The Uttar Pradesh BJP has launched a major internal organisational reshuffle as the party prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections. The move is seen as a strategic effort to strengthen its grassroots machinery, streamline leadership roles, and boost electoral performance in India’s most politically crucial state.

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Voting has concluded in the high-voltage West Bengal Assembly elections, with a historic turnout and intense political clashes dominating the day. The BJP and Trinamool Congress traded allegations of EVM manipulation and rigging, adding fresh tension to an already fiercely contested battle. As exit poll discussions gather pace, attention remains focused on whether the BJP can make significant gains in Mamata Banerjee’s traditional strongholds, especially in Kolkata, where the political stakes remain extremely high.


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Assembly Polls 2026: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a comprehensive exercise carried out by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to thoroughly update the electoral rolls ahead of elections. 

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BJP leader Parvesh Verma on Wednesday filed his nomination from the New Delhi assembly constituency for the assembly polls scheduled in the national capital for February 5. Verma is in the electoral fray against Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Congress' Sandeep Dikshit. Exuding confidence, Verma said that this nomination has been filed for development and the BJP will certainly win from the New Delhi seat.
"This nomination has been filed for development. BJP will certainly win from the New Delhi seat..." Verma told ANI. The Delhi assembly polls are scheduled to be held in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. Verma went with hundreds of his supporters to the district magistrate's office to file his nomination. BJP leader Parvesh Verma is the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma.&nbsp;
<figure class="image"><img alt="BJP New Delhi candidate Parvesh Verma files his nomination" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/15/2Bn6GaBsbrg2e12VPaKv.jpg" style="width: 1280px;">
<figcaption>BJP New Delhi candidate Parvesh Verma files his nomination Photograph: (ANI)</figcaption>
</figure>
His political career began when he contested the Mehrauli Vidhan Sabha constituency in the 2013 assembly election, which he won by defeating the incumbent MLA Yoganand Shastri. He then went on to win the West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency in the 2014 general elections.&nbsp;
In 2019, Verma won a second term as MP from West Delhi. Meanwhile, his contender, former Delhi Chief Minister, and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, is also set to file his nomination today from the same seat. As the polling date nears, AAP and BJP have started targeting each other.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-polls-bjp-aap-intensify-poster-video-war-ahead-of-elections-8619072" rel="dofollow">Delhi polls: BJP, AAP intensify poster-video war ahead of elections</a>
After the Centre granted the ED the nod to prosecute him and Manish Sisodia in an alleged liquor scam case, Kejriwal said that this is how they (BJP) are contesting the Delhi Assembly Polls. On being asked by the reporters outside the party office when he was enrooted to file his nomination, Kejriwal said, "Woh uss tarah see chunav lad rahe hain, hum is tarah see chunav lad rahe hain."The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has authorized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to initiate prosecution against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for their alleged involvement in money laundering linked to the liquor scam case.
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On Tuesday (Jan 14), Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the upcoming Assembly polls would uncover the long-standing alliance between Congress and BJP, describing it as a "jugalbandi."Meanwhile, Verma also criticised the Congress party for naming its new headquarters 'Indira Bhawan,' saying that there are many other buildings named after Indira Gandhi, and if they had named this new Bhawan after Dr Manmohan Singh, their party workers would have liked it.
"We know that this is a party belonging to just one family. Today, they have forgotten Sardar Manmohan Singh. There are many other buildings named after Indira Gandhi. If they had named this new Bhawan after Dr Manmohan Singh, their party workers would have liked it," Verma said.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India news: His political career began when he contested the Mehrauli Vidhan Sabha constituency in the 2013 assembly election, which he won by defeating MLA Yoganand Shastri. 

BJP leader Parvesh Verma on Wednesday filed his nomination from the New Delhi assembly constituency for the assembly polls scheduled in the national capital for February 5. Verma is in the electoral fray against Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Congress' Sandeep Dikshit. Exuding confidence, Verma said that this nomination has been filed for development and the BJP will certainly win from the New Delhi seat. "This nomination has been filed for development. BJP will certainly win from the New Delhi seat..." Verma told ANI. The Delhi assembly polls are scheduled to be held in a single phase on February 5, and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. Verma went with hundreds of his supporters to the district magistrate's office to file his nomination. BJP leader Parvesh Verma is the son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma. BJP New Delhi candidate Parvesh Verma files his nomination Photograph: (ANI) His political career began when he contested the Mehrauli Vidhan Sabha constituency in the 2013 assembly election, which he won by defeating the incumbent MLA Yoganand Shastri. He then went on to win the West Delhi Lok Sabha constituency in the 2014 general elections. In 2019, Verma won a second term as MP from West Delhi. Meanwhile, his contender, former Delhi Chief Minister, and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, is also set to file his nomination today from the same seat. As the polling date nears, AAP and BJP have started targeting each other. Also Read: Delhi polls: BJP, AAP intensify poster-video war ahead of elections After the Centre granted the ED the nod to prosecute him and Manish Sisodia in an alleged liquor scam case, Kejriwal said that this is how they (BJP) are contesting the Delhi Assembly Polls. On being asked by the reporters outside the party office when he was enrooted to file his nomination, Kejriwal said, "Woh uss tarah see chunav lad rahe hain, hum is tarah see chunav lad rahe hain."The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has authorized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to initiate prosecution against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for their alleged involvement in money laundering linked to the liquor scam case. Also Read: Delhi assembly polls: Atishi launches crowdfunding initiative, aims to raise over $4,624 On Tuesday (Jan 14), Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal claimed that the upcoming Assembly polls would uncover the long-standing alliance between Congress and BJP, describing it as a "jugalbandi."Meanwhile, Verma also criticised the Congress party for naming its new headquarters 'Indira Bhawan,' saying that there are many other buildings named after Indira Gandhi, and if they had named this new Bhawan after Dr Manmohan Singh, their party workers would have liked it. "We know that this is a party belonging to just one family. Today, they have forgotten Sardar Manmohan Singh. There are many other buildings named after Indira Gandhi. If they had named this new Bhawan after Dr Manmohan Singh, their party workers would have liked it," Verma said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

India: Parvesh Verma files his nomination for BJP in Delhi assembly polls

The Mahayuti alliance is leading in over 226 seats in Maharashtra's ongoing elections, signaling a strong performance as the results continue to unfold. This marks a crucial development in the state's political landscape.

Maharashtra: Mahayuti Alliance Leads In Over 226 Seats

Voting for Phase 1 of the Jharkhand Assembly Elections concludes today, with voters heading to the polls to elect representatives amid key issues like development and governance.

Jharkhand Assembly Elections: Phase 1 Voting Ends Today

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule for legislative assembly elections for Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana. The voting for the legislative assembly in Jammu and Kashmir assembly will be held in three phases, while Haryana will vote in a single phase. Watch in for more details!

India: Election Commission announces dates for Jammu-Kashmir & Haryana assembly polls

Predictions by state provide intriguing information for the Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand votes that are scheduled later this year. According to reports, the Opposition now has more space in these states than the NDA did.

Upcoming Assembly Elections in India: Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand in focus

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

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in Arunachal Pradesh for the third straight time in a row as the saffron party secured 46 seats in the 60-member assembly and won the majority, said the Election Commission officials.

The counting of votes concluded in the 50 seats for which the polling was held in the northeastern state of India on April 19.&nbsp;

The remaining 10 seats were secured by the BJP uncontested.

Out of the 50 seats, the BJP won 36 Assembly seats.

<h2>Top points:</h2>

- Chief Minister Pema Khandu is one of the 10 candidates who won unopposed.

- The National People’s Party (NPEP) secured five seats and the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) won two.

- The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) secured three seats.

- Congress won one seat.

- Independent candidates Wanglam Sawin, Tenzin Nyima Glow and Laisam Simai won the Khonsa, Thrizino-Buragaon and Nampong seats respectively.

In a post on X, CM Khandu said, "Extending heartiest congratulations to Tesam Pongte on winning from 53 Changlang North seat. Your victory is a testament to your hard work and commitment to serve the people."

In another post, he said, "Congratulations to Wanglin Lowangdong Ji on winning from 57 Borduria-Bogapani constituency. Keep working for the betterment of people."

The Arunachal chief minister also extended wishes to Hamjong Tangha on winning from 52 Changlang South constituency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official X account and welcomed the BJP's victory in Arunachal.&nbsp;"Thank you Arunachal Pradesh! The people of this wonderful state have given an unequivocal mandate to politics of development. My gratitude to them for reposing their faith in @BJP4Arunachal yet again. Our Party will keep working with even greater vigour for the state's growth," he wrote in a post. &nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I thank all those who voted for <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Sikkim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4Sikkim</a> in the Assembly Elections. I also appreciate the efforts put in by our Karyakartas. Our Party will always be at the forefront of working towards Sikkim’s development and fulfilling people’s aspirations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1797203122290397248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In the year 2019, the saffron party had won 41 seats.

Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on Friday (Apr 19) simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the country.&nbsp;

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Arunachal Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 67.95 per cent, while Sikkim recorded a voter turnout of 68.04 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in Arunachal Pradesh for the third straight time in a row as the saffron party secured 46 seats in the 60-member assembly and won the majority, said the Election Commission officials.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in Arunachal Pradesh for the third straight time in a row as the saffron party secured 46 seats in the 60-member assembly and won the majority, said the Election Commission officials. The counting of votes concluded in the 50 seats for which the polling was held in the northeastern state of India on April 19. The remaining 10 seats were secured by the BJP uncontested. Out of the 50 seats, the BJP won 36 Assembly seats. Top points: - Chief Minister Pema Khandu is one of the 10 candidates who won unopposed. - The National People’s Party (NPEP) secured five seats and the People’s Party of Arunachal (PPA) won two. - The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) secured three seats. - Congress won one seat. - Independent candidates Wanglam Sawin, Tenzin Nyima Glow and Laisam Simai won the Khonsa, Thrizino-Buragaon and Nampong seats respectively. In a post on X, CM Khandu said, "Extending heartiest congratulations to Tesam Pongte on winning from 53 Changlang North seat. Your victory is a testament to your hard work and commitment to serve the people." In another post, he said, "Congratulations to Wanglin Lowangdong Ji on winning from 57 Borduria-Bogapani constituency. Keep working for the betterment of people." The Arunachal chief minister also extended wishes to Hamjong Tangha on winning from 52 Changlang South constituency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his official X account and welcomed the BJP's victory in Arunachal. "Thank you Arunachal Pradesh! The people of this wonderful state have given an unequivocal mandate to politics of development. My gratitude to them for reposing their faith in @BJP4Arunachal yet again. Our Party will keep working with even greater vigour for the state's growth," he wrote in a post. I thank all those who voted for @BJP4Sikkim in the Assembly Elections. I also appreciate the efforts put in by our Karyakartas. Our Party will always be at the forefront of working towards Sikkim’s development and fulfilling people’s aspirations. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2024 × In the year 2019, the saffron party had won 41 seats. Assembly elections took place in the northeast Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on Friday (Apr 19) simultaneously with the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the country. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), Arunachal Pradesh recorded a voter turnout of 67.95 per cent, while Sikkim recorded a voter turnout of 68.04 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly Polls 2024: BJP storms back to power in Arunachal Pradesh, secures 46 out of 60 seats

Madhya Pradesh's state Assembly elections saw the Bharatiya Janata Party pull off a historic victory, retaining power in the state. The BJP secured 163 seats in the 230-member Assembly, while the Congress could only muster 66 seats. Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan said that despite the BJP's historic victory in the state, there was no anti-incumbency sentiment in Madhya Pradesh.

Assembly elections: BJP to hold power independently in 12 states, in coalition in 4 others

In India's Chhattisgarh, around 35 polling stations in the Bastar division — known for its Maoist bastion — will be guarded solely by women commanders during the first phase of assembly polls, which begins on November 7.

Along with this, one polling station, as per the Times of India (TOI) will be under the watch of transgender officers.

<h2>A first</h2>

As per the report, female commandos of the Bastar Fighters, a special police unit in Chhattisgarh, have been handed the responsibility of manning as many as 35 polling stations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/angry-with-frequent-power-cuts-karnataka-farmers-threatens-officials-with-a-live-crocodile-at-their-office-651603">Angry with frequent power cuts, Karnataka farmers bring live crocodile to power station</a>

This is the first time all-women teams will be guarding this many polling stations. A booth guarded by transgender officers is also a first.

In almost all (6 of 7) Bastar division districts, women voters outnumber men with about 1.04 million (10.4 Lakh) women voters, as compared to 990,000 or 0.99 million (9.9 lakh) men.

<h2>Women officers of Bastar Fighters</h2>

As per the TOI report, in 2021, 451 female officers were recruited from interior areas of Bastar for the Bastar Fighters' special force — all of them members of the local tribal population.

The specialised force also has transgender officers among the ranks, nine of whom were selected last year, as per a PTI report from August 2022.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-mobile-internet-ban-extended-till-october-31-651812">Manipur mobile internet ban extended till October 31</a>

Bastar Fighters undergo a rigorous 18-month training of basic and jungle warfare training before deployment to their posts.

<h2>Which polling stations will they protect?</h2>

While it is known that they will look after 35 of the 229 Bastar polling stations, authorities, following the procedure, haven't disclosed details of the exact posts.&nbsp;

Talking to TOI Bastar Range, IFP Sundarraj said that the deployment was an important step towards extending "more meaningful and inclusive opportunities to women police personnel in challenging tasks."

"We have decided to hand over security arrangements of 35 polling stations exclusively to women commandos and one polling booth to transgender police personnel who have been recently inducted," he added.

He also said that they "are hopeful that it will send a positive message in society with regard to gender sensitisation and gender equality."

(With inputs from agencies)

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In India's Chhattisgarh, around 35 polling stations in the Bastar division — known for its Maoist bastion — will be guarded solely by women commanders during the first phase of assembly polls, which begins on November 7.

In India's Chhattisgarh, around 35 polling stations in the Bastar division — known for its Maoist bastion — will be guarded solely by women commanders during the first phase of assembly polls, which begins on November 7. Along with this, one polling station, as per the Times of India (TOI) will be under the watch of transgender officers. A first As per the report, female commandos of the Bastar Fighters, a special police unit in Chhattisgarh, have been handed the responsibility of manning as many as 35 polling stations. Also read | Angry with frequent power cuts, Karnataka farmers bring live crocodile to power station This is the first time all-women teams will be guarding this many polling stations. A booth guarded by transgender officers is also a first. In almost all (6 of 7) Bastar division districts, women voters outnumber men with about 1.04 million (10.4 Lakh) women voters, as compared to 990,000 or 0.99 million (9.9 lakh) men. Women officers of Bastar Fighters As per the TOI report, in 2021, 451 female officers were recruited from interior areas of Bastar for the Bastar Fighters' special force — all of them members of the local tribal population. The specialised force also has transgender officers among the ranks, nine of whom were selected last year, as per a PTI report from August 2022. Also read | Manipur mobile internet ban extended till October 31 Bastar Fighters undergo a rigorous 18-month training of basic and jungle warfare training before deployment to their posts. Which polling stations will they protect? While it is known that they will look after 35 of the 229 Bastar polling stations, authorities, following the procedure, haven't disclosed details of the exact posts. Talking to TOI Bastar Range, IFP Sundarraj said that the deployment was an important step towards extending "more meaningful and inclusive opportunities to women police personnel in challenging tasks." "We have decided to hand over security arrangements of 35 polling stations exclusively to women commandos and one polling booth to transgender police personnel who have been recently inducted," he added. He also said that they "are hopeful that it will send a positive message in society with regard to gender sensitisation and gender equality." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Chhattisgarh Assembly Polls: 35 polling booths to be manned by women officers

Over 63 per cent polling was recorded till 5 pm in the assembly elections in Punjab, while in the third of the seven phase polls in Uttar Pradesh, it was more than 60 per cent, according to official data. Polling was held in these states from 8 am to 6 pm, but both have released voting data only till 5 pm.&nbsp;

The average voter turnout for the single-phase election to the 117-member assembly in Punjab was 63.44 per cent, according to the state chief electoral office, while in Uttar Pradesh, where 59 constituencies went to polls in phase three, it was 60.63 per cent.&nbsp;

The 5 pm voting percentage data for Uttar Pradesh was updated at 10 pm by the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App. Results for the assembly elections of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh will be declared on March 10 along with that of Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand.&nbsp;

While in Uttar Pradesh, as many as 627 candidates were in the fray in the third phase of the polls to the 403-member assembly, in Punjab, 1,304 candidates contested the elections.&nbsp;

Data for Punjab showed that the Gidderbaha assembly segment recorded the highest turnout of 77.80 per cent while Amritsar South recorded the lowest turnout at 48.06 per cent.&nbsp;

Mansa district recorded a maximum voter turnout of 73.34 per cent while Mohali recorded the lowest at 53.10 per cent, it stated.

The Voter Turnout App showed that in Uttar Pradesh, highest voting was recorded at 69.05 per cent in Lalitpur district and lowest at 57.71 per cent in Jhansi district.&nbsp;

The districts where polling was held were Hathras, Firozabad, Etah, Kasganj, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Etawah, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba.&nbsp;

In the 2017 assembly polls, the turnout was 77.4 per cent in Punjab and the figure for the 59 seats in that year in Uttar Pradesh was 62.21 per cent. 
 
Punjab witnessed a multi-cornered contest among the Congress, AAP, SAD-BSP, BJP-PLC-SAD (Sanyukt) and the Sanyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM), a political front of various farmer bodies.&nbsp;

While the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) contested the polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the BJP fought the elections in alliance with Amarinder Singh-led Punjab Lok Congress and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa-led SAD (Sanyukt).&nbsp;

The SSM contested the polls with Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union (Chaduni) leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni-led Sanyukt Sangharsh Party. Amritsar-based famous conjoined twins Sohan Singh and Mohan Singh, fondly known as Sohna-Mohna, cast their separate votes. Sohna-Mohna had recently been handed over two separate electoral photo identity cards by Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju.&nbsp;

Both had turned 18 last year and voted for the first time. The Election Commission (EC) restrained actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood from visiting polling booths in Moga in Punjab following complaints that he was trying to influence voters.&nbsp;

His vehicle was also impounded by police, said officials. However, Sood, who denied the charges, alleged that other candidates were trying to buy votes. His sister Malvika Sood Sachar is a Congress candidate from Moga. In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav contested from the Karhal assembly seat in the third phase. He was up against BJP leader and Union Minister S P Singh Baghel.&nbsp;

In this phase, the SP chief's uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav contested from his traditional Jaswantnagar seat. Among the other prominent faces in the fray were BJP's Satish Mahana (Maharajpur in Kanpur) and Ramvir Upadhaya (Sadabad in Hathras), and Louise Khurshid, who is contesting on the Congress ticket from Farrukhabad Sadar.&nbsp;

Louise Khurshid is the wife of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid. Meanwhile, Kanpur Mayor Pramila Pandey and former BJP office-bearer Nawab Singh have landed in trouble for posting videos in which they are seen casting their vote inside polling booths. The EC has banned the use of mobile phones inside polling stations.&nbsp;

Pandey took her mobile phone inside the polling booth at Hudson School and clicked a selfie while voting, following which an FIR was lodged against her, a senior official said. The mayor has shared a video that has gone viral on social media platforms. District Magistrate Neha Sharma said the Kanpur mayor has violated the rules of the EC by revealing the name of the party she voted for.&nbsp;

Former city president of BJP's Yuva Morcha, Singh, was also allegedly caught while violating rules. He took a mobile inside a booth and shot a video while casting vote. In Firozabad district, the Samajwadi Party has alleged that one of its agents was beaten up by a BJP worker in Shikohabad in the presence of police. The party tweeted from its official Twitter handle, "SP's election agent is being beaten up by BJP people in presence of police at booth number 158 of Shikohabad Vidhan Sabha of Firozabad district." The SP has asked the EC to cognisance of the matter.

Over 63 per cent polling was recorded till 5 pm in the assembly elections in Punjab, while in the third of the seven phase polls in Uttar Pradesh, it was more than 60 per cent, according to official data.

Over 63 per cent polling was recorded till 5 pm in the assembly elections in Punjab, while in the third of the seven phase polls in Uttar Pradesh, it was more than 60 per cent, according to official data. Polling was held in these states from 8 am to 6 pm, but both have released voting data only till 5 pm. The average voter turnout for the single-phase election to the 117-member assembly in Punjab was 63.44 per cent, according to the state chief electoral office, while in Uttar Pradesh, where 59 constituencies went to polls in phase three, it was 60.63 per cent. The 5 pm voting percentage data for Uttar Pradesh was updated at 10 pm by the Election Commission's Voter Turnout App. Results for the assembly elections of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh will be declared on March 10 along with that of Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand. While in Uttar Pradesh, as many as 627 candidates were in the fray in the third phase of the polls to the 403-member assembly, in Punjab, 1,304 candidates contested the elections. Data for Punjab showed that the Gidderbaha assembly segment recorded the highest turnout of 77.80 per cent while Amritsar South recorded the lowest turnout at 48.06 per cent. Mansa district recorded a maximum voter turnout of 73.34 per cent while Mohali recorded the lowest at 53.10 per cent, it stated. The Voter Turnout App showed that in Uttar Pradesh, highest voting was recorded at 69.05 per cent in Lalitpur district and lowest at 57.71 per cent in Jhansi district. The districts where polling was held were Hathras, Firozabad, Etah, Kasganj, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Etawah, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba. In the 2017 assembly polls, the turnout was 77.4 per cent in Punjab and the figure for the 59 seats in that year in Uttar Pradesh was 62.21 per cent. Punjab witnessed a multi-cornered contest among the Congress, AAP, SAD-BSP, BJP-PLC-SAD (Sanyukt) and the Sanyukt Samaj Morcha (SSM), a political front of various farmer bodies. While the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) contested the polls in alliance with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the BJP fought the elections in alliance with Amarinder Singh-led Punjab Lok Congress and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa-led SAD (Sanyukt). The SSM contested the polls with Haryana Bharatiya Kisan Union (Chaduni) leader Gurnam Singh Chaduni-led Sanyukt Sangharsh Party. Amritsar-based famous conjoined twins Sohan Singh and Mohan Singh, fondly known as Sohna-Mohna, cast their separate votes. Sohna-Mohna had recently been handed over two separate electoral photo identity cards by Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju. Both had turned 18 last year and voted for the first time. The Election Commission (EC) restrained actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood from visiting polling booths in Moga in Punjab following complaints that he was trying to influence voters. His vehicle was also impounded by police, said officials. However, Sood, who denied the charges, alleged that other candidates were trying to buy votes. His sister Malvika Sood Sachar is a Congress candidate from Moga. In Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav contested from the Karhal assembly seat in the third phase. He was up against BJP leader and Union Minister S P Singh Baghel. In this phase, the SP chief's uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav contested from his traditional Jaswantnagar seat. Among the other prominent faces in the fray were BJP's Satish Mahana (Maharajpur in Kanpur) and Ramvir Upadhaya (Sadabad in Hathras), and Louise Khurshid, who is contesting on the Congress ticket from Farrukhabad Sadar. Louise Khurshid is the wife of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid. Meanwhile, Kanpur Mayor Pramila Pandey and former BJP office-bearer Nawab Singh have landed in trouble for posting videos in which they are seen casting their vote inside polling booths. The EC has banned the use of mobile phones inside polling stations. Pandey took her mobile phone inside the polling booth at Hudson School and clicked a selfie while voting, following which an FIR was lodged against her, a senior official said. The mayor has shared a video that has gone viral on social media platforms. District Magistrate Neha Sharma said the Kanpur mayor has violated the rules of the EC by revealing the name of the party she voted for. Former city president of BJP's Yuva Morcha, Singh, was also allegedly caught while violating rules. He took a mobile inside a booth and shot a video while casting vote. In Firozabad district, the Samajwadi Party has alleged that one of its agents was beaten up by a BJP worker in Shikohabad in the presence of police. The party tweeted from its official Twitter handle, "SP's election agent is being beaten up by BJP people in presence of police at booth number 158 of Shikohabad Vidhan Sabha of Firozabad district." The SP has asked the EC to cognisance of the matter.

India Assembly Elections 2022: Over 63% polling in Punjab till 5 pm, more than 60% in UP

The outcome of the five state elections will have an impact on the Presidential poll and will also bring some change in the Upper House of Parliament as except for Punjab the other four states were ruled by the BJP with brute majorities in UP and Uttarakhand. 
 
The Bharatiya Janata Party may not be that comfortably placed in the Presidential election which is likely to be conducted in June-July 2022, as the President is indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament and the Assemblies. 
 
The electoral colleges comprises 776 MPs of both the Houses and 4,120 MLAs of all the states and Union Territories. The electoral college has 1,098,903 votes, and a majority is 549,452 votes. As far as the value of votes is concerned, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of votes, approximately 83,824 followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/59-assembly-constituencies-to-vote-in-third-phase-of-up-polls-627-candidates-in-fray-454630">59 assembly constituencies to vote in third phase of UP polls; 627 candidates in fray&nbsp;</a> 
 
The BJP has a brute majority in the assemblies of UP and Uttarakhand and any reduction of seats will put the game in the opposition camp as the Chief Ministers of different regional parties are trying to join hands. 
 
If they join hands and put up a joint candidate, the BJP will find it difficult to get its nominee elected. The only way would be a division in the opposition camp which may be a difficult task. After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is trying to expand her party, Trinamool Congress&nbsp;footprints at the national level, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) had a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. 
 
Not only is the Mumbai meeting important but KCR is also meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Even Mamata Banerjee is likely to travel to Hyderabad to meet KCR. He has the support of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda who could be another possible candidate for President. 
 
However the Chief Ministers trying to unite en bloc is not a good sign for the Congress which may get isolated in the opposition while the BJP has to search for a consensus candidate for the Presidential poll.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2022-polling-begins-in-punjab-59-up-seats-454693">Assembly elections 2022: Polling begins in Punjab, 59 UP seats</a> 
 
KCR's new initiative is to save his home turf as the BJP is expanding its base in Telangana. He is being forced to take on the BJP due to domestic political compulsions, otherwise the party had been bailing out the BJP on key legislation in the Upper House since 2014. 
 
The southern states and Maharashtra account for more than 200 Lok Sabha seats and almost half of the electoral college which could be crucial in the next Presidential poll. If the regional parties team up, it will be unlikely that the BJP will have its way in the choice of President. 
 
Thus the electoral outcome in the five states which include UP will impact the presidential election.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: 3 in 4 people in India’s jails are under-trials

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-3-in-4-people-in-indias-jails-are-under-trials-454641/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

 
 
If the opposition puts up a candidate like NCP supremo Sharad Pawar who is capable of mustering support from others like the Trinamool Congress, the BJD, the TRS, the YSRCP, the CPI-M, the CPI and the other parties, then the BJP will have a tough task ahead of it. 
 
The earlier NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee had to field A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to get support from non-NDA parties, while UPA candidates Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee had attracted support from many political parties.

The outcome of the five state elections will have an impact on the Presidential poll and will also bring some change in the Upper House of Parliament as except for Punjab the other four states were ruled by the BJP with brute majorities in UP and Uttarakhand.

The outcome of the five state elections will have an impact on the Presidential poll and will also bring some change in the Upper House of Parliament as except for Punjab the other four states were ruled by the BJP with brute majorities in UP and Uttarakhand. The Bharatiya Janata Party may not be that comfortably placed in the Presidential election which is likely to be conducted in June-July 2022, as the President is indirectly elected by an electoral college consisting of the elected members of both the Houses of Parliament and the Assemblies. The electoral colleges comprises 776 MPs of both the Houses and 4,120 MLAs of all the states and Union Territories. The electoral college has 1,098,903 votes, and a majority is 549,452 votes. As far as the value of votes is concerned, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of votes, approximately 83,824 followed by Maharashtra and West Bengal. Also read | 59 assembly constituencies to vote in third phase of UP polls; 627 candidates in fray The BJP has a brute majority in the assemblies of UP and Uttarakhand and any reduction of seats will put the game in the opposition camp as the Chief Ministers of different regional parties are trying to join hands. If they join hands and put up a joint candidate, the BJP will find it difficult to get its nominee elected. The only way would be a division in the opposition camp which may be a difficult task. After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who is trying to expand her party, Trinamool Congress footprints at the national level, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) had a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Not only is the Mumbai meeting important but KCR is also meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Even Mamata Banerjee is likely to travel to Hyderabad to meet KCR. He has the support of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda who could be another possible candidate for President. However the Chief Ministers trying to unite en bloc is not a good sign for the Congress which may get isolated in the opposition while the BJP has to search for a consensus candidate for the Presidential poll. Also read | Assembly elections 2022: Polling begins in Punjab, 59 UP seats KCR's new initiative is to save his home turf as the BJP is expanding its base in Telangana. He is being forced to take on the BJP due to domestic political compulsions, otherwise the party had been bailing out the BJP on key legislation in the Upper House since 2014. The southern states and Maharashtra account for more than 200 Lok Sabha seats and almost half of the electoral college which could be crucial in the next Presidential poll. If the regional parties team up, it will be unlikely that the BJP will have its way in the choice of President. Thus the electoral outcome in the five states which include UP will impact the presidential election. Watch | Gravitas Plus: 3 in 4 people in India’s jails are under-trials If the opposition puts up a candidate like NCP supremo Sharad Pawar who is capable of mustering support from others like the Trinamool Congress, the BJD, the TRS, the YSRCP, the CPI-M, the CPI and the other parties, then the BJP will have a tough task ahead of it. The earlier NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee had to field A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to get support from non-NDA parties, while UPA candidates Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee had attracted support from many political parties.

How Assembly polls will impact Presidential and Rajya Sabha elections

"Mark Twain said politics is the last resort of the scoundrels and we're here to change that," said actor and politician Kamal Haasan, as he announced his outfit Makkal Needhi Maiam's first list of 70&nbsp;candidates who are to contest the upcoming Assembly polls. While the actor's name was not in this list, the notable names include former Tamil Nadu IT secretary Dr Santhosh Babu and V. Ponraj who served as an advisor to President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.&nbsp;

Speaking at the event, the actor said that the DMK was portraying itself wrongly as the saviour of Tamils and that the incumbent AIADMK was accusing the DMK of being a dynasty party. He added that the BJP was making attempts to divide the state into communal lines.&nbsp;

Haasan said that even as a politician he would continue to be a firm defender of the Freedoms of language, speech and culture, keeping in line with his views as an actor.&nbsp;

Introducing the candidates, who included a considerable number of women, Haasan said that almost all of them were self-employed. He added that winning and entering the legislative assembly was not their end goal, but that they aspired to fulfil at least 50 per cent of their promises during their tenure if elected.&nbsp;

Lashing out at the DMK and AIADMK which had made announcements (lifted from Kamal Haasan's plan) on providing income for Homemakers, he said that the Makkal Needhi Maiam was not meant to make lists of ideas for the two Dravidian majors, but was meant to oust them.&nbsp;

Makkal Needhi Maiam's candidates will be contesting from 154 seats, whereas their allies AISMK and IJK will be contesting 40 seats each. In addition to this, the actor's party is also said to be in talks with the SDPI for an alliance.

"Mark Twain said politics is the last resort of the scoundrels and we're here to change that," said actor and politician Kamal Haasan, as he announced his outfit Makkal Needhi Maiam's first list of 70 candidates who are to contest the upcoming Assembly polls.

"Mark Twain said politics is the last resort of the scoundrels and we're here to change that," said actor and politician Kamal Haasan, as he announced his outfit Makkal Needhi Maiam's first list of 70 candidates who are to contest the upcoming Assembly polls. While the actor's name was not in this list, the notable names include former Tamil Nadu IT secretary Dr Santhosh Babu and V. Ponraj who served as an advisor to President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. Speaking at the event, the actor said that the DMK was portraying itself wrongly as the saviour of Tamils and that the incumbent AIADMK was accusing the DMK of being a dynasty party. He added that the BJP was making attempts to divide the state into communal lines. Haasan said that even as a politician he would continue to be a firm defender of the Freedoms of language, speech and culture, keeping in line with his views as an actor. Introducing the candidates, who included a considerable number of women, Haasan said that almost all of them were self-employed. He added that winning and entering the legislative assembly was not their end goal, but that they aspired to fulfil at least 50 per cent of their promises during their tenure if elected. Lashing out at the DMK and AIADMK which had made announcements (lifted from Kamal Haasan's plan) on providing income for Homemakers, he said that the Makkal Needhi Maiam was not meant to make lists of ideas for the two Dravidian majors, but was meant to oust them. Makkal Needhi Maiam's candidates will be contesting from 154 seats, whereas their allies AISMK and IJK will be contesting 40 seats each. In addition to this, the actor's party is also said to be in talks with the SDPI for an alliance.

Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: Kamal Haasan unveils his party's first list of 70 candidates 

It is not without significance that Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ended his victory acceptance speech by thanking Lord Hanuman and loudly shouting Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Matram and Inquilab Zindabad. One can say that a significant shift in Indian politics has taken place.&nbsp;

From competitive minoritism, politics has moved to competitive Hindutva where different shades of ideology&nbsp;are available in political market and politicians, even if profoundly secular, have ensured that they do not get accused as anti-Hindu in the political discourse.&nbsp;

This indeed is a new reality of Indian politics which today stands internalised by the non-BJP parties as well. Many experts would say that it is tactical in nature, but the fact remains that Kejriwal publicly acknowledged it.

Delhi’s results can be divided neatly into four parts.

First, AAP’s campaign was positive in nature and all-inclusive. AAP refused to become part of BJP’s vicious campaign to polarise the electorate. AAP avoided the trap. Arvind Kejriwal neither went to JNU nor Jamia. He extended his support to the students but never became part of the protest. In fact, one can say that life came a full circle in Indian politics. BJP supported Anna Hazare’s campaign against BJP but did not overtly adopt it. BJP won a handsome mandate in 2014. AAP, on the other hand, supported the students of JNU and Shaheen Bagh, but did not adopt the campaign. The verdict of the 2020 Assembly Elections speaks volumes about it. What is even more important is that unlike Rahul Gandhi who got accused of soft Hindutva, no one seemed to have mind Arvind Kejriwal’s recitation of Hanuman Chalisa during the campaign.

The second important aspect was the complete failure of BJP’s politics of nationalism and polarisation. BJP can take consolation in the fact that they were able to increase the vote bank, but it could not translate into numbers. BJP got a massive drubbing. Despite deploying a number of ministers, BJP did not catch the imagination of the public. BJP has been out of power in Delhi since&nbsp;1998.&nbsp;

This is the 5th election which BJP has lost in Delhi. BJP has swept Delhi twice during Lok Sabha elections, but failed in Assembly Elections. It raises the question as to why BJP tried to use national issues to fight local elections. BJP could not win previous state elections despite raising issues like abrogation of Article 370 and CAA. BJP tried to use Shaheen Bagh as an object of polarisation but failed to do so. The primary reason was that the protesters at Shaheen Bagh were using the constitution as a symbol of protests and did not allow the slogans to become overtly religious. BJP did consolidate its core vote and gained but could not replace the imagination of Kejriwal who fought elections on civic issues. In fact, results mark the homecoming of Bijali Pani issues in electoral politics. People of Delhi responded to the policies of Kejriwal and his consistent message of development which BJP could not counter. BJP also did not have a chief ministerial candidate which added to the problem.

The third aspect of Delhi’s election is the return of the regional parties. BJP swept state after state post-2014 Lok Sabha elections. BJP seemed invincible. After 2019 results and abrogation of Article 370, experts believed that it would be next to impossible to hold back BJP. But then came the shock - BJP fell short of a majority in Haryana and Shiv Sena ditched them in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena eloped with Congress and NCP, and consequently, BJP had to rope in JJP which ran a vicious campaign against BJP.&nbsp;

Even in Jharkhand, BJP lost the elections. It is for this reason that results in Delhi become important. Instead of Congress, regional parties have emerged as a bulwark against BJP in national and state politics. For the next two years, BJP would be duelling with regional satraps in state elections. Be it the case of Bihar, West Bengal or Uttar Pradesh, the biggest national party Congress is in no position to defeat BJP. On the other hand, regional satraps like Kejriwal, Mamta Banerjee, Jagan Mohan Reddy and K Chandrashekhar Rao have emerged as big players. Even Udhav Thackery can be counted in the same league despite running a coalition government with NCP and the Congress in Maharashtra. During the 1970s, no national party could match Indira Gandhi’s might. Regional parties had to come together, merge and create something bigger to stop Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;

National parties like Jan Sangh and Swatantra Party were too weak to do so. Today, both Left and Congress are no match to Narendra Modi and regional parties like AAP, TMC and DMK are the ones standing between Narendra Modi and his ambitions.

Lastly, Delhi’s elections also show the death of Congress in India’s capital. It also demonstrated the irrelevance of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Congress is not only a spent force in this election, but it has also become irrelevant in the scheme of things. This also casts a shadow on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership potential once again who has been trying to get back at helms of affairs. Delhi’s results will impact the ability of the Congress to manoeuvre regional parties in Rajya Sabha in the second part of the Budget Session where the important bill would be tabled. So, the question is can Congress reinvent without Gandhis? Can Delhi show the way to the Congress leaders and push them to take the courageous step to create new and vibrant Congress without Gandhis. These are the questions which congress must address.

To sum it up with a joke on Twitter: BJP = Ram Mandir, AAP = Hanuman Mandir and Congress = Old Mandir. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It is not without significance that Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ended his victory acceptance speech by thanking Lord Hanuman and loudly shouting Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Matram and Inquilab Zindabad.

It is not without significance that Delhi’s chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ended his victory acceptance speech by thanking Lord Hanuman and loudly shouting Bharat Mata Ki Jai, Vande Matram and Inquilab Zindabad. One can say that a significant shift in Indian politics has taken place. From competitive minoritism, politics has moved to competitive Hindutva where different shades of ideology are available in political market and politicians, even if profoundly secular, have ensured that they do not get accused as anti-Hindu in the political discourse. This indeed is a new reality of Indian politics which today stands internalised by the non-BJP parties as well. Many experts would say that it is tactical in nature, but the fact remains that Kejriwal publicly acknowledged it. Delhi’s results can be divided neatly into four parts. First, AAP’s campaign was positive in nature and all-inclusive. AAP refused to become part of BJP’s vicious campaign to polarise the electorate. AAP avoided the trap. Arvind Kejriwal neither went to JNU nor Jamia. He extended his support to the students but never became part of the protest. In fact, one can say that life came a full circle in Indian politics. BJP supported Anna Hazare’s campaign against BJP but did not overtly adopt it. BJP won a handsome mandate in 2014. AAP, on the other hand, supported the students of JNU and Shaheen Bagh, but did not adopt the campaign. The verdict of the 2020 Assembly Elections speaks volumes about it. What is even more important is that unlike Rahul Gandhi who got accused of soft Hindutva, no one seemed to have mind Arvind Kejriwal’s recitation of Hanuman Chalisa during the campaign. The second important aspect was the complete failure of BJP’s politics of nationalism and polarisation. BJP can take consolation in the fact that they were able to increase the vote bank, but it could not translate into numbers. BJP got a massive drubbing. Despite deploying a number of ministers, BJP did not catch the imagination of the public. BJP has been out of power in Delhi since 1998. This is the 5th election which BJP has lost in Delhi. BJP has swept Delhi twice during Lok Sabha elections, but failed in Assembly Elections. It raises the question as to why BJP tried to use national issues to fight local elections. BJP could not win previous state elections despite raising issues like abrogation of Article 370 and CAA. BJP tried to use Shaheen Bagh as an object of polarisation but failed to do so. The primary reason was that the protesters at Shaheen Bagh were using the constitution as a symbol of protests and did not allow the slogans to become overtly religious. BJP did consolidate its core vote and gained but could not replace the imagination of Kejriwal who fought elections on civic issues. In fact, results mark the homecoming of Bijali Pani issues in electoral politics. People of Delhi responded to the policies of Kejriwal and his consistent message of development which BJP could not counter. BJP also did not have a chief ministerial candidate which added to the problem. The third aspect of Delhi’s election is the return of the regional parties. BJP swept state after state post-2014 Lok Sabha elections. BJP seemed invincible. After 2019 results and abrogation of Article 370, experts believed that it would be next to impossible to hold back BJP. But then came the shock - BJP fell short of a majority in Haryana and Shiv Sena ditched them in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena eloped with Congress and NCP, and consequently, BJP had to rope in JJP which ran a vicious campaign against BJP. Even in Jharkhand, BJP lost the elections. It is for this reason that results in Delhi become important. Instead of Congress, regional parties have emerged as a bulwark against BJP in national and state politics. For the next two years, BJP would be duelling with regional satraps in state elections. Be it the case of Bihar, West Bengal or Uttar Pradesh, the biggest national party Congress is in no position to defeat BJP. On the other hand, regional satraps like Kejriwal, Mamta Banerjee, Jagan Mohan Reddy and K Chandrashekhar Rao have emerged as big players. Even Udhav Thackery can be counted in the same league despite running a coalition government with NCP and the Congress in Maharashtra. During the 1970s, no national party could match Indira Gandhi’s might. Regional parties had to come together, merge and create something bigger to stop Indira Gandhi. National parties like Jan Sangh and Swatantra Party were too weak to do so. Today, both Left and Congress are no match to Narendra Modi and regional parties like AAP, TMC and DMK are the ones standing between Narendra Modi and his ambitions. Lastly, Delhi’s elections also show the death of Congress in India’s capital. It also demonstrated the irrelevance of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. Congress is not only a spent force in this election, but it has also become irrelevant in the scheme of things. This also casts a shadow on Rahul Gandhi’s leadership potential once again who has been trying to get back at helms of affairs. Delhi’s results will impact the ability of the Congress to manoeuvre regional parties in Rajya Sabha in the second part of the Budget Session where the important bill would be tabled. So, the question is can Congress reinvent without Gandhis? Can Delhi show the way to the Congress leaders and push them to take the courageous step to create new and vibrant Congress without Gandhis. These are the questions which congress must address. To sum it up with a joke on Twitter: BJP = Ram Mandir, AAP = Hanuman Mandir and Congress = Old Mandir. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Thank you, Hanuman Ji: Why AAP swept Delhi

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jharkhand-assembly-elections-first-phase-of-polling-13-seats-begins-265332">Jharkhand</a> on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment. 
 
Speaking to ANI in Lohargada, a voter Vikas Verma said, "I voted for the party that called for development in the state. I hope that the party will work on the issue of development." 
 
In Daltonganj, Ram Tiwari said, "Development ha not taken place here. There is poverty and unemployment. I voted on these issues. This time I feel a lot of people will come to vote. There is no fear among the voters here." 
 
Shravan Kumar Tiwari said, "I voted on the issue of unemployment. Many youths are losing their jobs so I voted for the party that brings employment." 
 
While Arvind Tiwari was highly critical of the governments in past saying, "There are problems of lack of electricity and water in the region. In the past 30 years, no government did the task of providing fulltime electricity and water. There is unemployment as well so I voted on these issues." 
 
The first phase of polling in 13 constituencies spread across six districts of Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-janshakti-party-releases-third-list-of-24-candidates-for-jharkhand-assembly-polls-264865">The constituencies where polling is taking place</a> are -&nbsp;Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur.

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment.

As the first of the five-phase polling began in 13 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand on Saturday, voters in Lohargada and Daltonganj are concerned on the issues of development and unemployment. Speaking to ANI in Lohargada, a voter Vikas Verma said, "I voted for the party that called for development in the state. I hope that the party will work on the issue of development." In Daltonganj, Ram Tiwari said, "Development ha not taken place here. There is poverty and unemployment. I voted on these issues. This time I feel a lot of people will come to vote. There is no fear among the voters here." Shravan Kumar Tiwari said, "I voted on the issue of unemployment. Many youths are losing their jobs so I voted for the party that brings employment." While Arvind Tiwari was highly critical of the governments in past saying, "There are problems of lack of electricity and water in the region. In the past 30 years, no government did the task of providing fulltime electricity and water. There is unemployment as well so I voted on these issues." The first phase of polling in 13 constituencies spread across six districts of Jharkhand commenced on Saturday morning. The constituencies where polling is taking place are - Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur.

Jharkhand: Voters stress on the issue of development in assembly polls in Lohardaga, Daltonganj

The first phase of polling for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-janshakti-party-releases-third-list-of-24-candidates-for-jharkhand-assembly-polls-264865">Assembly elections</a>&nbsp;began today in Jharkhand. The phase encompasses 13 constituencies spread across six districts, with voting slated to last until 3 pm.

37 lakh people are eligible to vote in these elections, to decide the fate of 189 candidates, including 15 female candidates in the first phase of Assembly elections, said Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinay Kumar Choubey on Friday.

The constituencies where polling is taking place are Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur. 
 
Security measures have been taken to avoid any issues. "Adequate security has been ensured in all polling booths across the constituencies which will go to polls in the first phase. Special arrangements have been made for the specially-abled voters," Choubey said. 
 
The district administration in Jharkhand has tightened the security in two assembly constituencies, Latehar and Manika, where a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-will-completely-uproot-naxalism-in-jharkhand-amit-shah-265107">Naxal attack</a> took place a few days ago.

The authorities expressed confidence in arrangements that have been made to conduct the elections peacefully.

As many as 67 assembly constituencies are "very extremely" to "extremely" affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora had said.

"We have completed our security preparations, whether it is security or dispatch. Security forces at required places have also been deployed. We are ready to conduct the poll peacefully. Hypersensitive booths have been further divided into clusters, superclusters and zones," Deputy Commissioner of Latehar, Zeeshan Qamar told ANI on Thursday. 
 
Jharkhand, an 81-member assembly, will have polls in five phases up to December 20.&nbsp; 
 
Incumbent Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who became the first CM of the state to complete a full term in office, is seeking another five-year term.

The tenure of the current Assembly ends on January 5, 2020. 
 
Apart from the BJP, Congress, JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) are major players in the state Assembly elections. The Congress, JMM and RJD are contesting the polls together.

This is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjps-jharkhand-manifesto-lays-emphasis-on-skill-education-264950">fourth Assembly election</a> in Jharkhand since the state was carved out in 2000.

The votes will be counted on December 23.

(With inputs from ANI)

The first phase of polling for Assembly elections began today in Jharkhand. The phase encompasses 13 constituencies spread across six districts, with voting slated to last until 3 pm.

The first phase of polling for Assembly elections began today in Jharkhand. The phase encompasses 13 constituencies spread across six districts, with voting slated to last until 3 pm. 37 lakh people are eligible to vote in these elections, to decide the fate of 189 candidates, including 15 female candidates in the first phase of Assembly elections, said Jharkhand Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinay Kumar Choubey on Friday. The constituencies where polling is taking place are Chatra, Gumla, Bishunpur, Lohardaga, Manika, Latehar, Panki, Daltonganj, Bishrampur, Chhatarpur, Hussainabad, Garhwa and Bhawanathpur. Security measures have been taken to avoid any issues. "Adequate security has been ensured in all polling booths across the constituencies which will go to polls in the first phase. Special arrangements have been made for the specially-abled voters," Choubey said. The district administration in Jharkhand has tightened the security in two assembly constituencies, Latehar and Manika, where a Naxal attack took place a few days ago. The authorities expressed confidence in arrangements that have been made to conduct the elections peacefully. As many as 67 assembly constituencies are "very extremely" to "extremely" affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora had said. "We have completed our security preparations, whether it is security or dispatch. Security forces at required places have also been deployed. We are ready to conduct the poll peacefully. Hypersensitive booths have been further divided into clusters, superclusters and zones," Deputy Commissioner of Latehar, Zeeshan Qamar told ANI on Thursday. Jharkhand, an 81-member assembly, will have polls in five phases up to December 20. Incumbent Chief Minister Raghubar Das, who became the first CM of the state to complete a full term in office, is seeking another five-year term. The tenure of the current Assembly ends on January 5, 2020. Apart from the BJP, Congress, JMM (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha) and RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) are major players in the state Assembly elections. The Congress, JMM and RJD are contesting the polls together. This is the fourth Assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out in 2000. The votes will be counted on December 23. (With inputs from ANI)

Jharkhand Assembly elections: First phase of polling begins

Jharkhand is the third state going for assembly polls after the Narendra Modi government came to power for its consecutive second term.

The voting will be held in five phases, with the first on November 30 and the last on December 20. Results will be declared on December 23.

It is a state where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did very well in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections BJP secured more than 51 per cent votes. Congress polled 15 per cent and the third-largest party was Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) with 11 per cent of votes.&nbsp;

Despite the humongous sweep, BJP is facing anti-incumbency in the state elections. The mood in Opposition is also buoyant post-Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections where despite the absence of national leadership, Congress was able to hold forth.&nbsp;

WION caught up with former Union Minister of Home and Congress General Secretary in charge of Jharkhand RPN Singh. 
&nbsp; 
WION: How do you see Congress doing in Jharkhand in wake of surprise results in Maharashtra and Haryana?

RPN Singh: Maharashtra and Haryana elections were indicators of the fact that voters behave differently in the Assembly elections where&nbsp;local and immediate issues count.&nbsp;

Voters expressed displeasure in BJP’s leadership and it is for this reason that in both the states BJP did not get numbers on its own.&nbsp;

Real issues like jobs, agrarian distress and the economic slide have not been addressed and it is for this reason BJP’s performance was below par in both the states. 
&nbsp; 
WION: How is your alliance with JMM doing?

RPN Singh: We are committed to our alliance. We also announced our alliance on November 8. BJP’s house is not in order in Jharkhand. They don’t have friends in the state. 
&nbsp; 
WION: What are the issues in the state?

RPN Singh: Corruption is an issue in Jharkhand. Joblessness is an issue in the state. BJP has given tickets to corrupt candidates. Politicians with criminal records have been accommodated by BJP.

These issues are striking a chord with the voters. Under BJP, governance took a hit. BJP is not sitting comfortably. Yes, they did very well in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls but assembly results were different. BJP in 2014 could not get a simple majority. They are in power with the help of regional players.

To say that 2019 Lok Sabha results will translate into assembly victory is getting the election completely wrong. Elections in Jharkhand would be fought seat by seat and phase by phase. It is a big and complex state where various regional factors are important.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: Why is Congress so confident? Your own Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president left the Party?

RPN Singh: People come and go. It does not make a difference to the party. Fortune of the party ultimately depends on the workers. Till workers remains, party does well.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
WION: Will Ayodhya verdict impact Jharkhand elections?

RPN Singh: Congress respects the judgement of the Supreme Court. BJP will try to divert attention from the real issues, but it will not impact the elections. Elections in Jharkhand are being fought on the issue of governance and corruption.

Jharkhand is the third state going for assembly polls after the Narendra Modi government came to power for its consecutive second term. The voting will be held in five phases, with the first on November 30 and the last on December 20.

Jharkhand is the third state going for assembly polls after the Narendra Modi government came to power for its consecutive second term. The voting will be held in five phases, with the first on November 30 and the last on December 20. Results will be declared on December 23. It is a state where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did very well in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2019 Lok Sabha elections BJP secured more than 51 per cent votes. Congress polled 15 per cent and the third-largest party was Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) with 11 per cent of votes. Despite the humongous sweep, BJP is facing anti-incumbency in the state elections. The mood in Opposition is also buoyant post-Maharashtra and Haryana assembly elections where despite the absence of national leadership, Congress was able to hold forth. WION caught up with former Union Minister of Home and Congress General Secretary in charge of Jharkhand RPN Singh. WION: How do you see Congress doing in Jharkhand in wake of surprise results in Maharashtra and Haryana? RPN Singh: Maharashtra and Haryana elections were indicators of the fact that voters behave differently in the Assembly elections where local and immediate issues count. Voters expressed displeasure in BJP’s leadership and it is for this reason that in both the states BJP did not get numbers on its own. Real issues like jobs, agrarian distress and the economic slide have not been addressed and it is for this reason BJP’s performance was below par in both the states. WION: How is your alliance with JMM doing? RPN Singh: We are committed to our alliance. We also announced our alliance on November 8. BJP’s house is not in order in Jharkhand. They don’t have friends in the state. WION: What are the issues in the state? RPN Singh: Corruption is an issue in Jharkhand. Joblessness is an issue in the state. BJP has given tickets to corrupt candidates. Politicians with criminal records have been accommodated by BJP. These issues are striking a chord with the voters. Under BJP, governance took a hit. BJP is not sitting comfortably. Yes, they did very well in both 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls but assembly results were different. BJP in 2014 could not get a simple majority. They are in power with the help of regional players. To say that 2019 Lok Sabha results will translate into assembly victory is getting the election completely wrong. Elections in Jharkhand would be fought seat by seat and phase by phase. It is a big and complex state where various regional factors are important. WION: Why is Congress so confident? Your own Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president left the Party? RPN Singh: People come and go. It does not make a difference to the party. Fortune of the party ultimately depends on the workers. Till workers remains, party does well. WION: Will Ayodhya verdict impact Jharkhand elections? RPN Singh: Congress respects the judgement of the Supreme Court. BJP will try to divert attention from the real issues, but it will not impact the elections. Elections in Jharkhand are being fought on the issue of governance and corruption.

People come and go, it does not make difference to the Congress: RPN Singh

Jharkhand election is being fought on local issues: RPN Singh

Ashok Tanwar and Ajoy Kumar were only interested in tickets for their family

BJP has planned a concerted campaign by its national leaders for the Jharkhand assembly polls with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to address five to eight rallies and party chief Amit Shah at least 10 rallies, party sources said.

They said that Shah would kick-start the campaign by the national leadership on November 21 and would also hold rallies on December 2, 5, 9, 14, and 17.

The sources said BJP working president JP Nadda will address at least 15 rallies. Union ministers including Rajnath Singh, Prakash Javadekar and Giriraj Singh will also campaign in the state.

Jharkhand will go to the polls in five phases from November 30.

This will be the fourth assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000.

BJP has planned a concerted campaign by its national leaders for the Jharkhand assembly polls with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to address five to eight rallies and party chief Amit Shah at least 10 rallies, party sources said.

BJP has planned a concerted campaign by its national leaders for the Jharkhand assembly polls with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to address five to eight rallies and party chief Amit Shah at least 10 rallies, party sources said. They said that Shah would kick-start the campaign by the national leadership on November 21 and would also hold rallies on December 2, 5, 9, 14, and 17. The sources said BJP working president JP Nadda will address at least 15 rallies. Union ministers including Rajnath Singh, Prakash Javadekar and Giriraj Singh will also campaign in the state. Jharkhand will go to the polls in five phases from November 30. This will be the fourth assembly election in Jharkhand since the state was carved out of Bihar in 2000.

Jharkhand assembly polls: Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to address 5 to 8 rallies

The Congress party on Sunday released its first list of five candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections scheduled to be held in five phases from November 30.

According to the list of candidates, Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Rameshwar Oraon will contest from Lohardaga (ST) constituency.

Among the other candidates are -- Ramchandra Singh from Manika (ST) constituency, KN Tripathy from Daltonganj, Chandrashekhar Dubey from Bishrampur and KP Yadav from Bhawanathpur.

"The Central Election Committee has approved the candidates for the ensuing first phase of general elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jharkhand," AICC press release undersigned by party general secretary, in-charge CEC, Mukul Wasnik said.

The 81-member Jharkhand assembly will go to polls in five phases between November 30 and December 20 and the votes will be counted on December 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Congress party on Sunday released its first list of five candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections scheduled to be held in five phases from November 30.

The Congress party on Sunday released its first list of five candidates for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections scheduled to be held in five phases from November 30. According to the list of candidates, Jharkhand Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Rameshwar Oraon will contest from Lohardaga (ST) constituency. Among the other candidates are -- Ramchandra Singh from Manika (ST) constituency, KN Tripathy from Daltonganj, Chandrashekhar Dubey from Bishrampur and KP Yadav from Bhawanathpur. "The Central Election Committee has approved the candidates for the ensuing first phase of general elections to the Legislative Assembly of Jharkhand," AICC press release undersigned by party general secretary, in-charge CEC, Mukul Wasnik said. The 81-member Jharkhand assembly will go to polls in five phases between November 30 and December 20 and the votes will be counted on December 23.

Congress releases first list for Jharkhand assembly polls

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and other senior state party leaders on Thursday met BJP president Amit Shah at his residence here to finalise the list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections.

Apart from Das, the meeting was attended by Jharkhand BJP president Laxman Gilua, election in-charge O P Mathur and election co-in-charge Ram Vichar Netam along with the Union Minister from the state Arjun Munda.

The meeting, which began around 6 pm, concluded in the early hours of Friday.

Ahead of the scheduled meeting with Shah, senior party leaders had managed to bring down the number of prospective candidates on each seat from 15 to five.

"We can't go unprepared. Even if we have brought down the candidates to 15 to 5 or 10 to 4, Adhyaksh Ji would be sitting there with his data on every seat. There is no scope of pushing one's candidacy without merit," a senior BJP leader said.

Earlier, in the day, a core group had met for deliberations on the candidates. Several MPs were also invited for the same.

A senior party leader said that names from workers from each Mandal and district and Members of Parliament were considered while shortlisting the names.

The 81-member Jharkhand assembly is set to go for a five-phased election from November 30 to December 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.&nbsp;

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and other senior state party leaders on Thursday met BJP president Amit Shah at his residence here to finalise the list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and other senior state party leaders on Thursday met BJP president Amit Shah at his residence here to finalise the list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections. Apart from Das, the meeting was attended by Jharkhand BJP president Laxman Gilua, election in-charge O P Mathur and election co-in-charge Ram Vichar Netam along with the Union Minister from the state Arjun Munda. The meeting, which began around 6 pm, concluded in the early hours of Friday. Ahead of the scheduled meeting with Shah, senior party leaders had managed to bring down the number of prospective candidates on each seat from 15 to five. "We can't go unprepared. Even if we have brought down the candidates to 15 to 5 or 10 to 4, Adhyaksh Ji would be sitting there with his data on every seat. There is no scope of pushing one's candidacy without merit," a senior BJP leader said. Earlier, in the day, a core group had met for deliberations on the candidates. Several MPs were also invited for the same. A senior party leader said that names from workers from each Mandal and district and Members of Parliament were considered while shortlisting the names. The 81-member Jharkhand assembly is set to go for a five-phased election from November 30 to December 20. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

Jharkhand CM meets Amit Shah to finalise candidates for Assembly polls

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said.

The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13.

This will be his first election campaign after the Lok Sabha polls debacle.

Maharashtra will go for polls on October 21, while the results for the same will be declared on October 24.&nbsp;

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said. The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to campaign in the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra on October 13 and 15, party sources said. The former Congress president will hold an election rally in Mumbai on October 13. This will be his first election campaign after the Lok Sabha polls debacle. Maharashtra will go for polls on October 21, while the results for the same will be declared on October 24.

Rahul Gandhi to campaign for Maharashtra assembly polls on October 13, 15

A total number of 1,168 candidates are left in the fray for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana scheduled to be held on October 1 as the deadline for withdrawal of nomination ends.

The last date for withdrawal of nomination by the candidates was October 7.

"A total number of 1,168 candidates will contest on 90 assembly seats in the Haryana Assembly elections, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Inder Jeet said in a statement on Monday. The Election Commission also allotted election symbols to various political parties contesting the Assembly polls -2019 in the state. Giving district-wise details, the Joint CEO said, after the withdrawal of the names, 36 candidates from Ambala, 58 from Jhajjar, 57 from Kaithal, 44 from Kurukshetra, 66 from Sirsa and 118 from Hisar, are left in the election fray."

"Similarly, 46 candidates from Yamunanagar district, 45 from Mahendragarh, 27 from Charkhi district, 41 from Rewari, 63 from Jind, 24 from Panchkula, 50 from Fatehabad will contest the elections," Inder jeet said.

Meanwhile, 58 candidates from Rohtak district, 40 from Panipat, 35 from Mewat, 72 from Sonipat, 69 from Faridabad, 71 from Bhiwani, 59 from Karnal and 54 from Gurgaon and 35 candidates from Palwal will be contesting the Assembly polls.

The polling will be held on October 21 and the counting of votes will take place on October 24.&nbsp;

A total number of 1,168 candidates are left in the fray for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana scheduled to be held on October 1 as the deadline for withdrawal of nomination ends.

A total number of 1,168 candidates are left in the fray for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana scheduled to be held on October 1 as the deadline for withdrawal of nomination ends. The last date for withdrawal of nomination by the candidates was October 7. "A total number of 1,168 candidates will contest on 90 assembly seats in the Haryana Assembly elections, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Inder Jeet said in a statement on Monday. The Election Commission also allotted election symbols to various political parties contesting the Assembly polls -2019 in the state. Giving district-wise details, the Joint CEO said, after the withdrawal of the names, 36 candidates from Ambala, 58 from Jhajjar, 57 from Kaithal, 44 from Kurukshetra, 66 from Sirsa and 118 from Hisar, are left in the election fray." "Similarly, 46 candidates from Yamunanagar district, 45 from Mahendragarh, 27 from Charkhi district, 41 from Rewari, 63 from Jind, 24 from Panchkula, 50 from Fatehabad will contest the elections," Inder jeet said. Meanwhile, 58 candidates from Rohtak district, 40 from Panipat, 35 from Mewat, 72 from Sonipat, 69 from Faridabad, 71 from Bhiwani, 59 from Karnal and 54 from Gurgaon and 35 candidates from Palwal will be contesting the Assembly polls. The polling will be held on October 21 and the counting of votes will take place on October 24.

Haryana Assembly polls: 1,168 candidates to contest on 90 seats

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-begins-preps-for-upcoming-assembly-polls-names-election-in-charges-for-delhi-haryana-jharkhand-maharashtra-241718">Bharatiya Janata Party</a> (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-shiv-sena-to-fight-maharashtra-assembly-polls-in-135-seats-each-chandrakant-patil-223679">Assembly polls in Maharashtra election</a>, which are scheduled to be held on October 21.

Out of the 125 seats, 52 sitting MLAs have been given ticket again while 12 sitting MLAs were denied the ticket by the party.

Prominent among those who have been fielded again in the fray include Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will contest from Nagpur South-West seat, state unit party chief Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud and Pankaja Munda from Parli.

Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP recently, will be contesting from Shirdi whereas State Minister Girish Mahajan has been given the ticket from Jamner. Fadnavis' personal assistant (PA) Abhimanyu Pawar has also been fielded from Ausa.

In addition to these, the BJP also announced that Udayanraje Bhosale will be the party candidate for the Lok Sabha by-poll to be held in Satara constituency.

Bhosale had earlier met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and tendered his resignation as an NCP MP and later joined the BJP in the presence of top party leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The party has also given tickets to new entrants like Vikhe Patil, who will contest from Shirdi. The new entrant from the Congress Harshwardhan Patil has been fielded from Indapur seat.

Sweta Mahale will contest from Chikhli constituency.

BJP's first list has 125 names while the remaining names will be announced in a day or two. Shiv Sena has also released a list of 124 seats. A few seats will go to other alliance partners.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, the BJP and the Shiv Sena had fought separately. The BJP had won 122 seats while the Shiv Sena won 63 seats. Later, the two parties allied to form the government in the state.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the Assembly polls in Maharashtra election, which are scheduled to be held on October 21.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday announced the first list of 125 candidates for the Assembly polls in Maharashtra election, which are scheduled to be held on October 21. Out of the 125 seats, 52 sitting MLAs have been given ticket again while 12 sitting MLAs were denied the ticket by the party. Prominent among those who have been fielded again in the fray include Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who will contest from Nagpur South-West seat, state unit party chief Chandrakant Patil from Kothrud and Pankaja Munda from Parli. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP recently, will be contesting from Shirdi whereas State Minister Girish Mahajan has been given the ticket from Jamner. Fadnavis' personal assistant (PA) Abhimanyu Pawar has also been fielded from Ausa. In addition to these, the BJP also announced that Udayanraje Bhosale will be the party candidate for the Lok Sabha by-poll to be held in Satara constituency. Bhosale had earlier met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and tendered his resignation as an NCP MP and later joined the BJP in the presence of top party leaders including Home Minister Amit Shah, working president JP Nadda and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The party has also given tickets to new entrants like Vikhe Patil, who will contest from Shirdi. The new entrant from the Congress Harshwardhan Patil has been fielded from Indapur seat. Sweta Mahale will contest from Chikhli constituency. BJP's first list has 125 names while the remaining names will be announced in a day or two. Shiv Sena has also released a list of 124 seats. A few seats will go to other alliance partners. In the 2014 Assembly elections, the BJP and the Shiv Sena had fought separately. The BJP had won 122 seats while the Shiv Sena won 63 seats. Later, the two parties allied to form the government in the state.

Maharashtra Assembly polls: BJP announces first list of 125 candidates

A group of people affected by the cash withdrawal restrictions of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank has threatened to boycott the upcoming Assembly elections if the issue is not resolved.

Many PMC Bank account holders have put up a picture addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their social media accounts reading, "I will not vote on October 21 if the PMC bank crisis is not completely resolved in favour of the depositors."

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had, on Thursday, increased the withdrawal limit from Rs 1,000 to 10,000 after several account holders gathered outside the Sion branch of the bank in Mumbai.

"The relaxation has been granted with a view to reducing the hardship of depositors. The RBI is closely monitoring the position and will continue to take further steps as are necessary to safeguard the interest of depositors," RBI said in a statement.

On Monday, the central bank had restricted activities of PMC Bank for six months capping the withdrawals at Rs 1,000 per account and asked the bank to not grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment or incur any liability, including borrowing of funds and acceptance of deposits.

RBI said the directions were necessitated on account of major financial irregularities, failure of internal control and systems of the bank and wrong or under-reporting of its exposures under various off-site surveillance reports.

The RBI has also sacked the bank`s board of directors under sub-sections 1 and 2 of Section 36 AAA read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949.&nbsp;

An administrator has been appointed to take charge.

PMC Bank is a multi-state scheduled urban cooperative bank with operations in Maharashtra, New Delhi, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp;

With a network of 137 branches, it ranks among the top 10 cooperative banks in the country.&nbsp;

A group of people affected by the cash withdrawal restrictions of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank has threatened to boycott the upcoming Assembly elections if the issue is not resolved.

A group of people affected by the cash withdrawal restrictions of Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank has threatened to boycott the upcoming Assembly elections if the issue is not resolved. Many PMC Bank account holders have put up a picture addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on their social media accounts reading, "I will not vote on October 21 if the PMC bank crisis is not completely resolved in favour of the depositors." The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had, on Thursday, increased the withdrawal limit from Rs 1,000 to 10,000 after several account holders gathered outside the Sion branch of the bank in Mumbai. "The relaxation has been granted with a view to reducing the hardship of depositors. The RBI is closely monitoring the position and will continue to take further steps as are necessary to safeguard the interest of depositors," RBI said in a statement. On Monday, the central bank had restricted activities of PMC Bank for six months capping the withdrawals at Rs 1,000 per account and asked the bank to not grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment or incur any liability, including borrowing of funds and acceptance of deposits. RBI said the directions were necessitated on account of major financial irregularities, failure of internal control and systems of the bank and wrong or under-reporting of its exposures under various off-site surveillance reports. The RBI has also sacked the bank`s board of directors under sub-sections 1 and 2 of Section 36 AAA read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949. An administrator has been appointed to take charge. PMC Bank is a multi-state scheduled urban cooperative bank with operations in Maharashtra, New Delhi, Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. With a network of 137 branches, it ranks among the top 10 cooperative banks in the country.

Affected by PMC bank restrictions, many threaten to boycott upcoming Assembly polls

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar on Monday met party's Delhi president Dayanand Rai to chalk out a strategy for the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled to be held next year.

"Nitish Kumar met the Dayanand Rai to talk about the Assembly elections in Delhi. The party will contest all the Assembly seats in Delhi in the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly," party spokesperson Satya Prakash Mishra said in an official statement.

The national capital has a sizable population of Purvanchali voters, he said, adding that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government took their votes but did not do any work.

"The expansion of JD (U) outside Bihar proves that the people have accepted leader Nitish Kumar`s vision and model of development," Mishra added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar on Monday met party's Delhi president Dayanand Rai to chalk out a strategy for the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled to be held next year.

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) national president Nitish Kumar on Monday met party's Delhi president Dayanand Rai to chalk out a strategy for the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled to be held next year. "Nitish Kumar met the Dayanand Rai to talk about the Assembly elections in Delhi. The party will contest all the Assembly seats in Delhi in the upcoming Delhi Legislative Assembly," party spokesperson Satya Prakash Mishra said in an official statement. The national capital has a sizable population of Purvanchali voters, he said, adding that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government took their votes but did not do any work. "The expansion of JD (U) outside Bihar proves that the people have accepted leader Nitish Kumar`s vision and model of development," Mishra added.

JD(U) chalks out strategy for Delhi polls, to contest all seats

Congress legislator Anand Singh on Monday resigned from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-turmoil-congress-mla-injured-in-brawl-notices-sent-to-4-lawmakers-for-skipping-clp-meet-191682">Karnataka Assembly</a>. The Vijayanagar MLA said he submitted his resignation to Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar.&nbsp;

However, Kumar said he was not aware of any such resignation, adding that no leader contacted him.

"Nobody has contacted me or met me. I have got nothing to do with political developments and I will accept resignations even if 20 members resign. I`m not aware of any such resignation. I haven`t met any leader, not even Anand Singh," Kumar told reporters in Kolar.&nbsp;

Sources said as many as five MLAs may resign in the coming days, including Congress' Ramesh Jarkiholi, Mahesh Kumathalli, Pratap Gowda Patil and BC Patil.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, a scuffle had taken place between Singh and his party colleague JN Ganesh. An MLA from Kampli, Ganesh had allegedly assaulted Singh on January 19 following a heated argument at a resort near Bengaluru.&nbsp;

Singh was later admitted to a hospital, while Ganesh was suspended on the directions of state Congress president Dinesh Gundu Rao.

&nbsp;Singh`s resignation comes at a time when cracks are seeming to appear in the Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress coalition in the state. However, the two parties have repeatedly said there is no threat to the alliance and the government would complete its full term.

In the recently held Lok Sabha polls, Congress and the JD(S) failed to make a mark with BJP bagging 25 of the 28 seats along with an Independent backed by it leaving just one seat each to the coalition partners.

&nbsp;Earlier this month, Congress leader K.H. Muniyappa had said his party will contest alone in the local body elections next year. The statement had come days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-is-an-understanding-signed-between-jds-congress-hd-deve-gowda-takes-a-u-turn-229242">JD(S) president H D Deve Gowda</a> lashed out the "Congress` behaviour" while claiming that mid-term elections would "no doubt" be held in the state.

"There is no doubt that there will be mid-term polls. They (Congress) said they will support us for five years but look at their behaviour now. Our people are smart," he had said.&nbsp;

However, the former prime minister later downplayed his comments, saying his remark was about the local body elections and not for the Assembly polls.

Congress legislator Anand Singh on Monday resigned from the Karnataka Assembly. The Vijayanagar MLA said he submitted his resignation to Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar.

Congress legislator Anand Singh on Monday resigned from the Karnataka Assembly. The Vijayanagar MLA said he submitted his resignation to Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar. However, Kumar said he was not aware of any such resignation, adding that no leader contacted him. "Nobody has contacted me or met me. I have got nothing to do with political developments and I will accept resignations even if 20 members resign. I`m not aware of any such resignation. I haven`t met any leader, not even Anand Singh," Kumar told reporters in Kolar. Sources said as many as five MLAs may resign in the coming days, including Congress' Ramesh Jarkiholi, Mahesh Kumathalli, Pratap Gowda Patil and BC Patil. Earlier this year, a scuffle had taken place between Singh and his party colleague JN Ganesh. An MLA from Kampli, Ganesh had allegedly assaulted Singh on January 19 following a heated argument at a resort near Bengaluru. Singh was later admitted to a hospital, while Ganesh was suspended on the directions of state Congress president Dinesh Gundu Rao. Singh`s resignation comes at a time when cracks are seeming to appear in the Janata Dal (Secular) and Congress coalition in the state. However, the two parties have repeatedly said there is no threat to the alliance and the government would complete its full term. In the recently held Lok Sabha polls, Congress and the JD(S) failed to make a mark with BJP bagging 25 of the 28 seats along with an Independent backed by it leaving just one seat each to the coalition partners. Earlier this month, Congress leader K.H. Muniyappa had said his party will contest alone in the local body elections next year. The statement had come days after JD(S) president H D Deve Gowda lashed out the "Congress` behaviour" while claiming that mid-term elections would "no doubt" be held in the state. "There is no doubt that there will be mid-term polls. They (Congress) said they will support us for five years but look at their behaviour now. Our people are smart," he had said. However, the former prime minister later downplayed his comments, saying his remark was about the local body elections and not for the Assembly polls.

Congress MLA Anand Singh resigns from Karnataka Assembly; Speaker 'unaware'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-may-revive-operation-kamala-post-ls-polls-but-it-will-not-succeed-siddaramaiah-210843">Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls.

The Congress Legislature party Leader said he saw nothing wrong in the demand being made by his supporters.

"I have made it very very clear that the chief minister's post is not vacant now (hence no question about me becoming CM). What our people are saying is, after next election, I should become chief minister once again," Siddaramaiah said.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Is there anything that I should not become (Chief Minister) if people give their blessings? Where is that I should not become, if people bless our party?"&nbsp;

"Have they (supporters) said I should become now? In the 2023 election if people bless Congress, Siddaramaiah may become chief minister - this is what they are saying. What is wrong in that?" he asked.

However, Siddaramaiah said, he stands by his earlier word, not to contest the next assembly polls.

"I have said, I will not contest next election, but is there anything that they (supporters) should also say what I have said, they are expressing their opinion.

"I have expressed my opinion that I will not contest next election, even today I will abide by it," he said.

Siddaramaiah noted that when people at meetings demand that he should become CM once again, he responds by saying, "if people bless let us see".

"What is wrong in responding like that to a particular situation,?" he asked.&nbsp;

He also blamed the media for making it a big issue and said, "Where have I said, I will become CM?"&nbsp;

Ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said it could "most likely" be his last election.

Earlier, during the 2013 assembly polls too, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election and went on to become chief minister after the polls.

For the last few days there has been a growing clamour among Congress legislators to make Siddaramaiah CM once again, which has irked JD(S) leaders and the incumbent Chief Minister of the coalition government H D Kumaraswamy.

The issue also had led to a bitter public spat between Siddaramaiah, and his bete noire and JD(S) state President A H Vishwanath. &nbsp; &nbsp;

He said state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "dreaming" about forming the government and becoming chief minister has become a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the people.

"He has been saying this from the day one. He did become the chief minister with 104 MLAs as the single largest party, but had to resign in three days, unable to prove the majority.

He should be ashamed about repeatedly claiming that he will become the chief minister? If he had said it once people might have taken it seriously, but repeatedly saying it, no one will believe him," he said.

Yeddyurappa had recently claimed that there is an "atmosphere" for the BJP to form government in the state, and had said longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after Lok Sabha poll results.

On his spat with JD(S) state President Vishwanth, Siddaramaiah said, "I have already said what I had to on the issue, I don't want to discuss it publicly again.

"I will discuss it in the coordination committee meeting, there ends the matter."&nbsp;

Growing differences between alliance partners has resulted in a public spat between leaders of the two parties in the past few days.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls.

Senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday termed the growing clamour within his party to make him chief minister once again as an expression of supporters' "affection", but said he still stands by his word about not contesting the next assembly polls. The Congress Legislature party Leader said he saw nothing wrong in the demand being made by his supporters. "I have made it very very clear that the chief minister's post is not vacant now (hence no question about me becoming CM). What our people are saying is, after next election, I should become chief minister once again," Siddaramaiah said. Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, he said, "Is there anything that I should not become (Chief Minister) if people give their blessings? Where is that I should not become, if people bless our party?" "Have they (supporters) said I should become now? In the 2023 election if people bless Congress, Siddaramaiah may become chief minister - this is what they are saying. What is wrong in that?" he asked. However, Siddaramaiah said, he stands by his earlier word, not to contest the next assembly polls. "I have said, I will not contest next election, but is there anything that they (supporters) should also say what I have said, they are expressing their opinion. "I have expressed my opinion that I will not contest next election, even today I will abide by it," he said. Siddaramaiah noted that when people at meetings demand that he should become CM once again, he responds by saying, "if people bless let us see". "What is wrong in responding like that to a particular situation,?" he asked. He also blamed the media for making it a big issue and said, "Where have I said, I will become CM?" Ahead of the May 2018 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah had said it could "most likely" be his last election. Earlier, during the 2013 assembly polls too, Siddaramaiah had said that it was his last election and went on to become chief minister after the polls. For the last few days there has been a growing clamour among Congress legislators to make Siddaramaiah CM once again, which has irked JD(S) leaders and the incumbent Chief Minister of the coalition government H D Kumaraswamy. The issue also had led to a bitter public spat between Siddaramaiah, and his bete noire and JD(S) state President A H Vishwanath. He said state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa was "dreaming" about forming the government and becoming chief minister has become a "laughing stock" in the eyes of the people. "He has been saying this from the day one. He did become the chief minister with 104 MLAs as the single largest party, but had to resign in three days, unable to prove the majority. He should be ashamed about repeatedly claiming that he will become the chief minister? If he had said it once people might have taken it seriously, but repeatedly saying it, no one will believe him," he said. Yeddyurappa had recently claimed that there is an "atmosphere" for the BJP to form government in the state, and had said longevity of the coalition government would depend on the stand taken by about 20 "disgruntled" Congress legislators after Lok Sabha poll results. On his spat with JD(S) state President Vishwanth, Siddaramaiah said, "I have already said what I had to on the issue, I don't want to discuss it publicly again. "I will discuss it in the coordination committee meeting, there ends the matter." Growing differences between alliance partners has resulted in a public spat between leaders of the two parties in the past few days.

Still stand by my word not to contest next assembly polls: Congress leader Siddaramaiah

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