EC has been accused of being biased by opposition and SC has been repeatedly asked to intervene in between. Is Election Commission fighting a perception table?

India Election Watch: Is Election Commission fighting a perception table?

&nbsp;A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-election-watch-know-5-crucial-points-about-phase-5-216501&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwimxaT71YjiAhVUmuYKHRlOD_QQFjAHegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2SIFkZ3QIKeYWEkwZ7z0k9">Lok Sabha elections</a>, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows.

According to the Commission's Voter Turnout android application, at 9.00 PM, the turnout in the Monday's polling was 63.5 per cent.&nbsp;

The voter turnout has recorded a decreasing trend so far this election.

At 69.50 per cent, the polling in phase-1 is the highest in the five phases&nbsp;so far.

In phase-2, the turnout was 69.44 per cent, it was 68.40 in phase-3 and 65.51 per cent in phase-4.

Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters here that as compared to 2014, in the first four phases (barring Monday's phase five), 7.85 crore more people eligible to cast vote.&nbsp;

He also said that six crore more voters participated in the democratic exercise in the first four phases as compared to 2014 LS polls in its four phases.&nbsp;

The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu &amp; Kashmir went to polls in Phase III, Phase IV &amp; Phase V, the only such instance in the country.

The overall voter turnout there was 8.76 per cent this year as compared to 28.54 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The Ladakh constituency of the state, which went to polls Monday, recorded a turnout of 71.10 per cent at 10 PM as per the EC app. In 2014, the turnout was nearly the same at 71.9 per cent.

A total of 51 constituencies in seven states voted Monday. In this phase, the least number of states were involved.

Over 8.75 crore electors were to decide the fate of 674 candidates, including top leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in this phase.

The Election Commission set up over 96,000 polling booths, which included a maximum of 28,072 in Uttar Pradesh, for smooth conduct of polls.

A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows.

A voter turnout of 63.5 per cent was recorded in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections, which is the lowest in all the phases so far, Election Commission data shows. According to the Commission's Voter Turnout android application, at 9.00 PM, the turnout in the Monday's polling was 63.5 per cent. The voter turnout has recorded a decreasing trend so far this election. At 69.50 per cent, the polling in phase-1 is the highest in the five phases so far. In phase-2, the turnout was 69.44 per cent, it was 68.40 in phase-3 and 65.51 per cent in phase-4. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters here that as compared to 2014, in the first four phases (barring Monday's phase five), 7.85 crore more people eligible to cast vote. He also said that six crore more voters participated in the democratic exercise in the first four phases as compared to 2014 LS polls in its four phases. The Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency in Jammu & Kashmir went to polls in Phase III, Phase IV & Phase V, the only such instance in the country. The overall voter turnout there was 8.76 per cent this year as compared to 28.54 per cent in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. The Ladakh constituency of the state, which went to polls Monday, recorded a turnout of 71.10 per cent at 10 PM as per the EC app. In 2014, the turnout was nearly the same at 71.9 per cent. A total of 51 constituencies in seven states voted Monday. In this phase, the least number of states were involved. Over 8.75 crore electors were to decide the fate of 674 candidates, including top leaders such as Congress president Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh, in this phase. The Election Commission set up over 96,000 polling booths, which included a maximum of 28,072 in Uttar Pradesh, for smooth conduct of polls.

63.5% voter turnout in Phase 5: Election Commission

The Election Commission has given a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ec-gives-clean-chit-to-pm-narendra-modi-in-two-more-cases-of-alleged-mcc-violation-216624">clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said.

The Prime Minister has also has been given a clean chit by the electoral body for his "roadshow" in Ahmedabad held on April 23, sources added.

On April 23, Lok Sabha elections were held in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi took a ride in an open SUV in Ahmedabad as he made his way to cast his vote in the third phase of the elections.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections started on April 11 and will go on till May 19.

The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has given a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said.

The Election Commission has given a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Pulwama remark in Chitradurga, Karnataka, on April 9, where he reportedly asked voters to vote for the heroes of the Balakot air strike, sources said. The Prime Minister has also has been given a clean chit by the electoral body for his "roadshow" in Ahmedabad held on April 23, sources added. On April 23, Lok Sabha elections were held in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi took a ride in an open SUV in Ahmedabad as he made his way to cast his vote in the third phase of the elections. The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections started on April 11 and will go on till May 19. The result will be announced on May 23.

Election Commission gives clean chit to PM Modi over Pulwama remark, 'roadshow' in Ahmedabad: Sources

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/opposition-parties-meet-ec-over-evm-issue-demand-matching-of-50-of-results-with-vvpats-195137">Opposition parties seeking direction</a> to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due&nbsp;to take place on May 23rd after&nbsp;the end of the seventh phase of&nbsp;general elections.

Several Opposition parties, numbering 21&nbsp;in all had filed the petition.

"We are not inclined to modify our order, the Supreme Court said while dismissing review plea on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/industry/no-material-information-on-number-of-evms-vvpat-needed-for-simultaneous-polls-ec-171754">random matching of VVPAT slips</a>.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supreme-court-rejects-opposition-review-plea-on-50-vvpat-verification-216609/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The apex court had on April 8th directed the Election Commission(EC) to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth.

&nbsp;

Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the top court's order, asserting that the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court".

However, in its affidavit, the EC had told India's top court that the Opposition leaders have been unable to raise any ground for altering the existing system of random counting of VVPAT slips from one polling booth per assembly segment, which was "found to be most suitable" after due studies and tests.

The leaders from six national and 15 regional parties, claiming to represent 70-75 per cent of the population, had also sought the setting aside of the EC guideline on random verification of one assembly seat.&nbsp;

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by Opposition parties seeking direction to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due to take place on May 23rd after the end of the seventh phase of general elections.

Supreme Court today rejected a review plea filed by Opposition parties seeking direction to increase VVPAT verification from five to at least 50 per cent of EVMs during the counting of votes which is due to take place on May 23rd after the end of the seventh phase of general elections. Several Opposition parties, numbering 21 in all had filed the petition. "We are not inclined to modify our order, the Supreme Court said while dismissing review plea on the random matching of VVPAT slips. The apex court had on April 8th directed the Election Commission(EC) to increase random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth. Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the top court's order, asserting that the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court". However, in its affidavit, the EC had told India's top court that the Opposition leaders have been unable to raise any ground for altering the existing system of random counting of VVPAT slips from one polling booth per assembly segment, which was "found to be most suitable" after due studies and tests. The leaders from six national and 15 regional parties, claiming to represent 70-75 per cent of the population, had also sought the setting aside of the EC guideline on random verification of one assembly seat.

No increase in VVPAT-EVM verification, rules Supreme Court after rejecting Opposition's plea

The Supreme Court Monday asked Congress MP Sushmita Dev to bring on record the Election Commission's orders giving clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on complaints of Model Code violations.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta has now listed the plea of Dev, a Congress MP from Silchar Lok Sabha seat in Assam, for hearing on May 8.

Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Dev, alleged that the poll panel has passed unreasoned orders dismissing the complaints of the Congress party on violations of MCC (Model Code of Conduct) by the prime minister and Shah who are accused of using armed forces in their campaign.

The bench asked the lawmaker to file an additional affidavit bringing on records the orders passed by EC on the complaints of MCC violations by the top two BJP leaders.

The EC has given clean chit to Modi for two of his speeches - one in Latur last month urging first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of Balakot air strike heroes and soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, and the other in Wardha on April 1, where he indicated that Wayanad constituency had more voters from the minority community.

In her plea in the top court, Dev had alleged that "inaction" by the poll panel on complaints against top BJP leaders was "a sign of invidious discrimination" as also "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of the electoral process.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Monday asked Congress MP Sushmita Dev to bring on record the Election Commission's orders giving clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on complaints of Model Code violations.

The Supreme Court Monday asked Congress MP Sushmita Dev to bring on record the Election Commission's orders giving clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah on complaints of Model Code violations. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta has now listed the plea of Dev, a Congress MP from Silchar Lok Sabha seat in Assam, for hearing on May 8. Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Dev, alleged that the poll panel has passed unreasoned orders dismissing the complaints of the Congress party on violations of MCC (Model Code of Conduct) by the prime minister and Shah who are accused of using armed forces in their campaign. The bench asked the lawmaker to file an additional affidavit bringing on records the orders passed by EC on the complaints of MCC violations by the top two BJP leaders. The EC has given clean chit to Modi for two of his speeches - one in Latur last month urging first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of Balakot air strike heroes and soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, and the other in Wardha on April 1, where he indicated that Wayanad constituency had more voters from the minority community. In her plea in the top court, Dev had alleged that "inaction" by the poll panel on complaints against top BJP leaders was "a sign of invidious discrimination" as also "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of the electoral process.

Supreme Court asks Congress MP to bring on record EC orders giving clean chit to PM Modi, Amit Shah

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning.

"I'm a Sanyasi. My life's base is spiritualism, Indian cultural symbols and values. If somebody stops me from practising this, I will leave it to their wisdom," said Thakur on the matter.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday debarred Thakur from campaigning for three days in the Lok Sabha polls in the wake of her remark that she is proud of Babri Masjid's demolition.

The remark was found violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the poll body.

The district election officer sought a reply from Thakur on the notice.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning.

Bharatiya Janata Party Bhopal candidate Pragya Singh Thakur has been sent a notice by District Election Officer here over a complaint of her campaigning during the 3-day period when she was barred by the EC from campaigning. "I'm a Sanyasi. My life's base is spiritualism, Indian cultural symbols and values. If somebody stops me from practising this, I will leave it to their wisdom," said Thakur on the matter. The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday debarred Thakur from campaigning for three days in the Lok Sabha polls in the wake of her remark that she is proud of Babri Masjid's demolition. The remark was found violative of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the poll body. The district election officer sought a reply from Thakur on the notice.

Election Commission issues notice to Pragya Singh Thakur over 'campaigning despite 72-hour ban'

The Election Commission Saturday gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Gujarat speech in which he had claimed that the Indian government had kept Pakistan on its toes to ensure the safe return of its pilot.

This is the sixth clean chit to Modi by the poll watchdog. Sources said the decision on the April 21 Patan speech was unanimous.

One of the election commissioners, according to the sources, gave a dissenting view in the EC's decision to give a clean chit to Modi with regard to his speech at Wardha on April 1, where he attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from the minority-dominated Wayanad seat in Kerala, and his appeal to first-time voters by invoking the Balakot airstrike and the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack on April 9.

He had also reportedly given dissent in the clean chit to BJP president Amit Shah for his Nagpur speech in which he had reportedly said that Wayanad constituency of Kerala is where the majority is minority.

In its Saturday's decision, the EC said, "...A detailed report of the chief electoral officer, Gujarat was obtained. The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the model code of conduct. After examination, the commission is of the view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted."

In his Patan speech, Modi had reportedly said that he had warned Pakistan of "consequences" if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured after an aerial dogfight with Pakistani F-16s that had violated Indian airspace and targeted military installations in February.

Pakistan released Varthaman on the night of March 1&nbsp;Modi also spoke of a US claim that India had kept 12 missiles ready.

So far, the EC has cleared six speeches of Modi, two of Shah and one of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi had been issued a show cause notice for his Madhya Pradesh speech in which he had reportedly said that the government enacted a new law which allows tribals to be shot.

On March 19, the EC had issued an advisory asking parties not to invoke armed forces in their political campaign.&nbsp;

The Election Commission Saturday gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Gujarat speech in which he had claimed that the Indian government had kept Pakistan on its toes to ensure the safe return of its pilot.

The Election Commission Saturday gave a clean chit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his Gujarat speech in which he had claimed that the Indian government had kept Pakistan on its toes to ensure the safe return of its pilot. This is the sixth clean chit to Modi by the poll watchdog. Sources said the decision on the April 21 Patan speech was unanimous. One of the election commissioners, according to the sources, gave a dissenting view in the EC's decision to give a clean chit to Modi with regard to his speech at Wardha on April 1, where he attacked Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from the minority-dominated Wayanad seat in Kerala, and his appeal to first-time voters by invoking the Balakot airstrike and the CRPF jawans killed in the Pulwama terror attack on April 9. He had also reportedly given dissent in the clean chit to BJP president Amit Shah for his Nagpur speech in which he had reportedly said that Wayanad constituency of Kerala is where the majority is minority. In its Saturday's decision, the EC said, "...A detailed report of the chief electoral officer, Gujarat was obtained. The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the model code of conduct. After examination, the commission is of the view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted." In his Patan speech, Modi had reportedly said that he had warned Pakistan of "consequences" if it did not return Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was captured after an aerial dogfight with Pakistani F-16s that had violated Indian airspace and targeted military installations in February. Pakistan released Varthaman on the night of March 1 Modi also spoke of a US claim that India had kept 12 missiles ready. So far, the EC has cleared six speeches of Modi, two of Shah and one of Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. Gandhi had been issued a show cause notice for his Madhya Pradesh speech in which he had reportedly said that the government enacted a new law which allows tribals to be shot. On March 19, the EC had issued an advisory asking parties not to invoke armed forces in their political campaign.

No poll code violation by PM Modi in Patan speech: Election Commission

The Election Commission Friday found no violation of the model code or its instructions on armed forces in two speeches delivered by BJP president Amit Shah in West Bengal and Maharashtra.

The Commission concluded that it is of the considered view that in this matter, no such violation of MCC or ECI's instructions is made out.&nbsp;

Addressing a rally in Krishnanagar in West Bengal, Shah reportedly said when IAF jets pounded terror camps in Balakot, the act was mourned in Pakistan and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's office.

He also reportedly said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "sent his Air Force" to destroy terror camps in Pakistan after the deadly Pulwama attack in February this year.&nbsp;

"Forty-four of jawans were martyred in Pulwama terror attack. Earlier, nothing used to happen after such incidents. Narendra Modi ordered his Air Force on the 13th day (of the incident) and our aircraft blew the terrorists to pieces in Pakistan," Shah said at the rally.

Responding to a complaint by Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala against Shah, the poll body said a detailed report of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal was obtained.&nbsp;

"The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and after examination of complete transcript of speech sent by the DEO Nadia, the Commission is of the considered view that in this matter, no such violation of MCC or ECI's instructions is made out," it said.&nbsp;

Addressing another rally in Nagpur on April 9, the BJP president reportedly said when the whole country was rejoicing over the air strike on a terror camp in Balakot, there was mourning only in Pakistan and Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party.

Shah also took a jibe at Gandhi's public rallies in Wayanad.&nbsp;

The Gandhi scion is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad in Kerala along with his traditional bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

Shah said Gandhi's rallies in Wayanad appeared as they were being organised in Pakistan. He also said the Modi government's biggest success was that it had made India secure which was not the case when the Congress-led UPA was in power.

On this issue too, the Commission said, "The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and after examination of complete transcript of speech of six pages sent by the DEO Nagpur, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation of MCC or ECI's instructions is made out."

The poll panel, however, decided to issue a show cause notice to Goa minister Mauvin Godinho, who described the Indian Air Force (IAF) as "Modi's Airforce".&nbsp;

"The Commission has decided to give notice and provide Godinho an opportunity to explain his stand in making the references to armed forces, before 5 pm on May 6, failing which the Commission shall take a decision without further reference," it said.&nbsp;

The Election Commission Friday found no violation of the model code or its instructions on armed forces in two speeches delivered by BJP president Amit Shah in West Bengal and Maharashtra.

The Election Commission Friday found no violation of the model code or its instructions on armed forces in two speeches delivered by BJP president Amit Shah in West Bengal and Maharashtra. The Commission concluded that it is of the considered view that in this matter, no such violation of MCC or ECI's instructions is made out. Addressing a rally in Krishnanagar in West Bengal, Shah reportedly said when IAF jets pounded terror camps in Balakot, the act was mourned in Pakistan and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's office. He also reportedly said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "sent his Air Force" to destroy terror camps in Pakistan after the deadly Pulwama attack in February this year. "Forty-four of jawans were martyred in Pulwama terror attack. Earlier, nothing used to happen after such incidents. Narendra Modi ordered his Air Force on the 13th day (of the incident) and our aircraft blew the terrorists to pieces in Pakistan," Shah said at the rally. Responding to a complaint by Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala against Shah, the poll body said a detailed report of the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal was obtained. "The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and after examination of complete transcript of speech sent by the DEO Nadia, the Commission is of the considered view that in this matter, no such violation of MCC or ECI's instructions is made out," it said. Addressing another rally in Nagpur on April 9, the BJP president reportedly said when the whole country was rejoicing over the air strike on a terror camp in Balakot, there was mourning only in Pakistan and Rahul Gandhi-led Congress party. Shah also took a jibe at Gandhi's public rallies in Wayanad. The Gandhi scion is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad in Kerala along with his traditional bastion of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Shah said Gandhi's rallies in Wayanad appeared as they were being organised in Pakistan. He also said the Modi government's biggest success was that it had made India secure which was not the case when the Congress-led UPA was in power. On this issue too, the Commission said, "The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and after examination of complete transcript of speech of six pages sent by the DEO Nagpur, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation of MCC or ECI's instructions is made out." The poll panel, however, decided to issue a show cause notice to Goa minister Mauvin Godinho, who described the Indian Air Force (IAF) as "Modi's Airforce". "The Commission has decided to give notice and provide Godinho an opportunity to explain his stand in making the references to armed forces, before 5 pm on May 6, failing which the Commission shall take a decision without further reference," it said.

Election Commission gives clean chit to Amit Shah over Nagpur, Nadia speeches

The Supreme Court has asked the Election Commission to take a decision on a plea seeking to revise the voting time from 7 am to 5 am during Ramzan coinciding with the last three phases of the Lok Sabha elections.

IEW: Ramzan: Can polling time be revised?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked for details of expenses of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's rallies, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dilip Shinde said on Thursday.

As per reports, Thackeray conducted nearly a dozen public rallies for the Lok Sabha elections although his party did not field a single candidate for the polls.

Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, Thackeray appealed voters not to cast their votes in favour of the party and its alliance partners in order to ensure Modi's defeat in the general elections.

A week after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora announced the schedule of Lok Sabha elections, Thackeray announced that MNS will not contest the ongoing elections.

Seven-phase elections, which began on April 11, will culminate on May 19, and results will be declared on May 23.

In the 2014 general elections, MNS was unable to win any seat.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked for details of expenses of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's rallies, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dilip Shinde said on Thursday.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked for details of expenses of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray's rallies, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dilip Shinde said on Thursday. As per reports, Thackeray conducted nearly a dozen public rallies for the Lok Sabha elections although his party did not field a single candidate for the polls. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, Thackeray appealed voters not to cast their votes in favour of the party and its alliance partners in order to ensure Modi's defeat in the general elections. A week after Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora announced the schedule of Lok Sabha elections, Thackeray announced that MNS will not contest the ongoing elections. Seven-phase elections, which began on April 11, will culminate on May 19, and results will be declared on May 23. In the 2014 general elections, MNS was unable to win any seat.

Election Commission seeks details of expenses of Raj Thackeray's rallies

The Supreme Court Friday agreed to hear next week a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders seeking a further increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in the ongoing general elections.

The apex court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth.&nbsp;

The top court, however, had not agreed to the demand of 21 Opposition leaders for counting of at least 50 per cent of VVPAT slips with EVMs in every assembly segment.

Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the apex court's order, saying the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court".

The plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta.&nbsp;

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for petitioners, told the bench that the review plea be listed for hearing next week.

The bench accepted Singhvi's submission and said the matter will be heard next week.

The plea said,&nbsp;"The petitioners submit that the aforesaid increase to a mere 2 per cent is not sufficient and will not make any substantial difference to the situation that existed prior to the passing of the impugned order.&nbsp;

"Therefore, even though the petitioners have succeeded on the merits of their contention, their success does not resolve their grievance or cause any meaningful change to the situation that they were originally aggrieved of."

Referring to earlier observations of the apex court, it had said that the 2 per cent increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs would not achieve the purpose of raising "public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process".

The plea has opposed the Election Commission (EC) argument, which was accepted by the court, that as the elections were nearby and hence it would not be viable to increase the number of a random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs.&nbsp;

"It is submitted that, once this court agrees that the number of EVMs that should be subjected to VVPAT verification should be increased to a 'reasonable number', not increasing the same to a number which is 'reasonable' because it may not be 'viable' to do so renders the entire exercise otiose and futile," the plea has said.

Consequently, the 'viable number' must also necessarily be reasonable, it had said, alleging that at many booths in Andhra Pradesh the VVPAT machines were not working properly.

The Supreme Court Friday agreed to hear next week a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders seeking a further increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in the ongoing general elections.

The Supreme Court Friday agreed to hear next week a review plea filed by 21 Opposition leaders seeking a further increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs in the ongoing general elections. The apex court had on April 8 directed the Election Commission to increase random matching of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in five polling booths per assembly segment from one booth. The top court, however, had not agreed to the demand of 21 Opposition leaders for counting of at least 50 per cent of VVPAT slips with EVMs in every assembly segment. Opposition leaders led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had sought the review of the apex court's order, saying the "increase from 1 to 5 is not a reasonable number and does not lead to satisfaction desired by this court". The plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Deepak Gupta. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for petitioners, told the bench that the review plea be listed for hearing next week. The bench accepted Singhvi's submission and said the matter will be heard next week. The plea said, "The petitioners submit that the aforesaid increase to a mere 2 per cent is not sufficient and will not make any substantial difference to the situation that existed prior to the passing of the impugned order. "Therefore, even though the petitioners have succeeded on the merits of their contention, their success does not resolve their grievance or cause any meaningful change to the situation that they were originally aggrieved of." Referring to earlier observations of the apex court, it had said that the 2 per cent increase in the random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs would not achieve the purpose of raising "public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process". The plea has opposed the Election Commission (EC) argument, which was accepted by the court, that as the elections were nearby and hence it would not be viable to increase the number of a random matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs. "It is submitted that, once this court agrees that the number of EVMs that should be subjected to VVPAT verification should be increased to a 'reasonable number', not increasing the same to a number which is 'reasonable' because it may not be 'viable' to do so renders the entire exercise otiose and futile," the plea has said. Consequently, the 'viable number' must also necessarily be reasonable, it had said, alleging that at many booths in Andhra Pradesh the VVPAT machines were not working properly.

Matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs: Supreme Court agrees to hear review plea by 21 opposition leaders next week

The Election Commission Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks that the Narendra Modi government has enacted a new law which allows tribal to be shot at.

Citing his speech made in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh on April 23, the commission pointed at a provision of the model code which bars&nbsp;"unverified" allegations to be levelled against political opponents.

Gandhi has been given 48 hours to respond to the notice, failing which it will take action without further reference to him.

Two BJP workers had approached the EC with the complaint, following which a report was sought from MP poll authorities.

According to a broad translation of the Hindi speech available on the internet, Gandhi had alleged: "Narendra Modi government has made a new law for tribals in which there is a line that says tribals can be shot at...They snatch your land, take away your jungle and water and then say that tribals can be shot at."&nbsp;

The Election Commission Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks that the Narendra Modi government has enacted a new law which allows tribal to be shot at.

The Election Commission Wednesday issued a show-cause notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged remarks that the Narendra Modi government has enacted a new law which allows tribal to be shot at. Citing his speech made in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh on April 23, the commission pointed at a provision of the model code which bars "unverified" allegations to be levelled against political opponents. Gandhi has been given 48 hours to respond to the notice, failing which it will take action without further reference to him. Two BJP workers had approached the EC with the complaint, following which a report was sought from MP poll authorities. According to a broad translation of the Hindi speech available on the internet, Gandhi had alleged: "Narendra Modi government has made a new law for tribals in which there is a line that says tribals can be shot at...They snatch your land, take away your jungle and water and then say that tribals can be shot at."

Election Commission notice to Rahul Gandhi over alleged tribal remark

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed officials to conduct re-elections at five polling stations in Andhra Pradesh on May 6.

Voting will be held in polling booths located in Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts, the ECI said in a letter dated May 01.

"I am directed to state that having considered the reports submitted by the Returning Officers read with the reports of the Observers and after taking al facts and materials into account, the Commission hereby declares under sub-section (2) (a) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on April 11 at polling stations mentioned and appoints the May 6 as the date and fixes the hour as earlier fixed for poll on April 11 for taking a fresh poll at the said polling stations," the letter read.

This decision came after recommendations were made by collectors of the three districts for re-poll as on the day of voting, incidents of violence, malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other circumstances prevented voters to cast their vote freely and in a fair manner.

Voting for all the 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies across Andhra Pradesh were held in a single phase on April 11. Results will be announced on May 23.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed officials to conduct re-elections at five polling stations in Andhra Pradesh on May 6. Voting will be held in polling booths located in Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts, the ECI said in a letter dated May 01.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed officials to conduct re-elections at five polling stations in Andhra Pradesh on May 6. Voting will be held in polling booths located in Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts, the ECI said in a letter dated May 01. "I am directed to state that having considered the reports submitted by the Returning Officers read with the reports of the Observers and after taking al facts and materials into account, the Commission hereby declares under sub-section (2) (a) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll taken on April 11 at polling stations mentioned and appoints the May 6 as the date and fixes the hour as earlier fixed for poll on April 11 for taking a fresh poll at the said polling stations," the letter read. This decision came after recommendations were made by collectors of the three districts for re-poll as on the day of voting, incidents of violence, malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other circumstances prevented voters to cast their vote freely and in a fair manner. Voting for all the 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies across Andhra Pradesh were held in a single phase on April 11. Results will be announced on May 23.

Andhra Pradesh: Election Commission orders re-polling in five booths

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi has issued a notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations that the AAP was distributing pamphlets in slum areas asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote for his party, officials said.

Kejriwal was supposed to reply by 5 pm on Wednesday but is yet to respond to it, they said.

A complaint was filed with the Delhi poll body by BJP leader Vijender Gupta on April 29.

He alleged that pamphlets were being distributed in jhuggi colonies of Delhi asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote only for 'jhadu' (AAP's poll symbol).

Gupta alleged Kejriwal was misleading people and polluting their mind by stating that if they vote for BJP their jhuggis (slum dwellings) will no longer be safe.

"This is a clear case where CM Kejriwal is openly supporting bribes to influence the voters to vote which is a clear case of violation of Model Code of Conduct for election," Gupta said.

In cases where the reply is not received in time, a reminder is served and the party is given one more day's time to tender their reply, officials said.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi has issued a notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations that the AAP was distributing pamphlets in slum areas asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote for his party, officials said.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi has issued a notice to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations that the AAP was distributing pamphlets in slum areas asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote for his party, officials said. Kejriwal was supposed to reply by 5 pm on Wednesday but is yet to respond to it, they said. A complaint was filed with the Delhi poll body by BJP leader Vijender Gupta on April 29. He alleged that pamphlets were being distributed in jhuggi colonies of Delhi asking people to take money from the BJP and the Congress but vote only for 'jhadu' (AAP's poll symbol). Gupta alleged Kejriwal was misleading people and polluting their mind by stating that if they vote for BJP their jhuggis (slum dwellings) will no longer be safe. "This is a clear case where CM Kejriwal is openly supporting bribes to influence the voters to vote which is a clear case of violation of Model Code of Conduct for election," Gupta said. In cases where the reply is not received in time, a reminder is served and the party is given one more day's time to tender their reply, officials said.

Kejriwal yet to respond to Election Commission notice for asking voters to take money from BJP, Congress

The Election Commission has barred Gujarat BJP president Jitubhai Vaghani from campaigning for 72 hours starting tomorrow evening for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

The ban will come in effect from 4 pm on May 2, an EC order said.

Vaghani has been barred from campaigning for violating the MCC at Amroli in Surat on April 7.

The model code is a set of instructions and guidelines to be followed by political parties and candidates for the conduct free and fair elections.

The MCC came into force on March 10, when the EC announced the schedule of seven-phase Lok Sabha polls.

The poll watchdog had yesterday barred Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from campaigning for 48 hours starting from 6 am on Wednesday for violating the MCC with his "highly provocative" speeches in which he "appealed to secure votes on religious lines".

The Election Commission has barred Gujarat BJP president Jitubhai Vaghani from campaigning for 72 hours starting tomorrow evening for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

The Election Commission has barred Gujarat BJP president Jitubhai Vaghani from campaigning for 72 hours starting tomorrow evening for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The ban will come in effect from 4 pm on May 2, an EC order said. Vaghani has been barred from campaigning for violating the MCC at Amroli in Surat on April 7. The model code is a set of instructions and guidelines to be followed by political parties and candidates for the conduct free and fair elections. The MCC came into force on March 10, when the EC announced the schedule of seven-phase Lok Sabha polls. The poll watchdog had yesterday barred Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan from campaigning for 48 hours starting from 6 am on Wednesday for violating the MCC with his "highly provocative" speeches in which he "appealed to secure votes on religious lines".

Election Commission bars Gujarat BJP chief Jitubhai Vaghani from campaigning for 72 hours

A delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday visited the Election Commission of India demanding an investigation on the money incurred in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s roadshow in Varanasi before he filed his nomination from the Lok Sabha constituency.

AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh met Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.

They submitted a detailed memorandum about "electoral malpractice and corrupt practices" by Prime Minister Modi.

In the letter submitted to the EC, AAP states, "On information received from our volunteers as well as various persons who were present in Varanasi on 25.4.2019 and 26.4.2019, we were informed that a large sum of money was incurred by Prime Minister Modi towards a roadshow/rally organised by him in Varanasi, well beyond the permissible limit of Rs 70 lakhs as fixed by the Election Commission in contravention with the Section 77(1) of Representation of Peoples Act 1951."

The letter added, "By our conservative estimate in terms of information available as on 27.4.2019, Prime Minister Modi had incurred at least Rs 1.27 crore towards the said roadshow/rally on the day of his nomination, which grounds for disqualification."

The AAP said that Prime Minister Modi is fit to be disqualified for "failure to disclose expenses and make available the same for inspection; incurring expenses well in excess of permissible limits."

AAP has asked the electoral body to call for a "report from the Election Observer for the Varanasi Parliamentary Constituency."

The party has further asked EC to initiate an "investigation by the District Expenditure Monitoring Committee into the expenditures incurred by Prime Minister Modi."

It has also asked EC to initiate action for disqualifying Prime Minister Modi for "(a) incurring expenditure beyond permissible limit, and (b) indulging in corrupt practices." 
&nbsp;

A delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday visited the Election Commission of India demanding an investigation on the money incurred in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s roadshow in Varanasi before he filed his nomination from the Lok Sabha constituency.

A delegation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday visited the Election Commission of India demanding an investigation on the money incurred in Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s roadshow in Varanasi before he filed his nomination from the Lok Sabha constituency. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh met Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. They submitted a detailed memorandum about "electoral malpractice and corrupt practices" by Prime Minister Modi. In the letter submitted to the EC, AAP states, "On information received from our volunteers as well as various persons who were present in Varanasi on 25.4.2019 and 26.4.2019, we were informed that a large sum of money was incurred by Prime Minister Modi towards a roadshow/rally organised by him in Varanasi, well beyond the permissible limit of Rs 70 lakhs as fixed by the Election Commission in contravention with the Section 77(1) of Representation of Peoples Act 1951." The letter added, "By our conservative estimate in terms of information available as on 27.4.2019, Prime Minister Modi had incurred at least Rs 1.27 crore towards the said roadshow/rally on the day of his nomination, which grounds for disqualification." The AAP said that Prime Minister Modi is fit to be disqualified for "failure to disclose expenses and make available the same for inspection; incurring expenses well in excess of permissible limits." AAP has asked the electoral body to call for a "report from the Election Observer for the Varanasi Parliamentary Constituency." The party has further asked EC to initiate an "investigation by the District Expenditure Monitoring Committee into the expenditures incurred by Prime Minister Modi." It has also asked EC to initiate action for disqualifying Prime Minister Modi for "(a) incurring expenditure beyond permissible limit, and (b) indulging in corrupt practices."

AAP approaches Election Commission, demands investigation into expenditures incurred by PM Modi on roadshow

The Election Commission Wednesday concluded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Latur last month in which he had urged first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of the Balakot air strike heroes and the soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, is not violative of its instructions on invoking armed forces in poll campaigns.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/pm-modi-gets-clean-chit-no-poll-code-violation-in-wardha-speech-says-election-commission-214835">PM Modi gets clean chit: No poll code violation in Wardha speech, says Election Commission</a>

It also found that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's remarks on defence forces were not violative of the model code.&nbsp;

Attacking the prime minister, Kamal Nath had on April 14 said that even when Modi was a child, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi had built the country's defence forces. He was addressing a rally at Harsud in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh.

Referring to the prime minister's statement in Latur, the commission said, "The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and after examination of complete transcript of speech of 11 pages as per the certified copy sent by the Returning Officer, Osmanabad parliamentary constituency. Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted."

Addressing a rally in Ausa in Maharashtra's Latur on April 9, Modi had said, "Can your first vote be dedicated to those who carried out the air strike."

"I want to tell the first-time voters: can your first vote be dedicated to the veer jawans (valiant soldiers) who carried out the air strike in Pakistan. Can your first vote be dedicated to the veer shaheed (brave martyrs) of Pulwama (terror attack)," Modi had said.

Local poll authorities in Maharashtra are learnt to have told the EC here that Modi's remarks are prima facie violative of its orders, asking parties against using the armed forces in their campaigns.

The EC had sought the report in the context of the EC advisory issued in March asking parties to desist from indulging in political propaganda involving actions of the armed forces.

"... Parties/candidates are advised that their campaigners/candidates should desist, as part of their election campaigning, from indulging in any political propaganda involving activities of defence forces," the commission said on March 19.&nbsp;

Since Congress had approached EC in this regard, the response has also been sent to the party.

On Tuesday, the EC had said that Modi had not violated the model code in his speech in Wardha on April 1 in which he had slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from Wayanad and had indicated that the Kerala constituency had more voters from the minority community.&nbsp;

The Election Commission Wednesday concluded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Latur last month in which he had urged first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of the Balakot air strike heroes and the soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, is not violative of its instructions on invoking armed forces in poll campaigns.

The Election Commission Wednesday concluded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in Latur last month in which he had urged first time voters to dedicate their votes in the name of the Balakot air strike heroes and the soldiers killed in the Pulwama attack, is not violative of its instructions on invoking armed forces in poll campaigns. Also read: PM Modi gets clean chit: No poll code violation in Wardha speech, says Election Commission It also found that Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath's remarks on defence forces were not violative of the model code. Attacking the prime minister, Kamal Nath had on April 14 said that even when Modi was a child, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi had built the country's defence forces. He was addressing a rally at Harsud in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. Referring to the prime minister's statement in Latur, the commission said, "The matter has been examined in detail in accordance with the extant advisories, provisions of the Model Code of Conduct and after examination of complete transcript of speech of 11 pages as per the certified copy sent by the Returning Officer, Osmanabad parliamentary constituency. Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation of the extant advisories/provisions is attracted." Addressing a rally in Ausa in Maharashtra's Latur on April 9, Modi had said, "Can your first vote be dedicated to those who carried out the air strike." "I want to tell the first-time voters: can your first vote be dedicated to the veer jawans (valiant soldiers) who carried out the air strike in Pakistan. Can your first vote be dedicated to the veer shaheed (brave martyrs) of Pulwama (terror attack)," Modi had said. Local poll authorities in Maharashtra are learnt to have told the EC here that Modi's remarks are prima facie violative of its orders, asking parties against using the armed forces in their campaigns. The EC had sought the report in the context of the EC advisory issued in March asking parties to desist from indulging in political propaganda involving actions of the armed forces. "... Parties/candidates are advised that their campaigners/candidates should desist, as part of their election campaigning, from indulging in any political propaganda involving activities of defence forces," the commission said on March 19. Since Congress had approached EC in this regard, the response has also been sent to the party. On Tuesday, the EC had said that Modi had not violated the model code in his speech in Wardha on April 1 in which he had slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for contesting from Wayanad and had indicated that the Kerala constituency had more voters from the minority community.

Election Commission gives clean chit to PM Modi on Latur speech

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued a notice to Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his alleged personal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Ahmedabad on April 17.

Acting on the complaint filed by BJP leader Neeraj, the ECI has sought the reply from the star campaigner of the Congress party not later than 6 pm on Thursday.

In a rally in Ahmedabad on April 17, the star campaigner of the Congress party had termed Modi as "the biggest liar" in the country.

"China is constructing railways under the sea and India is producing Chowkidar that too thieves under the garb of Chowkidar. I say you are a liar. This is the land of Mahatma Gandhi. It is unfortunate that you will be seen as the biggest liar prime minister," Sidhu had said.

"The video clips and transcript of the relevant portions of speeches made by Navjot Singh Sidhu on April 17 in Ahmedabad have been examined and the statements found to be in violation of the provisions contained in Para (2) of Part 1st of `General Conduct` of Model Code of Conduct," said the notice issued by the ECI.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued a notice to Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his alleged personal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Ahmedabad on April 17.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued a notice to Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for his alleged personal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public rally in Ahmedabad on April 17. Acting on the complaint filed by BJP leader Neeraj, the ECI has sought the reply from the star campaigner of the Congress party not later than 6 pm on Thursday. In a rally in Ahmedabad on April 17, the star campaigner of the Congress party had termed Modi as "the biggest liar" in the country. "China is constructing railways under the sea and India is producing Chowkidar that too thieves under the garb of Chowkidar. I say you are a liar. This is the land of Mahatma Gandhi. It is unfortunate that you will be seen as the biggest liar prime minister," Sidhu had said. "The video clips and transcript of the relevant portions of speeches made by Navjot Singh Sidhu on April 17 in Ahmedabad have been examined and the statements found to be in violation of the provisions contained in Para (2) of Part 1st of `General Conduct` of Model Code of Conduct," said the notice issued by the ECI.

Election Commission issues notice to Sidhu for personal attack on PM Modi

The Election Commission on Tuesday submitted in the Madras High Court that the security breach in the storage room, where poll related documents of Madurai Lok Sabha seat were kept, has eroded public confidence to a significant extent about the fairness of the election process.

"The incident has created a dent and serious apprehension in the minds of public, media, candidates and political parties," Satyabrata Sahoo, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer said through a counter filed in the plea by CPI-M candidate Su Venkatesan, seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team.

Sahoo said the lapse shows the need for substantial improvement in the coordination between the police and the district administration.

"For counting and results, one additional counting observer from the state civil service in the rank of the additional magistrate will be appointed to report to the general observer for the constituency," Sahoo said.

Earlier, the division bench of Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad refused to vacate the interim order directing the Election Commission (EC) to initiate disciplinary action against the transferred Madurai returning officer S Natarajan and others who were responsible for the security breach.

Technically, it was not the court's direction, while the court was about to pass orders, the EC produced a communication informing their decision to transfer the officials and take disciplinary action against them. The same was recorded in the order, the bench said, rejecting Natarajan's request.

Senior counsel ARL Sundaresan, appearing for Natarajan, submitted it was only the assistant returning officer who instructed the tahsildar to visit the room which was under his custody without obtaining prior permission from the returning officer.

Claiming that he was facing action for no fault on his part, Natarajan submitted that even the additional chief electoral officer who conducted an inquiry into the incident did not get any explanation from him.

"He had not been given fair opportunities to know the statements of others and to defend the allegations against him," Sundaresan said.

Similarly, M Rajasekaran, Personal Assistant (General) to the Madurai Collector, who was alleged to have instructed the ARO to send the tahsildar to visit the room, moved an impleading petition claiming that he has no role in the election works as it was handled by a separate designated PA.

"My name has been included in the issue and action has been ordered by mistake," he said.

As the petitioners' counsel did not object for his impleading, the court added him as a party respondent and posted the plea to June 6 for further hearing.

On Saturday, the court directed the Election Commission to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against M Rajasekaran and two officials for allowing polling staff to enter a storage room where records of the April 18 polls are kept.

Besides the PA, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), who was in charge of election duty that day, and police personnel present there reportedly allowed a woman tahsildar and three other polling staff to enter the room.

The Tahsildar is now under suspension.

The court had passed the interim order on a petition filed by CPI(M)'s Venkatesan.

According to Venkatesan, the tahsildar allegedly trespassed into the documents storage room on April 20 without any authority and remained there for three hours.

Venkatesan has submitted that three staff members of Madurai Municipal Corporation had also accompanied her.

Alleging that the unlawful incident would not have occurred without the knowledge of District Collector Natarajan, who is the Returning Officer, Venkatesan had sought an interim direction for appointment of a special observer of the rank of an IAS officer for counting the postal ballots.

Besides, the petitioner also sought three-tier security for the counting centre, transfer of the returning officer and appointment of a Special Investigation Team.&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Tuesday submitted in the Madras High Court that the security breach in the storage room, where poll related documents of Madurai Lok Sabha seat were kept, has eroded public confidence to a significant extent about the fairness of the election process.

The Election Commission on Tuesday submitted in the Madras High Court that the security breach in the storage room, where poll related documents of Madurai Lok Sabha seat were kept, has eroded public confidence to a significant extent about the fairness of the election process. "The incident has created a dent and serious apprehension in the minds of public, media, candidates and political parties," Satyabrata Sahoo, Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer said through a counter filed in the plea by CPI-M candidate Su Venkatesan, seeking a probe by a Special Investigation Team. Sahoo said the lapse shows the need for substantial improvement in the coordination between the police and the district administration. "For counting and results, one additional counting observer from the state civil service in the rank of the additional magistrate will be appointed to report to the general observer for the constituency," Sahoo said. Earlier, the division bench of Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad refused to vacate the interim order directing the Election Commission (EC) to initiate disciplinary action against the transferred Madurai returning officer S Natarajan and others who were responsible for the security breach. Technically, it was not the court's direction, while the court was about to pass orders, the EC produced a communication informing their decision to transfer the officials and take disciplinary action against them. The same was recorded in the order, the bench said, rejecting Natarajan's request. Senior counsel ARL Sundaresan, appearing for Natarajan, submitted it was only the assistant returning officer who instructed the tahsildar to visit the room which was under his custody without obtaining prior permission from the returning officer. Claiming that he was facing action for no fault on his part, Natarajan submitted that even the additional chief electoral officer who conducted an inquiry into the incident did not get any explanation from him. "He had not been given fair opportunities to know the statements of others and to defend the allegations against him," Sundaresan said. Similarly, M Rajasekaran, Personal Assistant (General) to the Madurai Collector, who was alleged to have instructed the ARO to send the tahsildar to visit the room, moved an impleading petition claiming that he has no role in the election works as it was handled by a separate designated PA. "My name has been included in the issue and action has been ordered by mistake," he said. As the petitioners' counsel did not object for his impleading, the court added him as a party respondent and posted the plea to June 6 for further hearing. On Saturday, the court directed the Election Commission to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against M Rajasekaran and two officials for allowing polling staff to enter a storage room where records of the April 18 polls are kept. Besides the PA, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), who was in charge of election duty that day, and police personnel present there reportedly allowed a woman tahsildar and three other polling staff to enter the room. The Tahsildar is now under suspension. The court had passed the interim order on a petition filed by CPI(M)'s Venkatesan. According to Venkatesan, the tahsildar allegedly trespassed into the documents storage room on April 20 without any authority and remained there for three hours. Venkatesan has submitted that three staff members of Madurai Municipal Corporation had also accompanied her. Alleging that the unlawful incident would not have occurred without the knowledge of District Collector Natarajan, who is the Returning Officer, Venkatesan had sought an interim direction for appointment of a special observer of the rank of an IAS officer for counting the postal ballots. Besides, the petitioner also sought three-tier security for the counting centre, transfer of the returning officer and appointment of a Special Investigation Team.

Storeroom security breach of Madurai Lok Sabha seat eroded public confidence: Election Commission

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll speech in Wardha in which he criticised Congress chief <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/elections/politicians/rahul-gandhi%3Fpage%3D33&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjXrs2FnPjhAhUH6Y8KHX3UAQM4RhAWMAB6BAgFEAE&amp;usg=AOvVaw3561lXS55TGaN59qEvw4-n">Rahul Gandhi</a> for playing appeasement politics over his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lok-sabha-polls-2019-rahul-gandhis-wayanad-choice-could-hurt-congress-in-the-north-207697">candidature from Wayanad </a>does not violate the Model Code of Conduct.

"In a matter related to a complaint concerning an alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct in a speech by PM Narendra Modi in Wardha, Maharashtra on 01.04.2019, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation has been noticed," the poll panel said.&nbsp;

The EC said it had examined the matter in detail in accordance with the extant guidelines of the MCC and the report of the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra."Accordingly, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation has been noticed," the apex poll body's order said.&nbsp;

The Congress on April 5 moved the EC against Modi's speech alleging that the comments were "hateful and divisive."

In the rally in Wardha, Modi had taken a veiled jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for contesting from Wayanad in Kerala, in addition to Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, saying the party was "forced to run away from a majority seat to a minority constituency," while accusing it of "defaming" the Hindu community by coining the term Hindu terror.

"Congress has done the sin of defaming our more than 5,000 years old culture. The peaceful Hindu society which considers the whole world as its family was called a terrorist. That is why they have been forced to run away from a majority seat and go to a minority seat", he had said in his speech.&nbsp;

Modi added, "When Sushil Kumar Shinde was a minister, he had spoken about Hindu terrorism from the land of Maharashtra. However, a few days ago, the court`s decision came which exposed the Congress conspiracy in front of the country. Congress has insulted Hindus."

(With inputs from ANI)

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll speech in Wardha in which he criticised Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for playing appeasement politics over his candidature from Wayanad does not violate the Model Code of Conduct.

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll speech in Wardha in which he criticised Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for playing appeasement politics over his candidature from Wayanad does not violate the Model Code of Conduct. "In a matter related to a complaint concerning an alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct in a speech by PM Narendra Modi in Wardha, Maharashtra on 01.04.2019, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation has been noticed," the poll panel said. The EC said it had examined the matter in detail in accordance with the extant guidelines of the MCC and the report of the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra."Accordingly, Commission is of the considered view that in this matter no such violation has been noticed," the apex poll body's order said. The Congress on April 5 moved the EC against Modi's speech alleging that the comments were "hateful and divisive." In the rally in Wardha, Modi had taken a veiled jibe at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for contesting from Wayanad in Kerala, in addition to Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, saying the party was "forced to run away from a majority seat to a minority constituency," while accusing it of "defaming" the Hindu community by coining the term Hindu terror. "Congress has done the sin of defaming our more than 5,000 years old culture. The peaceful Hindu society which considers the whole world as its family was called a terrorist. That is why they have been forced to run away from a majority seat and go to a minority seat", he had said in his speech. Modi added, "When Sushil Kumar Shinde was a minister, he had spoken about Hindu terrorism from the land of Maharashtra. However, a few days ago, the court`s decision came which exposed the Congress conspiracy in front of the country. Congress has insulted Hindus." (With inputs from ANI)

PM Modi gets clean chit: No poll code violation in Wardha speech, says Election Commission

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to Election Commission of India after hearing Congress MP Sushmita Dev's petition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for allegedly violating model code of conduct which is in place due to ongoing Lok Sabha polls in the country. 
&nbsp; 
Dev, Congress MP and president of the party's women's wing, had moved Supreme Court alleging PM Modi and Shah violated model code of conduct through their campaigning for elections. Dev also sought direction from the court to the Election Commission to decide without any "demur" the complaints against PM Modi and Amit Shah. 
&nbsp; 
Dev alleged in her petition that "inaction" by EC on complaints against top BJP leaders was "a sign of invidious discrimination" and was "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of electoral process. 
&nbsp; 
"It is in public domain that they have indulged in hate speeches, repeatedly used the armed forces for political propaganda, despite a clear prohibition on the same by the EC," Dev said in her petition. 
&nbsp; 
"The lack of decision despite cogent evidences, representations and exhortations to the Respondent/ECI demonstrates abdication and indecision and a complete absence of justice, in ensuring a level playing field in ensuing general elections for the Lok Sabha. The inactions, omissions and commissions by the Respondent/ECI are in complete and direct violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution and which are impeding free, fair and unbiased general elections," the petition said. 
&nbsp; 
The plea further said that under the Constitution, the poll panel is the "watchdog of free and fair elections and is duty-bound to circumvent the pressure and ascertain that ensuing elections are free from any impediments in order to uphold the democratic sanctity and fundamental rights of the voter". 
&nbsp; 
The court has posted the case for hearing on May 2.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to Election Commission of India after hearing Congress MP Sushmita Dev's petition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for allegedly violating model code of conduct which is in place due to ongoing Lok Sabha polls in the country.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to Election Commission of India after hearing Congress MP Sushmita Dev's petition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah for allegedly violating model code of conduct which is in place due to ongoing Lok Sabha polls in the country. Dev, Congress MP and president of the party's women's wing, had moved Supreme Court alleging PM Modi and Shah violated model code of conduct through their campaigning for elections. Dev also sought direction from the court to the Election Commission to decide without any "demur" the complaints against PM Modi and Amit Shah. Dev alleged in her petition that "inaction" by EC on complaints against top BJP leaders was "a sign of invidious discrimination" and was "arbitrary, capricious and impermissible" as it was destructive of the integrity of electoral process. "It is in public domain that they have indulged in hate speeches, repeatedly used the armed forces for political propaganda, despite a clear prohibition on the same by the EC," Dev said in her petition. "The lack of decision despite cogent evidences, representations and exhortations to the Respondent/ECI demonstrates abdication and indecision and a complete absence of justice, in ensuring a level playing field in ensuing general elections for the Lok Sabha. The inactions, omissions and commissions by the Respondent/ECI are in complete and direct violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution and which are impeding free, fair and unbiased general elections," the petition said. The plea further said that under the Constitution, the poll panel is the "watchdog of free and fair elections and is duty-bound to circumvent the pressure and ascertain that ensuing elections are free from any impediments in order to uphold the democratic sanctity and fundamental rights of the voter". The court has posted the case for hearing on May 2.

Supreme Court issues notice to Election Commission on complaint against PM Modi, Amit Shah

An Independent candidate in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat Lok Sabha seat alleged that his vehicle was set afire by Naxals on Monday, officials said.

A case was registered by police in this connection and the state election office was also probing the incident, they said.

Kishore Samrite, who is contesting as an Independent candidate, claimed while talking to reporters in Balaghat that the incident took place when he stopped his jeep at Posra village in Lanjhi area of the district in the wee hours of Monday to offer prayers at a temple.

While he was at the temple, around 20 to 25 "armed Naxals" attacked his four-wheeler and set it ablaze before fleeing, he alleged.

State Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said, "We have already provided security to Samrite. We are verifying the incident and probing it." 
Asked about Samrite's claim that the attackers were Naxals, Rao said they were trying to verify it.

A case was registered by police against unidentified persons under relevant provisions, Lanjhi's sub-divisional officer of police Nitesh Bhargava said.&nbsp;

An Independent candidate in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat Lok Sabha seat alleged that his vehicle was set afire by Naxals on Monday, officials said. A case was registered by police in this connection and the state election office was also probing the incident, they said.

An Independent candidate in Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat Lok Sabha seat alleged that his vehicle was set afire by Naxals on Monday, officials said. A case was registered by police in this connection and the state election office was also probing the incident, they said. Kishore Samrite, who is contesting as an Independent candidate, claimed while talking to reporters in Balaghat that the incident took place when he stopped his jeep at Posra village in Lanjhi area of the district in the wee hours of Monday to offer prayers at a temple. While he was at the temple, around 20 to 25 "armed Naxals" attacked his four-wheeler and set it ablaze before fleeing, he alleged. State Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said, "We have already provided security to Samrite. We are verifying the incident and probing it." Asked about Samrite's claim that the attackers were Naxals, Rao said they were trying to verify it. A case was registered by police against unidentified persons under relevant provisions, Lanjhi's sub-divisional officer of police Nitesh Bhargava said.

Madhya Pradesh: Independent candidate alleges attack by Naxals, EC launches probe

A complaint has been lodged by police against Aam Aadmi Party's&nbsp;(AAP)&nbsp;Delhi convener Gopal Rai for organising a public meeting in Connaught Place allegedly without permission from the authorities, officials said Sunday.

Police were informed by the flying squad of the Delhi poll panel about the meeting held on Saturday, following which the complaint was registered.

Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), confirmed that a 'kalandra' (a formal complaint lodged in case of a non-cognisable offence) was filed on Saturday against Rai, who is also a minister in the Delhi government, under the Delhi Police Act for allegedly violating the model code of conduct.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari tweeted about the incident on Saturday.&nbsp;

"Violation of model code of conduct by AAP. Minister Gopal Rai was caught along with his workers canvassing without permission. Even the election material they had had not been cleared by the EC."

Hitting out, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "we wish someday a flying squad suo moto registers cases against BJP leaders too".

"Till now, all cases have been registered after lot of follow-ups with the Election Commission. EC has yet not taken call on multiple violations by Gautam Gambhir. We again demand Gautam Gambhir to be banned from campaigning for 72 hours," he added.

A complaint was earlier filed against Gambhir, the BJP's candidate from East Delhi, for holding a public meeting in Jangpura allegedly without permission on Thursday.

A complaint has been lodged by police against Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Delhi convener Gopal Rai for organising a public meeting in Connaught Place allegedly without permission from the authorities, officials said Sunday.

A complaint has been lodged by police against Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Delhi convener Gopal Rai for organising a public meeting in Connaught Place allegedly without permission from the authorities, officials said Sunday. Police were informed by the flying squad of the Delhi poll panel about the meeting held on Saturday, following which the complaint was registered. Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), confirmed that a 'kalandra' (a formal complaint lodged in case of a non-cognisable offence) was filed on Saturday against Rai, who is also a minister in the Delhi government, under the Delhi Police Act for allegedly violating the model code of conduct. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari tweeted about the incident on Saturday. "Violation of model code of conduct by AAP. Minister Gopal Rai was caught along with his workers canvassing without permission. Even the election material they had had not been cleared by the EC." Hitting out, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj said, "we wish someday a flying squad suo moto registers cases against BJP leaders too". "Till now, all cases have been registered after lot of follow-ups with the Election Commission. EC has yet not taken call on multiple violations by Gautam Gambhir. We again demand Gautam Gambhir to be banned from campaigning for 72 hours," he added. A complaint was earlier filed against Gambhir, the BJP's candidate from East Delhi, for holding a public meeting in Jangpura allegedly without permission on Thursday.

Complaint lodged against AAP's Gopal Rai for holding public meeting without permission

The 4th phase of the Lok Sabha election 2019 has been summed up, though it had witnessed violence in various provinces in West Bengal.

Lok Sabha election 2019: EC asks police to lodge FIR against BJP's Babul Supriyo

Madras High Court Saturday directed the Election Commission to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against PA (General) to Madurai District Collector and two officials for allowing polling staff to enter a storage room where records of the April 18 Lok Sabha polls to the Madurai constituency are kept.

Besides the PA, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), who was in charge of election duty that day and police personnel present there reportedly allowed a woman tehsildar and three other polling staff to enter the room.

The court directed the EC to take the action on those involved as pointed out by the Enquiry Officer after it observed that "absolutely no action" was taken against the PA (General), of the Collector, the ACP and the policemen post the incident.

The division bench, comprising Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad, passed the interim order on the petition filed by Su Venkatesan, the CPI(M) candidate who contested in Madurai Parliamentary Constituency.

According to the petitioner, the tehsildar allegedly trespassed into the documents storage room on April 20 without any authority and remained there for three hours.

The petitioner has submitted that three staff members of Madurai Municipal Corporation had also accompanied her.

Alleging that the unlawful incident would not have occurred without the knowledge of District Collector Natarajan, who is the Returning Officer, Venkatesan had sought an interim direction for appointment of a special observer of the rank of an IAS officer for counting the postal ballots.

Besides, the petitioner also sought three-tier security for the counting centre, transfer of the returning officer and appointment of a SIT.

When the bench was inclined to pass an order on District Collector Natarajan, who is also the Returning Officer (RO) and other officials, ECI's counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan produced a letter dated April 27 of the EC Secretary.

The letter stated that S Nagarajan would replace Natarajan and Shantha Kumar would be Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) in place of Guru Chandran with immediate effect.

The judges recorded the EC's submission that disciplinary action would be initiated against the erring RO and ARO in response to its observation on whether the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, was powerless in the matter.

The bench said it was not going into the controversy as to who was empowered to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against the erring officials and posted the matter for further hearing to April 30.&nbsp;

Madras High Court Saturday directed the Election Commission to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against PA (General) to Madurai District Collector and two officials for allowing polling staff to enter a storage room where records of the April 18 Lok Sabha polls to the Madurai constituency are kept.

Madras High Court Saturday directed the Election Commission to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against PA (General) to Madurai District Collector and two officials for allowing polling staff to enter a storage room where records of the April 18 Lok Sabha polls to the Madurai constituency are kept. Besides the PA, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), who was in charge of election duty that day and police personnel present there reportedly allowed a woman tehsildar and three other polling staff to enter the room. The court directed the EC to take the action on those involved as pointed out by the Enquiry Officer after it observed that "absolutely no action" was taken against the PA (General), of the Collector, the ACP and the policemen post the incident. The division bench, comprising Justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad, passed the interim order on the petition filed by Su Venkatesan, the CPI(M) candidate who contested in Madurai Parliamentary Constituency. According to the petitioner, the tehsildar allegedly trespassed into the documents storage room on April 20 without any authority and remained there for three hours. The petitioner has submitted that three staff members of Madurai Municipal Corporation had also accompanied her. Alleging that the unlawful incident would not have occurred without the knowledge of District Collector Natarajan, who is the Returning Officer, Venkatesan had sought an interim direction for appointment of a special observer of the rank of an IAS officer for counting the postal ballots. Besides, the petitioner also sought three-tier security for the counting centre, transfer of the returning officer and appointment of a SIT. When the bench was inclined to pass an order on District Collector Natarajan, who is also the Returning Officer (RO) and other officials, ECI's counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan produced a letter dated April 27 of the EC Secretary. The letter stated that S Nagarajan would replace Natarajan and Shantha Kumar would be Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) in place of Guru Chandran with immediate effect. The judges recorded the EC's submission that disciplinary action would be initiated against the erring RO and ARO in response to its observation on whether the Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, was powerless in the matter. The bench said it was not going into the controversy as to who was empowered to initiate disciplinary action or prosecution against the erring officials and posted the matter for further hearing to April 30.

Initiate disciplinary action against erring poll officials: High Court to Election Commission

The BJP Saturday lodged complaints with the Election Commission against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-postpones-indefinite-hunger-strike-in-view-of-prevailing-indo-pak-situation-199845">AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal</a> for "misguiding" voters through FM radio advertisement and distorting party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators.

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor in a complaint letter to the Election Commission objected the content of the AAP's FM radio advertisement.

"In the radio advertisement, the Delhi Chief Minister can be heard provoking people of Delhi that the central government collects thousands of crores rupees in revenue from Delhi but gives back around partly Rs 325 crore to Delhi, he said in his complaint.

He requested the EC to review the contents of the AAP advertisement and block it as it was "misleading" for the voters.

The central government which maintains Delhi Police spends Rs 7,881 crore annually on it for maintaining law and order in the city and spends around Rs 40,000 crore annually on Delhi Metro, road infrastructure, Yamuna cleaning, hospitals, Delhi University among others which directly benefits the people of Delhi, Kapoor said.

In another complaint filed by BJP's national secretary R P Singh and Delhi BJP legal cell in-charge Neeraj, the party accused Kejriwal of "distorting" party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators in the country.

The complaint accused Kejriwal of trying to gain Muslims votes by "misleading" them and "instigating" their religious sentiments.

"Citing BJP's election manifesto, Shah had on April 10 said that with the help of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the party would drive out infiltrators from India and protect the Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. But the Delhi CM is not only trying to defame Shah by distorting his statement but instigating religious sentiments in violation of the Model Code of Conduct, Singh said.&nbsp;

Kejriwal, a bitter critic of Modi-Shah duo, has been talking about defeating the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls to "save the country." The Delhi chief minister has also been seeking Muslim votes for the AAP saying only it could stop the BJP in Delhi.&nbsp;

The BJP Saturday lodged complaints with the Election Commission against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for "misguiding" voters through FM radio advertisement and distorting party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators.

The BJP Saturday lodged complaints with the Election Commission against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for "misguiding" voters through FM radio advertisement and distorting party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators. Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor in a complaint letter to the Election Commission objected the content of the AAP's FM radio advertisement. "In the radio advertisement, the Delhi Chief Minister can be heard provoking people of Delhi that the central government collects thousands of crores rupees in revenue from Delhi but gives back around partly Rs 325 crore to Delhi, he said in his complaint. He requested the EC to review the contents of the AAP advertisement and block it as it was "misleading" for the voters. The central government which maintains Delhi Police spends Rs 7,881 crore annually on it for maintaining law and order in the city and spends around Rs 40,000 crore annually on Delhi Metro, road infrastructure, Yamuna cleaning, hospitals, Delhi University among others which directly benefits the people of Delhi, Kapoor said. In another complaint filed by BJP's national secretary R P Singh and Delhi BJP legal cell in-charge Neeraj, the party accused Kejriwal of "distorting" party chief Amit Shah's statement on illegal infiltrators in the country. The complaint accused Kejriwal of trying to gain Muslims votes by "misleading" them and "instigating" their religious sentiments. "Citing BJP's election manifesto, Shah had on April 10 said that with the help of National Register of Citizens (NRC), the party would drive out infiltrators from India and protect the Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists. But the Delhi CM is not only trying to defame Shah by distorting his statement but instigating religious sentiments in violation of the Model Code of Conduct, Singh said. Kejriwal, a bitter critic of Modi-Shah duo, has been talking about defeating the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls to "save the country." The Delhi chief minister has also been seeking Muslim votes for the AAP saying only it could stop the BJP in Delhi.

BJP lodges complaints with Election Commission against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

The makers of the biopic 'PM Narendra Modi' on Saturday sought clarifications from the Election Commission on its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/modi-biopic-is-a-hagiography-which-gives-him-cult-status-will-tilt-electoral-balance-election-commission-to-supreme-court-213385">decision to stay&nbsp;the release of the movie</a>.&nbsp;

In a letter to the EC, the makers of the movie stated, "We seek clarification in this regard from your office as we intend to promote film in areas which are no more affected by MCC after the end of polling on 29.4.19".

The Election Commission had earlier this week stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19 which is when the general elections get over.&nbsp;

The biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "hagiography", which treats the subject with undue reverence, and its public screening during poll campaign will "tilt the electoral balance", the Election Commission (EC) told the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/modi-biopic-supreme-court-refuses-to-intervene-in-elections-commission-report-on-stay-on-release-213612">Supreme Court</a> while opposing the release of the movie starring Vivek Oberoi.&nbsp;

In its 20-page report submitted to the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi', the poll panel said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status" and its public screening during the period when model code of conduct is in operation would favour a particular political party.

The EC said "there are several scenes depicting a major opposition party as corrupt and showing them in poor light. Their leaders have been depicted in such a manner that their identification is clear and obvious to the viewers."

It said that the biopic was more than a biography and was a "hagiography" (which treats the subject as saints and gives undue reverence) and the construct of the movie was "unabashedly uni-dimensional", which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The makers of the biopic 'PM Narendra Modi' on Saturday sought clarifications from the Election Commission on its decision to stay the release of the movie. In a letter to the EC, the makers of the movie stated, "We seek clarification in this regard from your office as we intend to promote film in areas which are no more affected by MCC after the end of polling on 29.

The makers of the biopic 'PM Narendra Modi' on Saturday sought clarifications from the Election Commission on its decision to stay the release of the movie. In a letter to the EC, the makers of the movie stated, "We seek clarification in this regard from your office as we intend to promote film in areas which are no more affected by MCC after the end of polling on 29.4.19". The Election Commission had earlier this week stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19 which is when the general elections get over. The biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "hagiography", which treats the subject with undue reverence, and its public screening during poll campaign will "tilt the electoral balance", the Election Commission (EC) told the Supreme Court while opposing the release of the movie starring Vivek Oberoi. In its 20-page report submitted to the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi', the poll panel said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status" and its public screening during the period when model code of conduct is in operation would favour a particular political party. The EC said "there are several scenes depicting a major opposition party as corrupt and showing them in poor light. Their leaders have been depicted in such a manner that their identification is clear and obvious to the viewers." It said that the biopic was more than a biography and was a "hagiography" (which treats the subject as saints and gives undue reverence) and the construct of the movie was "unabashedly uni-dimensional", which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. (With inputs from agencies)

Makers of Modi biopic seek Election Commission's clarification on stay of film's release

As we approach the halfway mark of the seven-phase 2019 elections, it is clear that this is the ugliest campaign in India’s 70-year-old electoral history. As a witness to three general elections and an activist observer or researcher in 12 others, one has never witnessed so much bad blood as this seventeenth general election.&nbsp;

This, of course, has not happened overnight. It has reached this stage because critical issues confronting the electoral system have not been addressed over the years. To ensure fair and free polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) was given statutory status. In 1962, the idea of a ‘model code’, experimented for the first time in Kerala in 1960, was adopted. In 1979, certain restraints were introduced for the party in power. In 1991, Election Commissioner T N Seshan demonstrated what a proactive and independent ECI could do to ensure independence. There were more than a couple of parliamentary committees set up to propose electoral reforms. But with political parties becoming all-powerful, despite losing much of their sheen, electoral practices have continued to decline.&nbsp;

Take Indonesia. With a history of two decades of elections and 187 million voters, the country had a one-day national poll recently. Whereas in India, a voter has to wait for 43 days to know the winner, despite the EVMs. &nbsp;Never before has the ECI been seen to be as partisan as today and no efforts have been made to ensure that the electoral process regains credibility.&nbsp;

Instruments like the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have outlived their utility. The irrelevance of ECI’s instruments is evident from a cursory reading of the code. Neither of the eight provisions dealing with the conduct of poll is being observed either by the candidates or the political parties in the fray. &nbsp;The first of the eight is on “general conduct” of polls. This includes a ban on “caste and communal feelings”, “criticism of candidates on the basis of unverified reports”, and “bribing of voters”. &nbsp;“No political party can use pictures of defence and military personnel”, in a poll campaign, is another MCC guideline, which has been thrown out of the window. &nbsp;

In 1979, MCC prohibited government advertisement of their ‘achievements’ and banned announcement of grants and schemes, so that the ruling party does not get an unfair advantage. The government or the ruling party “should not launch any welfare programmes, including ribbon cutting ceremonies”, said the code.&nbsp;

However, what is happening is exactly the opposite and the Supreme Court had to remind the ECI that it is not toothless. An analysis of nominations filed for assemblies and Parliament in the last few elections, according to the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), reveals that the percentage of rich, privileged and those with a criminal background, total to nearly one-third of the elected members. CMS studies on poll expenditure over the last three general elections, bring out three critical points. First, a significant per cent of voters is being paid money across the states, both in rural and urban India. Second, the expenditure being incurred by parties and candidates has been going up in such a way that only millionaires can now contest. &nbsp;Third, the campaigns are focused on lure rather than on issues and concerns. Neither is there evidence that political parties have become accountable or are taking their manifestos seriously.

Despite ECI’s hundreds of “expenditure observers,” the extent of unaccounted money confiscated is on rise with no effect on the overall poll expenditure. Only one Assembly member was ever disqualified in UP, a couple of years ago, for not submitting accounts, as required. &nbsp; 
 
There have been several parliamentary panels on poll funding in the last four decades, but their recommendations have remained only on paper. If anything, recent government measures are aimed at facilitating funding, including from foreign corporates, with no transparency. It is tempting to ask why we have not pursued a different kind of electoral campaign or evaluated the actual requirements of a contesting candidate. There is no reason why a candidate should not reach out to voters, present his or her credentials, address voters’ concerns and propose what he or she will do if elected.&nbsp;

Candidates mainly stress on the negative aspects of their rivals. Increasingly, many of them spend more time on their opponents, than on what they propose to do.&nbsp;Big changes are needed. Candidates can campaign together so that voters can make a better choice more transparently. There must be minimum joint public meetings in every constituency.

It will help bring down poll expenditure substantially. When competing candidates address voters together, they are likely to be more positive and cordial. After all, if two bitter rivals can come together in a poll alliance, why can’t opposing candidates campaign together? Unless political leaders and parties come forward to restore the sanctity of electoral practices, nothing is going to change. And unless that happens, it is difficult to expect good governance, deepen democracy and inclusive development.

It is time to relook the relevance of ECI’s code of conduct. This is not possible without the support, cooperation and participation of the news media. The judiciary needs to be consulted in repositioning the ECI. India needs an electoral shake-up as the republic enters the 75th year. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-poll-code-nothing-really-model-about-it-2743200">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

As we approach the halfway mark of the seven-phase 2019 elections, it is clear that this is the ugliest campaign in India’s 70-year-old electoral history. As a witness to three general elections and an activist observer or researcher in 12 others, one has never witnessed so much bad blood as this seventeenth general election.

As we approach the halfway mark of the seven-phase 2019 elections, it is clear that this is the ugliest campaign in India’s 70-year-old electoral history. As a witness to three general elections and an activist observer or researcher in 12 others, one has never witnessed so much bad blood as this seventeenth general election. This, of course, has not happened overnight. It has reached this stage because critical issues confronting the electoral system have not been addressed over the years. To ensure fair and free polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) was given statutory status. In 1962, the idea of a ‘model code’, experimented for the first time in Kerala in 1960, was adopted. In 1979, certain restraints were introduced for the party in power. In 1991, Election Commissioner T N Seshan demonstrated what a proactive and independent ECI could do to ensure independence. There were more than a couple of parliamentary committees set up to propose electoral reforms. But with political parties becoming all-powerful, despite losing much of their sheen, electoral practices have continued to decline. Take Indonesia. With a history of two decades of elections and 187 million voters, the country had a one-day national poll recently. Whereas in India, a voter has to wait for 43 days to know the winner, despite the EVMs. Never before has the ECI been seen to be as partisan as today and no efforts have been made to ensure that the electoral process regains credibility. Instruments like the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) have outlived their utility. The irrelevance of ECI’s instruments is evident from a cursory reading of the code. Neither of the eight provisions dealing with the conduct of poll is being observed either by the candidates or the political parties in the fray. The first of the eight is on “general conduct” of polls. This includes a ban on “caste and communal feelings”, “criticism of candidates on the basis of unverified reports”, and “bribing of voters”. “No political party can use pictures of defence and military personnel”, in a poll campaign, is another MCC guideline, which has been thrown out of the window. In 1979, MCC prohibited government advertisement of their ‘achievements’ and banned announcement of grants and schemes, so that the ruling party does not get an unfair advantage. The government or the ruling party “should not launch any welfare programmes, including ribbon cutting ceremonies”, said the code. However, what is happening is exactly the opposite and the Supreme Court had to remind the ECI that it is not toothless. An analysis of nominations filed for assemblies and Parliament in the last few elections, according to the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), reveals that the percentage of rich, privileged and those with a criminal background, total to nearly one-third of the elected members. CMS studies on poll expenditure over the last three general elections, bring out three critical points. First, a significant per cent of voters is being paid money across the states, both in rural and urban India. Second, the expenditure being incurred by parties and candidates has been going up in such a way that only millionaires can now contest. Third, the campaigns are focused on lure rather than on issues and concerns. Neither is there evidence that political parties have become accountable or are taking their manifestos seriously. Despite ECI’s hundreds of “expenditure observers,” the extent of unaccounted money confiscated is on rise with no effect on the overall poll expenditure. Only one Assembly member was ever disqualified in UP, a couple of years ago, for not submitting accounts, as required. There have been several parliamentary panels on poll funding in the last four decades, but their recommendations have remained only on paper. If anything, recent government measures are aimed at facilitating funding, including from foreign corporates, with no transparency. It is tempting to ask why we have not pursued a different kind of electoral campaign or evaluated the actual requirements of a contesting candidate. There is no reason why a candidate should not reach out to voters, present his or her credentials, address voters’ concerns and propose what he or she will do if elected. Candidates mainly stress on the negative aspects of their rivals. Increasingly, many of them spend more time on their opponents, than on what they propose to do. Big changes are needed. Candidates can campaign together so that voters can make a better choice more transparently. There must be minimum joint public meetings in every constituency. It will help bring down poll expenditure substantially. When competing candidates address voters together, they are likely to be more positive and cordial. After all, if two bitter rivals can come together in a poll alliance, why can’t opposing candidates campaign together? Unless political leaders and parties come forward to restore the sanctity of electoral practices, nothing is going to change. And unless that happens, it is difficult to expect good governance, deepen democracy and inclusive development. It is time to relook the relevance of ECI’s code of conduct. This is not possible without the support, cooperation and participation of the news media. The judiciary needs to be consulted in repositioning the ECI. India needs an electoral shake-up as the republic enters the 75th year. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Political leaders and parties must come forward to restore the sanctity of electoral practices

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday.

"We expect this will enable us to cover as many as 100 per cent of the polling stations by central forces," the Election Commission official told PTI.

The fourth phase on April 29 will see deployment of over 200 companies more as compared to the number in the third phase.

During the first phase, the EC had deputed central forces at 50 per cent of the booths, which was increased to 92 per cent in the third phase of polling held on April 23.

On Monday, eight Lok Sabha constituencies - Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur and Birbhum will go to polls.

Special emphasis will be given to Asansol, which shares its border with Bihar, an EC source said.

Meanwhile, the commission served a showcause notice on Wednesday to Trinamool Congress MLA from Chakdah Ratna Ghosh Kar, for making derogatory remarks in reply to a report sought by the EC, he said.

The EC had asked for a report from the District Magistrate of Nadia on April 17, in connection with Ghosh Kar's alleged objectionable remarks about the central forces.

"Her replies to the commission were highly derogatory in nature, and now it (EC) has showcaused her," the source said.&nbsp;

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday.

With an objective to cover 100 per cent of election booths in West Bengal for the fourth phase of polling, there will be deployment of 580 companies of central forces, a senior official said on Thursday. "We expect this will enable us to cover as many as 100 per cent of the polling stations by central forces," the Election Commission official told PTI. The fourth phase on April 29 will see deployment of over 200 companies more as compared to the number in the third phase. During the first phase, the EC had deputed central forces at 50 per cent of the booths, which was increased to 92 per cent in the third phase of polling held on April 23. On Monday, eight Lok Sabha constituencies - Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat, Bardhaman Purba, Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur and Birbhum will go to polls. Special emphasis will be given to Asansol, which shares its border with Bihar, an EC source said. Meanwhile, the commission served a showcause notice on Wednesday to Trinamool Congress MLA from Chakdah Ratna Ghosh Kar, for making derogatory remarks in reply to a report sought by the EC, he said. The EC had asked for a report from the District Magistrate of Nadia on April 17, in connection with Ghosh Kar's alleged objectionable remarks about the central forces. "Her replies to the commission were highly derogatory in nature, and now it (EC) has showcaused her," the source said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to deploy 580 companies of central forces in West Bengal for fourth phase

The Election Commission has stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19th which is when the general elections get over.&nbsp; 
 
The biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "hagiography", which treats the subject with undue reverence, and its public screening during poll campaign will "tilt the electoral balance", the Election Commission (EC) has told the Supreme Court while opposing the release of the movie starring Vivek Oberoi.&nbsp; 
 
In its 20-page report submitted to the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi', the poll panel said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status" and its public screening during the period when model code of conduct is in operation would favour a particular political party. 
 
The EC said "there are several scenes depicting a major opposition party as corrupt and showing them in poor light. Their leaders have been depicted in such a manner that their identification is clear and obvious to the viewers." 
 
It said that the biopic was more than a biography and was a "hagiography" (which treats the subject as saints and gives undue reverence) and the construct of the movie was "unabashedly uni-dimensional", which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. 
 
The report was submitted after the apex court had on April 15 directed the EC to re-examine its earlier order and take an informed decision on banning pan-India the release of the biopic after watching the full movie.&nbsp; 
 
The court had asked the poll panel to provide its report to the producer of the movie. 
 
"The committee is of the considered view that the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' during the period of model code of conduct will tilt the electoral balance of the particular political party, therefore, the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' should not be allowed till last date of poll on May 19 in the ongoing elections.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
The report further said, "Eulogising of the character Narendra Modi is very clear right through the movie. More than biography, it is hagiography." 
It also said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status. The construct of this 135-minute movie is unabashedly uni-dimensional, which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. It ends up eulogising an individual, giving him a saintly status". 
 
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for film producers who have challenged the EC's ban on the biopic's release till the current general elections are over, had earlier told the top court that the poll panel has taken the decision after watching a two-minute promo, and not the entire movie. 
 
EC's counsel Amit Sharma had said that the entire movie was not available and a decision to ban the release was taken after watching the trailer. 
The bench had then asked the poll panel to watch the full movie and then take an informed decision on whether its release should be banned or not. 
The EC had on April 10 stalled the release of the film until the polls end, asserting that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level-playing field during elections should not be displayed. 
 
The commission, in a separate order, had also directed the producers "not to exhibit the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi' till further orders". The film was earlier set to release on April 11. 
 
Acting on the complaints of political parties, including the Congress, the poll panel had also said that any poster or publicity material concerning any such certified content, which either depicts a candidate (including prospective) for the furtherance (or purported to further) of electoral prospects, directly or indirectly, shall not be put on display in electronic media in the area where MCC is in force. 
 
The Left had also opposed the release of the film, saying it would disturb the level-playing field for other parties in the election and was in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. 
 
The Modi biopic, starring Vivek Oberoi, has been the most-talked about movie this election season. Directed by Omung Kumar, it tells the story of Modi's rise to power from his humble beginnings. 
 
The apex court had on April 9 dismissed a petition filed by Congress leader Aman Panwar for a stay on the release of the biopic, saying the Election Commission would be an "appropriate" place to seek the redressal. 
 
The apex court had said it was not entertaining the petition for the stay on the release of the film which would be "premature" in view of the fact that the movie is yet to be certified by the Censor Board. 
 
It said even if the film is released on April 11, as claimed by the Congress leader, it will be appropriate for him to seek a redressal from the Election Commission.&nbsp;

The Election Commission has stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19th which is when the general elections get over.

The Election Commission has stated that 'PM Narendra Modi' - a biopic made on the Indian Prime Minister- should be released after May 19th which is when the general elections get over. The biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a "hagiography", which treats the subject with undue reverence, and its public screening during poll campaign will "tilt the electoral balance", the Election Commission (EC) has told the Supreme Court while opposing the release of the movie starring Vivek Oberoi. In its 20-page report submitted to the apex court bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi on the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi', the poll panel said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status" and its public screening during the period when model code of conduct is in operation would favour a particular political party. The EC said "there are several scenes depicting a major opposition party as corrupt and showing them in poor light. Their leaders have been depicted in such a manner that their identification is clear and obvious to the viewers." It said that the biopic was more than a biography and was a "hagiography" (which treats the subject as saints and gives undue reverence) and the construct of the movie was "unabashedly uni-dimensional", which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. The report was submitted after the apex court had on April 15 directed the EC to re-examine its earlier order and take an informed decision on banning pan-India the release of the biopic after watching the full movie. The court had asked the poll panel to provide its report to the producer of the movie. "The committee is of the considered view that the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' during the period of model code of conduct will tilt the electoral balance of the particular political party, therefore, the public screening of the movie 'PM Narendra Modi' should not be allowed till last date of poll on May 19 in the ongoing elections. The report further said, "Eulogising of the character Narendra Modi is very clear right through the movie. More than biography, it is hagiography." It also said that the biopic "produces a political environment where an individual acquired cult status. The construct of this 135-minute movie is unabashedly uni-dimensional, which puts an individual on a higher pedestal through use of specific symbols, slogans and scenes. It ends up eulogising an individual, giving him a saintly status". Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for film producers who have challenged the EC's ban on the biopic's release till the current general elections are over, had earlier told the top court that the poll panel has taken the decision after watching a two-minute promo, and not the entire movie. EC's counsel Amit Sharma had said that the entire movie was not available and a decision to ban the release was taken after watching the trailer. The bench had then asked the poll panel to watch the full movie and then take an informed decision on whether its release should be banned or not. The EC had on April 10 stalled the release of the film until the polls end, asserting that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level-playing field during elections should not be displayed. The commission, in a separate order, had also directed the producers "not to exhibit the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi' till further orders". The film was earlier set to release on April 11. Acting on the complaints of political parties, including the Congress, the poll panel had also said that any poster or publicity material concerning any such certified content, which either depicts a candidate (including prospective) for the furtherance (or purported to further) of electoral prospects, directly or indirectly, shall not be put on display in electronic media in the area where MCC is in force. The Left had also opposed the release of the film, saying it would disturb the level-playing field for other parties in the election and was in violation of the Model Code of Conduct. The Modi biopic, starring Vivek Oberoi, has been the most-talked about movie this election season. Directed by Omung Kumar, it tells the story of Modi's rise to power from his humble beginnings. The apex court had on April 9 dismissed a petition filed by Congress leader Aman Panwar for a stay on the release of the biopic, saying the Election Commission would be an "appropriate" place to seek the redressal. The apex court had said it was not entertaining the petition for the stay on the release of the film which would be "premature" in view of the fact that the movie is yet to be certified by the Censor Board. It said even if the film is released on April 11, as claimed by the Congress leader, it will be appropriate for him to seek a redressal from the Election Commission.

Modi biopic is a hagiography which gives him cult status, will tilt electoral balance: Election Commission to Supreme Court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls</a> came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated.&nbsp;

Voting was held in 116 Lok Sabha seats. As many as 13&nbsp;states and 2 union territories went to polls today. Kerala, Gujarat and Goa were the three states where all constituencies were up for voting.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several union ministers were among the prominent candidates in the fray in the largest polling phase of the general elections.&nbsp;

Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were in a neck to neck competition for the top spot in voter turnout today.

Reports of EVM glitches and technical snags surfaced in isolated places across states like Odisha and Goa.&nbsp;

West Bengal, where polling was marred by violence in the previous phase, saw incidents of unrest. A man, standing in a queue to cast his vote, was killed in clashes that broke out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in state's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-phase-lok-sabha-polling-man-gets-killed-in-clashes-between-congress-tmc-workers-in-west-bengals-murshidabad-212880">Murshidabad</a>.&nbsp;

The overall polling percentage in the first two phases was recorded at 69.45 per cent and 69.43 per cent respectively.

&nbsp;<img alt="phase 3 lok sabha polls" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bc0ee86-446d-4cc2-a967-4638c1f7c930" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Phase%203_1.jpg" />

In the first two phases, the election was held on 91 and 95 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively.&nbsp;

Election to 543 seats is being held in seven phases. The counting of votes will be on May 23.&nbsp;

The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated.

The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated. Voting was held in 116 Lok Sabha seats. As many as 13 states and 2 union territories went to polls today. Kerala, Gujarat and Goa were the three states where all constituencies were up for voting. BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several union ministers were among the prominent candidates in the fray in the largest polling phase of the general elections. Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were in a neck to neck competition for the top spot in voter turnout today. Reports of EVM glitches and technical snags surfaced in isolated places across states like Odisha and Goa. West Bengal, where polling was marred by violence in the previous phase, saw incidents of unrest. A man, standing in a queue to cast his vote, was killed in clashes that broke out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in state's Murshidabad. The overall polling percentage in the first two phases was recorded at 69.45 per cent and 69.43 per cent respectively. In the first two phases, the election was held on 91 and 95 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively. Election to 543 seats is being held in seven phases. The counting of votes will be on May 23.

64.66% voter turnout in phase 3 of Lok Sabha polls: Election Commission