%), Ghaziabad (27.44%), and Sishmau (40.29%).

Polling began at 7 AM on Wednesday for Maharashtra’s 288 assembly seats in a single phase, alongside the second phase of elections in Jharkhand covering 38 seats. Results for all constituencies in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and the ongoing by-elections will be declared on November 23.

The post Assembly Elections: Maharashtra Records 45.53% Voter Turnout by 3 PM; Jharkhand Reaches 61.47% appeared first on FolksTimes.

The overall voter turnout in the state was 66.6%, marking an increase of 2.7 percentage points compared to the 63.9% recorded in the 2019 assembly elections. Female voter turnout stood at just over 69%, while male turnout was lower at 64.3%. Voter participation from the third gender was recorded at 31%.

The INDIA bloc, consisting of JMM, Congress, and RJD, attributed the higher female turnout to the popularity of welfare schemes, particularly the Maiyya Samman Yojana, which provides Rs 1,000 per month to women beneficiaries under the Hemant Soren government. On the other hand, the BJP suggested that the high female turnout indicated dissatisfaction with the current government, with women voting in large numbers due to the rise in cases of crimes against women. BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo pointed out that the turnout reflected women’s frustration, with BJP offering Rs 2,100 under its Gogo Didi Yojana.

Of the 43 constituencies that voted on November 13, 37 saw higher female turnout compared to male participation. Only six constituencies—Potka, Jugsalai, Jamshedpur East, Seraikela, Tamar, and Khunti—had higher male turnout, though the gender gap in four of these constituencies was less than one percentage point. In Barkatha and Barhi, the difference between female and male turnout was significant, with women’s turnout surpassing men’s by almost 17 percentage points and 15 percentage points, respectively.

Baharagora recorded the highest overall turnout at 79.3%, largely driven by women, whose participation reached 81.6%. Kharsawan followed closely with a 79.1% overall turnout, with nearly 80% of women casting their votes. Ranchi, however, saw the lowest turnout at 52.5%, reflecting urban apathy. Of the 43 constituencies in Phase-1, 13 had notably lower turnout.

The post In the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, the voter turnout among women was higher than that of men. appeared first on FolksTimes.

As of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the voter turnout in the first phase of Jharkhand’s Assembly elections has reached 64.86% across 43 constituencies, election officials reported. Key battles are being closely watched in constituencies like Seraikella, Ranchi, Jamshedpur West, Jaganathpur, and Jamshedpur East.

Gumla is leading the polling turnout with 52.11%, followed by Lohardaga at 51.53% and Khunti at 51.37%, according to data from the Election Commission of India.

In Seraikella, former Chief Minister and BJP candidate Champai Soren is contesting, while Jamshedpur East sees a high-profile contest between Congress’ Ajoy Kumar, former Jamshedpur SP, and Purnima Das Sahu, the daughter-in-law of former Jharkhand CM and current Odisha Governor Raghubar Das.

Campaigning for the first phase ended on November 11, 2024. During the electioneering, the BJP accused the JMM-led coalition government of allowing “Bangladeshi infiltrators” to alter the demographic makeup of tribal areas—an allegation rejected by the INDIA alliance. Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, also raised concerns over the caste census issue.

The post Jharkhand Elections 2024 LIVE Updates: Voter turnout exceeds 64% in 43 constituencies till 5 p.m appeared first on FolksTimes.

Total Seats in Jharkhand Assembly

• Total seats: 81
  • Scheduled Tribes (ST): 28 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes.
  • Scheduled Castes (SC): 9 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes.

This election will determine the composition of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly for the next five years, with parties and candidates competing on issues like tribal rights, development, employment, and governance

INDIA bloc candidates

Here’s taking a look at the complete list of INDIA bloc candidates in Jharkhand:

The post Jharkhand 2024 Assembly Elections: Voting Dates and Key Details appeared first on FolksTimes.