Targetting the Election Commission on Sunday, leaders of 21 opposition political parties held a meeting in Delhi to discuss the issue of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/just-a-couple-of-days-after-polls-chandrababu-naidu-raises-questions-over-evms-asks-election-commission-to-revert-to-ballot-system-210068"> EVM malfunctioning</a>.

The parties said they would approach&nbsp;the Supreme Court&nbsp;over the "malfunctioning and tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)" and would demand&nbsp;at least 50 per cent of paper trails be verified with EVMs.

Addressing the media in the national capital, leaders from the political parties accused the Election Commission of not taking the issues seriously and said that the EC "failed" the country and its people.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who Saturday met Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora to raise the issue of EVM malfunctioning, said 21 political parties have demanded verification of VVPAT paper trails of 50 per cent of the EVMs.

"EC is acting under BJP, they are not correct, they have to act impartially which they are not doing. Also, we doubt even EVMs are under manipulation and that's why we are demanding 50% counting of VVPATs. They are not agreeing", Naidu said.

Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said opposition parties will approach the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the EC for counting of at least 50 per cent of the VVPAT slips with the EVMs in every assembly segment.

He said the opposition parties will carry out a nationwide campaign on the issue of discrepancies in EVMs.

"We do not think the EC is doing enough to address the issue of EVM malfunctioning," Singhvi alleged.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Monday directed the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per assembly segment, from one at present, in the Lok Sabha polls, saying it will provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but the entire electorate.&nbsp;

Meanwhile taking a dig at the Centre, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said, &nbsp;there's no in-built fault in EVMs, BJP tampering with them: Arvind Kejriwal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Targetting the Election Commission on Sunday, leaders of 21 opposition political parties held a meeting in Delhi to discuss the issue of EVM malfunctioning. The parties said they would approach the Supreme Court over the "malfunctioning and tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)" and would demand at least 50 per cent of paper trails be verified with EVMs.

Targetting the Election Commission on Sunday, leaders of 21 opposition political parties held a meeting in Delhi to discuss the issue of EVM malfunctioning. The parties said they would approach the Supreme Court over the "malfunctioning and tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)" and would demand at least 50 per cent of paper trails be verified with EVMs. Addressing the media in the national capital, leaders from the political parties accused the Election Commission of not taking the issues seriously and said that the EC "failed" the country and its people. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who Saturday met Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora to raise the issue of EVM malfunctioning, said 21 political parties have demanded verification of VVPAT paper trails of 50 per cent of the EVMs. "EC is acting under BJP, they are not correct, they have to act impartially which they are not doing. Also, we doubt even EVMs are under manipulation and that's why we are demanding 50% counting of VVPATs. They are not agreeing", Naidu said. Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said opposition parties will approach the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the EC for counting of at least 50 per cent of the VVPAT slips with the EVMs in every assembly segment. He said the opposition parties will carry out a nationwide campaign on the issue of discrepancies in EVMs. "We do not think the EC is doing enough to address the issue of EVM malfunctioning," Singhvi alleged. The Supreme Court Monday directed the EC to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs to five polling booths per assembly segment, from one at present, in the Lok Sabha polls, saying it will provide greater satisfaction not just to political parties but the entire electorate. Meanwhile taking a dig at the Centre, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said, there's no in-built fault in EVMs, BJP tampering with them: Arvind Kejriwal. (With inputs from agencies)

Opposition parties to approach Supreme Court again to demand verification of 50% votes by paper trails

Union <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-will-make-sedition-law-even-more-stringent-rajnath-singh-209977">Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Sunday slammed the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj&nbsp;Party for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for Lok Sabha polls. Singh noted that the alliance has been "formed to stop Narendra Modi".&nbsp;

Singh, while addressing a gathering in Nagina, Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, said that "it could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP".

"They came together knowing that they all will be swept away in the Modi wave," Singh added.&nbsp;

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HM Rajnath Singh in Nagina, Bijnor: SP-BSP have formed an alliance to stop Narendra Modi ji. It could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP. They knew 'Modi ki aandhi mein hum (SP and BSP) akele tinke ki tarah beh jaenge', so they came together. <a href="https://t.co/Lez0oGQX5D">pic.twitter.com/Lez0oGQX5D</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1117348364247543808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the Home Minister on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term.

Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday slammed the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for Lok Sabha polls. Singh noted that the alliance has been "formed to stop Narendra Modi".

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday slammed the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party for forging an alliance in Uttar Pradesh for Lok Sabha polls. Singh noted that the alliance has been "formed to stop Narendra Modi". Singh, while addressing a gathering in Nagina, Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, said that "it could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP". "They came together knowing that they all will be swept away in the Modi wave," Singh added. HM Rajnath Singh in Nagina, Bijnor: SP-BSP have formed an alliance to stop Narendra Modi ji. It could have never been imagined that these two parties will come together in UP. They knew 'Modi ki aandhi mein hum (SP and BSP) akele tinke ki tarah beh jaenge', so they came together. pic.twitter.com/Lez0oGQX5D — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 14, 2019 × Meanwhile, the Home Minister on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term. Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent."

They came together knowing that they'll be swept away in Modi wave: Rajnath Singh on SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh 

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiNufiBh8_hAhWLu48KHT62C-EQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PAZdKqGSXKz6VfZlj_u_L">Triple Talaq Bill</a> has been a major poll plank of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-criticises-cong-for-promising-to-withdraw-triple-talaq-bill-196044&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjW9eebh8_hAhUI448KHaCQBCIQFggRMAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0C8jSa6Y1ZqyiQKByZPJFk">BJP</a>, with the party trying its best to woo a section of minorities with the legislation, even as those who had led the crusade against the practice continue to fight for their survival.

In its recently released manifesto for Lok Sabha polls, the saffron party, which failed to legislate the bill in Parliament due to stiff resistance by the opposition, has pledged to eliminate the practices of instant talaq and nikah halala if re-elected to power.

Vijaya Rahatkar, the national president of the party's Mahila Morcha, said the efforts of the Narendra Modi government to pass the Triple Talaq Bill "will surely yield positive results for the BJP" in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Ironically, anti-triple talaq champions - Ishrat Jahan, Shayara Bano and Atiya Sabri - who had moved the Supreme Court to seek an end to the practice of instant divorce continue to live in abject poverty, with little or no means of income.

The court, in a landmark judgment in 2017, held the practice "void" and "unconstitutional".

Divorced in April 2015, Ishrat Jahan lives with her two children in neighbouring Howrah district.

"I am struggling to make both ends meet. I don't have money to send my children to school. As of now, I depend on my relatives for financial assistance," she told PTI.

Jahan had joined the BJP in 2018 and was initially expected to be one of the major minority faces of the party in Bengal. It was also speculated that she would figure in BJP's list of Lok Sabha candidates in the state.

"Things appear to have changed. I am not in touch with the party any more. At times I visit party meetings, but that's about it," she said when asked if the BJP leaders inquire about her.

The story is no different for Shayara Bano and Atiya Sabri, who live under stressful financial conditions with no help from their divorced husbands.

"She doesn't have any income of her own ... We try to help her in whatever way we can," Bano's brother Arshad told PTI from Uttar Pradesh.

Sabri's brother Rizwan, who is a resident of Uttarakhand, said the family wants the court matter to be disposed of soon.&nbsp;

He appealed to both the state and central governments to look into the early disposal of the case.

"My sister stays with me. She is part of my family. We don't want any financial help, we just want this matter to end soon," Rizwan said.

Two other petitioners, Afreen Rahman and Gulshan Parween, could not be contacted.

Rahatkar, when apprised of the condition of the three women, said she had met Jahan and assured her of financial assistance.

"We should always stand by those women who have suffered but not given up. I spoke to Ishrat and told her that we will provide assistance if she needed to send her children to school. We are also willing to give her loan under the government's Mudra scheme to help her start a business," Rahatkar told PTI.

Arguing that the triple Talaq Bill does not empower women, Sushmita, the president of All India Mahila Congress, said, "criminalizing the practice isn't the solution".

"How does it (bill) help a Muslim woman? Punishing the husband does not guarantee financial support for the woman. If you talk about empowering a woman, you have to find her suitable means of income," Dev said.

Uzma Alam, the convenor of Bengal unit of the women's cell of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said, "no one but Jahan was responsible for her precarious condition".

"When she had issues with her husband and was given the talaq, I told her that we would help her in finding a job and make arrangements for her remarriage. But she had other things in her mind so she can't blame anybody for her condition now," she added.

The Triple Talaq Bill has been a major poll plank of the BJP, with the party trying its best to woo a section of minorities with the legislation, even as those who had led the crusade against the practice continue to fight for their survival.

The Triple Talaq Bill has been a major poll plank of the BJP, with the party trying its best to woo a section of minorities with the legislation, even as those who had led the crusade against the practice continue to fight for their survival. In its recently released manifesto for Lok Sabha polls, the saffron party, which failed to legislate the bill in Parliament due to stiff resistance by the opposition, has pledged to eliminate the practices of instant talaq and nikah halala if re-elected to power. Vijaya Rahatkar, the national president of the party's Mahila Morcha, said the efforts of the Narendra Modi government to pass the Triple Talaq Bill "will surely yield positive results for the BJP" in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Ironically, anti-triple talaq champions - Ishrat Jahan, Shayara Bano and Atiya Sabri - who had moved the Supreme Court to seek an end to the practice of instant divorce continue to live in abject poverty, with little or no means of income. The court, in a landmark judgment in 2017, held the practice "void" and "unconstitutional". Divorced in April 2015, Ishrat Jahan lives with her two children in neighbouring Howrah district. "I am struggling to make both ends meet. I don't have money to send my children to school. As of now, I depend on my relatives for financial assistance," she told PTI. Jahan had joined the BJP in 2018 and was initially expected to be one of the major minority faces of the party in Bengal. It was also speculated that she would figure in BJP's list of Lok Sabha candidates in the state. "Things appear to have changed. I am not in touch with the party any more. At times I visit party meetings, but that's about it," she said when asked if the BJP leaders inquire about her. The story is no different for Shayara Bano and Atiya Sabri, who live under stressful financial conditions with no help from their divorced husbands. "She doesn't have any income of her own ... We try to help her in whatever way we can," Bano's brother Arshad told PTI from Uttar Pradesh. Sabri's brother Rizwan, who is a resident of Uttarakhand, said the family wants the court matter to be disposed of soon. He appealed to both the state and central governments to look into the early disposal of the case. "My sister stays with me. She is part of my family. We don't want any financial help, we just want this matter to end soon," Rizwan said. Two other petitioners, Afreen Rahman and Gulshan Parween, could not be contacted. Rahatkar, when apprised of the condition of the three women, said she had met Jahan and assured her of financial assistance. "We should always stand by those women who have suffered but not given up. I spoke to Ishrat and told her that we will provide assistance if she needed to send her children to school. We are also willing to give her loan under the government's Mudra scheme to help her start a business," Rahatkar told PTI. Arguing that the triple Talaq Bill does not empower women, Sushmita, the president of All India Mahila Congress, said, "criminalizing the practice isn't the solution". "How does it (bill) help a Muslim woman? Punishing the husband does not guarantee financial support for the woman. If you talk about empowering a woman, you have to find her suitable means of income," Dev said. Uzma Alam, the convenor of Bengal unit of the women's cell of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, said, "no one but Jahan was responsible for her precarious condition". "When she had issues with her husband and was given the talaq, I told her that we would help her in finding a job and make arrangements for her remarriage. But she had other things in her mind so she can't blame anybody for her condition now," she added.

Triple talaq crusaders continue to fight for survival

In this segment of India Election Watch, how leading political parties just shifted their focus on South and eastern region. A major escalation in the pace of campaigns.

India Election Watch: Lok Sabha 2019 campaign heats up, parties shifts focus to South

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know why Congress says no to any alliance in Delhi. A gist to Delhi's political conflicts that now more sounds on prestige grounds.

India Election Watch: Congress says no to Delhi alliance, a state of turmoil?

In this segment of India Election Watch: In an interim order, the apex court directed all political parties to provide details of the amount of the bond and bank account of donors by May 30 to the poll panel. The question is; who funds Indian political parties and elections?

India Election Watch: Who funds India's elections?

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday.

"I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI.

She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

"The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said.

In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as 'Basanti'&nbsp;for her stellar role in blockbuster 'Sholay,'&nbsp;had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes.

When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said, "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis."

Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi's controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said, "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me."

Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future.

"I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said.

When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said, "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people."

In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in Mathura, Hema Malini said, "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem."

"I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said.

Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said, "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said.

Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday.

Good works of mine and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi led NDA government at the Centre will help me win this Lok Sabha election again, said actor-turned-politician Hema Malini on Saturday. "I am very confident of my win because I have done good works. My government has also done good work. So I am sure people will support us," said Malini in an exclusive interview to ANI. She also expressed confidence that the next government at the Centre will again be formed by the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi. "The whole system is changing. People want development. They want quick decisions to be taken for whatever is happening in the country. People belonging to different castes -- all want PM Modi," she said. In the last Lok Sabha elections in 2014, Malini, who is also popular among masses as 'Basanti' for her stellar role in blockbuster 'Sholay,' had defeated the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary by a margin of over three lakh votes. When asked if SP-BSP-RLD alliance candidate Narendra Singh will queer the pitch for her this time by eating into Jat votes, she said, "I am sure that he will get some votes. But I will get much more votes than him because I have worked for everybody irrespective of his caste. For me, all the people are Brijwasis." Talking about Union Minister Maneka Gandhi's controversial speech at Sultanpur, she said, "On the issue of Triple Talaq, many minority community women support us. Even if they do not, you have to help everybody. It does not matter who voted for us and who did not. This kind of feeling does not come to me." Union Minister Gandhi on Friday, while addressing an election rally at Turab Khani village in Sultanpur from where she is contesting the Lok Sabha poll this time, told Muslims that she was all set to win and that they should vote for her as they would need her help in future. "I am winning...But if my victory is without support from Muslims, I will not feel that good. Then when a Muslim comes to me for work, I think let it be. How does it matter," Union Minister Gandhi had said. When asked if being an actor has helped her in politics, said, "People are able to recognise me. They at least listen to me. Other leaders have to work hard to reach out to the people." In response to the way she was trolled on social media for reaping the wheat crop during her campaign in a village in Mathura, Hema Malini said, "I felt like doing that and I do not think that there was any problem." "I go to the field. I work for my farmers in Mathura and help them so much. I have a right to enter the field. I had gone there just to take a picture. It was a pleasure to have the picture," she said. Talking about the works done for her constituency in the past five years, Hema Malini said, "I have provided water, electricity facility to all areas in the constituency. I have also got a passport office open in Mathura. Earlier the people had to go to Aligarh or other towns for making passports. Roads have been widened. Connectivity has improved a lot," she said. Election to Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is slated to be held in the second phase of seven-phased General Elections on April 18. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Good works of mine, PM Modi will help me win Lok Sabha polls again, says Hema Malini

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jnu-sedition-case-police-filed-charge-sheet-secretly-in-hasty-manner-delhi-govt-tells-court-208087">sedition law</a> as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term.

Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent."

Earlier on April 3, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also lambasted the Congress for promising to scrap the law.

Speaking at an election rally, Yogi had said, "It is shameful that the Congress in its manifesto has promised to scrap the provision on sedition, which is used against terrorists and those involved in terror activities if the party comes to power."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonia-gandhi-questions-congress-manifesto-cover-for-its-dark-colour-207673">Congress</a> has promised in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-unveils-manifesto-titled-congress-will-deliver-207408">manifesto</a> to remove the sedition law to give a "fillip to freedom of expression" in the country.

The provision for sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code says, "Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday slammed Congress for its stand on sedition law as mentioned in party's manifesto and asserted that BJP will make it even more stringent after forming a government for a second term. Addressing an election rally, Singh said, "If someone tries to break India, should they be forgiven? They say they will end the sedition law, to whom are they giving a signal? If our government comes to power we will make the sedition law even more stringent." Earlier on April 3, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also lambasted the Congress for promising to scrap the law. Speaking at an election rally, Yogi had said, "It is shameful that the Congress in its manifesto has promised to scrap the provision on sedition, which is used against terrorists and those involved in terror activities if the party comes to power." Congress has promised in its manifesto to remove the sedition law to give a "fillip to freedom of expression" in the country. The provision for sedition under Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code says, "Whoever, by words, either spoken or written, or by signs, or by visible representation, or otherwise, brings or attempts to bring into hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection towards the Government established by law shall be punished with imprisonment for life, to which fine may be added, or with imprisonment which may extend to three years, to which fine may be added, or with fine."

BJP will make sedition law even more stringent: Rajnath Singh

A day after the Election Commission directed that all recorded programmes displayed on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mai-bhi-chowkidar-campaign-pm-modi-to-address-thousands-through-video-conference-206897&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiy3KDWv8zhAhUVS48KHSZ0A60QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw12SsvHpS2ILFqTYyvfpASn">NaMo TV</a> be pre-certified, the Delhi poll body has directed the BJP not to air any content on the platform without its certification, officials said.&nbsp;

The poll body had on Thursday said since NaMo TV was sponsored by the BJP, all recorded programmes displayed on the platform should be pre-certified by media certification and monitoring committee of Delhi and all political publicity contents displayed without pre-certification be removed immediately.

Following the EC's directive, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Delhi wrote to the saffron party to ensure that all political content not approved be removed.&nbsp;

"As a precautionary measure, two officials have been deployed to watch NaMo TV and monitor its content," officials said.

An official said political parties usually submit audiovisual content for pre-certification, without specifying on which platform it will be aired.&nbsp;

The content may be aired during a rally or on the party's website, he said.

After the Congress filed a complaint with the poll panel about the channel disturbing the level playing field, the EC had asked the Delhi CEO to file a report on the issue.

The Delhi CEO approved the logo of NaMo TV, which the BJP said was part of the NaMo App that it owns, but did not "certify" the content as it contained old speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

A day after the Election Commission directed that all recorded programmes displayed on NaMo TV be pre-certified, the Delhi poll body has directed the BJP not to air any content on the platform without its certification, officials said.

A day after the Election Commission directed that all recorded programmes displayed on NaMo TV be pre-certified, the Delhi poll body has directed the BJP not to air any content on the platform without its certification, officials said. The poll body had on Thursday said since NaMo TV was sponsored by the BJP, all recorded programmes displayed on the platform should be pre-certified by media certification and monitoring committee of Delhi and all political publicity contents displayed without pre-certification be removed immediately. Following the EC's directive, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Delhi wrote to the saffron party to ensure that all political content not approved be removed. "As a precautionary measure, two officials have been deployed to watch NaMo TV and monitor its content," officials said. An official said political parties usually submit audiovisual content for pre-certification, without specifying on which platform it will be aired. The content may be aired during a rally or on the party's website, he said. After the Congress filed a complaint with the poll panel about the channel disturbing the level playing field, the EC had asked the Delhi CEO to file a report on the issue. The Delhi CEO approved the logo of NaMo TV, which the BJP said was part of the NaMo App that it owns, but did not "certify" the content as it contained old speeches of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Delhi CEO directs BJP to not air content on NaMo TV without certification

In an exclusive interview to WION, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy stressed the importance of the regional parties in Lok Sabha elections and claimed that these parties will play an important role in the formation of the next government at the Centre.

Narendra Modi is not going to come back to power: HD Kumaraswamy to WION

Hearing a petition challenging the validity of the electoral bond scheme, the Supreme Court on Friday directed all political parties to disclose details of donations received via electoral bond.

Supreme Court directs all parties to disclose details of donations received via electoral bondc

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s statement that if Muslims do not vote for them then they would find it difficult to get her recommendation for jobs did not raise an eyebrow at all.

Today, it is very difficult to distinguish fringe from mainstream politics. Many would argue that the religious fringe has become the mainstream and the mainstream is on the periphery of political discourse, but the fact remains that politics in India is hell-bent on labelling the other in our society.

Muslims have become the new beating boy of Indian politics. Not only they have been dehumanised in the political discourse but anything to do with minority has become a bad word. It has become okay for the political class to arouse sentiments of the majority community of imagined threat posed by the Muslims of India.&nbsp;

They have been labelled as a community which got better treatment from the government whereas the majority was left to eat the crumbs. BJP-RSS have had a field day in elections whereby every senior politician has used to describe Muslims as a community which has affected the health of the country.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad too was reflected from the same perspective. Yogi Adityanath has been consistently using religious idioms to describe those who are with BJP and those against it.&nbsp;

The worst is that the debate on ‘Muslim Exceptionalism’ is constructed on imagined benefits which have been secretly passed on to the Muslim community post-independence at the expense of Hindus.&nbsp;

RSS is playing with fire. Instead of integrating the Muslims in the national mainstream it is politically alienating them. Fact is barring a couple of pockets in India, Muslims have opted for Hindus to lead them politically.&nbsp;

I would say that those who chose to stay behind have never supported a Muslim leader who had a national stature.&nbsp;I call it a Jinnah complex, lest they get accused of cession again. India today is standing at the cusp of creating a huge divide between majority and minority which will stay with us. It cannot be wished away.&nbsp;

Their identity cannot be wished away. Their existence cannot be wished away. They do not need charity nor anyone needs to feel sorry for them. What is required is a political approach which allows them to be part of the system for which they are meant - which is Indian Muslims. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s statement that if Muslims do not vote for them then they would find it difficult to get her recommendation for jobs did not raise an eyebrow at all.

Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s statement that if Muslims do not vote for them then they would find it difficult to get her recommendation for jobs did not raise an eyebrow at all. Today, it is very difficult to distinguish fringe from mainstream politics. Many would argue that the religious fringe has become the mainstream and the mainstream is on the periphery of political discourse, but the fact remains that politics in India is hell-bent on labelling the other in our society. Muslims have become the new beating boy of Indian politics. Not only they have been dehumanised in the political discourse but anything to do with minority has become a bad word. It has become okay for the political class to arouse sentiments of the majority community of imagined threat posed by the Muslims of India. They have been labelled as a community which got better treatment from the government whereas the majority was left to eat the crumbs. BJP-RSS have had a field day in elections whereby every senior politician has used to describe Muslims as a community which has affected the health of the country. Rahul Gandhi contesting from Wayanad too was reflected from the same perspective. Yogi Adityanath has been consistently using religious idioms to describe those who are with BJP and those against it. The worst is that the debate on ‘Muslim Exceptionalism’ is constructed on imagined benefits which have been secretly passed on to the Muslim community post-independence at the expense of Hindus. RSS is playing with fire. Instead of integrating the Muslims in the national mainstream it is politically alienating them. Fact is barring a couple of pockets in India, Muslims have opted for Hindus to lead them politically. I would say that those who chose to stay behind have never supported a Muslim leader who had a national stature. I call it a Jinnah complex, lest they get accused of cession again. India today is standing at the cusp of creating a huge divide between majority and minority which will stay with us. It cannot be wished away. Their identity cannot be wished away. Their existence cannot be wished away. They do not need charity nor anyone needs to feel sorry for them. What is required is a political approach which allows them to be part of the system for which they are meant - which is Indian Muslims. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Political marginalisation of Muslims in Indian politics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi, asking voters to choose between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">'</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">imandar</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616"> chowkidar' and '</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">bhrashtachari</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">naamdar</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-committed-to-passing-the-triple-talaq-citizenship-amendment-bill-pm-modi-209616">"</a>.

Addressing an election rally here to campaign for Ahmednagar and Shirdi Lok Sabha candidates, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-charges-congress-with-tughlaq-road-chunav-ghotala-209560">Modi also said the world</a> has recognised India as a superpower in the last five years.

"Do you remember the previous ten years of the earlier remote-controlled government? Scams and delays in decision- making were the order of the day. You need to now choose between Imandar Chowkidar and Bhrashtachari Naamdar," Modi said.

Reaching out to first-time voters, Modi said,"those born in the 21st century will be voting for the first time. Do you agree with the weak approach of previous governments of compromising national security. Is this acceptable to you?"

"People say India will progress only if Congress is banished," PM Modi said.

Modi hit out at Congress ally National Conference's demand for prime minister's post for Jammu and Kashmir.

"I have no expectation from the Congress since it has stopped thinking about people long ago," he said.

Hitting out at Sharad Pawar, Modi said the NCP president had quit the Congress in the name of the country. "Sharad Pawar, how can you be silent on the two PM demand. Why are you silent? Is this acceptable to you?"

"Your party name is Rashtravadi and still you see the country through foreign lens. Is the name Rashtravadi in your party to fool people," Modi said.

Continuing his tirade against Rahul Gandhi, Modi linked the IT raids on aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming this was "Tughlak road chunavi ghotala" (election scam).

Modi said the Congress needs to be decisively defeated to ensure poverty eradication, modern infrastructure and development of all sections of society.

Modi said there have been no terror strike&nbsp;as the "chowkidar" has instilled fear in minds of perpetrators of terror that he will find them even from hell and punish them.

"Are you happy with policy of killing terrorists in their dens?, PM Modi asked the crowd. "Choose between honest chowkidar and corrupt naamdar," he told the poll rally in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi, asking voters to choose between 'imandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi, asking voters to choose between 'imandar chowkidar' and 'bhrashtachari naamdar". Addressing an election rally here to campaign for Ahmednagar and Shirdi Lok Sabha candidates, Modi also said the world has recognised India as a superpower in the last five years. "Do you remember the previous ten years of the earlier remote-controlled government? Scams and delays in decision- making were the order of the day. You need to now choose between Imandar Chowkidar and Bhrashtachari Naamdar," Modi said. Reaching out to first-time voters, Modi said,"those born in the 21st century will be voting for the first time. Do you agree with the weak approach of previous governments of compromising national security. Is this acceptable to you?" "People say India will progress only if Congress is banished," PM Modi said. Modi hit out at Congress ally National Conference's demand for prime minister's post for Jammu and Kashmir. "I have no expectation from the Congress since it has stopped thinking about people long ago," he said. Hitting out at Sharad Pawar, Modi said the NCP president had quit the Congress in the name of the country. "Sharad Pawar, how can you be silent on the two PM demand. Why are you silent? Is this acceptable to you?" "Your party name is Rashtravadi and still you see the country through foreign lens. Is the name Rashtravadi in your party to fool people," Modi said. Continuing his tirade against Rahul Gandhi, Modi linked the IT raids on aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, claiming this was "Tughlak road chunavi ghotala" (election scam). Modi said the Congress needs to be decisively defeated to ensure poverty eradication, modern infrastructure and development of all sections of society. Modi said there have been no terror strike as the "chowkidar" has instilled fear in minds of perpetrators of terror that he will find them even from hell and punish them. "Are you happy with policy of killing terrorists in their dens?, PM Modi asked the crowd. "Choose between honest chowkidar and corrupt naamdar," he told the poll rally in Maharashtra.

No terror strike as chowkidar has instilled fear among perpetrators: Modi at poll rally in Maharashtra

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms.

The hilly enclosure has now hit the headlines again as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/after-2019-lok-sabha-elections-the-kingmakers-are-likely-to-be-from-the-south-209566">TMC and BJP square off</a> against each other on April 18th in the second phase of elections in West Bengal.

BJP had won the 2009 and 2014 parliamentary elections from Darjeeling after Jaswant Singh and Surinder Singh Ahluwalia held out a challenge from the Opposition TMC in the area.

The hill town had hit the headlines in 2017 during the Gorkhaland agitation when it undertook a&nbsp;104-day strike to press from an independent state. The agitation has now ebbed away with only remnants remaining.

This time the BJP has fielded ex-Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader Raju Singh Bista against TMC's Amar Singh Rai. Bisht has the support of GNLF and Bimal Gurung faction of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) making him a hot favourite to clinch a third term for the party, however, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is leaving no stone unturned to win back the seat which it hasn't won so far ever since its inception in 1998.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had addressed a poll rally in Darjeeling as she took on the BJP head on lashing out at party president Amit Shah saying, “Dilli se aaya, halwa khake chala gaya (he came from Delhi, ate sweets and went away).”

“You help me win and we will capture Delhi. The TMC will form the next government in Delhi. We will win all of 42 seats,” the West Bengal chief minister told the people present at the rally.

The ethnically diverse West Bengal constituency is dominated by Lepcha, Tamang and other minorities who are now eager for development after years of agitation and confusion.

Both the TMC and BJP have pitched for basic amenities including minimum wage for tea workers who form a major chunk of the vote bank in the area.

Amit Shah in his poll rally in Kalimpong emphasised the importance of the National Register of Citizens(NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.

“We have promised in our manifesto that once Narendra Modi forms the government again, we will implement the NRC across the country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country,” the BJP president said, adding,"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) keeps telling that Gorkhas will be inconvenienced once the NRC is in place. These are lies. And no one can question them (Gorkhas) on their citizenship."

“Only those who have faced religious persecution will be granted citizenship,” he asserted.

Darjeeling has become a sort of ego tussle for the BJP and the ruling TMC with both not ready to give an inch.

The area which is strategically located on the Nepal, Bhutan and China border has become an important beachhead for the BJP in its attempt capture the state, a scenario which Mamata's TMC is bent on resisting.

Another BJP victory here would come as&nbsp;a major setback for the TMC, however, as polling day nears it could be anybody's game.

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms.

Darjeeling, enclosed in the hills was one of the favourite destinations of famous writer Mark Twain when he visited in 1896. The famous writer of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Swayer fame described his journey in the "toy train" in glowing terms. The hilly enclosure has now hit the headlines again as TMC and BJP square off against each other on April 18th in the second phase of elections in West Bengal. BJP had won the 2009 and 2014 parliamentary elections from Darjeeling after Jaswant Singh and Surinder Singh Ahluwalia held out a challenge from the Opposition TMC in the area. The hill town had hit the headlines in 2017 during the Gorkhaland agitation when it undertook a 104-day strike to press from an independent state. The agitation has now ebbed away with only remnants remaining. This time the BJP has fielded ex-Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) leader Raju Singh Bista against TMC's Amar Singh Rai. Bisht has the support of GNLF and Bimal Gurung faction of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) making him a hot favourite to clinch a third term for the party, however, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is leaving no stone unturned to win back the seat which it hasn't won so far ever since its inception in 1998. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had addressed a poll rally in Darjeeling as she took on the BJP head on lashing out at party president Amit Shah saying, “Dilli se aaya, halwa khake chala gaya (he came from Delhi, ate sweets and went away).” “You help me win and we will capture Delhi. The TMC will form the next government in Delhi. We will win all of 42 seats,” the West Bengal chief minister told the people present at the rally. The ethnically diverse West Bengal constituency is dominated by Lepcha, Tamang and other minorities who are now eager for development after years of agitation and confusion. Both the TMC and BJP have pitched for basic amenities including minimum wage for tea workers who form a major chunk of the vote bank in the area. Amit Shah in his poll rally in Kalimpong emphasised the importance of the National Register of Citizens(NRC) and the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. “We have promised in our manifesto that once Narendra Modi forms the government again, we will implement the NRC across the country. We will remove every single infiltrator from the country,” the BJP president said, adding,"Didi (Mamata Banerjee) keeps telling that Gorkhas will be inconvenienced once the NRC is in place. These are lies. And no one can question them (Gorkhas) on their citizenship." “Only those who have faced religious persecution will be granted citizenship,” he asserted. Darjeeling has become a sort of ego tussle for the BJP and the ruling TMC with both not ready to give an inch. The area which is strategically located on the Nepal, Bhutan and China border has become an important beachhead for the BJP in its attempt capture the state, a scenario which Mamata's TMC is bent on resisting. Another BJP victory here would come as a major setback for the TMC, however, as polling day nears it could be anybody's game.

Second phase polls: BJP, TMC eye Darjeeling in West Bengal battle

Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019 began at 7 am on Thursday, April 11.Ninety-one constituencies spread across 18 states and two union territories will vote in this initial phase. BJP president Amit Shah to hold rallies in Darjeeling and Raiganj today. Watch video to know more.

Lok Sabha election 2019: BJP President Amit Shah to hold rallies in Darjeeling & Raiganj today

Lok Sabha polls got underway today with voters excercising their franchise in 91 constituencies nationwide.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Voting underway in 91 constituencies

Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019 began at 7 am on Thursday, April 11.Ninety-one constituencies spread across 18 states and two union territories will vote in this initial phase. Watch video to know more.

PM Modi: First time voters must vote in large numbers

An estimated 13.73 per cent voting was recorded in the first three hours of polling that began amid tight security in four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the first leg of t<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indias-general-election-begins-with-voting-in-first-of-seven-phases-209447">he seven-phased election</a>.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh</a>

Few incidents of EVM malfunctioning were reported in some booths under Nawada Lok Sabha constituency, and a cane bomb was found at a polling station in Gaya district before voting began at 7 am.

Polling is underway in the four Lok Sabha seats of Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Jamui.

"Polling has, so far, been peaceful in the constituencies," Joint Chief Electoral Officer Pravin Kumar Gupta said.

Before the start of polling, one cane bomb was found at polling station number 9 at Anarban Sulaiya village under Dumariya assembly constituency of Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat.

Voting is currently on at the polling station as the cane bomb has been defused by the bomb squad, Gaya City Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said.

Polling will end at 6 pm in most of the booths. In some "sensitive" booths, however, voting will end at 4 pm.

Assembly bypoll for Nawada is also being held along with the Lok Sabha poll on Thursday. A voter turn out of nine per cent has been recorded there till 10 am, the CEO office said.

Bihar will witness a seven-phase polling for its 40 Lok Sabha seat.

The elections which began on April 11 will end on May 19 when the seventh and last phase will be held.

An estimated 13.73 per cent voting was recorded in the first three hours of polling that began amid tight security in four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the first leg of the seven-phased election.

An estimated 13.73 per cent voting was recorded in the first three hours of polling that began amid tight security in four Lok Sabha seats in Bihar in the first leg of the seven-phased election. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh Few incidents of EVM malfunctioning were reported in some booths under Nawada Lok Sabha constituency, and a cane bomb was found at a polling station in Gaya district before voting began at 7 am. Polling is underway in the four Lok Sabha seats of Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Jamui. "Polling has, so far, been peaceful in the constituencies," Joint Chief Electoral Officer Pravin Kumar Gupta said. Before the start of polling, one cane bomb was found at polling station number 9 at Anarban Sulaiya village under Dumariya assembly constituency of Aurangabad Lok Sabha seat. Voting is currently on at the polling station as the cane bomb has been defused by the bomb squad, Gaya City Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said. Polling will end at 6 pm in most of the booths. In some "sensitive" booths, however, voting will end at 4 pm. Assembly bypoll for Nawada is also being held along with the Lok Sabha poll on Thursday. A voter turn out of nine per cent has been recorded there till 10 am, the CEO office said. Bihar will witness a seven-phase polling for its 40 Lok Sabha seat. The elections which began on April 11 will end on May 19 when the seventh and last phase will be held.

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Brisk voting in first three hours in Bihar

In this segment of India Election Watch: Know all you need to know about first phase of LS polls 2019.

India Election watch: All you need to know about first phase of LS polls 2019

Today major states record high voter turnout on first phase of India Lok sabha Election 2019. Watch this video to know more.

India Election watch: Major states record hight voter turnout on first phase of LS election

Watch this segment of India election Watch to go through the latest headlines of Indian Election on 11th April, 2019.

IEW Headlines; 11th April 2019

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know why this first phase is crucial for political parties.

India Election watch: Know why this first phase is crucial for political parties

Watch this segment of India Election Watch for latest updates of India Election as on 11th April, 2019.

India Election Watch; 11th April 2019

World's largest democracy votes, Security tightened to prevent any untoward situation

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, April 11th 2019

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Live Lok Sabha polls 2019:&nbsp;Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh</a>

The constituency assumes significance since Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter&nbsp;Kalvakuntla Kavitha, 41, is seeking another term for the &nbsp;Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) after she won in 2014. She had won from here handsomely five years ago with over &nbsp;170,000 votes beating her nearest Congress rival who won 27,2123 votes.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uxI6x2JByqA" width="560"></iframe>

However, this time it could be different as large scale farmer' ire has overtaken the constituency with over 170 farmers filing their nomination against TRS alleging it has ignored its demands.

Farmers say the TRS has failed to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for turmeric and red jowar (sorghum) greatly hampering their income. The constituency has 443 candidates in the fray which is proving a major headache for the Election Commission which has instructed its officers to use EVMs after the farmers requested that only paper ballots should be used.

Nizamabad has been a Congress stronghold since 1957 when polls were held here for the first time. TDP beat the Congress for the first time in 1991 riding on the NT Rama Rao wave, significantly TPD candidate Gaddam Ganga Reddy won from here thrice in 1991, 1998 and 1999.

There are seven Vidhan Sabha segments which comprise Lok Sabha constituency of Nizamabad. A predominantly agricultural district it depends on state government's support for its development which over the years has become a contentious issue in the district.

Madhu Goud Yaskhi from Congress won the parliamentary elections in 2004 and 2009 during former PM Manmohan Singh's tenure. The formation of Telangana in 2014 helped to tilt the balance in KCR's favour which resulted in her daughter winning in May, 2014 as the state came into being one month later.

Apart from farmers' opposition, Kavitha will be facing the BJP's Shri D. Aravind and Congress's Madhu Yashki Guud&nbsp;

Currently, 12 EVMs are being used in every booth in Nizamabad. Clearly, first-time MP K Kavitha has her task cut out for her in her father's state.

Reports had indicated that some EVMs had developed snags even as several villagers have decided to stay away from voting protesting against the state government's policies.

Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the Lok Sabha constituency since Nizamabad also contains a Naxal belt where polling will close by 4pm.

Parliamentary elections in 17 constituencies will be conducted in just one phase today with the results due to be announced on May 23rd.&nbsp;

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent.

Polling is underway in the picturesque Nizamabad in Telangana, located 175 kms north-west of Hyderabad. The constituency with beautiful lakes and temples has several hundred villages approximately over 450 which has witnessed large scale farmer discontent. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: Faulty EVMs delay voting in several polling booths in Andhra Pradesh The constituency assumes significance since Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's daughter Kalvakuntla Kavitha, 41, is seeking another term for the Telangana Rashtra Samithi(TRS) after she won in 2014. She had won from here handsomely five years ago with over 170,000 votes beating her nearest Congress rival who won 27,2123 votes. However, this time it could be different as large scale farmer' ire has overtaken the constituency with over 170 farmers filing their nomination against TRS alleging it has ignored its demands. Farmers say the TRS has failed to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for turmeric and red jowar (sorghum) greatly hampering their income. The constituency has 443 candidates in the fray which is proving a major headache for the Election Commission which has instructed its officers to use EVMs after the farmers requested that only paper ballots should be used. Nizamabad has been a Congress stronghold since 1957 when polls were held here for the first time. TDP beat the Congress for the first time in 1991 riding on the NT Rama Rao wave, significantly TPD candidate Gaddam Ganga Reddy won from here thrice in 1991, 1998 and 1999. There are seven Vidhan Sabha segments which comprise Lok Sabha constituency of Nizamabad. A predominantly agricultural district it depends on state government's support for its development which over the years has become a contentious issue in the district. Madhu Goud Yaskhi from Congress won the parliamentary elections in 2004 and 2009 during former PM Manmohan Singh's tenure. The formation of Telangana in 2014 helped to tilt the balance in KCR's favour which resulted in her daughter winning in May, 2014 as the state came into being one month later. Apart from farmers' opposition, Kavitha will be facing the BJP's Shri D. Aravind and Congress's Madhu Yashki Guud Currently, 12 EVMs are being used in every booth in Nizamabad. Clearly, first-time MP K Kavitha has her task cut out for her in her father's state. Reports had indicated that some EVMs had developed snags even as several villagers have decided to stay away from voting protesting against the state government's policies. Authorities have made tight security arrangements for the Lok Sabha constituency since Nizamabad also contains a Naxal belt where polling will close by 4pm. Parliamentary elections in 17 constituencies will be conducted in just one phase today with the results due to be announced on May 23rd.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: KCR's daughter Kavitha faces farmers' ire as Nizamabad votes in first phase

Lok Sabha election 2019: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat casts his vote in Nagpur

Around 14 per cent electorate cast their votes in the first couple of hours of polling in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency </a>of Chhattisgarh on Thursday.

At some places, there were reports of EVM snags which were being rectified, an election official in the state capital Raipur said.

"Polling in Bastar seat started at 7 am and is going on smoothly. Till 9.30 am, around 14 per cent polling has been registered," he said.

Long queues of voters were seen at several polling booths in the region.

Early in the morning, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-amid-polling-naxals-trigger-ied-blast-in-bastar-district-none-hurt-209449">Naxals detonated an IED</a> (improvised explosive device) in Narayanpur district, which comes under Bastar constituency, police said.

No casualty was reported in the blast.

A thick security blanket, comprising around 80,000 state and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the constituency to ensure peaceful polling.

Polling in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency's four Assembly segments - Dantewada, Konta, Bijapur and Narayanpur - is being held from 7 am and 3 pm, the official said.

The voting time in the other four Assembly segments - Bastar, Chitrakoot, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur&nbsp; 
- of the constituency is from 7 am and 5 pm, he said.

Seven candidates are in the fray in the seat and as per electoral rolls, there are 13,72,127 voters, including 6,59,824 men, 7,12,261 women and 42 of the third gender.

Of the 1,879 polling booths in the constituency, 741 have been marked as hyper-sensitive and 606 as sensitive in view of the threat of Naxalism.

There is a direct contest between Congress' Dipak Baij and senior BJP leader Baiduram Kashyap.

BJP has never lost the Bastar seat since 1998.

Around 14 per cent electorate cast their votes in the first couple of hours of polling in the Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh on Thursday.

Around 14 per cent electorate cast their votes in the first couple of hours of polling in the Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency of Chhattisgarh on Thursday. At some places, there were reports of EVM snags which were being rectified, an election official in the state capital Raipur said. "Polling in Bastar seat started at 7 am and is going on smoothly. Till 9.30 am, around 14 per cent polling has been registered," he said. Long queues of voters were seen at several polling booths in the region. Early in the morning, Naxals detonated an IED (improvised explosive device) in Narayanpur district, which comes under Bastar constituency, police said. No casualty was reported in the blast. A thick security blanket, comprising around 80,000 state and paramilitary personnel, was thrown across the constituency to ensure peaceful polling. Polling in Bastar Lok Sabha constituency's four Assembly segments - Dantewada, Konta, Bijapur and Narayanpur - is being held from 7 am and 3 pm, the official said. The voting time in the other four Assembly segments - Bastar, Chitrakoot, Kondagaon and Jagdalpur - of the constituency is from 7 am and 5 pm, he said. Seven candidates are in the fray in the seat and as per electoral rolls, there are 13,72,127 voters, including 6,59,824 men, 7,12,261 women and 42 of the third gender. Of the 1,879 polling booths in the constituency, 741 have been marked as hyper-sensitive and 606 as sensitive in view of the threat of Naxalism. There is a direct contest between Congress' Dipak Baij and senior BJP leader Baiduram Kashyap. BJP has never lost the Bastar seat since 1998.

14% polling recorded in Naxal-hit Bastar Lok Sabha constituency

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 90 crore voters eligible to vote

Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019 began at 7 am on Thursday, April 11.Ninety-one constituencies spread across 18 states and two union territories will vote in this initial phase. Watch video to know more

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 1,279 candidates in fray in 1st phase

Largest democratic exercise or Lok Sabha election 2019 almost ends for the first phase. Watch complete updates of the day.

Lok Sabha election 2019: Largest democratic exercise almost ends for the first phase

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