Election Commission on Tuesday held "internal discussion" on various to aspects of delimitation of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and the process will roll out after a formal communication from Home Ministry, sources said.

The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisaiton Act 2019 provides that the number of seats in the legislative assembly of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall be increased from 107 to 114, and delimitation of the constituencies will be determined by the Election Commission.

Sources said that internal discussions were held on the issue.&nbsp;

They said a delimitation commission is set up to fix limits or boundaries of constituencies and the process regarding delimitation will start after receiving formal communication from the Ministry.

The Act, which was notified by the government on August 9, provides for the creation of two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir, which will have a legislature and Ladakh, without it.

The Act provides that the poll panel will determine the number of seats to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly with regard to the relevant provisions of the Constitution.

It says that constituencies in which seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall, as far as practicable, be located in areas where the proportion of their population to the total population is the largest.

The Act provides that the poll panel will publish its proposals for the delimitation of constituencies together with the dissenting proposals, if any, in the Official Gazette together with a notice inviting objections and suggestions concerning the proposals and specifying a date by which the proposals will be further considered by it.

It will consider all objections and suggestions and determine the delimitation of constituencies.

Upon published in the Official Gazette, the orders shall have the full force of law and shall not be called in question in any court.&nbsp;

The orders relating to assembly constituencies shall be laid before the Legislative Assembly of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

In India, Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times - in 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952, in 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, in 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 and in 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002.&nbsp;

Election Commission on Tuesday held "internal discussion" on various to aspects of delimitation of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and the process will roll out after a formal communication from Home Ministry, sources said.

Election Commission on Tuesday held "internal discussion" on various to aspects of delimitation of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and the process will roll out after a formal communication from Home Ministry, sources said. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisaiton Act 2019 provides that the number of seats in the legislative assembly of Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall be increased from 107 to 114, and delimitation of the constituencies will be determined by the Election Commission. Sources said that internal discussions were held on the issue. They said a delimitation commission is set up to fix limits or boundaries of constituencies and the process regarding delimitation will start after receiving formal communication from the Ministry. The Act, which was notified by the government on August 9, provides for the creation of two union territories - Jammu and Kashmir, which will have a legislature and Ladakh, without it. The Act provides that the poll panel will determine the number of seats to be reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly with regard to the relevant provisions of the Constitution. It says that constituencies in which seats are reserved for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall, as far as practicable, be located in areas where the proportion of their population to the total population is the largest. The Act provides that the poll panel will publish its proposals for the delimitation of constituencies together with the dissenting proposals, if any, in the Official Gazette together with a notice inviting objections and suggestions concerning the proposals and specifying a date by which the proposals will be further considered by it. It will consider all objections and suggestions and determine the delimitation of constituencies. Upon published in the Official Gazette, the orders shall have the full force of law and shall not be called in question in any court. The orders relating to assembly constituencies shall be laid before the Legislative Assembly of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In India, Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times - in 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952, in 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, in 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 and in 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002.

Election Commission holds discussion on delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Friday said that there was no chance to bring back ballot papers in place of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/evm-hacking-row-sp-asks-ec-to-use-ballot-papers-for-2019-polls-192472">Electronic Voting Machines</a> (EVMs) in the elections.

Arora said that there was no question of going back to the old system and even the Supreme Court has repeatedly given verdicts against the return of ballot papers.

Earlier, Opposition parties had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of winning the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by tampering EVM machines.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had rejected Opposition's accusation, saying that EVMs are tamper-proof and can't be hacked.

On July 31, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mns-chief-raj-thackeray-meets-tmc-supremo-mamata-banerjee-calls-for-return-of-ballot-boxes-239783">Raj Thackeray</a> met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata and called for the return of ballot boxes.&nbsp;

Mamata Banerjee, who was one of the earliest interlocutors of the united opposition, has been demanding the return of ballot papers for&nbsp;a long time.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Mamata had asked all the Opposition parties to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. "I ask all the 23 political parties in the opposition to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. We must raise our voices. Even a country like the US has banned EVMs," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

(With reports from agencies)

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Friday said that there was no chance to bring back ballot papers in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Friday said that there was no chance to bring back ballot papers in place of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the elections. Arora said that there was no question of going back to the old system and even the Supreme Court has repeatedly given verdicts against the return of ballot papers. Earlier, Opposition parties had accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of winning the 2019 Lok Sabha elections by tampering EVM machines. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had rejected Opposition's accusation, saying that EVMs are tamper-proof and can't be hacked. On July 31, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata and called for the return of ballot boxes. Mamata Banerjee, who was one of the earliest interlocutors of the united opposition, has been demanding the return of ballot papers for a long time. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Mamata had asked all the Opposition parties to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. "I ask all the 23 political parties in the opposition to come together and demand the return of ballot papers. We must raise our voices. Even a country like the US has banned EVMs," Banerjee said. (With reports from agencies)

We are not going back to the era of ballot papers: Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora

After consultations with political parties, Nepal's Election Commission has decided to hold by elections in the Himalayan nation on November 30.

At least 50 seats have remained vacant since the previous polls were held in 2017, according to Shankar Prasad Kharel, the Election Commission spokesperson.

"On the stipulated date, the elections would be held in 37 districts of the nation.&nbsp;

It would choose one Sub Metropolitan Chief, three Chief of Village Council, one Deputy Chief of Village Council, 41 Village Council and Metropolitan Ward Chiefs, three State Assembly members and one member of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-speaker-nancy-pelosi-praises-pm-modis-oratory-skills-says-he-had-audience-in-the-palm-of-his-hands-235157"> House of Representatives</a>.

With this, the Commission would expedite the preparations for elections," Kharel said.

Around two years ago, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepalese-nationals-require-visa-to-enter-india-via-pakistan-china-229579">Nepal</a> witnessed local level elections after a gap of nearly two decades and federal assembly elections which gave an overwhelming two-third majority to the Left Alliance.

After consultations with political parties, Nepal's Election Commission has decided to hold by elections in the Himalayan nation on November 30. At least 50 seats have remained vacant since the previous polls were held in 2017, according to Shankar Prasad Kharel, the Election Commission spokesperson.

After consultations with political parties, Nepal's Election Commission has decided to hold by elections in the Himalayan nation on November 30. At least 50 seats have remained vacant since the previous polls were held in 2017, according to Shankar Prasad Kharel, the Election Commission spokesperson. "On the stipulated date, the elections would be held in 37 districts of the nation. It would choose one Sub Metropolitan Chief, three Chief of Village Council, one Deputy Chief of Village Council, 41 Village Council and Metropolitan Ward Chiefs, three State Assembly members and one member of the House of Representatives. With this, the Commission would expedite the preparations for elections," Kharel said. Around two years ago, Nepal witnessed local level elections after a gap of nearly two decades and federal assembly elections which gave an overwhelming two-third majority to the Left Alliance.

Nepal to hold by elections in November end

Russian opposition leaders led a rally in Moscow of about 2,000 people Sunday to protest the city election commission’s decision to keep several opposition candidates off the ballot in a local election. Watch full video to know more.

Protesters in Moscow demand inclusion of Opposition candidates on ballots

Taliban fighters killed eight election commission employees on Saturday night inside a district centre in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, officials said.

The employees of the Independent Election Commission were stationed at the government office in Maruf district to register voters when fighters of the hard line Islamist group launched an attack.

Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman said the fighters killed election commission employees and 57 members of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF). They also captured 11 others with five vehicles and a large cache of weapons during the attack at the district centre.

But Afghan government officials said the Taliban had exaggerated the casualty figures.

Qaseem Azad, a secretary of the Kandahar police said ANDSF suffered some casualties, but provided no further details.

Fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces has intensified even as leaders of the Taliban and US officials hold peace talks in Qatar to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan.

Separately on Saturday, Taliban fighters killed eight Afghan soldiers and injured eight others at a military checkpoint in Balabulak district in the western province of Farah, a local official said.

Mahmood Naemi, the deputy chief of the council in Farah, said on Sunday ground clashes between the warring sides ended after Afghan forces launched air strikes.

"Many Taliban fighters were killed in the air strike," said Naemi.

Taliban fighters killed eight election commission employees on Saturday night inside a district centre in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, officials said.

Taliban fighters killed eight election commission employees on Saturday night inside a district centre in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, officials said. The employees of the Independent Election Commission were stationed at the government office in Maruf district to register voters when fighters of the hard line Islamist group launched an attack. Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman said the fighters killed election commission employees and 57 members of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF). They also captured 11 others with five vehicles and a large cache of weapons during the attack at the district centre. But Afghan government officials said the Taliban had exaggerated the casualty figures. Qaseem Azad, a secretary of the Kandahar police said ANDSF suffered some casualties, but provided no further details. Fighting between the Taliban and Afghan forces has intensified even as leaders of the Taliban and US officials hold peace talks in Qatar to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan. Separately on Saturday, Taliban fighters killed eight Afghan soldiers and injured eight others at a military checkpoint in Balabulak district in the western province of Farah, a local official said. Mahmood Naemi, the deputy chief of the council in Farah, said on Sunday ground clashes between the warring sides ended after Afghan forces launched air strikes. "Many Taliban fighters were killed in the air strike," said Naemi.

Taliban kills eight election commission employees in south Afghanistan: Officials

There are&nbsp;no discrepancies regarding the voter turnout/and votes counted on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Lok Sabha polls, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. 
 
Replying to supplementaries during Question hour, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Election Commission has not received any complaint regarding defects in EVM manufacture and the issue does not concern its operations. 
 
The Law Minister was replying to a specific question from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut who said there have been complaints about operations of EVMs and differences in counting between EVMs and VVPATs in the just-concluded elections. 
 
"This is a question about manufacturing of EVMs and not its operations. The EC has said there is no manufacturing defect in EVMs. If there is any specific complaint, I will get the information from the EC," he told the member. 
 
Specifically asked about problems in EVM functioning during polling, the minister said, "speaking on behalf of the EC, there is no complaint as far as counting of VVPATs is concerned. If there were any complaints, the same have been monitored and redressed by the Returning Officers at the spot where the candidates are also present."&nbsp;

There are no discrepancies regarding the voter turnout/and votes counted on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Lok Sabha polls, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

There are no discrepancies regarding the voter turnout/and votes counted on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in Lok Sabha polls, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. Replying to supplementaries during Question hour, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the Election Commission has not received any complaint regarding defects in EVM manufacture and the issue does not concern its operations. The Law Minister was replying to a specific question from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut who said there have been complaints about operations of EVMs and differences in counting between EVMs and VVPATs in the just-concluded elections. "This is a question about manufacturing of EVMs and not its operations. The EC has said there is no manufacturing defect in EVMs. If there is any specific complaint, I will get the information from the EC," he told the member. Specifically asked about problems in EVM functioning during polling, the minister said, "speaking on behalf of the EC, there is no complaint as far as counting of VVPATs is concerned. If there were any complaints, the same have been monitored and redressed by the Returning Officers at the spot where the candidates are also present."

Election Commission didn't receive any complaints on EVM defects: Ravi Shankar Prasad

The Election Commission on&nbsp;Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year.

In a statement, the poll panel said it has unanimously decided that "holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shall be considered later in this year".

Jammu and Kashmir do not have an elected dispensation since the PDP-BJP coalition government fell apart in June 2018.

The state was placed under Governor's Rule, as provided by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, on June 19, 2018, after the BJP withdrew from its coalition with the PDP.&nbsp;

As mandated by the Constitution, the state was brought under President's Rule on December 19, 2018. The term of the central rule ends on June 19 which is set to be extended.&nbsp;

"The Commission will keep on regularly, and on real-time basis, monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, taking inputs from all necessary quarters and after the conclusion of Amarnath Yatra will announce the election schedule for the conduct of assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir," the statement said.

The 46-day-long Amarnath yatra will begin on July 1, the day of Masik Shivratri, and would conclude on August 15, the day of Shravan Purnima.&nbsp;

In April, when representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir government had met the EC here, they had indicated their reluctance of holding polls to the state legislative assembly in the near future in view of the ongoing tourist season and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra in the Valley, which will begin on July 1.

The EC, during the meeting, rejected had the assertion of the officials from Jammu and Kashmir that the situation in the state needs to be assessed before conducting the assembly polls.

The Commission was of the view that if the Lok Sabha polls could be held, there should be no issue in holding the elections to the state assembly.

The April meeting between J&amp;K officials and EC top brass had taken place days after the three special observers appointed by the EC submitted their report on the possibility of holding assembly polls in the state after the Lok Sabha polls.

When the dates for the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the poll panel had decided against holding parliamentary and assembly polls simultaneously in the state.

It had said that the situation in J&amp;K was not conducive for holding assembly polls. The Lok Sabha polls were held by and large peacefully in the state though the turnout of voters was low.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year.

The Election Commission on Tuesday said it will announce the schedule for Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls after the Amarnath Yatra, which begins next month, making it clear that the electoral exercise could be held sometime later this year. In a statement, the poll panel said it has unanimously decided that "holding of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir shall be considered later in this year". Jammu and Kashmir do not have an elected dispensation since the PDP-BJP coalition government fell apart in June 2018. The state was placed under Governor's Rule, as provided by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir, on June 19, 2018, after the BJP withdrew from its coalition with the PDP. As mandated by the Constitution, the state was brought under President's Rule on December 19, 2018. The term of the central rule ends on June 19 which is set to be extended. "The Commission will keep on regularly, and on real-time basis, monitoring the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, taking inputs from all necessary quarters and after the conclusion of Amarnath Yatra will announce the election schedule for the conduct of assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir," the statement said. The 46-day-long Amarnath yatra will begin on July 1, the day of Masik Shivratri, and would conclude on August 15, the day of Shravan Purnima. In April, when representatives of the Jammu and Kashmir government had met the EC here, they had indicated their reluctance of holding polls to the state legislative assembly in the near future in view of the ongoing tourist season and the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra in the Valley, which will begin on July 1. The EC, during the meeting, rejected had the assertion of the officials from Jammu and Kashmir that the situation in the state needs to be assessed before conducting the assembly polls. The Commission was of the view that if the Lok Sabha polls could be held, there should be no issue in holding the elections to the state assembly. The April meeting between J&K officials and EC top brass had taken place days after the three special observers appointed by the EC submitted their report on the possibility of holding assembly polls in the state after the Lok Sabha polls. When the dates for the Lok Sabha polls were announced on March 10, the poll panel had decided against holding parliamentary and assembly polls simultaneously in the state. It had said that the situation in J&K was not conducive for holding assembly polls. The Lok Sabha polls were held by and large peacefully in the state though the turnout of voters was low.

Jammu and Kashmir polls likely later this year; Election Commission to announce schedule after Amarnath Yatra

The Election Commission is yet to receive a final tally of mandatory matching of paper trail machine slips with EVM results of five randomly picked polling booths in each assembly segment across all constituencies.

But a top EC official said Saturday that no discrepancy has been reported from any of the 542 constituencies.

Paper slips of more than 20,600 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines were counted in more than 4,000 assembly segments

After VVPATs were introduced, no discrepancy in the tallying of votes polled through EVMs has been reported in the previous assembly elections.

It is for the first time that the matching of paper trail machines slips with voting machines was held in a Lok Sabha election.

Elections in the Vellore constituency of Tamil Nadu were cancelled by the EC citing excessive use of money power.

No new date has so far been announced by the EC.

The Election Commission is yet to receive a final tally of mandatory matching of paper trail machine slips with EVM results of five randomly picked polling booths in each assembly segment across all constituencies.

The Election Commission is yet to receive a final tally of mandatory matching of paper trail machine slips with EVM results of five randomly picked polling booths in each assembly segment across all constituencies. But a top EC official said Saturday that no discrepancy has been reported from any of the 542 constituencies. Paper slips of more than 20,600 Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines were counted in more than 4,000 assembly segments After VVPATs were introduced, no discrepancy in the tallying of votes polled through EVMs has been reported in the previous assembly elections. It is for the first time that the matching of paper trail machines slips with voting machines was held in a Lok Sabha election. Elections in the Vellore constituency of Tamil Nadu were cancelled by the EC citing excessive use of money power. No new date has so far been announced by the EC.

Election Commission yet to receive tally of mandatory matching of paper trail machine slips

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be sworn-in for the second term on May 30 and some world leaders could be invited for it. Watch full video to know more.

PM Narendra Modi's mega swearing-in ceremony likely on May 30

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country.

Lok Sabha 2019 Results: BJP's Rajnath Singh leading from Lucknow over Congress' Pramod Krishnam

In a big blow to the opposition parties, the Election Commission has rejected their demand regarding VVPAT slips saying that the counting will take place as planned. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Election commission rejects VVPAT demand

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.&nbsp;

Over 8,000 candidates

More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 67&nbsp;per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.

Late result expected&nbsp;

It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

What happens in case of a mismatch?

In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final.

The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours.

What exit polls say

With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital.&nbsp;

Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. &nbsp;

The opposition

The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted.

Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy.&nbsp;

NDA's resolution

PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah.&nbsp;

At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters.

Election result and stock market

Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term.&nbsp;

The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. Counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections will begin at 8 am and the clear picture of who will lead the nation for the next five years will emerge in the evening. Over 8,000 candidates More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. Over 67 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. Late result expected It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time. The exercise will take place in five polling stations per assembly segment which effectively means that out of nearly 10.3 lakh polling stations, the EVM-VVPAT matching will take place in 20600 such stations, news agency PTI reported. What happens in case of a mismatch? In such a situation, the results based on paper slip count will be considered as final. The entire exercise of EVM-Paper trail machine matching will take an additional four to five hours. What exit polls say With the final phase of polling of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections coming to an end on May 19, exit polls predicted a thumping win for the Bharatiya Janata Party in the Lok Sabha polls. The party, along with its allies, is predicted to sweep a lion's share of the Hindi heartland of the nation including states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar as well as the national capital. Pollsters predicted a considerable loss for Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in terms of seat share in the state, though she is predicted to keep the majority. The BJP, which fared poorly in 2014 in the state is suggested to win seats in double-digit. The opposition The opposition has dubbed the exit polls as wrong with many leaders rubbishing what the pollsters have predicted. Eminent opposition leaders like Chandrababu Naidu, Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury and Mayawati among others were seen scurrying around this week to meet one another and discuss post-poll strategy. NDA's resolution PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah held a meeting with Union council of ministers on Tuesday which was later on followed by a dinner for NDA allies hoster by Shah. At the BJP-led ruling alliance meeting, which was attended by 36 parties, a resolution was passed, terming the 2019 general election decisive for the country and pledging to make India "strong, developed, prosperous and inclusive" by 2022 when India completes 75 years of its independence, party leader and Union minister Rajnath Singh told reporters. Election result and stock market Analysts suggest the stock markets soar further if PM Modi makes a comeback for the second term. The BSE Sensex index rose by its biggest amount in one day since September 2013 on Monday after exit polls showed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will retain power for a second consecutive term.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to start counting of votes for parliamentary polls in 542 seats at 8 am

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-to-start-counting-of-votes-for-parliamentary-polls-in-542-seats-at-8-am-220717">Indian elections</a> and would work with whoever is the victor.&nbsp;

"I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here.

Unlike other countries, the US does not send its election observers to India because of the strong independent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-media-on-exit-polls-predicting-second-term-for-bjp-219997">credentials of the Election Commission</a> of India.&nbsp;

"We have a very strong relationship and a lot of cooperation with the Indian government on a full range of issues, and the Secretary (of State, Mike Pompeo) has said numerous times that we have a true strategic partner in India," Ortagus said in response to a question.

The diplomat praised India and its people for carrying out such a massive exercise peacefully, describing it as fascinating. "Someone pointed this out to me today that India's election is the largest exercise in democracy in human history," she said.

"I think with everything going on in the world, that's a thing that we can pause and think about and certainly commend the Indian people," Ortagus added.

The Washington Post had on Wednesday said that the Indian election was the largest democratic exercise in the world.

"With about 900 million eligible voters, the size of the electorate had swelled by more than 80 million compared to 2014. In that election, 550 million people ultimately cast votes," it had said.

Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, said the next Indian government will have a difficult time managing ties with the United States.&nbsp;

"A dual-track approach is quite clear,&nbsp;continued progress in deepening our security relationship while simultaneously engaging in a wider trade fight," Rossow said.&nbsp;

"Too often this trade fight is attributed mainly to the United States. This is unfair, as the Modi government took significant steps to slow imports in recent years, such as increasing customs duties and initiating new local content mandates for government procurement," Rossow told PTI in response to a question.&nbsp;

He said while the next government in India might trigger fresh reforms early in its tenure, they are likely to be more focused on attracting foreign investment rather than taking steps that could increase imports.&nbsp;

"Investment-oriented reforms are unlikely to assuage US trade policy concerns. So this dual-track approach is likely to persist post-election," Rossow added.

A New York Times editorial piece said the election had become a sweeping referendum on the last five years of governance by Narendra Modi, the country's dominant and divisive prime minister.

It is also likely to be the world's most expensive elections, with parties estimated to have spent a total of as much as $7 billion, it read.

According to The Washington Post, the result of this election will be pivotal to the future of India, soon to become the world's most populous nation.&nbsp;

"India is attempting to catch up in economic terms with China, its neighbour to the east, a pursuit that requires massive investment in infrastructure and significant policy change. At the same time, the country is also deciding what kind of democracy it wants to be," the daily said.

In a news dispatch from New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears on track for a second term if exit polls bear out, "but less clear to investors and executives is which version of Mr Modi would take charge,&nbsp;the business-friendly leader or the divisive nationalist."&nbsp;

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the Indian elections and would work with whoever is the victor. "I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here.

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the Indian elections and would work with whoever is the victor. "I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here. Unlike other countries, the US does not send its election observers to India because of the strong independent credentials of the Election Commission of India. "We have a very strong relationship and a lot of cooperation with the Indian government on a full range of issues, and the Secretary (of State, Mike Pompeo) has said numerous times that we have a true strategic partner in India," Ortagus said in response to a question. The diplomat praised India and its people for carrying out such a massive exercise peacefully, describing it as fascinating. "Someone pointed this out to me today that India's election is the largest exercise in democracy in human history," she said. "I think with everything going on in the world, that's a thing that we can pause and think about and certainly commend the Indian people," Ortagus added. The Washington Post had on Wednesday said that the Indian election was the largest democratic exercise in the world. "With about 900 million eligible voters, the size of the electorate had swelled by more than 80 million compared to 2014. In that election, 550 million people ultimately cast votes," it had said. Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, said the next Indian government will have a difficult time managing ties with the United States. "A dual-track approach is quite clear, continued progress in deepening our security relationship while simultaneously engaging in a wider trade fight," Rossow said. "Too often this trade fight is attributed mainly to the United States. This is unfair, as the Modi government took significant steps to slow imports in recent years, such as increasing customs duties and initiating new local content mandates for government procurement," Rossow told PTI in response to a question. He said while the next government in India might trigger fresh reforms early in its tenure, they are likely to be more focused on attracting foreign investment rather than taking steps that could increase imports. "Investment-oriented reforms are unlikely to assuage US trade policy concerns. So this dual-track approach is likely to persist post-election," Rossow added. A New York Times editorial piece said the election had become a sweeping referendum on the last five years of governance by Narendra Modi, the country's dominant and divisive prime minister. It is also likely to be the world's most expensive elections, with parties estimated to have spent a total of as much as $7 billion, it read. According to The Washington Post, the result of this election will be pivotal to the future of India, soon to become the world's most populous nation. "India is attempting to catch up in economic terms with China, its neighbour to the east, a pursuit that requires massive investment in infrastructure and significant policy change. At the same time, the country is also deciding what kind of democracy it wants to be," the daily said. In a news dispatch from New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears on track for a second term if exit polls bear out, "but less clear to investors and executives is which version of Mr Modi would take charge, the business-friendly leader or the divisive nationalist."

Lok Sabha polls 2019: US says it is confident about fairness, integrity of Indian elections

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-counting-of-votes-to-take-place-on-thursday-fates-of-over-8000-candidates-to-be-decided-220612">The voting will start at 8 am</a>.

While all of you can access <a href="https://www.wionews.com/">Wionews.com</a> for essential live updates around results and trends, there are various platforms set up by the Election Commission to put out the information as they come.&nbsp;

The poll panel had specially created a website for results and trends: <a href="https://results.eci.gov.in/">results.eci.gov.in</a>. The website is set to go live at 8 am and will let users look at the results and trends constituency-wise and party-wise.

Another way to check results is via ''Voter Helpline App''. The Election Commission came up with this new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes.

The app will be available on both Android and iOS.The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-election-commission-rejects-vvpat-demand-220683/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections.

It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. The voting will start at 8 am. While all of you can access Wionews.

The final result of the mega electoral exercise to elect the world's largest democracy will be announced today. The voting will start at 8 am. While all of you can access Wionews.com for essential live updates around results and trends, there are various platforms set up by the Election Commission to put out the information as they come. The poll panel had specially created a website for results and trends: results.eci.gov.in. The website is set to go live at 8 am and will let users look at the results and trends constituency-wise and party-wise. Another way to check results is via ''Voter Helpline App''. The Election Commission came up with this new IT-based initiative to provide real-time trends and results of the counting of the votes. The app will be available on both Android and iOS.The app boasts of a number of innovative features including an option to bookmark one's favourite candidate from a constituency and track her/his result exclusively said the commission. More than 8,000 candidates were in the fray for 542 seats across the nation. 67.11 per cent of the 90.99 crore electors had cast their vote in the seven-phase elections. It is suggested that the counting of votes and the announcement of results may get delayed due to tallying of voter-verified paper audit trail slips with EVM count. The exercise will take place for the first time.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Guide to check results, trends on Election Commission website and app

The Congress Party, which won the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan in the assembly elections in December last year, is trailing in Lok Sabha polls in all the three states, as per official Election Commission trends.

In both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Congress is leading on just one seat out of the total 25 and 29, respectively, while in Chhattisgarh, it is trailing on 9 seats out of the 11, according to the trends three hours after counting started at 8 am.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading on the remaining seats in the three states.

The trends come as a surprise, especially in Chhattisgarh, where Congress had won 68 seats out of the 90 in the assembly polls. The BJP, which had ruled the state for 15 years, managed to win only 15.

In Rajasthan, the Congress had won 99 seats out of the 200. One short of the majority, the party managed to form the government with the help of one seat won by its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Lastly, in Madhya Pradesh, it had emerged as a leading party with 114 seats after a cliff hanger fight.

Trends indicate that Congress has failed to capitalise on the momentum it gained last year after winning the three Hindi-belt states, with BJP set to sweep all three.

Overall, BJP looks to settle with a comfortable majority with leads on over 290 seats, much ahead of the halfway mark. While the Congress is ahead on 51.

The Lok Sabha polls that commenced on April 11 and wrapped up on May 19, saw approximately 900 million voters exercising their franchise and deciding the fate of 7,928 candidates across 542 seats in the country. Out of those candidates, 724 were women and four were transgenders.

The Congress Party, which won the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan in the assembly elections in December last year, is trailing in Lok Sabha polls in all the three states, as per official Election Commission trends.

The Congress Party, which won the Hindi heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan in the assembly elections in December last year, is trailing in Lok Sabha polls in all the three states, as per official Election Commission trends. In both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Congress is leading on just one seat out of the total 25 and 29, respectively, while in Chhattisgarh, it is trailing on 9 seats out of the 11, according to the trends three hours after counting started at 8 am. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading on the remaining seats in the three states. The trends come as a surprise, especially in Chhattisgarh, where Congress had won 68 seats out of the 90 in the assembly polls. The BJP, which had ruled the state for 15 years, managed to win only 15. In Rajasthan, the Congress had won 99 seats out of the 200. One short of the majority, the party managed to form the government with the help of one seat won by its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). Lastly, in Madhya Pradesh, it had emerged as a leading party with 114 seats after a cliff hanger fight. Trends indicate that Congress has failed to capitalise on the momentum it gained last year after winning the three Hindi-belt states, with BJP set to sweep all three. Overall, BJP looks to settle with a comfortable majority with leads on over 290 seats, much ahead of the halfway mark. While the Congress is ahead on 51. The Lok Sabha polls that commenced on April 11 and wrapped up on May 19, saw approximately 900 million voters exercising their franchise and deciding the fate of 7,928 candidates across 542 seats in the country. Out of those candidates, 724 were women and four were transgenders.

Lok Sabha election result 2019: Congress fails to capitalise on assembly poll victories, trails in Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh

As India completes its 17th general election in 70 years, it is an occasion to answer pessimists, who have doubted the vibrancy of India’s democracy. When the venerable Economist had put India in the `flawed democracy’ category in 2018, I had suggested that the foundations of Indian democracy run much deeper than what the New Delhi-centric media may portray. &nbsp;&nbsp;

One of the six criteria for that assessment was the country’s electoral system. A look at the electoral process of 2019, however, does give some cause for worry. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The efficacy of an electoral system is determined by how free and fair they are. In other words, how has the well- empowered Election Commission of India (ECI) functioned during the course of the recently-concluded elections? &nbsp;

The ECI can be credited with introducing improvements in the conduct of general election and more than 100 Assembly polls. But it is expected to function without any pressure, including from the incumbent government. Since each poll is unique and the chief election commissioners (CECs) are likely to be different, ECI’s performance may not be uniform. CEC TN Seshan, for example, was remembered as a benchmark for establishing the commission’s independence and neutrality. Even after 29 years, Seshan is remembered as India’s most effective CEC. He is seen as someone who upheld the special stature and unique potential of the ECI to streamline the poll process. Going by the concerns and complaints against the commission’s impartiality in 2019, it could perhaps not be said that it passed all the tests, particularly on the fairness criteria. &nbsp;

Justifiable doubts have been raised about its independence. Even the Supreme Court had to remind the commission midway through the elections, about its powers. Another criteria was whether there was a level-playing field for voters and recognised parties to contest and campaign. If complaints against one leader with a self-declared criminal record are acted upon promptly by the ECI at the expense of another, who is in power in the same state, the message of fair play takes a beating. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The ECI was also silent on the many violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Just when proactive initiatives were needed to safeguard the status of the ECI, the commission lost its voice.

Once the poll notification comes into play, it is the responsibility of the ECI to ensure that the code applies to all candidates and parties equally and not at the discretion of the commission. &nbsp;

None of the eight points in the Model Code of Conduct were adhered to by most leaders and parties, and yet the ECI did little except to issue a notice. &nbsp;

Campaign civility was the biggest casualty in these elections. Never before has a poll campaign led to so much animosity; yet the ECI preferred to opt in for a “wait and watch” policy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The idea of a chief election commissioner and two commissioners was to add to the efficiency of the ECI. In reality, there was no evidence of such a thing happening. The two election commissioners never gave the impression of sharing any responsibility, or maybe were just plainly ignored.

The time taken to decide contentious issues had put the ECI’s objectivity to test. In fact, the very decision of seven-phase polling, where one has to wait for 43 days to know who is elected, itself is flawed. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Even more alarming was the situation in a state going to Assembly elections. The fact that the state had to function for 43 days, virtually without a government, was overlooked by the ECI.

When government departments and agencies like the income tax, enforcement directorate and the intelligence bureau raided the homes of only those opposed to the government during the poll process, the ECI merely stood by. When questioned, all it could do was to ask the agencies to keep it informed. It is of little surprise that the agencies continued with their own agenda, ignoring the ECI. &nbsp;

The ECI cannot be treated like another government agency. Despite so many of the ECI’s ‘expenditure observers’, there was little that the commission did to curb increased poll expenditure. The cash, gold and liquor confiscated was larger than the 2014 general election levels. &nbsp;

With grapevine about 2019 being the most expensive elections ever, no serious steps were taken to cut down expenses, except to cancel a poll in one Tamil Nadu seat. No new ECI initiative to reduce campaign costs were evident. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Of course, the entire blame cannot be placed at the doorsteps of the ECI, as political parties, news media, and the civil society together are responsible for the state of affairs.

But ultimately, the ECI has to take the lead. It took the initiative in one or two instances, but only when a number of former senior bureaucrats and ex-Army men wrote to the President of India, criticising ECI’s rather submissive postures. &nbsp;

The present ECI, however, needs to be commended for continuing to facilitate ADR analysis on the affidavits of candidates, so as to put critical information about them in the public domain.

No wonder the Supreme Court asked the ECI to ensure that candidates put up information about their criminal antecedents in the public domain during the campaign, more than once. It is another matter that hardly a few followed it.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-revealing-a-vibrant-democracy-2751753">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As India completes its 17th general election in 70 years, it is an occasion to answer pessimists, who have doubted the vibrancy of India’s democracy. When the venerable Economist had put India in the `flawed democracy’ category in 2018, I had suggested that the foundations of Indian democracy run much deeper than what the New Delhi-centric media may portray.

As India completes its 17th general election in 70 years, it is an occasion to answer pessimists, who have doubted the vibrancy of India’s democracy. When the venerable Economist had put India in the `flawed democracy’ category in 2018, I had suggested that the foundations of Indian democracy run much deeper than what the New Delhi-centric media may portray. One of the six criteria for that assessment was the country’s electoral system. A look at the electoral process of 2019, however, does give some cause for worry. The efficacy of an electoral system is determined by how free and fair they are. In other words, how has the well- empowered Election Commission of India (ECI) functioned during the course of the recently-concluded elections? The ECI can be credited with introducing improvements in the conduct of general election and more than 100 Assembly polls. But it is expected to function without any pressure, including from the incumbent government. Since each poll is unique and the chief election commissioners (CECs) are likely to be different, ECI’s performance may not be uniform. CEC TN Seshan, for example, was remembered as a benchmark for establishing the commission’s independence and neutrality. Even after 29 years, Seshan is remembered as India’s most effective CEC. He is seen as someone who upheld the special stature and unique potential of the ECI to streamline the poll process. Going by the concerns and complaints against the commission’s impartiality in 2019, it could perhaps not be said that it passed all the tests, particularly on the fairness criteria. Justifiable doubts have been raised about its independence. Even the Supreme Court had to remind the commission midway through the elections, about its powers. Another criteria was whether there was a level-playing field for voters and recognised parties to contest and campaign. If complaints against one leader with a self-declared criminal record are acted upon promptly by the ECI at the expense of another, who is in power in the same state, the message of fair play takes a beating. The ECI was also silent on the many violations of the Model Code of Conduct. Just when proactive initiatives were needed to safeguard the status of the ECI, the commission lost its voice. Once the poll notification comes into play, it is the responsibility of the ECI to ensure that the code applies to all candidates and parties equally and not at the discretion of the commission. None of the eight points in the Model Code of Conduct were adhered to by most leaders and parties, and yet the ECI did little except to issue a notice. Campaign civility was the biggest casualty in these elections. Never before has a poll campaign led to so much animosity; yet the ECI preferred to opt in for a “wait and watch” policy. The idea of a chief election commissioner and two commissioners was to add to the efficiency of the ECI. In reality, there was no evidence of such a thing happening. The two election commissioners never gave the impression of sharing any responsibility, or maybe were just plainly ignored. The time taken to decide contentious issues had put the ECI’s objectivity to test. In fact, the very decision of seven-phase polling, where one has to wait for 43 days to know who is elected, itself is flawed. Even more alarming was the situation in a state going to Assembly elections. The fact that the state had to function for 43 days, virtually without a government, was overlooked by the ECI. When government departments and agencies like the income tax, enforcement directorate and the intelligence bureau raided the homes of only those opposed to the government during the poll process, the ECI merely stood by. When questioned, all it could do was to ask the agencies to keep it informed. It is of little surprise that the agencies continued with their own agenda, ignoring the ECI. The ECI cannot be treated like another government agency. Despite so many of the ECI’s ‘expenditure observers’, there was little that the commission did to curb increased poll expenditure. The cash, gold and liquor confiscated was larger than the 2014 general election levels. With grapevine about 2019 being the most expensive elections ever, no serious steps were taken to cut down expenses, except to cancel a poll in one Tamil Nadu seat. No new ECI initiative to reduce campaign costs were evident. Of course, the entire blame cannot be placed at the doorsteps of the ECI, as political parties, news media, and the civil society together are responsible for the state of affairs. But ultimately, the ECI has to take the lead. It took the initiative in one or two instances, but only when a number of former senior bureaucrats and ex-Army men wrote to the President of India, criticising ECI’s rather submissive postures. The present ECI, however, needs to be commended for continuing to facilitate ADR analysis on the affidavits of candidates, so as to put critical information about them in the public domain. No wonder the Supreme Court asked the ECI to ensure that candidates put up information about their criminal antecedents in the public domain during the campaign, more than once. It is another matter that hardly a few followed it. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Revealing a vibrant democracy: Electoral reforms are the need of the hour

Former Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Wednesday said that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are tamper-proof and cannot be hacked.

Earlier on Wednesday, the EC rejected the opposition parties'&nbsp;demand that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-rejects-oppositions-demand-for-tallying-vvpat-slips-with-evm-220642">VVPAT slips be matched with EVM data</a> first before counting of votes on May 23.

Talking to ANI, Rawat said, "EVMs can't be tampered with. EVM security protocol is so strict whenever a strong room has to be opened, representatives of all political parties have to be there, machines are taken out in their presence."

"A mock poll is also conducted at the polling station where all the polling agents are asked to vote and then count, so all these arrangements ensure transparency in the whole process," he added.

On the possibility of accepting the demand made by 22 political parties, Rawat said, "If there is no utility of this exercise, then why do it? SC in its order has also said that it should be done only at five polling stations in a legislative assembly. That is more than sufficient."

He also said that all institutions are aware of unnecessary complaints filed in a frivolous manner.

Maintaining that no substance was found in past complaints regarding the EVMs, Rawat said, "EVM is a standalone machine which is not connected to the Internet, wifi or even an electricity cable. We even got the VVPAT sample verified by the Indian Statistical Institute which also said that EVMs are completely safe and tamper-proof."

Voting for the general elections, in seven phases, has concluded.&nbsp;The counting of votes will take place on Thursday.

Former Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Wednesday said that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are tamper-proof and cannot be hacked. Earlier on Wednesday, the EC rejected the opposition parties' demand that VVPAT slips be matched with EVM data first before counting of votes on May 23.

Former Election Commissioner OP Rawat on Wednesday said that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are tamper-proof and cannot be hacked. Earlier on Wednesday, the EC rejected the opposition parties' demand that VVPAT slips be matched with EVM data first before counting of votes on May 23. Talking to ANI, Rawat said, "EVMs can't be tampered with. EVM security protocol is so strict whenever a strong room has to be opened, representatives of all political parties have to be there, machines are taken out in their presence." "A mock poll is also conducted at the polling station where all the polling agents are asked to vote and then count, so all these arrangements ensure transparency in the whole process," he added. On the possibility of accepting the demand made by 22 political parties, Rawat said, "If there is no utility of this exercise, then why do it? SC in its order has also said that it should be done only at five polling stations in a legislative assembly. That is more than sufficient." He also said that all institutions are aware of unnecessary complaints filed in a frivolous manner. Maintaining that no substance was found in past complaints regarding the EVMs, Rawat said, "EVM is a standalone machine which is not connected to the Internet, wifi or even an electricity cable. We even got the VVPAT sample verified by the Indian Statistical Institute which also said that EVMs are completely safe and tamper-proof." Voting for the general elections, in seven phases, has concluded. The counting of votes will take place on Thursday.

EVMs are completely tamper-proof, cannot be hacked: Former Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi slams opposition parties for creating 'Needless Controversy' over Election Commission of India. Opposition parties alleges tampering of EVM.

PM Modi slams opposition for creating 'Needless controversy' over EC

The Election Commission of India rejects opposition party's plea to verify VVPAT. It is a major setback for the opposition parties as EVM tampering is a major issue coined by many parties in India.

Setback for opposition ahead of LS results; EC rejects VVPAT verification demand

On a day Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and fellow commissioner Sushil Chandra turned down his demand to incorporate minority view in orders relating to model code violations, Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa Tuesday said he still believes that transparency is important and such cases should be dealt in a time-bound manner.

Talking to PTI after the meeting, Lavasa refused to comment on the issue of Commission maintaining a status quo, saying, "minutes of the meeting will be drawn, instructions will be issued. Only then there would be clarity."

"In the meeting of the Election Commission held today regarding the issue of MCC (Model Code of Conduct), it was, inter alia, decided that proceedings of the commission's meeting would be drawn, including the views of all the commission members," the Commission said in a statement after the meeting, which lasted for more than two hours.

"Thereafter, formal instructions to this effect would be issued in consonance with extant laws/rules, etc," it further said.

Lavasa said, "Till the time there is clarity on the reasoning of the views, it is premature to say (anything)."

He said he continues to "say that transparency is important ... Minority view should be included and there should be time-bound procedures. My view is very clear."

Explaining the order, a Commission official said dissent notes and minority views would remain part of records of the poll panel.

Lavasa had dissented on a series of clean chits given by the Commission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on their speeches during the election campaign.

As his demand to record his dissent notes in EC's orders was not met, Lavasa recused himself from cases relating to relating to violations of model code of conduct.

In a strongly-worded letter to Arora on May 4, Lavasa is learnt to have said that he is being forced to stay away from the meetings of the full commission since minority decisions are not being recorded.

In Tuesday's meeting, Lavasa stuck to his ground, pressing for his demand to include dissenting views in the orders.

The EC had maintained that the dissent notes cannot be made part of the order as poll code violation cases are not quasi-judicial in nature and that they are not signed by the chief election commissioner (CEC) and fellow commissioners.

"They are like executive orders. They are summary decisions where a decision is taken by the EC without hearing out counsels of the two parties. The orders are brief which are not signed by the three commissioners," explained the official.

Such orders are usually signed by the principal secretary concerned or secretary of the EC, the official said.

Lavasa had dissented in as many as five of the 11 EC decisions involving complaints against Modi and Shah for alleged MCC violation and where they were given a clean chit.&nbsp;

An official said the EC is likely to come out with a circular clearly outlining the procedure relating to complaints of the poll code violation.

"Status quo will be maintained. Dissent will not be made public but would form part of EC records," explained an official.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

As per the law governing the functioning of the EC, efforts should be to have unanimity but in cases of dissent, a majority (2:1) view prevails.

In his May 4 letter, Lavasa is learnt to have also said that his participation in EC meeting is "meaningless" as his dissent remained unrecorded.&nbsp;

He had said that his notes on the need for transparency have not been responded to because of which he has decided to stay away from meetings on model code-related complaints.

Sources said Lavasa had written to the CEC about the issue on at least three occasions.&nbsp;

On a day Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and fellow commissioner Sushil Chandra turned down his demand to incorporate minority view in orders relating to model code violations, Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa Tuesday said he still believes that transparency is important and such cases should be dealt in a time-bound manner.

On a day Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and fellow commissioner Sushil Chandra turned down his demand to incorporate minority view in orders relating to model code violations, Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa Tuesday said he still believes that transparency is important and such cases should be dealt in a time-bound manner. Talking to PTI after the meeting, Lavasa refused to comment on the issue of Commission maintaining a status quo, saying, "minutes of the meeting will be drawn, instructions will be issued. Only then there would be clarity." "In the meeting of the Election Commission held today regarding the issue of MCC (Model Code of Conduct), it was, inter alia, decided that proceedings of the commission's meeting would be drawn, including the views of all the commission members," the Commission said in a statement after the meeting, which lasted for more than two hours. "Thereafter, formal instructions to this effect would be issued in consonance with extant laws/rules, etc," it further said. Lavasa said, "Till the time there is clarity on the reasoning of the views, it is premature to say (anything)." He said he continues to "say that transparency is important ... Minority view should be included and there should be time-bound procedures. My view is very clear." Explaining the order, a Commission official said dissent notes and minority views would remain part of records of the poll panel. Lavasa had dissented on a series of clean chits given by the Commission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on their speeches during the election campaign. As his demand to record his dissent notes in EC's orders was not met, Lavasa recused himself from cases relating to relating to violations of model code of conduct. In a strongly-worded letter to Arora on May 4, Lavasa is learnt to have said that he is being forced to stay away from the meetings of the full commission since minority decisions are not being recorded. In Tuesday's meeting, Lavasa stuck to his ground, pressing for his demand to include dissenting views in the orders. The EC had maintained that the dissent notes cannot be made part of the order as poll code violation cases are not quasi-judicial in nature and that they are not signed by the chief election commissioner (CEC) and fellow commissioners. "They are like executive orders. They are summary decisions where a decision is taken by the EC without hearing out counsels of the two parties. The orders are brief which are not signed by the three commissioners," explained the official. Such orders are usually signed by the principal secretary concerned or secretary of the EC, the official said. Lavasa had dissented in as many as five of the 11 EC decisions involving complaints against Modi and Shah for alleged MCC violation and where they were given a clean chit. An official said the EC is likely to come out with a circular clearly outlining the procedure relating to complaints of the poll code violation. "Status quo will be maintained. Dissent will not be made public but would form part of EC records," explained an official. As per the law governing the functioning of the EC, efforts should be to have unanimity but in cases of dissent, a majority (2:1) view prevails. In his May 4 letter, Lavasa is learnt to have also said that his participation in EC meeting is "meaningless" as his dissent remained unrecorded. He had said that his notes on the need for transparency have not been responded to because of which he has decided to stay away from meetings on model code-related complaints. Sources said Lavasa had written to the CEC about the issue on at least three occasions.

I still say transparency is important: Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has a problem with our demand of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-nonsense-says-supreme-court-dismissing-pil-seeking-100-vvpat-verification-220408">tallying votes registered in electronic voting machines (EVMs)</a> with that of voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips, said TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday.

Naidu, who was talking to media persons after a delegation of 22 opposition parties met the EC here over EVM-VVPAT tallying issue, said, "We have a very genuine demand. We have repeatedly made representation to the EC and have even gone to the SC. We want that tallying of five EVM-VVPAT machines should be made at the beginning of the counting, but the EC has a problem."

"If any discrepancy is found in the tally, then VVPAT for the whole assembly segment should be counted. We do not know what is the problem of the Election Commission? Former Chief Election Commissioner has also endorsed our demand. Former President (Pranab Mukherjee) also made it very clear that EC should keep transparency and create confidence among Indian voters," he said.

"We are asking to respect the mandate. People's mandate cannot be manipulated. The EC is saying one blood sample is enough but if that sample is showing total pollution in the body, then you have to scan the whole body," said Naidu.

Prominent opposition leaders who were also present on the occasion included Ghulam Nabi Azad and Abhishek Manu Singhvi of Congress, Satish Chandra Misra of BSP, Prof Ramgopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Prof Manoj Jha of RJD, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Sitaram Yechury of the CPM.

Naidu said that the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during EVM-VVPAT verification, then 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done.

Singhvi, speaking on the occasion, said, "If the subset is found poisonous, then the whole sample is discarded."

In the recent past, Naidu had met various leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar.

On May 18, Naidu had urged the Election Commission to count votes through VVPAT instead of EVMs during the counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23. On May 7, the Supreme Court had turned down a review plea filed by 21 opposition parties seeking a direction to the EC to increase random physical verification of VVPAT from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has a problem with our demand of tallying votes registered in electronic voting machines (EVMs) with that of voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips, said TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has a problem with our demand of tallying votes registered in electronic voting machines (EVMs) with that of voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) slips, said TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday. Naidu, who was talking to media persons after a delegation of 22 opposition parties met the EC here over EVM-VVPAT tallying issue, said, "We have a very genuine demand. We have repeatedly made representation to the EC and have even gone to the SC. We want that tallying of five EVM-VVPAT machines should be made at the beginning of the counting, but the EC has a problem." "If any discrepancy is found in the tally, then VVPAT for the whole assembly segment should be counted. We do not know what is the problem of the Election Commission? Former Chief Election Commissioner has also endorsed our demand. Former President (Pranab Mukherjee) also made it very clear that EC should keep transparency and create confidence among Indian voters," he said. "We are asking to respect the mandate. People's mandate cannot be manipulated. The EC is saying one blood sample is enough but if that sample is showing total pollution in the body, then you have to scan the whole body," said Naidu. Prominent opposition leaders who were also present on the occasion included Ghulam Nabi Azad and Abhishek Manu Singhvi of Congress, Satish Chandra Misra of BSP, Prof Ramgopal Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, Prof Manoj Jha of RJD, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Sitaram Yechury of the CPM. Naidu said that the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during EVM-VVPAT verification, then 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. Singhvi, speaking on the occasion, said, "If the subset is found poisonous, then the whole sample is discarded." In the recent past, Naidu had met various leaders including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar. On May 18, Naidu had urged the Election Commission to count votes through VVPAT instead of EVMs during the counting of votes polled in the Lok Sabha elections. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. On May 7, the Supreme Court had turned down a review plea filed by 21 opposition parties seeking a direction to the EC to increase random physical verification of VVPAT from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs.

Election Commission has problem with our demand for EVM-VVPAT tallying: N Chandrababu Naidu

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in&nbsp;sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls".

"Complaints of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms, doing rounds in sections of media. Would like to unambiguously clarify that reports are absolutely false. Visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls," the EC clarified.&nbsp;

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Election Commission: The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since announcement of elections. <a href="https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg">https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130776864119635973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since the announcement of elections," the Commission released.&nbsp;

The top poll body also stated that any lapse in the handling of reserve EVMs will be investigated and action will be taken against those responsible.&nbsp;

"The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However, any case of lapse even in the handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against the officers responsible".

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Election Commission: The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However any case of lapse even in handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action taken against the officers responsible
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130777136841682944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/onus-of-ensuring-institutional-integrity-lies-with-election-commission-pranab-mukherjee-220406">expressed concern over alleged EVM tampering</a> and said that the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with the EC and it must put all speculation to rest.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 22 opposition parties submitted a memorandum before the Election Commission today requesting that the verification of VVPAT slips of randomly identified (05) polling stations should be done prior to the initiation of counting of votes and not after the completion of last round of counting, news agency ANI reported.

In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done.

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In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100% counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. <a href="https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v">https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1130782089794772993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/this-is-nonsense-says-supreme-court-dismissing-pil-seeking-100-vvpat-verification-220408">The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, dismissed a PIL</a> seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

"The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked.

"We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls".

The Election Commission on Tuesday said that the reports of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms are "absolutely false", adding that visuals doing the rounds in sections of media "do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls". "Complaints of alleged movement of EVMs, purportedly to replace polled EVMs in strongrooms, doing rounds in sections of media. Would like to unambiguously clarify that reports are absolutely false. Visuals seen viral on media do not pertain to any EVMs used during the polls," the EC clarified. Election Commission: The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since announcement of elections. https://t.co/AlYAbaokGg — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × "The provisions and protocols have been explained to the political parties on multiple occasions including in several of the 93 meetings held with them at the Commission since the announcement of elections," the Commission released. The top poll body also stated that any lapse in the handling of reserve EVMs will be investigated and action will be taken against those responsible. "The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However, any case of lapse even in the handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action will be taken against the officers responsible". Election Commission: The aspersions in clips being used in media merely pertain to the storage or movement of reserve unused EVMs. However any case of lapse even in handling of reserve EVMs is thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action taken against the officers responsible — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday also expressed concern over alleged EVM tampering and said that the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with the EC and it must put all speculation to rest. Meanwhile, 22 opposition parties submitted a memorandum before the Election Commission today requesting that the verification of VVPAT slips of randomly identified (05) polling stations should be done prior to the initiation of counting of votes and not after the completion of last round of counting, news agency ANI reported. In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100 per cent counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. In the memorandum, the opposition leaders have also demanded that if any discrepancy is found anywhere during the VVPAT verification, 100% counting of paper slips of VVPATs of all polling stations of that assembly segment should be done. https://t.co/mRIbkvlL4v — ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2019 × The Supreme Court, earlier in the day, dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls. "The CJI had dealt with this matter. Why are you taking chance before a two-judge vacation bench," the apex court asked. "We cannot override the CJI's order... This is nonsense. The petition is taken on board. Dismissed," Justice Mishra said.

Reports of alleged EVM tampering are 'absolutely false': Election Commission

A day after lauding the Election Commission of India (ECI)&nbsp;&nbsp;for ''perfect conduct of elections'', former president Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said&nbsp;the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with EC and it must put all speculation to rest.&nbsp;

Mukherjee's statement comes amid reports of &nbsp;EVM tampering.

There can be no room for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/former-president-pranab-mukherjee-hails-election-commission-says-polls-were-conducted-perfectly-220355">speculations that challenges</a> the very basis of our democracy, the former president said and added that people mandate is sacrosanct and has to be above any iota of reasonable doubt.&nbsp;

A firm believer in our institutions, it is my considered opinion that it's the ''workmen'' who decide how the institutional ''tools'' perform, he added.

Mukherjee expressed concern over alleged EVM tampering and said ''I am concerned over reports of alleged tampering of voters' verdict.''&nbsp;

Safety and security of EVMs is Election Commission's responsibility, he added.&nbsp;

Election Commission is also under fire from opposition parties for being biased.

Mukherjee on Monday lauded the role of the poll panel saying the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were conducted "perfectly".

"You cannot criticise them, it was perfect conduct of elections," he said during a book launch. 
&nbsp;

A day after lauding the Election Commission of India (ECI) for ''perfect conduct of elections'', former president Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with EC and it must put all speculation to rest.

A day after lauding the Election Commission of India (ECI) for ''perfect conduct of elections'', former president Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said the onus of ensuring institutional integrity of the poll body lies with EC and it must put all speculation to rest. Mukherjee's statement comes amid reports of EVM tampering. There can be no room for speculations that challenges the very basis of our democracy, the former president said and added that people mandate is sacrosanct and has to be above any iota of reasonable doubt. A firm believer in our institutions, it is my considered opinion that it's the ''workmen'' who decide how the institutional ''tools'' perform, he added. Mukherjee expressed concern over alleged EVM tampering and said ''I am concerned over reports of alleged tampering of voters' verdict.'' Safety and security of EVMs is Election Commission's responsibility, he added. Election Commission is also under fire from opposition parties for being biased. Mukherjee on Monday lauded the role of the poll panel saying the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were conducted "perfectly". "You cannot criticise them, it was perfect conduct of elections," he said during a book launch.

Now, Pranab Mukherjee expresses concern over alleged EVM tampering

After a few incidents of EVM’s being transported allegedly without any security were reported from Uttar Pradesh, the Election Commission has come out with a statement calling the allegations “baseless and frivolous”.

Election Commission reacts on allegations over EVM tempering; says 'baseless'

At a time when the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/notwithstanding-exit-polls-opposition-leaders-set-to-meet-tomorrow-220222">Election Commission</a> is under fire from opposition parties for being biased, former president Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lauded the role of the poll panel saying the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were conducted "perfectly".

Speaking at a book launch event here, he said that right from the first election commissioner Sukumar Sen to the present election commissioners, the institution is working very well.

He said all the three commissioners are appointed by the executive and they are doing their job well.

Mukherjee said, "you cannot criticise them, it was perfect conduct of elections".

"If democracy has succeeded, it is largely due to perfect conduct of elections by election commissioners starting from Sukumar Sen to the present election commissioners," Mukherjee said at the launch of the book 'Defining India: Through Their Eyes' by NDTV's Sonia Singh.

His remarks come a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission's "capitulation" before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is obvious and the poll watchdog is not feared and respected anymore.

The EC has been criticised by the opposition parties for being allegedly biased towards the BJP.

The opposition stepped up its criticism of the poll panel after Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner stating he will be recusing himself from EC meetings as his dissent was not being recorded on clearances given by the poll panel to the PM and BJP chief Amit Shah over alleged poll code violations.&nbsp;

At a time when the Election Commission is under fire from opposition parties for being biased, former president Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lauded the role of the poll panel saying the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were conducted "perfectly".

At a time when the Election Commission is under fire from opposition parties for being biased, former president Pranab Mukherjee on Monday lauded the role of the poll panel saying the 2019 Lok Sabha polls were conducted "perfectly". Speaking at a book launch event here, he said that right from the first election commissioner Sukumar Sen to the present election commissioners, the institution is working very well. He said all the three commissioners are appointed by the executive and they are doing their job well. Mukherjee said, "you cannot criticise them, it was perfect conduct of elections". "If democracy has succeeded, it is largely due to perfect conduct of elections by election commissioners starting from Sukumar Sen to the present election commissioners," Mukherjee said at the launch of the book 'Defining India: Through Their Eyes' by NDTV's Sonia Singh. His remarks come a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Election Commission's "capitulation" before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is obvious and the poll watchdog is not feared and respected anymore. The EC has been criticised by the opposition parties for being allegedly biased towards the BJP. The opposition stepped up its criticism of the poll panel after Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa wrote to the Chief Election Commissioner stating he will be recusing himself from EC meetings as his dissent was not being recorded on clearances given by the poll panel to the PM and BJP chief Amit Shah over alleged poll code violations.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee hails Election Commission, says polls were conducted 'perfectly'

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures.

According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark.

Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Chandrababu Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others.

Notwithstanding exit polls that have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, the opposition is going ahead with its strategy as most parties have trashed the forecast and claimed that the NDA would not get a majority in the Lok Sabha.

Opposition leaders are citing previous examples when exit polls were proved wrong, as also elsewhere in the world like the surprise result in Australia.

As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Naidu held a meeting on Monday with his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, at her Kolkata residence on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict.

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee on Monday and discussed the strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", sources said.

Naidu has been moving around across the country and has held several rounds of discussions with top opposition leaders in a bid to unite them and form an alliance to stake claim to form the next government in case the NDA falls short of the majority mark.

On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Pawar. 
Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting on Monday and discussed their strategy going forward.

However, in view of the exit polls, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings.

Sources said the opposition strategy was to procure letters of support from various parties and in case of a hung verdict, to present the same before the president to stake claim to form the government.

They added that the opposition did not want to leave anything to chance and did not wish to waste any time in staking a claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order.

Opposition parties will also be meeting the Election Commission and demand tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth.

The Supreme Court has asked the EC to tally the VVPAT slips with the EVM figures of five polling stations in each Assembly constituency across the country, which may delay the results.

In another related development, the apex court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures.

Top opposition leaders will meet in the national capital Tuesday to discuss the possibility of a non-NDA alliance staking claim to government formation and also move the Election Commission to press for their demand of tallying paper trail of votes (VVPATs) with electronic voting machine (EVM) figures. According to sources, leaders of opposition parties such as the Congress, TDP, Left parties, BSP, NCP and TMC will informally meet to discuss the way forward in case the NDA fails to get to the majority mark. Ahmed Patel and Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress, Sharad Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), TDP's Chandrababu Naidu, Satish Chandra Misra of the BSP, Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), D Raja of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Derek O'Brien of the TMC are expected to take part in Tuesday's meeting among others. Notwithstanding exit polls that have predicted a majority for the BJP-led NDA, the opposition is going ahead with its strategy as most parties have trashed the forecast and claimed that the NDA would not get a majority in the Lok Sabha. Opposition leaders are citing previous examples when exit polls were proved wrong, as also elsewhere in the world like the surprise result in Australia. As part of his efforts to unite the opposition, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP leader Naidu held a meeting on Monday with his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, at her Kolkata residence on forming a non-BJP government at the Centre in case of a hung verdict. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav also telephoned Banerjee on Monday and discussed the strategy of the "Mahagathbandhan", sources said. Naidu has been moving around across the country and has held several rounds of discussions with top opposition leaders in a bid to unite them and form an alliance to stake claim to form the next government in case the NDA falls short of the majority mark. On Sunday, Naidu met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi separately in New Delhi, besides NCP supremo Pawar. Akhilesh and Mayawati also held a meeting on Monday and discussed their strategy going forward. However, in view of the exit polls, the opposition has turned a bit cautious and decided not to hold any formal meetings. Sources said the opposition strategy was to procure letters of support from various parties and in case of a hung verdict, to present the same before the president to stake claim to form the government. They added that the opposition did not want to leave anything to chance and did not wish to waste any time in staking a claim for government formation and thus, was putting its house in order. Opposition parties will also be meeting the Election Commission and demand tallying of VVPAT slips with EVM figures in an entire Assembly constituency in case a discrepancy is found in any polling booth. The Supreme Court has asked the EC to tally the VVPAT slips with the EVM figures of five polling stations in each Assembly constituency across the country, which may delay the results. In another related development, the apex court Tuesday dismissed a PIL seeking 100 per cent matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) during the counting of votes on May 23 for Lok Sabha polls.

Notwithstanding exit polls, opposition leaders set to meet, also to move Election Commission over VVPATs

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states.

Speaking to media, he said, "We have met the Election Commissioners and informed them about the violence that had taken place in all the seven phases of the Lok Sabha polls and requested for repolling in all the violence-affected constituencies."

"We have also demanded that the EC withdraw the false cases made against BJP leaders in West Bengal," Goyal added.

The Union minister further said, "We have informed the EC about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee`s threat to people of the state that she will deal with them after the polls."

"We feel that there is a chance of violence in West Bengal now and even after the counting is over. Therefore, we request the poll watch body to ensure that the Central forces will continue to be stationed in the state till the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is over," added the Union minister.

Expressing concern to ensure that the counting process remains free and fair, Goyal further said, "We requested EC to ensure that in all EVM strongroom, the Central forces should be stationed."

To make sure the counting process remains free and fair, "We have requested the EC observers and special observers to be present in the counting booths in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh."

"There should be strict checking in the EVM strongroom. CCTV cameras should be installed in counting rooms in all these states and there should be no entry of any unauthorized person inside the EVM strongroom," he added.

Large scale violence was reported from different parliamentary constituencies across West Bengal on the seventh phase of the general elections with Trinamool and BJP blaming each other for the violence. While vehicles of few leaders were vandalised in poll-related violence, BJP has also accused TMC of beating its office-bearers.

West Bengal that went for polls in all the phases of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed violence in every phase. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states.

A BJP delegation led by Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Railway minister Piyush Goyal approached the Election Commission (EC) and urged it to conduct repoll in the constituencies where violence had taken place during all the phases of the Lok Sabha polls in some states. Speaking to media, he said, "We have met the Election Commissioners and informed them about the violence that had taken place in all the seven phases of the Lok Sabha polls and requested for repolling in all the violence-affected constituencies." "We have also demanded that the EC withdraw the false cases made against BJP leaders in West Bengal," Goyal added. The Union minister further said, "We have informed the EC about West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee`s threat to people of the state that she will deal with them after the polls." "We feel that there is a chance of violence in West Bengal now and even after the counting is over. Therefore, we request the poll watch body to ensure that the Central forces will continue to be stationed in the state till the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is over," added the Union minister. Expressing concern to ensure that the counting process remains free and fair, Goyal further said, "We requested EC to ensure that in all EVM strongroom, the Central forces should be stationed." To make sure the counting process remains free and fair, "We have requested the EC observers and special observers to be present in the counting booths in the states of Odisha, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh." "There should be strict checking in the EVM strongroom. CCTV cameras should be installed in counting rooms in all these states and there should be no entry of any unauthorized person inside the EVM strongroom," he added. Large scale violence was reported from different parliamentary constituencies across West Bengal on the seventh phase of the general elections with Trinamool and BJP blaming each other for the violence. While vehicles of few leaders were vandalised in poll-related violence, BJP has also accused TMC of beating its office-bearers. West Bengal that went for polls in all the phases of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed violence in every phase. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.

BJP requests Election Commission to conduct re-polling in booths affected by violence in Lok Sabha polls

Kedarnath: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meditated in a holy cave near the shrine. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi meditates in cave after offering prayers at Kedarnath

The Election Commission has issued a notice to BJP candidate from Gurdaspur, Sunny Deol for allegedly violating of the model code of conduct.

Poll officials took serious note of a public meeting held by Deol in Pathankot on Friday night, after the silent period come in force.

They also found that a loudspeaker was used in the public meeting in which around 200 people were present.

In the notice, it was pointed out that by holding a public meeting during the silent period, Deol has violated the model code of conduct.

The election campaign is completely banned 48 hours before the polling process. Polling in all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab will be held Sunday.

Deol is pitted against Congress's Sunil Jakhar from the Gurdaspur parliamentary constituency.

The Election Commission has issued a notice to BJP candidate from Gurdaspur, Sunny Deol for allegedly violating of the model code of conduct. Poll officials took serious note of a public meeting held by Deol in Pathankot on Friday night, after the silent period come in force.

The Election Commission has issued a notice to BJP candidate from Gurdaspur, Sunny Deol for allegedly violating of the model code of conduct. Poll officials took serious note of a public meeting held by Deol in Pathankot on Friday night, after the silent period come in force. They also found that a loudspeaker was used in the public meeting in which around 200 people were present. In the notice, it was pointed out that by holding a public meeting during the silent period, Deol has violated the model code of conduct. The election campaign is completely banned 48 hours before the polling process. Polling in all 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab will be held Sunday. Deol is pitted against Congress's Sunil Jakhar from the Gurdaspur parliamentary constituency.

Election Commission issues notice to Sunny Deol for 'violating' poll code

The fate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with 917 other candidates will be decided on Sunday, the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls.

The voting will take place for 59 seats including Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh from where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/water-management-to-be-priority-if-nda-is-re-elected-pm-modi-219658">Modi is seeking re-election</a>, bringing the curtain down on the seven-phased mammoth electoral exercise which began on April 10.

In the last phase of polling, 13 seats each in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, nine in West Bengal, eight seats each in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, all four constituencies in Himachal Pradesh, three in Jharkhand and one seat in the Union Territory of Chandigarh will witness the polling.

According to Election Commission of India (ECI), over 10.01 lakh voters will decide the fate of 918 candidates. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

The most keenly watched electoral battle will take place in Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, where Modi is facing Ajay Rai of Congress party and SP's Shalini Yadav.

Other prominent political figures whose fate will be sealed in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are Shatrughan Sinha (Congress) and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) from Patna Sahib constituency, Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan (BJP), Madhusudhan Tripathi (Congress) and Rambhusal Nishad of SP from Gorakhpur seat, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri of BJP and Congress'&nbsp;Gurjeet Singh Aujla from Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency and actor Sunny Deol, who is pitted against Congress heavyweight Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur seat.

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The other leaders whose fortunes will also be decided in the final phase of polling are former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal (Ferozepur), his wife and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Bhatinda) and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's wife Perneet Kaur in (Patiala), all in Punjab, three-time MP Anurag Thakur in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren (Dumka) and former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who faces sitting MP Kirron Kher in Chandigarh.

The Election Commission (EC) is deploying 710 companies of security forces to ensure the last phase of Lok Sabha polling in West Bengal on Sunday goes off peacefully.

"710 companies of security personnel will be providing 100 per cent coverage during the seventh phase of elections in West Bengal. This will include 512 quick response teams (QRTs) led by assistant commandants," said the EC in a statement.

Out of these 710 companies, a total of 147 companies will be deployed in constituencies which fall under the police jurisdiction of Kolkata police jurisdiction.

Two QRTs will be deployed in each police station, the EC said. The seats which go to polls on Sunday are Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, Jaynagar (SC) and Mathurapur (SC).

The national poll body on Wednesday decided to cut short the campaign period in the state after violence marred the road show of BJP chief Amit Shah in Kolkata on Tuesday.

BJP and Communist Party of India (Marxist) had complained to the EC over violence and had demanded adequate measures to ensure that polls are held in a free and fair manner.

In the sixth phase of polling on May 12, over 63 per cent polling was recorded, with the highest turnout of 80.35 per cent in West Bengal and a minimum of 59.74 per cent in the city-state of Delhi.

Barring stray incidents of violence in West Bengal, the election on 59 seats spread over eight states remained peaceful. The voting took place from 7 am to 6 pm.

"An estimated 63.43 per cent turnout was recorded on Sunday in the 6th phase of Lok Sabha polls on 59 seats," Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha had said after the polling finished.

The fate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with 917 other candidates will be decided on Sunday, the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls. The voting will take place for 59 seats including Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh from where Modi is seeking re-election, bringing the curtain down on the seven-phased mammoth electoral exercise which began on April 10.

The fate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with 917 other candidates will be decided on Sunday, the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha polls. The voting will take place for 59 seats including Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh from where Modi is seeking re-election, bringing the curtain down on the seven-phased mammoth electoral exercise which began on April 10. In the last phase of polling, 13 seats each in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, nine in West Bengal, eight seats each in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, all four constituencies in Himachal Pradesh, three in Jharkhand and one seat in the Union Territory of Chandigarh will witness the polling. According to Election Commission of India (ECI), over 10.01 lakh voters will decide the fate of 918 candidates. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. The most keenly watched electoral battle will take place in Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, where Modi is facing Ajay Rai of Congress party and SP's Shalini Yadav. Other prominent political figures whose fate will be sealed in the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are Shatrughan Sinha (Congress) and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP) from Patna Sahib constituency, Bhojpuri actor Ravi Kishan (BJP), Madhusudhan Tripathi (Congress) and Rambhusal Nishad of SP from Gorakhpur seat, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri of BJP and Congress' Gurjeet Singh Aujla from Amritsar Lok Sabha constituency and actor Sunny Deol, who is pitted against Congress heavyweight Sunil Jakhar from Gurdaspur seat. × The other leaders whose fortunes will also be decided in the final phase of polling are former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal (Ferozepur), his wife and Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Bhatinda) and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh's wife Perneet Kaur in (Patiala), all in Punjab, three-time MP Anurag Thakur in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur, former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren (Dumka) and former Union Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal, who faces sitting MP Kirron Kher in Chandigarh. The Election Commission (EC) is deploying 710 companies of security forces to ensure the last phase of Lok Sabha polling in West Bengal on Sunday goes off peacefully. "710 companies of security personnel will be providing 100 per cent coverage during the seventh phase of elections in West Bengal. This will include 512 quick response teams (QRTs) led by assistant commandants," said the EC in a statement. Out of these 710 companies, a total of 147 companies will be deployed in constituencies which fall under the police jurisdiction of Kolkata police jurisdiction. Two QRTs will be deployed in each police station, the EC said. The seats which go to polls on Sunday are Kolkata North, Kolkata South, Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, Jaynagar (SC) and Mathurapur (SC). The national poll body on Wednesday decided to cut short the campaign period in the state after violence marred the road show of BJP chief Amit Shah in Kolkata on Tuesday. BJP and Communist Party of India (Marxist) had complained to the EC over violence and had demanded adequate measures to ensure that polls are held in a free and fair manner. In the sixth phase of polling on May 12, over 63 per cent polling was recorded, with the highest turnout of 80.35 per cent in West Bengal and a minimum of 59.74 per cent in the city-state of Delhi. Barring stray incidents of violence in West Bengal, the election on 59 seats spread over eight states remained peaceful. The voting took place from 7 am to 6 pm. "An estimated 63.43 per cent turnout was recorded on Sunday in the 6th phase of Lok Sabha polls on 59 seats," Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha had said after the polling finished.

PM Modi among 918 candidates whose fate to be decided in final phase of Lok Sabha polling on Sunday