Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fir-against-navjot-singh-sidhu-over-communal-remarks-210997">Navjot Singh Sidhu</a> from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier.

On April 16, Sidhu had warned Muslims not to split their votes and instead defeat the BJP by voting against it unitedly. Following his speech, Elections Commission registered a case against him for violating the model code of conduct for elections.

"I am here to warn my Muslim brothers. They (BJP) are dividing you. By bringing people like (Asadudding) Owaisi here, they want to divide your vote for winning. If you people unite and vote unitedly, then everything will overturn and Modi will be finished," cricketer-turned-politician said in a rally in Bihar.

He is also barred from giving an interview in media &nbsp;&nbsp;

The temporary ban will come into effect from 10 am on 23 April and will stay till 72 hours.

Lok Sabha elections in Bihar are being held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from news agencies)

Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders Navjot Singh Sidhu from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier.

Election Commission of India barred Congress leaders Navjot Singh Sidhu from holding any public meeting, road show, public rally in connection with ongoing Lok Sabha elections for 72 hours over his communal remark he made earlier. On April 16, Sidhu had warned Muslims not to split their votes and instead defeat the BJP by voting against it unitedly. Following his speech, Elections Commission registered a case against him for violating the model code of conduct for elections. "I am here to warn my Muslim brothers. They (BJP) are dividing you. By bringing people like (Asadudding) Owaisi here, they want to divide your vote for winning. If you people unite and vote unitedly, then everything will overturn and Modi will be finished," cricketer-turned-politician said in a rally in Bihar. He is also barred from giving an interview in media The temporary ban will come into effect from 10 am on 23 April and will stay till 72 hours. Lok Sabha elections in Bihar are being held in all seven phases. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from news agencies)

Election Commission bars Navjot Singh Sidhu from campaigning for 3 days

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the opposition`s claim that law and order situation was not conducive for holding polls in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/polls-in-tripura-east-deferrd-to-april-23-211398">Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency</a>, where the polling was deferred from April 18 to April 23.

In a letter to the Election Commission on Friday, the BJP stated that a "false picture is being portrayed by the Congress and CPI-M with a view to mislead the Commission by attributing false allegations against the BJP."

The party said that no complaints were lodged with the police or the EC after elections were held in one of the two Tripura parliamentary constituencies in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls.

"The CEO on April 11 made a public statement that our general reports from all the observers are that it has been free and fair broadly," the letter stated.

The BJP apprised the EC that 82.97 per cent of polling was recorded during the first phase of ongoing general elections when West Tripura constituency went to polls on April 11, thereby showing the highest level of enthusiasm among the voters of the state who voted without fear or intimidation, and central forces were adequately deployed.

Accusing the Congress and CPI-M of levelling such allegations, the party said, "Despite these attempts by opposition parties such as CPI-M and Congress to flare communal tensions, they have been unsuccessful. The ruling BJP government has successfully ensured a harmonious co-existence between all groups and communities."

"Therefore, these allegations of a breakdown of law and order against the BJP do not add up and do not fall in sync with the positive track record in governance and administration of the present dispensation," the letter further stated.

The party asserted that very few incidents of violence occurred and in no case, there was any loss of life.

"The BJP stands by its duty to serve the people of Tripura and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for the conduct of free and fair elections. We reiterate our stand that there is no prevailing law and order situation which will harm the conduct of free and fair polls in Tripura," the BJP said.

It further urged the EC to not be misled by a "campaign of lies and misinformation" run at the behest of CPI-M and Congress.

Polling was deferred in Tripura East Lok Sabha after the EC said "law and order prevailing in the constituency is not conducive to the holding of free and fair polls."

CPI-M Secretary General Sitaram Yechury on Friday had urged the election body to conduct re-polling at 464 booths in Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling took place on April 11.

"It is now established that there were large-scale irregularities. We hope EC will ensure that faith in our democracy is reaffirmed. The re-poll in 464 booths must be done as all voters should be able to exercise their franchise independently, exactly as it should be," Yechury had tweeted.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the opposition`s claim that law and order situation was not conducive for holding polls in Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling was deferred from April 18 to April 23.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the opposition`s claim that law and order situation was not conducive for holding polls in Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling was deferred from April 18 to April 23. In a letter to the Election Commission on Friday, the BJP stated that a "false picture is being portrayed by the Congress and CPI-M with a view to mislead the Commission by attributing false allegations against the BJP." The party said that no complaints were lodged with the police or the EC after elections were held in one of the two Tripura parliamentary constituencies in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls. "The CEO on April 11 made a public statement that our general reports from all the observers are that it has been free and fair broadly," the letter stated. The BJP apprised the EC that 82.97 per cent of polling was recorded during the first phase of ongoing general elections when West Tripura constituency went to polls on April 11, thereby showing the highest level of enthusiasm among the voters of the state who voted without fear or intimidation, and central forces were adequately deployed. Accusing the Congress and CPI-M of levelling such allegations, the party said, "Despite these attempts by opposition parties such as CPI-M and Congress to flare communal tensions, they have been unsuccessful. The ruling BJP government has successfully ensured a harmonious co-existence between all groups and communities." "Therefore, these allegations of a breakdown of law and order against the BJP do not add up and do not fall in sync with the positive track record in governance and administration of the present dispensation," the letter further stated. The party asserted that very few incidents of violence occurred and in no case, there was any loss of life. "The BJP stands by its duty to serve the people of Tripura and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for the conduct of free and fair elections. We reiterate our stand that there is no prevailing law and order situation which will harm the conduct of free and fair polls in Tripura," the BJP said. It further urged the EC to not be misled by a "campaign of lies and misinformation" run at the behest of CPI-M and Congress. Polling was deferred in Tripura East Lok Sabha after the EC said "law and order prevailing in the constituency is not conducive to the holding of free and fair polls." CPI-M Secretary General Sitaram Yechury on Friday had urged the election body to conduct re-polling at 464 booths in Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling took place on April 11. "It is now established that there were large-scale irregularities. We hope EC will ensure that faith in our democracy is reaffirmed. The re-poll in 464 booths must be done as all voters should be able to exercise their franchise independently, exactly as it should be," Yechury had tweeted.

BJP refutes opposition claim that situation not conducive for poll in Tripura East

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling Trinamool Congress demanded his immediate removal, claiming that Nayak has allegiance to the RSS and the BJP and is acting as per their orders.

The people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and therefore their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, who is the former Bihar chief electoral officer, said.

The situation in Bihar has improved and less number of central forces are required there now, he told newsmen at the office of the West Bengal chief electoral officer here.

Nayak, a 1984-batch IAS officer, was recently given the responsibility to oversee the last five phases of polls in West Bengal.

"This situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. During that time in Bihar total deployment of central forces at the booths was required. Now it is required in West Bengal as the people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and are seeking deployment of central forces at all the booths," he told reporters.

"I cannot understand that if people in Bihar were able to bring in a change in the atmosphere and situation there, then why this is not happening in West Bengal," Nayak said in the presence of state Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab.

He said that in the third phase of polling on April 23, 324 companies of central forces would be deployed to cover more than 92 per cent of the polling booths in five Lok Sabha constituencies.

Balurghat, Malda North, Malda South, Jangipur and Murshidabad parliamentary constituencies will go to the polls on April 23.

Nayak, however, sounded hopeful that the state may require less central force by next Parliamentary elections.

"In terms of election management, things are improving in West Bengal. So I am sure by the time of next Parliamentary elections it will not require this kind of central force deployment. I am sure about that," Nayak said.

In the first phase on April 11, central forces were deployed in 51 per cent of the booths in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar seats and 194 companies covered 80 per cent of the booths in Raiganj, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the second phase on April 18.

In the first phase, there were reports of booth capturing, smashing of EVMs and intimidation. Similar incidents were reported in the second phase from Chopra in Darjeeling constituency and also from Islampur in Raiganj constituency. There were also reports of damage to the vehicle of sitting CPI-M MP Mohammed Salim at Raiganj.

Nayak said no negligence was found after scrutiny of the pollings in the first phase and there will be no repoll in the constituencies where voting was held on the day.

The special observer, however, did not dismiss chances of repolling in some booths where polling was held in the second phase.

TMC secretary general Subrata Bakshi wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora demanding the immediate removal of Nayak to ensure free and fair polls in the state.

"The Election Commission after two phases of polling had said, barring a few incidents the polling was peaceful. Nayak's comments are highly misplaced. He is acting in a partisan manner with pre-conceived notions to destabilise elections in the state and create a fear psychosis among voters," Bakshi said in the letter.

Nayak has political and organisational allegiance to the RSS and is connected to BJP leaders. His statements clearly indicate that he has acted as per instructions of his political bosses, he said.

"It is therefore requested to immediately recall him or cancel his appointment as a special observer in the state of West Bengal to ensure free and fair elections," Bakshi said.

The EC has appointed Vivek Dubey as the special police observer for the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the EC has transferred Malda district Superintendent of Police Arnab Ghosh and has brought in the commanding officer of the second battalion of state armed police Ajoy Prasad in his place.

Sources said Ghosh, who was reportedly close to the Trinamool Congress administration, was under the EC scanner.

The state BJP had urged the EC to remove Ghosh a few days ago.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The ruling Trinamool Congress demanded his immediate removal, claiming that Nayak has allegiance to the RSS and the BJP and is acting as per their orders. The people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and therefore their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, who is the former Bihar chief electoral officer, said. The situation in Bihar has improved and less number of central forces are required there now, he told newsmen at the office of the West Bengal chief electoral officer here. Nayak, a 1984-batch IAS officer, was recently given the responsibility to oversee the last five phases of polls in West Bengal. "This situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. During that time in Bihar total deployment of central forces at the booths was required. Now it is required in West Bengal as the people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and are seeking deployment of central forces at all the booths," he told reporters. "I cannot understand that if people in Bihar were able to bring in a change in the atmosphere and situation there, then why this is not happening in West Bengal," Nayak said in the presence of state Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab. He said that in the third phase of polling on April 23, 324 companies of central forces would be deployed to cover more than 92 per cent of the polling booths in five Lok Sabha constituencies. Balurghat, Malda North, Malda South, Jangipur and Murshidabad parliamentary constituencies will go to the polls on April 23. Nayak, however, sounded hopeful that the state may require less central force by next Parliamentary elections. "In terms of election management, things are improving in West Bengal. So I am sure by the time of next Parliamentary elections it will not require this kind of central force deployment. I am sure about that," Nayak said. In the first phase on April 11, central forces were deployed in 51 per cent of the booths in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar seats and 194 companies covered 80 per cent of the booths in Raiganj, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the second phase on April 18. In the first phase, there were reports of booth capturing, smashing of EVMs and intimidation. Similar incidents were reported in the second phase from Chopra in Darjeeling constituency and also from Islampur in Raiganj constituency. There were also reports of damage to the vehicle of sitting CPI-M MP Mohammed Salim at Raiganj. Nayak said no negligence was found after scrutiny of the pollings in the first phase and there will be no repoll in the constituencies where voting was held on the day. The special observer, however, did not dismiss chances of repolling in some booths where polling was held in the second phase. TMC secretary general Subrata Bakshi wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora demanding the immediate removal of Nayak to ensure free and fair polls in the state. "The Election Commission after two phases of polling had said, barring a few incidents the polling was peaceful. Nayak's comments are highly misplaced. He is acting in a partisan manner with pre-conceived notions to destabilise elections in the state and create a fear psychosis among voters," Bakshi said in the letter. Nayak has political and organisational allegiance to the RSS and is connected to BJP leaders. His statements clearly indicate that he has acted as per instructions of his political bosses, he said. "It is therefore requested to immediately recall him or cancel his appointment as a special observer in the state of West Bengal to ensure free and fair elections," Bakshi said. The EC has appointed Vivek Dubey as the special police observer for the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the EC has transferred Malda district Superintendent of Police Arnab Ghosh and has brought in the commanding officer of the second battalion of state armed police Ajoy Prasad in his place. Sources said Ghosh, who was reportedly close to the Trinamool Congress administration, was under the EC scanner. The state BJP had urged the EC to remove Ghosh a few days ago.

Situation in Bengal like Bihar 15 years ago: Election Commission special observer; TMC demands his removal

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said it has complained to the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra) about a rap song posted on the official twitter handle of Congress alleging that it violated the poll code of conduct.

Speaking to ANI, Maharashtra's Education Minister Vinod Tawde said, "We have complained to the Chief Election Commission of Maharashtra Anup Kumar, regarding a rap song posted on the official twitter handle of Indian Nation Congress. The song uses religious sentiments to garner votes. We have sought for the immediate removal of the tweet."

The said tweet was posted at 11:50 am on Saturday.

A caption accompanying the rap song reads, "This is the modus operandi that Modi gives his blessings for- organised propagation of hate, spreading of fake news, misleading people, rampant misogyny, abusing the Constitution and misuse of religious sentiments to incite hatred. #BhaktCharitra"

The 2-minute 16-second video shows some of the alleged controversial statements made by BJP leaders, including Yogi Adityanath and Maneka Gandhi.

The video also includes a series of headlines and images of communal riots in the country.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said it has complained to the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra) about a rap song posted on the official twitter handle of Congress alleging that it violated the poll code of conduct.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said it has complained to the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra) about a rap song posted on the official twitter handle of Congress alleging that it violated the poll code of conduct. Speaking to ANI, Maharashtra's Education Minister Vinod Tawde said, "We have complained to the Chief Election Commission of Maharashtra Anup Kumar, regarding a rap song posted on the official twitter handle of Indian Nation Congress. The song uses religious sentiments to garner votes. We have sought for the immediate removal of the tweet." The said tweet was posted at 11:50 am on Saturday. A caption accompanying the rap song reads, "This is the modus operandi that Modi gives his blessings for- organised propagation of hate, spreading of fake news, misleading people, rampant misogyny, abusing the Constitution and misuse of religious sentiments to incite hatred. #BhaktCharitra" The 2-minute 16-second video shows some of the alleged controversial statements made by BJP leaders, including Yogi Adityanath and Maneka Gandhi. The video also includes a series of headlines and images of communal riots in the country.

BJP moves Election Commission; seeks removal of tweet on Congress twitter handle

A 67.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/general-elections-2019-voters-politicians-celebrities-queue-up-to-vote-in-second-phase-211518">second phase of Lok Sabha polls</a> on Thursday in 95 seats spread in 11 states and a Union Territory, the Election Commission said.

Barring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tension-prevails-in-bengals-chopra-amidst-voting-raf-deployed-211424">sporadic incidents of violence</a>, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

Polling was held for 95 Lok Sabha seats in 11 states, with Tamil Nadu voting in 38 of its 39 constituencies, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">union territory of Puducherry</a>.

While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants.

Two violence-related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, including that of a woman polling personnel who was killed by suspected Maoists on Wednesday in Odisha. Another death was reported Thursday. Two other people, including a voter and a polling officer, died of an apparent heart attack.

There was reports of the electronic voting machines being damaged in Manipur and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal.

The interim voter turnout stood at 43.4 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir, the lowest, and 78 per cent, the highest, in Puducherry.

Udhampur and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir went for polls in this phase.

West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu reported a turnout above 70 per cent.

Referring to the issue of 'glitches in EVMs, deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain said, a total of 1,000 ballot units, 769 control units 2,766 paper trail machines were replaced.

He said if a ballot unit or control unit is replaced, the paper trail machines need to be replaced along with it. "Hence the higher number of replacements."

Fourteen seats in Karnataka also went to polls along with 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry.

Elections were also held in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha while bypolls are being held in 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

For 543 seats, Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

A 67.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls on Thursday in 95 seats spread in 11 states and a Union Territory, the Election Commission said.

A 67.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls on Thursday in 95 seats spread in 11 states and a Union Territory, the Election Commission said. Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said. Polling was held for 95 Lok Sabha seats in 11 states, with Tamil Nadu voting in 38 of its 39 constituencies, and the union territory of Puducherry. While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants. Two violence-related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, including that of a woman polling personnel who was killed by suspected Maoists on Wednesday in Odisha. Another death was reported Thursday. Two other people, including a voter and a polling officer, died of an apparent heart attack. There was reports of the electronic voting machines being damaged in Manipur and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal. The interim voter turnout stood at 43.4 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir, the lowest, and 78 per cent, the highest, in Puducherry. Udhampur and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir went for polls in this phase. West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu reported a turnout above 70 per cent. Referring to the issue of 'glitches in EVMs, deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain said, a total of 1,000 ballot units, 769 control units 2,766 paper trail machines were replaced. He said if a ballot unit or control unit is replaced, the paper trail machines need to be replaced along with it. "Hence the higher number of replacements." Fourteen seats in Karnataka also went to polls along with 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry. Elections were also held in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha while bypolls are being held in 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. For 543 seats, Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting will take place on May 23.

67.84% turnout in second phase of Lok Sabha polls: Election Commission

In this video, watch all the latest updates related to Lok Sabha Elections 2019 for which people are casting their vote for the second phase today while elections in Vellore have been cancelled over cash seizure. Watch full video to know more.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

General Election 2019: Elections in Vellore cancelled over cash seizure

The Election Commission of India`s (ECI) flying squad seized Rs 11.85 lakh worth of cash from Sion area of Mumbai on Thursday.

The seizure comes as voting for 10 Lok Sabha seats which fall under Maharashtra`s Vidarbha and Marathwada regions is underway in the second phase of polling.

A huge amount of unaccounted money is being recovered in raids and searches by authorities across the country since Model Code of Conduct came into effect with the announcement of the poll dates on March 10.

The central agencies and the EC have been conducting raids and searches across the states to ensure illegal money is not used to influence voters in the ensuing general elections.

Over Rs 135 crore unaccounted cash was recovered from raids conducted by the Income Tax (IT) department and the EC across Tamil Nadu, the commission said Tuesday.

In a related development, the EC cancelled elections in Vellore parliamentary constituency in Tamil Nadu after over Rs 11.48 crore worth unaccounted cash was unearthed during an IT raid at a DMK leader`s house. The Lok Sabha seat was to go to vote today.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India`s (ECI) flying squad seized Rs 11.85 lakh worth of cash from Sion area of Mumbai on Thursday. The seizure comes as voting for 10 Lok Sabha seats which fall under Maharashtra`s Vidarbha and Marathwada regions is underway in the second phase of polling.

The Election Commission of India`s (ECI) flying squad seized Rs 11.85 lakh worth of cash from Sion area of Mumbai on Thursday. The seizure comes as voting for 10 Lok Sabha seats which fall under Maharashtra`s Vidarbha and Marathwada regions is underway in the second phase of polling. A huge amount of unaccounted money is being recovered in raids and searches by authorities across the country since Model Code of Conduct came into effect with the announcement of the poll dates on March 10. The central agencies and the EC have been conducting raids and searches across the states to ensure illegal money is not used to influence voters in the ensuing general elections. Over Rs 135 crore unaccounted cash was recovered from raids conducted by the Income Tax (IT) department and the EC across Tamil Nadu, the commission said Tuesday. In a related development, the EC cancelled elections in Vellore parliamentary constituency in Tamil Nadu after over Rs 11.48 crore worth unaccounted cash was unearthed during an IT raid at a DMK leader`s house. The Lok Sabha seat was to go to vote today.

Election Commission flying squad recovers cash worth over Rs 11 lakh in Mumbai

These are elections times. This appears that unprecedented dirt-digging has been a key feature of this election.

The Rafale saga goes on unending. We have had the very credibility of EVMs being challenged and proved baseless. Still, the Honourable Supreme Court's interventions prescribed the safeguard of VVPAT being benchmarked. Not satisfied with this, some political stakeholders have asked for 50% verification of EVM votes through VVPAT. Does it betray an agenda? I believe it does.

Further, the content of the campaign indeed has also been not just divisive but also unchaste and acrimonious, with star campaigners being brought from across the border.

Each of these may have adverse consequences for the future government in power. Let us see how?

Structure of the election machinery

First, let us get the structure right. Constitutionally, the Election Commission of India is an independent and autonomous body vested with the superintendence and oversight of the elections. Elections are conducted through an instrumentality of state governments. Each state government has a Chief Electoral Officer. District Magistrates and Collectors are the returning officers of the designated constituency covered by their districts.

Further, the incumbency of compiling the electoral rolls is with the state electoral officers. The logistics for the elections are provided by the state government. The number of electors in each booth is the domain of the state government. How many voters shall vote in a particular booth is solely the domain of the state government. It could be anything between 500 to 1200, depending on the number of voters and resource and space availability, etc.&nbsp;

However, as a ballpark figure based on the time-motion study, each voter in the normal circumstance is accorded approximately 3 minutes for voting after s/he reports to the booth, and this does not include the time spent in long queues.

Effect of increasing VVPAT samples

If VVPAT is insisted on and the sample size is increased, each such VVPAT procedure increases the time required for a voter to approximately 7 minutes. This will delay and dilate the pace of voting. Given the unprecedented voting percentages in certain areas in the first phase, the insistence on increasing the VVPAT sample is an attempt to adversely affect the voting percentage. The political stakeholders can play mischief by intervening to delay the voting percentage in booths which do not have their strengths.

Unpleasant statements

Now let me share some of the statements made by stakeholders. At the outset, let us take the case of Mayawati's direct appeal to voters of a particular community. Indeed, it was not in good taste. Rightly, the Election Commission of India intervened and banned her from campaigning for 48 hours. This concurrently happened with the Chief Minister of UP Yogiji referring to the Muslim League with not-so-kind words. It was appropriate that he too was reprimanded and sanctioned by Election Commission of India with a ban for 72 hours.

Similarly, we had Maneka Gandhi, a Union Minister, giving the ABCD paradigm. my personal view is that there was nothing wrong in this. I don't hold any brief for Maneka Gandhi. But this is common in many democracies. Elected representatives always pander to their strengths. There are examples of this in many countries. After all, it is the voter who choses, and has the overriding right to an extension of support on public utilities from his elected representative.&nbsp;

Absolutely unacceptable

But what took the cake is the unparliamentary utterances of Azam Khan against his co-contestant, a woman. Such condemnable remarks should have attracted exemplary sanctions, But he too was sanctioned with a 72-hour ban.

On the issue of this sanction, his son has audaciously stated that Azam Khan and Mayawati are reprimanded because they are Muslim and Dalit respectively. I also hear that Navjot Singh Sidhu has again sought votes on communal lines from a particular community, which is also unpardonable should attract sanctions.

Bangladeshi campaigners

Another interesting episode comes to light. It has come to light that two Bangladeshi artists have been found campaigning for TMC candidates in West Bengal. This is fraught with dangerous consequences. Being an border state with huge flux of illegal immigration, human trafficking happening through its borders, this is an unacceptable situation in West Bengal.

Ironically, Mr Basu, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal, has informed that the Representation of People Act does not proscribe foreigners from campaigning in Indian elections.

Let us get it right, the draftsmen of the RP Act never envisaged that foreigners will be called into the campaign, and that they trusted the political parties with a benchmark of integrity. Further, from a legal perspective, the golden rule is that when specific legislation does not cover illegality, then the general criminal provisions relating to that offence shall cover that.

This is corroborated by the fact that several provisions of the Indian Penal Code have been dovetailed in the Election Manual, as may be confirmed from Election Commission's website.

Going by the spirit of this, the conditions of the visa, whatever be the category of visas of these artists, is that the visiting foreigners cannot interfere in matters of state and sovereignty in the host country. Participation in elections campaign is surely an act covered under this condition.

Home Ministry intervened and Bangladesh government as well 
 
The Ministry of Home Affairs should have immediately cancelled their visas and deported them, and such an action would have been legitimate and not have been prejudicial to the ongoing electoral process. Instead, the MHA sought a report from FRRO of the state, who is again an officer of the state government, whose ruling dispensation these two artists were supporting.

Let me clear any doubts here that the Foreigner Regional Registration Officer of the state is under the state police, except for Delhi, where there is a separate FRRO. The report will either not come or the content of the report can be easily foreseen. However, as per last the report has come that the Ministry of Home Affairs had, relying upon the report from the Bureau of Immigration, cancelled the visa and given a leave-India notice to these two artists.&nbsp;

Concurrently, it is reported that the Bangladeshi High Commission also did a more professional job by warning these artists and asking them to report their mission office is Kolkata for further deportation.

The denigrating election process in foreign lands 
 
On an earlier occasion too we have had such instances, not of the same content but all the same denigrating Indian elections processes and institutions. The so-called EVM efficacy test was conducted in UK is still fresh in public memory. But, may I also flag your memory that Salman Khurshid, before 2014 general elections, had made statements in the UK denigrating the overarching trend of the Election Commission and Supreme Court. But these are games in which political stakeholders play and although unacceptable, it is still expected.

Alleged petitions by occupational groups 
 
What has been more unprecedented in this election is the fake petitions floating on social media that several groups with professional and occupational affinity appealing not to vote for A or B party.

First, we had some 600 artists of Bollywood who signed an appeal not to vote for Narendra Modi. Later on, it was reported that some of the artists included in the list of signatories denied it. Later, another fake petition alleged to have been sent to the President of India by retired officers of the defence forces. The list again included names of former Army Chief, Air Force Chief, etc, who have publicly denied it. Yesterday, I received a message on Whatsapp that "A group of bureaucrats &amp; defence officers will make a representation to the President".&nbsp;

Fraught with dangerous consequences 
 
Such tendencies are fraught with danger for the security and economy of the country. It can be with the objective of derailing the economic strides, avenge Pulwama or tearing the social fabric to shreds.

The question to the readers is, who is behind all this? Who is vitiating the poll atmosphere? Is it an evil design to manipulate the electoral process, which has stood the test of time over all these years. The nation seeks answers.

(This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the <a href="https://zeenews.india.com/blogs/many-undesirable-dangerous-trends-in-2019-lok-sabha-elections-2196324.html">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

These are elections times. This appears that unprecedented dirt-digging has been a key feature of this election. The Rafale saga goes on unending. We have had the very credibility of EVMs being challenged and proved baseless.

These are elections times. This appears that unprecedented dirt-digging has been a key feature of this election. The Rafale saga goes on unending. We have had the very credibility of EVMs being challenged and proved baseless. Still, the Honourable Supreme Court's interventions prescribed the safeguard of VVPAT being benchmarked. Not satisfied with this, some political stakeholders have asked for 50% verification of EVM votes through VVPAT. Does it betray an agenda? I believe it does. Further, the content of the campaign indeed has also been not just divisive but also unchaste and acrimonious, with star campaigners being brought from across the border. Each of these may have adverse consequences for the future government in power. Let us see how? Structure of the election machinery First, let us get the structure right. Constitutionally, the Election Commission of India is an independent and autonomous body vested with the superintendence and oversight of the elections. Elections are conducted through an instrumentality of state governments. Each state government has a Chief Electoral Officer. District Magistrates and Collectors are the returning officers of the designated constituency covered by their districts. Further, the incumbency of compiling the electoral rolls is with the state electoral officers. The logistics for the elections are provided by the state government. The number of electors in each booth is the domain of the state government. How many voters shall vote in a particular booth is solely the domain of the state government. It could be anything between 500 to 1200, depending on the number of voters and resource and space availability, etc. However, as a ballpark figure based on the time-motion study, each voter in the normal circumstance is accorded approximately 3 minutes for voting after s/he reports to the booth, and this does not include the time spent in long queues. Effect of increasing VVPAT samples If VVPAT is insisted on and the sample size is increased, each such VVPAT procedure increases the time required for a voter to approximately 7 minutes. This will delay and dilate the pace of voting. Given the unprecedented voting percentages in certain areas in the first phase, the insistence on increasing the VVPAT sample is an attempt to adversely affect the voting percentage. The political stakeholders can play mischief by intervening to delay the voting percentage in booths which do not have their strengths. Unpleasant statements Now let me share some of the statements made by stakeholders. At the outset, let us take the case of Mayawati's direct appeal to voters of a particular community. Indeed, it was not in good taste. Rightly, the Election Commission of India intervened and banned her from campaigning for 48 hours. This concurrently happened with the Chief Minister of UP Yogiji referring to the Muslim League with not-so-kind words. It was appropriate that he too was reprimanded and sanctioned by Election Commission of India with a ban for 72 hours. Similarly, we had Maneka Gandhi, a Union Minister, giving the ABCD paradigm. my personal view is that there was nothing wrong in this. I don't hold any brief for Maneka Gandhi. But this is common in many democracies. Elected representatives always pander to their strengths. There are examples of this in many countries. After all, it is the voter who choses, and has the overriding right to an extension of support on public utilities from his elected representative. Absolutely unacceptable But what took the cake is the unparliamentary utterances of Azam Khan against his co-contestant, a woman. Such condemnable remarks should have attracted exemplary sanctions, But he too was sanctioned with a 72-hour ban. On the issue of this sanction, his son has audaciously stated that Azam Khan and Mayawati are reprimanded because they are Muslim and Dalit respectively. I also hear that Navjot Singh Sidhu has again sought votes on communal lines from a particular community, which is also unpardonable should attract sanctions. Bangladeshi campaigners Another interesting episode comes to light. It has come to light that two Bangladeshi artists have been found campaigning for TMC candidates in West Bengal. This is fraught with dangerous consequences. Being an border state with huge flux of illegal immigration, human trafficking happening through its borders, this is an unacceptable situation in West Bengal. Ironically, Mr Basu, the Additional Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal, has informed that the Representation of People Act does not proscribe foreigners from campaigning in Indian elections. Let us get it right, the draftsmen of the RP Act never envisaged that foreigners will be called into the campaign, and that they trusted the political parties with a benchmark of integrity. Further, from a legal perspective, the golden rule is that when specific legislation does not cover illegality, then the general criminal provisions relating to that offence shall cover that. This is corroborated by the fact that several provisions of the Indian Penal Code have been dovetailed in the Election Manual, as may be confirmed from Election Commission's website. Going by the spirit of this, the conditions of the visa, whatever be the category of visas of these artists, is that the visiting foreigners cannot interfere in matters of state and sovereignty in the host country. Participation in elections campaign is surely an act covered under this condition. Home Ministry intervened and Bangladesh government as well The Ministry of Home Affairs should have immediately cancelled their visas and deported them, and such an action would have been legitimate and not have been prejudicial to the ongoing electoral process. Instead, the MHA sought a report from FRRO of the state, who is again an officer of the state government, whose ruling dispensation these two artists were supporting. Let me clear any doubts here that the Foreigner Regional Registration Officer of the state is under the state police, except for Delhi, where there is a separate FRRO. The report will either not come or the content of the report can be easily foreseen. However, as per last the report has come that the Ministry of Home Affairs had, relying upon the report from the Bureau of Immigration, cancelled the visa and given a leave-India notice to these two artists. Concurrently, it is reported that the Bangladeshi High Commission also did a more professional job by warning these artists and asking them to report their mission office is Kolkata for further deportation. The denigrating election process in foreign lands On an earlier occasion too we have had such instances, not of the same content but all the same denigrating Indian elections processes and institutions. The so-called EVM efficacy test was conducted in UK is still fresh in public memory. But, may I also flag your memory that Salman Khurshid, before 2014 general elections, had made statements in the UK denigrating the overarching trend of the Election Commission and Supreme Court. But these are games in which political stakeholders play and although unacceptable, it is still expected. Alleged petitions by occupational groups What has been more unprecedented in this election is the fake petitions floating on social media that several groups with professional and occupational affinity appealing not to vote for A or B party. First, we had some 600 artists of Bollywood who signed an appeal not to vote for Narendra Modi. Later on, it was reported that some of the artists included in the list of signatories denied it. Later, another fake petition alleged to have been sent to the President of India by retired officers of the defence forces. The list again included names of former Army Chief, Air Force Chief, etc, who have publicly denied it. Yesterday, I received a message on Whatsapp that "A group of bureaucrats & defence officers will make a representation to the President". Fraught with dangerous consequences Such tendencies are fraught with danger for the security and economy of the country. It can be with the objective of derailing the economic strides, avenge Pulwama or tearing the social fabric to shreds. The question to the readers is, who is behind all this? Who is vitiating the poll atmosphere? Is it an evil design to manipulate the electoral process, which has stood the test of time over all these years. The nation seeks answers. (This article was originally published on Zee News. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Many undesirable, dangerous trends in 2019 Lok Sabha elections

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took note of the action taken by Election Commission against politicians who made statements violating model code of conduct. "It seems the Election Commission has finally woken up to its power and taken action against politicians," it said.

The court made the observation while hearing Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati's plea against ban imposed by the Election Commission on addressing public rallies for 48 hours. The top court refused to entertain Mayawati's plea saying there is no further action required.

The Election Commission had on Monday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-election-commission-of-india-bans-adityanath-mayawati-for-violating-model-code-of-conduct-210566">temporarily banned Mayawati</a>, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/azam-khan-and-maneka-gandhi-also-temporarily-barred-from-election-campaigning-210703">Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan</a> and Union minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi from campaigning. While Yogi Adityanath and Azam Khan had been banned for 72 hours, Mayawati and Maneka Gandhi was barred from holding rallies for 48 hours.

The commission took the action against the political leaders for violating the Model Code of Conduct by making objectionable statements in their speeches.

The action by Election Commission came after the Supreme Court took note of the alleged hate speeches during poll campaign and sought to know from the poll panel the action initiated against them so far. The bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi summoned a representative of the Election Commission on Tuesday while agreeing to examine the poll panel's contention that it has the limited legal power to deal with hate speeches of politicians during electioneering.

Mayawati was issued the notice for her speech in Deoband appealing to Muslims to not vote for a particular party. The BSP chief had prima facie violated the model code of conduct, the poll panel found. Adityanath was served the notice for his "Ali" and "Bajrang Bali" remarks while addressing a rally in Meerut.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took note of the action taken by Election Commission against politicians who made statements violating model code of conduct. "It seems the Election Commission has finally woken up to its power and taken action against politicians," it said.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took note of the action taken by Election Commission against politicians who made statements violating model code of conduct. "It seems the Election Commission has finally woken up to its power and taken action against politicians," it said. The court made the observation while hearing Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati's plea against ban imposed by the Election Commission on addressing public rallies for 48 hours. The top court refused to entertain Mayawati's plea saying there is no further action required. The Election Commission had on Monday temporarily banned Mayawati, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and Union minister and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi from campaigning. While Yogi Adityanath and Azam Khan had been banned for 72 hours, Mayawati and Maneka Gandhi was barred from holding rallies for 48 hours. The commission took the action against the political leaders for violating the Model Code of Conduct by making objectionable statements in their speeches. The action by Election Commission came after the Supreme Court took note of the alleged hate speeches during poll campaign and sought to know from the poll panel the action initiated against them so far. The bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi summoned a representative of the Election Commission on Tuesday while agreeing to examine the poll panel's contention that it has the limited legal power to deal with hate speeches of politicians during electioneering. Mayawati was issued the notice for her speech in Deoband appealing to Muslims to not vote for a particular party. The BSP chief had prima facie violated the model code of conduct, the poll panel found. Adityanath was served the notice for his "Ali" and "Bajrang Bali" remarks while addressing a rally in Meerut.

Election Commission has finally woken up to its power: Supreme Court on campaign ban on politicians

Every election season witnesses politicians making objectionable remarks against their rivals, and every poll season has the Election Commission of India warning the offenders and reminding them of the code of conduct. On a few occasion the poll panel ‘acts’ by banning the accused from conducting or attending poll meetings for a few days. After that, it’s back to normal. So, why do politicians make comments that are violative of the Code of Conduct? Not only that, why do they use offensive words that are also against basic norms of civility?&nbsp;

The first reason is to do with the toothlessness of the Election Commission of India. If it finds some remark adversarial to the Model Code&nbsp;of Conduct, it can take two steps: Warn the accused, or bar him from campaigning. The second usually follows after the first. On paper, it can even debar a candidate from contesting, but that’s rare. Bal Thackeray had been disqualified from contesting elections for six years after he was found guilty of appealing to religious sentiments on behalf of a Shiv Sena leader in the 1987 Maharashtra Assembly elections. But that was after the court stepped in and Section 123 (3) of the Representation of the People Act was invoked. The Election Commission of India has often pointed out that its orders are usually non-binding in nature and that the Code of Conduct must be made legally binding to check objectionable content during poll campaigning. &nbsp;

The poll panel’s helplessness has only emboldened the political class. Already, in the course of the ongoing poll campaign, various offensive remarks have been made by leaders ranging from one end of the political spectrum to another. The Election Commission of India sought details of these statements but seemed to be taking its own time, leading the Supreme Court to step in and said, “Mr Election Commission, you have to act very promptly. You cannot drag matters like this. Get into action immediately.” &nbsp;

Thus prompted, the poll panel swung into action and placed restrictions on a bunch of leaders — Mayawati, Yogi Adityanath, Azam Khan, Maneka Gandhi. They were barred from addressing rallies for periods ranging from 48 hours to 72 hours. Expectedly, the affected leaders cried foul, claiming they had done no wrong.&nbsp;

But even within the restrictions, it is fettered with, the poll panel can be at least a bit more effective. As Chief Election Commissioner, TN Seshan had managed to curb offensive speeches in the 1990s through a mix of dire threats against such offence and action on the ground. He expressed his resolve to cancel or postpone elections in case the candidates failed to adhere to the code.&nbsp;

His warnings had the desired impact, though it did not fully stamp out the practice, especially when it came to appealing to religious sentiments.&nbsp;

It is ironical that various politicians flout a code of conduct which they themselves contributed to framing. The set of norms which comprise the Model Conduct of Conduct had been created through a consensus among political parties which agreed to abide by it. There are eight parts to the code, each dealing with different aspects of the norms to be followed by parties and candidates during poll campaigning. They are: Guidelines on poll manifestos; steps that the party in power should take; observers that the poll panel appoints; entry into polling booths; rules to be followed on polling day; organisation of processions; conduct of meetings; and, general conduct. The last one covers a range of dos and don’t, such as refraining from appealing to caste or religion to attract votes or using corrupt means, avoiding personal or private criticism of rivals and instead limiting criticism to policies or programmes, and not resorting to any activity which “may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic”. &nbsp;The code comes into effect from the day poll dates are announced.&nbsp;

The code of conduct is in keeping with Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which gives the Election Commission of India the power to supervise elections to Parliament and state legislatures. The code was first introduced back in 1960 in the Kerala Assembly elections, and then in the 1962 general elections. Over the years, it has evolved with experience and feedback from political parties. In 1979, a provision to regulate the party in power was introduced; in 2013, on directions of the Apex Court, the poll panel added a section on guidelines concerning election manifestos to ensure that the documents did not offer objectionable material.&nbsp;

Given that the fact that the Model Code of Conduct is not enforceable by law, aggrieved parties have to fall back on various others legal provisions in the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal procedure and the Representation of the People Act, to get justice. But the process is time-consuming, and a verdict is more likely than not, to come after polling is done and even results are out. In a report on electoral reforms, the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice had recommended the inclusion of the model code of conduct into the Representation of the People Act, for effective redressal. The time has come to give the Election Commission more teeth.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

Every election season witnesses politicians making objectionable remarks against their rivals, and every poll season has the Election Commission of India warning the offenders and reminding them of the code of conduct.

Every election season witnesses politicians making objectionable remarks against their rivals, and every poll season has the Election Commission of India warning the offenders and reminding them of the code of conduct. On a few occasion the poll panel ‘acts’ by banning the accused from conducting or attending poll meetings for a few days. After that, it’s back to normal. So, why do politicians make comments that are violative of the Code of Conduct? Not only that, why do they use offensive words that are also against basic norms of civility? The first reason is to do with the toothlessness of the Election Commission of India. If it finds some remark adversarial to the Model Code of Conduct, it can take two steps: Warn the accused, or bar him from campaigning. The second usually follows after the first. On paper, it can even debar a candidate from contesting, but that’s rare. Bal Thackeray had been disqualified from contesting elections for six years after he was found guilty of appealing to religious sentiments on behalf of a Shiv Sena leader in the 1987 Maharashtra Assembly elections. But that was after the court stepped in and Section 123 (3) of the Representation of the People Act was invoked. The Election Commission of India has often pointed out that its orders are usually non-binding in nature and that the Code of Conduct must be made legally binding to check objectionable content during poll campaigning. The poll panel’s helplessness has only emboldened the political class. Already, in the course of the ongoing poll campaign, various offensive remarks have been made by leaders ranging from one end of the political spectrum to another. The Election Commission of India sought details of these statements but seemed to be taking its own time, leading the Supreme Court to step in and said, “Mr Election Commission, you have to act very promptly. You cannot drag matters like this. Get into action immediately.” Thus prompted, the poll panel swung into action and placed restrictions on a bunch of leaders — Mayawati, Yogi Adityanath, Azam Khan, Maneka Gandhi. They were barred from addressing rallies for periods ranging from 48 hours to 72 hours. Expectedly, the affected leaders cried foul, claiming they had done no wrong. But even within the restrictions, it is fettered with, the poll panel can be at least a bit more effective. As Chief Election Commissioner, TN Seshan had managed to curb offensive speeches in the 1990s through a mix of dire threats against such offence and action on the ground. He expressed his resolve to cancel or postpone elections in case the candidates failed to adhere to the code. His warnings had the desired impact, though it did not fully stamp out the practice, especially when it came to appealing to religious sentiments. It is ironical that various politicians flout a code of conduct which they themselves contributed to framing. The set of norms which comprise the Model Conduct of Conduct had been created through a consensus among political parties which agreed to abide by it. There are eight parts to the code, each dealing with different aspects of the norms to be followed by parties and candidates during poll campaigning. They are: Guidelines on poll manifestos; steps that the party in power should take; observers that the poll panel appoints; entry into polling booths; rules to be followed on polling day; organisation of processions; conduct of meetings; and, general conduct. The last one covers a range of dos and don’t, such as refraining from appealing to caste or religion to attract votes or using corrupt means, avoiding personal or private criticism of rivals and instead limiting criticism to policies or programmes, and not resorting to any activity which “may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic”. The code comes into effect from the day poll dates are announced. The code of conduct is in keeping with Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which gives the Election Commission of India the power to supervise elections to Parliament and state legislatures. The code was first introduced back in 1960 in the Kerala Assembly elections, and then in the 1962 general elections. Over the years, it has evolved with experience and feedback from political parties. In 1979, a provision to regulate the party in power was introduced; in 2013, on directions of the Apex Court, the poll panel added a section on guidelines concerning election manifestos to ensure that the documents did not offer objectionable material. Given that the fact that the Model Code of Conduct is not enforceable by law, aggrieved parties have to fall back on various others legal provisions in the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal procedure and the Representation of the People Act, to get justice. But the process is time-consuming, and a verdict is more likely than not, to come after polling is done and even results are out. In a report on electoral reforms, the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice had recommended the inclusion of the model code of conduct into the Representation of the People Act, for effective redressal. The time has come to give the Election Commission more teeth. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Campaign ban on Mayawati, Maneka, Azam, Yogi: Election Commission needs more teeth to tackle poll code violations

Almost a day after Samajwadi Party senior leader Azam Khan was slapped with a campaign ban by the Election Commission and an FIR by the Uttar Pradesh Police against his derogatory speech on BJP leader Jaya Prada. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Azam Khan's son plays Muslim card

SC refuses to entertain Mayawati's plea against polls rally ban by EC. Election Commission has banned four politicians from campaigning and holding election rally for 48 hrs. Watch complete video to know more.

SC refuses to entertain Mayawati's plea against polls rally ban by EC

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to consider BSP supremo Mayawati's plea challenging the EC's 48-hr campaign ban on her and expressed satisfaction over the poll body's action against leaders making hate speeches.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked Mayawati's counsel to file a separate appeal against the poll panel's order.

Taking note of the EC action, the court said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-has-finally-woken-up-to-its-power-supreme-court-on-campaign-ban-on-politicians-210816"> it seems the poll body has "woken up"</a> and barred various politicians from poll campaigning for varying hours.

The bench also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna made it clear that no further order was required for now.

The Election Commission on Monday imposed a nationwide campaign ban on Adityanath for 72 hours and on Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and Mayawati for 48 hours from Tuesday for their "provocative" communal remarks, which it said had the "propensity to polarise the elections".

A 72-hour campaign ban has also been imposed on Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan for his alleged "khaki underwear" jibe against actor-politician Jaya Prada, who is his rival BJP candidate in Rampur Lok Sabha seat.&nbsp;

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by an NRI Yoga teacher based in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeking a direction to the EC to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on caste and religion in the media in the run-up to general elections.

The all-India ban on all four leaders -- two from the ruling BJP and two from opposition parties -- came into force from 6 am Tuesday.

While Adityanath, Mayawati and Gandhi were found guilty of violating the model code, the EC said Khan not only violated the poll code, he also disregarded its November 2013 directive asking politicians to desist from "deeds or actions construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women".

For the first time a pan-India ban has been imposed on politicians, while any restriction on a chief minister and a union minister is unprecedented.

Mayawati alleged the order has been passed "under pressure" and it would be remembered as a "black day" in the EC's history. She has faced action for appealing to Muslims to not vote for the Congress to avoid their anti-BJP votes getting divided.&nbsp;

Her alliance partner and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav asked the EC whether it is capable to issue similar directives to the prime minister to stop him from asking for votes in name of the Army.

The EC order to bar Adityanath and Mayawati came soon after the Supreme Court asked the poll watchdog about the action it has initiated against them.

The apex court had on Monday expressed displeasure over the Election Commission not taking quick action against politicians for communal and hate speeches during the Lok Sabha campaigning and decided to examine the ambit of its power following submission that it was "toothless".

The bench had taken the cases of alleged communal speeches of Mayawati and Adityanath and asked the EC about the action taken so far against them while deciding to examine the statutory powers of the poll panel to deal with the violation of the model code of conduct (MCC).

The EC's counsel had said: "The power of the EC in this behalf is very limited. We can issue notice and seek reply but we cannot de-recognise a party or disqualify a candidate...We can only issue advisories and in case of a repeat offence, register a complaint."

Reacting sharply, the bench had said, "So you are basically saying you are toothless and powerless against hate speeches."

It had then said that besides sending a notice, an advisory and a criminal case can be filed only against such leader.&nbsp;

"It is stated by the counsel appearing for the EC that the power of the ECI for violation of the Model Code of Conduct by making hate speeches on grounds of religion, caste etc is circumscribed to issuing of notice and upon consideration of the reply to issue advisories.&nbsp;

"Only in case of repeated violation of the advisories, the EC has the power to file an FIR with the Police for initiation of criminal proceedings," the bench had noted in the order.

The apex court, on April 8, had issued a notice to the Centre and the poll panel on the PIL seeking direction to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on castes and religions in the media in the run-up to general elections.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to consider BSP supremo Mayawati's plea challenging the EC's 48-hr campaign ban on her and expressed satisfaction over the poll body's action against leaders making hate speeches.

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to consider BSP supremo Mayawati's plea challenging the EC's 48-hr campaign ban on her and expressed satisfaction over the poll body's action against leaders making hate speeches. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked Mayawati's counsel to file a separate appeal against the poll panel's order. Taking note of the EC action, the court said it seems the poll body has "woken up" and barred various politicians from poll campaigning for varying hours. The bench also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna made it clear that no further order was required for now. The Election Commission on Monday imposed a nationwide campaign ban on Adityanath for 72 hours and on Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and Mayawati for 48 hours from Tuesday for their "provocative" communal remarks, which it said had the "propensity to polarise the elections". A 72-hour campaign ban has also been imposed on Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan for his alleged "khaki underwear" jibe against actor-politician Jaya Prada, who is his rival BJP candidate in Rampur Lok Sabha seat. The bench was hearing a PIL filed by an NRI Yoga teacher based in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeking a direction to the EC to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on caste and religion in the media in the run-up to general elections. The all-India ban on all four leaders -- two from the ruling BJP and two from opposition parties -- came into force from 6 am Tuesday. While Adityanath, Mayawati and Gandhi were found guilty of violating the model code, the EC said Khan not only violated the poll code, he also disregarded its November 2013 directive asking politicians to desist from "deeds or actions construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women". For the first time a pan-India ban has been imposed on politicians, while any restriction on a chief minister and a union minister is unprecedented. Mayawati alleged the order has been passed "under pressure" and it would be remembered as a "black day" in the EC's history. She has faced action for appealing to Muslims to not vote for the Congress to avoid their anti-BJP votes getting divided. Her alliance partner and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav asked the EC whether it is capable to issue similar directives to the prime minister to stop him from asking for votes in name of the Army. The EC order to bar Adityanath and Mayawati came soon after the Supreme Court asked the poll watchdog about the action it has initiated against them. The apex court had on Monday expressed displeasure over the Election Commission not taking quick action against politicians for communal and hate speeches during the Lok Sabha campaigning and decided to examine the ambit of its power following submission that it was "toothless". The bench had taken the cases of alleged communal speeches of Mayawati and Adityanath and asked the EC about the action taken so far against them while deciding to examine the statutory powers of the poll panel to deal with the violation of the model code of conduct (MCC). The EC's counsel had said: "The power of the EC in this behalf is very limited. We can issue notice and seek reply but we cannot de-recognise a party or disqualify a candidate...We can only issue advisories and in case of a repeat offence, register a complaint." Reacting sharply, the bench had said, "So you are basically saying you are toothless and powerless against hate speeches." It had then said that besides sending a notice, an advisory and a criminal case can be filed only against such leader. "It is stated by the counsel appearing for the EC that the power of the ECI for violation of the Model Code of Conduct by making hate speeches on grounds of religion, caste etc is circumscribed to issuing of notice and upon consideration of the reply to issue advisories. "Only in case of repeated violation of the advisories, the EC has the power to file an FIR with the Police for initiation of criminal proceedings," the bench had noted in the order. The apex court, on April 8, had issued a notice to the Centre and the poll panel on the PIL seeking direction to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on castes and religions in the media in the run-up to general elections.

Supreme Court refuses to consider Mayawati's plea against Election Commission order

Bhartiya Janata Party leader Maneka Gandhi censured for violating poll code. Watch video to know more

Maneka Gandhi censured for violating poll code

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-and-dinesh-karthik-in-rishabh-pant-out-as-indias-icc-world-cup-squad-announced-210575">KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik in, Rishabh Pant out as India's ICC World Cup squad announced</a>

The BCCI Selection Committee, along with India captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri, met in Mumbai on Monday to select India's 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup to be played in England and Wales.

In a press conference, BCCI announced that Virat Kohli will be the captain and Rohit Sharma the vice-captain of Team India. Shikhar Dhawan is also in the squad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-election-commission-of-india-bans-adityanath-mayawati-for-violating-model-code-of-conduct-210566">Election Commission bars Yogi Adityanath from campaigning for 3 days, Mayawati for 2 days</a>

The Election Commission of India on Monday banned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati from election campaigning for 72 and 48 hours respectively. As per reports, the ban will come into effect from Tuesday 6 am.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-successfully-test-fires-nirbhay-missile-capable-of-deceiving-enemy-radars-210624">India successfully test fires 'Nirbhay' missile capable of deceiving enemy radars</a>

India on Monday successfully test fired its 1,000-km strike range sub-sonic cruise missile 'Nirbhay' off the coast of Odisha.

"All the mission objectives of the test have been achieved and the missile performed very well during the entire flight duration," officials in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-likely-to-be-near-normal-this-year-india-meteorological-department-210602">Monsoon likely to be near normal this year: India Meteorological Department</a>

Monsoon is likely to be "near normal" this year, the India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Monday.

Monsoon is likely to be 96 per cent of the long period average (LPA), M. Rajeevan, secretary at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-alliance-with-aap-rahul-gandhi-says-times-running-out-ready-to-give-4-seats-210651">'Time's running out; ready to give 4 seats,' says Rahul Gandhi on </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-alliance-with-aap-rahul-gandhi-says-times-running-out-ready-to-give-4-seats-210651">alliance</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-alliance-with-aap-rahul-gandhi-says-times-running-out-ready-to-give-4-seats-210651"> with AAP</a>

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!"

KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik in, Rishabh Pant out as India's ICC World Cup squad announced The BCCI Selection Committee, along with India captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri, met in Mumbai on Monday to select India's 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup to be played in England and Wales.

KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik in, Rishabh Pant out as India's ICC World Cup squad announced The BCCI Selection Committee, along with India captain Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri, met in Mumbai on Monday to select India's 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup to be played in England and Wales. In a press conference, BCCI announced that Virat Kohli will be the captain and Rohit Sharma the vice-captain of Team India. Shikhar Dhawan is also in the squad. Election Commission bars Yogi Adityanath from campaigning for 3 days, Mayawati for 2 days The Election Commission of India on Monday banned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati from election campaigning for 72 and 48 hours respectively. As per reports, the ban will come into effect from Tuesday 6 am. India successfully test fires 'Nirbhay' missile capable of deceiving enemy radars India on Monday successfully test fired its 1,000-km strike range sub-sonic cruise missile 'Nirbhay' off the coast of Odisha. "All the mission objectives of the test have been achieved and the missile performed very well during the entire flight duration," officials in the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said. Monsoon likely to be near normal this year: India Meteorological Department Monsoon is likely to be "near normal" this year, the India Meteorological Department(IMD) said on Monday. Monsoon is likely to be 96 per cent of the long period average (LPA), M. Rajeevan, secretary at the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said. 'Time's running out; ready to give 4 seats,' says Rahul Gandhi on alliance with AAP Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!"

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious displeasure after the Election Commission (EC) conveyed that it has limited power to act against leaders like <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-2019-election-commission-of-india-bans-adityanath-mayawati-for-violating-model-code-of-conduct-210566">BSP supremo Mayawati and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath</a>, who made statements along religious lines and violated the model code of conduct.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, while taking note of EC's contention that it can merely issue notice, an advisory and then lodge criminal complaint on repeated violations of model code of conduct, summoned an official of the poll panel, who is well versed with the issue, to appear before it tomorrow.

The apex court took into account the EC's statement that notices were issued on a speech made by Mayawati asking Muslims to vote and Yogi Adityanath on 'Ali-Bajrang Bali'.

The Bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, pulled up the EC for not acting against them for their statements on religion and hate speeches.

"We would like to examine the matter. The representative of Election Commission should appear in the court tomorrow at 10.30 am," said the Bench.

The court was hearing a PIL seeking strict action against political parties if their spokespersons and representatives deliver speeches and make remarks in media on religion and caste.

During the hearing, the EC told the top court that it had issued three notices on violation of model code of conduct and the first notice was against Adityanath, which has been closed.

The second notice was against Mayawati, which she was to reply by April 12 but she has not replied yet, the EC said.

Chief Justice Gogoi said this is something the EC is duty bound to act on and it has to get into action immediately.

"What have you done when she (Mayawati) has not replied? What are you impart to do in law?" asked the top court.

The counsel appearing for EC replied that it issued notices and then an advisory. On repeated violation of model code of conduct, a criminal complaint can be filed, the EC counsel said.

"We can't disqualify them (politicians). We can't even derecognise these political parties," the EC counsel said.

"That's it? You (Election Commission) know your power? For violating the model code of conduct, all you can do is issue advisory?" Chief Justice Gogoi observed and said the court will examine the issue relating to the power of EC in model code of conduct violations by politicians.

The Bench then told the counsel appearing for the petitioner that EC says "we are toothless, we are powerless, we issue notices, then advisory and on repeated violation, we file complaint, this is their power".

Earlier, the top court had sought the EC's reply on the PIL filed by an NRI from Sharjah, Harpreet Mansukhani.

The petitioner also urged the top court to constitute a bench headed by former Supreme Court judges "to keep a close watch on the entire election process and check the fairness" of the EC during the Lok Sabha polls.

The petitioner pointed out that the spokespersons or media representatives of political parties/politicians who are not contesting the elections use hate speeches on TV channels and social media platform based on caste or religion and easily escape action since they usually do not contest elections.

"The concept of secular democracy promised under the Indian Constitution for the purity of elections is mandatory in order for a Democracy to thrive and succeed. It is a must for the EC and other legislative bodies to be kept free from unhealthy corrupt practices and unhealthy appeals of influence of religion, race, caste, community or language that could have a devastating effect on a country and its Constitution," stated the plea.

"Elections in India are being mutilated under the evil influence of the 'divide and rule policy'&nbsp;through evil influences of caste and religion which has led to communalism of politics which is a major concern for the security of people from the forces within and from forces outside the country. The communalism and caste-based politics has crossed all barriers which can result into an unknown alarmingly dangerous situation."

The petitioner also sought strict actions against media houses which use caste or religious lines for the debates.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious displeasure after the Election Commission (EC) conveyed that it has limited power to act against leaders like BSP supremo Mayawati and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who made statements along religious lines and violated the model code of conduct.

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious displeasure after the Election Commission (EC) conveyed that it has limited power to act against leaders like BSP supremo Mayawati and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who made statements along religious lines and violated the model code of conduct. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, while taking note of EC's contention that it can merely issue notice, an advisory and then lodge criminal complaint on repeated violations of model code of conduct, summoned an official of the poll panel, who is well versed with the issue, to appear before it tomorrow. The apex court took into account the EC's statement that notices were issued on a speech made by Mayawati asking Muslims to vote and Yogi Adityanath on 'Ali-Bajrang Bali'. The Bench, which also comprised Justices Deepak Gupta and Sanjiv Khanna, pulled up the EC for not acting against them for their statements on religion and hate speeches. "We would like to examine the matter. The representative of Election Commission should appear in the court tomorrow at 10.30 am," said the Bench. The court was hearing a PIL seeking strict action against political parties if their spokespersons and representatives deliver speeches and make remarks in media on religion and caste. During the hearing, the EC told the top court that it had issued three notices on violation of model code of conduct and the first notice was against Adityanath, which has been closed. The second notice was against Mayawati, which she was to reply by April 12 but she has not replied yet, the EC said. Chief Justice Gogoi said this is something the EC is duty bound to act on and it has to get into action immediately. "What have you done when she (Mayawati) has not replied? What are you impart to do in law?" asked the top court. The counsel appearing for EC replied that it issued notices and then an advisory. On repeated violation of model code of conduct, a criminal complaint can be filed, the EC counsel said. "We can't disqualify them (politicians). We can't even derecognise these political parties," the EC counsel said. "That's it? You (Election Commission) know your power? For violating the model code of conduct, all you can do is issue advisory?" Chief Justice Gogoi observed and said the court will examine the issue relating to the power of EC in model code of conduct violations by politicians. The Bench then told the counsel appearing for the petitioner that EC says "we are toothless, we are powerless, we issue notices, then advisory and on repeated violation, we file complaint, this is their power". Earlier, the top court had sought the EC's reply on the PIL filed by an NRI from Sharjah, Harpreet Mansukhani. The petitioner also urged the top court to constitute a bench headed by former Supreme Court judges "to keep a close watch on the entire election process and check the fairness" of the EC during the Lok Sabha polls. The petitioner pointed out that the spokespersons or media representatives of political parties/politicians who are not contesting the elections use hate speeches on TV channels and social media platform based on caste or religion and easily escape action since they usually do not contest elections. "The concept of secular democracy promised under the Indian Constitution for the purity of elections is mandatory in order for a Democracy to thrive and succeed. It is a must for the EC and other legislative bodies to be kept free from unhealthy corrupt practices and unhealthy appeals of influence of religion, race, caste, community or language that could have a devastating effect on a country and its Constitution," stated the plea. "Elections in India are being mutilated under the evil influence of the 'divide and rule policy' through evil influences of caste and religion which has led to communalism of politics which is a major concern for the security of people from the forces within and from forces outside the country. The communalism and caste-based politics has crossed all barriers which can result into an unknown alarmingly dangerous situation." The petitioner also sought strict actions against media houses which use caste or religious lines for the debates.

Supreme Court summons EC official on Tuesday on its contention of 'limited power' over MCC violation

The Election Commission today cracks the whip on leaders for making communal remarks for attracting voters. Mayawati and Yogi Adityanath can't campaign for some upcoming days. Watch video to know more.

Yogi Adityanath can't campaign for next 3 days, EC orders on leaders making communal remarks

The Supreme Court of India asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-election-commission-stalls-release-of-modi-biopic-209258">Election Commision</a> on Monday to watch the biopic on Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-biopic-supreme-court-refuses-to-stay-release-of-film-208956">Narendra Modi</a> and submit its report by Friday. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea challenging the commission's ban on the release of the biopic till the general elections are over.

The court agreed to examine a plea against the ban and directed the Election Commission to submit in sealed cover its decision posting the matter for consideration on April 22.

The film's producers had moved the top court after the Election Commission had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-biopic-director-omung-kumar-if-releasing-the-film-at-the-time-of-elections-gets-box-office-results-then-why-not-209220">banned the film</a> from releasing before elections.

The poll panel had last week banned the screening of the biopic during the current poll period, saying any such film that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in the electronic media.

The commission, in a separate order, had also directed the producers not to exhibit the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi' "till further orders".

Acting on the complaints of political parties, including the Congress, the poll panel had asserted that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level playing field should not be displayed in the area where Model Code of Conduct was in force.

The EC order came after the apex court on Tuesday disposed of the petition filed by a Congress activist seeking stay on the release of the biopic, saying the poll panel was the right forum to decide the issue.

The commission's order came on April 10, a day before it was to be released, coinciding with the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. Votes for all 543 seats will be counted on May 23 after the end of the seven-phase polling on May 19.

The Supreme Court of India asked the Election Commision on Monday to watch the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submit its report by Friday. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea challenging the commission's ban on the release of the biopic till the general elections are over.

The Supreme Court of India asked the Election Commision on Monday to watch the biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and submit its report by Friday. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi was hearing a plea challenging the commission's ban on the release of the biopic till the general elections are over. The court agreed to examine a plea against the ban and directed the Election Commission to submit in sealed cover its decision posting the matter for consideration on April 22. The film's producers had moved the top court after the Election Commission had banned the film from releasing before elections. The poll panel had last week banned the screening of the biopic during the current poll period, saying any such film that subserves purpose of any political entity or individual should not be displayed in the electronic media. The commission, in a separate order, had also directed the producers not to exhibit the film titled 'PM Narendra Modi' "till further orders". Acting on the complaints of political parties, including the Congress, the poll panel had asserted that any biopic material with the potential to disturb the level playing field should not be displayed in the area where Model Code of Conduct was in force. The EC order came after the apex court on Tuesday disposed of the petition filed by a Congress activist seeking stay on the release of the biopic, saying the poll panel was the right forum to decide the issue. The commission's order came on April 10, a day before it was to be released, coinciding with the first phase of Lok Sabha elections. Votes for all 543 seats will be counted on May 23 after the end of the seven-phase polling on May 19.

Ban on Modi biopic: Watch the film and submit report, Supreme Court directs Election Commission

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

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

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

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

Braving all odds, Election Commission (EC) officials in Arunachal Pradesh trekked 13,583 feet in Luguthang village to elections for Mukto Assembly Constituency.

Polling for 60 Assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha seats in Arunachal Pradesh was held simultaneously on April 11. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

"Polling parties in Arunachal Pradesh. 13583 feet altitude Luguthang - Mukto Assembly Constituency. Whatever the challenges - they do cross them all to reach the Voters afterall!" EC spokesperson Sheyphali Sharan tweeted on Saturday.

As 17th Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19, officials and security personnel are trekking to remote areas of the country to set up poll booths.

In Arunachal, it took two days to reach several polling stations situated at inaccessible areas. Also, some of the polling officials were airlifted since they were deployed in isolated places.

There were 2,202 polling stations in the state for 7,98,249 voters. This year, the EC has taken several steps to add more service voters in the election process. Awareness campaigns through electronic, social, print and other media were given due attention.

According to EC officials, an estimated 66 per cent voters of the total of 7.98 lakh electorate cast their votes in the simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday. However, the exact figures are yet to be revealed by the EC. 
&nbsp;

Braving all odds, Election Commission (EC) officials in Arunachal Pradesh trekked 13,583 feet in Luguthang village to elections for Mukto Assembly Constituency. Polling for 60 Assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha seats in Arunachal Pradesh was held simultaneously on April 11.

Braving all odds, Election Commission (EC) officials in Arunachal Pradesh trekked 13,583 feet in Luguthang village to elections for Mukto Assembly Constituency. Polling for 60 Assembly constituencies and two Lok Sabha seats in Arunachal Pradesh was held simultaneously on April 11. Counting of votes will take place on May 23. "Polling parties in Arunachal Pradesh. 13583 feet altitude Luguthang - Mukto Assembly Constituency. Whatever the challenges - they do cross them all to reach the Voters afterall!" EC spokesperson Sheyphali Sharan tweeted on Saturday. As 17th Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases from April 11 to May 19, officials and security personnel are trekking to remote areas of the country to set up poll booths. In Arunachal, it took two days to reach several polling stations situated at inaccessible areas. Also, some of the polling officials were airlifted since they were deployed in isolated places. There were 2,202 polling stations in the state for 7,98,249 voters. This year, the EC has taken several steps to add more service voters in the election process. Awareness campaigns through electronic, social, print and other media were given due attention. According to EC officials, an estimated 66 per cent voters of the total of 7.98 lakh electorate cast their votes in the simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday. However, the exact figures are yet to be revealed by the EC.

Election Commission officials trek 13,583 feet to conduct polls in Arunachal

The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Union Minister Maneka Gandhi for her remark during a poll speech in Sultanpur on Thursday.

Gandhi had said that her win from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency is certain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vote-for-me-you-will-need-me-once-elections-are-over-maneka-gandhi-to-muslims-209857">"with or without" the support of Muslims</a> and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once the BJP is in power.

"You have to recognise that this victory is sure without you and even with you, and you will have to spread the word," she had said while addressing an election rally.

BR Tiwari, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, said on Friday: "The EC has taken cognisance of the matter. District Magistrate, Sultanpur, has issued a show-cause notice to her and a report has been sent to the EC."

On the other hand, Maneka Gandhi said that she is quoted out of context.

"I had called a meeting of our minority cell. If you read my complete speech, the channel is running that one sentence out of context," she said.

Maneka is contesting from Sultanpur, and her son Varun Gandhi is contesting from Pilibhit.

The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases which started on April 11. The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Union Minister Maneka Gandhi for her remark during a poll speech in Sultanpur on Thursday. Gandhi had said that her win from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency is certain "with or without" the support of Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once the BJP is in power.

The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Union Minister Maneka Gandhi for her remark during a poll speech in Sultanpur on Thursday. Gandhi had said that her win from Sultanpur Lok Sabha constituency is certain "with or without" the support of Muslims and the community should realise it since they will need to get their work done once the BJP is in power. "You have to recognise that this victory is sure without you and even with you, and you will have to spread the word," she had said while addressing an election rally. BR Tiwari, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, said on Friday: "The EC has taken cognisance of the matter. District Magistrate, Sultanpur, has issued a show-cause notice to her and a report has been sent to the EC." On the other hand, Maneka Gandhi said that she is quoted out of context. "I had called a meeting of our minority cell. If you read my complete speech, the channel is running that one sentence out of context," she said. Maneka is contesting from Sultanpur, and her son Varun Gandhi is contesting from Pilibhit. The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held in all seven phases which started on April 11. The counting of votes will be held on May 23.

Election commission issues show-cause notice to Maneka Gandhi for her 'controversial' speech

The Supreme Court on Friday said that all the political parties will have to mandatorily disclose the details of donations received through electoral bonds. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, pronounced the order while hearing a petition filed by an NGO Association of Democratic Reforms opposing the use of electoral bonds for political funding.

The court said that electoral bonds will continue but further added that the details to be submitted before the Election Commission in a sealed envelope must also include the bank account details of the political parties. It asked the details of political funding till May 15 to be submitted by May 30.

The court had on Thursday reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the legality of electoral bonds.

The Centre and the Election Commission have taken contrary stands in the court over political funding with the government wanting to maintain anonymity of the donors of electoral bonds and poll panel batting for revealing the names of donors for transparency.

The NGO had sought interim reliefs that either the issuance of electoral bonds be stayed or the names of the donors be made public to ensure transparency in the poll process.

Appearing for the NGO, Advocate Prashant Bhushan told the top court during the hearing yesterday that electoral bonds were promoting undisclosed (anonymous) source of funds to political parties, thereby destroying the fabric of free and fair elections in India.

Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, countered by saying, "This is the best scheme possible to combat the vice of black money in elections. I hope the court upholds it."

Meanwhile, the Election Commission told the top court that it was not against electoral bonds but the anonymity factor. "We are opposed to anonymity and we want transparency with full disclosure. We are concerned with the amendments brought to the Representation of the Peoples Act. Political parties should put it (info on donations) on their websites so people get to know," the commission said.

However, the Attorney General defended the government's stand by saying that the law was passed to eliminate black money and that the "secrecy of funding is necessary to ensure that those who fund the political parties are not victimised if the party which they did not fund comes to power".

Electoral bonds were introduced by amendments made through the Finance Act 2017 to the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, Representation of Peoples Act 1951, Income Tax Act 1962 and Companies Act. In January last year, Modi government notified the scheme for electoral bonds, which are in nature of bearer instruments like a promissory note capable of being purchased by an Indian citizen or a body based in India. These electoral bonds can be purchased from an authorised bank and can be issued to a political party. The political party can encash the bond within 15 days.

The most important issue regarding the electoral bonds is that the identity of the donor is known only to the bank, which is any case is kept anonymous.

The Supreme Court on Friday said that all the political parties will have to mandatorily disclose the details of donations received through electoral bonds. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, pronounced the order while hearing a petition filed by an NGO Association of Democratic Reforms opposing the use of electoral bonds for political funding.

The Supreme Court on Friday said that all the political parties will have to mandatorily disclose the details of donations received through electoral bonds. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, pronounced the order while hearing a petition filed by an NGO Association of Democratic Reforms opposing the use of electoral bonds for political funding. The court said that electoral bonds will continue but further added that the details to be submitted before the Election Commission in a sealed envelope must also include the bank account details of the political parties. It asked the details of political funding till May 15 to be submitted by May 30. The court had on Thursday reserved its verdict on petitions challenging the legality of electoral bonds. The Centre and the Election Commission have taken contrary stands in the court over political funding with the government wanting to maintain anonymity of the donors of electoral bonds and poll panel batting for revealing the names of donors for transparency. The NGO had sought interim reliefs that either the issuance of electoral bonds be stayed or the names of the donors be made public to ensure transparency in the poll process. Appearing for the NGO, Advocate Prashant Bhushan told the top court during the hearing yesterday that electoral bonds were promoting undisclosed (anonymous) source of funds to political parties, thereby destroying the fabric of free and fair elections in India. Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, countered by saying, "This is the best scheme possible to combat the vice of black money in elections. I hope the court upholds it." Meanwhile, the Election Commission told the top court that it was not against electoral bonds but the anonymity factor. "We are opposed to anonymity and we want transparency with full disclosure. We are concerned with the amendments brought to the Representation of the Peoples Act. Political parties should put it (info on donations) on their websites so people get to know," the commission said. However, the Attorney General defended the government's stand by saying that the law was passed to eliminate black money and that the "secrecy of funding is necessary to ensure that those who fund the political parties are not victimised if the party which they did not fund comes to power". Electoral bonds were introduced by amendments made through the Finance Act 2017 to the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934, Representation of Peoples Act 1951, Income Tax Act 1962 and Companies Act. In January last year, Modi government notified the scheme for electoral bonds, which are in nature of bearer instruments like a promissory note capable of being purchased by an Indian citizen or a body based in India. These electoral bonds can be purchased from an authorised bank and can be issued to a political party. The political party can encash the bond within 15 days. The most important issue regarding the electoral bonds is that the identity of the donor is known only to the bank, which is any case is kept anonymous.

Political parties must submit details of funding through electoral bonds, says Supreme Court

Union minister and BJP candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha seat Smriti Irani Thursday submitted to the Election Commission that she did not complete her graduation from Delhi University.

In her affidavit filed during her nomination, Irani, who is contesting against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, said she passed secondary school examination in 1991 and senior secondary school examination in 1993.

She has said she did not complete her Bachelor of Commerce (Part-I), a three-year degree course from Delhi University's School of Open Learning in 1994.

In her affidavit for 2014 polls, she had reportedly said she graduated from the university in 1994, triggering a row over the veracity of her claim, with opposition parties alleging she was not a graduate.

This year, she has declared assets worth over Rs 4.71 crore.

According to the affidavit, Irani has declared movable property worth over Rs 1.75 crore.

Her immovable assets are worth Rs 2.96 crore, which include an agricultural land valued at over Rs 1.45 crore and a residential building of Rs 1.50 crore.

In the movable category, she had cash in hand till March 31 totalling about Rs 6.24 lakh besides over Rs 89 lakh in bank accounts.

She also has over Rs 18 lakh in NSS and postal savings insurance and another Rs 1.05 lakh in other investments.

Irani has vehicles valued at Rs 13.14 lakh and jewellery worth Rs 21 lakh.

There is no FIR pending against her and she has not taken any loan.

Her husband Zubin has movable property of more than Rs 1.69 crore and immovable property worth Rs 2.97 crore.&nbsp;

Union minister and BJP candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha seat Smriti Irani Thursday submitted to the Election Commission that she did not complete her graduation from Delhi University.

Union minister and BJP candidate from Amethi Lok Sabha seat Smriti Irani Thursday submitted to the Election Commission that she did not complete her graduation from Delhi University. In her affidavit filed during her nomination, Irani, who is contesting against Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, said she passed secondary school examination in 1991 and senior secondary school examination in 1993. She has said she did not complete her Bachelor of Commerce (Part-I), a three-year degree course from Delhi University's School of Open Learning in 1994. In her affidavit for 2014 polls, she had reportedly said she graduated from the university in 1994, triggering a row over the veracity of her claim, with opposition parties alleging she was not a graduate. This year, she has declared assets worth over Rs 4.71 crore. According to the affidavit, Irani has declared movable property worth over Rs 1.75 crore. Her immovable assets are worth Rs 2.96 crore, which include an agricultural land valued at over Rs 1.45 crore and a residential building of Rs 1.50 crore. In the movable category, she had cash in hand till March 31 totalling about Rs 6.24 lakh besides over Rs 89 lakh in bank accounts. She also has over Rs 18 lakh in NSS and postal savings insurance and another Rs 1.05 lakh in other investments. Irani has vehicles valued at Rs 13.14 lakh and jewellery worth Rs 21 lakh. There is no FIR pending against her and she has not taken any loan. Her husband Zubin has movable property of more than Rs 1.69 crore and immovable property worth Rs 2.97 crore.

In election affidavit, Smriti Irani says 'not graduate'

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-narendra-modi-gets-highest-civilian-award-of-russia-209806">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a>, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her party's "disappointment" with the poll watchdog, saying it has looked the other way despite their repeated pleas to it against Gandhi for his "baseless" allegations against Modi.

A BJP delegation, including Sitharaman, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and its media head Anil Baluni, submitted to the EC a memorandum in which the saffron party also accused the Trinamool Congress of poll rigging in West Bengal during the first phase polling of the general election on Thursday.

Pointing to Gandhi's remarks Wednesday that the apex court has acknowledged that Modi is a "thief" and that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, Naqvi said such "lies" and "baseless allegations" are not only violative of the Model Code of Conduct but also fall under "corrupt practices", as described in the Representation of People Act.

The court had never said such a thing, he said.

"Congress president Rahul Gandhi is using abusive and such strong statements which are totally untrue, calling repeatedly the prime minister a 'chor' (thief) and also putting words in the mouth of Supreme Court," Sitharaman told reporters.

Gandhi has been making such allegations without any evidence, she said, adding that the BJP has approached the EC three times so far against the Congress president.

The BJP felt "let down" that the EC has not taken cognizance of its complaints against him, she said.

Taking a dig at Gandhi, Naqvi said the "brand new president" of an old party like the Congress has crossed all boundaries with his utterances.

The apex court had on Wednesday allowed leaked documents to be relied upon by petitioners seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them.

Gandhi had then claimed that the court has accepted that Modi was a thief.

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said.

The BJP on Friday moved the Election Commission seeking action against Rahul Gandhi for his "abusive" and "completely untrue" comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the Congress president of attributing words to the Supreme Court in the Rafale case that it never said. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Nirmala Sitharaman also expressed her party's "disappointment" with the poll watchdog, saying it has looked the other way despite their repeated pleas to it against Gandhi for his "baseless" allegations against Modi. A BJP delegation, including Sitharaman, Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and its media head Anil Baluni, submitted to the EC a memorandum in which the saffron party also accused the Trinamool Congress of poll rigging in West Bengal during the first phase polling of the general election on Thursday. Pointing to Gandhi's remarks Wednesday that the apex court has acknowledged that Modi is a "thief" and that he gave Rs 30,000 crore to industrialist Anil Ambani, Naqvi said such "lies" and "baseless allegations" are not only violative of the Model Code of Conduct but also fall under "corrupt practices", as described in the Representation of People Act. The court had never said such a thing, he said. "Congress president Rahul Gandhi is using abusive and such strong statements which are totally untrue, calling repeatedly the prime minister a 'chor' (thief) and also putting words in the mouth of Supreme Court," Sitharaman told reporters. Gandhi has been making such allegations without any evidence, she said, adding that the BJP has approached the EC three times so far against the Congress president. The BJP felt "let down" that the EC has not taken cognizance of its complaints against him, she said. Taking a dig at Gandhi, Naqvi said the "brand new president" of an old party like the Congress has crossed all boundaries with his utterances. The apex court had on Wednesday allowed leaked documents to be relied upon by petitioners seeking review of its Rafale judgement and dismissed the government's preliminary objections claiming "privilege" over them. Gandhi had then claimed that the court has accepted that Modi was a thief.

BJP moves Election Commission for action against Rahul Gandhi for making 'baseless' allegations against PM Modi

The socioeconomic prospects of a country are best measured by the social and political status enjoyed by its women. In that context, India became a trailblazer by granting women the equal right to vote from day one along with men through Universal Adult Suffrage. It may not sound like a big deal today — but it is.&nbsp;

Take, for example, the case of the US, which took 144 years, and the UK, which took 100 years to confer political equality on women. By the time women got unconditional suffrage in the latter in 1928, Dr Muthulaxmi Reddy, a 41-year-old doctor, had already become the first female member of the Madras Legislative Council of colonial India.

Unfortunately, equal voting rights and elections have not translated into better outcomes for women in the field of political and socioeconomic participation. After seven decades, we remain a highly patriarchal society. Social and cultural stereotypes, educational and economic backwardness, safety and security issues lead to women facing uncertainty inside and outside the four walls of their home.&nbsp;

India suffers from one of the worst sex ratios in South Asia — 940 women for every 1,000 men. We rank poorly in World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index — 108 out of 149 countries. Even within that index, we rank 142 out of 149 countries on economic opportunity and participation. This deficit also translates into gender-skewed voter lists. For instance, the ratio was as low as 800 to 1,000 males when I joined the Election Commission in 2006.&nbsp;

To enable greater participation of women as voters, the Commission undertook the onerous task of searching for ‘missing women’ from the voter lists. Gender was included as a principal element in the review of the health of electoral rolls. It was found that some of the common issues post registration included concerns about security at the booths (for instance, encountering anti-social elements), family pressures, sanitation facilities, etc.&nbsp;

Subsequent voter education campaigns included targeted communication to family elders for curing stereotypes. Separate queues for women, female staff at the booths, female police force and all-women polling stations in some areas contributed to jump in female turnout. For instance, in 2012 UP elections, a simple but innovative idea of allowing two women in the queue to enter the polling station for every man proved to be a game-changer. &nbsp; 
 
The EC’s National and State level election icons helped bring women out. Celebrated figures such as folk singers Malini Awasthi in UP and Sharda Sinha in Bihar, inspired millions of women to go to the polling booths. Due to such efforts, women voters outnumbered men in the 2010 Bihar elections (54.85 per cent against 50.77 per cent) and 2012 UP elections (60.28 per cent against 58.68 per cent).

Due to the EC’s Systematic Voter Education for Electoral Participation (SVEEP) aimed at educating the masses and focusing on women, there was a 10 per cent point jump in women’s turnout - from 55.82 per cent in 2009 to 65.63 per cent in 2014! The icing on the cake- women outnumbered men in 16 states despite the adverse gender ratio. The gender voting gap shrank to mere 1.46 per cent.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;
<img alt="Figure 1" data-caption="Fig 1. Graph Source- Quraishi, SY. 2019. The Great March of Democracy, Seven Decades of India’s Elections. Penguin Random House." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71bddf57-a0ec-4c95-859f-d51a06ff2af6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture1_1.png" />
Fig 1. Graph Source- Quraishi, SY. 2019. The Great March of Democracy, Seven Decades of India’s Elections. Penguin Random House. 
 
While the Commission has lead the way in making elections inclusive, the sorry state of women’s participation in the legislatures is abysmal 12.15 per cent in the Lok Sabha (Fig 2) and even more abysmal in most state legislatures. (Fig 3) 
 
<img alt="Figure 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="398f67b2-2eae-4af4-91be-ef91292bcf85" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture2.png" />

&nbsp;
<img alt="Figure 3" data-caption="Fig (2 and 3)Source- Trivedi Centre for Political Data (Image Courtesy:Citizen Matters)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7feb5eb3-f59c-4b6a-b11a-db003937a56e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture3.png" />
Fig (2 and 3)Source- Trivedi Centre for Political Data (Image Courtesy:Citizen Matters) 
 
This is shameful as compared to some neighbouring conservative Muslim countries, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have high female political representation. This has become a reality due to affirmative legislation on women’s representation. Nepal has led the way with its latest progressive constitution and has recorded dramatic increase of women at all levels of government, not just the national legislature. (Fig 4)
<img alt="Figure 4" data-caption="Fig 4. Source- World Bank Data" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c90b5e6-2225-4490-ac29-aade0717e14a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture4_0.png" />
Fig 4. Source- World Bank Data 
 
The unwillingness of Indian political leadership (which is dominated by males) to provide women fair representation in its legislatures is paradoxical. Women were allowed 33 per cent in local bodies in 1993, which was later made 50 per cent in 2009. A number of states have introduced 50 per cent reservations in corporations and municipalities. But the upper levels of government are still to pass their respective reservation bills that have been debated ad nauseam.&nbsp; 
 
Unfortunately, political parties are reluctant to even give enough tickets to women. Hardly one-tenth of total candidates are female — the excuse of low ‘winnability’ of female candidates is a myth. Anyone with the slightest bit of knowledge of our electoral history is aware of the simple fact that their “strike rate” has always been as much as two to four times higher! (Fig 5) 
&nbsp;
<img alt="Figure 5" data-caption="&lt;br /&gt;
Factly.com, ECI" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f908e97a-c09e-496d-aabc-2f478aa097f8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Picture5.png" />
Factly.com, ECI 
 
In this context, it is a welcome transformation that some parties are now competing to give tickets to women, with Trinamool Congress giving 41 per cent tickets to women, and Biju Janata Dal giving 33 per cent. The gender participation within all parties is abysmal and this is certainly a good start. But a lot more needs to be done. The women’s reservation bills at both state and National level are overdue. &nbsp;

Though our elections are considered a gold standard, the agenda of women’s political representation remains unfinished. The society must ensure that women don’t only choose their representatives, but become one. A comprehensive reform agenda must be a priority for the 17th Lok Sabha. Women’s representation in legislatures throughout the country needs to be written down into law and not left to the discretion of political parties. It is time the political parties follow the example of inclusive elections set by the Election Commission by making parliament inclusive. The time for walking the talk is now.

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The socioeconomic prospects of a country are best measured by the social and political status enjoyed by its women. In that context, India became a trailblazer by granting women the equal right to vote from day one along with men through Universal Adult Suffrage.

The socioeconomic prospects of a country are best measured by the social and political status enjoyed by its women. In that context, India became a trailblazer by granting women the equal right to vote from day one along with men through Universal Adult Suffrage. It may not sound like a big deal today — but it is. Take, for example, the case of the US, which took 144 years, and the UK, which took 100 years to confer political equality on women. By the time women got unconditional suffrage in the latter in 1928, Dr Muthulaxmi Reddy, a 41-year-old doctor, had already become the first female member of the Madras Legislative Council of colonial India. Unfortunately, equal voting rights and elections have not translated into better outcomes for women in the field of political and socioeconomic participation. After seven decades, we remain a highly patriarchal society. Social and cultural stereotypes, educational and economic backwardness, safety and security issues lead to women facing uncertainty inside and outside the four walls of their home. India suffers from one of the worst sex ratios in South Asia — 940 women for every 1,000 men. We rank poorly in World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index — 108 out of 149 countries. Even within that index, we rank 142 out of 149 countries on economic opportunity and participation. This deficit also translates into gender-skewed voter lists. For instance, the ratio was as low as 800 to 1,000 males when I joined the Election Commission in 2006. To enable greater participation of women as voters, the Commission undertook the onerous task of searching for ‘missing women’ from the voter lists. Gender was included as a principal element in the review of the health of electoral rolls. It was found that some of the common issues post registration included concerns about security at the booths (for instance, encountering anti-social elements), family pressures, sanitation facilities, etc. Subsequent voter education campaigns included targeted communication to family elders for curing stereotypes. Separate queues for women, female staff at the booths, female police force and all-women polling stations in some areas contributed to jump in female turnout. For instance, in 2012 UP elections, a simple but innovative idea of allowing two women in the queue to enter the polling station for every man proved to be a game-changer. The EC’s National and State level election icons helped bring women out. Celebrated figures such as folk singers Malini Awasthi in UP and Sharda Sinha in Bihar, inspired millions of women to go to the polling booths. Due to such efforts, women voters outnumbered men in the 2010 Bihar elections (54.85 per cent against 50.77 per cent) and 2012 UP elections (60.28 per cent against 58.68 per cent). Due to the EC’s Systematic Voter Education for Electoral Participation (SVEEP) aimed at educating the masses and focusing on women, there was a 10 per cent point jump in women’s turnout - from 55.82 per cent in 2009 to 65.63 per cent in 2014! The icing on the cake- women outnumbered men in 16 states despite the adverse gender ratio. The gender voting gap shrank to mere 1.46 per cent. Fig 1. Graph Source- Quraishi, SY. 2019. The Great March of Democracy, Seven Decades of India’s Elections. Penguin Random House. While the Commission has lead the way in making elections inclusive, the sorry state of women’s participation in the legislatures is abysmal 12.15 per cent in the Lok Sabha (Fig 2) and even more abysmal in most state legislatures. (Fig 3) Fig (2 and 3)Source- Trivedi Centre for Political Data (Image Courtesy:Citizen Matters) This is shameful as compared to some neighbouring conservative Muslim countries, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which have high female political representation. This has become a reality due to affirmative legislation on women’s representation. Nepal has led the way with its latest progressive constitution and has recorded dramatic increase of women at all levels of government, not just the national legislature. (Fig 4) Fig 4. Source- World Bank Data The unwillingness of Indian political leadership (which is dominated by males) to provide women fair representation in its legislatures is paradoxical. Women were allowed 33 per cent in local bodies in 1993, which was later made 50 per cent in 2009. A number of states have introduced 50 per cent reservations in corporations and municipalities. But the upper levels of government are still to pass their respective reservation bills that have been debated ad nauseam. Unfortunately, political parties are reluctant to even give enough tickets to women. Hardly one-tenth of total candidates are female — the excuse of low ‘winnability’ of female candidates is a myth. Anyone with the slightest bit of knowledge of our electoral history is aware of the simple fact that their “strike rate” has always been as much as two to four times higher! (Fig 5) Factly.com, ECI In this context, it is a welcome transformation that some parties are now competing to give tickets to women, with Trinamool Congress giving 41 per cent tickets to women, and Biju Janata Dal giving 33 per cent. The gender participation within all parties is abysmal and this is certainly a good start. But a lot more needs to be done. The women’s reservation bills at both state and National level are overdue. Though our elections are considered a gold standard, the agenda of women’s political representation remains unfinished. The society must ensure that women don’t only choose their representatives, but become one. A comprehensive reform agenda must be a priority for the 17th Lok Sabha. Women’s representation in legislatures throughout the country needs to be written down into law and not left to the discretion of political parties. It is time the political parties follow the example of inclusive elections set by the Election Commission by making parliament inclusive. The time for walking the talk is now. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Women shouldn't just choose their political representatives, they should become one

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday sent notices to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and UP CM Yogi Adityanath over their speeches delivered in Deoband in Saharanpur on April 7 and 9 respectively, which allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct.

Both the leaders have been asked to submit their response within 24 hours.

The two leaders have been issued notice under Sub-Section (3) of Section 123 of the Representation of the People`s Act.

The commission in its notice to them also reminded that the Supreme Court through a judgement in 2017 had ordered that religion and caste cannot be used by anyone while making any statement during electioneering or otherwise.

"The EC is prima facie of the opinion that you have violated the aforesaid provisions of the MCC and also wilfully disobeyed the order of the Supreme Court by making impugned statements," the Commission said in the notice issued to both the leaders.

Mayawati while addressing a rally in Deoband on April 7 had said, "I want to say to the people of the Muslim community that you should not distribute your votes in the name of relations and friendship. If you want to defeat the BJP in UP, then you should not let your votes get divided. Instead, vote for the grand-alliance candidates in a consolidated manner. This is my request, especially to the people of the Muslim community."

Replying to Mayawati, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing a rally in Meerut said, "You would have heard Mayawati`s speech day before yesterday. She said that if she gets only Muslim votes, then grand-alliance doesn`t need the votes of others. I also want to tell you that if Congress, Samajwadi Party, BSP have faith in Ali, then we have faith in Bajrangbali."

"They have accepted that followers of Bajrangbali will never tolerate them. That is why by shouting `Ali-Ali` from stages, they want to spread a green virus to bite this country," the Chief Minister had added.&nbsp;

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday sent notices to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and UP CM Yogi Adityanath over their speeches delivered in Deoband in Saharanpur on April 7 and 9 respectively, which allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct.

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday sent notices to Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati and UP CM Yogi Adityanath over their speeches delivered in Deoband in Saharanpur on April 7 and 9 respectively, which allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct. Both the leaders have been asked to submit their response within 24 hours. The two leaders have been issued notice under Sub-Section (3) of Section 123 of the Representation of the People`s Act. The commission in its notice to them also reminded that the Supreme Court through a judgement in 2017 had ordered that religion and caste cannot be used by anyone while making any statement during electioneering or otherwise. "The EC is prima facie of the opinion that you have violated the aforesaid provisions of the MCC and also wilfully disobeyed the order of the Supreme Court by making impugned statements," the Commission said in the notice issued to both the leaders. Mayawati while addressing a rally in Deoband on April 7 had said, "I want to say to the people of the Muslim community that you should not distribute your votes in the name of relations and friendship. If you want to defeat the BJP in UP, then you should not let your votes get divided. Instead, vote for the grand-alliance candidates in a consolidated manner. This is my request, especially to the people of the Muslim community." Replying to Mayawati, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing a rally in Meerut said, "You would have heard Mayawati`s speech day before yesterday. She said that if she gets only Muslim votes, then grand-alliance doesn`t need the votes of others. I also want to tell you that if Congress, Samajwadi Party, BSP have faith in Ali, then we have faith in Bajrangbali." "They have accepted that followers of Bajrangbali will never tolerate them. That is why by shouting `Ali-Ali` from stages, they want to spread a green virus to bite this country," the Chief Minister had added.

EC sends notice to Yogi, Mayawati for 'violation' of Model Code of Conduct, seeks reply within 24 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday stalled the release of PM Narendra Modi, a day before it was set to hit theatres.

India Election Watch: PM Modi's Biopic won't release during polls

Tomorrow is the first day of Lok Sabha elections 2019 of India. See how it is difficult to conduct voting in remote locations and how the preparedness is going on for tomorrow.

Preparedness started, How polling is a challenge in remote locations of India?

The Election Commission has called the revenue secretary and chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes on Tuesday to discuss ongoing income tax raids.

Revenue Secretary A B Pandey and CBDT Chairman P C Mody have been called to explain the raids amid allegations by the Congress that the ruling BJP was using enforcement agencies to target it during the poll season.

The EC had on Sunday "strongly advised" the Finance Ministry that any action by its enforcement agencies during election time should be "neutral" and "non-discriminatory" and officials of the poll panel should be kept in loop about such actions.

The EC's advice had come against the backdrop of Income Tax Department's raids in Madhya Pradesh Sunday and in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the recent past on politicians and people connected to them.&nbsp;

Since the Model Code Conduct came into force on March 10, the I-T Department has carried out several raids on political leaders and their associates which the opposition has dubbed a misuse of central agencies during poll season.

The Income-Tax Department Monday said it has detected a "widespread and well-organised" racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore during raids against close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and others.

It said sleuths have recovered Rs 14.6 crore of "unaccounted" cash and seized diaries and computer files of suspect payments made between Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.?

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the department has also detected a trail of Rs 20 crore suspect cash allegedly being moved to the "headquarters of a major political party in Delhi" from the house of an important person who lives on Tughlaq Road, home to many VIPs.

The Election Commission has called the revenue secretary and chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes on Tuesday to discuss ongoing income tax raids. Revenue Secretary A B Pandey and CBDT Chairman P C Mody have been called to explain the raids amid allegations by the Congress that the ruling BJP was using enforcement agencies to target it during the poll season.

The Election Commission has called the revenue secretary and chairman, Central Board of Direct Taxes on Tuesday to discuss ongoing income tax raids. Revenue Secretary A B Pandey and CBDT Chairman P C Mody have been called to explain the raids amid allegations by the Congress that the ruling BJP was using enforcement agencies to target it during the poll season. The EC had on Sunday "strongly advised" the Finance Ministry that any action by its enforcement agencies during election time should be "neutral" and "non-discriminatory" and officials of the poll panel should be kept in loop about such actions. The EC's advice had come against the backdrop of Income Tax Department's raids in Madhya Pradesh Sunday and in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the recent past on politicians and people connected to them. Since the Model Code Conduct came into force on March 10, the I-T Department has carried out several raids on political leaders and their associates which the opposition has dubbed a misuse of central agencies during poll season. The Income-Tax Department Monday said it has detected a "widespread and well-organised" racket of a collection of unaccounted cash of about Rs 281 crore during raids against close aides of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath and others. It said sleuths have recovered Rs 14.6 crore of "unaccounted" cash and seized diaries and computer files of suspect payments made between Madhya Pradesh and Delhi.? The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said the department has also detected a trail of Rs 20 crore suspect cash allegedly being moved to the "headquarters of a major political party in Delhi" from the house of an important person who lives on Tughlaq Road, home to many VIPs.

IT raids: Election Commission calls CBDT chairman, Revenue Secretary