A major controversy has erupted in Karnataka after the draft electoral roll revealed that nearly 50% of Bengaluru's registered voters have been placed under the ASDO (Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate, Other) category, making them liable for deletion from the final voter list.

The BJP has accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of violating election guidelines, while the Congress claims the opposition is trying to politicize the voter list revision. Officials have asked voters wrongly marked under ASDO to verify their details before the August 8 deadline.

Watch the full report for the latest updates.

Bengaluru Voter List Shock: Nearly 50% of Voters Marked for Deletion | Karnataka Electoral Roll Row

The death toll from the NHPC tunnel collapse in Namchi, Sikkim, has risen to 22, with rescue teams continuing operations to locate the remaining victims. Specialized rescue personnel remain on the ground as authorities monitor the situation and provide support to affected families. Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has received over 17 lakh enumeration forms during the ongoing special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Karnataka. Officials have urged voters to submit their forms before the August 8 deadline, even if voter mapping details are unavailable.

Sikkim Tunnel Collapse Death Toll Rises To 22 | Karnataka Voter List Revision Sparks Concern

The Election Commission has informed a parliamentary committee that it is prepared to conduct One Nation, One Election, provided it receives six months' advance notice. The committee chairman said the poll body believes simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections could begin from 2029 if Parliament passes the required constitutional amendments by 2028. Supporters say the reform will reduce election costs and improve governance, while critics argue it could weaken federalism and create constitutional and logistical challenges if governments complete different terms. The proposal is now under review as the parliamentary panel prepares its recommendations.

One Nation One Election: Election Commission ready to conduct simultaneous polls from 2029

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the opposition INDIA alliance listed out its five demands at the ‘Loktantra Bachao Rally’ in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar 31) stating that the Election Commission of India should ensure fair&nbsp;play during the polls for all parties.

The bloc exuded confidence while asserting that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) creating “undemocratic obstacles”, the alliance will keep making dedicated efforts to win the polls and save the country’s democracy.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra read out the demands and called for the poll panel to bar the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department’s actions against opposition parties, which she claimed were deliberately taken to impact the elections negatively.

She further demanded the immediate release of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

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INDIA गठबंधन की 5 सूत्रीय मांग 
 
1. चुनाव आयोग को लोकसभा चुनावों में समान अवसर सुनिश्चित करना चाहिए 
 
2. चुनाव आयोग को चुनाव में हेराफेरी करने के उद्देश्य से विपक्षी दलों के खिलाफ जांच एजेंसियों द्वारा की जानी वाली कार्रवाई रोकी जानी चाहिए 
 
3. हेमंत सोरेन जी और अरविन्द केजरीवाल जी… <a href="https://t.co/QntVuwhGWF">pic.twitter.com/QntVuwhGWF</a>
— Congress (@INCIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia/status/1774382780115238953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwals-arrest-unites-indian-opposition-at-the-site-of-his-political-birthplace-706214">Opposition unites at INDIA bloc rally over Kejriwal’s arrest to take on BJP</a>

<h2>5 demands of INDIA alliance</h2>

1. The Election Commission should ensure a level playing field in Lok Sabha elections

2. The Election Commission should stop action taken by investigative agencies against opposition parties with the aim of rigging elections

3. Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal should be released immediately

4. The coercive action of financially strangling opposition political parties during elections must stop immediately

5. A Supreme Court-monitored SIT must be formed to investigate allegations of vendetta, extortion and money laundering by the BJP using election funds

In her remarks before reading out the INDIA bloc’s demands, she said, “I have been coming to Ramlila Maidan since childhood. Every year Ravan’s effigy is set on fire.”&nbsp;

“When I was a kid, I used to come (here) with my grandmother Indira Ji and she used to narrate the Ramayana to me. Those in power today call themselves Ram Bhakts. When I was sitting here I thought that I should say something to them. I want to remind them of the 1,000-year-old tale and its message,” she said.&nbsp;

“When Lord Ram fought for truth, he did not have power, resources or even a chariot. Ravan had chariots, resources, army and gold but Lord Ram had truth, hope, belief, love, kindness, modesty, patience, courage and truth. I want to tell those in power and PM Narendra Modi that the message of Lord Ram’s life is that power is not permanent… and arrogance gets shattered,” she&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the opposition INDIA alliance listed out its five demands at the ‘Loktantra Bachao Rally’ in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar 31) stating that the Election Commission of India should ensure fair play during the polls for all parties.

With Lok Sabha elections drawing closer, the opposition INDIA alliance listed out its five demands at the ‘Loktantra Bachao Rally’ in New Delhi on Sunday (Mar 31) stating that the Election Commission of India should ensure fair play during the polls for all parties. The bloc exuded confidence while asserting that despite the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) creating “undemocratic obstacles”, the alliance will keep making dedicated efforts to win the polls and save the country’s democracy. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra read out the demands and called for the poll panel to bar the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax department’s actions against opposition parties, which she claimed were deliberately taken to impact the elections negatively. She further demanded the immediate release of former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. INDIA गठबंधन की 5 सूत्रीय मांग 1. चुनाव आयोग को लोकसभा चुनावों में समान अवसर सुनिश्चित करना चाहिए 2. चुनाव आयोग को चुनाव में हेराफेरी करने के उद्देश्य से विपक्षी दलों के खिलाफ जांच एजेंसियों द्वारा की जानी वाली कार्रवाई रोकी जानी चाहिए 3. हेमंत सोरेन जी और अरविन्द केजरीवाल जी… pic.twitter.com/QntVuwhGWF — Congress (@INCIndia) March 31, 2024 × Also read: Opposition unites at INDIA bloc rally over Kejriwal’s arrest to take on BJP 5 demands of INDIA alliance 1. The Election Commission should ensure a level playing field in Lok Sabha elections 2. The Election Commission should stop action taken by investigative agencies against opposition parties with the aim of rigging elections 3. Hemant Soren and Arvind Kejriwal should be released immediately 4. The coercive action of financially strangling opposition political parties during elections must stop immediately 5. A Supreme Court-monitored SIT must be formed to investigate allegations of vendetta, extortion and money laundering by the BJP using election funds In her remarks before reading out the INDIA bloc’s demands, she said, “I have been coming to Ramlila Maidan since childhood. Every year Ravan’s effigy is set on fire.” “When I was a kid, I used to come (here) with my grandmother Indira Ji and she used to narrate the Ramayana to me. Those in power today call themselves Ram Bhakts. When I was sitting here I thought that I should say something to them. I want to remind them of the 1,000-year-old tale and its message,” she said. “When Lord Ram fought for truth, he did not have power, resources or even a chariot. Ravan had chariots, resources, army and gold but Lord Ram had truth, hope, belief, love, kindness, modesty, patience, courage and truth. I want to tell those in power and PM Narendra Modi that the message of Lord Ram’s life is that power is not permanent… and arrogance gets shattered,” she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Priyanka Gandhi reads out INDIA bloc’s five demands to Election Commission at mega rally

Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks&nbsp;ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections.

His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect. 
 
With Goel’s resignation, the three-member Election Commission of India&nbsp;now has only Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. There was already a vacancy after Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey retired last month.

"In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March 2024,"&nbsp;an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice read.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-dmk-allots-10-seats-for-congress-in-tamil-nadu-puducherry-698377">Lok Sabha polls: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry</a>

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President accepts the resignation tendered by Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 9th March 2024: Ministry of Law &amp; Justice <a href="https://t.co/88tuyXm4uP">pic.twitter.com/88tuyXm4uP</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1766488053688770940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The development comes&nbsp;days ahead of the vote dates announcement, which is expected to take place next week.Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India in 2022.&nbsp;

An Indian Administrative Service officer of 1985 batch from the Punjab cadre,&nbsp;Goel had superannuated as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India after more than 37 years of service before joining the EC.&nbsp; 
 
He previously worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place in April-May 2024.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections. His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect.

Election Commissioner Arun Goel on Saturday (Mar 9) quit from his position, weeks ahead of India's Lok Sabha elections. His resignation was accepted by the President Droupadi Murmu with immediate effect. With Goel’s resignation, the three-member Election Commission of India now has only Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. There was already a vacancy after Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey retired last month. "In pursuance of clause (1) of Section 11 of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the President is pleased to accept the resignation tendered by Shri Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 09th March 2024," an official statement from the Ministry of Law and Justice read. Also read: Lok Sabha polls: DMK allots 10 seats for Congress in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry President accepts the resignation tendered by Arun Goel, Election Commissioner with effect from the 9th March 2024: Ministry of Law & Justice pic.twitter.com/88tuyXm4uP — ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2024 × The development comes days ahead of the vote dates announcement, which is expected to take place next week.Goel assumed charge as Election Commissioner (EC) of India in 2022. An Indian Administrative Service officer of 1985 batch from the Punjab cadre, Goel had superannuated as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India after more than 37 years of service before joining the EC. He previously worked as Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Vice-Chairman, Delhi Development Authority; Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Joint Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. The Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place in April-May 2024. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigns ahead of Lok Sabha polls, president accepts resignation

Three Indian states in the country’s northeast region held their assembly elections on Monday (February 27). The exit polls began hours later after Meghalaya and Nagaland finished their voting, earlier Monday while Tripura had finished polling on February 16. So far, the exit polls have suggested that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies will lead in two states while there will be a close race for Meghalaya.&nbsp;

All three states have 60 seats in their assembly where 31 seats are needed to secure the majority. The elections in Meghalaya and Nagaland took place across 59 constituencies in each of the two states, early Monday. However, one seat in Meghalaya was adjourned due to the death of a candidate while no poll was held for one seat in Nagaland as there was only one candidate.&nbsp;

According to recent data from the Election Commission, the turnout in both states was over 80 per cent with Meghalaya at 81.57 per cent and Nagaland at 85.90 per. Meanwhile, Tripura recorded nearly 87.6 per cent in the one-day assembly elections when it held the polls nearly two weeks ago. In Meghalaya, the polling took place across 3,419 stations and 2,291 in Nagaland.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/northeast-india-elections-live-polling-begins-in-meghalaya-nagaland-566190">Northeast India elections | Exit polls predict big win for BJP and allies in Tripura, Nagaland; close race in Meghalaya</a>

The EC in its statement after the polls also said that it seized 23 times more freebies during the Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura elections than it did in 2018. The freebies included cash, alcohol, precious metals and even drugs worth at least $1.70 billion (Rs.169.6 crore). The EC also noted that there was no repolling needed at any of the 5,710 stations and thanked polling personnel for conducting the elections peacefully.&nbsp;

Exit polls for Meghalaya assembly elections

As per exit polls by Times Now-ETG Research, 29 seats were estimated for Others, followed by 22 for the National People’s Party (NPP), BJP with five, and Congress with three seats.&nbsp;

Zee News-Matrize estimates 24 seats will be secured by NPP, while 22 will be with Others, followed by approximately nine seats for BJP, and four for Congress.

India Today-Axis My India predicted that 23 seats will be secured by Others, followed by 21 seats by NPP while Congress and BJP will secure nine and six seats respectively.&nbsp;

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The exit polls published by several agencies late Monday have led many to believe that the northeastern state will witness a hung assembly this year. This would not be the first time that has taken place in Meghalaya as in 2018 there was no single party or alliance which managed to secure a majority which led incumbent Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to form a coalition with United Democratic Party (UDP), BJP and others to form the state government.&nbsp;

This time around Sangma’s NPP has stood in second place in most polls and after the exit polls, the current CM once again hinted that if they fall short of the majority the party will form an alliance.&nbsp;

Exit polls for Tripura assembly elections&nbsp;

India Today-Axis My India predicted that BJP and its ally, Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) will manage to secure 40 seats, followed by TMP at 12 and 16 seats may be won by Left and its ally Congress.&nbsp;

Times Now-ETG estimated 24 seats for BJP and its ally, followed by 21 for Left and its ally, 14 for TMP, and one seat will be taken by Others.

According to Zee News-Matrize exit polls, BJP and ally can secure 31 seats, followed by Left and ally at 16, while 12 seats are predicted for TMP and one for Others.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tripura-elections-2023-check-exit-poll-results-timings-live-streaming-predictions-where-and-how-to-watch-566292">Tripura Elections 2023: Check exit poll results, timings, live streaming, predictions- Where and how to watch</a>

Two of the three exit polls in Tripura show BJP and its ally IPFT will manage to secure the majority with the Left-Congress alliance quite behind on the estimates. Meanwhile, Times Now-ETG predicted that it might be a close race and that a hung assembly was a possibility.&nbsp;

Exit polls for Nagaland assembly elections

India Today-Axis My India predicted 43 seats for BJP and its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), followed by Others at 10, five seats for Naga People’s Front (NPF), and one seat for Congress.

Times Now-ETG estimates at least 44 seats for BJP-NDPP followed by nine for Others, six for NPF, and none for Congress.

Zee News-Matrize predicts that BJP-NDPP will gain 39 seats, Others may secure 15, while three were estimated for NPF, and two for Congress.

As the exit polls indicate, BJP and its ally NDPP are poised to secure a comfortable majority, the former contested for 20 seats while the latter sent candidates for the rest of the 40 seats, as a part of their coalition.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-aap-supporters-take-to-the-streets-to-protest-against-delhi-deputy-cm-manish-sisodias-arrest-566308">India: AAP supporters take to the streets to protest against Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest</a>

However, exit polls are not always accurate and are often vastly different from the actual outcome. The EC will announce the result of the elections on March 2. Notably, this round of assembly elections is deemed important as these are the first of back-to-back elections across the country in different states. This will also be followed by six other state elections in 2023 leading up to the general elections, next year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Three Indian states in the country’s northeast region held their assembly elections on Monday (February 27). The exit polls began hours later after Meghalaya and Nagaland finished their voting, earlier Monday while Tripura had finished polling on February 16.

Three Indian states in the country’s northeast region held their assembly elections on Monday (February 27). The exit polls began hours later after Meghalaya and Nagaland finished their voting, earlier Monday while Tripura had finished polling on February 16. So far, the exit polls have suggested that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies will lead in two states while there will be a close race for Meghalaya. All three states have 60 seats in their assembly where 31 seats are needed to secure the majority. The elections in Meghalaya and Nagaland took place across 59 constituencies in each of the two states, early Monday. However, one seat in Meghalaya was adjourned due to the death of a candidate while no poll was held for one seat in Nagaland as there was only one candidate. According to recent data from the Election Commission, the turnout in both states was over 80 per cent with Meghalaya at 81.57 per cent and Nagaland at 85.90 per. Meanwhile, Tripura recorded nearly 87.6 per cent in the one-day assembly elections when it held the polls nearly two weeks ago. In Meghalaya, the polling took place across 3,419 stations and 2,291 in Nagaland. ALSO READ | Northeast India elections | Exit polls predict big win for BJP and allies in Tripura, Nagaland; close race in Meghalaya The EC in its statement after the polls also said that it seized 23 times more freebies during the Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura elections than it did in 2018. The freebies included cash, alcohol, precious metals and even drugs worth at least $1.70 billion (Rs.169.6 crore). The EC also noted that there was no repolling needed at any of the 5,710 stations and thanked polling personnel for conducting the elections peacefully. Exit polls for Meghalaya assembly elections As per exit polls by Times Now-ETG Research, 29 seats were estimated for Others, followed by 22 for the National People’s Party (NPP), BJP with five, and Congress with three seats. Zee News-Matrize estimates 24 seats will be secured by NPP, while 22 will be with Others, followed by approximately nine seats for BJP, and four for Congress. India Today-Axis My India predicted that 23 seats will be secured by Others, followed by 21 seats by NPP while Congress and BJP will secure nine and six seats respectively. ALSO READ | Made-in-India 19-seater plane 'Hindustan 228-201 LW' gets DGCA nod for civilian flight ops The exit polls published by several agencies late Monday have led many to believe that the northeastern state will witness a hung assembly this year. This would not be the first time that has taken place in Meghalaya as in 2018 there was no single party or alliance which managed to secure a majority which led incumbent Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to form a coalition with United Democratic Party (UDP), BJP and others to form the state government. This time around Sangma’s NPP has stood in second place in most polls and after the exit polls, the current CM once again hinted that if they fall short of the majority the party will form an alliance. Exit polls for Tripura assembly elections India Today-Axis My India predicted that BJP and its ally, Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura (IPFT) will manage to secure 40 seats, followed by TMP at 12 and 16 seats may be won by Left and its ally Congress. Times Now-ETG estimated 24 seats for BJP and its ally, followed by 21 for Left and its ally, 14 for TMP, and one seat will be taken by Others. According to Zee News-Matrize exit polls, BJP and ally can secure 31 seats, followed by Left and ally at 16, while 12 seats are predicted for TMP and one for Others. ALSO READ | Tripura Elections 2023: Check exit poll results, timings, live streaming, predictions- Where and how to watch Two of the three exit polls in Tripura show BJP and its ally IPFT will manage to secure the majority with the Left-Congress alliance quite behind on the estimates. Meanwhile, Times Now-ETG predicted that it might be a close race and that a hung assembly was a possibility. Exit polls for Nagaland assembly elections India Today-Axis My India predicted 43 seats for BJP and its ally Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), followed by Others at 10, five seats for Naga People’s Front (NPF), and one seat for Congress. Times Now-ETG estimates at least 44 seats for BJP-NDPP followed by nine for Others, six for NPF, and none for Congress. Zee News-Matrize predicts that BJP-NDPP will gain 39 seats, Others may secure 15, while three were estimated for NPF, and two for Congress. As the exit polls indicate, BJP and its ally NDPP are poised to secure a comfortable majority, the former contested for 20 seats while the latter sent candidates for the rest of the 40 seats, as a part of their coalition. ALSO READ | India: AAP supporters take to the streets to protest against Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest However, exit polls are not always accurate and are often vastly different from the actual outcome. The EC will announce the result of the elections on March 2. Notably, this round of assembly elections is deemed important as these are the first of back-to-back elections across the country in different states. This will also be followed by six other state elections in 2023 leading up to the general elections, next year. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India: Exit polls suggest BJP, allies to win in Nagaland, Tripura; uncertainty looms over Meghalaya

Election strategist Prashant Kishor, who guided the TMC to what is likely to be a spectacular victory, announced Sunday he is "quitting this space", after firing a parting shot at the Election Commission, accusing it of being an "extension of BJP".

"I am quitting this space," he told India Today TV channel after trends showed a landslide victory for the TMC, the party whose election strategy he helped craft for the assembly elections.

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"I have never seen a more partial Election Commission, it did everything to help BJP....From allowing use of religion to scheduling poll and bending rules, EC did everything to help the BJP," he said, calling the poll panel an "extension" of the saffron party.

Talking to NDTV, Kishor stuck to his stand that the BJP was a formidable force in West Bengal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-bjp-shares-audio-chat-of-prashant-kishor-praising-pm-modi-376620">West Bengal: BJP shares audio chat of Prashant Kishor praising PM Modi</a>

He said he was confident about the TMC's victory despite the BJP's attempt to "build a massive propaganda" that it was winning.

"The result may look like one-sided but it was a tough fight. BJP is a formidable force and will be," he said.

"..., in reality BJP will struggle to cross double digits in #WestBengal," he had tweeted as early as December last year and his words proved prophetic.

"If BJP does any better, I must quit this space!", he had said.

Election strategist Prashant Kishor, who guided the TMC to what is likely to be a spectacular victory, announced Sunday he is "quitting this space", after firing a parting shot at the Election Commission, accusing it of being an "extension of BJP".

Election strategist Prashant Kishor, who guided the TMC to what is likely to be a spectacular victory, announced Sunday he is "quitting this space", after firing a parting shot at the Election Commission, accusing it of being an "extension of BJP". "I am quitting this space," he told India Today TV channel after trends showed a landslide victory for the TMC, the party whose election strategy he helped craft for the assembly elections. "I have never seen a more partial Election Commission, it did everything to help BJP....From allowing use of religion to scheduling poll and bending rules, EC did everything to help the BJP," he said, calling the poll panel an "extension" of the saffron party. Talking to NDTV, Kishor stuck to his stand that the BJP was a formidable force in West Bengal. Also read | West Bengal: BJP shares audio chat of Prashant Kishor praising PM Modi He said he was confident about the TMC's victory despite the BJP's attempt to "build a massive propaganda" that it was winning. "The result may look like one-sided but it was a tough fight. BJP is a formidable force and will be," he said. "..., in reality BJP will struggle to cross double digits in #WestBengal," he had tweeted as early as December last year and his words proved prophetic. "If BJP does any better, I must quit this space!", he had said.

'Quitting this space', declares Kishor, calls EC 'extension of BJP'

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lalu-targets-nitish-for-not-venturing-out-of-home-sushil-modi-hits-back-314128">Also Read:&nbsp;Lalu targets Nitish for not venturing out of home; Sushil Modi hits back</a>

The Bihar election will be first state polls to take place since the outbreak of coronavirus in India this year.

The Election Commission arrived at its guidelines after taking suggestions from various parties and chief electoral officers of various states. The EC has made it mandatory for all votes to wear masks with hand gloves to be provided to voters as they sign the register and press the EVM button.

The election body however informed that all voters would need to remove their masks for identification by officials at the time of voting.

According to EC's rule, maximum of &nbsp;1,000 voters can vote at a polling station and if a voter shows symptoms of coronavirus, the person would be given a token and would be asked to come and vote in the last hour of polling.

Also, just two people can accompany a candidate during nomination. India's poll watchdog has also laid down that only five people can campaign door-to-door, and has restricted the convoy for the roadshow to five vehicles only.

The EC has said that quarantined coronavirus patients will be allowed to vote in the last hour of voting which would be strictly supervised by health officials.

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29.

As Bihar election approaches, the Election Commission of India has issued fresh guidelines in view of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the state. The state elections are likely to be held between October and November since the term of the current legislative assembly ends on November 29. Also Read: Lalu targets Nitish for not venturing out of home; Sushil Modi hits back The Bihar election will be first state polls to take place since the outbreak of coronavirus in India this year. The Election Commission arrived at its guidelines after taking suggestions from various parties and chief electoral officers of various states. The EC has made it mandatory for all votes to wear masks with hand gloves to be provided to voters as they sign the register and press the EVM button. The election body however informed that all voters would need to remove their masks for identification by officials at the time of voting. According to EC's rule, maximum of 1,000 voters can vote at a polling station and if a voter shows symptoms of coronavirus, the person would be given a token and would be asked to come and vote in the last hour of polling. Also, just two people can accompany a candidate during nomination. India's poll watchdog has also laid down that only five people can campaign door-to-door, and has restricted the convoy for the roadshow to five vehicles only. The EC has said that quarantined coronavirus patients will be allowed to vote in the last hour of voting which would be strictly supervised by health officials.

Election Commission of India issues COVID-19 guidelines for conduct of Bihar polls

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

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

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

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

The<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/election-commission-issues-notice-to-pragya-singh-thakur-over-campaigning-despite-72-hour-ban-216032&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNn7OFoIviAhWv63MBHSouDJIQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2xbkyjcJZTsUP6Fb-8TjtT"> Election Commission of India</a> (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

"After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission declared under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 11, 2019, at 168 polling stations in 1-Tripura West parliamentary constituency against the assembly segments to be void and appoints May 12 at the date and six hours from 7 am to 5 pm for taking a fresh poll," an official statement said.

The assembly segments in Tripura West include Simna (ST), Mohanpur, Bamutia (SC), Barjala (SC), Khayerpur, Ramnagar, Town Bordowali, Majlishpur, Mandai Bazar, Takarjala (ST), Pratapgarh (SC), Badharghat (SC), Kamalasagar, Bishalgarh, Golghati, Charilam, Boxanagar, Nalchar, Sonamura, Dhanpur, Bagma (ST), Radhakishorepur, Matabari, Kakraban-Salgarah (SC), Rajnagar (SC) and Belonia. The ECI directed the state`s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas.

It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. As per ECI, the voter turnout in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections conducted across 18 states and two Union Territories on April 11 was 69.43 per cent.

Tripura was among five states that saw the highest voter turnout. "84.96 per cent from Lakshadweep, 83.79 per cent from West Bengal, 83.26 per cent from Tripura, 83.12 per cent from Nagaland and 82.82 per cent from Manipur," the EC said. Polling for two parliamentary constituencies in Tripura was held in two phases - on April 11 and 18. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared `void`, polls held at 168 polling stations in Tripura West parliamentary constituency on April 11 and ordered re-polling on May 12. "After taking all material circumstances into account, the Election Commission declared under Sub-Sections (2) of Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 that the poll was taken on April 11, 2019, at 168 polling stations in 1-Tripura West parliamentary constituency against the assembly segments to be void and appoints May 12 at the date and six hours from 7 am to 5 pm for taking a fresh poll," an official statement said. The assembly segments in Tripura West include Simna (ST), Mohanpur, Bamutia (SC), Barjala (SC), Khayerpur, Ramnagar, Town Bordowali, Majlishpur, Mandai Bazar, Takarjala (ST), Pratapgarh (SC), Badharghat (SC), Kamalasagar, Bishalgarh, Golghati, Charilam, Boxanagar, Nalchar, Sonamura, Dhanpur, Bagma (ST), Radhakishorepur, Matabari, Kakraban-Salgarah (SC), Rajnagar (SC) and Belonia. The ECI directed the state`s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to ensure that wide publicity is given in the polling areas. It also directed the official to inform political parties and contesting candidates about the fresh poll. As per ECI, the voter turnout in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections conducted across 18 states and two Union Territories on April 11 was 69.43 per cent. Tripura was among five states that saw the highest voter turnout. "84.96 per cent from Lakshadweep, 83.79 per cent from West Bengal, 83.26 per cent from Tripura, 83.12 per cent from Nagaland and 82.82 per cent from Manipur," the EC said. Polling for two parliamentary constituencies in Tripura was held in two phases - on April 11 and 18. Counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Election Commission declares Tripura West polls 'void', re-polling on May 12

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

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

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

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

Gravitas: US based cyber expert claims EVMs hackable

The Election Commission of India on Friday asked the Finance Ministry not to use indelible ink in banks as it will create confusion in the state polls, reported ANI.

Grappling with unending queues and frayed tempers in banks and to check operation of syndicates, government on Tuesday decided to introduce a system of marking customers exchanging defunct currency notes with indelible ink while monitoring suspicious deposits in Jan Dhan accounts.

To stop repeat money exchangers thronging banks with invalid currency notes, banks have started applying indelible ink mark on the right hand index finger of customers in the select metro cities. SBI and few other banks in Delhi have started using indelible ink.

According to SOP released by the RBI, indelible ink can be applied by the cashier or any other official designated by the bank before the notes are given to the customer so that while the exchange of notes is taking place, a few seconds elapse which will allow the ink to dry up and prevent removal of ink.

Congress has accused the government of &quot;branding&quot; people through its &quot;fascist act&quot; of inking those exchanging demonetised currency notes even as it charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with &quot;disrespecting&quot; Parliament by not hearing out concerns raised by members on demonetization.

(This piece first appeared in DNA)

The move will create confusion in upcoming state polls, the commission said

The Election Commission of India on Friday asked the Finance Ministry not to use indelible ink in banks as it will create confusion in the state polls, reported ANI. Grappling with unending queues and frayed tempers in banks and to check operation of syndicates, government on Tuesday decided to introduce a system of marking customers exchanging defunct currency notes with indelible ink while monitoring suspicious deposits in Jan Dhan accounts. To stop repeat money exchangers thronging banks with invalid currency notes, banks have started applying indelible ink mark on the right hand index finger of customers in the select metro cities. SBI and few other banks in Delhi have started using indelible ink. According to SOP released by the RBI, indelible ink can be applied by the cashier or any other official designated by the bank before the notes are given to the customer so that while the exchange of notes is taking place, a few seconds elapse which will allow the ink to dry up and prevent removal of ink. Congress has accused the government of "branding" people through its "fascist act" of inking those exchanging demonetised currency notes even as it charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with "disrespecting" Parliament by not hearing out concerns raised by members on demonetization. (This piece first appeared in DNA)

Demonetisation: Don't use indelible ink in banks, Election Commission tells finance ministry