The Election Commission of India has clarified that the alleged leak of the dates for Karnataka polls was a 'mere speculation'.

The EC said on Friday, "Alleged leak wasn't a leak and was mere speculation. Presentation of news item by TV channels and tweets by political party leaders regarding the dates just as commission was making the announcement, was avoidable".&nbsp;

The dates of the Karnataka election polls were said to have leaked after BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya tweeted the election date of the polls before the EC's announcement. He tweeted the polls would be held on May 12 and counting will take place on May 18.While he was correct about the date of polling, he got the counting date wrong

On March 27, the Election Commission had constituted a committee of senior officials to probe the leak of the poll schedule.

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Alleged leak wasn't a leak & was mere speculation. Presentation of news item by TV channels&tweets by political party leaders regarding the dates,just as Commission was making the announcement,was avoidable: Election Commission on alleged leak of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KarnatakaAssemblyElections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KarnatakaAssemblyElections</a> dates
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/984804196598931456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The EC said on Friday, 'Alleged leak wasn't a leak and was mere speculation. Presentation of news item by TV channels and tweets by political party leaders regarding the dates just as commission was making the announcement, was avoidable'

The Election Commission of India has clarified that the alleged leak of the dates for Karnataka polls was a 'mere speculation'. The EC said on Friday, "Alleged leak wasn't a leak and was mere speculation. Presentation of news item by TV channels and tweets by political party leaders regarding the dates just as commission was making the announcement, was avoidable". The dates of the Karnataka election polls were said to have leaked after BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya tweeted the election date of the polls before the EC's announcement. He tweeted the polls would be held on May 12 and counting will take place on May 18.While he was correct about the date of polling, he got the counting date wrong On March 27, the Election Commission had constituted a committee of senior officials to probe the leak of the poll schedule. Alleged leak wasn't a leak & was mere speculation. Presentation of news item by TV channels&tweets by political party leaders regarding the dates,just as Commission was making the announcement,was avoidable: Election Commission on alleged leak of #KarnatakaAssemblyElections dates — ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018 ×

Karnataka polls date were not leaked, EC clarifies, calls it 'mere speculation'

Observing that utilisation of social media cannot be stopped due to instances of "aberrations," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat today said the Facebook would remain the poll panel's social media partner during the Karnataka assembly elections.

He also said the social media cell of the EC would go into the issue of App of politicians and political parties sharing user data without the users' consent.

He said the cell will make its recommendations on the issue to the Commission which would then take a call.

"Any aberration won't stop the use of modern technology... Banks frauds have taken place, but we don't stop banking," Rawat told a press conference while announcing the Karnataka assembly poll schedule.

He was asked if the Facebook would continue to be the EC's social media partner in the wake of reports that its user data had been harvested by a company without the users' consent.

He said the Facebook would continue to be its social media partner. "It is. We have a Facebook page," he said.

The CEC said that the social media is a reality and the EC will take all precautions at its commend, to prevent episodes which adversely affect Indian elections.

The CEC had last week said the poll panel would coordinate with the enforcement agencies for suggestions to prevent "unlawful" activities such as attempts to influence polls.

He had made the remarks following revelations about data harvesting by the British poll consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica through Facebook.

The Facebook data scandal erupted after a whistleblower revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a data firm with ties to Trump's 2016 campaign, accessed personal data from 50 million users of the website without their knowledge, and might have kept that data even after the social media giant told the company to delete it.

The EC uses Facebook to encourage young people to enrol as voters.&nbsp

He also said the social media cell of the EC would go into the issue of App of politicians and political parties sharing user data without the users' consent

Observing that utilisation of social media cannot be stopped due to instances of "aberrations," Chief Election Commissioner O P Rawat today said the Facebook would remain the poll panel's social media partner during the Karnataka assembly elections. He also said the social media cell of the EC would go into the issue of App of politicians and political parties sharing user data without the users' consent. He said the cell will make its recommendations on the issue to the Commission which would then take a call. "Any aberration won't stop the use of modern technology... Banks frauds have taken place, but we don't stop banking," Rawat told a press conference while announcing the Karnataka assembly poll schedule. He was asked if the Facebook would continue to be the EC's social media partner in the wake of reports that its user data had been harvested by a company without the users' consent. He said the Facebook would continue to be its social media partner. "It is. We have a Facebook page," he said. The CEC said that the social media is a reality and the EC will take all precautions at its commend, to prevent episodes which adversely affect Indian elections. The CEC had last week said the poll panel would coordinate with the enforcement agencies for suggestions to prevent "unlawful" activities such as attempts to influence polls. He had made the remarks following revelations about data harvesting by the British poll consultancy firm Cambridge Analytica through Facebook. The Facebook data scandal erupted after a whistleblower revealed that Cambridge Analytica, a data firm with ties to Trump's 2016 campaign, accessed personal data from 50 million users of the website without their knowledge, and might have kept that data even after the social media giant told the company to delete it. The EC uses Facebook to encourage young people to enrol as voters.

Facebook to remain Election Commission's social media partner

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday announced the Assembly election dates for Karnataka.

Elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12 in&nbsp;single phase.

Addressing the media in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said that the Model Code of Conduct has kicked in from today (March 26).

"Model Code of Conduct for the elections will come into effect immediately. The eco-friendly material should be used for all propaganda exercise. Use of loudspeakers will be regulated so that people can sleep at night. Loudspeakers won't be allowed from 10 pm to 6 am," said CEC Om Prakash Rawat.

Rawat further said that counting of votes and results for the state will be declared on May 15.

The election will be held to elect members of the 224 constituencies in the Congress-ruled state. Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said that the total number of electorate in Karnataka is 4.96 crores.

"Total number of polling stations in the state is 56,696 which is an increase of 9 percent from last Assembly elections," Rawat said.

In February, the chief electoral officer had announced that nearly 60 lakh people have enrolled as new voters across Karnataka ahead of the 15th Assembly elections, due in early May.

"The number of new voters across the state has increased by 60 lakh, taking the total number of the electorate to 4.96 crore as per the tentative electoral rolls as against 4.36 crore voters in 2013 Assembly elections," state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjiv Kumar said.

According to the tentative electoral rolls, the number of male voters is 2.51 crore and female voters 2.44 crore. The tenure of Karnataka Assembly ends in May 2018.

While the ruling Congress Party is trying to retain power in Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stone unturned to seize the southern state.

In the run-up to the polls, extensive campaigning has been witnessed by both aforementioned parties, as both Congress and BJP frontrunners have been making numerous visits to the state to garner support for their respective parties.

The Karnataka assembly tenure ends May 2018

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday announced the Assembly election dates for Karnataka. Elections in Karnataka will be held on May 12 in single phase. Addressing the media in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said that the Model Code of Conduct has kicked in from today (March 26). "Model Code of Conduct for the elections will come into effect immediately. The eco-friendly material should be used for all propaganda exercise. Use of loudspeakers will be regulated so that people can sleep at night. Loudspeakers won't be allowed from 10 pm to 6 am," said CEC Om Prakash Rawat. Rawat further said that counting of votes and results for the state will be declared on May 15. The election will be held to elect members of the 224 constituencies in the Congress-ruled state. Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat said that the total number of electorate in Karnataka is 4.96 crores. "Total number of polling stations in the state is 56,696 which is an increase of 9 percent from last Assembly elections," Rawat said. In February, the chief electoral officer had announced that nearly 60 lakh people have enrolled as new voters across Karnataka ahead of the 15th Assembly elections, due in early May. "The number of new voters across the state has increased by 60 lakh, taking the total number of the electorate to 4.96 crore as per the tentative electoral rolls as against 4.36 crore voters in 2013 Assembly elections," state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjiv Kumar said. According to the tentative electoral rolls, the number of male voters is 2.51 crore and female voters 2.44 crore. The tenure of Karnataka Assembly ends in May 2018. While the ruling Congress Party is trying to retain power in Karnataka, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leaving no stone unturned to seize the southern state. In the run-up to the polls, extensive campaigning has been witnessed by both aforementioned parties, as both Congress and BJP frontrunners have been making numerous visits to the state to garner support for their respective parties.

Karnataka Assembly elections to be held on May 12, results on May 15

Delhi high court on Friday restored 20 AAP MLAs&#39; membership setting aside Election Commission of India&#39;s recommendations to disqualify them in connection to the office of profit.

Following relief to MLAs, the&nbsp;Election Commission will re-hear the office of profit case, news agency ANI reports.

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MLAs were not given a chance to put their point, so now the court has given them a chance to do that. The EC will hear their plea again: Saurabh Bhardwaj, AAP on relief to AAP MLAs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/WO7W12llyX">pic.twitter.com/WO7W12llyX</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977110182965792768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, the Election Commission had recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit.

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Delhi High Court said violation of oral hearing norms by EC and failure to communicate that OP Rawat after recusing had rejoined proceedings were the reasons to quash the Jan 19 order.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977111027002347520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Election Commission while recommending their&nbsp;disqualification to the President had said by being parliamentary secretaries, they held office of profit and were liable to be disqualified as MLAs of the Delhi Assembly.

Following EC&#39;s recommendation, the president disqualified the MLAs.&nbsp;

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The court has said that this case will be reopened. I had just raised a constitutional issue, there is no setback for me: Prashant Patel, petitioner in the 20 AAP MLAs disqualification case <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Delhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Delhi</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ka5tLfGzL3">pic.twitter.com/Ka5tLfGzL3</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/977113249287155712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The petition was made to disqualify 21 MLAs, but one had resigned a few months back.

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Earlier, the Election Commission recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit.

Delhi high court on Friday restored 20 AAP MLAs' membership setting aside Election Commission of India's recommendations to disqualify them in connection to the office of profit. Following relief to MLAs, the Election Commission will re-hear the office of profit case, news agency ANI reports. MLAs were not given a chance to put their point, so now the court has given them a chance to do that. The EC will hear their plea again: Saurabh Bhardwaj, AAP on relief to AAP MLAs. #Delhi pic.twitter.com/WO7W12llyX — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2018 × Earlier, the Election Commission had recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit. Delhi High Court said violation of oral hearing norms by EC and failure to communicate that OP Rawat after recusing had rejoined proceedings were the reasons to quash the Jan 19 order. — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2018 × The Election Commission while recommending their disqualification to the President had said by being parliamentary secretaries, they held office of profit and were liable to be disqualified as MLAs of the Delhi Assembly. Following EC's recommendation, the president disqualified the MLAs. The court has said that this case will be reopened. I had just raised a constitutional issue, there is no setback for me: Prashant Patel, petitioner in the 20 AAP MLAs disqualification case #Delhi pic.twitter.com/Ka5tLfGzL3 — ANI (@ANI) March 23, 2018 × The petition was made to disqualify 21 MLAs, but one had resigned a few months back.

Office of profit case: Delhi High Court restores AAP MLAs' membership

Polling in assembly elections in two key Northeastern states&mdash;Nagaland and Meghalaya&mdash;took place on Tuesday with both states recording voter turnouts of 75%, the Election Commission (EC) said.&nbsp;

With Tuesday&rsquo;s elections, the polling process for all the three North-eastern states&mdash;Tripura, which went to the polls earlier this month, is the third&mdash;is complete.&nbsp;

The election results will be announced on 3 March.

In the 2013 assembly elections, Meghalaya recorded a voter turnout of 86.82% and Nagaland 90.19%.

In Nagaland, Polling was held in 59 out of the total 60 constituencies as Neiphiu Rio, the three-time former chief minister and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party candidate was elected unopposed to Northern Angami-II seat.&nbsp;

Rio&#39;s party has an alliance with the BJP, which snapped ties with its long-standing ally the Naga People&#39;s Front.

Sinha said voting could not be held at Ladigarh polling station in Tamlu constituency in Longleng district along the Nagaland-Assam border due to the tension there.&nbsp;

Voting could not be held also at a polling station at Suthotsdu village in Meluri sub-division of Phek district as a mob forcibly entered and damaged an EVM.

In Tizit constituency, a group of people snatched EVMs and the VVPAT machine at a polling booth. The EVM was retrieved but the VVPAT has still not been found, he added.

Of the 195 candidates in fray in Nagaland, NPF has fielded 58, Congress 18, BJP 20, NDPP 39, NPP 25, NCP 6, JD(U) 13, AAP 3, LJP 2 and 11 Independents. Five women candidates also contested.

Meghalaya CEO F R Kharkongor said polling in 59 out of the 60 constituencies was by and large peaceful and the election office is awaiting data from remote places in the Garo and East Jaintia Hills districts.

Polling was countermanded in the Williamnagar constituency in the state due to the killing of NCP candidate Jonathon N Sangma on February 18.

He said polling had to be stopped in one booth of Raliang constituency in West Jaintia Hills district due to EVM-related problems. In two polling stations in South Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills districts, officials forgot to delete the mock poll data from the machines.

The ruling Congress, which had won 29 seats in the 2013 elections, is facing the challenge from a buoyant BJP after the latter&#39;s successes in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

The Congress, in power in Meghalaya for the last 10 years, has fielded 59 candidates. The chief minister is contesting from two seats.

Although the BJP drew a blank in 2013, it has put up candidates in 47 seats, including four MLAs of the current House who joined the party last month.

The United Democratic Party, which has eight members in the outgoing House, and the Hills State People&#39;s Democratic Party with four MLAs forged a pre-poll alliance and are together contesting 45 seats.

The other major parties contesting the polls are the National People&#39;s Party, the Nationalist Congress Party and the People&#39;s Democratic Front, a new entrant.

(With inputs from PTI)

With Tuesday’s elections, the polling process for all the three North-eastern states is complete. The election results will be announced on 3 March

Polling in assembly elections in two key Northeastern states—Nagaland and Meghalaya—took place on Tuesday with both states recording voter turnouts of 75%, the Election Commission (EC) said. With Tuesday’s elections, the polling process for all the three North-eastern states—Tripura, which went to the polls earlier this month, is the third—is complete. The election results will be announced on 3 March. In the 2013 assembly elections, Meghalaya recorded a voter turnout of 86.82% and Nagaland 90.19%. In Nagaland, Polling was held in 59 out of the total 60 constituencies as Neiphiu Rio, the three-time former chief minister and Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party candidate was elected unopposed to Northern Angami-II seat. Rio's party has an alliance with the BJP, which snapped ties with its long-standing ally the Naga People's Front. Sinha said voting could not be held at Ladigarh polling station in Tamlu constituency in Longleng district along the Nagaland-Assam border due to the tension there. Voting could not be held also at a polling station at Suthotsdu village in Meluri sub-division of Phek district as a mob forcibly entered and damaged an EVM. In Tizit constituency, a group of people snatched EVMs and the VVPAT machine at a polling booth. The EVM was retrieved but the VVPAT has still not been found, he added. Of the 195 candidates in fray in Nagaland, NPF has fielded 58, Congress 18, BJP 20, NDPP 39, NPP 25, NCP 6, JD(U) 13, AAP 3, LJP 2 and 11 Independents. Five women candidates also contested. Meghalaya CEO F R Kharkongor said polling in 59 out of the 60 constituencies was by and large peaceful and the election office is awaiting data from remote places in the Garo and East Jaintia Hills districts. Polling was countermanded in the Williamnagar constituency in the state due to the killing of NCP candidate Jonathon N Sangma on February 18. He said polling had to be stopped in one booth of Raliang constituency in West Jaintia Hills district due to EVM-related problems. In two polling stations in South Garo Hills and South West Garo Hills districts, officials forgot to delete the mock poll data from the machines. The ruling Congress, which had won 29 seats in the 2013 elections, is facing the challenge from a buoyant BJP after the latter's successes in Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress, in power in Meghalaya for the last 10 years, has fielded 59 candidates. The chief minister is contesting from two seats. Although the BJP drew a blank in 2013, it has put up candidates in 47 seats, including four MLAs of the current House who joined the party last month. The United Democratic Party, which has eight members in the outgoing House, and the Hills State People's Democratic Party with four MLAs forged a pre-poll alliance and are together contesting 45 seats. The other major parties contesting the polls are the National People's Party, the Nationalist Congress Party and the People's Democratic Front, a new entrant. (With inputs from PTI)

75% voter turnouts recorded in Meghalaya and Nagaland

Re-polling is underway in six booths in as many Assembly constituencies of Tripura on Monday.&nbsp;

The Election Commission (EC) had ordered repolling in six booths of Sonamura, Dhanpur, Teliamura, Sabroom, Ampinagar and Kadamtala-Kurti constituencies due to criticism from the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M), which accused the Tripura election department of failing to carry out a proper election.

The EC direction said it has come to the notice of the poll panel that presiding officers inadvertently did not clear the control unit of EVMs after mock poll on the day of polling in seven polling stations where matching of VVPAT slips with the EVM count was advised.

Out of 60 constituencies, 59 went for polls on February 18. Elections in Charilam constituency were rescheduled for March 12, after the demise of one candidate.

Meghalaya and Mizoram undergo polling on February 27, and results for the three northeastern states will be declared on March 3.

(With inputs from ANI)

Out of 60 constituencies, 59 went for polls on February 18. Elections in Charilam constituency were rescheduled for March 12, after the demise of one candidate.

Re-polling is underway in six booths in as many Assembly constituencies of Tripura on Monday. The Election Commission (EC) had ordered repolling in six booths of Sonamura, Dhanpur, Teliamura, Sabroom, Ampinagar and Kadamtala-Kurti constituencies due to criticism from the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M), which accused the Tripura election department of failing to carry out a proper election. The EC direction said it has come to the notice of the poll panel that presiding officers inadvertently did not clear the control unit of EVMs after mock poll on the day of polling in seven polling stations where matching of VVPAT slips with the EVM count was advised. Out of 60 constituencies, 59 went for polls on February 18. Elections in Charilam constituency were rescheduled for March 12, after the demise of one candidate. Meghalaya and Mizoram undergo polling on February 27, and results for the three northeastern states will be declared on March 3. (With inputs from ANI)

Re-polling in six Tripura booths underway

The Election Commission will hold biennial elections in 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states which are falling vacant on April 2.

The elections will be conducted to fill the seats of the members who are retiring in April- May 2018.&nbsp;

The members retiring from their seats&nbsp;include&nbsp;union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, J P Nadda, Thaawarchand Gehlot and Ramdas Athawale.

A by-election for Rajya Sabha seat in Kerala will&nbsp;also take place, the seat of which&nbsp;fell vacant after the resignation of MP Veerendra Kumar in December. Kumar&#39;s tenure&nbsp;was to end in April 2022.

The voting for the elections is scheduled for March 23.&nbsp;

The last date for filing of nominations is March 12.&nbsp;

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Voting to be held on March 23 for elections to 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states. Last date of filing nominations is March 12.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/967042197832028160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Election Commission will hold biennial elections in 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states which are falling vacant on April 2

The Election Commission will hold biennial elections in 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states which are falling vacant on April 2. The elections will be conducted to fill the seats of the members who are retiring in April- May 2018. The members retiring from their seats include union ministers Ravi Shankar Prasad, Dharmendra Pradhan, J P Nadda, Thaawarchand Gehlot and Ramdas Athawale. A by-election for Rajya Sabha seat in Kerala will also take place, the seat of which fell vacant after the resignation of MP Veerendra Kumar in December. Kumar's tenure was to end in April 2022. The voting for the elections is scheduled for March 23. The last date for filing of nominations is March 12. Voting to be held on March 23 for elections to 58 Rajya Sabha seats from 16 states. Last date of filing nominations is March 12. — ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2018 ×

EC to hold biennial elections on March 23 to fill in 58 vacant Rajya Sabha seats

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the party will approach the Supreme Court if necessary after President Ram Nath Kovind&nbsp;approved the recommendation by the Election Commission (EC) to disqualify 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding offices of profit,&nbsp;

Earlier the Delhi CM blamed the centre for imposing a fake case on his&nbsp;MLAs. &quot; They (BJP led centre) have put a false case on our 20 MLAs. The did not find anything even after conducting a CBI.They do not find anyone corrupt in the country&nbsp;except me. Everyone else in the country is honest,&quot; Kejriwal told reporters in Delhi.

They disqualified our MLAs after they did not get anything,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

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Humare 20 MLAs pe jhoote case kar diye, mere upar CBI ki raid kara di aur tab bhi inko kuch nahi mila. Inko poore desh mein Kejriwal hi corrupt mila, baaki sab imaandaar hain. Jab kuch nahi hua toh inhone humare 20 MLAs ko disqualify kar diya:Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Najafgarh <a href="https://t.co/bUYoXh0RYB">pic.twitter.com/bUYoXh0RYB</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955058860036833280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also tweeted saying that he was bestowed upon with 67 seats because of his &#39;&#39;honesty&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;

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ऊपर वाले ने 67 सीट कुछ सोच कर ही दी थी। 
 
हर क़दम पर ऊपर वाला आम आदमी पार्टी के साथ है, नहीं तो हमारी औक़ात ही क्या थी। बस सच्चाई का मार्ग मत छोड़ना।
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/955058919092633606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Election Commission on Friday asked President Kovind to disqualify 20 AAP MLAs&nbsp;for being parliamentary secretaries.

The disqualification will not endanger the Arvind Kejriwal government but its numbers will come down to 45 in the 70-seat Delhi Assembly. The party would still enjoy a comfortable majority in the assembly.

Former finance minister Yashwant Sinha termed the disqualification of AAP MLAs &quot; miscarriage of natural justice&quot;.

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President&#39;s order disqualifying the 20 AAP MLAs is complete miscarriage of natural justice. No hearing, no waiting for High Court&#39;s order. It is Tughluqshahi of the worst order.
&mdash; Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/YashwantSinha/status/955046056282042369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier the Delhi CM blamed the centre for imposing a fake case on his MLAs.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the party will approach the Supreme Court if necessary after President Ram Nath Kovind approved the recommendation by the Election Commission (EC) to disqualify 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding offices of profit, Earlier the Delhi CM blamed the centre for imposing a fake case on his MLAs. " They (BJP led centre) have put a false case on our 20 MLAs. The did not find anything even after conducting a CBI.They do not find anyone corrupt in the country except me. Everyone else in the country is honest," Kejriwal told reporters in Delhi. They disqualified our MLAs after they did not get anything," he added. Humare 20 MLAs pe jhoote case kar diye, mere upar CBI ki raid kara di aur tab bhi inko kuch nahi mila. Inko poore desh mein Kejriwal hi corrupt mila, baaki sab imaandaar hain. Jab kuch nahi hua toh inhone humare 20 MLAs ko disqualify kar diya:Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Najafgarh pic.twitter.com/bUYoXh0RYB — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2018 × He also tweeted saying that he was bestowed upon with 67 seats because of his ''honesty''. ऊपर वाले ने 67 सीट कुछ सोच कर ही दी थी। हर क़दम पर ऊपर वाला आम आदमी पार्टी के साथ है, नहीं तो हमारी औक़ात ही क्या थी। बस सच्चाई का मार्ग मत छोड़ना। — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 21, 2018 × Election Commission on Friday asked President Kovind to disqualify 20 AAP MLAs for being parliamentary secretaries. The disqualification will not endanger the Arvind Kejriwal government but its numbers will come down to 45 in the 70-seat Delhi Assembly. The party would still enjoy a comfortable majority in the assembly. Former finance minister Yashwant Sinha termed the disqualification of AAP MLAs " miscarriage of natural justice". President's order disqualifying the 20 AAP MLAs is complete miscarriage of natural justice. No hearing, no waiting for High Court's order. It is Tughluqshahi of the worst order. — Yashwant Sinha (@YashwantSinha) January 21, 2018 ×

Will approach SC if required: Kejriwal on disqualification of MLAs

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India seeking permission from it to allow the use of AIADMK-Amma name to TTV Dhinakarn camp for the upcoming municipal polls.&nbsp;

The court issued the notice to the EC after a plea was filed by TTV Dhinakaran.

The next hearing in the matter is on February 6.&nbsp;

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Delhi High Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India on plea of TTV Dhinakaran seeking directions to EC to permit his camp to continue using AIADMK-Amma name for the upcoming municipal polls.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/956091352072077312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Delhi High Court asks the Election Commission of Commission to file it&#39;s reply within a week, next date of hearing is February 6.
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Dhinakaran who recently won the RK Nagar bypoll&nbsp;had fought the election as an Independent candidate.&nbsp;

He beat the AIADMK&#39;s E Madhusudhanan by over 40,000 votes.

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India seeking permission from it to allow the use of AIADMK-Amma name to TTV Dhinakarn camp for the upcoming municipal polls

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to the Election Commission of India seeking permission from it to allow the use of AIADMK-Amma name to TTV Dhinakarn camp for the upcoming municipal polls. The court issued the notice to the EC after a plea was filed by TTV Dhinakaran. The next hearing in the matter is on February 6. Delhi High Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India on plea of TTV Dhinakaran seeking directions to EC to permit his camp to continue using AIADMK-Amma name for the upcoming municipal polls. — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × Delhi High Court asks the Election Commission of Commission to file it's reply within a week, next date of hearing is February 6. — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2018 × Dhinakaran who recently won the RK Nagar bypoll had fought the election as an Independent candidate. He beat the AIADMK's E Madhusudhanan by over 40,000 votes.

High Court issues notice to EC on TTV Dhinakaran's plea

The Election Commission today issued the notifications for the February 27 Meghalaya Assembly elections.

Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, F R Kharkongor said&nbsp;that &quot;The Election Commission has issued notifications for the elections in the state.&quot;

The tenure of the current 60-member Meghalaya Assembly ends on March 6 and the state will go to the polls on February 27.

With the issuance of the election notification, the filing of nomination started today.

The last date of filing nominations is February 7 while the date of scrutiny of nomination is February 8.

The last date of withdrawal of candidates is February 12.

The counting of votes will take place on March 3.

Voter Verified Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) will be used along with EVMs in the election.

With the issuance of the election notification, the filing of nomination started today

The Election Commission today issued the notifications for the February 27 Meghalaya Assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, F R Kharkongor said that "The Election Commission has issued notifications for the elections in the state." The tenure of the current 60-member Meghalaya Assembly ends on March 6 and the state will go to the polls on February 27. With the issuance of the election notification, the filing of nomination started today. The last date of filing nominations is February 7 while the date of scrutiny of nomination is February 8. The last date of withdrawal of candidates is February 12. The counting of votes will take place on March 3. Voter Verified Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) will be used along with EVMs in the election.

Election Commission issues Meghalaya Assembly election notification

In a major blow to Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission is learnt to have recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit.

In its opinion sent to President Ram Nath Kovind, the Election Commission said by being parliamentary secretaries, they held office of profit and were liable to be disqualified as MLAs of the Delhi Assembly, highly placed sources said.

The President is bound to go by the recommendation of the Commission. In cases where petitions are made seeking disqualification of lawmakers, the President sends a reference to the EC which decides on the case by sending back its opinion.

In the present case, the petition was made to disqualify 21 MLAs, but one had resigned a few months back.

There, however, was no official word from the Commission.

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Recommendation on AAP MLAs is sub judice, will not comment on what recommendation has been given to the President: Election Commission on reports of disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs in Office of Profit case.
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/954280855890886656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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When contacted, Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti said since the matter is sub judice, he would not offer any comment on the issue.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With PTI inputs)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The controversy over the "office of profit" started soon after the AAP's victory in the Assembly elections in Delhi.

In a major blow to Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission is learnt to have recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit. In its opinion sent to President Ram Nath Kovind, the Election Commission said by being parliamentary secretaries, they held office of profit and were liable to be disqualified as MLAs of the Delhi Assembly, highly placed sources said. The President is bound to go by the recommendation of the Commission. In cases where petitions are made seeking disqualification of lawmakers, the President sends a reference to the EC which decides on the case by sending back its opinion. In the present case, the petition was made to disqualify 21 MLAs, but one had resigned a few months back. There, however, was no official word from the Commission. Recommendation on AAP MLAs is sub judice, will not comment on what recommendation has been given to the President: Election Commission on reports of disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs in Office of Profit case. — ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2018 × When contacted, Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti said since the matter is sub judice, he would not offer any comment on the issue. (With PTI inputs)

Election Commission disqualifies 20 AAP MLAs for holding 'office of profit'

Hours after Election Commission recommended disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit, Delhi high court refused to grant interim relief to them. &nbsp;

Delhi High Court refused to grant interim relief to Aam Aadmi Party MLAs in Office of Profit case, news agency ANI reported.

Earlier in a major blow to Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit.

In its opinion sent to President Ram Nath Kovind, the Election Commission said by being parliamentary secretaries, they held office of profit and were liable to be disqualified as MLAs of the Delhi Assembly, highly placed sources said.

The President is bound to go by the recommendation of the Commission. In cases where petitions are made seeking disqualification of lawmakers, the President sends a reference to the EC which decides on the case by sending back its opinion.

In the present case, the petition was made to disqualify 21 MLAs, but one had resigned a few months back.

There, however, was no official word from the Commission.

Earlier Election Commission recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit.

Hours after Election Commission recommended disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit, Delhi high court refused to grant interim relief to them. Delhi High Court refused to grant interim relief to Aam Aadmi Party MLAs in Office of Profit case, news agency ANI reported. Earlier in a major blow to Aam Aadmi Party, the Election Commission recommended to the President the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs for allegedly holding office of profit. In its opinion sent to President Ram Nath Kovind, the Election Commission said by being parliamentary secretaries, they held office of profit and were liable to be disqualified as MLAs of the Delhi Assembly, highly placed sources said. The President is bound to go by the recommendation of the Commission. In cases where petitions are made seeking disqualification of lawmakers, the President sends a reference to the EC which decides on the case by sending back its opinion. In the present case, the petition was made to disqualify 21 MLAs, but one had resigned a few months back. There, however, was no official word from the Commission.

Delhi HC refuses interim relief for AAP MLAs in 'Office of Profit' case

A bill seeking to extend the facility of proxy voting to overseas Indians, on the lines of service voters, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.

The draft law also seeks to make the election law gender neutral by replacing the term wife with spouse to benefit service voters.

According to the provisions of Representation of the People Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced by Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in the Lower House, overseas Indians, who are entitled to vote in India, can now appoint a proxy voter to cast their votes.

As of now, overseas Indians were free to cast their votes in the constituencies where they were registered. But, according to the draft bill, they would now be allowed to use the option of proxy, which till now was only available to service personnel.

An expert committee of the Election Commission working on the issue had in 2015 forwarded the legal framework to the law ministry to amend the electoral laws to allow overseas Indians use proxy voting. Unofficial data with EC shows that only 10,000 to 12,000 overseas voters have exercised their franchise because they do not want to spend foreign currency to come to India and vote.

The bill said the necessary provision of coming to India to cast ballot caused &quot;hardship&quot; to overseas electors. Another provision in the amendment bill relates to spouses of service voters. As of now, an army man&#39;s wife is entitled to be enrolled as a service voter, but a woman army officer&#39;s husband is not, according to the provisions of the electoral law.

But the draft bill proposes to replace the term wife with the spouse, thus making the provision gender neutral.

Members of the armed forces, central armed police forces, personnel of state police forces posted outside their state and employees of the Centre posted outside India are eligible to be enrolled as service voters.

The wife of a service voter, if she is residing with him, is also entitled to be enrolled as a service voter in the constituency specified by that person. But children and other relatives residing with a service voter cannot be enrolled as service voters, according to EC website.

The draft law also seeks to make the election law gender neutral by replacing the term wife with the spouse to benefit service voters

A bill seeking to extend the facility of proxy voting to overseas Indians, on the lines of service voters, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The draft law also seeks to make the election law gender neutral by replacing the term wife with spouse to benefit service voters. According to the provisions of Representation of the People Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced by Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in the Lower House, overseas Indians, who are entitled to vote in India, can now appoint a proxy voter to cast their votes. As of now, overseas Indians were free to cast their votes in the constituencies where they were registered. But, according to the draft bill, they would now be allowed to use the option of proxy, which till now was only available to service personnel. An expert committee of the Election Commission working on the issue had in 2015 forwarded the legal framework to the law ministry to amend the electoral laws to allow overseas Indians use proxy voting. Unofficial data with EC shows that only 10,000 to 12,000 overseas voters have exercised their franchise because they do not want to spend foreign currency to come to India and vote. The bill said the necessary provision of coming to India to cast ballot caused "hardship" to overseas electors. Another provision in the amendment bill relates to spouses of service voters. As of now, an army man's wife is entitled to be enrolled as a service voter, but a woman army officer's husband is not, according to the provisions of the electoral law. But the draft bill proposes to replace the term wife with the spouse, thus making the provision gender neutral. Members of the armed forces, central armed police forces, personnel of state police forces posted outside their state and employees of the Centre posted outside India are eligible to be enrolled as service voters. The wife of a service voter, if she is residing with him, is also entitled to be enrolled as a service voter in the constituency specified by that person. But children and other relatives residing with a service voter cannot be enrolled as service voters, according to EC website.

Draft bill allowing overseas Indians to appoint proxy voters introduced in Lok Sabha

The Election Commission tonight withdrew the notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his TV interviews during Gujarat polls, and said it will revisit a provision in the election law under which it was issued.

The poll body had on December 13 issued the show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi for &quot;prima facie&quot; violating the provisions under the election law and the model code by giving interviews to TV channels.

While withdrawing the notice, it told the Congress and the BJP, &quot;The Commission is of the considered view that due to multi-fold expansion of digital and electronic media, the extant Model Code of Conduct, Section 126 of the RP Act, 1951, and other related provisions require revisiting to cater to the requirement and challenges of the present and emerging situations.&quot;

The poll body also decided to set up a panel to suggest amendments to a provision in the election law barring campaigning 48 hours ahead of polling, following complaints that it has failed to keep pace with information technology.

The order comes in the wake of controversies over Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s FICCI meeting, Rahul Gandhi&#39;s TV interviews and the release of BJP manifesto in Gujarat -- all after campaigning had ended in the state.

After the EC passed the order, the Congress said if the commission had issued the notice just to prevent the telecast of Rahul Gandhi&#39;s interviews.

Congress communications in charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted, &quot;If Election Commission has withdrawn its notice issued to Sh. Rahul Gandhi, two bonafide questions must be asked-: 1. Was it a mere ploy to prevent TV channels from showing his interview? and 2. Is it a justification for no action or registration of an FIR against PM &amp; Ministers?&quot;

The commission also said that proposed panel to review section 126 of the Representation of the People Act will have members drawn from the EC, Information &amp; Broadcasting, law and IT ministries as also National Broadcasters Associations (NBA) and the Press Council of India (PCI).

The commission said Section 126 of the RP Act does not take into account communication revolution and &quot;it appears imperative to revisit the provisions relating to the last 48 hours before completion of poll to appropriately address challenges unleashed by fast-changing technologies in the context of multi-phase polls.&quot;

The proposed panel will &quot;examine these provisions in the prevailing context of communication technologies and suggest required changes,&quot; it said.

It also told the BJP about the complaint by the Congress that model code was allegedly violated by the prime minister and union ministers Arun Jaitley and Piyush Goyal.

Without issuing any directions, the Commission said, &quot;BJP is advised not to make mention of any election matter pertaining to area going for the poll during the prohibited period of 48 hours, henceforth.&quot;

The order comes in the wake of controversies over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's FICCI meeting, Rahul Gandhi's TV interviews and the release of BJP manifesto in Gujarat -- all after campaigning had ended in the state.

The Election Commission tonight withdrew the notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his TV interviews during Gujarat polls, and said it will revisit a provision in the election law under which it was issued. The poll body had on December 13 issued the show cause notice to Rahul Gandhi for "prima facie" violating the provisions under the election law and the model code by giving interviews to TV channels. While withdrawing the notice, it told the Congress and the BJP, "The Commission is of the considered view that due to multi-fold expansion of digital and electronic media, the extant Model Code of Conduct, Section 126 of the RP Act, 1951, and other related provisions require revisiting to cater to the requirement and challenges of the present and emerging situations." The poll body also decided to set up a panel to suggest amendments to a provision in the election law barring campaigning 48 hours ahead of polling, following complaints that it has failed to keep pace with information technology. The order comes in the wake of controversies over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's FICCI meeting, Rahul Gandhi's TV interviews and the release of BJP manifesto in Gujarat -- all after campaigning had ended in the state. After the EC passed the order, the Congress said if the commission had issued the notice just to prevent the telecast of Rahul Gandhi's interviews. Congress communications in charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted, "If Election Commission has withdrawn its notice issued to Sh. Rahul Gandhi, two bonafide questions must be asked-: 1. Was it a mere ploy to prevent TV channels from showing his interview? and 2. Is it a justification for no action or registration of an FIR against PM & Ministers?" The commission also said that proposed panel to review section 126 of the Representation of the People Act will have members drawn from the EC, Information & Broadcasting, law and IT ministries as also National Broadcasters Associations (NBA) and the Press Council of India (PCI). The commission said Section 126 of the RP Act does not take into account communication revolution and "it appears imperative to revisit the provisions relating to the last 48 hours before completion of poll to appropriately address challenges unleashed by fast-changing technologies in the context of multi-phase polls." The proposed panel will "examine these provisions in the prevailing context of communication technologies and suggest required changes," it said. It also told the BJP about the complaint by the Congress that model code was allegedly violated by the prime minister and union ministers Arun Jaitley and Piyush Goyal. Without issuing any directions, the Commission said, "BJP is advised not to make mention of any election matter pertaining to area going for the poll during the prohibited period of 48 hours, henceforth."

EC withdraws notice to Rahul over TV interviews ahead of Gujarat polls

The DMK&#39;s MK Stalin has written to the Election Commission accusing the ruling AIADMK of the &quot;large-scale distribution&quot; of money to win the RK Nagar bypoll.&nbsp;

In his letter, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK has distributed over Rs 100 crore.&nbsp;

&quot;Tamil Nadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs 100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency,&quot; Stalin wrote in his letter.&nbsp;

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DMK&#39;s MK Stalin writes to the Election Commission of India, says &quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs.100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency&quot; <a href="https://t.co/xAwmtDtyGS">pic.twitter.com/xAwmtDtyGS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942341081349238786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Stalin also requested the Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan, telling the commission to &quot;take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency.&quot;

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DMK&#39;s MK Stalin also requests Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E.Madhusudhanan, says &quot;take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency&quot;
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/942341528076161024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Key contestants in the bypoll include Madhusudanan, and N Marudhu Ganesh who is the DMK&#39;s candidate.&nbsp;

Breakaway AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran will be contesting the bypoll as an independent candidate.

The RK Nagar bypoll was made necessary by the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

The election is also being seen as a litmus test for the ruling party which has been facing a barrage of accusations including of alleged corruption.&nbsp;

News reports said RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters.

The reports added that a few men were caught trying to do the same thing today.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the men were caught trying to distribute packets of biryani and Rs 2,000 notes to voters. &nbsp;

The RK Nagar&nbsp;bypoll had been cancelled in April following allegations of the distribution of cash to voters.&nbsp;

The bypoll is now to be held on December 21 and campaigning is on in full swing.

RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters

The DMK's MK Stalin has written to the Election Commission accusing the ruling AIADMK of the "large-scale distribution" of money to win the RK Nagar bypoll. In his letter, Stalin alleged that the AIADMK has distributed over Rs 100 crore. "Tamil Nadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs 100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency," Stalin wrote in his letter. DMK's MK Stalin writes to the Election Commission of India, says "#TamilNadu witnessing large-scale distribution of money to the tune of more than Rs.100 Crores by the ruling AIADMK party to the voters for by-election to RK Nagar Assembly Constituency" pic.twitter.com/xAwmtDtyGS — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × Stalin also requested the Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E Madhusudhanan, telling the commission to "take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency." DMK's MK Stalin also requests Election Commission to disqualify AIADMK candidate E.Madhusudhanan, says "take appropriate and necessary action against AIADMK and the erring officials and to ensure free and fair election RK Nagar Assembly Constituency" — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2017 × Key contestants in the bypoll include Madhusudanan, and N Marudhu Ganesh who is the DMK's candidate. Breakaway AIADMK leader TTV Dinakaran will be contesting the bypoll as an independent candidate. The RK Nagar bypoll was made necessary by the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa. The election is also being seen as a litmus test for the ruling party which has been facing a barrage of accusations including of alleged corruption. News reports said RK Nagar had witnessed chaotic scenes on Saturday after election officials and DMK cadre chased and seized about Rs 13 lakh from men accused of trying to distribute cash to voters. The reports added that a few men were caught trying to do the same thing today. On Sunday, the men were caught trying to distribute packets of biryani and Rs 2,000 notes to voters. The RK Nagar bypoll had been cancelled in April following allegations of the distribution of cash to voters. The bypoll is now to be held on December 21 and campaigning is on in full swing.

RK Nagar bypoll: Stalin writes to EC, says AIADMK distributing 'large-scale money'

After the Election Commission ordered the filing of an FIR against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for giving an interview to a TV channel in Gujarat in violation of the 48-hour ban on campaigning, a Congress delegation met the Election Commission and informed that BJP too violated the model code of conduct a lot of times in the past and just ahead of the first phase of polling in Gujarat.

The Congress delegation met the EC and complained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, FM Arun Jaitley and RM Piyush Goyal have violated Model Code of Conduct several times in the past. PM misused the FICCI platform to attack Congress party, the delegation informed the election commission. They also urged the &#39;&#39;EC should stay unbiased&#39;&#39;.

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We informed Election Commission that PM Modi is going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the elections. It is EC&#39;s duty to take steps. We have also submitted examples and video proofs: RS Surjewala,Congress after meeting Election Commission in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/ffDgnnEUqg">pic.twitter.com/ffDgnnEUqg</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940989909162115072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said that they informed the EC&nbsp;that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the election and it&#39;s the duty of the EC to take steps. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;We informed Election Commission that PM Modi is going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the elections. It is EC&#39;s duty to take steps. We have also submitted examples and video proofs,&#39;&#39; said Surjewala after meeting EC.

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In 2014 elections, Modi Ji even showed BJP symbol on voting day but EC didn&#39;t act.BJP held a PC just before 1st phase of Gujarat election. These double standards won&#39;t work &amp; 1st FIR should be filed against PM Modi &amp; other BJP leaders instead of Press: Randeep Surjewala, Congress <a href="https://t.co/xyhLMLP1Jp">pic.twitter.com/xyhLMLP1Jp</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/940976815371251712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Surjewala said that Modi flashed the BJP symbol on voting day and the party held a press conference just before the first phase of Gujarat election but EC didn&#39;t act.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;In 2014 elections, Modi Ji even showed BJP symbol on voting day but EC didn&#39;t act. BJP held a PC just before the first&nbsp;phase of Gujarat election. These double standards won&#39;t work. First FIR should be filed against PM Modi and other BJP leaders instead of press,&#39;&#39; Surjewala said.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said that he informed the EC that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the election and it's the duty of the EC to take steps. ??

After the Election Commission ordered the filing of an FIR against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for giving an interview to a TV channel in Gujarat in violation of the 48-hour ban on campaigning, a Congress delegation met the Election Commission and informed that BJP too violated the model code of conduct a lot of times in the past and just ahead of the first phase of polling in Gujarat. The Congress delegation met the EC and complained that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President Amit Shah, FM Arun Jaitley and RM Piyush Goyal have violated Model Code of Conduct several times in the past. PM misused the FICCI platform to attack Congress party, the delegation informed the election commission. They also urged the ''EC should stay unbiased''. We informed Election Commission that PM Modi is going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the elections. It is EC's duty to take steps. We have also submitted examples and video proofs: RS Surjewala,Congress after meeting Election Commission in Delhi pic.twitter.com/ffDgnnEUqg — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said that they informed the EC that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the election and it's the duty of the EC to take steps. ''We informed Election Commission that PM Modi is going to make an attempt tomorrow again to influence the elections. It is EC's duty to take steps. We have also submitted examples and video proofs,'' said Surjewala after meeting EC. In 2014 elections, Modi Ji even showed BJP symbol on voting day but EC didn't act.BJP held a PC just before 1st phase of Gujarat election. These double standards won't work & 1st FIR should be filed against PM Modi & other BJP leaders instead of Press: Randeep Surjewala, Congress pic.twitter.com/xyhLMLP1Jp — ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2017 × Surjewala said that Modi flashed the BJP symbol on voting day and the party held a press conference just before the first phase of Gujarat election but EC didn't act. ''In 2014 elections, Modi Ji even showed BJP symbol on voting day but EC didn't act. BJP held a PC just before the first phase of Gujarat election. These double standards won't work. First FIR should be filed against PM Modi and other BJP leaders instead of press,'' Surjewala said.

Election commission should be unbiased: Congress

Banej village in Gir Sanctuary has just one voter, the local mahant.

Bharatdas Darshandas looks after the local temple.

The forest department allows no one else to live in the village because of the threat of Gir&#39;s lions.&nbsp;

Darshandas came to vote Saturday.

Since 2002, each time there is&nbsp;an election, the election commission has been setting up a polling booth.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The EC keeps the booth functional for the entire day even if Darshandas casts his vote early in the morning.

 
&nbsp;

Bharatdas Darshandas is the mahant of the local temple

Banej village in Gir Sanctuary has just one voter, the local mahant. Bharatdas Darshandas looks after the local temple. The forest department allows no one else to live in the village because of the threat of Gir's lions. Darshandas came to vote Saturday. Since 2002, each time there is an election, the election commission has been setting up a polling booth. The EC keeps the booth functional for the entire day even if Darshandas casts his vote early in the morning.

Gujarat elections: Only one voter in this village in Gir forest

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notices to the Election Commission of India and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) on a plea by the former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav&#39;s faction against the poll body order rejecting its claim to the party&#39;s &quot;arrow&quot; symbol.

The Delhi high court will hear the matter on February 18.

The newly-appointed president of the Sharad Yadav faction, K Rajasekaran, had yesterday moved Delhi High Court challenging the Election Commission order.

Rajasekaran has challenged the poll panel&#39;s November 25 order, which stated that that faction led by Nitish Kumar was the real JD(U) and allotted it the &quot;arrow&quot; symbol. 
symbol. He has asked for the Election Commission&#39;s November 25 order to be set aside in his plea.

Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav parted ways after the Bihar chief minister allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in July and broke the Mahagathbandhan or the grand alliance between the Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Congress parties.

Sharad Yadav had claimed that by ending the alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav&#39;s RJD and deserting the Mahagathbandhan, Nitish Kumar had gone against the party&#39;s national executive&#39;s decision to oppose the BJP.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

The Delhi high court will hear the matter on February 18.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notices to the Election Commission of India and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) on a plea by the former JD(U) chief Sharad Yadav's faction against the poll body order rejecting its claim to the party's "arrow" symbol. The Delhi high court will hear the matter on February 18. The newly-appointed president of the Sharad Yadav faction, K Rajasekaran, had yesterday moved Delhi High Court challenging the Election Commission order. Rajasekaran has challenged the poll panel's November 25 order, which stated that that faction led by Nitish Kumar was the real JD(U) and allotted it the "arrow" symbol. symbol. He has asked for the Election Commission's November 25 order to be set aside in his plea. Nitish Kumar and Sharad Yadav parted ways after the Bihar chief minister allied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in July and broke the Mahagathbandhan or the grand alliance between the Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, and the Congress parties. Sharad Yadav had claimed that by ending the alliance with Lalu Prasad Yadav's RJD and deserting the Mahagathbandhan, Nitish Kumar had gone against the party's national executive's decision to oppose the BJP. (With inputs from ANI)

Delhi high court notice to election commission on Sharad Yadav's 'arrow symbol' plea

The Election Commission has announced the bypoll dates for prestigious RK Nagar constituency.&nbsp;

The bypoll for the constituency from where the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was elected twice to the Assembly will be held on December 21 and the counting will take place on December 24.

The bypoll assumes significance as it will prove to be a litmus test for Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and his deputy O. Panneerselvam combine who wrest back the two-leaf symbol. &nbsp;

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Assembly by elections on December 21: RK Nagar(Tamil Nadu), Sikandra(UP), Sabang(West Bengal), Pakke-Kasang and Likabali(Arunachal Pradesh). Counting on December 24
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/933919870755905536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The election to RK Nagar constituency will be the first elections that the AIADMK will face after the demise of its charismatic leader J. Jayalalithaa last December.

While the ruling combines likely to contest&nbsp;the elections in the name of Jayalalithaa, the opposition is likely to call it a referendum on the AIADMK government&#39;s performance in the past one-year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The bypoll will be a litmus test for Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and his deputy O. Panneerselvam combine who wrest back the two-leaf symbol.

The Election Commission has announced the bypoll dates for prestigious RK Nagar constituency. The bypoll for the constituency from where the late AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa was elected twice to the Assembly will be held on December 21 and the counting will take place on December 24. The bypoll assumes significance as it will prove to be a litmus test for Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and his deputy O. Panneerselvam combine who wrest back the two-leaf symbol. Assembly by elections on December 21: RK Nagar(Tamil Nadu), Sikandra(UP), Sabang(West Bengal), Pakke-Kasang and Likabali(Arunachal Pradesh). Counting on December 24 — ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2017 × The election to RK Nagar constituency will be the first elections that the AIADMK will face after the demise of its charismatic leader J. Jayalalithaa last December. While the ruling combines likely to contest the elections in the name of Jayalalithaa, the opposition is likely to call it a referendum on the AIADMK government's performance in the past one-year.

Bypoll to Jayalalithaa's RK Nagar Assembly seat on December 21

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to the archbishop of Gandhinagar for asking Christians to pray to save the country from &quot;nationalist forces&quot; in the run-up to the Gujarat Assembly polls.

Issuing a letter addressed to the Christians, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the community to save the country from &quot;nationalist forces&quot; as its &quot;democratic fabric&quot; was at stake, amidst a growing &quot;sense of insecurity&quot; among the minorities.

In Gujarat&#39;s political circles, the appeal was seen as an indirect call to vote against the ruling BJP.

Also Read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-elections-save-country-from-nationalist-forces-says-gandhinagar-archbishop-24971"> Gujarat elections: Save country from nationalist forces, says Gandhinagar Archbishop</a>

Gandhinagar Collector and District Election Officer Satish Patel told PTI that the EC issued the notice after taking cognisance of media reports and asked the archbishop to clarify his intention behind issuing such a letter.

&quot;We have issued a notice to the archbishop, seeking clarity over his intention behind the letter, which was widely publicised in the media. We have given him a few days&#39; time to respond. We will decide on the future course of action on the basis of his reply,&quot; Patel said today.

He added that the letter seemed to be aimed at &quot;confusing&quot; the voters of the minority communities and misguiding them when the poll code was in force in the state.

&quot;We understand that the letter was an attempt to misguide the voters and confuse the minority community voters at a time when the model code of conduct is in force. Such a language should not be used,&quot; Patel said.

In an official communique dated November 21, Macwan had appealed to the Christians to organise prayer services at parishes and convents, &quot;so that we may have such people elected to the Gujarat

Assembly, who would remain faithful to the Indian Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination&quot;.

&quot;The democratic fabric of the country is at stake amidst a growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, other backward classes (OBC), backward classes, poor etc.,&quot; he had said.

&quot;The results of this election are significant and will have repercussions and reverberations throughout our beloved nation. It will influence the future course of our country.

&quot;We are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithful or institutions,&quot; he said.

&quot;The recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels will be of great help. Encourage your faithful to pray the Rosary,&quot; he said.

In the letter, the archbishop had also cited examples of how such prayers saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto, referring to the battle of 1571, in which the Holy League of Venetian and Spanish empires had defeated the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras, and how the &quot;protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary defeated communist governments and dictators in a number of countries&quot;.

The 182-member Gujarat Assembly will go to the polls in two phases -- on December 9 and 14. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.

The Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the Christians community to save the country from 'nationalist forces' as its 'democratic fabric' was at stake, amidst a growing 'sense of insecurity' among the minorities

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice to the archbishop of Gandhinagar for asking Christians to pray to save the country from "nationalist forces" in the run-up to the Gujarat Assembly polls. Issuing a letter addressed to the Christians, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Gandhinagar, Thomas Macwan, had last week urged the members of the community to save the country from "nationalist forces" as its "democratic fabric" was at stake, amidst a growing "sense of insecurity" among the minorities. In Gujarat's political circles, the appeal was seen as an indirect call to vote against the ruling BJP. Also Read: Gujarat elections: Save country from nationalist forces, says Gandhinagar Archbishop Gandhinagar Collector and District Election Officer Satish Patel told PTI that the EC issued the notice after taking cognisance of media reports and asked the archbishop to clarify his intention behind issuing such a letter. "We have issued a notice to the archbishop, seeking clarity over his intention behind the letter, which was widely publicised in the media. We have given him a few days' time to respond. We will decide on the future course of action on the basis of his reply," Patel said today. He added that the letter seemed to be aimed at "confusing" the voters of the minority communities and misguiding them when the poll code was in force in the state. "We understand that the letter was an attempt to misguide the voters and confuse the minority community voters at a time when the model code of conduct is in force. Such a language should not be used," Patel said. In an official communique dated November 21, Macwan had appealed to the Christians to organise prayer services at parishes and convents, "so that we may have such people elected to the Gujarat Assembly, who would remain faithful to the Indian Constitution and respect every human being without any sort of discrimination". "The democratic fabric of the country is at stake amidst a growing sense of insecurity among the minorities, other backward classes (OBC), backward classes, poor etc.," he had said. "The results of this election are significant and will have repercussions and reverberations throughout our beloved nation. It will influence the future course of our country. "We are aware that the secular and democratic fabric of our country is at stake. Human rights are being violated. The constitutional rights are being trampled. Not a single day goes without an attack on our churches, church personnel, faithful or institutions," he said. "The recitation of the Holy Rosary at individual, community, family and parish levels will be of great help. Encourage your faithful to pray the Rosary," he said. In the letter, the archbishop had also cited examples of how such prayers saved Europe during the victory at Lepanto, referring to the battle of 1571, in which the Holy League of Venetian and Spanish empires had defeated the Ottoman Empire in the Gulf of Patras, and how the "protecting hand of our beloved Mother Mary defeated communist governments and dictators in a number of countries". The 182-member Gujarat Assembly will go to the polls in two phases -- on December 9 and 14. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 18.

Gujarat polls: Gandhinagar archbishop gets Election Commission notice for prayer appeal

The Delhi High Court has asked the Election Commission of India to pass a detailed order stating reasons&nbsp;for their decision of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-led-jdu-gets-control-over-arrow-party-symbol-24459" target="_blank">recognising the Nitish Kumar led </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-led-jdu-gets-control-over-arrow-party-symbol-24459" target="_blank">faction</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nitish-kumar-led-jdu-gets-control-over-arrow-party-symbol-24459" target="_blank"> of JD(U)</a>.

The ECI has to submit by Thursday the date by which they can pass such an order.

The Delhi High Court&#39;s order has come in response to a plea filed by JD(U) MLA Chhotu Bhai Vasava.

Vasava had challenged the ECI&#39;s order on the party symbol.

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Plea of JD(U) MLA Chhotu Bhai Vasava challenging EC order on party symbol: Delhi High Court asks ECI to pass a detailed order giving reasons for their decision at the earliest, directs ECI to indicate by tomorrow the date by which they can pass such an order
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/933229962772934659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Election Commission had earlier recognised&nbsp;Janta Dal United&#39;s faction led by Nitish Kumar.

The commission had also approved them to use the arrow symbol.

EC had&nbsp;rejected the plea filed by Chhotubhai Amarsang Vasava to recognise his group as real JD(U). He is the working president of the JD(U) faction led by Sharad Yadav.&nbsp;

The plea was filed to get claim over the party and its election symbol.&nbsp;

The EC had released an order stating that&nbsp;the group led by Kumar &quot;has demonstrated overwhelming majority support&quot; in the legislature wing as well as the majority in the national council of the party.

The Election Commission had earlier recognised?Janta Dal United's faction led by Nitish Kumar and approved them to use the arrow symbol

The Delhi High Court has asked the Election Commission of India to pass a detailed order stating reasons for their decision of recognising the Nitish Kumar led faction of JD(U). The ECI has to submit by Thursday the date by which they can pass such an order. The Delhi High Court's order has come in response to a plea filed by JD(U) MLA Chhotu Bhai Vasava. Vasava had challenged the ECI's order on the party symbol. Plea of JD(U) MLA Chhotu Bhai Vasava challenging EC order on party symbol: Delhi High Court asks ECI to pass a detailed order giving reasons for their decision at the earliest, directs ECI to indicate by tomorrow the date by which they can pass such an order — ANI (@ANI) November 22, 2017 × The Election Commission had earlier recognised Janta Dal United's faction led by Nitish Kumar. The commission had also approved them to use the arrow symbol. EC had rejected the plea filed by Chhotubhai Amarsang Vasava to recognise his group as real JD(U). He is the working president of the JD(U) faction led by Sharad Yadav. The plea was filed to get claim over the party and its election symbol. The EC had released an order stating that the group led by Kumar "has demonstrated overwhelming majority support" in the legislature wing as well as the majority in the national council of the party.

Delhi High Court asks Election Commission to state reason for its decision on JD(U) party symbol

Himachal Pradesh on Thursday recorded its highest polling in assembly elections with 74 per cent of voters exercising their franchise, the Election Commission said.

The figure was until 5 pm and the final polling percentage may be revised as final voting figures are yet to be tallied.

Polling was still on in about 500 booths.

The previous highest polling percentage of 73.5 was recorded in the 2012 assembly polls, Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena said. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was 64.45 per cent.

At a press conference, Saxena said the elections were peaceful and no incident of violence was reported.

A total of 11,283 VVPAT units were used in all polling booths of the 68 constituencies out of which 297 were replaced, Saxena said, adding this was well within the technical limits.

The Congress is currently ruling the hill state and the BJP is eyeing to return to power after a gap of five years.

In the outgoing 68-member assembly, the Congress and the BJP have 35 and 28 MLAs respectively. There are four Independent MLAs while one seat was vacant.

The poll results will be announced on December 18.&nbsp;

The previous highest polling percentage of 73.5 was recorded in the 2012 assembly polls, Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena said.

Himachal Pradesh on Thursday recorded its highest polling in assembly elections with 74 per cent of voters exercising their franchise, the Election Commission said. The figure was until 5 pm and the final polling percentage may be revised as final voting figures are yet to be tallied. Polling was still on in about 500 booths. The previous highest polling percentage of 73.5 was recorded in the 2012 assembly polls, Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena said. In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, it was 64.45 per cent. At a press conference, Saxena said the elections were peaceful and no incident of violence was reported. A total of 11,283 VVPAT units were used in all polling booths of the 68 constituencies out of which 297 were replaced, Saxena said, adding this was well within the technical limits. The Congress is currently ruling the hill state and the BJP is eyeing to return to power after a gap of five years. In the outgoing 68-member assembly, the Congress and the BJP have 35 and 28 MLAs respectively. There are four Independent MLAs while one seat was vacant. The poll results will be announced on December 18.

At 74 per cent, Himachal records its highest voter turnout

13 days after announcing the dates of voting and results of Himachal Pradesh polls, the Election Commission (EC) will announce the dates for Gujarat assembly elections 2017 at 1 pm today.&nbsp;

The term of the 182-member Gujarat assembly comes to an end on January 23, 2018.&nbsp;

The EC has been under attack from the opposition parties for not announcing the dates for Gujarat Assembly elections along with Himachal Pradesh. Both the states were expected to go to polls at the same time.&nbsp;

Gujarat is the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.&nbsp;

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BJP hs bn arguing for simultaneous polls for Centre n States but the same party doesn&#39;t want that for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Himachal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Himachal</a> n <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJPDoubleSpeak?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJPDoubleSpeak</a>
&mdash; Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashokgehlot51/status/923046860889079809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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While declaring the Himachal election dates, the commission, however, &nbsp;announced that the counting of votes in both the states would take place on December 18.

The declaration of dates will immediately bring the model code of conduct into force, preventing BJP from using its status as the incumbent to woo the electorate at the exchequer&#39;s cost.

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EC will be recalled from its extended holiday after Gujarat Govt has announced all concessions and freebies.
&mdash; P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) <a href="https://twitter.com/PChidambaram_IN/status/921194798572175360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The EC has rejected the accusation. Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti has said that several factors, including weather, flood relief work, and festivities, were considered before taking a call on election dates, adding: &ldquo;While the Gujarat and Himachal polls were announced together in 2012, their schedules were different. The two states had no similarities in geography or weather patterns.&rdquo;

The EC has been under attack from the opposition parties for not announcing the dates for Gujarat Assembly elections along with Himachal Pradesh. Both the states were expected to go to polls at the same time.

13 days after announcing the dates of voting and results of Himachal Pradesh polls, the Election Commission (EC) will announce the dates for Gujarat assembly elections 2017 at 1 pm today. The term of the 182-member Gujarat assembly comes to an end on January 23, 2018. The EC has been under attack from the opposition parties for not announcing the dates for Gujarat Assembly elections along with Himachal Pradesh. Both the states were expected to go to polls at the same time. Gujarat is the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. BJP hs bn arguing for simultaneous polls for Centre n States but the same party doesn't want that for #Himachal n #Gujarat.#BJPDoubleSpeak — Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) October 25, 2017 × While declaring the Himachal election dates, the commission, however, announced that the counting of votes in both the states would take place on December 18. The declaration of dates will immediately bring the model code of conduct into force, preventing BJP from using its status as the incumbent to woo the electorate at the exchequer's cost. EC will be recalled from its extended holiday after Gujarat Govt has announced all concessions and freebies. — P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) October 20, 2017 × The EC has rejected the accusation. Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti has said that several factors, including weather, flood relief work, and festivities, were considered before taking a call on election dates, adding: “While the Gujarat and Himachal polls were announced together in 2012, their schedules were different. The two states had no similarities in geography or weather patterns.”

Gujarat poll dates to be announced today

The Election commission today announced the dates for assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K Joti said that there will be a single-phase election in Himachal Pradesh. The state will go to polls on November 9 and the counting will be held on December 18.

&quot;Model code of conduct for Himachal Pradesh assembly election comes into effect from now itself,&quot; the CEC said. &quot;Bulk SMSes &amp; voice messages on phone shall also be in purview of election advertisements,&quot; he added.

We will have VVPATs along with EVMs; height of voting compartments will be increased to 30 inches, CEC Joti said.

&quot;The election is mainly against the BJP and we know their strengths and&nbsp;weaknesses,&quot; Himachal chief minister&nbsp;Virbhadra Singh said.

&quot;They are relying on Modi. We are self-reliant and&nbsp;focused on development,&quot;&nbsp;the chief minister added.

The commission is soon expected to announce the dates for assembly elections in Gujarat. The CEC today said that Gujarat elections will be held before December 18.

Joti had said on Wednesday that voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system will be used in over 50,000 booths in Gujarat. VVPAT was first used in Goa polls earlier this year.

The tenure of 182-member Gujarat assembly is due to end on January 22, 2018.

The term of the 68-member Himachal Assembly ends on January 7, 2018.&nbsp;

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K Joti said that there will be a single-phase election in Himachal Pradesh.

The Election commission today announced the dates for assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K Joti said that there will be a single-phase election in Himachal Pradesh. The state will go to polls on November 9 and the counting will be held on December 18. "Model code of conduct for Himachal Pradesh assembly election comes into effect from now itself," the CEC said. "Bulk SMSes & voice messages on phone shall also be in purview of election advertisements," he added. We will have VVPATs along with EVMs; height of voting compartments will be increased to 30 inches, CEC Joti said. "The election is mainly against the BJP and we know their strengths and weaknesses," Himachal chief minister Virbhadra Singh said. "They are relying on Modi. We are self-reliant and focused on development," the chief minister added. The commission is soon expected to announce the dates for assembly elections in Gujarat. The CEC today said that Gujarat elections will be held before December 18. Joti had said on Wednesday that voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system will be used in over 50,000 booths in Gujarat. VVPAT was first used in Goa polls earlier this year. The tenure of 182-member Gujarat assembly is due to end on January 22, 2018. The term of the 68-member Himachal Assembly ends on January 7, 2018.

Himachal Pradesh assembly election on November 9, counting on December 18

The Election Commission is all set to announce today the dates for assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.

The announcement will be made at 4pm, the Press Information Bureau said in a tweet on Thursday.

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Nirvachan Sadan, 4 PM today: Presser by the Election Commission, to announce schedule for Assembly Elections to Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh <a href="https://t.co/rYX4Ic01VX">pic.twitter.com/rYX4Ic01VX</a>
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&nbsp;

The Commission had indicated on Wednesday that Gujarat may go to polls in December as the term of the current legislative assembly is coming to end in the third week of January.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K Joti also said that voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system will be used in over 50,000 booths in Gujarat. VVPAT was first used in Goa polls earlier this year.

For the first time, the poll panel will also introduce all-women polling stations in Gujarat in all assembly segments.

A team of Election Commission officials headed by the CEC was on a visit of Gujarat to assess the poll preparedness.

Gujarat will have 50,128 polling stations and 28,639 polling locations, Joti said.

He said the total number of voters in Gujarat now stands at 4.33 crore.

The tenure of 182-member Gujarat assembly is due to end on January 22, 2018.

The term of the 68-member Himachal Assembly ends on January 7, 2018.&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agency PTI)

&nbsp;

The Commission had indicated on Wednesday that Gujarat may go to polls in December as the term of the current legislative assembly is coming to end in the third week of January.

The Election Commission is all set to announce today the dates for assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. The announcement will be made at 4pm, the Press Information Bureau said in a tweet on Thursday. Nirvachan Sadan, 4 PM today: Presser by the Election Commission, to announce schedule for Assembly Elections to Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/rYX4Ic01VX — PIB India (@PIB_India) October 12, 2017 × The Commission had indicated on Wednesday that Gujarat may go to polls in December as the term of the current legislative assembly is coming to end in the third week of January. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A K Joti also said that voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) system will be used in over 50,000 booths in Gujarat. VVPAT was first used in Goa polls earlier this year. For the first time, the poll panel will also introduce all-women polling stations in Gujarat in all assembly segments. A team of Election Commission officials headed by the CEC was on a visit of Gujarat to assess the poll preparedness. Gujarat will have 50,128 polling stations and 28,639 polling locations, Joti said. He said the total number of voters in Gujarat now stands at 4.33 crore. The tenure of 182-member Gujarat assembly is due to end on January 22, 2018. The term of the 68-member Himachal Assembly ends on January 7, 2018. (With inputs from news agency PTI)

Dates for Gujarat, Himachal polls to be announced today

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has come up with new initiatives ahead of the Presidential election today.

The major initiatives:

Unique serial numbered special pens of violet ink are being supplied centrally by the Election Commission, so as to ensure that only instrument supplied by the poll watchdog is used for marking the ballot.

Before entering into the voting chamber, the polling staff will collect the personal pens&nbsp;if anyone is possessing and will give the ECI special pen to Members of Parliament / Member Legislative Assembly&nbsp;(MPs/MLAs)&nbsp;for marking ballot. The special pen will be taken back once the member comes out of the voting chamber.

Voting by using any other pen may lead to invalidation of the vote at the time of counting under Rule 31 (1) (d) of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules 1974.

In another first, special posters have been prepared for do&#39;s and dont&#39;s so as to ensure a peaceful poll session:&nbsp;Use of only ECI pen, maintenance of secrecy and non-issuance of whip et cetera.

&nbsp;

Some other important points:

-The polling time is from 10 am&nbsp;to 5 pm.

- A total of 32 polling stations have been established --- one in Parliament House room number&nbsp;62, and&nbsp;rest one each in the State legislative assemblies.

- The ballot paper will be in two colours - Green colour Ballot for use by MPs and Pink colour for use by MLAs.

- The ballot paper will have two columns - first column containing candidates&#39; names and second column for marking preferences by electors.

-The ballot paper will be in English and Hindi for use by MPs and in official languages of the state and in English for use by MLAs.

- A total of 33 observers have been appointed by the ECI to oversee conduct of elections,&nbsp;two in Parliament and one each in the other 31 polling stations situated in the legislative assemblies.

-The ECI has permitted 14 Rajya Sabha members, 41 Lok Sabha members to vote in the state legislative assemblies instead in Parliament in today&#39;s Presidential elections. Similarly, it has permitted five MLAs to exercise their vote in Parliament and 4 MLAs to vote in other State legislative Assemblies.

The counting of votes will take place on July 20.&nbsp;

India's important Presidential election has required the EC to make a few changes and updates

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has come up with new initiatives ahead of the Presidential election today. The major initiatives: Unique serial numbered special pens of violet ink are being supplied centrally by the Election Commission, so as to ensure that only instrument supplied by the poll watchdog is used for marking the ballot. Before entering into the voting chamber, the polling staff will collect the personal pens if anyone is possessing and will give the ECI special pen to Members of Parliament / Member Legislative Assembly (MPs/MLAs) for marking ballot. The special pen will be taken back once the member comes out of the voting chamber. Voting by using any other pen may lead to invalidation of the vote at the time of counting under Rule 31 (1) (d) of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules 1974. In another first, special posters have been prepared for do's and dont's so as to ensure a peaceful poll session: Use of only ECI pen, maintenance of secrecy and non-issuance of whip et cetera. Some other important points: -The polling time is from 10 am to 5 pm. - A total of 32 polling stations have been established --- one in Parliament House room number 62, and rest one each in the State legislative assemblies. - The ballot paper will be in two colours - Green colour Ballot for use by MPs and Pink colour for use by MLAs. - The ballot paper will have two columns - first column containing candidates' names and second column for marking preferences by electors. -The ballot paper will be in English and Hindi for use by MPs and in official languages of the state and in English for use by MLAs. - A total of 33 observers have been appointed by the ECI to oversee conduct of elections, two in Parliament and one each in the other 31 polling stations situated in the legislative assemblies. -The ECI has permitted 14 Rajya Sabha members, 41 Lok Sabha members to vote in the state legislative assemblies instead in Parliament in today's Presidential elections. Similarly, it has permitted five MLAs to exercise their vote in Parliament and 4 MLAs to vote in other State legislative Assemblies. The counting of votes will take place on July 20.

New initiatives by Election Commission ahead of Presidential election

In the fourteen Presidential elections India has seen so far, only once has a candidate been elected unopposed. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was elected unopposed as the first citizen of the country in 1977.

That, however, is unlikely to happen as India readies to elect its&nbsp;15th President in a few weeks from now with both the ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the Opposition camp looking set to make a fight out of it.

While it will almost be a matter of prestige for the ruling BJP to get its candidate elected as the next President of India, the Opposition is sensing an opportunity here to embarrass the Narendra Modi government by getting its candidate to be the next occupant of Rashtrapati Bhavan.&nbsp;That probably explains why both the camps are treading cautiously on naming their respective candidates. Despite the likelihood of its candidate sailing through, the BJP still&nbsp;wants to create a broader consensus for its candidate to sail through comfortably.

Wooing Opposition parties also makes sense for the BJP as political parties cannot issue any whip to their legislators for voting in Presidential Elections. Simply put, this means that even Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies belonging to the Opposition camp defy party loyalties and can vote for the candidate fielded by the ruling party.

While the names of senior BJP leaders like Lal Krishna&nbsp;Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were circulating up to a few weeks back, the restoration of conspiracy charges against them in the Babri Masjid demolition case appears to have thwarted their chances for now. India&#39;s foreign minister Sushma Swaraj could emerge as the dark horse from the NDA stable, sources indicate.

But given Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s ability to spring surprises (remember Yogi Adityanath as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister?), a surprise candidate may well be fielded by the BJP.

The Opposition parties, led by Congress, are reportedly mulling fielding the likes of former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi and former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar for the top job.

With the countdown to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s exit from Rashtrapati Bhavan beginning formally today after the Election Commission of India issued&nbsp;the formal notification for the next presidential elections, the Narendra Modi government now has its task cut out. And that is getting a candidate of its choice elected as the President of India with minimum fuss.

(WION)

The countdown for presidential elections begins today with Election Commission's notification

In the fourteen Presidential elections India has seen so far, only once has a candidate been elected unopposed. Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy was elected unopposed as the first citizen of the country in 1977. That, however, is unlikely to happen as India readies to elect its 15th President in a few weeks from now with both the ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and the Opposition camp looking set to make a fight out of it. While it will almost be a matter of prestige for the ruling BJP to get its candidate elected as the next President of India, the Opposition is sensing an opportunity here to embarrass the Narendra Modi government by getting its candidate to be the next occupant of Rashtrapati Bhavan. That probably explains why both the camps are treading cautiously on naming their respective candidates. Despite the likelihood of its candidate sailing through, the BJP still wants to create a broader consensus for its candidate to sail through comfortably. Wooing Opposition parties also makes sense for the BJP as political parties cannot issue any whip to their legislators for voting in Presidential Elections. Simply put, this means that even Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies belonging to the Opposition camp defy party loyalties and can vote for the candidate fielded by the ruling party. While the names of senior BJP leaders like Lal Krishna Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi were circulating up to a few weeks back, the restoration of conspiracy charges against them in the Babri Masjid demolition case appears to have thwarted their chances for now. India's foreign minister Sushma Swaraj could emerge as the dark horse from the NDA stable, sources indicate. But given Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ability to spring surprises (remember Yogi Adityanath as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister?), a surprise candidate may well be fielded by the BJP. The Opposition parties, led by Congress, are reportedly mulling fielding the likes of former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi and former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar for the top job. With the countdown to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee's exit from Rashtrapati Bhavan beginning formally today after the Election Commission of India issued the formal notification for the next presidential elections, the Narendra Modi government now has its task cut out. And that is getting a candidate of its choice elected as the President of India with minimum fuss. (WION)

Next Indian President: Opposition wants to spoil BJP's gameplan

After holding a four-hour long &#39;hackathon&#39; to demonstrate that&nbsp;Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) cannot be rigged,&nbsp;the Election&nbsp;Commission of India, said on Saturday that the issue of tamperability of the machines&nbsp;stands closed.

In a post-event press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi maintained that the EVMs used by the EC are &quot;non-tamperable&quot; and with 100 per cent use of paper trail machines in all future elections the issue of tamperability of the machines &quot;stands closed&quot;.

The Chief Election Commissioner also ruled out going back to the paper ballot system, saying paper trail machines will usher in more transparency in future elections.

&quot;Once the EVMs are used with VVPATs (or paper trail machines) where a voter can see (cross check) the vote he has cast, it will usher in more transparency. Then there is no scope of going back to ballot (paper) system,&quot; he said.

Zaidi said the EC has already announced that in all future elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies, VVPAT machines would be attached to all EVMs.

The process would begin with Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat polls later this year. 
 
The AAP, which had said it would organise an EVM-hacking challenge in parallel with the one organised by the Election Commission today, said it will hold the exercise later.

The party has invited two government agencies which provide EVMs to the Election Commission - Bharat Electronics Limited and the Electronic Corporation of India Ltd - to participate in the challenge.

The AAP says it has not back-tracked from the challenge and has thrown open the floor to register for its hackathon.

The party will announce a &quot;bigger and better&quot; exercise than the one organised today by the poll body, spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said.

The AAP had declined to participate in the EC exercise, saying the terms and conditions put by the poll body defeat the purpose of an EVM-hacking challenge.&nbsp;

As many as 13 political parties questioned the reliability of the EVMs, but&nbsp;only two parties had accepted the poll panel&#39;s&nbsp;dare but they too opted out of the event held today (June 3).

Zaidi made it clear that there would be no such challenge in future to test the reliability of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used by the poll-conducting body.

He said although the NCP and the CPI(M) reported at the challenge venue they backed out.

The CPI-M said it would not like to participate in the challenge.

The&nbsp;NCP decided to opt out after the Election Commission said it was unable&nbsp;to provide it the details with the&nbsp;details it had sought.

The NCP said the source of all their doubts had been the alleged problems with EVMs during civic body polls&nbsp;in Maharashtra. The Commission clarified that EVMs used by State Election Commission, Maharashtra for urban local bodies elections did not belong to it.

The party had asked&nbsp;for&nbsp;the memory number and battery number of the EVM four days in advance, party MP Vandana Chavan, who led the NCP team said.&nbsp; 
 
The NCP said it did not want to participate in any challenge but was only interested in an academic exercise.

An NCP representative submitted a letter saying they would not&nbsp;participate in the challenge because of non-provision of the information.

In the letter the representative also objected to the&nbsp;&quot;last minute&quot; change in the EVM selection protocol by asking them to select an EVM out of the list of 14 EVMs brought for the challenge.

The NCP&nbsp;has been extended another chance to return at a later date to hack the machines as an &quot;academic exercise&quot;, the Chief Election Commissioner&nbsp;said.

The CPI(M) said it did not wish to participate in the challenge but only wanted a &quot;demonstration of the entire process&quot;.

&quot;A detailed demonstration of the entire process was given to them by our technical team...The CPI(M) team expressed complete satisfaction and suggested that to allay any such doubts the Commission should hold such demonstrations and awareness sessions with technical community proactively,&quot; Zaidi said in&nbsp;a statement.

The EC said since the machines were sealed, they could not&nbsp;be opened in the absence of party representatives, adding that the numbers could be accessed after opening the seals of the carry boxes at the time of the challenge.

The Election Commission had earlier refused to permit&nbsp;the&nbsp;Congress and the AAP from&nbsp;changing&nbsp;the motherboards and circuits&nbsp;of the Election Commission EVMs. The poll panel&nbsp;had said if this were to be&nbsp;allowed,&nbsp;the machines would not be the ECI-EVM but at best a &quot;look alike&quot;.

The Commission also did not allow parties like the BJP and the CPI to observe the challenge, saying the framework does not allow anyone to witness the event as an observer.

The BSP and the AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections were tampered with and favoured the BJP.

Over a dozen opposition parties, including the Congress, the BSP, the SP, the Left, the DMK, the JDU had urged the EC in April to revert to the paper ballot system in future elections, saying tampering allegations have created &quot;trust deficit&quot; on the reliability of the voting machines. 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI)

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission had thrown open a challenge to prove that the machines can be tampered with

After holding a four-hour long 'hackathon' to demonstrate that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) cannot be rigged, the Election Commission of India, said on Saturday that the issue of tamperability of the machines stands closed. In a post-event press conference, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi maintained that the EVMs used by the EC are "non-tamperable" and with 100 per cent use of paper trail machines in all future elections the issue of tamperability of the machines "stands closed". The Chief Election Commissioner also ruled out going back to the paper ballot system, saying paper trail machines will usher in more transparency in future elections. "Once the EVMs are used with VVPATs (or paper trail machines) where a voter can see (cross check) the vote he has cast, it will usher in more transparency. Then there is no scope of going back to ballot (paper) system," he said. Zaidi said the EC has already announced that in all future elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies, VVPAT machines would be attached to all EVMs. The process would begin with Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat polls later this year. The AAP, which had said it would organise an EVM-hacking challenge in parallel with the one organised by the Election Commission today, said it will hold the exercise later. The party has invited two government agencies which provide EVMs to the Election Commission - Bharat Electronics Limited and the Electronic Corporation of India Ltd - to participate in the challenge. The AAP says it has not back-tracked from the challenge and has thrown open the floor to register for its hackathon. The party will announce a "bigger and better" exercise than the one organised today by the poll body, spokesperson Saurabh Bhardwaj said. The AAP had declined to participate in the EC exercise, saying the terms and conditions put by the poll body defeat the purpose of an EVM-hacking challenge. As many as 13 political parties questioned the reliability of the EVMs, but only two parties had accepted the poll panel's dare but they too opted out of the event held today (June 3). Zaidi made it clear that there would be no such challenge in future to test the reliability of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) used by the poll-conducting body. He said although the NCP and the CPI(M) reported at the challenge venue they backed out. The CPI-M said it would not like to participate in the challenge. The NCP decided to opt out after the Election Commission said it was unable to provide it the details with the details it had sought. The NCP said the source of all their doubts had been the alleged problems with EVMs during civic body polls in Maharashtra. The Commission clarified that EVMs used by State Election Commission, Maharashtra for urban local bodies elections did not belong to it. The party had asked for the memory number and battery number of the EVM four days in advance, party MP Vandana Chavan, who led the NCP team said. The NCP said it did not want to participate in any challenge but was only interested in an academic exercise. An NCP representative submitted a letter saying they would not participate in the challenge because of non-provision of the information. In the letter the representative also objected to the "last minute" change in the EVM selection protocol by asking them to select an EVM out of the list of 14 EVMs brought for the challenge. The NCP has been extended another chance to return at a later date to hack the machines as an "academic exercise", the Chief Election Commissioner said. The CPI(M) said it did not wish to participate in the challenge but only wanted a "demonstration of the entire process". "A detailed demonstration of the entire process was given to them by our technical team...The CPI(M) team expressed complete satisfaction and suggested that to allay any such doubts the Commission should hold such demonstrations and awareness sessions with technical community proactively," Zaidi said in a statement. The EC said since the machines were sealed, they could not be opened in the absence of party representatives, adding that the numbers could be accessed after opening the seals of the carry boxes at the time of the challenge. The Election Commission had earlier refused to permit the Congress and the AAP from changing the motherboards and circuits of the Election Commission EVMs. The poll panel had said if this were to be allowed, the machines would not be the ECI-EVM but at best a "look alike". The Commission also did not allow parties like the BJP and the CPI to observe the challenge, saying the framework does not allow anyone to witness the event as an observer. The BSP and the AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Over a dozen opposition parties, including the Congress, the BSP, the SP, the Left, the DMK, the JDU had urged the EC in April to revert to the paper ballot system in future elections, saying tampering allegations have created "trust deficit" on the reliability of the voting machines. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Issue of EVM tampering stands closed, says India's election panel after hackathon

The challenge to prove that EVMs can be tampered with will start from June 3, the Election Commission announced today, asserting that the machines are tamper-proof. 
 
The announcement came over a week after the Election Commission threw down the gauntlet to political parties to prove that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with. 
 
&quot;The EVM challenge will start from June 3,&quot; Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said, addressing a press conference. 
 
He said people who had questioned reliability of EVMs have not yet submitted any proof or credible material to support their claim. 
 
Zaidi said replacement of the internal circuit of EVMs is not possible at all. 
 
&quot;Our EVMs have strong technological features and are tamper-proof,&quot; he said. 
 
Zaidi rubbished the Aam Aadmi Party&#39;s claim that EVMs could be tampered with, and said no manipulation of the machines is possible. 
 
He also said that improving the election process is a responsibility of all stakeholders and the EC is taking all necessary steps in this regard. 
 
Several major opposition parties had claimed that the faith of people in the machines has eroded. 
 
The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots. 
 
The EC has already announced that it will ensure paper trail of voting in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

(PTI)

This comes after several political parties have questioned the reliability of the voting machines (EVMs) used in Indian elections. The EVM challenge will start on June 3.

The challenge to prove that EVMs can be tampered with will start from June 3, the Election Commission announced today, asserting that the machines are tamper-proof. The announcement came over a week after the Election Commission threw down the gauntlet to political parties to prove that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with. "The EVM challenge will start from June 3," Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi said, addressing a press conference. He said people who had questioned reliability of EVMs have not yet submitted any proof or credible material to support their claim. Zaidi said replacement of the internal circuit of EVMs is not possible at all. "Our EVMs have strong technological features and are tamper-proof," he said. Zaidi rubbished the Aam Aadmi Party's claim that EVMs could be tampered with, and said no manipulation of the machines is possible. He also said that improving the election process is a responsibility of all stakeholders and the EC is taking all necessary steps in this regard. Several major opposition parties had claimed that the faith of people in the machines has eroded. The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots. The EC has already announced that it will ensure paper trail of voting in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. (PTI)

Fidelity of Indian voting machines to come under scanner next month

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPATs) today&nbsp;in Delhi.

It will also hold a press conference on the &quot; EVM Challenge&quot;.

Earlier this week, the poll panel had said it would offer an &quot;opportunity&quot;&nbsp;to the political parties to prove that EVMs used in the recently-held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards.

The poll body also convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms.

In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPATs.

Last month,&nbsp;16 opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs.

However,&nbsp;the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated.

The federal cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs&nbsp;3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission.

Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules.

On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with.

Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a &#39;look-alike&#39;&#39; which was made to function in a &#39;tampered&#39; manner.

A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not.

&nbsp;(ANI) 
&nbsp;

The poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a live demonstration of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPATs) today in Delhi. It will also hold a press conference on the " EVM Challenge". Earlier this week, the poll panel had said it would offer an "opportunity" to the political parties to prove that EVMs used in the recently-held assembly polls were tampered with or can be tampered even with laid down safeguards. The poll body also convened an all-party meeting over the issue of EVM and other electoral reforms. In its communication to the presidents of all the seven national and 48 state political parties, the poll panel sent a status paper on EVMs and VVPATs. Last month, 16 opposition parties had urged the Election Commission to revert to the paper ballot system saying that the alleged tampering has created trust deficit in the credibility of the EVMs. However, the poll body has been maintaining that EVMs are tamper-proof and cannot be manipulated. The federal cabinet had given its nod to sanctioned funds of nearly Rs 3,200 crore to procure more than 16 lakh VVPATs as sought by the Election Commission. Besides EVMs, the meeting is expected to deliberate on making bribery in elections a cognisable offence, disqualification on framing of charges for the offences of bribery in elections and suggestions in VVPAT recount Rules. On Tuesday, the AAP, during a special session of the Delhi assembly, conducted a live demonstration on how EVMs can be tampered with. Reacting to the demonstration, the poll panel said the machine used to conduct live demonstration was a 'look-alike'' which was made to function in a 'tampered' manner. A day before the all-party meeting, the AAP yesterday forwarded a new demand, calling for an all party committee to be formed under the monitoring of the Election Commission to ascertain whether EVMS were hacked in the recently held elections or not. (ANI)

India's Election Commission to hold live demo of EVMs, VVPATs today amid tampering allegations

The Election Commission formally threw a &quot;challenge&quot; to political parties to prove EVMs used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with after several opposition parties questioned their reliability and demanded going back to the paper ballot system. Several major opposition parties had claimed the faith of people in the machines has eroded.

While announcing the challenge at an all-party meeting convened by the Commission here, Chief Election Commission Nasim Zaidi, however, did not mention any date for the proposed event.

He said parties can try and prove that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections.

Reacting to the EC&rsquo;s &lsquo;challenge&rsquo;, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: &ldquo;Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.&rdquo;

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who took part in an all-party meet called by the EC for a discussion on the reliability of EVMs, claimed that the devices could be hacked.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.
&mdash; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/863016409646776321">May 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&quot;We welcomed the challenge and requested the EC to allow us to pick up the EVMs used in the recent Assembly elections. We will hack them as we have demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly that such a machine can be tampered with,&quot; he told reporters after the meeting.&nbsp;

Sisodia, however, expressed reservation over the outcome of the &quot;challenge&quot;, saying the EC should rather go for a &quot;hackathon&quot;, which will allow experts and technocrats to point out the &quot;shortcomings&quot; in the EVMs.

&quot;We suggested to the EC that it should conduct a hackathon, which will give an opportunity to the experts to find faults with the machines. A hackathon will enable the poll panel to weed out any shortcoming in the EVMs and make them foolproof,&quot; he said.

Sources in the Commission said AAP&#39;s Manish Sisodia preferred to use the term &#39;hackathon&#39;. But some Commission officials said the challenge cannot be termed as hackathon as no internet or remote access to the EVM was involved. &quot;EC refuses to go for a hackathon. It said we will throw a challenge to prove that EVMs were tampered with in recent polls,&quot; Sisodia tweeted.

An EC official said the challenge will not be restricted to machines used in recent assembly polls. &quot;Other machines will also be available. But since allegations were regarding the elections, the CEC made specific mention,&quot; he said.

This is for the first time that Zaidi or the Commission has gone on record on the proposed challenge.

&quot;Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after today&#39;s meeting, hold a challenge,&quot; he said.

It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that the machines can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said.

At the meeting, most of the parties said future elections should be held using EVMs provided they are attached to paper trail machines.

There were, however, some parties whose representatives said their faith in the machines has eroded and the EC should revert to the old ballot paper system.

While BJP, CPI, CPI (M), AIADMK, DMK, NCP and JD(U) clearly supported use of EVMs, provided paper trail machines are attached to it, BSP, AAP, Trinamool Congress said the paper ballot system was better and more transparent.

The Congress was of the view that if EVMs are used there should be transparency at every level so that political parties and voters are separately convinced about the reliability of the machine. It said the Supreme Court has been stressing on more transparency, which necessarily does not mean use of EVMs. It said paper trail machines with all EVMs in future elections was fine.

The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots.

Zaidi told parties that their &quot;concerns and apprehensions&quot; regarding EVMs have been taken note of and will be addressed through the &quot;forthcoming challenge&quot; and other measures which the EC will take.

Other electoral reforms such as corporate funding, making bribing of voters a non-bailable offence and disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to electors also came up for discussion.

Political representatives who attended the meeting said most parties were opposed to the decision that corporate entities would no longer have to name the parties to which they have made a donation. They said it would reduce transparency in funding.

Most of the parties were opposed to the idea of disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to voters. They felt disqualifying a candidate at charge sheet level was unfair.

They also opposed a proposal to allow EC countermand an election if large-scale use of money power to influence voters comes to light. They said proving use of money power was difficult.

The CEC said the Commission will ensure 100 per cent paper trail coverage in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.

A particular percentage of VVPATs slips to be determined by the EC will be counted. The poll panel will soon evolve a framework in this regard.

VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box which the voter can see but cannot take home.

Zaidi also said the Commission has &quot;no favourites&quot; and it was equidistant from all parties. &quot;You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties (seven national and 49 state recognised parties),&quot; he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reportedly questioning the independence of two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat.

Following the allegations, Rawat had recused himself from the cases related to disqualification of AAP MLAs the Commission is hearing.&nbsp;

'Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon,' the Delhi chief minister tweeted

The Election Commission formally threw a "challenge" to political parties to prove EVMs used in the recent assembly polls were tampered with after several opposition parties questioned their reliability and demanded going back to the paper ballot system. Several major opposition parties had claimed the faith of people in the machines has eroded. While announcing the challenge at an all-party meeting convened by the Commission here, Chief Election Commission Nasim Zaidi, however, did not mention any date for the proposed event. He said parties can try and prove that EVMs can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections. Reacting to the EC’s ‘challenge’, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon.” Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who took part in an all-party meet called by the EC for a discussion on the reliability of EVMs, claimed that the devices could be hacked. Sad that EC has backed out of hackathon. — Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 12, 2017 × "We welcomed the challenge and requested the EC to allow us to pick up the EVMs used in the recent Assembly elections. We will hack them as we have demonstrated in the Delhi Assembly that such a machine can be tampered with," he told reporters after the meeting. Sisodia, however, expressed reservation over the outcome of the "challenge", saying the EC should rather go for a "hackathon", which will allow experts and technocrats to point out the "shortcomings" in the EVMs. "We suggested to the EC that it should conduct a hackathon, which will give an opportunity to the experts to find faults with the machines. A hackathon will enable the poll panel to weed out any shortcoming in the EVMs and make them foolproof," he said. Sources in the Commission said AAP's Manish Sisodia preferred to use the term 'hackathon'. But some Commission officials said the challenge cannot be termed as hackathon as no internet or remote access to the EVM was involved. "EC refuses to go for a hackathon. It said we will throw a challenge to prove that EVMs were tampered with in recent polls," Sisodia tweeted. An EC official said the challenge will not be restricted to machines used in recent assembly polls. "Other machines will also be available. But since allegations were regarding the elections, the CEC made specific mention," he said. This is for the first time that Zaidi or the Commission has gone on record on the proposed challenge. "Although use of VVPAT (voter verifiable paper audit trail system) with EVMs will ensure total credibility and transparency and put to rest all controversy, the Commission will, after today's meeting, hold a challenge," he said. It will offer an opportunity to political parties to demonstrate that EVM used in recent elections were tampered with or that the machines can be tampered with even under strict technical and administrative safeguards as applicable during elections, Zaidi said. At the meeting, most of the parties said future elections should be held using EVMs provided they are attached to paper trail machines. There were, however, some parties whose representatives said their faith in the machines has eroded and the EC should revert to the old ballot paper system. While BJP, CPI, CPI (M), AIADMK, DMK, NCP and JD(U) clearly supported use of EVMs, provided paper trail machines are attached to it, BSP, AAP, Trinamool Congress said the paper ballot system was better and more transparent. The Congress was of the view that if EVMs are used there should be transparency at every level so that political parties and voters are separately convinced about the reliability of the machine. It said the Supreme Court has been stressing on more transparency, which necessarily does not mean use of EVMs. It said paper trail machines with all EVMs in future elections was fine. The BSP and AAP had alleged that the machines used in the recent assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab were tampered with and favoured the BJP. Later, several other parties had joined the chorus and waned the EC to revert to paper ballots. Zaidi told parties that their "concerns and apprehensions" regarding EVMs have been taken note of and will be addressed through the "forthcoming challenge" and other measures which the EC will take. Other electoral reforms such as corporate funding, making bribing of voters a non-bailable offence and disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to electors also came up for discussion. Political representatives who attended the meeting said most parties were opposed to the decision that corporate entities would no longer have to name the parties to which they have made a donation. They said it would reduce transparency in funding. Most of the parties were opposed to the idea of disqualifying candidates charge-sheeted by courts for offering bribe to voters. They felt disqualifying a candidate at charge sheet level was unfair. They also opposed a proposal to allow EC countermand an election if large-scale use of money power to influence voters comes to light. They said proving use of money power was difficult. The CEC said the Commission will ensure 100 per cent paper trail coverage in all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. A particular percentage of VVPATs slips to be determined by the EC will be counted. The poll panel will soon evolve a framework in this regard. VVPAT is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip drops in a box which the voter can see but cannot take home. Zaidi also said the Commission has "no favourites" and it was equidistant from all parties. "You should be convinced that EC has no favourites...we maintain equidistance from all parties and groups. It is our constitutional and moral duty to stand dead centre of the circle drawn around us by 56 political parties (seven national and 49 state recognised parties)," he said. His remarks come against the backdrop of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal reportedly questioning the independence of two Election Commissioners A K Joti and O P Rawat. Following the allegations, Rawat had recused himself from the cases related to disqualification of AAP MLAs the Commission is hearing.

Playing with words, Kejriwal says EC has backed out of 'hackathon'