<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-department-approves-possible-314-million-sale-of-missiles-to-south-korea-219598">US State Department approves possible $314 million sale of missiles to South Korea</a>

The US State Department has cleared $314 million in possible sales of air defence missiles to South Korea, the Pentagon said on Friday, as tensions re-emerge on the Korean peninsula.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-will-be-no-war-as-we-dont-want-war-and-no-can-confront-iran-foreign-minister-javad-zarif-219604">There will be no war, we don't want it and no one can confront Iran: Foreign Minister Javad Zarif</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday he did not believe war would break out in the region as Tehran did not want a conflict and no country had the "illusion it could confront Iran", the state news agency IRNA reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/ill-timed-controversies-must-be-avoided-chief-election-commissioner-hits-back-at-ashok-lavasa-denies-reports-of-rift-in-ec-219623">Ill-timed controversies must be avoided: Chief Election Commissioner hits back at Ashok Lavasa, denies reports of rift in EC</a>

Differences in the Election Commission have burst out in the open with Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa boycotting the meetings of the full Commission over his dissent on crucial decisions not being recorded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/naidu-suggests-election-commission-to-count-votes-through-vvpats-219605">Naidu suggests Election Commission to count votes through VVPATs</a>

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-far-right-leader-resigns-over-ibiza-affair-219615">Austrian far-right leader resigns over 'Ibiza affair'</a>

Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a key figure of the European far-right, resigned Saturday after explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting, just days before key EU elections.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US State Department approves possible $314 million sale of missiles to South Korea The US State Department has cleared $314 million in possible sales of air defence missiles to South Korea, the Pentagon said on Friday, as tensions re-emerge on the Korean peninsula.

US State Department approves possible $314 million sale of missiles to South Korea The US State Department has cleared $314 million in possible sales of air defence missiles to South Korea, the Pentagon said on Friday, as tensions re-emerge on the Korean peninsula. There will be no war, we don't want it and no one can confront Iran: Foreign Minister Javad Zarif Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Saturday he did not believe war would break out in the region as Tehran did not want a conflict and no country had the "illusion it could confront Iran", the state news agency IRNA reported. Ill-timed controversies must be avoided: Chief Election Commissioner hits back at Ashok Lavasa, denies reports of rift in EC Differences in the Election Commission have burst out in the open with Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa boycotting the meetings of the full Commission over his dissent on crucial decisions not being recorded. Naidu suggests Election Commission to count votes through VVPATs Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls. Austrian far-right leader resigns over 'Ibiza affair' Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-Christian Strache, a key figure of the European far-right, resigned Saturday after explosive revelations from a hidden camera sting, just days before key EU elections.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Repolling will be held in two booths in Arunachal Pradesh on May 21, following complaints of electoral malpractices, officials said Saturday.

The re-polling will be held in one booth in Koloriang constituency of Kurung Kumey district and one booth in Tali seat of Kra Daadi district, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a notification.

The decision of repolling was taken following recommendation of a team of the poll panel, who met representatives of different political parties here on May 14.

The polling stations are 28-Nampe in Koloriang constituency and 6-Gimba in Tali constituency.

Polling will be held from 6 am to 2 pm, the notification said.

Repolling has already been held in 18 booths in Arunachal Pradesh on April 20 and 27, including this two polling stations. However, several allegations of electoral malpractices were raised in the repolling as well.

Following the complaints, the Election Commission had deputed a four-member team who met the candidates of violence-hit Tali and Palin assembly constituencies in Kra Daadi district and Koloriang assembly constituency in Kurung Kumey district.

Tali, Palin and Koloriang assembly constituencies witnessed sporadic violence, including assault of polling officials, snapping of bridges and planting of explosives at a helipad during the re-polling held on April 20 and 27.

A supporter of the NPP in Koloriang was also shot dead on April 26.&nbsp;

Repolling will be held in two booths in Arunachal Pradesh on May 21, following complaints of electoral malpractices, officials said Saturday. The re-polling will be held in one booth in Koloriang constituency of Kurung Kumey district and one booth in Tali seat of Kra Daadi district, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a notification.

Repolling will be held in two booths in Arunachal Pradesh on May 21, following complaints of electoral malpractices, officials said Saturday. The re-polling will be held in one booth in Koloriang constituency of Kurung Kumey district and one booth in Tali seat of Kra Daadi district, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a notification. The decision of repolling was taken following recommendation of a team of the poll panel, who met representatives of different political parties here on May 14. The polling stations are 28-Nampe in Koloriang constituency and 6-Gimba in Tali constituency. Polling will be held from 6 am to 2 pm, the notification said. Repolling has already been held in 18 booths in Arunachal Pradesh on April 20 and 27, including this two polling stations. However, several allegations of electoral malpractices were raised in the repolling as well. Following the complaints, the Election Commission had deputed a four-member team who met the candidates of violence-hit Tali and Palin assembly constituencies in Kra Daadi district and Koloriang assembly constituency in Kurung Kumey district. Tali, Palin and Koloriang assembly constituencies witnessed sporadic violence, including assault of polling officials, snapping of bridges and planting of explosives at a helipad during the re-polling held on April 20 and 27. A supporter of the NPP in Koloriang was also shot dead on April 26.

Election Commission orders re-polling in two booths in Arunachal Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/tdp-chief-naidu-meets-rahul-discusses-firming-up-anti-bjp-front-219558">N Chandrababu Naidu</a> urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls.

At an event held for discussing measures to increase transparency in elections, Naidu said, "The Election Commission has allowed for five per cent random matching of EVMs in an assembly segment with VVPAT. The poll watch body has argued that the matching cannot be exceeded to 50 per cent because it will take six additional days to declare the result of the polls. I am asking why can`t the Election Commission counts VVPAT directly instead of counting EVMs, which I feel is a more complicated process."

"The officials will count EVMs first then they will check 5 per cent of EVMs with VVPAT. After this, if there is any discrepancy is found then they will take VVPAT count as final. If such is the case then why can`t the officials directly count VVPAT trails," he added.

Earlier on Friday Naidu hit out at the Election Commission, calling it a 'biased body'&nbsp;which gave "controversial and pro-government decisions". Naidu made the remarks after a meeting with Chief Election Commission Sunil Arora regarding repolling in five polling stations under the Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19.

The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu urged the Election Commission to count votes through Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) instead of EVMs during counting for the Lok Sabha polls. At an event held for discussing measures to increase transparency in elections, Naidu said, "The Election Commission has allowed for five per cent random matching of EVMs in an assembly segment with VVPAT. The poll watch body has argued that the matching cannot be exceeded to 50 per cent because it will take six additional days to declare the result of the polls. I am asking why can`t the Election Commission counts VVPAT directly instead of counting EVMs, which I feel is a more complicated process." "The officials will count EVMs first then they will check 5 per cent of EVMs with VVPAT. After this, if there is any discrepancy is found then they will take VVPAT count as final. If such is the case then why can`t the officials directly count VVPAT trails," he added. Earlier on Friday Naidu hit out at the Election Commission, calling it a 'biased body' which gave "controversial and pro-government decisions". Naidu made the remarks after a meeting with Chief Election Commission Sunil Arora regarding repolling in five polling stations under the Chittoor parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh on May 19. The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on May 23.

Naidu suggests Election Commission to count votes through VVPATs

Watch 'India Election Watch.' This is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch; 17th May, 2019

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19.

"In a multi-phased election, the silence period of the last 48 hours may be on in certain constituencies while the campaign is ongoing in other constituencies. In such an event, there should not be any direct or indirect reference amounting to soliciting support for parties or candidates in the constituencies observing the silence period," an EC statement said.

"During the silence period, star campaigners and other political leaders should refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters," it said.

The statement came in reference to queries received by the poll body on telecasting interviews of star campaigners during the silence period. The campaigning for the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election ended at 5.00 pm today.

Counting of votes will be held on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19.

The Election Commission (EC) asked star campaigners and other political leaders to refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters during the silence period beginning Friday evening ahead of the last phase of Lok Sabha polls on May 19. "In a multi-phased election, the silence period of the last 48 hours may be on in certain constituencies while the campaign is ongoing in other constituencies. In such an event, there should not be any direct or indirect reference amounting to soliciting support for parties or candidates in the constituencies observing the silence period," an EC statement said. "During the silence period, star campaigners and other political leaders should refrain from addressing the media by way of press conferences and giving interviews on election matters," it said. The statement came in reference to queries received by the poll body on telecasting interviews of star campaigners during the silence period. The campaigning for the seventh and the final phase of the Lok Sabha election ended at 5.00 pm today. Counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Election Commission asks star campaigners, leaders to refrain from addressing media during silence period

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the officials of Election Commission (EC) on today.

Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had on Thursday "strongly opposed" the Election Commission's decision to hold repolling at five booths under Chandragiri and Chittoor parliamentary constituencies and termed it as "partial one-sided and undemocratic".

"I am writing this letter to strongly oppose the partial one-sided and undemocratic motivated actions of the EC. The decision to conduct repolling in five polling stations under 166-Chandragiri and 25-Chittoor parliamentary constituencies," Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said in the letter.

The EC had on Wednesday declared the poll held on April 11 in these five stations as void and ordered that a re-polling be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm on May 19.

Meanwhile, Naidu might also meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Farooq Abdullah and Sharad Yadav, today.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the officials of Election Commission (EC) on today. Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had on Thursday "strongly opposed" the Election Commission's decision to hold repolling at five booths under Chandragiri and Chittoor parliamentary constituencies and termed it as "partial one-sided and undemocratic".

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will visit the officials of Election Commission (EC) on today. Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had on Thursday "strongly opposed" the Election Commission's decision to hold repolling at five booths under Chandragiri and Chittoor parliamentary constituencies and termed it as "partial one-sided and undemocratic". "I am writing this letter to strongly oppose the partial one-sided and undemocratic motivated actions of the EC. The decision to conduct repolling in five polling stations under 166-Chandragiri and 25-Chittoor parliamentary constituencies," Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said in the letter. The EC had on Wednesday declared the poll held on April 11 in these five stations as void and ordered that a re-polling be conducted from 7 am to 6 pm on May 19. Meanwhile, Naidu might also meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Farooq Abdullah and Sharad Yadav, today.

Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to meet Election Commission today

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032">Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur,</a> who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iew-row-over-sadhvi-pragya-thakurs-comments-219226">Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot)</a>.

The state election officials have forwarded a report to the EC in this regard, MP CEO V L Kanthrao said.

Asked about details of the report, he said, We will share them after the EC takes a decision in this regard.

Earlier in the day, the District Election Officer of the Agar Malwa district submitted his report to the CEO in the matter of Pragya Singh Thakur's statement on Godse.

The poll panel had taken cognisance of Pragya's remarks describing Mahatma Gandhi's assassin as a "patriot" on Thursday after a host of political parties condemned her remark.

Pragya has apologised for her comment and retracted the statement.

"It was my personal opinion remark. My intention was not to hurt anyone's sentiments. If I've hurt anyone I do apologise. What Gandhi Ji has done for the country cannot be forgotten. My statement has been twisted by the media," Pragya, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, said. She also tweeted her apology.

On Thursday, in response to a question over actor- turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remark that "free India's first terrorist was a Hindu", Pragya had said, "Nathuram Godse was a deshbhakt (patriot), he is and will remain a deshbhakt. Those calling him a terrorist should look at themselves. They will be given a befitting reply in this election."

Earlier this month, the EC had barred Pragya from campaigning for three days for violating the Model Code of Conduct by stirring up communal feelings. The poll watchdog had said in its order that the decision came in light of her comments against slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare and on the demolition of the Babri Masjid.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur, who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot).

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Friday submitted a report to the Election Commission (EC) over the statement of BJP candidate from Bhopal Pragya Singh Thakur, who termed Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse a deshbhakt (patriot). The state election officials have forwarded a report to the EC in this regard, MP CEO V L Kanthrao said. Asked about details of the report, he said, We will share them after the EC takes a decision in this regard. Earlier in the day, the District Election Officer of the Agar Malwa district submitted his report to the CEO in the matter of Pragya Singh Thakur's statement on Godse. The poll panel had taken cognisance of Pragya's remarks describing Mahatma Gandhi's assassin as a "patriot" on Thursday after a host of political parties condemned her remark. Pragya has apologised for her comment and retracted the statement. "It was my personal opinion remark. My intention was not to hurt anyone's sentiments. If I've hurt anyone I do apologise. What Gandhi Ji has done for the country cannot be forgotten. My statement has been twisted by the media," Pragya, an accused in the Malegaon blast case, said. She also tweeted her apology. On Thursday, in response to a question over actor- turned-politician Kamal Haasan's remark that "free India's first terrorist was a Hindu", Pragya had said, "Nathuram Godse was a deshbhakt (patriot), he is and will remain a deshbhakt. Those calling him a terrorist should look at themselves. They will be given a befitting reply in this election." Earlier this month, the EC had barred Pragya from campaigning for three days for violating the Model Code of Conduct by stirring up communal feelings. The poll watchdog had said in its order that the decision came in light of her comments against slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare and on the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Election Officer submits report to Election Commission on Pragya Singh's Godse statement

India Election Watch; 15th May, 2019

In this segment of India Election Watch, Know how the Bengal battle is posed 'India Election Watch' is the show that brings you the latest on world's biggest electoral exercise, Verified updates & Unbiased analysis.

India Election Watch: How the Bengal battle is posed

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday criticised the Election Commission's order to hold re-polling in five booths in the Chandragiri Assembly constituency as unethical and unconstitutional.

Thirty-four days after voting was held in the constituency, the EC ordered repoll based on a report by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer, and without waiting for the recommendations of a panel set up for this purpose, Naidu alleged.

On the contrary, the poll panel on May 15 relieved West Bengal Home Secretary Atri Bhattacharya for having interfered in the elections process by directing the state's CEO, he said.

In a representation to the EC about the repolling ordered in his state, the incumbent Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said, "...It is an injustice. (It is) unfortunate, unethical and unconstitutional."&nbsp;

Naidu demanded the EC play a "neutral role" to facilitate free and fair election without being "partisan at the instance of any particular party".

"Hence, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissions are requested to take steps to restore the confidence of the people in the EC and to create a level playing field between the BJP-allies and other parties in the country," he added.

Chandragiri, located in Chittoor district, is one of the 175 assembly constituencies in the state. There are total of 25 parliamentary constituencies.

Both assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held together in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The votes will be counted on May 23.

The Election Commission Wednesday ordered repoll on May 19 in five polling stations in the Chandragiri Assembly segment, under Chittoor LS constituency.

Repoll would be held at polling stations 321, 104, 316, 318 and 313 of both Assembly and Lok Sabha segments, the state CEO said in a release Wednesday.

YSR Congress MLA and contesting candidate Ch Bhaskar Reddy lodged a complaint with the Election Commission early this month that voters belonging to a particular community were not allowed to exercise their franchise when polling was conducted on April 11.

The CEO reportedly received some other complaints about the polling in the constituency from other sources as well.&nbsp;

In West Bengal, the EC had on may 15 ordered the removal of West Bengal Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajeev Kumar, from their posts in the wake of violence between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata.

Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, who is in charge of West Bengal, had said the action was taken against Bhattacharya "for having interfered in the process of conducting elections" by directing the state chief electoral officer, which he was not supposed to do.&nbsp;

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday criticised the Election Commission's order to hold re-polling in five booths in the Chandragiri Assembly constituency as unethical and unconstitutional.

TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu Thursday criticised the Election Commission's order to hold re-polling in five booths in the Chandragiri Assembly constituency as unethical and unconstitutional. Thirty-four days after voting was held in the constituency, the EC ordered repoll based on a report by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer, and without waiting for the recommendations of a panel set up for this purpose, Naidu alleged. On the contrary, the poll panel on May 15 relieved West Bengal Home Secretary Atri Bhattacharya for having interfered in the elections process by directing the state's CEO, he said. In a representation to the EC about the repolling ordered in his state, the incumbent Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister said, "...It is an injustice. (It is) unfortunate, unethical and unconstitutional." Naidu demanded the EC play a "neutral role" to facilitate free and fair election without being "partisan at the instance of any particular party". "Hence, the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissions are requested to take steps to restore the confidence of the people in the EC and to create a level playing field between the BJP-allies and other parties in the country," he added. Chandragiri, located in Chittoor district, is one of the 175 assembly constituencies in the state. There are total of 25 parliamentary constituencies. Both assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held together in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The votes will be counted on May 23. The Election Commission Wednesday ordered repoll on May 19 in five polling stations in the Chandragiri Assembly segment, under Chittoor LS constituency. Repoll would be held at polling stations 321, 104, 316, 318 and 313 of both Assembly and Lok Sabha segments, the state CEO said in a release Wednesday. YSR Congress MLA and contesting candidate Ch Bhaskar Reddy lodged a complaint with the Election Commission early this month that voters belonging to a particular community were not allowed to exercise their franchise when polling was conducted on April 11. The CEO reportedly received some other complaints about the polling in the constituency from other sources as well. In West Bengal, the EC had on may 15 ordered the removal of West Bengal Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajeev Kumar, from their posts in the wake of violence between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata. Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, who is in charge of West Bengal, had said the action was taken against Bhattacharya "for having interfered in the process of conducting elections" by directing the state chief electoral officer, which he was not supposed to do.

Repolling in Chandragiri: Naidu says Election Commission decision 'unethical, unconstitutional'

The Election Commission Thursday ordered repoll at a booth in the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, officials said Thursday.&nbsp;

The Chief Electoral Office of Delhi had submitted a report to the EC asking for a repoll in polling station number 32 after the presiding officer forgot to delete the 'test votes' that were cast during mock poll before actual polling commenced at 7 am on May 12, they said.

The Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat recorded 62.69 per cent turnout while the Chandni Chowk assembly segment saw 59.36 per cent polling.&nbsp;

The repoll will be conducted on Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm and voters will be distributed voter slips. There are about 300 houses that fall under the polling station, they added.

Officials had reported the non-deletion of test votes at two polling stations but the report found repoll was needed only in one polling station.&nbsp;

The Election Commission Thursday ordered repoll at a booth in the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, officials said Thursday. The Chief Electoral Office of Delhi had submitted a report to the EC asking for a repoll in polling station number 32 after the presiding officer forgot to delete the 'test votes' that were cast during mock poll before actual polling commenced at 7 am on May 12, they said.

The Election Commission Thursday ordered repoll at a booth in the Chandni Chowk parliamentary constituency, officials said Thursday. The Chief Electoral Office of Delhi had submitted a report to the EC asking for a repoll in polling station number 32 after the presiding officer forgot to delete the 'test votes' that were cast during mock poll before actual polling commenced at 7 am on May 12, they said. The Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat recorded 62.69 per cent turnout while the Chandni Chowk assembly segment saw 59.36 per cent polling. The repoll will be conducted on Sunday from 7 am to 6 pm and voters will be distributed voter slips. There are about 300 houses that fall under the polling station, they added. Officials had reported the non-deletion of test votes at two polling stations but the report found repoll was needed only in one polling station.

Election Commission orders repoll at polling booth in Chandni Chowk seat

The Election Commission's order curtailing the time period for campaigning in West Bengal drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, with the Congress accusing the poll body of losing its credibility and independence and wondering if the model code has become "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cctv-footage-of-vandalisation-of-ishwar-chandra-vidyasagars-statute-should-be-released-pm-modi-219213">Modi code of misconduct</a>".

The Congress also said time has come to review the process of the poll panel's appointment as it has "completely abdicated" its constitutional duty and has given a "parting gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

With leaders of various parties openly attacking the EC over its order, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bengal-has-money-to-make-vidyasagars-statue-mamata-hits-back-at-modi-219155">Mamata Banerjee</a> emerged as a "rallying point" for the opposition, as leaders like Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, M K Stalin and N Chandrababu Naidu stood behind her and the TMC chief thanking them.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the EC order curtailing campaigning in West Bengal by 20 hours is a "dark spot" on India's democracy and institutions like the poll panel.

In the first such action in India's electoral history, the poll panel on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to end campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies at 10 pm on Thursday, a day before its scheduled deadline, following violence between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata.

"The Election Commission has completely abdicated its constitutional duty under Article 324 to ensure a level playing field, besides negating the due process under Article 14 and 21 of India's Constitution," Surjewala told reporters in a blistering attack against the Election Commission.

"Time has come to review the process of appointment of Election Commission. Should it only remain an appendage to the ruling dispensation or is it a constitutional body which is so intrinsically important to our democracy that its appointment requires to be mandated and tapered through a fair, transparent process like in many other cases," he asked.&nbsp;

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The debate, in his view, must happen for democracy to thrive and survive and the entire process of appointment of the Election Commission needs to be reviewed.

"Has the MCC now become 'Modi Code of Misconduct' to be applied to BJP's political opponents, with total immunity for the PM and the BJP president," he asked.&nbsp;

The Congress is a responsible political party and has never cast unwarranted aspersions on the actions of constitutional bodies, Surjewala said. 
"But we are deeply saddened to say that Election Commission of India has completely lost its independence and abdicated its constitutional integrity," the Congress leader added.&nbsp;

"Modi ji's chair, the prestige and independence of the Election Commission and democracy, all three are now in danger on account of the actions that we have seen in the last 24 hours. People are the final masters in this country and when all else fails, democracy prevails," he said.

Rallying behind Banerjee, BSP supremo Mayawati accused Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah of targeting her as part of a conspiracy and said it reflected a "dangerous attitude".

Mayawati claimed the poll body acted under pressure of the central government.&nbsp;

Coming down hard on the poll body, she said, "It is unfortunate that the Election Commission acted under pressure of the Centre in curtailing electioneering in West Bengal while the prime minister could address two rallies today."

It is now clear that under the present Chief Election Commissioner, Lok Sabha elections are not being held in a free and fair manner, Mayawati charged.&nbsp; 
The DMK in Tamil Nadu threw its weight behind the TMC.

DMK President Stalin alleged the EC has a different set of rules for the "ruling party". He tweeted, "Ban on campaign in nine constituencies in West Bengal. The EC has one set of rules for the Opposition and another for the ruling party. Highly condemnable."&nbsp;

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, "The BJP can team up with the EC in West Bengal, they can have a tailor-made campaign designed to fragment and polarise the electorate, they can have all their model code violations overlooked. None of it will matter because on the 23rd Mamata didi will sweep West Bengal."

Surjewala said instead of punishing the goons and hooligans of the BJP led by Shah, the Election Commission is punishing democracy, per se. It has created a fear psychosis by admitting ECI's inability to hold a free and fair poll. The order of the ECI is an "unpardonable betrayal" of the Constitution, he said.&nbsp;

Every citizen is questioning the independence, impartiality, objectivity and fairness of the Election Commission, he said and asked whether the Election Commission has become "a mere helpless pawn in the hands of Modi-Shah duo".

"Does the EC now take orders from the BJP headquarters rather than from the mandate of the Constitution," Surjewala asked.

"As democracy is under attack from the ruling BJP, time for EC to submit before people of India, instead of being stifled by PM Modi...," he said.

"... Wasn't EC's order aimed at solely giving a free pass to the two public rallies of Narendra Modi being organised today afternoon and evening at Mathurapur and Dum Dum? Can there be a more glaring instance EC's being muzzled into submission by the ruling party," he asked.&nbsp;

The Election Commission's order curtailing the time period for campaigning in West Bengal drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, with the Congress accusing the poll body of losing its credibility and independence and wondering if the model code has become "Modi code of misconduct".

The Election Commission's order curtailing the time period for campaigning in West Bengal drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, with the Congress accusing the poll body of losing its credibility and independence and wondering if the model code has become "Modi code of misconduct". The Congress also said time has come to review the process of the poll panel's appointment as it has "completely abdicated" its constitutional duty and has given a "parting gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With leaders of various parties openly attacking the EC over its order, Mamata Banerjee emerged as a "rallying point" for the opposition, as leaders like Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, M K Stalin and N Chandrababu Naidu stood behind her and the TMC chief thanking them. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the EC order curtailing campaigning in West Bengal by 20 hours is a "dark spot" on India's democracy and institutions like the poll panel. In the first such action in India's electoral history, the poll panel on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to end campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies at 10 pm on Thursday, a day before its scheduled deadline, following violence between BJP and TMC workers in Kolkata. "The Election Commission has completely abdicated its constitutional duty under Article 324 to ensure a level playing field, besides negating the due process under Article 14 and 21 of India's Constitution," Surjewala told reporters in a blistering attack against the Election Commission. "Time has come to review the process of appointment of Election Commission. Should it only remain an appendage to the ruling dispensation or is it a constitutional body which is so intrinsically important to our democracy that its appointment requires to be mandated and tapered through a fair, transparent process like in many other cases," he asked. × The debate, in his view, must happen for democracy to thrive and survive and the entire process of appointment of the Election Commission needs to be reviewed. "Has the MCC now become 'Modi Code of Misconduct' to be applied to BJP's political opponents, with total immunity for the PM and the BJP president," he asked. The Congress is a responsible political party and has never cast unwarranted aspersions on the actions of constitutional bodies, Surjewala said. "But we are deeply saddened to say that Election Commission of India has completely lost its independence and abdicated its constitutional integrity," the Congress leader added. "Modi ji's chair, the prestige and independence of the Election Commission and democracy, all three are now in danger on account of the actions that we have seen in the last 24 hours. People are the final masters in this country and when all else fails, democracy prevails," he said. Rallying behind Banerjee, BSP supremo Mayawati accused Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah of targeting her as part of a conspiracy and said it reflected a "dangerous attitude". Mayawati claimed the poll body acted under pressure of the central government. Coming down hard on the poll body, she said, "It is unfortunate that the Election Commission acted under pressure of the Centre in curtailing electioneering in West Bengal while the prime minister could address two rallies today." It is now clear that under the present Chief Election Commissioner, Lok Sabha elections are not being held in a free and fair manner, Mayawati charged. The DMK in Tamil Nadu threw its weight behind the TMC. DMK President Stalin alleged the EC has a different set of rules for the "ruling party". He tweeted, "Ban on campaign in nine constituencies in West Bengal. The EC has one set of rules for the Opposition and another for the ruling party. Highly condemnable." National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, "The BJP can team up with the EC in West Bengal, they can have a tailor-made campaign designed to fragment and polarise the electorate, they can have all their model code violations overlooked. None of it will matter because on the 23rd Mamata didi will sweep West Bengal." Surjewala said instead of punishing the goons and hooligans of the BJP led by Shah, the Election Commission is punishing democracy, per se. It has created a fear psychosis by admitting ECI's inability to hold a free and fair poll. The order of the ECI is an "unpardonable betrayal" of the Constitution, he said. Every citizen is questioning the independence, impartiality, objectivity and fairness of the Election Commission, he said and asked whether the Election Commission has become "a mere helpless pawn in the hands of Modi-Shah duo". "Does the EC now take orders from the BJP headquarters rather than from the mandate of the Constitution," Surjewala asked. "As democracy is under attack from the ruling BJP, time for EC to submit before people of India, instead of being stifled by PM Modi...," he said. "... Wasn't EC's order aimed at solely giving a free pass to the two public rallies of Narendra Modi being organised today afternoon and evening at Mathurapur and Dum Dum? Can there be a more glaring instance EC's being muzzled into submission by the ruling party," he asked.

Election Commission draws flak from opposition parties over West Bengal order; Congress says its lost credibility

The Election Commission has cut short campaigning for the last round of voting in West Bengal after the latest round of poll-related violence in the state. Campaigning in nine Bengal seats will end at 10 pm Thursday, the election commission announced on Wednesday evening, inviting allegations of .being ‘unethical and politically biased.’

IEW: Can EC police political campaigns? Does EC have enough powers?

The war of words over the vandalisation of the bust of Bengal Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar escalated on Thursday with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a liar and rejecting his offer to build a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-goons-vandalised-vidyasagars-statue-committed-to-grand-statue-at-same-spot-pm-modi-219098">grand statue of the late social reformer</a>.

She asserted that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bengal-has-money-to-make-vidyasagars-statue-mamata-hits-back-at-modi-219155">West Bengal government had enough money to build it</a>.

She also said that she has never come across a prime minister who kept saying so many lies. Banerjee took a jibe at the BJP which she said could not build a Ram Temple in the last five years and now was making the promise of building a new statue of Vidyasagar, which was vandalised in clashes during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata earlier this week.

"In the last five years, you (Modi) could not build a Ram Temple and you want to make Vidyasagar's statue? People of Bengal won't beg before you. We have enough money to build it. Your goons came here and said 'Bengal kangal hai'. Are Bengalis kangal?" a vociferous TMC supremo said making a veiled reference to BJP President Amit Shah who had attacked Banerjee a couple of days.

Banerjee was addressing a public meeting while campaigning for her nephew and sitting MP Abhishek.

Earlier, addressing a meeting in the state Modi attacked the TMC and offered to build a grand statute of Vidyasagar.

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Scoffing at BJP over the promise of making Vidyasagar's statue, Banerjee said, "BJP goons broke Vidyasagar's statue because they did not know him. He has contributed a lot to our society. You (BJP) broke the statue and you are saying we will make another one. Will the old heritage return or what? We do not need your money."

In an unprecedented action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase of campaigning in West Bengal by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and TMC workers during Shah's roadshow in the state capital on Tuesday.

During the mayhem, Vidyasagar's bust was also vandalised at a college named after him. Since then, both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-tmc-row-heats-up-in-west-bengal-as-amit-shah-pm-modi-attack-mamata-219015">TMC and BJP have been trading accusations</a> against each other.

Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system.

Asking the crowd to say 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' (guard is the thief), Banerjee said, "You have to bid him (Modi) goodbye. First, he called himself a 'chaiwala', now he claims himself to be a 'chowkidar'."

"Will you vote for this 'chowkidar'? We will take revenge for the vandalisation of Vidyasagar's statue. The people of Bengal will give you a befitting reply," she added.

Launching a scathing attack on Modi, the TMC supremo claimed that she never saw a "liar" occupying the top post.

"I have never heard any Prime Minister telling so many lies. How on earth did he become the Prime Minister? He does not have any idea how to run the country," Banerjee said.

She claimed that she had video evidence of BJP supporters disguising themselves as CRPF personnel and threatening the people to vote for the saffron party.

"I have video evidence of BJP supporters wearing CRPF uniforms. They go to the polling booths and threaten people to vote for BJP. They even said that they will change the EVMs in the middle of the night. But we will not keep quiet, we will fight," Banerjee said.

Snapping back at BJP over their claims that the state's democracy is under attack, the TMC supremo said, "Modi babu is so scared of Bengal. Just see, he is so scared of TMC."

Urging the people to vote in huge numbers to oust BJP, Banerjee asserted that the people of the country did not want the "dangerous" saffron party in power "anymore."

"On May 23, we will throw you out. You are here for just a few days only. Vote for TMC and defeat BJP. We do not want any more atrocities. The more quickly you will go, the better it would be," she said.

Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections. The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The war of words over the vandalisation of the bust of Bengal Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar escalated on Thursday with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a liar and rejecting his offer to build a grand statue of the late social reformer.

The war of words over the vandalisation of the bust of Bengal Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar escalated on Thursday with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi a liar and rejecting his offer to build a grand statue of the late social reformer. She asserted that the West Bengal government had enough money to build it. She also said that she has never come across a prime minister who kept saying so many lies. Banerjee took a jibe at the BJP which she said could not build a Ram Temple in the last five years and now was making the promise of building a new statue of Vidyasagar, which was vandalised in clashes during BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow in Kolkata earlier this week. "In the last five years, you (Modi) could not build a Ram Temple and you want to make Vidyasagar's statue? People of Bengal won't beg before you. We have enough money to build it. Your goons came here and said 'Bengal kangal hai'. Are Bengalis kangal?" a vociferous TMC supremo said making a veiled reference to BJP President Amit Shah who had attacked Banerjee a couple of days. Banerjee was addressing a public meeting while campaigning for her nephew and sitting MP Abhishek. Earlier, addressing a meeting in the state Modi attacked the TMC and offered to build a grand statute of Vidyasagar. × Scoffing at BJP over the promise of making Vidyasagar's statue, Banerjee said, "BJP goons broke Vidyasagar's statue because they did not know him. He has contributed a lot to our society. You (BJP) broke the statue and you are saying we will make another one. Will the old heritage return or what? We do not need your money." In an unprecedented action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase of campaigning in West Bengal by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and TMC workers during Shah's roadshow in the state capital on Tuesday. During the mayhem, Vidyasagar's bust was also vandalised at a college named after him. Since then, both TMC and BJP have been trading accusations against each other. Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system. Asking the crowd to say 'Chowkidar Chor Hai' (guard is the thief), Banerjee said, "You have to bid him (Modi) goodbye. First, he called himself a 'chaiwala', now he claims himself to be a 'chowkidar'." "Will you vote for this 'chowkidar'? We will take revenge for the vandalisation of Vidyasagar's statue. The people of Bengal will give you a befitting reply," she added. Launching a scathing attack on Modi, the TMC supremo claimed that she never saw a "liar" occupying the top post. "I have never heard any Prime Minister telling so many lies. How on earth did he become the Prime Minister? He does not have any idea how to run the country," Banerjee said. She claimed that she had video evidence of BJP supporters disguising themselves as CRPF personnel and threatening the people to vote for the saffron party. "I have video evidence of BJP supporters wearing CRPF uniforms. They go to the polling booths and threaten people to vote for BJP. They even said that they will change the EVMs in the middle of the night. But we will not keep quiet, we will fight," Banerjee said. Snapping back at BJP over their claims that the state's democracy is under attack, the TMC supremo said, "Modi babu is so scared of Bengal. Just see, he is so scared of TMC." Urging the people to vote in huge numbers to oust BJP, Banerjee asserted that the people of the country did not want the "dangerous" saffron party in power "anymore." "On May 23, we will throw you out. You are here for just a few days only. Vote for TMC and defeat BJP. We do not want any more atrocities. The more quickly you will go, the better it would be," she said. Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections. The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.

We will take revenge for vandalisation of Vidyasagar's statue: Mamata Banerjee

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tmc-goons-vandalised-vidyasagars-statue-committed-to-grand-statue-at-same-spot-pm-modi-219098">grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot</a> where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage.

Terming him a "liar", the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-tmc-row-heats-up-in-west-bengal-as-amit-shah-pm-modi-attack-mamata-219015">Chief Minister urged Modi to prove allegations against TMC</a> of vandalising Vidyasagar's statue and threatened to drag him to the jail otherwise.

"He (PM) said he will make Vidyasagar statue. Bengal has money to make the statue. Can he give back the 200 years old heritage? We have proof and you say that TMC has done. Are not you ashamed? He should do sit-ups for lying so much. Liar. Prove allegations otherwise we will drag you to jail," Mamata lashed out.

Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system.

The TMC chief also came down heavily on the Election Commission over its unprecedented move of cutting the campaigning in the nine parliamentary constituencies of the state by a day.

Asserting that she is ready to go to prison for her remarks, Banerjee claimed that the poll body is BJP's "brother" and has been sold out to the party.

"Last night we came to know that BJP had filed a complaint with EC so that we cannot hold any meeting after Narendra Modi's meeting. The EC is the brother of BJP, earlier it was an impartial body now everyone in the country says EC has sold out to BJP. I feel sad but I do not have anything to say, I am ready to go to jail for saying this. I am not scared to say the truth," she said.

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Modi is also scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal's Mathurapur and Dum Dum Lok Sabha seats later in the day.

In an unprecedented move for India's electoral history, the poll commission on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase campaigning in the state by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers at BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow Kolkata on Tuesday.

During the mayhem, the bust Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised, both the TMC and BJP are trading blame over the matter.

Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections.

The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage.

Hours after Narendra Modi promised a grand statue of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar at the same spot where the old one stood before being vandalised, Mamata Banerjee shot back and asserted that West Bengal has the money required for the polymath's structure and asked if the Prime Minister can return the 200-year-old heritage. Terming him a "liar", the Chief Minister urged Modi to prove allegations against TMC of vandalising Vidyasagar's statue and threatened to drag him to the jail otherwise. "He (PM) said he will make Vidyasagar statue. Bengal has money to make the statue. Can he give back the 200 years old heritage? We have proof and you say that TMC has done. Are not you ashamed? He should do sit-ups for lying so much. Liar. Prove allegations otherwise we will drag you to jail," Mamata lashed out. Vidyasagar, a renowned figure in West Bengal's history, devoted his life to women-centric reforms. He is also credited with bringing more order to the Bengali education system. The TMC chief also came down heavily on the Election Commission over its unprecedented move of cutting the campaigning in the nine parliamentary constituencies of the state by a day. Asserting that she is ready to go to prison for her remarks, Banerjee claimed that the poll body is BJP's "brother" and has been sold out to the party. "Last night we came to know that BJP had filed a complaint with EC so that we cannot hold any meeting after Narendra Modi's meeting. The EC is the brother of BJP, earlier it was an impartial body now everyone in the country says EC has sold out to BJP. I feel sad but I do not have anything to say, I am ready to go to jail for saying this. I am not scared to say the truth," she said. × Modi is also scheduled to address two rallies in West Bengal's Mathurapur and Dum Dum Lok Sabha seats later in the day. In an unprecedented move for India's electoral history, the poll commission on Wednesday invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to cut short the last phase campaigning in the state by a day after violence and clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers at BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow Kolkata on Tuesday. During the mayhem, the bust Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised, both the TMC and BJP are trading blame over the matter. Elections to 33 seats have taken place in West Bengal in the first six phases of elections. The remaining nine seats will go to polls on May 19 in the last round with the counting set to take place on May 23.

Bengal has money to make Vidyasagar's statue: Mamata Banerjee hits back at Modi

Attacking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-bans-campaigning-in-nine-west-bengal-constituencies-due-to-violence-219027">Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls</a> in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel.

Banerjee, also the state chief minister, said she had never seen this type of EC which is "full of RSS people".

"There is no such law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped. It is unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical. It is actually a gift to Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah," she claimed in a press conference.

In the first such action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday ordered campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies to end at 10 PM on Thursday, a day before its scheduled deadline, in the wake of violence between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The EC invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to curtail the campaigning for the last phase of the election on May 19.

The poll panel also ordered the removal of Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajiv Kumar from their postings in West Bengal.

On this, Banerjee said the two officers were removed "not by the EC, but by Modi and Amit Shah".

Kolkata witnessed wide-spread violence during BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in Kolkata. A bust of 19th century Bengali icon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised during the violence.&nbsp;

Attacking the Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel.

Attacking the Election Commission for curtailing the campaigning for the last phase of polls in West Bengal, TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said it is an "unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical gift" to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the poll panel. Banerjee, also the state chief minister, said she had never seen this type of EC which is "full of RSS people". "There is no such law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped. It is unprecedented, unconstitutional and unethical. It is actually a gift to Modi and (BJP president) Amit Shah," she claimed in a press conference. In the first such action in India's electoral history, the EC on Wednesday ordered campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies to end at 10 PM on Thursday, a day before its scheduled deadline, in the wake of violence between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in Kolkata on Tuesday. The EC invoked Article 324 of the Constitution to curtail the campaigning for the last phase of the election on May 19. The poll panel also ordered the removal of Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajiv Kumar from their postings in West Bengal. On this, Banerjee said the two officers were removed "not by the EC, but by Modi and Amit Shah". Kolkata witnessed wide-spread violence during BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in Kolkata. A bust of 19th century Bengali icon Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar was also vandalised during the violence.

No law and order problem in West Bengal that Article 324 can be clamped: Mamata Banerjee

The Election Commission on Wednesday curtailed the campaign timing in nine Lok Sabha constituencies of West Bengal by 20 hours. The campaigning will end at Thursday 10 pm, instead of Friday evening at 6.

Election Commission curtails campaigning in West Bengal

Election Commission(EC) today banned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/mamata-banerjee-government-out-to-destroy-everything-in-bengal-pm-modi-219017">campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies</a>&nbsp;in the Lok Sabha elections from 10 pm on Thursday night.

EC said the decision to cut short the campaign in West Bengal was taken after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-tmc-row-heats-up-in-west-bengal-as-amit-shah-pm-modi-attack-mamata-219015">violence in the last 24 hours</a>.&nbsp;No election campaigning will be held in Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, South and North Kolkata parliamentary constituencies from 10 pm tomorrow till the conclusion of polls, the EC declared.

Trinamool Congress workers and BJP workers were involved in clashes during a roadshow in BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow on Tuesday. BJP president Amit blamed the Trinamool Congress behind violence in West Bengal even as the TMC hit back at the BJP.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP saying: "What does Amit Shah think of himself? Is he above everything? Is he God that no one can protest against him?"&nbsp;

Clashes erupted in Iswarchandra Vidyasagar college as the institution was ransacked.&nbsp;

"The Commission is deeply anguished at the vandalism done to the statue of Vidyasagar. It is hoped that the vandals are traced by the state administration," the election body said.

"This is probably the first time that ECI has invoked Article 324 in this manner but it may not be last in cases of repetition of lawlessness and violence which vitiate the conduct of polls in a peaceful manner," it said. 
&nbsp;

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BJP president Amit Shah said BJP workers weren't behind the vandalisation of a bust of educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.

The countdown of chief minister Mamata Banerjee's days in power will begin on May 23, when general election results will be declared, Shah warned.&nbsp;

At a press conference a day after the violence, Shah said it would have been difficult for him to survive the attack on his convoy if the CRPF personnel weren't present.

"I want to tell the Election Commission that it has become a mute spectator to attempts to rig polls in West Bengal. It should immediately intervene. History-sheeters...Are arrested during elections across the country. In Bengal, they are released after furnishing a bond. What is this double standards from the EC? Why is it silent," he said.

Shah said election observers in their reports have said polls in the state cannot be conducted fairly till such miscreants are arrested but the EC did not act. It raises a lot of questions on the election watchdog's impartiality, he said.

Election Commission(EC) today banned campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies in the Lok Sabha elections from 10 pm on Thursday night. EC said the decision to cut short the campaign in West Bengal was taken after violence in the last 24 hours.

Election Commission(EC) today banned campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies in the Lok Sabha elections from 10 pm on Thursday night. EC said the decision to cut short the campaign in West Bengal was taken after violence in the last 24 hours. No election campaigning will be held in Dum Dum, Barasat, Basirhat, Jaynagar, Mathurapur, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, South and North Kolkata parliamentary constituencies from 10 pm tomorrow till the conclusion of polls, the EC declared. Trinamool Congress workers and BJP workers were involved in clashes during a roadshow in BJP president Amit Shah's roadshow on Tuesday. BJP president Amit blamed the Trinamool Congress behind violence in West Bengal even as the TMC hit back at the BJP. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the BJP saying: "What does Amit Shah think of himself? Is he above everything? Is he God that no one can protest against him?" Clashes erupted in Iswarchandra Vidyasagar college as the institution was ransacked. "The Commission is deeply anguished at the vandalism done to the statue of Vidyasagar. It is hoped that the vandals are traced by the state administration," the election body said. "This is probably the first time that ECI has invoked Article 324 in this manner but it may not be last in cases of repetition of lawlessness and violence which vitiate the conduct of polls in a peaceful manner," it said. BJP president Amit Shah said BJP workers weren't behind the vandalisation of a bust of educationist and social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. The countdown of chief minister Mamata Banerjee's days in power will begin on May 23, when general election results will be declared, Shah warned. At a press conference a day after the violence, Shah said it would have been difficult for him to survive the attack on his convoy if the CRPF personnel weren't present. "I want to tell the Election Commission that it has become a mute spectator to attempts to rig polls in West Bengal. It should immediately intervene. History-sheeters...Are arrested during elections across the country. In Bengal, they are released after furnishing a bond. What is this double standards from the EC? Why is it silent," he said. Shah said election observers in their reports have said polls in the state cannot be conducted fairly till such miscreants are arrested but the EC did not act. It raises a lot of questions on the election watchdog's impartiality, he said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission bans campaigning in nine West Bengal constituencies due to violence

Accusing the West Bengal government of not allowing its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/amit-shah-will-be-home-minister-if-bjp-returns-to-power-kejriwal-217466"> president Amit Shah's</a> rally in Jadhavpur, the BJP said Monday the Election Commission has become a "mute spectator" to the Trinamool Congress's alleged undemocratic means to target the saffron party.

BJP media head and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni said his party will hold protests and also move the EC. Shah's rally was scheduled for Monday in Jadhavpur, which goes to the polls on May 19 in the last phase, but the permission for it was denied at the last minute by the state administration, he said.

Subsequently, the permission for Shah's chopper to land was also withdrawn, Baluni said. "It is unfortunate that the EC has become a mute spectator to all this and also use of violence by the TMC in the state," he said.

He alleged the ruling party in Bengal was using undemocratic means to target the BJP. Nine seats will go to polls in the last phase of the general election.&nbsp;

Accusing the West Bengal government of not allowing its president Amit Shah's rally in Jadhavpur, the BJP said Monday the Election Commission has become a "mute spectator" to the Trinamool Congress's alleged undemocratic means to target the saffron party.

Accusing the West Bengal government of not allowing its president Amit Shah's rally in Jadhavpur, the BJP said Monday the Election Commission has become a "mute spectator" to the Trinamool Congress's alleged undemocratic means to target the saffron party. BJP media head and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni said his party will hold protests and also move the EC. Shah's rally was scheduled for Monday in Jadhavpur, which goes to the polls on May 19 in the last phase, but the permission for it was denied at the last minute by the state administration, he said. Subsequently, the permission for Shah's chopper to land was also withdrawn, Baluni said. "It is unfortunate that the EC has become a mute spectator to all this and also use of violence by the TMC in the state," he said. He alleged the ruling party in Bengal was using undemocratic means to target the BJP. Nine seats will go to polls in the last phase of the general election.

Bharatiya Janata Party announces protests over 'denial' of permission to Shah's rally in Bengal

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Election Commission (EC) to advance poll timings to 5:30 am from 7 am for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls in view of searing heat and the month of Ramzan.&nbsp;

A vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna rejected the plea, saying the notified timing of voting is from 7 am to 6 pm and voters can cast vote in the morning also.

"The timings are from 7 am to 6 pm. People can come in the morning to cast their votes. They (EC) will face the logistical problem (if timings are advanced)," the bench told advocate Mohammad Nizamuddin Pasha who had filed the petition.&nbsp;

On May 2, the top court had asked the poll panel to pass "necessary orders" on a representation seeking advancing of voting timing for the remaining phase of Lok Sabha polls, which the EC had rejected on May 5.

The poll panel had turned down his representation as being "administratively not feasible".

Following the poll panel's decision, Pasha had approached the apex court with his plea,&nbsp;

"The reasoning given by the respondent (EC) in its order dated May 5 is ex-facie self-contradictory as the respondent claims it has already taken acute hot weather conditions and festivals into account in fixing poll timing but still has passed orders fixing the same standard polling hours that are issued in every election at any time in any part of the country," the plea had said.

Polling for the seventh phase of elections will be held on May 19.

The petitioner had earlier told the top court that during Ramzan, Muslims keep fast.

The plea had said the India Meteorological Department has issued warning indicating severe heatwave conditions over the next few days in poll-bound areas of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.

The petitioner had said harsh weather conditions would make it difficult for Muslims to go out and vote.

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Election Commission (EC) to advance poll timings to 5:30 am from 7 am for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls in view of searing heat and the month of Ramzan.

The Supreme Court Monday dismissed a plea seeking a direction to the Election Commission (EC) to advance poll timings to 5:30 am from 7 am for the seventh phase of Lok Sabha polls in view of searing heat and the month of Ramzan. A vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna rejected the plea, saying the notified timing of voting is from 7 am to 6 pm and voters can cast vote in the morning also. "The timings are from 7 am to 6 pm. People can come in the morning to cast their votes. They (EC) will face the logistical problem (if timings are advanced)," the bench told advocate Mohammad Nizamuddin Pasha who had filed the petition. On May 2, the top court had asked the poll panel to pass "necessary orders" on a representation seeking advancing of voting timing for the remaining phase of Lok Sabha polls, which the EC had rejected on May 5. The poll panel had turned down his representation as being "administratively not feasible". Following the poll panel's decision, Pasha had approached the apex court with his plea, "The reasoning given by the respondent (EC) in its order dated May 5 is ex-facie self-contradictory as the respondent claims it has already taken acute hot weather conditions and festivals into account in fixing poll timing but still has passed orders fixing the same standard polling hours that are issued in every election at any time in any part of the country," the plea had said. Polling for the seventh phase of elections will be held on May 19. The petitioner had earlier told the top court that during Ramzan, Muslims keep fast. The plea had said the India Meteorological Department has issued warning indicating severe heatwave conditions over the next few days in poll-bound areas of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. The petitioner had said harsh weather conditions would make it difficult for Muslims to go out and vote.

Supreme Court dismisses plea to advance poll timing in Lok Sabha election

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872">The sixth and penultimate leg of the Lok Sabha polls</a>&nbsp;recorded 63.3 per cent voter turnout on Sunday, the Election Commission announced.&nbsp;

As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today.&nbsp;

Incidents of unrest were reported in West Bengal, despite which a whopping <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-phase-vi-61-voter-turnout-till-7pm-west-bengal-tops-tally-with-80-delhi-up-register-lowest-218126">80 per cent turnout was reported in the state till 7 pm</a>.&nbsp;

BJP's West Bengal candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked which the party termed as an "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/attack-on-bjp-candidate-by-trinamool-congress-in-west-bengal-act-of-frustration-javadekar-218097">act of frustration</a>" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered.

Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway.

In Delhi, reports of EVM glitches surfaced. AAP's South Delhi candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/raghav-chadha-alleges-bogus-voting-by-bjp-workers-in-south-delhi-218118">Raghav Chadha said on Sunday</a> that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election. The turnout here was recorded at 56 per cent till 7 pm.

Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand witnessed brisk polling with voter turnout at 62.91, 60.40 and 64.46 per cent respectively till 7 pm.&nbsp;

In Bihar, an attempt was made to attack Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP candidate from West Champaran Parliamentary Constituency, outside polling booth no. 162, 163. The state recorded 59.29 per cent turnout till 7 pm.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest turnout of all at 53.37 per cent till 7 pm. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Union minister Maneka Gandhi were among key contestants in the second-last phase of polling in 14 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh today.

Counting of votes will be held on May 23 and the results will be announced on the same day. The seventh and final phase of the general elections will be held on May 19.&nbsp;

The sixth and penultimate leg of the Lok Sabha polls recorded 63.3 per cent voter turnout on Sunday, the Election Commission announced. As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today.

The sixth and penultimate leg of the Lok Sabha polls recorded 63.3 per cent voter turnout on Sunday, the Election Commission announced. As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today. Incidents of unrest were reported in West Bengal, despite which a whopping 80 per cent turnout was reported in the state till 7 pm. BJP's West Bengal candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked which the party termed as an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered. Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway. In Delhi, reports of EVM glitches surfaced. AAP's South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha said on Sunday that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election. The turnout here was recorded at 56 per cent till 7 pm. Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand witnessed brisk polling with voter turnout at 62.91, 60.40 and 64.46 per cent respectively till 7 pm. In Bihar, an attempt was made to attack Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP candidate from West Champaran Parliamentary Constituency, outside polling booth no. 162, 163. The state recorded 59.29 per cent turnout till 7 pm. Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest turnout of all at 53.37 per cent till 7 pm. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Union minister Maneka Gandhi were among key contestants in the second-last phase of polling in 14 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh today. Counting of votes will be held on May 23 and the results will be announced on the same day. The seventh and final phase of the general elections will be held on May 19.

63.3% total voter turnout recorded in phase 6 of Lok Sabha polls: Election Commission

Australia’s envoy to India, Harinder Sidhu, praised the efforts of the Election Commission for getting crores of voters to cast their ballots in the ongoing 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Really impressed with EVMs, VVPATs, says Australia’s envoy to India

Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", the polls held on May 6 at polling station no-116 in Barrackpur parliamentary constituency and polling station no-110 in Arambag parliamentary constituency of West Bengal.

Re-polling for these polling stations will be held on May 12 from 7 am to 6 pm, an order issued by EC on Friday said.

"After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission of India hereby declares under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of clause (b) under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on May 6, 2019, for the aforesaid election at following polling stations (polling station no-116 in Barrackpur and polling station no-110 in Arambag) to be void," EC said in its order to Chief Electoral Officer of the West Bengal.

The ECI directed the Officer to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll.

Prior to this, EC on May 09 had declared "void", the polls held at one polling station in Puducherry on April 18 and polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling for all these polling stations to be held on May 12.

Seven seats of West Bengal went to polls in the fifth phase on May 6. The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", the polls held on May 6 at polling station no-116 in Barrackpur parliamentary constituency and polling station no-110 in Arambag parliamentary constituency of West Bengal.

Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", the polls held on May 6 at polling station no-116 in Barrackpur parliamentary constituency and polling station no-110 in Arambag parliamentary constituency of West Bengal. Re-polling for these polling stations will be held on May 12 from 7 am to 6 pm, an order issued by EC on Friday said. "After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission of India hereby declares under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of clause (b) under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on May 6, 2019, for the aforesaid election at following polling stations (polling station no-116 in Barrackpur and polling station no-110 in Arambag) to be void," EC said in its order to Chief Electoral Officer of the West Bengal. The ECI directed the Officer to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. Prior to this, EC on May 09 had declared "void", the polls held at one polling station in Puducherry on April 18 and polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling for all these polling stations to be held on May 12. Seven seats of West Bengal went to polls in the fifth phase on May 6. The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Election Commission orders re-polling at two polling stations in West Bengal on May 12

The Election Commission (EC) issued a fresh notice to Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday over his "objectionable comments" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi which, it said, prima facie violated the Model Code of Conduct.

Sidhu has been given 24 hours time to respond to the notice.

"The Commission, after considering the available material and extant provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and instructions in the matter, has decided to provide an opportunity to Shri Navjot Singh Sidhu, the star campaigner, Indian National Congress to submit his explanation, if any, in the matter within 24 hours of receipt of this notice failing which the Commission shall take a decision without further reference to him," the EC said in the notice.

The poll body had received a complaint from the BJP alleging that the Congress leader made disparaging remarks about PM Modi at a rally in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on April 29.

The notice said, "A complaint dated April 30 was received in the commission from Shri Neeraj, member, Election Commission Committee, Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that Shri Navjot Singh Sidhu, has made the objectionable statement against Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at a public meeting on April 29 at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

"The Congress leader had accused Prime Minister Modi of "benefitting businessman Anil Ambani and making money in the Rafale jet deal" and "doing politics on the corpses of martyrs".

He had also termed Modi as the "biggest traitor" of the country.

The Congress leader was barred from campaigning for 72 hours last month for allegedly warning Muslims in Bihar not to let their votes split and defeat the BJP by voting against it unitedly.

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The Election Commission (EC) issued a fresh notice to Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday over his "objectionable comments" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi which, it said, prima facie violated the Model Code of Conduct.

The Election Commission (EC) issued a fresh notice to Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday over his "objectionable comments" against Prime Minister Narendra Modi which, it said, prima facie violated the Model Code of Conduct. Sidhu has been given 24 hours time to respond to the notice. "The Commission, after considering the available material and extant provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and instructions in the matter, has decided to provide an opportunity to Shri Navjot Singh Sidhu, the star campaigner, Indian National Congress to submit his explanation, if any, in the matter within 24 hours of receipt of this notice failing which the Commission shall take a decision without further reference to him," the EC said in the notice. The poll body had received a complaint from the BJP alleging that the Congress leader made disparaging remarks about PM Modi at a rally in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on April 29. The notice said, "A complaint dated April 30 was received in the commission from Shri Neeraj, member, Election Commission Committee, Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that Shri Navjot Singh Sidhu, has made the objectionable statement against Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at a public meeting on April 29 at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. "The Congress leader had accused Prime Minister Modi of "benefitting businessman Anil Ambani and making money in the Rafale jet deal" and "doing politics on the corpses of martyrs". He had also termed Modi as the "biggest traitor" of the country. The Congress leader was barred from campaigning for 72 hours last month for allegedly warning Muslims in Bihar not to let their votes split and defeat the BJP by voting against it unitedly. ×

Election Commission issues fresh notice to Sidhu over 'objectionable comments' against PM Modi

Continuing bitter criticism of the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday alleged that the party's government in Rajasthan attempted to suppress the case of gang-rape with a Dalit woman in Alwar till elections in the state.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also lashed out at the Election Commission stating that they are not taking appropriate action against politicians using derogatory language against women.

"The Election Commission is not taking appropriate and strict action against the big and small leaders of some political parties, who are using filthy, derogatory and abusive language against women," said Mayawati told ANI.

She added that the Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance of such matters and give strict punishment to leaders who cross the limit so as to set an example for the future.

Accusing the Rajasthan government the gang rape of Dalit girl for political gains, she said, " The Congress government suppressed the matter of gang rape for their politics. They didn't let it come to fore till elections were over and even threatened the victim`s family. Our party had to struggle given the very little action Congress government took in the case."The BSP leader said her party believes the victim will not get justice under the Congress regime and demanded a Supreme Court inquiry along with a death penalty for culprits. "

Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance and hear it in a fast track manner. All accused should be given death penalty and state government, police, and administration should also be held accountable for the delay and given strict punishment," said Mayawati.

A woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men while her husband was beaten up in Thanagaji area of Alwar district in Rajasthan on April 26. A video was also shot by an alleged accused.

Without naming Bhim Army, she alleged that few organisations running in the name of Bhim Rao Ambedkar are doing politics of vested interest and are serving the BJP and Congress.

"Our workers and party members should be very careful about such organisations which are running in the name of Ambedkar movement but are not concerned with Dalits and are only worried about their bread and butter," she said.

"In Uttar Pradesh, one such organisation is running in the name of Bhim movement. This organisation sometimes serves the interest of Congress while sometimes they serve the interest of BJP. They asked for votes for Congress in Bharatpur Lok Sabha Constituency in Rajasthan and after elections went to Jaipur at the behest of BJP to raise the matter of Alwar gang rape," Mayawati said.

Continuing bitter criticism of the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday alleged that the party's government in Rajasthan attempted to suppress the case of gang-rape with a Dalit woman in Alwar till elections in the state.

Continuing bitter criticism of the Congress party, BSP supremo Mayawati on Saturday alleged that the party's government in Rajasthan attempted to suppress the case of gang-rape with a Dalit woman in Alwar till elections in the state. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also lashed out at the Election Commission stating that they are not taking appropriate action against politicians using derogatory language against women. "The Election Commission is not taking appropriate and strict action against the big and small leaders of some political parties, who are using filthy, derogatory and abusive language against women," said Mayawati told ANI. She added that the Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance of such matters and give strict punishment to leaders who cross the limit so as to set an example for the future. Accusing the Rajasthan government the gang rape of Dalit girl for political gains, she said, " The Congress government suppressed the matter of gang rape for their politics. They didn't let it come to fore till elections were over and even threatened the victim`s family. Our party had to struggle given the very little action Congress government took in the case."The BSP leader said her party believes the victim will not get justice under the Congress regime and demanded a Supreme Court inquiry along with a death penalty for culprits. " Supreme Court should take suo-moto cognizance and hear it in a fast track manner. All accused should be given death penalty and state government, police, and administration should also be held accountable for the delay and given strict punishment," said Mayawati. A woman was allegedly gang-raped by five men while her husband was beaten up in Thanagaji area of Alwar district in Rajasthan on April 26. A video was also shot by an alleged accused. Without naming Bhim Army, she alleged that few organisations running in the name of Bhim Rao Ambedkar are doing politics of vested interest and are serving the BJP and Congress. "Our workers and party members should be very careful about such organisations which are running in the name of Ambedkar movement but are not concerned with Dalits and are only worried about their bread and butter," she said. "In Uttar Pradesh, one such organisation is running in the name of Bhim movement. This organisation sometimes serves the interest of Congress while sometimes they serve the interest of BJP. They asked for votes for Congress in Bharatpur Lok Sabha Constituency in Rajasthan and after elections went to Jaipur at the behest of BJP to raise the matter of Alwar gang rape," Mayawati said.

Election Commission not strict against leaders using derogatory language for women: Mayawati

The Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", polls held on April 18 at polling station no-10, Kamaraj Nagar assembly segment of the Puducherry Parliamentary constituency.

In an order on Wednesday, EC stated that the re-polling will be held on May 12 between 7 am to 6 pm.

"After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission hereby declares under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of clause (b) under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 18, 2019, at Polling Station No. 10 of 10-Kamraj Nagar Assembly Segment of Puducherry parliamentary constituency to be void," an order from the EC to the Returning Officer of Puducherry read.

The ECI directed the Returning Officer to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas.

It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll.

Earlier on Tuesday, EC had declared 'void', polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

Puducherry Lok Sabha seat went to polls on April 18. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", polls held on April 18 at polling station no-10, Kamaraj Nagar assembly segment of the Puducherry Parliamentary constituency.

The Election Commission of India (EC) has declared "void", polls held on April 18 at polling station no-10, Kamaraj Nagar assembly segment of the Puducherry Parliamentary constituency. In an order on Wednesday, EC stated that the re-polling will be held on May 12 between 7 am to 6 pm. "After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission hereby declares under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of clause (b) under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 18, 2019, at Polling Station No. 10 of 10-Kamraj Nagar Assembly Segment of Puducherry parliamentary constituency to be void," an order from the EC to the Returning Officer of Puducherry read. The ECI directed the Returning Officer to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. Earlier on Tuesday, EC had declared 'void', polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12. Puducherry Lok Sabha seat went to polls on April 18. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission orders re-polling in one booth in Puducherry

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by sacked Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur Yadav challenging the rejection of his nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat earlier.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi dismissing the plea said, "We don’t find any merit to entertain this petition."

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Yadav, said, as per the earlier verdict of the apex court, the election petition can be filed during enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Election Commission, also referred to various apex court judgments and said election petitions can only be filed after polls are over as it would vitiate the electoral process.

At the fag end of the hearing, Bhushan sought liberty from the court to file an election petition after polling is over.

Yadav, who was dismissed from the BSF in 2017 after complaining about the poor quality of food served to the soldiers in a video, which went viral, had filed nomination papers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. His nomination&nbsp;got rejected after he failed to submit a certificate asking for clarification on the reason behind his termination.

According to a report, he was asked to submit a certificate clarifying whether his services were terminated due to corruption or disloyalty to the government.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Yadav has alleged that he was given a very short period to submit the certificate and his nomination was rejected wrongfully.

In 2017, Yadav had posted four videos on social media which showed him complaining about unpalatable food at his camp along Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir.

He was named as the Samajwadi Party candidate from Varanasi parliamentary constituency to take on Prime Minister Modi on Monday. Earlier, he was in the fray as an independent candidate.

Varanasi seat was won by Prime Minister Modi in the last Lok Sabha elections. He had defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes.

The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

(With inputs from news agencies)

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by sacked Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur Yadav challenging the rejection of his nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat earlier.

Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by sacked Border Security Force constable Tej Bahadur Yadav challenging the rejection of his nomination from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat earlier. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi dismissing the plea said, "We don’t find any merit to entertain this petition." Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for Yadav, said, as per the earlier verdict of the apex court, the election petition can be filed during enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the Election Commission, also referred to various apex court judgments and said election petitions can only be filed after polls are over as it would vitiate the electoral process. At the fag end of the hearing, Bhushan sought liberty from the court to file an election petition after polling is over. Yadav, who was dismissed from the BSF in 2017 after complaining about the poor quality of food served to the soldiers in a video, which went viral, had filed nomination papers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency. His nomination got rejected after he failed to submit a certificate asking for clarification on the reason behind his termination. According to a report, he was asked to submit a certificate clarifying whether his services were terminated due to corruption or disloyalty to the government. Meanwhile, Yadav has alleged that he was given a very short period to submit the certificate and his nomination was rejected wrongfully. In 2017, Yadav had posted four videos on social media which showed him complaining about unpalatable food at his camp along Indo-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir. He was named as the Samajwadi Party candidate from Varanasi parliamentary constituency to take on Prime Minister Modi on Monday. Earlier, he was in the fray as an independent candidate. Varanasi seat was won by Prime Minister Modi in the last Lok Sabha elections. He had defeated AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal with a massive margin of 3.37 lakh votes. The election in Varanasi is slated to take place in the last phase of seven-phased Lok Sabha elections on May 19. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (With inputs from news agencies)

Supreme Court dismisses Tej Bahadur Yadav's plea challenging rejection of his nomination from Varanasi

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-issues-notice-to-jet-airways-215111&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjIxIHtgoziAhUJK48KHfGiAM8QFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3zrNakfd_98p51v0qpt0M-">Delhi High Court</a> Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it.

The plea also sought direction to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi5m9j_goziAhXLMY8KHfTVAisQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15paoMjd9kEDgRyRo9rBV7">Election Commission</a> to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of a provision of the Representation of the People Act.

The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it.

"The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with the majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, they are not contesting on sufficient seats to get them desired majority to amend the Constitution," it said.

On April 25, Kejriwal had said "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre's permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again."

In Delhi, polling will take place on May 12 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The Delhi High Court Wednesday dismissed a PIL seeking to restrain Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from making "false" electoral promise of full statehood for Delhi in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The plea came up before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice A J Bhambhani which rejected it. The plea also sought direction to the Election Commission to take appropriate action against Kejriwal and AAP for breach of a provision of the Representation of the People Act. The petition filed by Anil Dutt Sharma said that AAP and Kejriwal have been advertising the promise to get full statehood for Delhi despite knowing that even if they will, they cannot grant it. "The respondents no. 1 (Kejriwal) and 2 (AAP) do not have powers to make Delhi a complete statehood as they represent and seek to represent on Delhi government while that required to be the ruling party with the majority in both the houses of Parliament to grant Delhi full statehood. Admittedly, they are not contesting on sufficient seats to get them desired majority to amend the Constitution," it said. On April 25, Kejriwal had said "We will fulfil a 70-year-old demand of the people of Delhi by granting full statehood. Both parties, BJP and Congress, have not fulfilled their promise of giving full statehood to Delhi. If Delhi becomes full statehood, we will not require the Centre's permission. The Anti-Corruption branch will be handled by the Delhi government again." In Delhi, polling will take place on May 12 in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections and the results will be announced on May 23.

Delhi High Court dismisses plea to restrain Kejriwal, AAP from making full statehood promise for Delhi

The BJP lodged its protest with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/635-per-cent-voter-turnout-in-phase-5-election-commission-216589&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo9u6M3IviAhWD7XMBHXw4DO0QFjAHegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0CGd9ZdYMh_gAZ9RTwacps">Election Commission</a> on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/kejriwal-yet-to-respond-to-election-commission-notice-for-asking-voters-to-take-money-from-bjp-congress-215159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiIu8Kg3IviAhXe7XMBHf9bCAwQFjAAegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CGgeTtTGcPotOvOJDvL9b">Vijender Gupta</a> met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders including "gagging" them for the alleged violations.

"We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken which hints unexpected favour to the AAP by the EC," Gupta said after the meeting.

Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding the complaints or representation will only result in denial of our right to remedies, he said.&nbsp;

"The Honourable Election Commission of India has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules and regulations for conducting the elections in a free and fair manner", it said.

The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of violations of model code of conduct (MCC) against the AAP, relating to alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, asking voters to take money from BJP and Congress but vote for the AAP.&nbsp;

The fresh complaint filed by Gupta charged that despite various complaints and multiple representations, no concrete, tangible and substantial actions have been taken by the EC.&nbsp;

In a democratic set up like India, the Election Commission is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations, Gupta added.

The BJP lodged its protest with the Election Commission on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations.

The BJP lodged its protest with the Election Commission on Wednesday over "delay" in action against the AAP leaders including its chief Arvind Kejriwal, on complaints of model code of conduct violations. The Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta met the EC officials and demanded strict action against the AAP leaders including "gagging" them for the alleged violations. "We have lodged complaints with the EC and the Chief Electoral Officer (Delhi) against the AAP leaders with evidence. But no action has been taken which hints unexpected favour to the AAP by the EC," Gupta said after the meeting. Unless urgent and immediate action is taken, the complaints will become futile. Delay in deciding the complaints or representation will only result in denial of our right to remedies, he said. "The Honourable Election Commission of India has a Constitutional obligation to ensure free and fair elections. It has a duty to take action against violators of poll rules and regulations for conducting the elections in a free and fair manner", it said. The BJP leaders have lodged several complaints of violations of model code of conduct (MCC) against the AAP, relating to alleged misuse of public funds for appeasement politics, paid news, spreading lies against BJP candidate Hans Raj Hans, asking voters to take money from BJP and Congress but vote for the AAP. The fresh complaint filed by Gupta charged that despite various complaints and multiple representations, no concrete, tangible and substantial actions have been taken by the EC. In a democratic set up like India, the Election Commission is entrusted with the obligation not only to sustain the democratic consciousness amongst the voters but also to strengthen it further by taking necessary actions on MCC violations, Gupta added.

Model Code of Conduct violations: BJP lodges protest with Election Commission over 'delay' in action against AAP leaders

Supreme Court rejects review plea filed by twenty-one Opposition parties seeking a direction to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50% of EVMs during counting of votes in the general elections 2019.

Supreme Court dismissed Opposition's plea seeking verification 50% of votes using VVPAT slips