"Karnataka Ex Minister Used Scam Funds To Influence Voters In Lok Sabha Polls": Probe Agency

A total of Rs 15 crore of Rs 89.63 crore funds siphoned in the alleged Valmiki scam by former Karnataka Minister Nagendra and his aides was allegedly used "during the 2024 Lok Sabha election expenditures to influence voters", the ED has said.

Congress has declared its General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi as its candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election.

Decks have been cleared for bypolls to two Assembly seats and the high-profile Wayanad constituency in Kerala with the Election Commission on Tuesday announcing the dates for the two-phase by-elections to 48 Assembly seats and 2 Lok Sabha seats.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Monday said Lok Sabha member Sheikh Abdul Rashid's suggestion for delaying government formation till restoration of statehood was playing into the hands of the BJP.

Both elections have significant long-term implications. As the first polls following the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their outcomes could influence the political landscape not only in the regions where the elections were held but across the country.

The Congress, which posted a hugely improved performance in the Lok Sabha election, is likely to end the year on a sweet note, exit polls indicate.