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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-amit-shah-meet-union-ministers-thank-them-for-service-to-nation-220445">At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting</a>, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again.

In his address, Modi stressed on the need to change the narrative from caste lines and orient it for the poor, Singh said.

The prime minister expressed concern over the Opposition making "needless controversy" over electronic voting machines, the home minister said.

The resolution was proposed by BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami were among the BJP allies who attended the dinner-meeting hosted by BJP president Amit Shah.&nbsp;

At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters.

At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday expressed concern over the "needless controversy" created by the Opposition over EVMs at a meeting of NDA leaders, even as the ruling alliance laid out its agenda for the next five years if it is elected to power again. In his address, Modi stressed on the need to change the narrative from caste lines and orient it for the poor, Singh said. The prime minister expressed concern over the Opposition making "needless controversy" over electronic voting machines, the home minister said. The resolution was proposed by BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami were among the BJP allies who attended the dinner-meeting hosted by BJP president Amit Shah.

NDA pledges to make India 'strong and developed' by 2022

Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve said the NDA would improve its 2014 tally in the state by winning 45 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats.

The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 constituencies in 2014 elections.

"The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 seats in 2014 elections, but this time we will win 45 seats. Not a single seat we are going to lose which we had won in 2014," Danve said, adding that the Opposition parties would have to accept this fact.

He dismissed the exit poll prediction of the Sena facing any backlash in elections.

"Sena had won 18 seats in 2014 and was the biggest partner of BJP in the Centre. I do not think Sena will face any problem," he added.

The seven-phase elections to 542 seats of 543-member Lok Sabha ended Sunday. Counting of votes is scheduled for Thursday.

Most exit polls have forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that the BJP-led NDA would get over 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve said the NDA would improve its 2014 tally in the state by winning 45 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 constituencies in 2014 elections.

Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve said the NDA would improve its 2014 tally in the state by winning 45 out of total 48 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 constituencies in 2014 elections. "The BJP and the Shiv Sena had jointly won 42 seats in 2014 elections, but this time we will win 45 seats. Not a single seat we are going to lose which we had won in 2014," Danve said, adding that the Opposition parties would have to accept this fact. He dismissed the exit poll prediction of the Sena facing any backlash in elections. "Sena had won 18 seats in 2014 and was the biggest partner of BJP in the Centre. I do not think Sena will face any problem," he added. The seven-phase elections to 542 seats of 543-member Lok Sabha ended Sunday. Counting of votes is scheduled for Thursday. Most exit polls have forecast another term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with some of them projecting that the BJP-led NDA would get over 300 seats to comfortably cross the majority mark of 272 in the Lok Sabha.

National Democratic Alliance will win 45 seats in Maharashtra, says state BJP chief

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday.

The 'Operation Brasstacks' was a major military exercise of the Indian Army in Rajasthan. It took place in 1986 until its execution in 1987.

The scale of the 2019 general election itself is massive and growing over time as between 1989 and 2019, the number of parties in the fray have increased over 20 times, the size of the electorate has increased by over 80 per cent, the number of polling stations has nearly doubled and the number of contesting candidates has increased by nearly 35 per cent.

"Effectively, nearly 20 lakh personnel of the police and central paramilitary personnel were involved during the elections. The mobilisation of such a large scale is rare anywhere in the world. In fact, India's best known Army exercise 'Operation Brasstacks' (1986-87), where nearly 6-8 lakh personnel were said to have been involved, itself was bigger than any NATO exercise since World War-II," a Home Ministry official said.

The extent of mobilisation of the security forces has also been massive with nearly 25 per cent of the overall strength of central paramilitary forces being deployed for elections this year, indicating the involvement of over three lakh paramilitary personnel.

However, since these officials are redeployed at various locations in different phases, the effective deployment is almost 2.35 times the number of troops actually involved.

Thus, if the elections in 2019 were to be conducted on a single day, the effective requirement would be for over 10 lakh personnel. Similarly, in the 2014 general election, the actual and effective deployments were of the order of 2.5 lakh and 6 lakh, respectively.

In addition to the paramilitary forces and state armed battalions, extensive participation of police personnel belonging to civil police and district armed reserve, along with home guards and special police officers in various capacities, have also been seen.

Even if the participation is taken at 50 per cent of actual strength, this would mean the involvement of nearly 8-10 lakh additional personnel, the official said.

Apart from the mammoth size of election-related mobilisation, the duration is also considerable. This year's general elections were conducted over a period of nearly 40 days (April 11 to May 19) with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 23.

Timely mobilisation of nearly 20 lakh personnel within 40 to 45 days is a humongous task. A well thought planning with the Indian Railways, state and various forces play a crucial role in completing the requirement of the Election Commission, another official said.

More than 150 special trains were utilised for mobilisation of troops. These troops criss-cross the length and breadth of the country to meet the requirement of the respective state, the official said.

The core duties of the paramilitary personnel deployed for election duty include instilling a sense of confidence and security among people to exercise their franchise freely without any fear.

The additional responsibilities include maintaining law and order, preventing poll violence and guarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

The Election Commission, in coordination with the Home Ministry, which has the administrative control over the central paramilitary forces, has made an assessment of all aspects having bearing on the election process, including the state-wise and phase-wise requirement of security forces, the official said.

The ministry prepared a deployment plan of various forces like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and the Assam Rifles keeping in view their role in border guarding, counter-insurgency operations and other commitments.

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday.

As many as 20 lakh security personnel were deployed in the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, rendering the exercise bigger than India's well known 'Operation Brasstacks' in the 1980s, which was larger than any NATO exercise since World War-II, officials said Monday. The 'Operation Brasstacks' was a major military exercise of the Indian Army in Rajasthan. It took place in 1986 until its execution in 1987. The scale of the 2019 general election itself is massive and growing over time as between 1989 and 2019, the number of parties in the fray have increased over 20 times, the size of the electorate has increased by over 80 per cent, the number of polling stations has nearly doubled and the number of contesting candidates has increased by nearly 35 per cent. "Effectively, nearly 20 lakh personnel of the police and central paramilitary personnel were involved during the elections. The mobilisation of such a large scale is rare anywhere in the world. In fact, India's best known Army exercise 'Operation Brasstacks' (1986-87), where nearly 6-8 lakh personnel were said to have been involved, itself was bigger than any NATO exercise since World War-II," a Home Ministry official said. The extent of mobilisation of the security forces has also been massive with nearly 25 per cent of the overall strength of central paramilitary forces being deployed for elections this year, indicating the involvement of over three lakh paramilitary personnel. However, since these officials are redeployed at various locations in different phases, the effective deployment is almost 2.35 times the number of troops actually involved. Thus, if the elections in 2019 were to be conducted on a single day, the effective requirement would be for over 10 lakh personnel. Similarly, in the 2014 general election, the actual and effective deployments were of the order of 2.5 lakh and 6 lakh, respectively. In addition to the paramilitary forces and state armed battalions, extensive participation of police personnel belonging to civil police and district armed reserve, along with home guards and special police officers in various capacities, have also been seen. Even if the participation is taken at 50 per cent of actual strength, this would mean the involvement of nearly 8-10 lakh additional personnel, the official said. Apart from the mammoth size of election-related mobilisation, the duration is also considerable. This year's general elections were conducted over a period of nearly 40 days (April 11 to May 19) with the counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 23. Timely mobilisation of nearly 20 lakh personnel within 40 to 45 days is a humongous task. A well thought planning with the Indian Railways, state and various forces play a crucial role in completing the requirement of the Election Commission, another official said. More than 150 special trains were utilised for mobilisation of troops. These troops criss-cross the length and breadth of the country to meet the requirement of the respective state, the official said. The core duties of the paramilitary personnel deployed for election duty include instilling a sense of confidence and security among people to exercise their franchise freely without any fear. The additional responsibilities include maintaining law and order, preventing poll violence and guarding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The Election Commission, in coordination with the Home Ministry, which has the administrative control over the central paramilitary forces, has made an assessment of all aspects having bearing on the election process, including the state-wise and phase-wise requirement of security forces, the official said. The ministry prepared a deployment plan of various forces like the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and the Assam Rifles keeping in view their role in border guarding, counter-insurgency operations and other commitments.

20 lakh security men deployed in Lok Sabha polls, mobilisation was bigger than Army's 'Operation Brasstacks'

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know How Do The Markets See Exit Polls. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Know How Do The Markets See Exit Polls

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know How Global Media Views Indian Exit Polls. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Know How Global Media Views Indian Exit Polls

On a day Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and fellow commissioner Sushil Chandra turned down his demand to incorporate minority view in orders relating to model code violations, Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa Tuesday said he still believes that transparency is important and such cases should be dealt in a time-bound manner.

Talking to PTI after the meeting, Lavasa refused to comment on the issue of Commission maintaining a status quo, saying, "minutes of the meeting will be drawn, instructions will be issued. Only then there would be clarity."

"In the meeting of the Election Commission held today regarding the issue of MCC (Model Code of Conduct), it was, inter alia, decided that proceedings of the commission's meeting would be drawn, including the views of all the commission members," the Commission said in a statement after the meeting, which lasted for more than two hours.

"Thereafter, formal instructions to this effect would be issued in consonance with extant laws/rules, etc," it further said.

Lavasa said, "Till the time there is clarity on the reasoning of the views, it is premature to say (anything)."

He said he continues to "say that transparency is important ... Minority view should be included and there should be time-bound procedures. My view is very clear."

Explaining the order, a Commission official said dissent notes and minority views would remain part of records of the poll panel.

Lavasa had dissented on a series of clean chits given by the Commission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on their speeches during the election campaign.

As his demand to record his dissent notes in EC's orders was not met, Lavasa recused himself from cases relating to relating to violations of model code of conduct.

In a strongly-worded letter to Arora on May 4, Lavasa is learnt to have said that he is being forced to stay away from the meetings of the full commission since minority decisions are not being recorded.

In Tuesday's meeting, Lavasa stuck to his ground, pressing for his demand to include dissenting views in the orders.

The EC had maintained that the dissent notes cannot be made part of the order as poll code violation cases are not quasi-judicial in nature and that they are not signed by the chief election commissioner (CEC) and fellow commissioners.

"They are like executive orders. They are summary decisions where a decision is taken by the EC without hearing out counsels of the two parties. The orders are brief which are not signed by the three commissioners," explained the official.

Such orders are usually signed by the principal secretary concerned or secretary of the EC, the official said.

Lavasa had dissented in as many as five of the 11 EC decisions involving complaints against Modi and Shah for alleged MCC violation and where they were given a clean chit.&nbsp;

An official said the EC is likely to come out with a circular clearly outlining the procedure relating to complaints of the poll code violation.

"Status quo will be maintained. Dissent will not be made public but would form part of EC records," explained an official.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

As per the law governing the functioning of the EC, efforts should be to have unanimity but in cases of dissent, a majority (2:1) view prevails.

In his May 4 letter, Lavasa is learnt to have also said that his participation in EC meeting is "meaningless" as his dissent remained unrecorded.&nbsp;

He had said that his notes on the need for transparency have not been responded to because of which he has decided to stay away from meetings on model code-related complaints.

Sources said Lavasa had written to the CEC about the issue on at least three occasions.&nbsp;

On a day Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and fellow commissioner Sushil Chandra turned down his demand to incorporate minority view in orders relating to model code violations, Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa Tuesday said he still believes that transparency is important and such cases should be dealt in a time-bound manner.

On a day Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and fellow commissioner Sushil Chandra turned down his demand to incorporate minority view in orders relating to model code violations, Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa Tuesday said he still believes that transparency is important and such cases should be dealt in a time-bound manner. Talking to PTI after the meeting, Lavasa refused to comment on the issue of Commission maintaining a status quo, saying, "minutes of the meeting will be drawn, instructions will be issued. Only then there would be clarity." "In the meeting of the Election Commission held today regarding the issue of MCC (Model Code of Conduct), it was, inter alia, decided that proceedings of the commission's meeting would be drawn, including the views of all the commission members," the Commission said in a statement after the meeting, which lasted for more than two hours. "Thereafter, formal instructions to this effect would be issued in consonance with extant laws/rules, etc," it further said. Lavasa said, "Till the time there is clarity on the reasoning of the views, it is premature to say (anything)." He said he continues to "say that transparency is important ... Minority view should be included and there should be time-bound procedures. My view is very clear." Explaining the order, a Commission official said dissent notes and minority views would remain part of records of the poll panel. Lavasa had dissented on a series of clean chits given by the Commission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on their speeches during the election campaign. As his demand to record his dissent notes in EC's orders was not met, Lavasa recused himself from cases relating to relating to violations of model code of conduct. In a strongly-worded letter to Arora on May 4, Lavasa is learnt to have said that he is being forced to stay away from the meetings of the full commission since minority decisions are not being recorded. In Tuesday's meeting, Lavasa stuck to his ground, pressing for his demand to include dissenting views in the orders. The EC had maintained that the dissent notes cannot be made part of the order as poll code violation cases are not quasi-judicial in nature and that they are not signed by the chief election commissioner (CEC) and fellow commissioners. "They are like executive orders. They are summary decisions where a decision is taken by the EC without hearing out counsels of the two parties. The orders are brief which are not signed by the three commissioners," explained the official. Such orders are usually signed by the principal secretary concerned or secretary of the EC, the official said. Lavasa had dissented in as many as five of the 11 EC decisions involving complaints against Modi and Shah for alleged MCC violation and where they were given a clean chit. An official said the EC is likely to come out with a circular clearly outlining the procedure relating to complaints of the poll code violation. "Status quo will be maintained. Dissent will not be made public but would form part of EC records," explained an official. As per the law governing the functioning of the EC, efforts should be to have unanimity but in cases of dissent, a majority (2:1) view prevails. In his May 4 letter, Lavasa is learnt to have also said that his participation in EC meeting is "meaningless" as his dissent remained unrecorded. He had said that his notes on the need for transparency have not been responded to because of which he has decided to stay away from meetings on model code-related complaints. Sources said Lavasa had written to the CEC about the issue on at least three occasions.

I still say transparency is important: Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa

Watch this video of India Election Watch: In 2007, A RSS Member was shot dead. In that Pragya Thakur & 7 others were charged with murder. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: MP Govt. Targets BJP's Pragya Thakur

In this segment of WION's India Election Watch, We Decodes Opposition's accusation on EVM & Opposition's Demand For VVPAT's Slips Verification Before Votes Counting with Panel of Special Guests or Experts With Us. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Decodes Opposition's accusation on EVM With Some Experts

With exit polls forecasting NDA's return to power, top leaders of the BJP-led alliance will meet Today over dinner to be hosted by party president Amit Shah where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present, party sources said.

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Lok Janshakti Party head Ram Vilas Paswan are likely to attend the meeting, which will take place two days before the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on May 23.

A meeting of key BJP leaders, including Union Ministers and Modi, is also scheduled to be held in the party headquarters before the dinner meeting with allies.

The BJP's decision to host the dinner comes following the exit polls which have been unanimous in projecting another term for Modi.

Modi and Shah at a press conference on May 17 had exuded confidence that the saffron party-led alliance will return to power, and exit polls have furthered boosted their hopes.

Exit polls telecast by almost all major news channels have forecast that the BJP-led NDA will cross the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

Polls have been held for 542 seats as the Election Commission had deferred the election for Vellore seat due to allegations of the use of money to influence the voting.

Several BJP leaders asserted on Monday that the party will get a majority on its own, repeating the unprecedented feat it achieved in 2014 by winning 282 seats.

With exit polls forecasting NDA's return to power, top leaders of the BJP-led alliance will meet Today over dinner to be hosted by party president Amit Shah where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present, party sources said.

With exit polls forecasting NDA's return to power, top leaders of the BJP-led alliance will meet Today over dinner to be hosted by party president Amit Shah where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present, party sources said. Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) president Nitish Kumar, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Lok Janshakti Party head Ram Vilas Paswan are likely to attend the meeting, which will take place two days before the counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls on May 23. A meeting of key BJP leaders, including Union Ministers and Modi, is also scheduled to be held in the party headquarters before the dinner meeting with allies. The BJP's decision to host the dinner comes following the exit polls which have been unanimous in projecting another term for Modi. Modi and Shah at a press conference on May 17 had exuded confidence that the saffron party-led alliance will return to power, and exit polls have furthered boosted their hopes. Exit polls telecast by almost all major news channels have forecast that the BJP-led NDA will cross the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Polls have been held for 542 seats as the Election Commission had deferred the election for Vellore seat due to allegations of the use of money to influence the voting. Several BJP leaders asserted on Monday that the party will get a majority on its own, repeating the unprecedented feat it achieved in 2014 by winning 282 seats.

National Democratic Alliance leaders to meet today to chalk out strategy on outcome of polls

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know how this time was Highest Ever Voter Turnout. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: Highest Ever Voter Turnout

Watch this video of India Election Watch: Leaders of 22 parties submit memorandum to poll panel. EC to discuss the concerns of opposition tomorrow. #LokSabhaElection2019 #GeneralElections2019 #PMModi

India Election Watch: EVM Controversy Refuses to Die Again

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-amit-shah-meet-union-ministers-thank-them-for-service-to-nation-220445">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday</a> told his ministerial colleagues that this Lok Sabha election was like a pilgrimage for him, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar informed the media persons after the meeting.

Quoting Prime Minister Modi, Tomar said, "Prime Minister Modi said that he has seen many elections but this election`s campaign did not seem like a campaign. He said it was like a pilgrimage for him."

"Terming the completion of the NDA government`s tenure as a successful experiment, PM Modi said the alliance should be further strengthened," Union Minister Tomar said further.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday had a meeting with the members of his Council of Ministers and congratulated them for successfully working as a team for the last five years.

The 2-hour long meeting was attended by all the ministers, who on their part congratulated Modi for the development works that the government did in the last five years under his leadership.

Fully confident to return to power, Union Minister and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur said, "We are 110 per cent forming the next government. The opposition is staring at their defeat."

On the allegations about drawbacks in electronic voting machines (EVMs), Kaur said, "When they won the Assembly polls in three states, EVMs were good for them but when the exit polls have shown their defeat, they have started blaming EVMs."

Seeking apologies for their baseless allegations against Modi, Giriraj Singh said, "Opposition parties should apologise to the public for their baseless allegations. They have won elections when it was conducted by EVMs in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Delhi."

Predicting more than 300 seats for BJP and 350 plus for the NDA, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said, "Scared of defeat, the opposition parties indulged in violence and bloodshed. They are not able to digest the defeat."

Union Minister and LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan also thanked Prime Minister Modi for running a strong government at the Centre for five years.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told his ministerial colleagues that this Lok Sabha election was like a pilgrimage for him, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar informed the media persons after the meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told his ministerial colleagues that this Lok Sabha election was like a pilgrimage for him, Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar informed the media persons after the meeting. Quoting Prime Minister Modi, Tomar said, "Prime Minister Modi said that he has seen many elections but this election`s campaign did not seem like a campaign. He said it was like a pilgrimage for him." "Terming the completion of the NDA government`s tenure as a successful experiment, PM Modi said the alliance should be further strengthened," Union Minister Tomar said further. Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday had a meeting with the members of his Council of Ministers and congratulated them for successfully working as a team for the last five years. The 2-hour long meeting was attended by all the ministers, who on their part congratulated Modi for the development works that the government did in the last five years under his leadership. Fully confident to return to power, Union Minister and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur said, "We are 110 per cent forming the next government. The opposition is staring at their defeat." On the allegations about drawbacks in electronic voting machines (EVMs), Kaur said, "When they won the Assembly polls in three states, EVMs were good for them but when the exit polls have shown their defeat, they have started blaming EVMs." Seeking apologies for their baseless allegations against Modi, Giriraj Singh said, "Opposition parties should apologise to the public for their baseless allegations. They have won elections when it was conducted by EVMs in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Delhi." Predicting more than 300 seats for BJP and 350 plus for the NDA, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan said, "Scared of defeat, the opposition parties indulged in violence and bloodshed. They are not able to digest the defeat." Union Minister and LJP president Ram Vilas Paswan also thanked Prime Minister Modi for running a strong government at the Centre for five years.

This election was like pilgrimage for me: PM Modi

The Election Commission on Monday clamped prohibitory orders in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, following violence in the area during the assembly by-election on Sunday, a senior official said. Keeping in mind the “sensitive” situation in Bhatpara, it was decided to impose Section 144 of the CrPC, the EC official told reporters here.

The commission had sought a report from the district magistrate on Sunday’s poll-related violence in Bhatpara. “Going by the report of the DM, Section 144 was clamped. It will prohibit an assembly of five or more people. Our security forces are posted in the area and we are keeping a tab on the situation,” he said.

Madan Mitra, the TMC candidate for the Bhatpara assembly constituency, on Monday, visited the EC office, accusing BJP leader Arjun Singh of “using force” to stop him from entering the town. The former state transport minister, who is pitched against Singh’s son Pawan, also said that if he was not allowed to enter Bhatpara on Tuesday, he would start a “satyagraha” (protest).

Bhatpara, considered to be the stronghold of former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, turned into a virtual battle zone on Sunday when the by-election was underway, with BJP and TMC activists allegedly clashing with each other in Kankinara under the Bhatpara Assembly constituency. Bombs were also reportedly hurled and an office of the ruling TMC in Kankinara was set on fire, as central forces restored to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.

The violence caused injury to 14 people, damaged shops and houses, and left Mitra’s car vandalised, police said. Meanwhile, around 200 companies of central forces would continue to remain in West Bengal till May 27 in the wake of possible post-poll violence in the state, officials said. “Steps have been taken to guard the strongroom where the EVMs and the VVPATs are kept. The number of observers who will keep a tab on the counting process on May 23, has also been increased,” an EC source said.

The Election Commission on Monday clamped prohibitory orders in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, following violence in the area during the assembly by-election on Sunday, a senior official said.

The Election Commission on Monday clamped prohibitory orders in Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, following violence in the area during the assembly by-election on Sunday, a senior official said. Keeping in mind the “sensitive” situation in Bhatpara, it was decided to impose Section 144 of the CrPC, the EC official told reporters here. The commission had sought a report from the district magistrate on Sunday’s poll-related violence in Bhatpara. “Going by the report of the DM, Section 144 was clamped. It will prohibit an assembly of five or more people. Our security forces are posted in the area and we are keeping a tab on the situation,” he said. Madan Mitra, the TMC candidate for the Bhatpara assembly constituency, on Monday, visited the EC office, accusing BJP leader Arjun Singh of “using force” to stop him from entering the town. The former state transport minister, who is pitched against Singh’s son Pawan, also said that if he was not allowed to enter Bhatpara on Tuesday, he would start a “satyagraha” (protest). Bhatpara, considered to be the stronghold of former TMC MLA Arjun Singh, turned into a virtual battle zone on Sunday when the by-election was underway, with BJP and TMC activists allegedly clashing with each other in Kankinara under the Bhatpara Assembly constituency. Bombs were also reportedly hurled and an office of the ruling TMC in Kankinara was set on fire, as central forces restored to lathi-charge to bring the situation under control. The violence caused injury to 14 people, damaged shops and houses, and left Mitra’s car vandalised, police said. Meanwhile, around 200 companies of central forces would continue to remain in West Bengal till May 27 in the wake of possible post-poll violence in the state, officials said. “Steps have been taken to guard the strongroom where the EVMs and the VVPATs are kept. The number of observers who will keep a tab on the counting process on May 23, has also been increased,” an EC source said.

Election Commission imposes prohibitory orders in ‘sensitive’ Bhatpara after violence during assembly by-election

West Bengal is facing violence since first phase of Lok Sabha election 2019. Recently clashes erupts between TMC and BJP workers in West Bengal's Kooch Behar.

Clashes erupt between TMC & BJP workers in West Bengal's Kooch Behar

With exit polls forecasting NDA's return to power, top leaders of the BJP-led alliance will meet on Tuesday over dinner to be hosted by party president Amit Shah where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present, party sources said on Monday.

Amit Shah to meet allies, host dinner on Tuesday ahead of 23rd May results

Two days ahead of the Lok Sabha poll results, top opposition leaders will meet in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the political situation and possibilities of a non-NDA alliance to stake claim for government formation.

Chandrababu Naidu meets West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday hailed the exit polls favouring a second term for the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, saying it indicated a "good verdict" to be given by the voters.

Responding to Chief Minister K Palaniswami's remarks that the exit polls were "imposing of opinions", his deputy said such views were based on the respective individuals' "frame or mind", but did not elaborate.

Palaniswami had on Monday dismissed the exit polls suggesting a bad show by the AIADMK in the just-concluded Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu as "imposing of opinions" and exuded confidence that they would be proved wrong.

Panneerselvam, the AIADMK coordinator, also expressed confidence that the ruling coalition would secure a grand victory in Tamil Nadu, despite the exit polls projecting otherwise.

He was speaking to reporters here before leaving for Delhi to attend a dinner for NDA leaders to be hosted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Tuesday evening, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to be present.

"The exit polls show that all people residing in India are going to give a good verdict that the BJP should come back to power," Panneerselvam said.

Asked about the same exit polls painting a bleak picture for the BJP-led NDA in Tamil Nadu, he said, "The AIADMK alliance will secure a grand victory in all the 38 Lok Sabha seats and the 22 Assembly segments where by-polls were held."

On the AIADMK joining a possible NDA cabinet after the poll results are declared on Thursday, Panneerselvam said the matter would be discussed by the party high-command after the electoral outcome was known and that it would take a "good decision".

To a query on the former minister and the MLA from Perundurai in Erode, Thoppu ND Venkatachalam, quitting a party post and whether it would be a setback, he said an explanation would be sought from the legislator.

Venkatachalam resigned as the AIADMK Amma Peravai deputy secretary on Monday, citing "personal reasons".

Palaniswami, Panneerselvam, state Electricity Minister P Thangamani and PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss left for Delhi to attend the NDA dinner.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday hailed the exit polls favouring a second term for the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, saying it indicated a "good verdict" to be given by the voters.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday hailed the exit polls favouring a second term for the BJP-led NDA at the Centre, saying it indicated a "good verdict" to be given by the voters. Responding to Chief Minister K Palaniswami's remarks that the exit polls were "imposing of opinions", his deputy said such views were based on the respective individuals' "frame or mind", but did not elaborate. Palaniswami had on Monday dismissed the exit polls suggesting a bad show by the AIADMK in the just-concluded Lok Sabha election in Tamil Nadu as "imposing of opinions" and exuded confidence that they would be proved wrong. Panneerselvam, the AIADMK coordinator, also expressed confidence that the ruling coalition would secure a grand victory in Tamil Nadu, despite the exit polls projecting otherwise. He was speaking to reporters here before leaving for Delhi to attend a dinner for NDA leaders to be hosted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Tuesday evening, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to be present. "The exit polls show that all people residing in India are going to give a good verdict that the BJP should come back to power," Panneerselvam said. Asked about the same exit polls painting a bleak picture for the BJP-led NDA in Tamil Nadu, he said, "The AIADMK alliance will secure a grand victory in all the 38 Lok Sabha seats and the 22 Assembly segments where by-polls were held." On the AIADMK joining a possible NDA cabinet after the poll results are declared on Thursday, Panneerselvam said the matter would be discussed by the party high-command after the electoral outcome was known and that it would take a "good decision". To a query on the former minister and the MLA from Perundurai in Erode, Thoppu ND Venkatachalam, quitting a party post and whether it would be a setback, he said an explanation would be sought from the legislator. Venkatachalam resigned as the AIADMK Amma Peravai deputy secretary on Monday, citing "personal reasons". Palaniswami, Panneerselvam, state Electricity Minister P Thangamani and PMK MP Anbumani Ramadoss left for Delhi to attend the NDA dinner.

O Panneerselvam hails exit polls favouring NDA

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has a problem with our demand of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-nonsense-says-supreme-court-dismissing-pil-seeking-100-vvpat-verification-220408">tallying votes registered in electronic voting machines (EVMs)</a> with that of voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips, said TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday.

Naidu, who was talking to media persons after a delegation of 22 opposition parties met the EC here over EVM-VVPAT tallying issue, said, "We have a very genuine demand. We have repeatedly made representation to the EC and have even gone to the SC. We want that tallying of five EVM-VVPAT machines should be made at the beginning of the counting, but the EC has a problem."

"If any discrepancy is found in the tally, then VVPAT for the whole assembly segment should be counted. We do not know what is the problem of the Election Commission? Former Chief Election Commissioner has also endorsed our demand. Former President (Pranab Mukherjee) also made it very clear that EC should keep transparency and create confidence among Indian voters," he said.

"We are asking to respect the mandate. People's mandate cannot be manipulated. The EC is saying one blood sample is enough but if that sample is showing total pollution in the body, then you have to scan the whole body," said Naidu.

Prominent opposition leaders who were also present on the occasion included Ghulam Nabi Azad and Abhishek Manu Singhvi of Congress, Satish Chandra Misra of BSP, Prof Ramgopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Prof Manoj Jha of RJD, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Sitaram Yechury of the CPM.

Naidu said that the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during EVM-VVPAT verification, then 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done.

Singhvi, speaking on the occasion, said, "If the subset is found poisonous, then the whole sample is discarded."

In the recent past, Naidu had met various leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar.

On May 18, Naidu had urged the Election Commission to count votes through VVPAT instead of EVMs during the counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23. On May 7, the Supreme Court had turned down a review plea filed by 21 opposition parties seeking a direction to the EC to increase random physical verification of VVPAT from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has a problem with our demand of tallying votes registered in electronic voting machines (EVMs) with that of voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips, said TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has a problem with our demand of tallying votes registered in electronic voting machines (EVMs) with that of voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips, said TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday. Naidu, who was talking to media persons after a delegation of 22 opposition parties met the EC here over EVM-VVPAT tallying issue, said, "We have a very genuine demand. We have repeatedly made representation to the EC and have even gone to the SC. We want that tallying of five EVM-VVPAT machines should be made at the beginning of the counting, but the EC has a problem." "If any discrepancy is found in the tally, then VVPAT for the whole assembly segment should be counted. We do not know what is the problem of the Election Commission? Former Chief Election Commissioner has also endorsed our demand. Former President (Pranab Mukherjee) also made it very clear that EC should keep transparency and create confidence among Indian voters," he said. "We are asking to respect the mandate. People's mandate cannot be manipulated. The EC is saying one blood sample is enough but if that sample is showing total pollution in the body, then you have to scan the whole body," said Naidu. Prominent opposition leaders who were also present on the occasion included Ghulam Nabi Azad and Abhishek Manu Singhvi of Congress, Satish Chandra Misra of BSP, Prof Ramgopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Prof Manoj Jha of RJD, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Sitaram Yechury of the CPM. Naidu said that the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during EVM-VVPAT verification, then 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. Singhvi, speaking on the occasion, said, "If the subset is found poisonous, then the whole sample is discarded." In the recent past, Naidu had met various leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar. On May 18, Naidu had urged the Election Commission to count votes through VVPAT instead of EVMs during the counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. On May 7, the Supreme Court had turned down a review plea filed by 21 opposition parties seeking a direction to the EC to increase random physical verification of VVPAT from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs.

Election Commission has problem with our demand for EVM-VVPAT tallying: N Chandrababu Naidu

NDA Meeting has been started at BJP Headquarters in New Delhi. Watch this video for more information.

NDA meeting underway at BJP Headquarters, News Delhi

The vacation bench of the Supreme Court today dismissed a petition filed seeking 100% verification of the Voter Verified Paper Audited Trails(VVPAT) with the Electronic Voting Machines(EVM).

SC Dismisses New Plea For 100% VVPAT Verification

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in&nbsp;sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls".

"Complaints of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms, doing rounds in sections of media. Would like to unambiguously clarify that reports are absolutely false. Visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls," the EC clarified.&nbsp;

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Election Commission: The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since announcement of elections. <a href="https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg">https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130776864119635973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since the announcement of elections," the Commission released.&nbsp;

The top poll body also stated that any lapse in the handling of reserve EVMs will be investigated and action will be taken against those responsible.&nbsp;

"The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However, any case of lapse even in the handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against the officers responsible".

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Election Commission: The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However any case of lapse even in handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action taken against the officers responsible
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130777136841682944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/onus-of-ensuring-institutional-integrity-lies-with-election-commission-pranab-mukherjee-220406">expressed concern over alleged EVM tampering</a> and said that the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with the EC and it must put all speculation to rest.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 22 opposition parties submitted a memorandum before the Election Commission today requesting that the verification of VVPAT slips of randomly identified (05) polling stations should be done prior to the initiation of counting of votes and not after the completion of last round of counting, news agency ANI reported.

In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done.

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In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100% counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. <a href="https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v">https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130782089794772993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-nonsense-says-supreme-court-dismissing-pil-seeking-100-vvpat-verification-220408">The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, dismissed a PIL</a> seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

"The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked.

"We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls".

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls". "Complaints of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms, doing rounds in sections of media. Would like to unambiguously clarify that reports are absolutely false. Visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls," the EC clarified. Election Commission: The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since announcement of elections. https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × "The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since the announcement of elections," the Commission released. The top poll body also stated that any lapse in the handling of reserve EVMs will be investigated and action will be taken against those responsible. "The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However, any case of lapse even in the handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against the officers responsible". Election Commission: The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However any case of lapse even in handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action taken against the officers responsible — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday also expressed concern over alleged EVM tampering and said that the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with the EC and it must put all speculation to rest. Meanwhile, 22 opposition parties submitted a memorandum before the Election Commission today requesting that the verification of VVPAT slips of randomly identified (05) polling stations should be done prior to the initiation of counting of votes and not after the completion of last round of counting, news agency ANI reported. In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100% counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls. "The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked. "We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

Reports of alleged EVM tampering are 'absolutely false': Election Commission

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/what-happens-if-the-vvpat-count-doesnt-match-the-evm-count-218276">matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines</a> (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

A vacation bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra refused to entertain the plea filed by a Chennai-based organisation 'Tech 4 All', saying that a larger bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had already dealt with the matter and passed an order.

"The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked.

"We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

The apex court had on May 7 dismissed a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu seeking that random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs be increased to 50 per cent.

The top court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs from one to five polling booths per assembly segment in Lok Sabha polls, saying it would provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but also to the entire electorate.

The plea filed by the Chennai-based organisation said that the model of EVMs employed for the 2019 Lok Shaba Elections are being used for the first time and there have been reports about malfunctioning of EVMs throughout the country.&nbsp;

"It is reported that till the third phase of Lok Shaba Election 2019, 49 out of 303 constituencies, that is 1/6th of constituencies suffered due to EVM malfunctioning," the plea said.

It gave examples of the states of Odisha and Goa where malfunctioning of EVMs and VVPATs were detected.

The plea said that in Odisha, the VVPAT machine meant for Parliamentary constituency was mistakenly attached to the Control unit and Ballot unit meant for Assembly constituency and the mistake was detected after 22 votes were casted in the newly replaced VVPAT.&nbsp;

"This is because the pairing was done wrongly. This clearly proves that the M3 controlling unit is technologically incapable of identifying its pair accepting and feeding any pair connected to it," the plea said.

It also said that during mocks polls in Goa, the entire set of EVM was replaced after complaints from one of the booth agents.

The plea said that as a "short term solution" to achieve total satisfaction among the electorate the number of machines subject to verification of VVPAT should be "increased to 100 per cent".

"As technocrats, we submit, in the long term the EVM should be replaced by Optical Ballot Scan machine which upholds the Tangible secret ballot system, verifiable even by a common man coupled with cost-effectiveness," the plea said.

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

The Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls. A vacation bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra refused to entertain the plea filed by a Chennai-based organisation 'Tech 4 All', saying that a larger bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had already dealt with the matter and passed an order. "The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked. "We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said. The apex court had on May 7 dismissed a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu seeking that random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs be increased to 50 per cent. The top court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs from one to five polling booths per assembly segment in Lok Sabha polls, saying it would provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but also to the entire electorate. The plea filed by the Chennai-based organisation said that the model of EVMs employed for the 2019 Lok Shaba Elections are being used for the first time and there have been reports about malfunctioning of EVMs throughout the country. "It is reported that till the third phase of Lok Shaba Election 2019, 49 out of 303 constituencies, that is 1/6th of constituencies suffered due to EVM malfunctioning," the plea said. It gave examples of the states of Odisha and Goa where malfunctioning of EVMs and VVPATs were detected. The plea said that in Odisha, the VVPAT machine meant for Parliamentary constituency was mistakenly attached to the Control unit and Ballot unit meant for Assembly constituency and the mistake was detected after 22 votes were casted in the newly replaced VVPAT. "This is because the pairing was done wrongly. This clearly proves that the M3 controlling unit is technologically incapable of identifying its pair accepting and feeding any pair connected to it," the plea said. It also said that during mocks polls in Goa, the entire set of EVM was replaced after complaints from one of the booth agents. The plea said that as a "short term solution" to achieve total satisfaction among the electorate the number of machines subject to verification of VVPAT should be "increased to 100 per cent". "As technocrats, we submit, in the long term the EVM should be replaced by Optical Ballot Scan machine which upholds the Tangible secret ballot system, verifiable even by a common man coupled with cost-effectiveness," the plea said.

'This is nonsense,' says Supreme Court dismissing PIL seeking 100% VVPAT verification

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be attending the dinner hosted by Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah for NDA leaders on Tuesday. Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar will also be attending the dinner today.&nbsp;

Other leaders who are likely to be present at the dinner tonight include Lok Jan Shakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan and AIADMK leaders EK Palaniswamy and O Pannerselvam.&nbsp;

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The dinner is being hosted by the BJP chief for NDA allies in the national capital as a strategy session before the official results are declared on May 23.&nbsp;

The development comes just a couple of days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/exit-polls-2019-pm-modi-returning-to-power-with-300-plus-seats-say-pollsters-219927">exit polls predicted</a> a landslide victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls 2019. &nbsp;

Pollsters predicted the BJP and its allies to get a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The opposition parties dubbed the exit polls as wrong.&nbsp;

The seven-phased Lok Sabha polls were conducted from Aprill 11 to May 19. As many as 542 seats went to polls.

The counting of votes will be held on May 23, the result will be declared subsequently on the same day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be attending the dinner hosted by Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah for NDA leaders on Tuesday. Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar will also be attending the dinner today.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will be attending the dinner hosted by Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah for NDA leaders on Tuesday. Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar will also be attending the dinner today. Other leaders who are likely to be present at the dinner tonight include Lok Jan Shakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan and AIADMK leaders EK Palaniswamy and O Pannerselvam. Delhi: Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray to attend dinner hosted by Amit Shah for NDA leaders today (file pics) pic.twitter.com/Kj3zzrbPJp — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × The dinner is being hosted by the BJP chief for NDA allies in the national capital as a strategy session before the official results are declared on May 23. The development comes just a couple of days after the exit polls predicted a landslide victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls 2019. Pollsters predicted the BJP and its allies to get a comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha elections. The opposition parties dubbed the exit polls as wrong. The seven-phased Lok Sabha polls were conducted from Aprill 11 to May 19. As many as 542 seats went to polls. The counting of votes will be held on May 23, the result will be declared subsequently on the same day.

Amit Shah to hold dinner for NDA allies today; Uddhav Thackeray, Nitish Kumar, Paswan to attend

With grim predictions for the Congress in exit polls ahead of the national election results on Thursday, infighting in the party's Karnataka unit has resurfaced with a leader, Roshan Baig, going public with a series of allegations.

Karnataka lawmaker Roshan Baig calls Congress leader 'Buffoon'

After a few incidents of EVM’s being transported allegedly without any security were reported from Uttar Pradesh, the Election Commission has come out with a statement calling the allegations “baseless and frivolous”.

Election Commission reacts on allegations over EVM tempering; says 'baseless'

Poland's Ambassador to India Professor Adam Burakowski has said that the new Indian government should be even more open to the world especially Europe and Poland. In a candid interview to WION, he spoke about several issues regarding India-Poland ties,&nbsp;trade, terror and how India saved more than 1000 Polish children in World War II.

WION: How do you see India, Poland ties?

Professor Adam Burakowski: The relations between India and Poland are growing. This year in September we will have the historical movement of reopening the direct flight between Delhi and Warsaw. After 25 years, we are reconnecting out capitals. Also, our economic ties are growing. We have reached $3 billion mutual yearly exchange. Indian community in Poland is growing especially the students. We have around 4000 students from India studying in Polish universities.&nbsp;

WION: How have been the trade ties?

Professor Adam Burakowski: There are still some fields of possible cooperation that have potential. Our IT companies are investing in India. Two leading polish companies are working in India. Also, our other companies have invested in India and reaching new markets. This mutual exchange is growing fast.

WION: Expectations from the new Indian government?

Professor Adam Burakowski: I hope the new government will be even more open to the international world including Europe and Poland. Poland is a member of the European Union for 15 years. The country has a good environment for Indian companies to invest in. If you invest in Poland you will have access to all the European Union market.

WION: Terror has been a major issue. Europe has been a major target for terror networks. How do you plan to deal with the scourge?

Professor Adam Burakowski: Fortunately, Poland hasn't been the target of any terrorist attack in recent years. But we are preparing ourselves and our security forces are aware of the threat. We would like to cooperate with every country that has anti-terrorism on its agenda and India is one of them.

WION: Can you shed some light&nbsp;on the historic ties between the two countries and how India helped Poland in World War II?

Professor Adam Burakowski: Poland and India both have been always friendly towards each other. In 19th centuries, our countries were occupied by foreign powers so we share a common experience. In World War II India welcomed a big number of Polish refugees in camps. One was in Balachadi near Jamnagar, the local maharaja hosted 1000 polish children. And second was in Valivade, Kolhapur, the Maharaja also contributed in sheltering 5000 polish children in the world war. We established ties in 1954.

Poland's Ambassador to India Professor Adam Burakowski has said that the new Indian government should be even more open to the world especially Europe and Poland.

Poland's Ambassador to India Professor Adam Burakowski has said that the new Indian government should be even more open to the world especially Europe and Poland. In a candid interview to WION, he spoke about several issues regarding India-Poland ties, trade, terror and how India saved more than 1000 Polish children in World War II. WION: How do you see India, Poland ties? Professor Adam Burakowski: The relations between India and Poland are growing. This year in September we will have the historical movement of reopening the direct flight between Delhi and Warsaw. After 25 years, we are reconnecting out capitals. Also, our economic ties are growing. We have reached $3 billion mutual yearly exchange. Indian community in Poland is growing especially the students. We have around 4000 students from India studying in Polish universities. WION: How have been the trade ties? Professor Adam Burakowski: There are still some fields of possible cooperation that have potential. Our IT companies are investing in India. Two leading polish companies are working in India. Also, our other companies have invested in India and reaching new markets. This mutual exchange is growing fast. WION: Expectations from the new Indian government? Professor Adam Burakowski: I hope the new government will be even more open to the international world including Europe and Poland. Poland is a member of the European Union for 15 years. The country has a good environment for Indian companies to invest in. If you invest in Poland you will have access to all the European Union market. WION: Terror has been a major issue. Europe has been a major target for terror networks. How do you plan to deal with the scourge? Professor Adam Burakowski: Fortunately, Poland hasn't been the target of any terrorist attack in recent years. But we are preparing ourselves and our security forces are aware of the threat. We would like to cooperate with every country that has anti-terrorism on its agenda and India is one of them. WION: Can you shed some light on the historic ties between the two countries and how India helped Poland in World War II? Professor Adam Burakowski: Poland and India both have been always friendly towards each other. In 19th centuries, our countries were occupied by foreign powers so we share a common experience. In World War II India welcomed a big number of Polish refugees in camps. One was in Balachadi near Jamnagar, the local maharaja hosted 1000 polish children. And second was in Valivade, Kolhapur, the Maharaja also contributed in sheltering 5000 polish children in the world war. We established ties in 1954.

Hope new Indian government will be even more open to world especially Poland: Polish envoy