Five Indian states are going to polls in February in what is seen as a bellwether elections. The elections are crucial for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. They are being watched keenly in India, almost like the midterm elections in the US. In the next two months, elections will also be held in Punjab & Uttarakhand as well as in Goa and the northeastern state of Manipur. VO: Elections would be held for 403 assembly seats in UP, 117 in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand, 60 in Manipur and 40 in Goa.

India's mammoth state elections: Why are they significant?

Next month, elections will be held in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and a vital battleground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The election in the northern state, which is currently dominated by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, is viewed as a harbinger of national elections in 2024.

In the next few months, elections will be held in the northern provinces of Punjab and Uttarakhand, as well as in the tourist mecca of Goa and the northeastern state of Manipur.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-crucial-states-of-india-including-punjab-uttar-pradesh-gear-up-for-bellwether-local-polls-438801">Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls</a>

Elections would be held for 403 assembly seats in UP, 117 in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand, 60 in Manipur and 40 in Goa.&nbsp;

In this massive election, an estimated 184 million voters, including 85.5 million women, are anticipated to vote.

2.49 million of them are first-time voters.&nbsp; 
 
Assembly Elections Schedule: Counting day March 10

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 738px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">States</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">Voting begins</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">Voting Ends</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">Voting Days</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Incumbent&nbsp;Party</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">Total number of seats </td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February 10</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">March 7</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">7</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">BJP</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">403</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Punjab</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February 20</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">February 20</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">1</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">INC</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">117</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Uttarakhand</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February&nbsp;14</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">February 14</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">1</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">BJP</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">70</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Manipur</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February 27</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">March 3</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">2</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">BJP</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">60</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td style="width: 108px;">Goa</td>
			<td style="width: 113px;">February 14</td>
			<td style="width: 105px;">February 14</td>
			<td style="width: 99px;">1</td>
			<td style="width: 108px;">BJP</td>
			<td style="width: 171px;">40</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

The EC has capped the number of voters per booth at 1,250, resulting in an increase in the number of polling stations to 30,334 as the average number of voters per polling booth has decreased.

At least one booth in each Assembly constituency will be managed exclusively by women.

Candidates with criminal background

A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court, asking the court to order the Election Commission to ensure that all political parties display information on candidate criminal charges, as well as the reasons for their selection, on the home page of their official website.

Aside from the website, the petition also asks the Election Commission of India (ECI) to direct the ECI to guarantee that every politician publishes their details in electronic, print, and social media, and to bring a contempt case against the party's president if they don't.&nbsp;

In light of the forthcoming assembly elections, barrister Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay filed a petition asking the ECI to issue a directive requiring every political party to explain why it chose a candidate with criminal history over one without.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Next month, elections will be held in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and a vital battleground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The election in the northern state, which is currently dominated by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, is viewed as a harbinger of national elections in 2024.

Next month, elections will be held in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state and a vital battleground for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The election in the northern state, which is currently dominated by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, is viewed as a harbinger of national elections in 2024. In the next few months, elections will be held in the northern provinces of Punjab and Uttarakhand, as well as in the tourist mecca of Goa and the northeastern state of Manipur. Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls Elections would be held for 403 assembly seats in UP, 117 in Punjab, 70 in Uttarakhand, 60 in Manipur and 40 in Goa. In this massive election, an estimated 184 million voters, including 85.5 million women, are anticipated to vote. 2.49 million of them are first-time voters. Assembly Elections Schedule: Counting day March 10 States Voting begins Voting Ends Voting Days Incumbent Party Total number of seats Uttar Pradesh February 10 March 7 7 BJP 403 Punjab February 20 February 20 1 INC 117 Uttarakhand February 14 February 14 1 BJP 70 Manipur February 27 March 3 2 BJP 60 Goa February 14 February 14 1 BJP 40 The EC has capped the number of voters per booth at 1,250, resulting in an increase in the number of polling stations to 30,334 as the average number of voters per polling booth has decreased. At least one booth in each Assembly constituency will be managed exclusively by women. Candidates with criminal background A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court, asking the court to order the Election Commission to ensure that all political parties display information on candidate criminal charges, as well as the reasons for their selection, on the home page of their official website. Aside from the website, the petition also asks the Election Commission of India (ECI) to direct the ECI to guarantee that every politician publishes their details in electronic, print, and social media, and to bring a contempt case against the party's president if they don't. In light of the forthcoming assembly elections, barrister Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay filed a petition asking the ECI to issue a directive requiring every political party to explain why it chose a candidate with criminal history over one without. (With inputs from agencies)

India's mammoth state elections: Five states to vote from Feb 10, counting on March 10

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger.

"Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra.

He explained, "The UP Assembly's term ends on May 14th. We met with members of political parties, all district magistrates and district police superintendents, as well as other senior personnel. We also met with officials from the GST, ED, and IT departments.We want to ensure that elections are free of corruption.These organisations have issued specific directives to ensure that this happens."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-crucial-states-of-india-including-punjab-uttar-pradesh-gear-up-for-bellwether-local-polls-438801">Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls</a>

He also stated that the final voter list would be made public on January 5, 2022.

The Election Commission will come to the doorsteps of those over the age of 80, people with impairments, and COVID-19 impacted people who are unable to vote in a polling booth.

Additionally, VVPATs will be installed in every voting booth.

To guarantee openness in the election process, he said that live webcasting facilities would be accessible in about 1 lakh voting booths.&nbsp;

A reporter present at the meeting asked the ECE for its thoughts on the big poll rallies being organised before the elections amid the rising COVID-19 Delta and Omicron cases.&nbsp;

Chandra said, "Big rallies are under our attention. Following the implementation of the MCC, detailed guidelines on how to structure large rallies will be issued.

"We have discussed this issue with the health secretary here. When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue after looking at the situation then, " he added.

Meanwhile, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles.&nbsp;

The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly).

In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures.

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger. "Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra.

The Indian Election Commission convened a news conference at 12 p.m. on Thursday in response to calls to postpone the vote due to the Omicron danger. "Representatives of all political parties met us and told us that elections should be conducted on time, following all COVID-19 rules," said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra. He explained, "The UP Assembly's term ends on May 14th. We met with members of political parties, all district magistrates and district police superintendents, as well as other senior personnel. We also met with officials from the GST, ED, and IT departments.We want to ensure that elections are free of corruption.These organisations have issued specific directives to ensure that this happens." Also read | Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls He also stated that the final voter list would be made public on January 5, 2022. The Election Commission will come to the doorsteps of those over the age of 80, people with impairments, and COVID-19 impacted people who are unable to vote in a polling booth. Additionally, VVPATs will be installed in every voting booth. To guarantee openness in the election process, he said that live webcasting facilities would be accessible in about 1 lakh voting booths. A reporter present at the meeting asked the ECE for its thoughts on the big poll rallies being organised before the elections amid the rising COVID-19 Delta and Omicron cases. Chandra said, "Big rallies are under our attention. Following the implementation of the MCC, detailed guidelines on how to structure large rallies will be issued. "We have discussed this issue with the health secretary here. When elections are announced, we will issue directions specifically on this issue after looking at the situation then, " he added. Meanwhile, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles. The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly). In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures. The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May. (With inputs from agencies)

No shifting of India Assembly election 2022? Poll body says parties want vote held on time

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections).

The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth.

Despite the fact that the dates have yet to be set, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles.&nbsp;

The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly).

In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures.

The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May.&nbsp;

Detail of terms of the Houses of upcoming election States

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>HOUSE/STATE</td>
			<td>FROM</td>
			<td>TO</td>
			<td>SEAT</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GOA</td>
			<td>16.03.2017</td>
			<td>15.03.2022</td>
			<td>40</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MANIPUR</td>
			<td>20.03.2017</td>
			<td>19.03.2022</td>
			<td>60</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UTTARAKHAND</td>
			<td>24.03.2017</td>
			<td>23.03.2022</td>
			<td>70</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PUNJAB</td>
			<td>28.03.2017</td>
			<td>27.03.2022</td>
			<td>117</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UTTAR PRADESH</td>
			<td>15.05.2017</td>
			<td>14.05.2022</td>
			<td>403</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
The present partywise status of all five state assemblies in (based on 2017 results): 
 
UTTAR PRADESH: Total seats 403 |&nbsp;202 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>312</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SP</td>
			<td>47</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BSP</td>
			<td>19</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AD</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
PUNJAB: Total 117 seats | 59 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Result</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>77</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AAP</td>
			<td>20</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>SAD</td>
			<td>15</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
UTTARAKHAND: Total 70 seats | 36 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>57</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IND</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
GOA: Total 40 seats | 21 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>17</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>13</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IND</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>GFP</td>
			<td>3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

 
Manipur: Total 60 seats | 31 seats needed for a majority

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Party</td>
			<td>Results</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>INC</td>
			<td>28</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BJP</td>
			<td>21</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TMC</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>10</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

These assembly elections will be crucial not only for national parties like the BJP and the Congress, but also for regional parties.&nbsp;

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections). The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth.

In India's five states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, and Punjab, the stage is set for local elections (Legislative Assembly elections). The Bharatiya Janata Party governs the first four, while the Congress governs the fifth. Despite the fact that the dates have yet to be set, all political parties in the election-bound states have begun flexing their muscles. The Legislative Assembly elections in India are held every 5 years in which the Indian electorate chooses the members of the Vidhan Sabha (or Legislative/State Assembly). In March 2022, the Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, and Uttarakhand will finish their tenures. The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly's term is set to end in May. Detail of terms of the Houses of upcoming election States HOUSE/STATE FROM TO SEAT GOA 16.03.2017 15.03.2022 40 MANIPUR 20.03.2017 19.03.2022 60 UTTARAKHAND 24.03.2017 23.03.2022 70 PUNJAB 28.03.2017 27.03.2022 117 UTTAR PRADESH 15.05.2017 14.05.2022 403 The present partywise status of all five state assemblies in (based on 2017 results): UTTAR PRADESH: Total seats 403 | 202 seats needed for a majority Party Results BJP 312 SP 47 BSP 19 AD 9 INC 7 Others 9 PUNJAB: Total 117 seats | 59 seats needed for a majority Party Result INC 77 AAP 20 SAD 15 BJP 3 Others 2 UTTARAKHAND: Total 70 seats | 36 seats needed for a majority Party Results BJP 57 INC 11 IND 2 GOA: Total 40 seats | 21 seats needed for a majority Party Results INC 17 BJP 13 IND 3 GFP 3 Others 4 Manipur: Total 60 seats | 31 seats needed for a majority Party Results INC 28 BJP 21 TMC 1 Others 10 These assembly elections will be crucial not only for national parties like the BJP and the Congress, but also for regional parties.

Five crucial states of India including Punjab, Uttar Pradesh gear up for bellwether local polls