The Election Commission of India reported a 26.72 percent voter turnout in the first four hours of polling for the 24 assembly seats in phase 1 of the Jammu and Kashmir elections, with Inderwal in Jammu recording the highest turnout at 40.36 percent, followed by Dada West with 35 percent.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 Voting Underway As Phase One Begins

For the first time in a decade, seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir, situated on both sides of the Pir Panjal mountain range, will participate in an Assembly election. Phase 1 polling in the Union Territory is scheduled for September 18, 2024.

Jammu and Kashmir Elections: Phase One To Be Held On September 18

In a fresh twist in the political arena of Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has forged an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. National Conference leaders allege that these alliances are at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which wants to divide the vote in the valley.

The AIP-JEI coalition said their strategic alliance will champion the cause of the people of J&amp;K. While Jamaat is fighting electoral politics after four long decades, the AIP is also fielding candidates across the valley for the first time.

A joint meeting of the AIP delegation was led by MP Rashid while the JEI delegation was led by Ghulam Qadir Wani. Following deliberations, it was agreed that AIP would support JEI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jammu-kashmir-elections-2024-how-separatism-converted-into-mainstream-758665">Watch |&nbsp;Jammu &amp; Kashmir Elections 2024: How separatism converted into mainstream</a>

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Similarly, JEI will support &nbsp;AIP candidates across Kashmir. In areas where both AIP and JEI have fielded candidates, the alliance has agreed to a “friendly contest,” particularly in constituencies like Langate, Devsar and Zainapora.

''We had a meeting with Jamaat members in Srinagar and after the meeting, we have given a joint statement that we will support each other in places where they have fielded candidates and they will help us where our candidates are fighting. This decision has been taken only to unite together and fight against oppression,'' said Rashid.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-assembly-polls-2024-dozens-of-separatists-family-members-in-election-fray-758454">Also read |&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls 2024: Dozens of separatists, family members in election fray</a>

Meanwhile, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has criticised the alliance of Jamaat members with AIP.&nbsp;

''The wires are connected somewhere else, they are getting direction from somewhere else. They are puppets who are being run from somewhere else. They have been put in the field to target the National Conference and the National Conference is all set and ready to face them, '' said Abdullah.&nbsp;

While AIP and Jamaat have come together to fight the assembly elections, it has created a new challenge for the established regional political parties like NC and PDP.

In a fresh twist in the political arena of Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has forged an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) candidates for the upcoming assembly elections.

In a fresh twist in the political arena of Jammu and Kashmir, Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has forged an alliance with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. National Conference leaders allege that these alliances are at the behest of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which wants to divide the vote in the valley. The AIP-JEI coalition said their strategic alliance will champion the cause of the people of J&K. While Jamaat is fighting electoral politics after four long decades, the AIP is also fielding candidates across the valley for the first time. A joint meeting of the AIP delegation was led by MP Rashid while the JEI delegation was led by Ghulam Qadir Wani. Following deliberations, it was agreed that AIP would support JEI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama. Watch | Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024: How separatism converted into mainstream × Similarly, JEI will support AIP candidates across Kashmir. In areas where both AIP and JEI have fielded candidates, the alliance has agreed to a “friendly contest,” particularly in constituencies like Langate, Devsar and Zainapora. ''We had a meeting with Jamaat members in Srinagar and after the meeting, we have given a joint statement that we will support each other in places where they have fielded candidates and they will help us where our candidates are fighting. This decision has been taken only to unite together and fight against oppression,'' said Rashid. Also read | Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls 2024: Dozens of separatists, family members in election fray Meanwhile, former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah has criticised the alliance of Jamaat members with AIP. ''The wires are connected somewhere else, they are getting direction from somewhere else. They are puppets who are being run from somewhere else. They have been put in the field to target the National Conference and the National Conference is all set and ready to face them, '' said Abdullah. While AIP and Jamaat have come together to fight the assembly elections, it has created a new challenge for the established regional political parties like NC and PDP.

J&K polls: With Jamaat forging alliance with Rashid’s AIP, NC says all of it happening at behest of BJP

The upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are signaling a radical change in the politics of the region, indicating a major ideological change in the Kashmir Valley. Our special correspondent Idrees Lone gets you a report. Watch in for more details!

Jammu & Kashmir Elections 2024: Ideological changes draw attention ahead of key polls

With the announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the political parties in the Union Territory have already stepped up the poll preparations.

The Election Commission of India announced Assembly Elections for Jammu and Kashmir will&nbsp;start on September 18. The election will be held in three phases, and the counting will be held on October 8.&nbsp;

The political circles are once again abuzz in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as assembly elections will be held in the UT after 10 long years. Within few days of the announcement, many political leaders have already switched sides and joined other political parties. Senior Leader Taj Mohiuddin has once again joined Congress party and left Ghulam Nabi Azad's DPAP. Former Minister and APNI Party leader has also quit and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Omar Abdullah released the Party Manifesto in Srinagar on Monday. The main issue in the manifesto still remains the revocation of Article 370 and 35a. It also talks about restoring statehood.&nbsp;

''Our manifesto was not prepared while sitting in office but took in consideration the opinions of people. It focusses on Restoration of our Political and Legal Status which is article 370 and 35a. Also about restoring the Statehood. We will also repeal all the new laws that have been introduced due to which our lands are being given away. It also speaks about the people languishing in jails, we will give amnesty to all political prisoners and repeal the PSA," said Omar Abdullah, former CM of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The manifesto also speaks about advocating for Indo-Pak dialogue as the best method to resolve ongoing conflicts. It also says that the JKNC is strongly committed to the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Not only that, NC also announced freebies for the citizens, including&nbsp;free education for all till university, and 200 units of electricity for every household.&nbsp;

''Electricity prices are going up and water is not available everywhere, we will address this as well. We will give 200 units free electricity. ‎Free education will be given to the students of J&amp;K upto University level. We will favour the India-Pakistan talks and support the CBM’s that were put at the time of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh,'' said&nbsp;Omar.&nbsp;

None of the political parties have announced any alliance, but Congress and National Conference will soon discuss it. The National Conference has said that they will speak to the higher ups in Congress regarding a pre-poll alliance, while Congress leaders in Srinagar have said that they are open to ally with like-minded parties. Congress&nbsp;state president Tariq Qarra said in Srinagar that they will talk to regional political parties regarding an alliance.&nbsp;

''As far as the alliance, we are open to like-minded people or the parties to forge an alliance with them. NC has directly approached the party leadership in Delhi for a pre-poll alliance. If parties are of the idea that we have to defeat divisive forces and BJP, they will definitely ally with the Congress. And we will definitely succeed,” said Qarra.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir will see a lot of new faces in the upcoming assembly elections as well.

With the announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the political parties in the Union Territory have already stepped up the poll preparations. The Election Commission of India announced Assembly Elections for Jammu and Kashmir will start on September 18.

With the announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the political parties in the Union Territory have already stepped up the poll preparations. The Election Commission of India announced Assembly Elections for Jammu and Kashmir will start on September 18. The election will be held in three phases, and the counting will be held on October 8. The political circles are once again abuzz in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as assembly elections will be held in the UT after 10 long years. Within few days of the announcement, many political leaders have already switched sides and joined other political parties. Senior Leader Taj Mohiuddin has once again joined Congress party and left Ghulam Nabi Azad's DPAP. Former Minister and APNI Party leader has also quit and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Meanwhile, the Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Omar Abdullah released the Party Manifesto in Srinagar on Monday. The main issue in the manifesto still remains the revocation of Article 370 and 35a. It also talks about restoring statehood. ''Our manifesto was not prepared while sitting in office but took in consideration the opinions of people. It focusses on Restoration of our Political and Legal Status which is article 370 and 35a. Also about restoring the Statehood. We will also repeal all the new laws that have been introduced due to which our lands are being given away. It also speaks about the people languishing in jails, we will give amnesty to all political prisoners and repeal the PSA," said Omar Abdullah, former CM of Jammu and Kashmir. The manifesto also speaks about advocating for Indo-Pak dialogue as the best method to resolve ongoing conflicts. It also says that the JKNC is strongly committed to the dignified return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits. Not only that, NC also announced freebies for the citizens, including free education for all till university, and 200 units of electricity for every household. ''Electricity prices are going up and water is not available everywhere, we will address this as well. We will give 200 units free electricity. ‎Free education will be given to the students of J&K upto University level. We will favour the India-Pakistan talks and support the CBM’s that were put at the time of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh,'' said Omar. None of the political parties have announced any alliance, but Congress and National Conference will soon discuss it. The National Conference has said that they will speak to the higher ups in Congress regarding a pre-poll alliance, while Congress leaders in Srinagar have said that they are open to ally with like-minded parties. Congress state president Tariq Qarra said in Srinagar that they will talk to regional political parties regarding an alliance. ''As far as the alliance, we are open to like-minded people or the parties to forge an alliance with them. NC has directly approached the party leadership in Delhi for a pre-poll alliance. If parties are of the idea that we have to defeat divisive forces and BJP, they will definitely ally with the Congress. And we will definitely succeed,” said Qarra. Jammu and Kashmir will see a lot of new faces in the upcoming assembly elections as well.

Political arena in Jammu & Kashmir abuzz after announcement of assembly elections

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Sunday (June 2) registered a landslide victory in the Himalayan state by securing 31 of the 32 seats in the assembly polls, as per the data released by the Election Commission.

The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front only won one seat.

Incumbent Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang told the reporters, "I thank the people of Sikkim and our party workers. We worked for the people with all our heart. That's why we have won."&nbsp;

SDF chief Pawan Kumar Chamling, who is also Sikkim's longest-serving CM, lost from both Poklok Kamrang as well as Namcheybung Assembly constituencies from where he contested the polls, said the Election Commission officials.

Chamling lost to Sikkim Krantikari Morcha's Bhoj Raj Rai by 3,063 votes in the Poklok Kamrang constituency in his native Namchi district.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-polls-2024-bjp-returns-to-power-in-arunachal-pradesh-secures-46-out-of-60-seats-728034">Also read:&nbsp;Assembly Polls 2024: BJP returns to power in Arunachal Pradesh, secures 46 out of 60 seats</a>

<h2>Top points:</h2>

- Rai bagged 8,037 votes while Chamling polled 4,974.

- Arjun Rai (BJP) received 739 votes in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly seat

- Sanju Rai (CAP-S) got 691 votes in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly constituency

- Chamling lost to SKM's Raju Basnet by 2,256 votes from the Namcheybung assembly seat

- Basnet received 7,195 votes while Chamling got 4,939.

- Severine Rai of Citizen Action Party-Sikkim got 814 votes

- BJP's Pooja Sharma got 374 votes

Chamling served as Sikkim's CM for 25 years from 1994 to 2019.

Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian state of Sikkim on April 19 simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the country.

Voting was held for 32 seats in the state.

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Sikkim recorded a voter turnout of 68.04 per cent.

It was significantly less than what was recorded in 2019, which was 81.41 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Sunday (June 2) registered a landslide victory in the Himalayan state by securing 31 of the 32 seats in the assembly polls, as per the data released by the Election Commission.

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) on Sunday (June 2) registered a landslide victory in the Himalayan state by securing 31 of the 32 seats in the assembly polls, as per the data released by the Election Commission. The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front only won one seat. Incumbent Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang told the reporters, "I thank the people of Sikkim and our party workers. We worked for the people with all our heart. That's why we have won." SDF chief Pawan Kumar Chamling, who is also Sikkim's longest-serving CM, lost from both Poklok Kamrang as well as Namcheybung Assembly constituencies from where he contested the polls, said the Election Commission officials. Chamling lost to Sikkim Krantikari Morcha's Bhoj Raj Rai by 3,063 votes in the Poklok Kamrang constituency in his native Namchi district. Also read: Assembly Polls 2024: BJP returns to power in Arunachal Pradesh, secures 46 out of 60 seats Top points: - Rai bagged 8,037 votes while Chamling polled 4,974. - Arjun Rai (BJP) received 739 votes in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly seat - Sanju Rai (CAP-S) got 691 votes in the Poklok Kamrang Assembly constituency - Chamling lost to SKM's Raju Basnet by 2,256 votes from the Namcheybung assembly seat - Basnet received 7,195 votes while Chamling got 4,939. - Severine Rai of Citizen Action Party-Sikkim got 814 votes - BJP's Pooja Sharma got 374 votes Chamling served as Sikkim's CM for 25 years from 1994 to 2019. Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian state of Sikkim on April 19 simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. Voting was held for 32 seats in the state. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Sikkim recorded a voter turnout of 68.04 per cent. It was significantly less than what was recorded in 2019, which was 81.41 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly Polls 2024: Sikkim’s ruling SKM registers landslide victory, wins 31 out of 32 seats

Ahead of the 2024&nbsp;Legislative Assembly election in the northeast Indian state of&nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh this summer, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Mar 13) unveiled its candidates for all 60 seats.

Notably, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been nominated to contest from the Mukto (ST) constituency. The assembly elections come as India also prepares for the 2024 general elections.

While sharing the full list of candidates for assembly elections, BJP wrote on X social media platform, "The BJP Central Election Committee has decided the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh."&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mukhtar-ansari-jailed-mafia-don-turned-politician-sentenced-to-life-imprisonment-699695">Mukhtar Ansari, jailed mafia don-turned-politician, sentenced to life imprisonment</a>

Entrepreneur&nbsp;Ratu Techi, who joined the BJP in December last year, has also secured a spot on the party's candidate list.

He has been fielded in the Sagalee constituency, presently represented by former chief minister Nabam Tuki.

Techi, at the time of joining the saffron party, had said&nbsp;that he is confident in the party's leadership for good governance.

<blockquote>
The BJP Central Election Committee has decided the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/D0mpKUyWMH">pic.twitter.com/D0mpKUyWMH</a>
— BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1767846237599134202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a></blockquote>

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Congress party won the 2014 Assembly elections by clinching a total of 42 out of 60 seats while the BJP won in only 11.

However, the BJP came to power after the 2019 assembly elections after securing 41 seats in the state.&nbsp;

In the upcoming assembly elections, Biyuram Wahge, the BJP's Arunachal Pradesh chief, will vie for the Pakke-Kessang (ST) seat.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein will contest from the Chowkhan (ST) assembly constituency.

The BJP has nominated Kamlun Mossang, Minister of Urban Development, for the Miao (ST) seat; Honchun Ngandam, Minister of Rural Works and Science and Technology, for the Pongchao-Wakka (ST) seat; and Wangki Lowang, Minister of Public Health Engineering and Water Supply, for the Namsang (ST) seat.

<h2>Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha constituencies</h2>

Arunachal Pradesh comprises two Lok Sabha constituencies.

In the 2014 general elections, the BJP emerged victorious in these constituencies, securing both seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well, the BJP secured victory in both Lok Sabha constituencies of the state.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cm-nayab-singh-saini-led-haryana-govt-wins-floor-test-in-state-assembly-699670">India: CM Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana govt wins floor test in state assembly</a>

BJP leader and Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiran Rijiju won the Arunachal West seat while the party's Tapir Gao won the Arunachal East seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-general-elections-2024-karnataka-three-former-bjp-leaders-join-congress-699684">India General Elections 2024 | Karnataka: Three former BJP leaders join Congress</a>

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This time as well, the party on March 3 said that it is fielding minister Rijiju and the BJP's Arunachal Pradesh president Tapir Gao as its candidates from the two parliament seats in the state.&nbsp;

Rijiju will contest from the&nbsp;Arunachal Pradesh West seat and Gao from the East seat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of the 2024 Legislative Assembly election in the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh this summer, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Mar 13) unveiled its candidates for all 60 seats.

Ahead of the 2024 Legislative Assembly election in the northeast Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh this summer, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday (Mar 13) unveiled its candidates for all 60 seats. Notably, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been nominated to contest from the Mukto (ST) constituency. The assembly elections come as India also prepares for the 2024 general elections. While sharing the full list of candidates for assembly elections, BJP wrote on X social media platform, "The BJP Central Election Committee has decided the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh." Also Read | Mukhtar Ansari, jailed mafia don-turned-politician, sentenced to life imprisonment Entrepreneur Ratu Techi, who joined the BJP in December last year, has also secured a spot on the party's candidate list. He has been fielded in the Sagalee constituency, presently represented by former chief minister Nabam Tuki. Techi, at the time of joining the saffron party, had said that he is confident in the party's leadership for good governance. The BJP Central Election Committee has decided the following names for the ensuing General Elections to the Legislative Assembly of Arunachal Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/D0mpKUyWMH — BJP (@BJP4India) March 13, 2024 × Congress party won the 2014 Assembly elections by clinching a total of 42 out of 60 seats while the BJP won in only 11. However, the BJP came to power after the 2019 assembly elections after securing 41 seats in the state. In the upcoming assembly elections, Biyuram Wahge, the BJP's Arunachal Pradesh chief, will vie for the Pakke-Kessang (ST) seat. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein will contest from the Chowkhan (ST) assembly constituency. The BJP has nominated Kamlun Mossang, Minister of Urban Development, for the Miao (ST) seat; Honchun Ngandam, Minister of Rural Works and Science and Technology, for the Pongchao-Wakka (ST) seat; and Wangki Lowang, Minister of Public Health Engineering and Water Supply, for the Namsang (ST) seat. Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha constituencies Arunachal Pradesh comprises two Lok Sabha constituencies. In the 2014 general elections, the BJP emerged victorious in these constituencies, securing both seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well, the BJP secured victory in both Lok Sabha constituencies of the state. Also Read | India: CM Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana govt wins floor test in state assembly BJP leader and Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiran Rijiju won the Arunachal West seat while the party's Tapir Gao won the Arunachal East seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Watch | India General Elections 2024 | Karnataka: Three former BJP leaders join Congress × This time as well, the party on March 3 said that it is fielding minister Rijiju and the BJP's Arunachal Pradesh president Tapir Gao as its candidates from the two parliament seats in the state. Rijiju will contest from the Arunachal Pradesh West seat and Gao from the East seat. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP releases full candidate list for Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls, CM to contest from Mukto

The BJP is setting its sights on winning 22 of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the Northeast. In a meeting of senior party members in Guwahati - days ahead of the beginning of Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra - party president J P Nadda chalked out extensive plans for rallies and campaigns in the region.

BJP aims for 22/25 seats from the North East| Congress to launch yatra from Manipur

The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 were amended in 2013 to allow for a printer with a drop box to be attached to the EVM. The VVPAT was used for the first time in all 21 polling stations of the Noksen Assembly constituency of Nagaland in 2013, after which the EC decided to introduce VVPATs in a phased manner. From June 2017, 100% of VVPATs began to be used in polls, and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections became the first general election to have 100% of EVMs being attached to VVPATs.

What are VVPATs | Why are they crucial for Indian Elections | The debate around them

The roadshow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi painted the Thrissur city in Kerala saffron on January 3 (Wednesday). Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flags, saffron balloons, ribbons, festoons and banners created a sea of saffron in the city. The Prime minister was showered with bright saffron and yellow marigold petals throughout his roadshow.

PM Modi launches 2024 poll campaign in Kerala's Thrissur

PM Modi inaugurates new projects in Tamil Nadu, lays stone for new initiatives worth over ₹20,000 crore. PM Modi is the first prime Minister to address the convocation ceremony of the varsity, established in 1982

PM Modi touring Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshwadeep ahead of 2024 polls

In a strategic move, the Congress party has decided to independently contest elections on approximately 290 seats in the upcoming 2024 polls. The decision comes after a consensus was reached during the two-day meeting of the Alliance Committee held on December 29 and 30, said sources.

India alliance begins seat sharing talks | Congress to contest in 290 seats: Sources

Get ready for a new year bonanza. With the general elections due in the first half of 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is working on huge cuts – upwards of Rs 8 per litre -- in the retail prices of petrol and diesel that would be announced before the calendar year ends.

Sources say 8-10 rupees cuts on fuel prices can be expected in the new year

Bolstered by its success in the recent state polls, BJP is geared up to finalise its Lok Sabha candidates early amid indications that the party leadership is considering encouraging a few heavyweights who are in the Rajya Sabha to take the field. Sources said the success of the experiment of announcing its list early worked well in the state polls, helping the party get a vital headstart over its rivals, besides smoothing the ruffled sentiments of those who were not considered.

BJP may release first list of candidates as early as January

Nine Indian states witnessed the Legislative Assembly elections this year, making 2023 a crucial period for Indian politics. Moreover, India's top court asked the Election Commission to conduct Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Nine Indian states witnessed the Legislative Assembly elections this year, making 2023 a crucial period for Indian politics. Moreover, India's top court asked the Election Commission to conduct Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. These polls held more significance as they have set the stage for General Elections in 2024. As the results for all state Legislative Assemblies are out, here's a glimpse into the elections held in the nine Indian states. State Voter Turnout (%) Party With Most Seats Number Of Seats Chief Minister Tripura 87.6 Bharatiya Janata Party 32/60 Manik Saha Meghalaya 81.75 National People's Party 26/60 Conrad Sangma Nagaland 85.9 Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party 25/60 Neiphiu Rio Karnataka 72.81 Indian National Congress 135/224 Siddaramaiah Telangana 70.6 Indian National Congress 64/119 Revanth Reddy Chhattisgarh 76.31 Bharatiya Janata Party 54/90 Vishnu Deo Sai Madhya Pradesh 76.22 Bharatiya Janata Party 163/230 Mohan Yadav Rajasthan 75.45 Bharatiya Janata Party 115/199 Bhajan Lal Sharma Mizoram 80.43 Zoram People's Movement 27/40 Lalduhoma Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalya The Legislative Assembly elections started in February 2023 with the northeastern states of Meghalaya, Tripura, and Nagaland. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged victorious in the Tripura Assembly elections for the second time by winning 32 out of 60 seats. However, Tipra Motha Party, a two-year-old regional political party, stole the limelight as they formed the opposition with 13 seats, beating the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which has been prominent in the northeastern state. In Nagaland, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party won 25 out of 60 seats. They had to ally with the BJP, who won 12 seats, to form the government. Meanwhile, elections were held in 59 out of 60 constituencies in Meghalaya, out of which the National People's Party won 26 seats. They formed a coalition government with the United Democratic Party (12), Bharatiya Janata Party (2), Hill State People's Democratic Party (2) and two independent candidates. Although BJP did not win in two of the three northeastern states, the party is a part of the larger alliance, which eventually influences the decision-making process. Karnataka, Telangana BJP's arch-rival, the Indian National Congress (INC), failed to perform in the Assembly elections in Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya but emerged victorious in the Karnataka Assembly elections by getting 135 out of 224 seats in May 2023. BJP's seats in the Karnataka Assembly dropped by 36.53 per cent, from 104 in the 2019 elections to 66 in 2023. Unlike the previous elections, INC's unparalleled victory in May 2023 allowed them to form a full-fledged government without needing a coalition with Janata Dal (Secular), who won 37 seats. INC dominated the Telangana Assembly elections by winning 64 out of 119 seats. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BHRS) came second by winning 39 seats. BJP contested from 118 seats but won only eight. Moreover, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) contested from only eight seats and won seven. Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan There was a striking similarity in the Assembly election results of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. BJP turned the tables in all three states, defeating Congress, which formed the government in the three states after the previous Assembly elections in 2018. In Chhattisgarh, BJP saw a 72.2 per cent rise in seats by getting 54 out of 90 seats in 2023 compared to 15 seats in 2018. Congress's seats in the state Legislative Assembly dropped from 68 in 2018 to 35 in 2023. Although Congress won the MP Assembly elections in 2018, Kamal Nath's government collapsed two years later when Jyotiraditya Scindia and 22 other MLAs deflected to BJP. In the 2023 Assembly elections, BJP emerged victorious in Madhya Pradesh by getting 163 out of 230 seats. In Rajasthan, BJP swept Congress by winning 115 out of 199 seats. Mizoram In Mizoram, the battle was between the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the Mizo National Front (MNF). While ZPM emerged victorious with 27 seats, MNF formed the opposition with 10 seats. INC, a party which once formed the government in Mizoram in 2013 by getting 34 out of 40 seats, won only one seat in the 2023 Assembly elections. Meanwhile, the BJP made little progress by winning two seats in 2023 polls compared to one in 2018.

Yearender 2023: A glimpse into the Assembly elections held in nine Indian states this year

PM Modi: State election win is a message for upcoming 2024 elections

Indian PM Modi: State election win is a message for upcoming 2024 elections

Bhajan Lal Sharma has been named as the new Chief Minister of the Indian state of Rajasthan by the country's ruling party BJP on Tuesday (Dec 12).

MLA Bhajanlal Sharma is Rajasthan's new Chief Minister

The planned South East Asia tour which Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was reportedly to begin from Friday has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. During the now-cancelled trip, Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to travel to Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi cancels South Asia tour after poll debacle

Ten BJP MPs, including two Union ministers, who won the Assembly elections, have tendered their resignations after receiving instructions from the party's high command.&nbsp;

Two MPs Mahant Balaknath and Renuka Singh could not reach Parliament to resign but both of them will also resign. In the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and JP Nadda, it was decided that all the MPs who won the Assembly elections should resign from their Parliament membership and work in the state assemblies.&nbsp;

Following the decision of the high command, Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prahlad Singh Patel, who won the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, have resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Along with them, Rao Uday Pratap Singh, Rakesh Singh and Riti Pathak, who won the Assembly polls in the state, have also resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Now these five leaders will take oath as MLAs in Madhya Pradesh. Of these, Tomar and Patel are also being considered as contenders for the post of Chief Minister.&nbsp;

On the instructions of the party high command, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Diya Kumari, who won the Assembly polls in Rajasthan, have also resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Apart from them, Kirori Lal Meena, who won the election in Rajasthan, has also resigned from the Rajya Sabha.&nbsp;

State President Arun Sao and Gomati Sai, who won the Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, have also resigned from Parliament membership.&nbsp;

All these MPs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with party president JP Nadda before resigning. JP Nadda was also present when they handed over their resignations to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.&nbsp;

Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Singh Patel and Renuka Singh will also meet Prime Minister Modi and submit their resignations from the post of Union Ministers.

Ten BJP MPs, including two Union ministers, who won the Assembly elections, have tendered their resignations after receiving instructions from the party's high command.

Ten BJP MPs, including two Union ministers, who won the Assembly elections, have tendered their resignations after receiving instructions from the party's high command. Two MPs Mahant Balaknath and Renuka Singh could not reach Parliament to resign but both of them will also resign. In the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and JP Nadda, it was decided that all the MPs who won the Assembly elections should resign from their Parliament membership and work in the state assemblies. Following the decision of the high command, Union ministers Narendra Singh Tomar and Prahlad Singh Patel, who won the Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, have resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Along with them, Rao Uday Pratap Singh, Rakesh Singh and Riti Pathak, who won the Assembly polls in the state, have also resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Now these five leaders will take oath as MLAs in Madhya Pradesh. Of these, Tomar and Patel are also being considered as contenders for the post of Chief Minister. On the instructions of the party high command, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Diya Kumari, who won the Assembly polls in Rajasthan, have also resigned from the Lok Sabha membership. Apart from them, Kirori Lal Meena, who won the election in Rajasthan, has also resigned from the Rajya Sabha. State President Arun Sao and Gomati Sai, who won the Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, have also resigned from Parliament membership. All these MPs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with party president JP Nadda before resigning. JP Nadda was also present when they handed over their resignations to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar. Narendra Singh Tomar, Prahlad Singh Patel and Renuka Singh will also meet Prime Minister Modi and submit their resignations from the post of Union Ministers.

India: 10 BJP MPs, including two Union ministers, resign after winning Assembly elections

The Indian National Congress' defeat in three heartland states of India has raised serious questions about the party's prospects in next year's general elections. The loss in these states has dashed any hopes of the opposition posing a serious challenge to the ruling party, the BJP. So what went wrong for Congress, let's decode.

Gravitas: Has Gandhi dynasty finished Congress? Big takeaways from India election results

The 2024 national elections is about six months away. And even though we keep hearing that state elections have no bearing on general polls... Changing this trend is the BJP supremo - Narendra Modi. While Sunday's results are making political pundits remove their spectacles - and rethink their understanding of elections, they also think that the prime minister is bridging the gap between two different elections.

BJP'S victory in 3 Indian states sets the stage for 2024 elections

The results for the assembly elections 2023 in four states- Among the many factors that contributed to the BJP's massive victories in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The turnout element has been the role of the women and tribal voters. Voting figures shows that women and tribal voters overwhelmingly supported the BJP.

Assembly elections results: Women power helps BJP to a heavy lead in Madhya Pradesh

The Election Commission of India on Friday (Dec 1) said that the counting of votes will take place on December 4 in the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a day after its original schedule. 
 
The decision was taken by the Election Commission after representatives from different quarters requested for the change from initial counting day of December 3, a Sunday, which has special significance among the people in the Christian-majority state. 
 
In a statement, the Election Commission said: "The Commission has received several representations from various quarters requesting for change in date of counting from December 3 (Sunday) to some other week day, on the ground that December 3, being Sunday a special significance for the people of Mizoram."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-five-state-elections-after-hindi-heartland-bjp-banks-on-pm-modis-popularity-in-telangana-663146">India five-state elections: After Hindi heartland, BJP banks on PM Modi's popularity in Telangana</a>

“The Commission, having considered these representations, has decided to revise the date of counting for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram from 3rd December, 2023 (Sunday) to 4th December, 2023 (Monday),” the commission stated. 
 
Earlier, the counting of votes was scheduled for December 3, along four other Indian states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana – where assembly elections were conducted last month. 
 
The counting of votes is now likely to start from 8 am on Monday (Dec 4) in all 13 counting centres as well as 40 counting halls across that state.

The postal ballots will be counted first, followed by votes submitted in EVMs.

Watch:&nbsp;India state elections exit polls: Decoding the mood and the mandate

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-state-elections-exit-polls-decoding-the-mood-and-the-mandate-664918/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The officials said that more than 4,000 counting personnel will be participating in the counting and the commission will set up 399 EVM tables and 56 postal ballot tables.

<h2>Protests across Mizoram</h2>

The decision to postpone the date of counting also came amid protests being staged by the members of the Mizoram NGO Co-ordination Committee (NGOCC) across the state over the demand to change the date of counting of votes. 
 
The protests were staged in the state capital Aizawl along with other district headquarters.

NGOCC is an umbrella organisation of the state's civil society organisations and student bodies, which include the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP). 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India on Friday (Dec 1) said that the counting of votes will take place on December 4 in the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a day after its original schedule.

The Election Commission of India on Friday (Dec 1) said that the counting of votes will take place on December 4 in the northeast Indian state of Mizoram, a day after its original schedule. The decision was taken by the Election Commission after representatives from different quarters requested for the change from initial counting day of December 3, a Sunday, which has special significance among the people in the Christian-majority state. In a statement, the Election Commission said: "The Commission has received several representations from various quarters requesting for change in date of counting from December 3 (Sunday) to some other week day, on the ground that December 3, being Sunday a special significance for the people of Mizoram." Also read: India five-state elections: After Hindi heartland, BJP banks on PM Modi's popularity in Telangana “The Commission, having considered these representations, has decided to revise the date of counting for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram from 3rd December, 2023 (Sunday) to 4th December, 2023 (Monday),” the commission stated. Earlier, the counting of votes was scheduled for December 3, along four other Indian states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Telangana – where assembly elections were conducted last month. The counting of votes is now likely to start from 8 am on Monday (Dec 4) in all 13 counting centres as well as 40 counting halls across that state. The postal ballots will be counted first, followed by votes submitted in EVMs. Watch: India state elections exit polls: Decoding the mood and the mandate The officials said that more than 4,000 counting personnel will be participating in the counting and the commission will set up 399 EVM tables and 56 postal ballot tables. Protests across Mizoram The decision to postpone the date of counting also came amid protests being staged by the members of the Mizoram NGO Co-ordination Committee (NGOCC) across the state over the demand to change the date of counting of votes. The protests were staged in the state capital Aizawl along with other district headquarters. NGOCC is an umbrella organisation of the state's civil society organisations and student bodies, which include the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) and Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP). (With inputs from agencies)

Mizoram assembly elections: Counting of votes pushed by a day to December 4

Five key Indian states went to polls this month and all the rounds of polling finally concluded today. We now have the first projections from Exit Polls. Let's take a look at which state went to polls and why these elections are important.

India state elections: Exit polls give a sense of what to expect on December 3

Around 29 per cent of the politicians contesting in the ongoing assembly elections in five Indian states are millionaires, while 18 per cent of the contestants have declared criminal cases registered against them, a report by the think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) stated.

Out of the 1,452 candidates with criminal cases, around 959 (12 per cent) have serious criminal cases registered against them.

The assessment from the election watchdog is based on an analysis of the self-sworn affidavits of 8,051 candidates of the 8,054 candidates who are contesting polls in the five states.

Serious criminal cases are those which have a maximum punishment of five years or more. It also includes offences that are non-bailable, electoral offences, related to loss to the exchequer, assault, murder, kidnap, rape and crimes against women.

As many as 22 candidates have declared cases related to murder, while 107 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women. Of these 107 candidates, five have declared cases related to rape, the study found.

<h2>Telangana leads the pack</h2>

The state with the highest number of candidates with criminal cases was found to be in southern Telangana state, with 45 cases related to crimes against women, 27 with cases of attempt to murder and seven murder cases.

This is followed by western Rajasthan state which has 36 candidates registered in crimes against women, 34 with cases of attempt to murder and four murder cases.

In Madhya Pradesh, 24 candidates have cases related to crimes against women, 17 with cases of attempt to murder and 10 murder cases.

In Chhattisgarh, four candidates are booked for attempt to murder, two for crimes against women and one in a murder case.

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Among the five poll-bound states, north-eastern Mizoram state has the lowest number of candidates with criminal records. Between 3 per cent and 10% of candidates from major parties have criminal cases against them.

<h2>Parties failed to adhere to SC's 2020 order</h2>

None of the candidates in the North East state have declared cases related to crimes against women, attempts to murder and murder, the study found.

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The think tank also noted that none of the parties have adhered to the 2020 Supreme Court guidelines that mandated the political parties to give reasons for the selection of such candidates and why other persons without criminal history could not be fielded in the polls instead.

"The directions of the Supreme Court have had no effect on the political parties in selection of candidates in the five state Assembly elections in 2023 as they have again followed their old practice of giving tickets to candidates with criminal cases. All major parties contesting in the five state Assembly elections have given tickets to candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves," the report said.

It said 2,371 (29 per cent) candidates are "crorepatis", which means they have assets worth more than Rs 10 million. The average worth of assets of such candidates is Rs 33 million.

&nbsp;

Around 29 per cent of the politicians contesting in the ongoing assembly elections in five Indian states are millionaires, while 18 per cent of the contestants have declared criminal cases registered against them, a report by the think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) stated.

Around 29 per cent of the politicians contesting in the ongoing assembly elections in five Indian states are millionaires, while 18 per cent of the contestants have declared criminal cases registered against them, a report by the think-tank Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) stated. Out of the 1,452 candidates with criminal cases, around 959 (12 per cent) have serious criminal cases registered against them. The assessment from the election watchdog is based on an analysis of the self-sworn affidavits of 8,051 candidates of the 8,054 candidates who are contesting polls in the five states. Serious criminal cases are those which have a maximum punishment of five years or more. It also includes offences that are non-bailable, electoral offences, related to loss to the exchequer, assault, murder, kidnap, rape and crimes against women. As many as 22 candidates have declared cases related to murder, while 107 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women. Of these 107 candidates, five have declared cases related to rape, the study found. Telangana leads the pack The state with the highest number of candidates with criminal cases was found to be in southern Telangana state, with 45 cases related to crimes against women, 27 with cases of attempt to murder and seven murder cases. This is followed by western Rajasthan state which has 36 candidates registered in crimes against women, 34 with cases of attempt to murder and four murder cases. In Madhya Pradesh, 24 candidates have cases related to crimes against women, 17 with cases of attempt to murder and 10 murder cases. In Chhattisgarh, four candidates are booked for attempt to murder, two for crimes against women and one in a murder case. Also read | 'Sickness not life-threatening': SC refuses bail to jailed Tamil Nadu minister V Senthil Balaji Among the five poll-bound states, north-eastern Mizoram state has the lowest number of candidates with criminal records. Between 3 per cent and 10% of candidates from major parties have criminal cases against them. Parties failed to adhere to SC's 2020 order None of the candidates in the North East state have declared cases related to crimes against women, attempts to murder and murder, the study found. Also read | SC calls out ‘narrow-mindedness’, rejects plea seeking complete ban on Pak artists The think tank also noted that none of the parties have adhered to the 2020 Supreme Court guidelines that mandated the political parties to give reasons for the selection of such candidates and why other persons without criminal history could not be fielded in the polls instead. "The directions of the Supreme Court have had no effect on the political parties in selection of candidates in the five state Assembly elections in 2023 as they have again followed their old practice of giving tickets to candidates with criminal cases. All major parties contesting in the five state Assembly elections have given tickets to candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves," the report said. It said 2,371 (29 per cent) candidates are "crorepatis", which means they have assets worth more than Rs 10 million. The average worth of assets of such candidates is Rs 33 million.

18% of contesting candidates in 5 poll-bound states have criminal record, Telangana tops the list: Report

Conceding defeat in the Karnataka assembly election, chief minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday said the Bharatiya Janata Party has not been able to make the mark, while the Congress did it successfully.

Karnataka Elections 2023: BJP to introspect why it couldn't dominate in the state

Karnataka Election 2023: Congress takes strong lead against ruling BJP | India

Karnataka Election 2023 | BJP: Congress' performance a reflection of local issues | India

Three Indian states in the country’s northeast region held their assembly elections on Monday (February 27). The exit polls began hours later after Meghalaya and Nagaland finished their voting, earlier Monday while Tripura had finished polling on February 16. So far, the exit polls have suggested that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies will lead in two states while there will be a close race for Meghalaya.&nbsp;

All three states have 60 seats in their assembly where 31 seats are needed to secure the majority. The elections in Meghalaya and Nagaland took place across 59 constituencies in each of the two states, early Monday. However, one seat in Meghalaya was adjourned due to the death of a candidate while no poll was held for one seat in Nagaland as there was only one candidate.&nbsp;

According to recent data from the Election Commission, the turnout in both states was over 80 per cent with Meghalaya at 81.57 per cent and Nagaland at 85.90 per. Meanwhile, Tripura recorded nearly 87.6 per cent in the one-day assembly elections when it held the polls nearly two weeks ago. In Meghalaya, the polling took place across 3,419 stations and 2,291 in Nagaland.&nbsp;

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The EC in its statement after the polls also said that it seized 23 times more freebies during the Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura elections than it did in 2018. The freebies included cash, alcohol, precious metals and even drugs worth at least $1.70 billion (Rs.169.6 crore). The EC also noted that there was no repolling needed at any of the 5,710 stations and thanked polling personnel for conducting the elections peacefully.&nbsp;

Exit polls for Meghalaya assembly elections

As per exit polls by Times Now-ETG Research, 29 seats were estimated for Others, followed by 22 for the National People’s Party (NPP), BJP with five, and Congress with three seats.&nbsp;

Zee News-Matrize estimates 24 seats will be secured by NPP, while 22 will be with Others, followed by approximately nine seats for BJP, and four for Congress.

India Today-Axis My India predicted that 23 seats will be secured by Others, followed by 21 seats by NPP while Congress and BJP will secure nine and six seats respectively.&nbsp;

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The exit polls published by several agencies late Monday have led many to believe that the northeastern state will witness a hung assembly this year. This would not be the first time that has taken place in Meghalaya as in 2018 there was no single party or alliance which managed to secure a majority which led incumbent Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to form a coalition with United Democratic Party (UDP), BJP and others to form the state government.&nbsp;

This time around Sangma’s NPP has stood in second place in most polls and after the exit polls, the current CM once again hinted that if they fall short of the majority the party will form an alliance.&nbsp;

Exit polls for Tripura assembly elections&nbsp;

India Today-Axis My India predicted that BJP and its ally, Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) will manage to secure 40 seats, followed by TMP at 12 and 16 seats may be won by Left and its ally Congress.&nbsp;

Times Now-ETG estimated 24 seats for BJP and its ally, followed by 21 for Left and its ally, 14 for TMP, and one seat will be taken by Others.

According to Zee News-Matrize exit polls, BJP and ally can secure 31 seats, followed by Left and ally at 16, while 12 seats are predicted for TMP and one for Others.

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Two of the three exit polls in Tripura show BJP and its ally IPFT will manage to secure the majority with the Left-Congress alliance quite behind on the estimates. Meanwhile, Times Now-ETG predicted that it might be a close race and that a hung assembly was a possibility.&nbsp;

Exit polls for Nagaland assembly elections

India Today-Axis My India predicted 43 seats for BJP and its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), followed by Others at 10, five seats for Naga People’s Front (NPF), and one seat for Congress.

Times Now-ETG estimates at least 44 seats for BJP-NDPP followed by nine for Others, six for NPF, and none for Congress.

Zee News-Matrize predicts that BJP-NDPP will gain 39 seats, Others may secure 15, while three were estimated for NPF, and two for Congress.

As the exit polls indicate, BJP and its ally NDPP are poised to secure a comfortable majority, the former contested for 20 seats while the latter sent candidates for the rest of the 40 seats, as a part of their coalition.&nbsp;

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However, exit polls are not always accurate and are often vastly different from the actual outcome. The EC will announce the result of the elections on March 2. Notably, this round of assembly elections is deemed important as these are the first of back-to-back elections across the country in different states. This will also be followed by six other state elections in 2023 leading up to the general elections, next year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Three Indian states in the country’s northeast region held their assembly elections on Monday (February 27). The exit polls began hours later after Meghalaya and Nagaland finished their voting, earlier Monday while Tripura had finished polling on February 16.

Three Indian states in the country’s northeast region held their assembly elections on Monday (February 27). The exit polls began hours later after Meghalaya and Nagaland finished their voting, earlier Monday while Tripura had finished polling on February 16. So far, the exit polls have suggested that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies will lead in two states while there will be a close race for Meghalaya. All three states have 60 seats in their assembly where 31 seats are needed to secure the majority. The elections in Meghalaya and Nagaland took place across 59 constituencies in each of the two states, early Monday. However, one seat in Meghalaya was adjourned due to the death of a candidate while no poll was held for one seat in Nagaland as there was only one candidate. According to recent data from the Election Commission, the turnout in both states was over 80 per cent with Meghalaya at 81.57 per cent and Nagaland at 85.90 per. Meanwhile, Tripura recorded nearly 87.6 per cent in the one-day assembly elections when it held the polls nearly two weeks ago. In Meghalaya, the polling took place across 3,419 stations and 2,291 in Nagaland. ALSO READ | Northeast India elections | Exit polls predict big win for BJP and allies in Tripura, Nagaland; close race in Meghalaya The EC in its statement after the polls also said that it seized 23 times more freebies during the Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura elections than it did in 2018. The freebies included cash, alcohol, precious metals and even drugs worth at least $1.70 billion (Rs.169.6 crore). The EC also noted that there was no repolling needed at any of the 5,710 stations and thanked polling personnel for conducting the elections peacefully. Exit polls for Meghalaya assembly elections As per exit polls by Times Now-ETG Research, 29 seats were estimated for Others, followed by 22 for the National People’s Party (NPP), BJP with five, and Congress with three seats. Zee News-Matrize estimates 24 seats will be secured by NPP, while 22 will be with Others, followed by approximately nine seats for BJP, and four for Congress. India Today-Axis My India predicted that 23 seats will be secured by Others, followed by 21 seats by NPP while Congress and BJP will secure nine and six seats respectively. ALSO READ | Made-in-India 19-seater plane 'Hindustan 228-201 LW' gets DGCA nod for civilian flight ops The exit polls published by several agencies late Monday have led many to believe that the northeastern state will witness a hung assembly this year. This would not be the first time that has taken place in Meghalaya as in 2018 there was no single party or alliance which managed to secure a majority which led incumbent Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to form a coalition with United Democratic Party (UDP), BJP and others to form the state government. This time around Sangma’s NPP has stood in second place in most polls and after the exit polls, the current CM once again hinted that if they fall short of the majority the party will form an alliance. Exit polls for Tripura assembly elections India Today-Axis My India predicted that BJP and its ally, Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) will manage to secure 40 seats, followed by TMP at 12 and 16 seats may be won by Left and its ally Congress. Times Now-ETG estimated 24 seats for BJP and its ally, followed by 21 for Left and its ally, 14 for TMP, and one seat will be taken by Others. According to Zee News-Matrize exit polls, BJP and ally can secure 31 seats, followed by Left and ally at 16, while 12 seats are predicted for TMP and one for Others. ALSO READ | Tripura Elections 2023: Check exit poll results, timings, live streaming, predictions- Where and how to watch Two of the three exit polls in Tripura show BJP and its ally IPFT will manage to secure the majority with the Left-Congress alliance quite behind on the estimates. Meanwhile, Times Now-ETG predicted that it might be a close race and that a hung assembly was a possibility. Exit polls for Nagaland assembly elections India Today-Axis My India predicted 43 seats for BJP and its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), followed by Others at 10, five seats for Naga People’s Front (NPF), and one seat for Congress. Times Now-ETG estimates at least 44 seats for BJP-NDPP followed by nine for Others, six for NPF, and none for Congress. Zee News-Matrize predicts that BJP-NDPP will gain 39 seats, Others may secure 15, while three were estimated for NPF, and two for Congress. As the exit polls indicate, BJP and its ally NDPP are poised to secure a comfortable majority, the former contested for 20 seats while the latter sent candidates for the rest of the 40 seats, as a part of their coalition. ALSO READ | India: AAP supporters take to the streets to protest against Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest However, exit polls are not always accurate and are often vastly different from the actual outcome. The EC will announce the result of the elections on March 2. Notably, this round of assembly elections is deemed important as these are the first of back-to-back elections across the country in different states. This will also be followed by six other state elections in 2023 leading up to the general elections, next year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Exit polls suggest BJP, allies to win in Nagaland, Tripura; uncertainty looms over Meghalaya

Tripura Elections 2023: The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for elections in three northeastern states last month, namely, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya.

Tripura Elections 2023: The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for elections in three northeastern states last month, namely, Nagaland, Tripura and Meghalaya. Tripura went into voting mode on Thursday, February 16. Top leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, Former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Bikram Mankiya Deb Barma and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury were all seen electioneering for Tripura’s high-decibel elections. Tripura assembly has a total of 60 seats and polling will occur in 3328 polling booths, out of which 1100 are sensitive and 28 are categorized as critical. Once the voting is completed, the counting of votes will occur on March 2. A total of 259 candidates are competing in the electoral race, out of which 20 are women. The BJP is contesting in 55 assembly seats with its ally IPFT fielding candidates in six constituencies. The CPI (M) is contesting 47 seats and the Congress is fighting in 13 constituencies. The Trinamool Congress has fielded nominees in 28 constituencies and there are 58 independent aspirants too. The ruling BJP has fielded the highest number of women candidates with 12. The Tipra Motha is contesting 42 seats. 28.13 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise on February 16. Current Stats of Tripura Assembly: Total seats- 60 • Current strength - 53 • BJP - 33 • IPFT - 4 • CPI(M) 15 • Congress - 1 • Vacant - 7 Current Chief Minister- Manik Saha Tripura Elections 2023: AITC List of Candidates SR No. Name of Constituency Party Name Name of Candidate 1 Simna (ST) 2 Mohanpur 3 Bamutia (SC) AITC Nihar Ranjan Sarkar 4 Barjala (SC) 5 Khayerpur AITC Tejen Das 6 Agartala 7 Ramnagar AITC Pujan Biswas 8 Town Bordowali AITC Ananta Banerjee 9 Banamalipur AITC Shantanu Saha 10 Majlishpur 11 Mandaibazar(ST) 12 Takarjala (ST) 13 Pratapgarh (SC) AITC Kuheli Das (Sinha) 14 Badharghat (SC) 15 Kamalasagar AITC Sutapa Ghosh 16 Bishalgarh AITC Haradhan Debnath 17 Golaghati (ST) 18 Suryamaninagar 19 Charilam (ST) 20 Boxanagar AITC Joydul Hossain 21 Nalchar (SC) AITC Lutan Das 22 Sonamura AITC Neel Kamal Ghosh 23 Dhanpur AITC Habil Miah 24 Ramchandraghat(ST) 25 Khowai 26 Asharambari(ST) 27 Kalyanpur-Pramodenagar 28 Teliamura AITC Rabi Chowdhury 29 Krishnapur (ST) 30 Bagma (ST) 31 Radhakishorpur 32 Matarbari 33 Kakraban-Salgarh (SC) 34 Rajnagar (SC) 35 Belonia AITC Dilip Chowdhury 36 Santirbazar (ST) AITC Narendra Reang 37 Hrishyamukh 38 Jolaibari (ST) AITC Kang Jari Mog 39 Manu (ST) 40 Sabroom 41 Ampinagar (ST) 42 Amarpur AITC Biplob Saha 43 Karbook (ST) AITC Milton Chakma 44 Raima Valley(ST) 45 Kamalpur AITC Suman Dey 46 Surma (SC) AITC Arjun Namasudra 47 Ambassa (ST) AITC Chandan Mog 48 Karmachhara(ST) 49 Chawamanu(ST) AITC Rupayan Chakma 50 Pabiachhara(SC) 51 Fatikroy (SC) 52 Chandipur AITC Bidyut Bikas Sinha 53 Kailashahar AITC Abdul Matin 54 Kadamtala-Kurti AITC Abdul Haseem 55 Bagbassa AITC Bimal Nath 56 Dharmanagar 57 Jubarajnagar 58 Panisagar 59 Pencharthal (ST) AITC Purnita Chakma 60 Kanchanpur (ST) Tripura Elections 2023: BJP List of Candidates Sr. No. Constituency Name Party Name Candidate Name 1 Simna (ST) BJP Binod Debbarma 2 Mohanpur BJP Ratan Lal Nath 3 Bamutia (SC) BJP Krishnadhan Das 4 Barjala (SC) BJP Dilip Kumar Das 5 Khayerpur BJP Ratan Chakraborty 6 Agartala BJP Papiya Datta 7 Ramnagar BJP Surajit Datta 8 Town Bordowali BJP Manik Saha 9 Banamalipur BJP Rajib Bhattacharjee 10 Majlishpur BJP Sushanta Chowdhury 11 Mandaibazar (ST) BJP Tarit Debbarma 12 Takarjala (ST) IPFT Bidhan Debbarma 13 Pratapgarh (SC) BJP Rebati Mohan Das 14 Badharghat (SC) BJP Minarani Sarkar 15 Kamalasagar BJP Antara Sarkar Deb 16 Bishalgarh BJP Sushanta Deb 17 Golaghati (ST) BJP Himani Debbarma 18 Suryamaninagar BJP Ram Prasad Paul 19 Charilam (ST) BJP Jishnu Deb Barman 20 Boxanagar BJP Taffajal Hossain 21 Nalchar (SC) BJP Kishor Barman 22 Sonamura BJP Debabrata Bhattacharjee 23 Dhanpur BJP Pratima Bhoumik 24 Ramchandraghat(ST) IPFT Prasanta Debbarma 25 Khowai BJP Subrata Majumdar 26 Asharambari (ST) IPFT Jayanti Debbarma 27 Kalyanpur-Pramodenagar BJP Pinaki Das Chowdhury 28 Teliamura BJP Kalyani Roy 29 Krishnapur (ST) BJP Bikash Debbarma 30 Bagma (ST) BJP Ram Pada Jamatia 31 Radhakishorpur BJP Pranjit Singha Roy 32 Matarbari BJP Abhishek Debroy 33 Kakraban-Salgarh(SC) BJP Jitendra Majumdar 34 Rajnagar (SC) BJP Swapna Majumdar 35 Belonia BJP Gautam Sarkar 36 Santirbazar (ST) BJP Pramod Reang 37 Hrishyamukh BJP Dipayan Chowdhury 38 Jolaibari (ST) IPFT Shukla Charan Noatia 39 Manu (ST) BJP Mailaphru Mog 40 Sabroom BJP Sankar Roy 41 Ampinagar (ST) BJP Patal Kanya Jamatiya 42 Amarpur BJP Ranjit Das 43 Karbook (ST) BJP Ashim Tripura 44 Raima Valley (ST) BJP Bikas Chakma 45 Kamalpur BJP Manoj Kanti Deb 46 Surma (SC) BJP Swapna Das Paul 47 Ambassa (ST) BJP Suchitra Debbarma 48 Karmachhara (ST) BJP Brajalal Debnath 49 Chawamanu (ST) BJP Sambhu Lal Chakma 50 Pabiachhara (SC) BJP Bhagaban Chandra Das 51 Fatikroy (SC) BJP Sudhangshu Das 52 Chandipur BJP Tinku Roy 53 Kailashahar BJP Moboshar Ali 54 Kadamtala-Kurti BJP Dilip Tanti Tripura Elections 2023: CPI (M) + INC List of Candidates Sr. No. Name of the Constituency Name of the Candidate Sponsoring Party 1 Simna (ST) Kumodh Debbarma CPI(M) 2 Mohanpur Prasanta Sen Chowdhury INC 3 Bamutia (SC) Nayan Sarkar CPI(M) 4 Barjala (SC) Sudip Sarkar CPI(M) 5 Khayerpur Pabitra Kar CPI(M) 6 Agartala Sudip Roy Barman INC 7 Ramnagar Purushuttam Roy Barman Independent 8 Town Bordwali Ashish Kumar Saha INC 9 Banamalipur Gopal Roy INC 10 Majlishpur Sanjay Das CPI(M) 11 Mandainagar (ST) Radhacharan Debbarma CPI(M) 12 Takarjala (ST) Shyamal Debbarma CPI(M) 13 Pratapgarh (SC) Ramu Das CPI(M) 14 Badharghar (SC) Partha Ranjan Sarkar AIFB 15 Kamalsagar Hiranmoy Narayan Debnath CPI(M) 16 Bishalgarh Partha Pratim Majumder CPI(M) 17 Golaghati (ST) Brinda Debbarma CPI(M) 18 Surjamaninagar Susanta Chakraborty INC 19 Charilam (ST) Ashok Debbarma INC 20 Baxanagar Samsul Haque CPI(M) 21 Nalchar (SC) Tapan Das CPI(M) 22 Sonamura Shyamal Chakraborty CPI(M) 23 Dhanpur Koushik Chanda CPI(M) 24 Ramchandraghat (ST) Ranjit Debbarma CPI(M) 25 Khowai Nirmal Biswas CPI(M) 26 Asharambari Dilip Debbarma CPI(M) 27 Kalyanpur-Pramodenagar Manindra Das CPI(M) 28 Teliamura Ashok Kumar Baidya INC 29 Krishnapur (ST) Swasthi Debbarma CPI(M) 30 Bagma (ST) Naresh Jamatia CPI(M) 31 Radhakishorepur Srikanta Datta RSP 32 Matabari Pranjit Roy INC 33 Kakraban-Shalgarha (SC) Ratan Kumar Bhowmik CPI(M) 34 Rajnagar (SC) Sudhan Das CPI(M) 35 Belonia Dipankar Sen CPI(M) 36 Hrishyamukh Satyajit Reang CPI 37 Jolaibari (ST) Ashok Mitra CPI(M) 38 Manu (ST) Debendra Tripura CPI(M) 39 Sabroom Prabhat Chaudhury CPI(M) 40 Ampinagar (ST) Jitendra Chaudhury CPI(M) 41 Amarpur Parikshit Kalai CPI(M) 42 Karbook (ST) Parimal Debnath CPI(M) 43 Raima Valley (ST) Priyamani Debbarma CPI(M) 44 Kamalpur Pabin Tripura CPI(M) 45 Surma (SC) Rubi Gope INC 46 Ambassa (ST) Anjan Das CPI(M) 47 Karamchhalara (ST) Amalendu Debbarma CPI(M) 48 Chawmanu (ST) Diba Chandra Hrangkhawl INC 49 Pabiachhara (SC) Jiban Mohan Tripura CPI(M) 50 Fatikraoy (SC) Samiran Malakar CPI(M) 51 Chandipur Subrata Das CPI(M) 52 Kailashahr Krishnendu Chowdhury CPI(M) 53 Kadamtala-Kurti Birajit Sinha INC 54 Bagpassa Islam Uddin CPI(M) 55 Dharmanagar Bijita Nath CPI(M) 56 Jubarajnagar Chayan Bhattacharjee INC 57 Panisagar Shailendra Chandra Debnath CPI(M) 58 Pecharthal (ST) Shital Das CPI(M) 59 Kanchanpur INC 60 Santibazar (ST) Rajendra Reang CPI(M) The BJP-IPFT alliance is looking to retain power in the state and on the other hand, the Left-Congress alliance will be aiming to dethrone the BJP to regain power. BJP came into power in 2018 after ending the 25-year-long rule of the Left front. However, the newly formed Tipra Motha led by Barma can play a major role as it is likely to affect the contest at around 20-25 seats.

Tripura Elections 2023: Full list of BJP, CPIM- Congress and Trinamool candidates & their constituencies

All is not well within the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). The division and differences among the parties have come to the fore for the first time. The regional political party National Conference has announced that it will contest upcoming assembly elections on its own.&nbsp;

The National Conference in a press release said that members expressed dismay over the ''recent statements, audio jingles, and speeches made by some of the constituents of the PAGD targeting JKNC. The provincial committee members unanimously resolved that JKNC should prepare to contest all the 90 assembly seats."&nbsp;

However, the president of the National Conference and chairman of the Gupkar Alliance, Dr. Farooq Abdullah&nbsp;said that all is well with the PAGD, and the alliance will never break. He stated that the decision on whether to run in an alliance or separately will be made at a later date when elections will be held. 
 
"If you cannot be courageous, you cannot do anything good for the people. Besides, there is a need to keep ourselves ready for the sacrifices," Abdullah said.&nbsp;

The other alliance partners in the PAGD have also come out in support of the PAGD Unity. PDP chief spokesperson Suhail Bukhari said that PAGD came into existence for a larger cause. "As far as some constituents issuing statements vis a vis the election, if any constituent has any reservation in the electoral alliance, it will be their own decision. but definitely would not affect the unity of PAGD. PAGD will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.&nbsp;

Other political parties like the BJP and Apni Party termed the PAGD alliance as unholy and said it was bound to break.

BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said that the statement from the National Conference about going solo in the upcoming elections means all is not well within the alliance. ''The alliance is about to break as there are many ideological differences among the parties in the PAGD. And it's quite evident now, after the statement of NC, that it's bound to break soon. NC has understood that people have not accepted PAGD and that's why they want to break free from the alliance,'' Thakur added.

Apni Party vice president Ghulam Hassan Mir said that&nbsp;PAGD has no roadmap or vision. "The National Conference is a political party, and their main motive is power. They will fight elections on their own, NC Patron Farooq Abdullah has handed over the power to his son Omar, and it's his responsibility to keep the party intact. Farooq Abdullah tries to be bigger than he is. He is trying to be more than the National Conference, which is not a fact." 
&nbsp;

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All is not well within the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). The division and differences among the parties have come to the fore for the first time.

All is not well within the People's Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). The division and differences among the parties have come to the fore for the first time. The regional political party National Conference has announced that it will contest upcoming assembly elections on its own. The National Conference in a press release said that members expressed dismay over the ''recent statements, audio jingles, and speeches made by some of the constituents of the PAGD targeting JKNC. The provincial committee members unanimously resolved that JKNC should prepare to contest all the 90 assembly seats." However, the president of the National Conference and chairman of the Gupkar Alliance, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that all is well with the PAGD, and the alliance will never break. He stated that the decision on whether to run in an alliance or separately will be made at a later date when elections will be held. "If you cannot be courageous, you cannot do anything good for the people. Besides, there is a need to keep ourselves ready for the sacrifices," Abdullah said. The other alliance partners in the PAGD have also come out in support of the PAGD Unity. PDP chief spokesperson Suhail Bukhari said that PAGD came into existence for a larger cause. "As far as some constituents issuing statements vis a vis the election, if any constituent has any reservation in the electoral alliance, it will be their own decision. but definitely would not affect the unity of PAGD. PAGD will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he said. Other political parties like the BJP and Apni Party termed the PAGD alliance as unholy and said it was bound to break. BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur said that the statement from the National Conference about going solo in the upcoming elections means all is not well within the alliance. ''The alliance is about to break as there are many ideological differences among the parties in the PAGD. And it's quite evident now, after the statement of NC, that it's bound to break soon. NC has understood that people have not accepted PAGD and that's why they want to break free from the alliance,'' Thakur added. Apni Party vice president Ghulam Hassan Mir said that PAGD has no roadmap or vision. "The National Conference is a political party, and their main motive is power. They will fight elections on their own, NC Patron Farooq Abdullah has handed over the power to his son Omar, and it's his responsibility to keep the party intact. Farooq Abdullah tries to be bigger than he is. He is trying to be more than the National Conference, which is not a fact." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

J&K: Cracks appear in PAGD, National Conference to fight assembly elections on its own