Predictions about election results by astrologers, tarot card readers and others in media when there is a ban on broadcasting exit polls are a violation of law, the Election Commission said Monday.

The poll body's advisory comes days before the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is to be held on April 11.

The silence period, when campaigning in poll-going areas is barred, begins Tuesday evening.

"The Commission is of the view that prediction of results of elections in any form or manner by way of predictions etc by astrologers, tarot readers, political analysts or by any persons during the prohibited period is violation of the spirit of Section 126A (of the Representation of the People Act) which aims to prevent the electors of constituencies still going to polls from being influenced in their voting by such predictions about the prospects of the various political parties," the advisory read.

Electronic and print media is advised not to publish or publicise any article or programme related to the dissemination of results of exit polls during the prohibited period, it said.

The commission also reiterated its earlier advisory banning exit polls till the evening of May 19.

"Election Commission of India, in exercise of the powers under sub-section(1) of Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 has notified the period between 7.00 A.M. On 11.04.2019 (Thursday) and 6.30 P.M. On 19.05.2019 (Sunday) as the period during which conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited," the advisory read.&nbsp;

Predictions about election results by astrologers, tarot card readers and others in media when there is a ban on broadcasting exit polls are a violation of law, the Election Commission said Monday.

Predictions about election results by astrologers, tarot card readers and others in media when there is a ban on broadcasting exit polls are a violation of law, the Election Commission said Monday. The poll body's advisory comes days before the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is to be held on April 11. The silence period, when campaigning in poll-going areas is barred, begins Tuesday evening. "The Commission is of the view that prediction of results of elections in any form or manner by way of predictions etc by astrologers, tarot readers, political analysts or by any persons during the prohibited period is violation of the spirit of Section 126A (of the Representation of the People Act) which aims to prevent the electors of constituencies still going to polls from being influenced in their voting by such predictions about the prospects of the various political parties," the advisory read. Electronic and print media is advised not to publish or publicise any article or programme related to the dissemination of results of exit polls during the prohibited period, it said. The commission also reiterated its earlier advisory banning exit polls till the evening of May 19. "Election Commission of India, in exercise of the powers under sub-section(1) of Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 has notified the period between 7.00 A.M. On 11.04.2019 (Thursday) and 6.30 P.M. On 19.05.2019 (Sunday) as the period during which conducting any exit poll and publishing or publicising the result of exit poll by means of the print or electronic media or in any other manner shall be prohibited," the advisory read.

Predicting results during polling period violation of law: Election Commission

India Election Watch: Latest election news

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country.

Addressing a rally at Rash Mela ground here, he alleged that Banerjee has let loose goons in the state, dashing the hopes of people.

"Didi has maligned Bengal with Saradha Scam, Rose Valley scam and Narada scam. I want to promise you all that this Chowkidar (Modi) will seek answers for each and every paisa looted," he said.

Noting that a venue with limited space was allotted for today's rally, Modi said, "Didi tried her best to stop people from attending the rally in large numbers.

How does she expect to win the elections with such childish antics."

"The way Mamata expressed her anger against Election Commission only shows how perplexed she is. Didi is fast losing her political ground in Bengal," the PM said.

Banerjee had expressed her displeasure when the Election Commission announced seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal.

Modi also charged Banerjee with protecting illegal immigrants to secure her vote bank.

"Didi has betrayed the Centre by giving protection to the intruders. This chowkidar has brought NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to drive out infiltrators. But Didi with her 'Mahamilawati' (opposition alliance) colleagues are trying to stop the government from pursuing them," he said.

Sharing his plans for the development of the country, Modi said, phone calls will soon become free in the country and the charges for the Internet will be the least in the world.

"Every poor has a bank account and a debit card. Women have easy access to gas connections. What seemed impossible a few years ago has been made possible by the Modi government," he added.

Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country.

In a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday "speed-breaker Didi" has applied brakes on several central schemes, denying people of the benefits available in other parts of the country. Addressing a rally at Rash Mela ground here, he alleged that Banerjee has let loose goons in the state, dashing the hopes of people. "Didi has maligned Bengal with Saradha Scam, Rose Valley scam and Narada scam. I want to promise you all that this Chowkidar (Modi) will seek answers for each and every paisa looted," he said. Noting that a venue with limited space was allotted for today's rally, Modi said, "Didi tried her best to stop people from attending the rally in large numbers. How does she expect to win the elections with such childish antics." "The way Mamata expressed her anger against Election Commission only shows how perplexed she is. Didi is fast losing her political ground in Bengal," the PM said. Banerjee had expressed her displeasure when the Election Commission announced seven-phase Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal. Modi also charged Banerjee with protecting illegal immigrants to secure her vote bank. "Didi has betrayed the Centre by giving protection to the intruders. This chowkidar has brought NRC and Citizenship (Amendment) Bill to drive out infiltrators. But Didi with her 'Mahamilawati' (opposition alliance) colleagues are trying to stop the government from pursuing them," he said. Sharing his plans for the development of the country, Modi said, phone calls will soon become free in the country and the charges for the Internet will be the least in the world. "Every poor has a bank account and a debit card. Women have easy access to gas connections. What seemed impossible a few years ago has been made possible by the Modi government," he added. Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal will be held in seven phases between April 11 and May 19.

Didi maligned Bengal with scams, denied people of central Scheme benefits: PM Modi

The Election Commission Sunday “strongly advised,” the Finance Ministry that any action by its enforcement agencies during election time should be “neutral” and “non-discriminatory”. The poll panel’s advice came amid allegations that the government was using the agencies to target rival parties in the poll season.&nbsp;

In a letter to the Union revenue secretary, the commission said it would like to “strongly advise that all enforcement actions during the election period, even when conducted ruthlessly with a view to curbing this blatant electoral malpractice, should be absolutely neutral, impartial and non-discriminatory.”

The Income Tax department, Enforcement Directorate and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence are the executive arm of the Department of Revenue in dealing with financial crimes. In case of suspected use of illicit money for electoral purposes, the chief electoral officer of the state must be kept “suitably informed” during the model code of conduct period, it said.

The seven-phase Lok Sabha election starts from April 11 and counting will be held on May 23. The Income Tax department has carried out raids in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday and in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in the recent past.

The opposition has alleged that rival parties are being singled out by the ruling dispensation in the poll season. 
The letter also highlighted that money power with the intention of influencing voters’ behaviour has over the years emerged as one of the biggest challenges for the conduct of free, fair, ethical and credible elections.

The EC said it is understood that all enforcement agencies working under the administrative control of the finance ministry’s revenue department must be undertaking enforcement actions based on inputs and actionable intelligence, as per extant laws.

The Election Commission Sunday “strongly advised,” the Finance Ministry that any action by its enforcement agencies during election time should be “neutral” and “non-discriminatory”.

The Election Commission Sunday “strongly advised,” the Finance Ministry that any action by its enforcement agencies during election time should be “neutral” and “non-discriminatory”. The poll panel’s advice came amid allegations that the government was using the agencies to target rival parties in the poll season. In a letter to the Union revenue secretary, the commission said it would like to “strongly advise that all enforcement actions during the election period, even when conducted ruthlessly with a view to curbing this blatant electoral malpractice, should be absolutely neutral, impartial and non-discriminatory.” The Income Tax department, Enforcement Directorate and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence are the executive arm of the Department of Revenue in dealing with financial crimes. In case of suspected use of illicit money for electoral purposes, the chief electoral officer of the state must be kept “suitably informed” during the model code of conduct period, it said. The seven-phase Lok Sabha election starts from April 11 and counting will be held on May 23. The Income Tax department has carried out raids in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday and in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in the recent past. The opposition has alleged that rival parties are being singled out by the ruling dispensation in the poll season. The letter also highlighted that money power with the intention of influencing voters’ behaviour has over the years emerged as one of the biggest challenges for the conduct of free, fair, ethical and credible elections. The EC said it is understood that all enforcement agencies working under the administrative control of the finance ministry’s revenue department must be undertaking enforcement actions based on inputs and actionable intelligence, as per extant laws.

Ask enforcement agencies to be neutral: Election Commission to Finance Ministry

The Election Commission is unlikely to take before Monday a final decision on whether to restrain the release of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-modi-biopic-strong-willed-vivek-oberoi-says-undeterred-by-moves-of-opponents-208276">biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi </a>till the Lok Sabha polls are over, as the Supreme Court is slated to hear the issue that day.

The EC has been made a party in a plea filed by a Congress worker who wants the top court to delay the film's release claiming it "disturbs" level-playing field for candidates in the Lok Sabha polls.

Sources said, now any decision will be taken after evaluating the developments in the top court.

However, there is a strong view in the EC that it should not restrain the release of the biopic -- "PM Narendra Modi" -- and should leave it to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take a call on the issue, sources said.

Opposition parties including the Congress have alleged the film will give undue advantage to the BJP in electioneering and its release should be delayed until the elections are over.

The seven-phased Lok Sabha polls begin on April 11 and end on May 19.&nbsp;

The model code of conduct, which among other things, calls for an even playing field for all parties and candidates, came into force on March 10 when the elections were announced.

"PM Narendra Modi" is now scheduled to be released on April 11, the day the first phase of polling takes place.

A functionary pointed? to at least two Supreme Court rulings about movies.

In one of the rulings, the SC had directed the West Bengal government to ensure satirical film 'Bhobishyoter Bhoot' is screened without obstruction. The movie was critical of the then state chief minister.

"We also have to see the latest Delhi High court ruling which said the biopic screening should be decided by the EC," he said, adding that the model code is silent on films and thus it remains a "grey area".

He said the EC has to keep the court verdicts in mind.

The Commission had earlier sent a notice to the makers of the film following a meeting with a Congress delegation, which sought a ban on its release ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

On Monday, the Bombay High Court disposed a plea against the release of the biopic. The court had said that the Election Commission will deal with the issue.&nbsp;

The Election Commission is unlikely to take before Monday a final decision on whether to restrain the release of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi till the Lok Sabha polls are over, as the Supreme Court is slated to hear the issue that day.

The Election Commission is unlikely to take before Monday a final decision on whether to restrain the release of a biopic on Prime Minister Narendra Modi till the Lok Sabha polls are over, as the Supreme Court is slated to hear the issue that day. The EC has been made a party in a plea filed by a Congress worker who wants the top court to delay the film's release claiming it "disturbs" level-playing field for candidates in the Lok Sabha polls. Sources said, now any decision will be taken after evaluating the developments in the top court. However, there is a strong view in the EC that it should not restrain the release of the biopic -- "PM Narendra Modi" -- and should leave it to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take a call on the issue, sources said. Opposition parties including the Congress have alleged the film will give undue advantage to the BJP in electioneering and its release should be delayed until the elections are over. The seven-phased Lok Sabha polls begin on April 11 and end on May 19. The model code of conduct, which among other things, calls for an even playing field for all parties and candidates, came into force on March 10 when the elections were announced. "PM Narendra Modi" is now scheduled to be released on April 11, the day the first phase of polling takes place. A functionary pointed? to at least two Supreme Court rulings about movies. In one of the rulings, the SC had directed the West Bengal government to ensure satirical film 'Bhobishyoter Bhoot' is screened without obstruction. The movie was critical of the then state chief minister. "We also have to see the latest Delhi High court ruling which said the biopic screening should be decided by the EC," he said, adding that the model code is silent on films and thus it remains a "grey area". He said the EC has to keep the court verdicts in mind. The Commission had earlier sent a notice to the makers of the film following a meeting with a Congress delegation, which sought a ban on its release ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. On Monday, the Bombay High Court disposed a plea against the release of the biopic. The court had said that the Election Commission will deal with the issue.

Election Commission decision on Modi biopic unlikely before Monday

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer.&nbsp;

The Commission also told Banerjee that as per election law, it is “fully within its rights” to transfer and appoint officers during a model code. It said it won’t respond to the averment to prove its image.

Banerjee had on Saturday has written to the EC alleging that the poll panel was working at the behest of the BJP. Responding to Banerjee’s letter, the poll panel said Saturday that “It is the ECI and the governments of states/UTs who are jointly responsible to electors of the largest democracy and are bound to act strictly in the letter and spirit of the respective roles set forth by the founding fathers of the Constitution.”

The letter, written by one of the deputy election commissioners, and addressed to Banerjee, referred to Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act to drive home the point that EC can transfer and post them during the poll code period. It said the Kerala High court has also approved of the provision in one of its judgements.

“It is unfortunate that an exercise carried out by ECI only for the duration of the Model Code of Conduct is being labelled as arbitrary, motivated at the behest of ruling party at the Centre. It would not be correct and dignified to respond to such averments to prove/burnish its credentials,” the letter read.

The Commission pointed out that the transfer of four police officials was “based on the cumulative feedback from the DEC (deputy election commissioner) who oversees electoral process in West Bengal and Special Police Observer”. It said even the officers who have been posted in their place are of similar seniority and being from West Bengal cadre are expected to know about field situation in the state.

“It is understood that the Government of West Bengal has already operationalised the decision of ECI in respect of transfers. This action of the Government of West Bengal amply demonstrates the willingness of the state administration to conduct free, fair, credible and ethical elections in West Bengal and ECI is appreciative of this irrespective of the factually incorrect innuendoes …,” the letter read.

It said, after several rounds of review, including the one in mid-March, EC appointed a Special Police Observer for West Bengal. Similarly, such observers were appointed for Jharkhand, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana. “Thus, it is not as if any particular state was being singled out. Special Expenditure Observers have also been appointed for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra,” it said.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer.

The Election Commission has rejected allegations of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that it ordered the transfer of four police officers at the behest of the ruling BJP at the Centre, saying the decision was based on “cumulative feedback” from one of its top officials and the special police observer. The Commission also told Banerjee that as per election law, it is “fully within its rights” to transfer and appoint officers during a model code. It said it won’t respond to the averment to prove its image. Banerjee had on Saturday has written to the EC alleging that the poll panel was working at the behest of the BJP. Responding to Banerjee’s letter, the poll panel said Saturday that “It is the ECI and the governments of states/UTs who are jointly responsible to electors of the largest democracy and are bound to act strictly in the letter and spirit of the respective roles set forth by the founding fathers of the Constitution.” The letter, written by one of the deputy election commissioners, and addressed to Banerjee, referred to Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act to drive home the point that EC can transfer and post them during the poll code period. It said the Kerala High court has also approved of the provision in one of its judgements. “It is unfortunate that an exercise carried out by ECI only for the duration of the Model Code of Conduct is being labelled as arbitrary, motivated at the behest of ruling party at the Centre. It would not be correct and dignified to respond to such averments to prove/burnish its credentials,” the letter read. The Commission pointed out that the transfer of four police officials was “based on the cumulative feedback from the DEC (deputy election commissioner) who oversees electoral process in West Bengal and Special Police Observer”. It said even the officers who have been posted in their place are of similar seniority and being from West Bengal cadre are expected to know about field situation in the state. “It is understood that the Government of West Bengal has already operationalised the decision of ECI in respect of transfers. This action of the Government of West Bengal amply demonstrates the willingness of the state administration to conduct free, fair, credible and ethical elections in West Bengal and ECI is appreciative of this irrespective of the factually incorrect innuendoes …,” the letter read. It said, after several rounds of review, including the one in mid-March, EC appointed a Special Police Observer for West Bengal. Similarly, such observers were appointed for Jharkhand, Mizoram, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana. “Thus, it is not as if any particular state was being singled out. Special Expenditure Observers have also been appointed for Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Gujarat and Maharashtra,” it said.

Fully within rights to transfer officials during polls: Election Commission tells Mamata Banerjee

Hours after the Election Commission ordered the transfer of state Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the EC should work in an "unbiased manner."

Punetha was on Friday shifted to a non-election post, while LV Subramanyam, a 1983-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh.

"For what mistake did EC transfer the Chief Secretary? How can you transfer without telling the mistake he did? Election Commission should work in an unbiased manner," Naidu said.

"I am condemning the transfer of Chief Secretary. I am condemning Centre's conspiracies against Andhra. I will see if they will arrest me tomorrow or day after," he added.

While speaking at a roadshow in Visakhapatnam, Naidu demanded an explanation from the poll body on Punetha's transfer.

He said, "Election commission should be impartial. When the election code came into force, our collector was changed. Two SPs and intelligence are also appointed similarly. Today they changed our Chief Secretary. What does that mean?"

Meanwhile, Naidu, while addressing a rally in Aluru in Kurnool district, assured Muslims that he will give the Deputy Chief Minister post to Muslims if he is voted to power again in Andhra Pradesh.

He even promised to set up an Islamic bank for minorities.

"Vote for Jaganmohan Reddy means vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Modi comes to power again, minorities will have to face many troubles. If Modi wins again, he will see Muslims in the country will have no votes at all. Jagan became a slave to KCR (Telangana Chief Minister K&nbsp;Chandrashekar Rao) and Modi," Naidu said.

Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11 for Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies in the state. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Hours after the Election Commission ordered the transfer of state Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the EC should work in an "unbiased manner.

Hours after the Election Commission ordered the transfer of state Chief Secretary Anil Chandra Punetha, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the EC should work in an "unbiased manner." Punetha was on Friday shifted to a non-election post, while LV Subramanyam, a 1983-batch IAS officer, was appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh. "For what mistake did EC transfer the Chief Secretary? How can you transfer without telling the mistake he did? Election Commission should work in an unbiased manner," Naidu said. "I am condemning the transfer of Chief Secretary. I am condemning Centre's conspiracies against Andhra. I will see if they will arrest me tomorrow or day after," he added. While speaking at a roadshow in Visakhapatnam, Naidu demanded an explanation from the poll body on Punetha's transfer. He said, "Election commission should be impartial. When the election code came into force, our collector was changed. Two SPs and intelligence are also appointed similarly. Today they changed our Chief Secretary. What does that mean?" Meanwhile, Naidu, while addressing a rally in Aluru in Kurnool district, assured Muslims that he will give the Deputy Chief Minister post to Muslims if he is voted to power again in Andhra Pradesh. He even promised to set up an Islamic bank for minorities. "Vote for Jaganmohan Reddy means vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If Modi comes to power again, minorities will have to face many troubles. If Modi wins again, he will see Muslims in the country will have no votes at all. Jagan became a slave to KCR (Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao) and Modi," Naidu said. Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11 for Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies in the state. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Election Commission should work in unbiased manner: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu on transfer of state chief secretary

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers.

It also said that "all preparations" are being made for a smooth conduct of the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha polls, in which over 2,900 candidates are in the fray.

"We have added 10 lakh voters to the list, including four lakh new voters who are in the age group of 18-19," Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters in New Delhi.

When the EC announced the polls on March 10, it had said that there are a total of about 90 crore voters in the country.

He added that preparations for conducting polls in the first two phases on April 11 and 18 are in full swing and all facilities would be provided to all categories of voters.

For the first phase, he said, there are a total of 1,280 candidates in the fray, 1,188 men and 92 women, while for the second phase (April 18), there are 1,674 candidates, 1,549 male and 125 female.

The number of candidates trying their luck in these two phases is 2,954.

Saxena said there were a total of 61 lakh voters in the "persons with disabilities" category.

He added that the 'cVigil' app has been a "big hit" and the commission has received 40,116 complaints through it till now.

The cVIGIL mobile application was launched by the Election Commission last year and complaints on violations of poll code can be uploaded on it.

Almost 99 per cent or 39,900 complaints have been disposed of and 68 per cent of these were found to be correct, Saxena said.

The maximum complaints on this app have come from Kerala, he added.

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers.

The Election Commission (EC) said on Thursday that as many as 10 lakh voters were added to the electoral rolls across the country last week, including four lakh first timers. It also said that "all preparations" are being made for a smooth conduct of the first and second phases of the Lok Sabha polls, in which over 2,900 candidates are in the fray. "We have added 10 lakh voters to the list, including four lakh new voters who are in the age group of 18-19," Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters in New Delhi. When the EC announced the polls on March 10, it had said that there are a total of about 90 crore voters in the country. He added that preparations for conducting polls in the first two phases on April 11 and 18 are in full swing and all facilities would be provided to all categories of voters. For the first phase, he said, there are a total of 1,280 candidates in the fray, 1,188 men and 92 women, while for the second phase (April 18), there are 1,674 candidates, 1,549 male and 125 female. The number of candidates trying their luck in these two phases is 2,954. Saxena said there were a total of 61 lakh voters in the "persons with disabilities" category. He added that the 'cVigil' app has been a "big hit" and the commission has received 40,116 complaints through it till now. The cVIGIL mobile application was launched by the Election Commission last year and complaints on violations of poll code can be uploaded on it. Almost 99 per cent or 39,900 complaints have been disposed of and 68 per cent of these were found to be correct, Saxena said. The maximum complaints on this app have come from Kerala, he added.

10 lakh voters added last week, including 4 lakh first timers: Election Commission

With barely two weeks left for the polling day (April 18th) in Tamil Nadu, Election commissioners Ashok Saxena and Sushil Chandra along with Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo, met the media and &nbsp;clarified their stance on issues ranging from seizures of unaccounted cash, raids on residences of political leaders and also the controversy over the sudden seizure of to-be-released books on the Rafale scam among others.&nbsp;

The officials said that they have concluded their 3-day review in Tamil Nadu for forthcoming elections. ”During our visit, we met all political parties and all deputy commissioners, collectors, police officials and senior officials of the state Government among others. These include officials of Income Tax, RBI, Excise and taxation department, Narcotics control bureau and the airport director and all others involved in enforcement activities”.

Speaking of the important issues listed by political parties, they mentioned that, people belonging to weaker sections should be provided security to cast vote freely and fairly, CCTV cameras within the booth and outside the polling station, Bye-elections for the vacant assembly seats, provision of adequate minimum facilities such as supply of water, and tents at polling booths to help voters brave the summer.&nbsp;

Regarding the confiscation of to-be-released books on the alleged Rafale Scam, the officials responded saying that, it was brought to our knowledge through the electronic media, we were informed that CEO had not authorized this kind of action by flying squad. The concerned flying squad has been changed and the Book launch took place in the evening. All officials associated with that incident have been removed, we are awaiting a full report.&nbsp;

Responding to questions on the rampant cash seizures across Tamil Nadu and their alleged political links, they said, &nbsp;whenever such seizures are made, the preliminary report is given to EC. The EC doesn't name anyone or any party, but after the report, there is a comprehensive procedure of law enforcement that is to be followed. We are finding that so far cash seizure of Rs.127crore has been reported in TN. This is much more than previous elections. Prosecuting is done after comprehensive enquiry, &nbsp;EC doesn't prosecute. &nbsp;

Enlisting the challenges faced by the EC in conducting the polls across the country they said, Sheer scale and size are a challenge. We have 10.35 lakh polling stations, 12 million people involved in the conduct of elections, Informing people of new technology that is adopted and preventing the use of money and muscle power.

The officers also responded to the reports of the candidate Mohanraj who had declared his cash holding as 1.76 lakh crore and liabilities as 4 Lakh crore world bank loan. They said, “Whenever a candidate files his nomination papers and gives document in the laid down format, the returning officer is responsible and empowered to take a decision. If there is a deficiency in the affidavit or nomination form, the returning officer can inform of deficiency and decision to accept or reject is finally of the returning officer. He/she &nbsp;need not go into veracity, as it involves a long process of adjudication.”

Mobile applications such as cVigil and Suvidha are also being used for the effective interface between the ECI and voters, candidates. While the Suvidha application facilitates single window clearance from rally and vehicles, cVigil&nbsp;enables all to take pictures or videos of illegal activity or model code violation and it goes straight to control room and a response can be expected within 100 minutes.

With barely two weeks left for the polling day (April 18th) in Tamil Nadu, Election commissioners Ashok Saxena and Sushil Chandra along with Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo, met the media and clarified their stance on issues ranging from seizures of unaccounted cash, raids on residences of political leaders and also the controversy over the sudden seizure of to-be-released books on the Rafale scam among others.

With barely two weeks left for the polling day (April 18th) in Tamil Nadu, Election commissioners Ashok Saxena and Sushil Chandra along with Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) Satyabrata Sahoo, met the media and clarified their stance on issues ranging from seizures of unaccounted cash, raids on residences of political leaders and also the controversy over the sudden seizure of to-be-released books on the Rafale scam among others. The officials said that they have concluded their 3-day review in Tamil Nadu for forthcoming elections. ”During our visit, we met all political parties and all deputy commissioners, collectors, police officials and senior officials of the state Government among others. These include officials of Income Tax, RBI, Excise and taxation department, Narcotics control bureau and the airport director and all others involved in enforcement activities”. Speaking of the important issues listed by political parties, they mentioned that, people belonging to weaker sections should be provided security to cast vote freely and fairly, CCTV cameras within the booth and outside the polling station, Bye-elections for the vacant assembly seats, provision of adequate minimum facilities such as supply of water, and tents at polling booths to help voters brave the summer. Regarding the confiscation of to-be-released books on the alleged Rafale Scam, the officials responded saying that, it was brought to our knowledge through the electronic media, we were informed that CEO had not authorized this kind of action by flying squad. The concerned flying squad has been changed and the Book launch took place in the evening. All officials associated with that incident have been removed, we are awaiting a full report. Responding to questions on the rampant cash seizures across Tamil Nadu and their alleged political links, they said, whenever such seizures are made, the preliminary report is given to EC. The EC doesn't name anyone or any party, but after the report, there is a comprehensive procedure of law enforcement that is to be followed. We are finding that so far cash seizure of Rs.127crore has been reported in TN. This is much more than previous elections. Prosecuting is done after comprehensive enquiry, EC doesn't prosecute. Enlisting the challenges faced by the EC in conducting the polls across the country they said, Sheer scale and size are a challenge. We have 10.35 lakh polling stations, 12 million people involved in the conduct of elections, Informing people of new technology that is adopted and preventing the use of money and muscle power. The officers also responded to the reports of the candidate Mohanraj who had declared his cash holding as 1.76 lakh crore and liabilities as 4 Lakh crore world bank loan. They said, “Whenever a candidate files his nomination papers and gives document in the laid down format, the returning officer is responsible and empowered to take a decision. If there is a deficiency in the affidavit or nomination form, the returning officer can inform of deficiency and decision to accept or reject is finally of the returning officer. He/she need not go into veracity, as it involves a long process of adjudication.” Mobile applications such as cVigil and Suvidha are also being used for the effective interface between the ECI and voters, candidates. While the Suvidha application facilitates single window clearance from rally and vehicles, cVigil enables all to take pictures or videos of illegal activity or model code violation and it goes straight to control room and a response can be expected within 100 minutes.

Election commission clarifies on major issues during preparedness review in Chennai

India Election Watch: Here is how Election Commission took action against high profile leaders

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-bsf-officer-5-year-old-girl-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-by-pakistan-army-in-poonch-207208">Jammu and Kashmir</a> poll panel has received over 180 complaints of alleged violations of the model code of conduct, through the cVigil app and other modes, an official said Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Election Commission had launched the cVigil application last month to facilitate a person send to the poll panel geo-tagged videos and photos of various electoral malpractice.

Of the total complaints, 123 have been disposed of while the rest 59 are being looked into, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shalinder Kumar said, adding over 20 employees were also suspended for violating the poll code.&nbsp;

Out of 88 complaints received through C-Vigil and other online modes, 61 were dropped, 22 disposed of and five are under examination, he added.

The actions against electoral malpractice included registration of 6 FIRs, suspension of 24 state government employees, besides seizure of 36 illegal weapons and cash worth Rs 19.68, he said, adding a considerable quantity of liquor too has been seized.

For free and fair conduct of the Lok Sabha elections in the state, the election department has also formed 1,500 mobile and static teams, besides deploying flying squads with video cameras to ensure strict adherence of the poll code.&nbsp;

"We will not overlook a single complaint whether it is against a big leader or a junior one, no one will be spared," said CEO Kumar.

The CEO said citizens can register their complaints on the poll panel's app eVigil for a number of violations, including those against candidates distributing money or liquor to influence voters.

They can also alert the Election Commission if they find a candidate involved in promoting paid news, he said, adding candidates using vehicles or convoys without permission are also breach the poll code.

Transporting voters on the day of polling or campaigning within 200 metres of the polling booth are strictly prohibited under the guidelines, Kumar said.&nbsp;

The Jammu and Kashmir poll panel has received over 180 complaints of alleged violations of the model code of conduct, through the cVigil app and other modes, an official said Tuesday.

The Jammu and Kashmir poll panel has received over 180 complaints of alleged violations of the model code of conduct, through the cVigil app and other modes, an official said Tuesday. The Election Commission had launched the cVigil application last month to facilitate a person send to the poll panel geo-tagged videos and photos of various electoral malpractice. Of the total complaints, 123 have been disposed of while the rest 59 are being looked into, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Shalinder Kumar said, adding over 20 employees were also suspended for violating the poll code. Out of 88 complaints received through C-Vigil and other online modes, 61 were dropped, 22 disposed of and five are under examination, he added. The actions against electoral malpractice included registration of 6 FIRs, suspension of 24 state government employees, besides seizure of 36 illegal weapons and cash worth Rs 19.68, he said, adding a considerable quantity of liquor too has been seized. For free and fair conduct of the Lok Sabha elections in the state, the election department has also formed 1,500 mobile and static teams, besides deploying flying squads with video cameras to ensure strict adherence of the poll code. "We will not overlook a single complaint whether it is against a big leader or a junior one, no one will be spared," said CEO Kumar. The CEO said citizens can register their complaints on the poll panel's app eVigil for a number of violations, including those against candidates distributing money or liquor to influence voters. They can also alert the Election Commission if they find a candidate involved in promoting paid news, he said, adding candidates using vehicles or convoys without permission are also breach the poll code. Transporting voters on the day of polling or campaigning within 200 metres of the polling booth are strictly prohibited under the guidelines, Kumar said.

J&K poll panel gets over 180 complaints of model code breach through cVigil app: Official

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Election Commission's March 10 decision notifying Gujarat's Talala assembly constituency seat as vacant and declaring bypolls there along with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also issued notice to the poll panel on a plea filed by former Congress MLA B D Barad, who had challenged his disqualification as an MLA and the subsequent EC's decision notifying the seat as vacant.

Barad has moved the apex court against the Gujarat High Court's March 27 verdict dismissing his petition against his disqualification as an MLA and also against the EC's decision notifying the bypolls there.

Barad was disqualified as an MLA by the assembly speaker on March 5 following his conviction in a case. 
&nbsp;

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Election Commission's March 10 decision notifying Gujarat's Talala assembly constituency seat as vacant and declaring bypolls there along with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed the Election Commission's March 10 decision notifying Gujarat's Talala assembly constituency seat as vacant and declaring bypolls there along with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi also issued notice to the poll panel on a plea filed by former Congress MLA B D Barad, who had challenged his disqualification as an MLA and the subsequent EC's decision notifying the seat as vacant. Barad has moved the apex court against the Gujarat High Court's March 27 verdict dismissing his petition against his disqualification as an MLA and also against the EC's decision notifying the bypolls there. Barad was disqualified as an MLA by the assembly speaker on March 5 following his conviction in a case.

Supreme Court stays EC's decision notifying Talala assembly constituency seat as vacant, declaring bypolls

The Election Commission on Monday sought a report over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial remarks calling the Indian Army “Modi ji ki Sena”.

The district magistrate of Ghaziabad has been asked to furnish a report in this regard, a functionary said.&nbsp;

The report will be submitted to the office of chief electoral officer of Uttar Pradesh which has sought the details after taking cognizance of media reports in this regard.&nbsp;

"Congress ke log aatankwadiyon ko biryani khilate the aur Modi ji ki sena aatankwadiyon ko goli aur gola deti hai. (Congress would feed 'biryani' to terrorists, while Modi's army gives them bullets and bombs). This is the difference. The Congress people use 'ji' to refer to Masood Azhar to encourage terrorism," Adityanath said at an election rally in Ghaziabad on Sunday.

Adityanath's comment came even as the BJP government at the Centre is being accused by the opposition parties of using armed forces for political gains.

The chief minister's remarks, too, elicited sharp reactions from various parties with the Congress demanding an apology from him.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The Election Commission on Monday sought a report over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial remarks calling the Indian Army “Modi ji ki Sena”.

The Election Commission on Monday sought a report over Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's controversial remarks calling the Indian Army “Modi ji ki Sena”. The district magistrate of Ghaziabad has been asked to furnish a report in this regard, a functionary said. The report will be submitted to the office of chief electoral officer of Uttar Pradesh which has sought the details after taking cognizance of media reports in this regard. "Congress ke log aatankwadiyon ko biryani khilate the aur Modi ji ki sena aatankwadiyon ko goli aur gola deti hai. (Congress would feed 'biryani' to terrorists, while Modi's army gives them bullets and bombs). This is the difference. The Congress people use 'ji' to refer to Masood Azhar to encourage terrorism," Adityanath said at an election rally in Ghaziabad on Sunday. Adityanath's comment came even as the BJP government at the Centre is being accused by the opposition parties of using armed forces for political gains. The chief minister's remarks, too, elicited sharp reactions from various parties with the Congress demanding an apology from him. (With inputs from PTI)

'Modi ki ji sena' remark: Election Commission to decide if Yogi violated poll code

After the opposition parties accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct by addressing the nation after the successful testing of A-SAT missile on Wednesday, the Election Commission of India has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately.

"The matter related to the address of the Prime Minister to the nation on electronic media yesterday afternoon has been brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India.&nbsp;

The Commission has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately in the light of Model Code of Conduct," read a statement from the electoral body.

Prime Minister Modi had earlier today interacted through video-conference with the team of scientists and engineers involved in the development and testing of the Anti-Satellite missile.

Soon after his address, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Prime Minister of breaching the Model Code of Conduct.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After the opposition parties accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct by addressing the nation after the successful testing of A-SAT missile on Wednesday, the Election Commission of India has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately.

After the opposition parties accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of violating the Model Code of Conduct by addressing the nation after the successful testing of A-SAT missile on Wednesday, the Election Commission of India has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately. "The matter related to the address of the Prime Minister to the nation on electronic media yesterday afternoon has been brought to the notice of the Election Commission of India. The Commission has directed a Committee of Officers to examine the matter immediately in the light of Model Code of Conduct," read a statement from the electoral body. Prime Minister Modi had earlier today interacted through video-conference with the team of scientists and engineers involved in the development and testing of the Anti-Satellite missile. Soon after his address, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Prime Minister of breaching the Model Code of Conduct.

EC will examine if PM Modi's address to nation violated Model Code of Conduct

Actor Vivek Oberoi along with his lawyer &nbsp;Hitesh Jain, appeared before the election commission on Thursday after the ECI issued a showcause notice to Oberoi's film 'PM Narendra Modi' for violating the model code of conduct.&nbsp;

Speaking to a news agency, Jain, said, "We have submitted a detailed response to the notice issued by the election commission for violating the model code of conduct. In our response, we have explained that the movie does not violate the model code of conduct."

Oberoi essays Modi`s character in the film. Producer Sandip Ssingh was also present for Thursday meeting.&nbsp;

The complaint was filed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/biopic-on-pm-modi-is-politically-motivated-put-ban-on-its-release-congress-to-election-commission-205812"> by Congress party, seeking the ban on the film </a>during the period of the election on the ground of violation of model code of conduct.The party alleged that release around general election was politically motivated.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Asked whether the film would be released as on its scheduled date, Jain said, "We have already announced the release date. However, we will wait and watch."

The biopic came under the scanner of the ECI after Congress and left parties complained to the electoral body saying that it violates the model code of the conduct.

The film is based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi titled `PM Narendra Modi`. Vivek Oberoi is essaying the role of Modi. The film was earlier scheduled to release on 12th April just a day after the first phase of election begins in India. Later, the makers preponed the release date to 5th April.&nbsp;

The film has been under scrutiny ever since it was announced. Lyricist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-javed-akhtar-slams-makers-says-you-cant-behave-like-im-a-part-of-your-unit-205483">Javed Akhtar slammed the makers</a> for giving him credit for the film's lyrics even though he was not a part of it. Meanwhile, an old case of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pm-narendra-modi-biopic-producer-sandip-ssingh-in-trouble-alleged-sexual-assault-allegations-resurface-205647">sexual assault against Ssingh </a>has also resurfaced.&nbsp;

Actor Vivek Oberoi along with his lawyer Hitesh Jain, appeared before the election commission on Thursday after the ECI issued a showcause notice to Oberoi's film 'PM Narendra Modi' for violating the model code of conduct.

Actor Vivek Oberoi along with his lawyer Hitesh Jain, appeared before the election commission on Thursday after the ECI issued a showcause notice to Oberoi's film 'PM Narendra Modi' for violating the model code of conduct. Speaking to a news agency, Jain, said, "We have submitted a detailed response to the notice issued by the election commission for violating the model code of conduct. In our response, we have explained that the movie does not violate the model code of conduct." Oberoi essays Modi`s character in the film. Producer Sandip Ssingh was also present for Thursday meeting. The complaint was filed by Congress party, seeking the ban on the film during the period of the election on the ground of violation of model code of conduct.The party alleged that release around general election was politically motivated. Asked whether the film would be released as on its scheduled date, Jain said, "We have already announced the release date. However, we will wait and watch." The biopic came under the scanner of the ECI after Congress and left parties complained to the electoral body saying that it violates the model code of the conduct. The film is based on the life of Prime Minister Narendra Modi titled `PM Narendra Modi`. Vivek Oberoi is essaying the role of Modi. The film was earlier scheduled to release on 12th April just a day after the first phase of election begins in India. Later, the makers preponed the release date to 5th April. The film has been under scrutiny ever since it was announced. Lyricist Javed Akhtar slammed the makers for giving him credit for the film's lyrics even though he was not a part of it. Meanwhile, an old case of sexual assault against Ssingh has also resurfaced.

'PM Narendra Modi' release controversy: Vivek Oberoi, producer appear before the Election Commission

The Election Commission (EC) is set to increase the number of 'special expenditure observers' to monitor illegal cash and inducements being given to voters during the Lok Sabha polls as it has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies till now in the country, officials said Monday.

The poll body, last week, appointed two retired Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officers as special expenditure observers for Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This is the first time that such observers have been appointed for any polls in the country.

They said few more such observers could be appointed by the next week to oversee the work of about 800 central expenditure monitoring teams and observers who track black money, liquor, drugs and other freebies given to voters illegally.

The maximum number of election expenditure observers are drawn from the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), while others belong to the IRS (Indirect Taxes and Customs).

Officials said the Election Commission, till now, has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies in the country for general elections and it is awaiting the report of some state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to identify more such segments.

The identified expenditure sensitive constituencies are in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, among others, while a similar report from states like Maharashtra and few others are awaited.

An expenditure sensitive constituency is identified as a seat which is prone to high expenditure and corrupt practices. For such a constituency, the Election Commission rules mandate, there shall be two assistant expenditure observers, a similar number of flying squads, static surveillance teams and video surveillance teams.

The Election Commission on Monday also reviewed the poll preparedness with the two special observers for the subject, Shailendra Handa (Maharashtra) and Madhu Mahajan (Tamil Nadu) here.

The full Election Commission bench, comprising Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra, will hold the second review meeting with all the central observers -- general, police and expenditure -- on Tuesday at Vigyan Bhawan.

The first such meeting was held early this month.

The seven-phase election will begin on April 11 and conclude on May 19.

The Election Commission (EC) is set to increase the number of 'special expenditure observers' to monitor illegal cash and inducements being given to voters during the Lok Sabha polls as it has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies till now in the country, officials said Monday.

The Election Commission (EC) is set to increase the number of 'special expenditure observers' to monitor illegal cash and inducements being given to voters during the Lok Sabha polls as it has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies till now in the country, officials said Monday. The poll body, last week, appointed two retired Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officers as special expenditure observers for Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This is the first time that such observers have been appointed for any polls in the country. They said few more such observers could be appointed by the next week to oversee the work of about 800 central expenditure monitoring teams and observers who track black money, liquor, drugs and other freebies given to voters illegally. The maximum number of election expenditure observers are drawn from the Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax), while others belong to the IRS (Indirect Taxes and Customs). Officials said the Election Commission, till now, has identified about 120 expenditure sensitive constituencies in the country for general elections and it is awaiting the report of some state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to identify more such segments. The identified expenditure sensitive constituencies are in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, among others, while a similar report from states like Maharashtra and few others are awaited. An expenditure sensitive constituency is identified as a seat which is prone to high expenditure and corrupt practices. For such a constituency, the Election Commission rules mandate, there shall be two assistant expenditure observers, a similar number of flying squads, static surveillance teams and video surveillance teams. The Election Commission on Monday also reviewed the poll preparedness with the two special observers for the subject, Shailendra Handa (Maharashtra) and Madhu Mahajan (Tamil Nadu) here. The full Election Commission bench, comprising Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora and Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra, will hold the second review meeting with all the central observers -- general, police and expenditure -- on Tuesday at Vigyan Bhawan. The first such meeting was held early this month. The seven-phase election will begin on April 11 and conclude on May 19.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Election Commission to deploy more special expenditure observers, 120 sensitive seats identified

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced fixing a timeline for the release of a manifesto by political parties.

It has issued a directive that manifestos for both single and multiphase elections shall not be released during the prohibitory period, as prescribed under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 pertains to the prohibition of public meetings during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll.

Election Commission of India has also said that the provision will, henceforth, be applicable and implemented as a part of the Model Code of Conduct for all future elections.

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced fixing a timeline for the release of a manifesto by political parties. It has issued a directive that manifestos for both single and multiphase elections shall not be released during the prohibitory period, as prescribed under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced fixing a timeline for the release of a manifesto by political parties. It has issued a directive that manifestos for both single and multiphase elections shall not be released during the prohibitory period, as prescribed under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 pertains to the prohibition of public meetings during the period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll. Election Commission of India has also said that the provision will, henceforth, be applicable and implemented as a part of the Model Code of Conduct for all future elections.

Election Commission fixes timeline for political parties to release manifesto

Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain on Saturday met the representatives of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

TMC's Partha Chatterjee, BJP's Mukul Roy and Congress' Pradeep Bhattacharya attended the meeting. "We have proposed to assign media observers ahead of the elections," said Bhattacharya.

"The proposal of allocating CCTV cameras at poll booths was also put forth." He said TMC leaders including ministers are trying to instil fear-psychosis among people.&nbsp;

"We have requested the Election Commission to check this." On Friday, the Election Commission held a meeting of the Multi-Departmental Committee on Election Intelligence.

Heads of tax boards, law enforcement agencies, central paramilitary forces and representatives of financial institutions attended the meeting.

Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain on Saturday met the representatives of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain on Saturday met the representatives of Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. TMC's Partha Chatterjee, BJP's Mukul Roy and Congress' Pradeep Bhattacharya attended the meeting. "We have proposed to assign media observers ahead of the elections," said Bhattacharya. "The proposal of allocating CCTV cameras at poll booths was also put forth." He said TMC leaders including ministers are trying to instil fear-psychosis among people. "We have requested the Election Commission to check this." On Friday, the Election Commission held a meeting of the Multi-Departmental Committee on Election Intelligence. Heads of tax boards, law enforcement agencies, central paramilitary forces and representatives of financial institutions attended the meeting.

Election Commission holds meeting with representatives of three political parties

The Election Commission Thursday informed the Madras High Court it was not possible to postpone the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for April 18 in Tamil Nadu, in southern districts of the state, as requested through a PIL.

The petition said the polling date clashed with a famous festival in the state&nbsp;that draws lakhs of people and hence would affect polling percentage.

When the Public Interest Litigation came up for hearing before the Madurai bench of the high court, the counsel appearing for the State Chief Electoral Officer told Justices N Kirubakaran and S S Sundar the poll duration could be extended by two hours but postponement was not possible.

The bench said it was not convinced by the EC stand and directed the CEO to file a counter affidavit Friday.

The petitioner, advocate Parthasarathy, sought change of polling date in five southern districts, including Madurai, citing the two-week long "Chithirai festival" of the ancient Goddess Meenakshi Amman temple, which runs from April 8 to April 22 with two key events slated for April 17 and 18.

He said lakhs of people from five southern districts would converge in this temple town for the festival and it would affect the polling percentage in the region.

Earlier, the bench asked the counsel for the CEO whether it would be possible to hold the elections on April 18 when the festival was on.

The counsel submitted the poll duration could be extended by two hours but it was not possible to postpone the election either in the entire state or these southern districts as April 19 was a public holiday.

The Madurai District Collector had Wednesday stated that lakhs of people would visit the city for the key events of the festival here from April 17 to 19.

On April 18, when the car festival will be held, the event would be witnessed by an influx and exit of around two lakh people, he had said.

The Police Commissioner also said three lakh devotees from all over the state would visit the temple city during the three days.

He has also said 59 polling booths were located in the Chitrai Street, through which the Meenakshi Amman temple car would traverse. 
The petitioner said he had sent a representation to the EC through the district collector.&nbsp;

The Election Commission Thursday informed the Madras High Court it was not possible to postpone the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for April 18 in Tamil Nadu, in southern districts of the state, as requested through a PIL.

The Election Commission Thursday informed the Madras High Court it was not possible to postpone the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for April 18 in Tamil Nadu, in southern districts of the state, as requested through a PIL. The petition said the polling date clashed with a famous festival in the state that draws lakhs of people and hence would affect polling percentage. When the Public Interest Litigation came up for hearing before the Madurai bench of the high court, the counsel appearing for the State Chief Electoral Officer told Justices N Kirubakaran and S S Sundar the poll duration could be extended by two hours but postponement was not possible. The bench said it was not convinced by the EC stand and directed the CEO to file a counter affidavit Friday. The petitioner, advocate Parthasarathy, sought change of polling date in five southern districts, including Madurai, citing the two-week long "Chithirai festival" of the ancient Goddess Meenakshi Amman temple, which runs from April 8 to April 22 with two key events slated for April 17 and 18. He said lakhs of people from five southern districts would converge in this temple town for the festival and it would affect the polling percentage in the region. Earlier, the bench asked the counsel for the CEO whether it would be possible to hold the elections on April 18 when the festival was on. The counsel submitted the poll duration could be extended by two hours but it was not possible to postpone the election either in the entire state or these southern districts as April 19 was a public holiday. The Madurai District Collector had Wednesday stated that lakhs of people would visit the city for the key events of the festival here from April 17 to 19. On April 18, when the car festival will be held, the event would be witnessed by an influx and exit of around two lakh people, he had said. The Police Commissioner also said three lakh devotees from all over the state would visit the temple city during the three days. He has also said 59 polling booths were located in the Chitrai Street, through which the Meenakshi Amman temple car would traverse. The petitioner said he had sent a representation to the EC through the district collector.

Not possible to change polling date in southern TN: EC to high court

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-check-when-your-state-ut-goes-to-the-polls-202410">election commission</a> has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-to-stretch-out-for-over-a-month-from-april-11-to-may-19-results-on-may-23-202404">Lok Sabha elections 2019.</a>

Some of these initiatives have already been used in past Assembly elections in different states but this is is the first time they are being used in Lok Sabha Elections.

Here's a look at the new facilities and rules introduced for Lok Sabha elections 2019:

cVigil Election Commission App to stop violations of model code

By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint.

Close watch on political parties’ social media content

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora has said that the EC will watch out for any content aimed at destroying the electoral process.&nbsp;

Social media giants like- Facebook, Twitter and Google have said that they will work with the Election Commission in tandem to curb any sort of hate speech or misuse of content related to polling.

The EC has also asked Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to verify all the political advertisements coming from various political parties. The CEC also informed that a grievance officer has also been appointed to take complaints related to these advertisements on all social media platforms.

Candidate photo on EVMs

For the first time, the poll panel will introduce candidates’ photos on the voting machines, in addition to the party name and symbol. &nbsp;&nbsp;

All EVMs to have photo ballot labels, apart from symbol and candidate name in Braille. 
&nbsp; 
VVPAT machines at all polling stations

Voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip appears on a small window for seven seconds and then drops in a box. But the voter cannot take it home.''

Photo voter slip won't be used as standalone ID for voting

The Election Commission has said that a photo voter slip shall no longer be used as a standalone identification document during elections, and a voter will have to carry any of the twelve approved identity cards to the polling station. &nbsp;

The 12 documents accepted for identification include -- Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), passport, Aadhar card, driving licence, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by central/state government, PSUs, public limited companies, passbooks issued by bank or post office, PAN card and smart card issued by the Registrar General of India under National Populations Register. &nbsp;

Income tax returns for five years, declaration of foreign assets, PAN mandatory for candidates

The government has made it mandatory for candidates to declare their income tax returns of the last five years, details of foreign assets and Permanent Account Number (PAN).&nbsp;

All women- managed polling stations in every constituency

To ensure more participation of women in the electoral process, the Election Commission has made special arrangements in the form of "all women managed polling stations" in all constituencies of the country.

The entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, in such centres, shall be women.

Braille voter slips and photo ballot labels

Visually impaired and blind voters will be provided with braille voter slips in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer.

Braille is a script with raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision.

GPS tracking of voting machines

The poll panel has decided to fit GPS devices to the vehicles carrying them, facilitating end-to-end monitoring of their movement through mobile tracking.

Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System

Electronically transmitted postal ballots (ETPBS) system would be used for the first time to facilitate hassle-free voting.

Criminal antecedents of candidates in media

The Supreme Court on September 25, 2018, held that all candidates will have to declare their criminal antecedents to the Election Commission before contesting an election, saying criminalisation of politics in the largest democracy is "unsettling".

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the election commission has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019.

In a bid to make smooth voting at polling booths and strengthen the polling process of every constituency the election commission has introduced a few new rules and regulations for the first time in upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019. Some of these initiatives have already been used in past Assembly elections in different states but this is is the first time they are being used in Lok Sabha Elections. Here's a look at the new facilities and rules introduced for Lok Sabha elections 2019: cVigil Election Commission App to stop violations of model code By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint. Close watch on political parties’ social media content Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora has said that the EC will watch out for any content aimed at destroying the electoral process. Social media giants like- Facebook, Twitter and Google have said that they will work with the Election Commission in tandem to curb any sort of hate speech or misuse of content related to polling. The EC has also asked Google, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to verify all the political advertisements coming from various political parties. The CEC also informed that a grievance officer has also been appointed to take complaints related to these advertisements on all social media platforms. Candidate photo on EVMs For the first time, the poll panel will introduce candidates’ photos on the voting machines, in addition to the party name and symbol. All EVMs to have photo ballot labels, apart from symbol and candidate name in Braille. VVPAT machines at all polling stations Voter-verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) is a machine which dispenses a slip with the symbol of the party for which a person has voted for. The slip appears on a small window for seven seconds and then drops in a box. But the voter cannot take it home.'' Photo voter slip won't be used as standalone ID for voting The Election Commission has said that a photo voter slip shall no longer be used as a standalone identification document during elections, and a voter will have to carry any of the twelve approved identity cards to the polling station. The 12 documents accepted for identification include -- Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), passport, Aadhar card, driving licence, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by central/state government, PSUs, public limited companies, passbooks issued by bank or post office, PAN card and smart card issued by the Registrar General of India under National Populations Register. Income tax returns for five years, declaration of foreign assets, PAN mandatory for candidates The government has made it mandatory for candidates to declare their income tax returns of the last five years, details of foreign assets and Permanent Account Number (PAN). All women- managed polling stations in every constituency To ensure more participation of women in the electoral process, the Election Commission has made special arrangements in the form of "all women managed polling stations" in all constituencies of the country. The entire polling staff, including the police and security personnel, in such centres, shall be women. Braille voter slips and photo ballot labels Visually impaired and blind voters will be provided with braille voter slips in the Lok Sabha elections due this summer. Braille is a script with raised dots that can be read with the fingers by people who are blind or who have low vision. GPS tracking of voting machines The poll panel has decided to fit GPS devices to the vehicles carrying them, facilitating end-to-end monitoring of their movement through mobile tracking. Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System Electronically transmitted postal ballots (ETPBS) system would be used for the first time to facilitate hassle-free voting. Criminal antecedents of candidates in media The Supreme Court on September 25, 2018, held that all candidates will have to declare their criminal antecedents to the Election Commission before contesting an election, saying criminalisation of politics in the largest democracy is "unsettling". (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2019: From social media monitoring to GPS tracking of EVMs, things Election Commission introduced for the first time

Refrain using photos of Armed Forces in poll campaigns, Election Commission tells parties

India's national election is the biggest democratic undertaking on Earth, with hundreds of millions of voters from the Himalayas to the tropics casting their ballot in the world's second-most populous country.

Pulling off a vote of this size is no mean feat. Here are some of the bewildering numbers behind polls of this scale from the Election Commission of India:

900 million 
The number of Indians eligible to vote. At the last election in 2014 there were roughly 815 million, but just 550 million exercised their franchise.&nbsp;In India's first election in 1951 there were 173 million eligible voters.&nbsp;

85 million 
The increase in eligible voters across India in this election compared to 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party stormed to power in a landslide.&nbsp;

15 million 
The number of eligible voters aged 18 to 19 in this election. Two-thirds of Indians are under 35.

38,325 
Voters identifying as transgender, recognised by India's Supreme Court as a distinct third gender in 2014.

1.1 million 
The number of electronic voting machines required for all the ballots to be cast in the mega-election.

1 million 
Polling stations to be erected for the election.

8,251 
The number of candidates across India who contested the elections in 2014.

3,626 
The number of political parties -- though only 1,841 are recognised by the Election Commission.

545 
Seats in the lower house of India's parliament, the Lok Sabha. Only 543 are up for grabs in this election -- two are reserved for members of the country's tiny Anglo-Indian community.

186 
The number of lawmakers elected to parliament in 2014 with criminal records.

42 million 
The amount of dollars seized by election officials from politicians and their supporters for misuse -- including vote buying -- during the last poll. Candidates are only allowed to spend $100,000.

6 million 
Litres of alcohol confiscated by authorities during the 2014 campaign. Booze is often used to buy votes from poorer communities.

17,000 
Kilograms of illegal drugs seized during the same period in 2014.

India's national election is the biggest democratic undertaking on Earth, with hundreds of millions of voters from the Himalayas to the tropics casting their ballot in the world's second-most populous country.

India's national election is the biggest democratic undertaking on Earth, with hundreds of millions of voters from the Himalayas to the tropics casting their ballot in the world's second-most populous country. Pulling off a vote of this size is no mean feat. Here are some of the bewildering numbers behind polls of this scale from the Election Commission of India: 900 million The number of Indians eligible to vote. At the last election in 2014 there were roughly 815 million, but just 550 million exercised their franchise. In India's first election in 1951 there were 173 million eligible voters. 85 million The increase in eligible voters across India in this election compared to 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party stormed to power in a landslide. 15 million The number of eligible voters aged 18 to 19 in this election. Two-thirds of Indians are under 35. 38,325 Voters identifying as transgender, recognised by India's Supreme Court as a distinct third gender in 2014. 1.1 million The number of electronic voting machines required for all the ballots to be cast in the mega-election. 1 million Polling stations to be erected for the election. 8,251 The number of candidates across India who contested the elections in 2014. 3,626 The number of political parties -- though only 1,841 are recognised by the Election Commission. 545 Seats in the lower house of India's parliament, the Lok Sabha. Only 543 are up for grabs in this election -- two are reserved for members of the country's tiny Anglo-Indian community. 186 The number of lawmakers elected to parliament in 2014 with criminal records. 42 million The amount of dollars seized by election officials from politicians and their supporters for misuse -- including vote buying -- during the last poll. Candidates are only allowed to spend $100,000. 6 million Litres of alcohol confiscated by authorities during the 2014 campaign. Booze is often used to buy votes from poorer communities. 17,000 Kilograms of illegal drugs seized during the same period in 2014.

The biggest election on Earth: India's giant poll in numbers

With the release of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-to-be-held-in-seven-phases-starting-april-11-202362"> election dates for the 2019 Lok Sabha</a> on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi extended best wishes to all political parties and candidates for the upcoming polls.

In a tweet, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/enough-is-enough-india-cannot-suffer-terrorism-till-eternity-pm-modi-202353">PM Modi</a> said, "Wishing all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. We may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same- the development of India and empowerment of every Indian!".

He also urged the citizens of the country to come out in large numbers and mark their active participation in the polls.

"The festival of democracy, Elections are here. I urge my fellow Indians to enrich the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with their active participation. I hope this election witnesses a historic turnout. I particularly call upon first time voters to vote in record numbers".

He further praised the Election Commission of the country and extended wishes to the officials and the security personnel who will be on the field.

"Best wishes to the Election Commission, all those officials and security personnel who will be on the field, across the length and breadth of India assuring smooth elections. India is very proud of the EC for assiduously organising elections for several years".

PM Modi also sought blessings for his government and asked the countrymen to contribute to "#PhirEkBaarModiSarkar".

He said, "Guided by ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, NDA seeks your blessings again. We spent the last five years fulfilling basic necessities that were left unfulfilled for 70 long years. Now, time has come to build on that and create a strong, prosperous &amp; secure India. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar".

Hitting out at the Congress he said, "In 2014, the people comprehensively rejected the UPA. There was unprecedented anger over the UPA’s corruption, nepotism and policy paralysis. India’s self-confidence was at an all-time low and the people of India wanted to rid the nation of such decay and pessimism".

"The last five years have shown that with the blessings and participation of 130 crore Indians, what was earlier deemed impossible has now become possible," he added.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Today, the people of India know that it is possible to: 
 
Become the fastest growing economy. 
 
Give a befitting reply to terror. 
 
Eliminate poverty at a record pace. 
 
Make India Swachh. 
 
Remove corruption and punish the corrupt. 
 
Ensure inclusive and extensive development.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1104723568661651461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
India is proud that: 
 
2.5 crore families have electricity for the first time. 
 
7 crore households have smoke-free kitchens. 
 
1.5 crore Indians got their own homes. 
 
These, and many other instances show that with the right approach and futuristic policies, nothing is impossible!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1104723912867241984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April from April 11.&nbsp;

The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23.&nbsp;

The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.&nbsp;

With the release of the election dates for the 2019 Lok Sabha on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi extended best wishes to all political parties and candidates for the upcoming polls.

With the release of the election dates for the 2019 Lok Sabha on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi extended best wishes to all political parties and candidates for the upcoming polls. In a tweet, PM Modi said, "Wishing all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. We may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same- the development of India and empowerment of every Indian!". He also urged the citizens of the country to come out in large numbers and mark their active participation in the polls. "The festival of democracy, Elections are here. I urge my fellow Indians to enrich the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with their active participation. I hope this election witnesses a historic turnout. I particularly call upon first time voters to vote in record numbers". He further praised the Election Commission of the country and extended wishes to the officials and the security personnel who will be on the field. "Best wishes to the Election Commission, all those officials and security personnel who will be on the field, across the length and breadth of India assuring smooth elections. India is very proud of the EC for assiduously organising elections for several years". PM Modi also sought blessings for his government and asked the countrymen to contribute to "#PhirEkBaarModiSarkar". He said, "Guided by ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, NDA seeks your blessings again. We spent the last five years fulfilling basic necessities that were left unfulfilled for 70 long years. Now, time has come to build on that and create a strong, prosperous & secure India. #PhirEkBaarModiSarkar". Hitting out at the Congress he said, "In 2014, the people comprehensively rejected the UPA. There was unprecedented anger over the UPA’s corruption, nepotism and policy paralysis. India’s self-confidence was at an all-time low and the people of India wanted to rid the nation of such decay and pessimism". "The last five years have shown that with the blessings and participation of 130 crore Indians, what was earlier deemed impossible has now become possible," he added. Today, the people of India know that it is possible to: Become the fastest growing economy. Give a befitting reply to terror. Eliminate poverty at a record pace. Make India Swachh. Remove corruption and punish the corrupt. Ensure inclusive and extensive development. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2019 × India is proud that: 2.5 crore families have electricity for the first time. 7 crore households have smoke-free kitchens. 1.5 crore Indians got their own homes. These, and many other instances show that with the right approach and futuristic policies, nothing is impossible! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2019 × The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases starting April from April 11. The polling dates over the seven phases are April 11, April 18, April 23, May 6, May 12, and May 19. All votes will be counted on May 23. The announcement was made Sunday by Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora.

Urge fellow Indians to enrich 2019 Lok Sabha elections with active participation: PM Modi

The Election Commission will soon announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections, which is likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, sources said on Thursday.

Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3.

The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling.

A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday.

Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested.

There is a strong possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls.

Since the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there as well within a six-month period, which will end in May.

While there is a view that the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections can be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, but a lot depends on the complex security situation in the state given the heightened tension along the India-Pakistan border.

While the Centre and the state administration, being managed by the Centre-appointed governor, are against holding the two elections together, all political parties there favoured simultaneous polls during a meeting with the Election Commission earlier this week.

The J-K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021, but it got dissolved after a ruling coalition between the PDP and the BJP fell apart.&nbsp;

The other state assemblies and Lok Sabha have five-year terms.

While the term of the Sikkim Assembly ends on May 27, 2019, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh assemblies end on June 18, June 11 and June 1 respectively.

The Commission has held several review meetings across the country in last few weeks to gear up its machinery.

The required electronic voting machines and paper trail machines are in place to be deployed in nearly 10 lakh polling stations across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

This is a high probability of the elections being spread across 7-8 phases this time.

In 2004, the Commission had announced four-phase Lok Sabha polls on February 29. While the first date of polling was April 20 and the last date was May 10.

In 2009, the EC had announced Lok Sabha poll scheduled on March 2. The five-phase polls began on April 16 and ended on May 13.

In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May.

While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.

The Election Commission will soon announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections, which is likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, sources said on Thursday.

The Election Commission will soon announce its schedule for the high-voltage Lok Sabha elections, which is likely to be spread over 7-8 phases in April-May, sources said on Thursday. Sources said the poll panel is in final stages of completing its logistical preparations to hold elections for the 17th Lok Sabha and a detailed polling schedule could be announced as early this weekend or by early next week. The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling. A senior Election Commission functionary said the poll panel is now prepared to announce the dates "any day" and it could happen over the weekend or at most by Tuesday. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. There is a strong possibility that the EC may go by the precedent and hold assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh along with the Lok Sabha polls. Since the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there as well within a six-month period, which will end in May. While there is a view that the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections can be held along with the Lok Sabha polls, but a lot depends on the complex security situation in the state given the heightened tension along the India-Pakistan border. While the Centre and the state administration, being managed by the Centre-appointed governor, are against holding the two elections together, all political parties there favoured simultaneous polls during a meeting with the Election Commission earlier this week. The J-K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021, but it got dissolved after a ruling coalition between the PDP and the BJP fell apart. The other state assemblies and Lok Sabha have five-year terms. While the term of the Sikkim Assembly ends on May 27, 2019, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh assemblies end on June 18, June 11 and June 1 respectively. The Commission has held several review meetings across the country in last few weeks to gear up its machinery. The required electronic voting machines and paper trail machines are in place to be deployed in nearly 10 lakh polling stations across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies. This is a high probability of the elections being spread across 7-8 phases this time. In 2004, the Commission had announced four-phase Lok Sabha polls on February 29. While the first date of polling was April 20 and the last date was May 10. In 2009, the EC had announced Lok Sabha poll scheduled on March 2. The five-phase polls began on April 16 and ended on May 13. In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May. While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.

Election Commission to announce Lok Sabha elections soon; logistic preparations almost over

A parliamentary panel Monday asked micro-blogging site <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-forms-internal-team-for-upholding-electoral-integrity-on-platform-in-india-198824">Twitter to address issues</a> in real-time and engage more with the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of general elections and also summoned senior officials of other social media platforms <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/hard-to-ignore-congress-form-asks-for-caste-along-with-twitter-whatsapp-197165">Facebook, WhatsApp </a>and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2019-lok-sabha-elections-instagram-a-new-game-changer-to-woo-young-voters-186133">Instagram</a> on March 6.

This was informed by Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, after a nearly three-and-a-half-hour meeting with Global Vice President of Public Policy for Twitter Colin Crowell and other officials of the micro-blogging platform.

Thakur said Twitter officials were asked to "engage more" with the ECI and address issues on a "real-time" basis.

The Twitter officials were told that there should not be any "international interference" in the Lok Sabha polls.

Sources said the social media platform was categorically asked to ensure the forthcoming elections are not undermined and influenced by foreign entities.

This message to the micro-blogging site was in an apparent reference to numerous complaints of interference by social media platforms in the US elections, they said.

Thakur said Twitter officials replied to most questions and would submit replies to remaining queries in writing in 10 days.

The panel, which hears the views of the representatives of Twitter on 'safeguarding citizens rights on social/online news media platforms', has also summoned public policy heads of Facebook, WhatsApp and Platform, he said.

Sources also revealed that Thakur read out a letter addressed to him by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey during the meeting.

A parliamentary panel Monday asked micro-blogging site Twitter to address issues in real-time and engage more with the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of general elections and also summoned senior officials of other social media platforms Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on March 6.

A parliamentary panel Monday asked micro-blogging site Twitter to address issues in real-time and engage more with the Election Commission of India (ECI) ahead of general elections and also summoned senior officials of other social media platforms Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram on March 6. This was informed by Anurag Thakur, chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology, after a nearly three-and-a-half-hour meeting with Global Vice President of Public Policy for Twitter Colin Crowell and other officials of the micro-blogging platform. Thakur said Twitter officials were asked to "engage more" with the ECI and address issues on a "real-time" basis. The Twitter officials were told that there should not be any "international interference" in the Lok Sabha polls. Sources said the social media platform was categorically asked to ensure the forthcoming elections are not undermined and influenced by foreign entities. This message to the micro-blogging site was in an apparent reference to numerous complaints of interference by social media platforms in the US elections, they said. Thakur said Twitter officials replied to most questions and would submit replies to remaining queries in writing in 10 days. The panel, which hears the views of the representatives of Twitter on 'safeguarding citizens rights on social/online news media platforms', has also summoned public policy heads of Facebook, WhatsApp and Platform, he said. Sources also revealed that Thakur read out a letter addressed to him by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey during the meeting.

Lok Sabha elections: Parliamentary panel asks Twitter to engage more with Election Commission; summons Facebook, WhatsApp officials on March 6 

The Afghan government on Tuesday fired its election commission ahead of July's controversial presidential vote, reports said.

The move comes more than three months after chaotic parliamentary elections the results of which have still not been announced.&nbsp;

A terse four-sentence statement said both the Independent Election Commission and its complaints commission have been fired.&nbsp;

The statement did not offer reasons but President Ashraf Ghani's administration gave political parties and civil society representatives one week to nominate candidates to a new commission.

Last October's Parliamentary polls, which were held three years late, were marred by widespread chaos.&nbsp;

Polling stations opened hours late and some did not open at all. Workers trained in the use of a biometric identification system, aimed at curbing fraud, did not show up.

The Afghan government on Tuesday fired its election commission ahead of July's controversial presidential vote, reports said. The move comes more than three months after chaotic parliamentary elections the results of which have still not been announced.

The Afghan government on Tuesday fired its election commission ahead of July's controversial presidential vote, reports said. The move comes more than three months after chaotic parliamentary elections the results of which have still not been announced. A terse four-sentence statement said both the Independent Election Commission and its complaints commission have been fired. The statement did not offer reasons but President Ashraf Ghani's administration gave political parties and civil society representatives one week to nominate candidates to a new commission. Last October's Parliamentary polls, which were held three years late, were marred by widespread chaos. Polling stations opened hours late and some did not open at all. Workers trained in the use of a biometric identification system, aimed at curbing fraud, did not show up.

Afghan government fires election commission ahead of presidential vote in July

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi Saturday cautioned people against "misleading calls" claiming deletion of their names from electoral rolls, a day after a BJP delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had been making such phone calls.

The statement from the poll panel drew sharp reaction from AAP national convener and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who said the Election Commission "must not be allowed to become agent of a political party".

The office of the Delhi CEO, in the statement, said it had been brought to its notice that "large number of calls have been received from unknown persons/entities/sources by many citizens of Delhi telling them that their names have already been deleted in the electoral roll and the callers will get the same restored in the electoral roll".

"The citizens of Delhi are hereby advised to beware of such misleading calls coming from unknown persons/entities/sources. The only authority to add or delete a name in the electoral roll is Electoral Registration Officer... Separate legal action as required/deemed appropriate is being taken," the statement said.&nbsp;

The BJP delegation led by Union minister Vijay Goel had on Friday requested the Chief Election Commissioner to issue clarification on "bogus claims" by the AAP that names of 30 lakh voters in Delhi were deleted from electoral rolls.

The Election Commission should come out with a press statement to "expose" lies spread by the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, Goel had said.

After the poll panel came out with the final voter list in January, the AAP has launched sustained attacks on the BJP alleging its hand behind the "deletion" of names of 30 lakh voters, particularly of Purvanchali, Muslims and Bania communities, since the assembly election in Delhi in 2015.

Reacting sharply to the statement by the poll panel, Kejriwal said on Twitter, "Incumbents come n go. EC is too precious an institution for Indian democracy. EC's integrity n credibility ought to be protected. EC must not be allowed to become agent of a political party (sic)."&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, he said, "EC shud answer- 1. 22 lakh names wrongly deleted in Telangana- Didn't EC apologise? 2. Why were Jwala Gutta n her family names missing at polling centre tho they existed on EC website? (sic)."&nbsp;

"EC gave AAP list of 24 lakh names deleted in Del 1. Del govt enqries in some deletions found them wrong?Why EC protecting those officers? 2. Why EC not allowing Del govt to do enquiries in all deletions? EC itself didn't conduct enquiries AAP won't allow telangana it in Del (sic)," he tweeted.

AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha asserted that Kejriwal is fighting with the Election Commission and he will get every voter's name added to the electoral rolls that has been illegally deleted at the behest of the BJP.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi Saturday cautioned people against "misleading calls" claiming deletion of their names from electoral rolls, a day after a BJP delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had been making such phone calls.

The Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi Saturday cautioned people against "misleading calls" claiming deletion of their names from electoral rolls, a day after a BJP delegation met the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had been making such phone calls. The statement from the poll panel drew sharp reaction from AAP national convener and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who said the Election Commission "must not be allowed to become agent of a political party". The office of the Delhi CEO, in the statement, said it had been brought to its notice that "large number of calls have been received from unknown persons/entities/sources by many citizens of Delhi telling them that their names have already been deleted in the electoral roll and the callers will get the same restored in the electoral roll". "The citizens of Delhi are hereby advised to beware of such misleading calls coming from unknown persons/entities/sources. The only authority to add or delete a name in the electoral roll is Electoral Registration Officer... Separate legal action as required/deemed appropriate is being taken," the statement said. The BJP delegation led by Union minister Vijay Goel had on Friday requested the Chief Election Commissioner to issue clarification on "bogus claims" by the AAP that names of 30 lakh voters in Delhi were deleted from electoral rolls. The Election Commission should come out with a press statement to "expose" lies spread by the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, Goel had said. After the poll panel came out with the final voter list in January, the AAP has launched sustained attacks on the BJP alleging its hand behind the "deletion" of names of 30 lakh voters, particularly of Purvanchali, Muslims and Bania communities, since the assembly election in Delhi in 2015. Reacting sharply to the statement by the poll panel, Kejriwal said on Twitter, "Incumbents come n go. EC is too precious an institution for Indian democracy. EC's integrity n credibility ought to be protected. EC must not be allowed to become agent of a political party (sic)." In a series of tweets, he said, "EC shud answer- 1. 22 lakh names wrongly deleted in Telangana- Didn't EC apologise? 2. Why were Jwala Gutta n her family names missing at polling centre tho they existed on EC website? (sic)." "EC gave AAP list of 24 lakh names deleted in Del 1. Del govt enqries in some deletions found them wrong?Why EC protecting those officers? 2. Why EC not allowing Del govt to do enquiries in all deletions? EC itself didn't conduct enquiries AAP won't allow telangana it in Del (sic)," he tweeted. AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha asserted that Kejriwal is fighting with the Election Commission and he will get every voter's name added to the electoral rolls that has been illegally deleted at the behest of the BJP.

Poll panel cautions Delhiites against 'misleading calls' over deletion of names from electoral rolls

Gearing up for the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/trinamool-congress-to-fight-lok-sabha-polls-in-14-states-193214">Lok Sabha polls</a> due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

In a letter addressed to all state chief secretaries and chief electoral officers, the Commission pointed out that polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are due shortly.

It said while the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim assemblies expire on June 18, June 1, June 11 and May 27, respectively.

It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair.

The Commission made it clear that though large number of employees would be drafted for election duty, it does not want to carry out large-scale dislocation of the state machinery. It said the transfer directive is not applicable to those not directly connected with the elections.

The January 16 direction made it clear that officials against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in the past in any election should not be assigned poll-related duty.

Also, officers against whom criminal cases are pending in courts are barred from getting election work.

Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years.

Gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls due this summer, the Election Commission has directed all state governments to transfer officials posted in their home districts and those who have spent three years in a district in the last four years. In a letter addressed to all state chief secretaries and chief electoral officers, the Commission pointed out that polls to Lok Sabha and assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are due shortly. It said while the term of the 16th Lok Sabha ends on June 3, the terms of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim assemblies expire on June 18, June 1, June 11 and May 27, respectively. It is usual for the poll panel to issue such directions ahead of Lok Sabha or assembly polls to ensure that officials do not interfere in the election process in any way and the exercise remains free and fair. The Commission made it clear that though large number of employees would be drafted for election duty, it does not want to carry out large-scale dislocation of the state machinery. It said the transfer directive is not applicable to those not directly connected with the elections. The January 16 direction made it clear that officials against whom it had recommended disciplinary action in the past in any election should not be assigned poll-related duty. Also, officers against whom criminal cases are pending in courts are barred from getting election work.

Ahead of Lok Sabha polls, Election Commission orders transfer of officials posted in home districts

The hue and cry around EVMs has by now become a regular feature. The latest controversy involves a sensational claim of a live demonstration of hacking by an Indian cybersecurity expert based in the US in London that never happened. A promised earthquake turned out to be a damp squib.

The supposed “expert” introduced himself as one Syed Shuja, an ex-employee of ECIL, Hyderabad, who claimed to be a member of the team which designed the EVMs. His sensational claim was that he discovered a way which made hacking possible. He went on to say that the 2014 general elections was entirely rigged.

Even the recent state assembly elections would have been rigged but for the counteraction by Shuja and his team. He claimed that a senior BJP leader and a Karnataka journalist who knew about the rigging were killed, besides his own teammates whose murders were covered up as incidents in a communal riot. He said he survived and escaped to the US where he sought political asylum.

These sound like bizarre claims but can be independently verified. One hopes that the agencies concerned would be doing their job. The fact is that “live demonstration” of EVM hacking never happened. But the controversy was revived yet again.&nbsp;

This is by no means a standalone incident. There is a long history of claims and counter-claims. Every political party at some time or the other has raised doubts without any evidence whatsoever. The usual call is to return to ballot papers.&nbsp;

To force the hands of the Election Commission to return to ballot papers, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), in 2010, put up more than 64 candidates in 12 by-elections on the Telangana issue as the EVMs cannot take more than 64 candidates. After scrutiny, six constituencies were left with over 64 candidates, where perforce elections had to be conducted with paper ballots. An equal number used EVMs. In a way, this was a great opportunity to test the relative merits and demerits of the two systems of voting.&nbsp;

While EVM results were out in four hours, ballot papers took 40 hours, with a lot of invalid votes coming in. The results from both the systems were exactly the same.

Interestingly, on that occasion, the BJP was opposing the EVM and the Congress defending it! Since the 2014 elections, all parties have been accusing the BJP of misusing EVMs to win elections without producing any evidence. Hence the song remains the same, only the singers change every couple of years.

The ECI, on the other hand, has confidently challenged all conspiracy theorists to try their hands on its EVMs to show that these can be hacked. Till date no political party has accepted the challenge.&nbsp;

The previous occasion when the demand for ballot papers had reached such a high pitch was in 2010, in the wake of BJP’s hype about hackability of the machines. The ECI had called an all-party meeting where consensus was reached that voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) was the ultimate solution. We accepted the demand and asked the two EVM manufacturing companies to design VVPAT machines.

The independent committee of five IIT professors was asked to oversee the entire technology and process. After a series of trials, the VVPAT was initially tried in Nagaland in 2012 and later in several other states. Since 2017, every state election has been held with these printer-attached machines. Voter chits generated by these machines have been crosschecked in 1,500 booths. All of them tallied. That should have ended the controversy.&nbsp;

Recurrent controversy creates doubts in public minds about the electoral system that has stood the test of time. Lack of public trust in the system is dangerous for democracy. It must be addressed effectively and quickly. Many parties are demanding that a reasonable percentage of VVPAT machines should be counted for public confidence. Let EC examine this demand and arrive at a scientific sample size in consultation with statistical experts so that the controversy is put to rest once for all.&nbsp;

Instead of appearing rigid, the Commission may convene an all-party meeting, yet again, as the basic concern is serious and the stakes are very high. My experience in dealing with political parties is that if we have an open dialogue with them to explain our stand, they always see reason and a consensus does evolve. Giving it another shot, urgently, would be worth its while.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The hue and cry around EVMs has by now become a regular feature. The latest controversy involves a sensational claim of a live demonstration of hacking by an Indian cybersecurity expert based in the US in London that never happened.

The hue and cry around EVMs has by now become a regular feature. The latest controversy involves a sensational claim of a live demonstration of hacking by an Indian cybersecurity expert based in the US in London that never happened. A promised earthquake turned out to be a damp squib. The supposed “expert” introduced himself as one Syed Shuja, an ex-employee of ECIL, Hyderabad, who claimed to be a member of the team which designed the EVMs. His sensational claim was that he discovered a way which made hacking possible. He went on to say that the 2014 general elections was entirely rigged. Even the recent state assembly elections would have been rigged but for the counteraction by Shuja and his team. He claimed that a senior BJP leader and a Karnataka journalist who knew about the rigging were killed, besides his own teammates whose murders were covered up as incidents in a communal riot. He said he survived and escaped to the US where he sought political asylum. These sound like bizarre claims but can be independently verified. One hopes that the agencies concerned would be doing their job. The fact is that “live demonstration” of EVM hacking never happened. But the controversy was revived yet again. This is by no means a standalone incident. There is a long history of claims and counter-claims. Every political party at some time or the other has raised doubts without any evidence whatsoever. The usual call is to return to ballot papers. To force the hands of the Election Commission to return to ballot papers, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), in 2010, put up more than 64 candidates in 12 by-elections on the Telangana issue as the EVMs cannot take more than 64 candidates. After scrutiny, six constituencies were left with over 64 candidates, where perforce elections had to be conducted with paper ballots. An equal number used EVMs. In a way, this was a great opportunity to test the relative merits and demerits of the two systems of voting. While EVM results were out in four hours, ballot papers took 40 hours, with a lot of invalid votes coming in. The results from both the systems were exactly the same. Interestingly, on that occasion, the BJP was opposing the EVM and the Congress defending it! Since the 2014 elections, all parties have been accusing the BJP of misusing EVMs to win elections without producing any evidence. Hence the song remains the same, only the singers change every couple of years. The ECI, on the other hand, has confidently challenged all conspiracy theorists to try their hands on its EVMs to show that these can be hacked. Till date no political party has accepted the challenge. The previous occasion when the demand for ballot papers had reached such a high pitch was in 2010, in the wake of BJP’s hype about hackability of the machines. The ECI had called an all-party meeting where consensus was reached that voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) was the ultimate solution. We accepted the demand and asked the two EVM manufacturing companies to design VVPAT machines. The independent committee of five IIT professors was asked to oversee the entire technology and process. After a series of trials, the VVPAT was initially tried in Nagaland in 2012 and later in several other states. Since 2017, every state election has been held with these printer-attached machines. Voter chits generated by these machines have been crosschecked in 1,500 booths. All of them tallied. That should have ended the controversy. Recurrent controversy creates doubts in public minds about the electoral system that has stood the test of time. Lack of public trust in the system is dangerous for democracy. It must be addressed effectively and quickly. Many parties are demanding that a reasonable percentage of VVPAT machines should be counted for public confidence. Let EC examine this demand and arrive at a scientific sample size in consultation with statistical experts so that the controversy is put to rest once for all. Instead of appearing rigid, the Commission may convene an all-party meeting, yet again, as the basic concern is serious and the stakes are very high. My experience in dealing with political parties is that if we have an open dialogue with them to explain our stand, they always see reason and a consensus does evolve. Giving it another shot, urgently, would be worth its while. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Recurring EVM controversy

Election Commission of India has blasted the uncorroborated tongue in cheek allegation by Syed Shuja, a self styled cyber expert seeking asylum in the United States, who showed up on Skype to address a press conference in London on Monday and hurled the wild charge that the 2014 parliamentary elections in India were rigged by hacking the electronic voting machines (EVMs). He didn’t stop at that and went on to allege that the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, held after demonetisation, also were rigged in favour of the BJP.

About the Delhi Assembly election, that brought the Aam Aadmi Party to power with a historic mandate, Shuja said that his team could intercept low-frequency communication and reverse the Delhi results. Otherwise, the BJP would have swept these polls by hacking the EVMs, he said adding that low-frequency signals to rig the just concluded Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan also were “successfully intercepted” and as a result, the BJP lost power in these States.

ECI has lodged an FIR against Shuja. The election body has also issued a statement to counter what it has described as a “motivated controversy”. &nbsp;ECI has placed on record the testimony of the Technical Experts Committee (TEC) members - Prof D T Shahani, Prof Emeritus IIT Delhi and Prof Rajat Moona, Director IIT Bhilai and Prof D K Sharma, Prof Emeritus IIT Bombay (Mumbai), who have have reconfirmed to the ECI that the ECI-EVMs are stand-alone machines designed to connect only amongst ECI-EVM units (Ballot Unit, Control Unit and VVPAT) through cables that remain in full public view. 
 
There is no mechanism in ECI-EVMs to communicate with any device through wireless communication on any Radio Frequency. All versions of ECI-EVMs are regularly and rigorously tested against low to high wireless frequencies. These tests include and go beyond the standard tests specified for electronic equipment. ECI-EVMs are regularly tested for proper functioning under all kind of operating conditions. ECI-EVMs are also regularly tested for code authentication and verification.

Meanwhile, in London, the Foreign Press Association (FPA) has distanced itself from the press conference that was jointly organised by the Indian Journalists’ Association (Europe) and FPA. A day after the presser, FPA tweeted: The Foreign Press Association strongly disassociates itself with any claims made by the speaker Syed Shuja during the #IJA event in London yesterday. Not one of the masked speaker’s accusations have so far been corroborated.

Italian Journalist in London, Deborah Bonetti, who writes for an Italian newspaper&nbsp;and is Director of the Foreign Press Association, who sat through the London press meet as a co-host later said in a tweet: “The speaker at yesterday’s event #IJA did not follow up his claims with any proof. He was not credible and should not have been given a platform”.

The Congress party also has chosen to distance itself from the London press conference. Party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that party senior Kapil Sibal, who was present at this event had been invited by a journalist and was not there to represent the Congress party.

When journalists present at the London presser asked Shuja whether or not he had evidence to corroborate his allegations, each time his reply was in the negative. At the fag-end of the whole exercise, one of the media-persons even thanked Shuja for “entertaining” them. The journalists repeatedly questioned him about his agenda and his stock reply was that he was bothered about protecting democracy in India. On being asked why it took him so long to raise the EVM hacking issue, Shuja talked of raising the matter with a TV personality and said that he had chosen to remain silent. &nbsp; 
 
He also told media-persons that the high profile Bangalore-based journalist Gauri Lankesh was in touch with him but was murdered before she could publish a news item on the “hacking of EVMs”. &nbsp;He even went on to make the ridiculous charge, without a shred of evidence, that late Union Minister Gopinath Munde was killed as he was aware of the hacking of EVMs during the 2014 polls.

Shuja deserves to be hauled up for what he has blurted out is obviously motivated towards undermining India's democracy and its robust electoral system, which is globally recognised and respected. He has also made a bizarre attempt to tarnish the image of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the parliamentary election. The ECI has lodged a criminal complaint against him and now he will be dealt with under the law.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Election Commission of India has blasted the uncorroborated tongue in cheek allegation by Syed Shuja, a self styled cyber expert seeking asylum in the United States, who showed up on Skype to address a press conference in London on Monday and hurled the wild charge that the 2014 parliamentary elections in India were rigged by hacking the electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Election Commission of India has blasted the uncorroborated tongue in cheek allegation by Syed Shuja, a self styled cyber expert seeking asylum in the United States, who showed up on Skype to address a press conference in London on Monday and hurled the wild charge that the 2014 parliamentary elections in India were rigged by hacking the electronic voting machines (EVMs). He didn’t stop at that and went on to allege that the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, held after demonetisation, also were rigged in favour of the BJP. About the Delhi Assembly election, that brought the Aam Aadmi Party to power with a historic mandate, Shuja said that his team could intercept low-frequency communication and reverse the Delhi results. Otherwise, the BJP would have swept these polls by hacking the EVMs, he said adding that low-frequency signals to rig the just concluded Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan also were “successfully intercepted” and as a result, the BJP lost power in these States. ECI has lodged an FIR against Shuja. The election body has also issued a statement to counter what it has described as a “motivated controversy”. ECI has placed on record the testimony of the Technical Experts Committee (TEC) members - Prof D T Shahani, Prof Emeritus IIT Delhi and Prof Rajat Moona, Director IIT Bhilai and Prof D K Sharma, Prof Emeritus IIT Bombay (Mumbai), who have have reconfirmed to the ECI that the ECI-EVMs are stand-alone machines designed to connect only amongst ECI-EVM units (Ballot Unit, Control Unit and VVPAT) through cables that remain in full public view. There is no mechanism in ECI-EVMs to communicate with any device through wireless communication on any Radio Frequency. All versions of ECI-EVMs are regularly and rigorously tested against low to high wireless frequencies. These tests include and go beyond the standard tests specified for electronic equipment. ECI-EVMs are regularly tested for proper functioning under all kind of operating conditions. ECI-EVMs are also regularly tested for code authentication and verification. Meanwhile, in London, the Foreign Press Association (FPA) has distanced itself from the press conference that was jointly organised by the Indian Journalists’ Association (Europe) and FPA. A day after the presser, FPA tweeted: The Foreign Press Association strongly disassociates itself with any claims made by the speaker Syed Shuja during the #IJA event in London yesterday. Not one of the masked speaker’s accusations have so far been corroborated. Italian Journalist in London, Deborah Bonetti, who writes for an Italian newspaper and is Director of the Foreign Press Association, who sat through the London press meet as a co-host later said in a tweet: “The speaker at yesterday’s event #IJA did not follow up his claims with any proof. He was not credible and should not have been given a platform”. The Congress party also has chosen to distance itself from the London press conference. Party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that party senior Kapil Sibal, who was present at this event had been invited by a journalist and was not there to represent the Congress party. When journalists present at the London presser asked Shuja whether or not he had evidence to corroborate his allegations, each time his reply was in the negative. At the fag-end of the whole exercise, one of the media-persons even thanked Shuja for “entertaining” them. The journalists repeatedly questioned him about his agenda and his stock reply was that he was bothered about protecting democracy in India. On being asked why it took him so long to raise the EVM hacking issue, Shuja talked of raising the matter with a TV personality and said that he had chosen to remain silent. He also told media-persons that the high profile Bangalore-based journalist Gauri Lankesh was in touch with him but was murdered before she could publish a news item on the “hacking of EVMs”. He even went on to make the ridiculous charge, without a shred of evidence, that late Union Minister Gopinath Munde was killed as he was aware of the hacking of EVMs during the 2014 polls. Shuja deserves to be hauled up for what he has blurted out is obviously motivated towards undermining India's democracy and its robust electoral system, which is globally recognised and respected. He has also made a bizarre attempt to tarnish the image of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the parliamentary election. The ECI has lodged a criminal complaint against him and now he will be dealt with under the law. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Election Commission is right to call EVM hackathon 'a motivated slugfest'

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter.

The Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, claimed Monday that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through EVMs, which, he said, can be hacked.

Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members.

In a statement issued here, the poll panel said whereas it is "wary of becoming a party to this motivated slugfest", it firmly stands by the "empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs" used in elections in India.

"It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter," the EC statement said without elaborating against whom the action was being contemplated -- the person or the organiser of the event.

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MA Naqvi on event claiming to demonstrate EVMs in India can be tampered with, held in London: Congress has a lot of freelancers, who sometimes reach even Pak to take help for removing Modi Ji.They are making a hacking horror show of their possible defeat in the upcoming elections <a href="https://t.co/MEEugGryXA">pic.twitter.com/MEEugGryXA</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1087351942165147648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Commission reiterated that the EVMs used by it are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under "very strict" supervisory and security conditions.

It said there are rigorous standard operating procedures "meticulously observed" at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted in 2010.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter.

Amid claims by an Indian cyber expert that electronic voting machines (EVMs) can be hacked, the Election Commission asserted Monday it firmly stands by "empirical facts about foolproof nature" of its machines and said it is examining as to what legal action "can and should" be taken in the matter. The Indian cyber expert, seeking political asylum in the US, claimed Monday that the 2014 general election was "rigged" through EVMs, which, he said, can be hacked. Addressing a press conference in London via Skype, the man, identified as Syed Suja, said he fled India in 2014 because he felt threatened in the country after the killing of some of his team members. In a statement issued here, the poll panel said whereas it is "wary of becoming a party to this motivated slugfest", it firmly stands by the "empirical facts about foolproof nature of ECI EVMs" used in elections in India. "It is being separately examined as to what legal action can and should be taken in the matter," the EC statement said without elaborating against whom the action was being contemplated -- the person or the organiser of the event. MA Naqvi on event claiming to demonstrate EVMs in India can be tampered with, held in London: Congress has a lot of freelancers, who sometimes reach even Pak to take help for removing Modi Ji.They are making a hacking horror show of their possible defeat in the upcoming elections pic.twitter.com/MEEugGryXA — ANI (@ANI) January 21, 2019 × The Commission reiterated that the EVMs used by it are manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) under "very strict" supervisory and security conditions. It said there are rigorous standard operating procedures "meticulously observed" at all stages under the supervision of a committee of eminent technical experts constituted in 2010.

EVM hacking claim: Election Commission asserts 'foolproof nature' of its machines; mulls legal action