Ending decades-long rivalry with SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday said, "Mulayam is real and he belongs to the backward class from his birth".

Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri, she also said that Yadav&nbsp;had&nbsp;brought together people from different communities under the SP banner.

"Isme koi sandeh nahi hai ki inhone (Mulayam) SP ke banner ke tale UP mein sabhi samaj ke logon ko apni party mein joda hai. Ye PM Modi ki tarah nakli veh farzi pichde varg ke nahi hain, Mulayam ji asli hain. Janam-jaat pichde varg ke hain (There is no doubt that Mulayam Singh has brought together many people under the banner of his Samajwadi Party. Mulayamji is the real leader of the backward classes, unlike PM Modi.)," she said.

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Mayawati in Mainpuri: Isme koi sandeh nahi hai ki inhone (Mulayam) SP ke banner ke tale UP mein sabhi samaj ke logon ko apni party mein joda hai. Ye PM Modi ki tarah nakli veh farzi pichde varg ke nahi hain, Mulayam ji asli hain. janam-jaat pichde varg ke hain. <a href="https://t.co/6bv3DDesdY">pic.twitter.com/6bv3DDesdY</a>
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Praising Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav said he respects her as she has always supported their party in times of need.

"Aaj Mayawati ji ayi hain, unka hum swagat karte hain, aadar karte hain. Mayawati ji ka bahot samman karna hamesha, kyun ki samay jab bhi aya hai to Maywati ji ne hamara sath diya hai. Hume khushi hai ki hamare samarthan ke liye wo ayi hain (We welcome Mayawatiji, we respect her. Mayawatiji should always be respected because she has stood with us in times of need. I am happy that she has come to support us)", Yadav said.

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-25-years-mayawati-mulayam-singh-yadav-share-stage-at-mainpuri-rally-211745">shared the dais at a joint rally</a> of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri.

Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters.

The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP.

Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ending decades-long rivalry with SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday said, "Mulayam is real and he belongs to the backward class from his birth".

Ending decades-long rivalry with SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday said, "Mulayam is real and he belongs to the backward class from his birth". Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri, she also said that Yadav had brought together people from different communities under the SP banner. "Isme koi sandeh nahi hai ki inhone (Mulayam) SP ke banner ke tale UP mein sabhi samaj ke logon ko apni party mein joda hai. Ye PM Modi ki tarah nakli veh farzi pichde varg ke nahi hain, Mulayam ji asli hain. Janam-jaat pichde varg ke hain (There is no doubt that Mulayam Singh has brought together many people under the banner of his Samajwadi Party. Mulayamji is the real leader of the backward classes, unlike PM Modi.)," she said. Mayawati in Mainpuri: Isme koi sandeh nahi hai ki inhone (Mulayam) SP ke banner ke tale UP mein sabhi samaj ke logon ko apni party mein joda hai. Ye PM Modi ki tarah nakli veh farzi pichde varg ke nahi hain, Mulayam ji asli hain. janam-jaat pichde varg ke hain. pic.twitter.com/6bv3DDesdY — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 19, 2019 × Praising Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav said he respects her as she has always supported their party in times of need. "Aaj Mayawati ji ayi hain, unka hum swagat karte hain, aadar karte hain. Mayawati ji ka bahot samman karna hamesha, kyun ki samay jab bhi aya hai to Maywati ji ne hamara sath diya hai. Hume khushi hai ki hamare samarthan ke liye wo ayi hain (We welcome Mayawatiji, we respect her. Mayawatiji should always be respected because she has stood with us in times of need. I am happy that she has come to support us)", Yadav said. At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati on Friday shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri. Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters. The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP. Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav. (With inputs from agencies)

Mayawati has always supported our party in times of need: Mulayam Singh Yadav

Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi, had expressed her displeasure against the party in a tweet, on Friday joined the Shiv Sena. She sent her resignation to Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Watch full video to know more.

INC spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi quits party, joins Shiv Sena

We brings to you LIVE visuals from Mainpuri rally where Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati can be seen sharing stage after 24 years. Watch full video to know more.

Watch: Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati at a rally in Mainpuri

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters.

The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP.

Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded&nbsp;by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has confirmed the SP founder's presence at the Mainpuri rally, the report added.

SP's Sadar MLA, Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav, who is looking after the preparations, said Mulayam Singh Yadav will reach the venue by noon.

Mayawati has already asked workers of both the BSP and the SP to shun their differences and work for the victory of the alliance in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday. Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters. The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP. Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has confirmed the SP founder's presence at the Mainpuri rally, the report added. SP's Sadar MLA, Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav, who is looking after the preparations, said Mulayam Singh Yadav will reach the venue by noon. Mayawati has already asked workers of both the BSP and the SP to shun their differences and work for the victory of the alliance in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

After 25 years, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav share stage at Mainpuri rally

Rubbishing opposition charge that democracy was under threat in BJP rule, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the Congress was making such remarks as it has shrunk to a "fringe party" from a mainstream party and has no chance in future elections.

The union HRD minister also exuded confidence that the BJP will, on its own, win more seats than in 2014 and the NDA will get a two-thirds majority in polls.

After two phases of polls, the BJP is very certain of its landslide victory. "We will improve our tally of 2014 and will cross 300 mark on our own and NDA will have two-thirds majority. We are receiving people's support in all states across the country and the opposition is completely nervous, they are facing imminent defeat and therefore they are reacting the way they are"&nbsp;he said.

Oopposition parties were complaining against EVM machines which shows their fear of defeat, he said.

"They know they are going to be defeated so from today only they are preparing ground and finding some excuses for their defeat. This is what Congress and opposition is all about. We are very confident that people are responding to Modi's leadership and they want Modi to be PM again"&nbsp;he said.

CM Gehlot has said in his public rallies that democracy and the Constitution are under "threat" under Modi rule and elections may not happen if he comes to power again.

Accusing Congress leaders of hurling abuses and making casteist remarks, Javadekar demanded the Election Commission take notice of such comments.

"In Rajasthan also, CM Ashok Gehlot is making casteist remarks against the President of the county. The Election Commission must take notice of it because never in the history, the president of India has been brought in the election discussion. It was Congress which brought him and specifying his caste is not only unethical but illegal also",&nbsp;he said.

When asked whether the BJP will file a complaint, the minister said the party's state unit has forwarded all relevant clippings to the party's legal cell in New Delhi.

Javadekar said the BJP (and its alliance party RLP which is contesting on one seat of Nagaur) will win all the seats in the state.&nbsp;

Rajasthan has 25 Lok Sabha seats and the BJP is contesting on 24 seats and has given one seat to RLP headed by MLA Hanuman Beniwal, who himself is contesting as RLP candidate on Nagaur seat.&nbsp;

Rubbishing opposition charge that democracy was under threat in BJP rule, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the Congress was making such remarks as it has shrunk to a "fringe party" from a mainstream party and has no chance in future elections.

Rubbishing opposition charge that democracy was under threat in BJP rule, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the Congress was making such remarks as it has shrunk to a "fringe party" from a mainstream party and has no chance in future elections. The union HRD minister also exuded confidence that the BJP will, on its own, win more seats than in 2014 and the NDA will get a two-thirds majority in polls. After two phases of polls, the BJP is very certain of its landslide victory. "We will improve our tally of 2014 and will cross 300 mark on our own and NDA will have two-thirds majority. We are receiving people's support in all states across the country and the opposition is completely nervous, they are facing imminent defeat and therefore they are reacting the way they are" he said. Oopposition parties were complaining against EVM machines which shows their fear of defeat, he said. "They know they are going to be defeated so from today only they are preparing ground and finding some excuses for their defeat. This is what Congress and opposition is all about. We are very confident that people are responding to Modi's leadership and they want Modi to be PM again" he said. CM Gehlot has said in his public rallies that democracy and the Constitution are under "threat" under Modi rule and elections may not happen if he comes to power again. Accusing Congress leaders of hurling abuses and making casteist remarks, Javadekar demanded the Election Commission take notice of such comments. "In Rajasthan also, CM Ashok Gehlot is making casteist remarks against the President of the county. The Election Commission must take notice of it because never in the history, the president of India has been brought in the election discussion. It was Congress which brought him and specifying his caste is not only unethical but illegal also", he said. When asked whether the BJP will file a complaint, the minister said the party's state unit has forwarded all relevant clippings to the party's legal cell in New Delhi. Javadekar said the BJP (and its alliance party RLP which is contesting on one seat of Nagaur) will win all the seats in the state. Rajasthan has 25 Lok Sabha seats and the BJP is contesting on 24 seats and has given one seat to RLP headed by MLA Hanuman Beniwal, who himself is contesting as RLP candidate on Nagaur seat.

Congress has become a fringe party, siding with tukde tukde gang: Javadekar

Tension prevailed in the first hours of voting in North Dinajpur’s Chopra, which falls under Darjeeling constituency.

Locals allege that bike-borne youths prevented them several times from casting their votes. The womenfolk of the village claim that they were attacked by these miscreants. They allege that a lack of presence of Central force jawans led to this situation.

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Tension prevails in Chopra, West Bengal. Locals claim they were prevented by miscreants from casting their votes. Locals put up a blockade on NH-31, police resort to to lathicharge, fire tear gas shells to disperse agitators <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaEelctions2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaEelctions2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dna</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ZeeNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZeeNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://t.co/7WWfS8BC8v">pic.twitter.com/7WWfS8BC8v</a>
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“Since morning, we tried to go to the polling booth to cast our votes. Each time we were prevented from casting our votes. These miscreants attacked the women of the village. They beat us up and scared us so that we go back home without casting our votes. The booth has been manned by the state police officials. There is no central force jawan. Had they been deployed, we could have been able to cast our vote,” said an agitating local.

The tension increased manifolds after the agitating locals put up a road blockade on the National Highway – 31. Police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse agitating locals.

Meanwhile, a huge contingent of state police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed at the spot to prevent any further agitation or a road blockade.

Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office has sought a report from the district magistrate of North Dinajpur regarding the incident.&nbsp;

Tension prevailed in the first hours of voting in North Dinajpur’s Chopra, which falls under Darjeeling constituency. Locals allege that bike-borne youths prevented them several times from casting their votes.

Tension prevailed in the first hours of voting in North Dinajpur’s Chopra, which falls under Darjeeling constituency. Locals allege that bike-borne youths prevented them several times from casting their votes. The womenfolk of the village claim that they were attacked by these miscreants. They allege that a lack of presence of Central force jawans led to this situation. Tension prevails in Chopra, West Bengal. Locals claim they were prevented by miscreants from casting their votes. Locals put up a blockade on NH-31, police resort to to lathicharge, fire tear gas shells to disperse agitators #LokSabhaEelctions2019 @dna @ZeeNews @WIONews pic.twitter.com/7WWfS8BC8v — Pooja Mehta (@pooja_zeenews) April 18, 2019 × “Since morning, we tried to go to the polling booth to cast our votes. Each time we were prevented from casting our votes. These miscreants attacked the women of the village. They beat us up and scared us so that we go back home without casting our votes. The booth has been manned by the state police officials. There is no central force jawan. Had they been deployed, we could have been able to cast our vote,” said an agitating local. The tension increased manifolds after the agitating locals put up a road blockade on the National Highway – 31. Police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse agitating locals. Meanwhile, a huge contingent of state police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed at the spot to prevent any further agitation or a road blockade. Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office has sought a report from the district magistrate of North Dinajpur regarding the incident.

Tension prevails in West Bengal’s Chopra amid voting; RAF deployed

In this segment , we brings to you latest updates related to Lok Sabha Election 2019. Watch full video to know more. #VotingRound2, #GeneralElection2019, #LokSabhaElection2019

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Akhilesh Yadav to file nomination from Azamgarh

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency.

"TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged.

She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School.

In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth.

A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards.

"While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar.

Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections.

The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India.

Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections.

On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively.

There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today.

Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency. Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency. "TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged. She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School. In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth. A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards. "While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar. Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections. The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India. Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections. On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively. There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today. Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

West Bengal: Violence mars polling at Raiganj, Chopra

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">Mathura</a>, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance.

"Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts. SP-BSP are only engaged in fighting with each other. There is a huge Modi wave here," Hema Malini said after casting her vote in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-2-hours-of-polling-assam-leads-in-voter-turnout-211376">second phase of Lok Sabha elections</a> on Thursday.

Mathura is one of the significant Lok Sabha seats out of 80 constituencies from the Hindi heartland of India. A Bharatiya Janata Party candidate won from here four times between 1991 and 1999, but the charm was broken by Congress's Manvendra Singh who swept the seat in 2004.

In 2009, the Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary won the Lok Sabha elections from here. The party had fought the election here in an alliance with the BJP.

In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini from the seat who registered a landslide win from the constituency, defeating Chaudhary by over three lakh votes. BSP's Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi trailed, finishing in the third spot.

This time around Malini, who is confident of seizing another term from the seat, is pitted against RLD's Kunwar Narendra Singh and Congress's Mahesh Pathak. And she depends on the Modi wave.

In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one's 'karma' is what matters. And almost all voters agree that PM Modi did well to retaliate against Pulwama terror attack.

Mathura has a sizeable but influential Jat community. The farmers aren't too happy and the general impression is that Hema Malini has not done much for rural areas, where Jats (4.5 lakh) heavily outnumber others. The BJP is trying to project Hema Malini as a Jat owing to her marriage with Bollywoood icon Dharmendra, who has also campaigned for her, but locals here think all this has little meaning.

"The government increased the wheat procurement price. But the cost of fertilizer too went up. Everything else relating to farming is under the GST. Diesel cost too is raised. There are more issues, but no one is ready to hear us," says Jagpal Singh, a farmer from Phenchari village. The locals say that Hema Malini has support base only in the city, not in rural areas which she ignored in the last five years.

The Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is part of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh and comprises five assembly segments - Chhata, Mant, Goverdhan, Mathura and Baldev. Muslims form the second most important vote bank here.

For Congress, it looks like Mathura has offered a tough field to plough. The party has not been able to win elections from here since Manvendra Singh's victory in 2004.

The RLD is fighting this year's polls in an alliance with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. It must be noted that both BSP and SP has had a poor report card in Mathura. The only time when an RLD candidate won from the seat was when the party was in an alliance with the BJP.

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from Mathura, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance. "Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts.

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from Mathura, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance. "Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts. SP-BSP are only engaged in fighting with each other. There is a huge Modi wave here," Hema Malini said after casting her vote in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday. Mathura is one of the significant Lok Sabha seats out of 80 constituencies from the Hindi heartland of India. A Bharatiya Janata Party candidate won from here four times between 1991 and 1999, but the charm was broken by Congress's Manvendra Singh who swept the seat in 2004. In 2009, the Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary won the Lok Sabha elections from here. The party had fought the election here in an alliance with the BJP. In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini from the seat who registered a landslide win from the constituency, defeating Chaudhary by over three lakh votes. BSP's Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi trailed, finishing in the third spot. This time around Malini, who is confident of seizing another term from the seat, is pitted against RLD's Kunwar Narendra Singh and Congress's Mahesh Pathak. And she depends on the Modi wave. In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one's 'karma' is what matters. And almost all voters agree that PM Modi did well to retaliate against Pulwama terror attack. Mathura has a sizeable but influential Jat community. The farmers aren't too happy and the general impression is that Hema Malini has not done much for rural areas, where Jats (4.5 lakh) heavily outnumber others. The BJP is trying to project Hema Malini as a Jat owing to her marriage with Bollywoood icon Dharmendra, who has also campaigned for her, but locals here think all this has little meaning. "The government increased the wheat procurement price. But the cost of fertilizer too went up. Everything else relating to farming is under the GST. Diesel cost too is raised. There are more issues, but no one is ready to hear us," says Jagpal Singh, a farmer from Phenchari village. The locals say that Hema Malini has support base only in the city, not in rural areas which she ignored in the last five years. The Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is part of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh and comprises five assembly segments - Chhata, Mant, Goverdhan, Mathura and Baldev. Muslims form the second most important vote bank here. For Congress, it looks like Mathura has offered a tough field to plough. The party has not been able to win elections from here since Manvendra Singh's victory in 2004. The RLD is fighting this year's polls in an alliance with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. It must be noted that both BSP and SP has had a poor report card in Mathura. The only time when an RLD candidate won from the seat was when the party was in an alliance with the BJP.

In Mathura, tough road ahead for Hema Malini in re-election bid

Due to the “law and order situation,”The Election Commission on Tuesday deferred polling in the Tripura East parliamentary constituency from April 18 to 23.#VotingRound2, #IndiaVotes, #LokSabhaPolls

Polls in Tripura East deferrd to April 23

In this segment of WION, we bring to you the polling percentage as of 9 AM and other updates on the 2nd phase of polling in the 2019 General election. Watch full video to know more.#VotingRound2, #IndiaVotes, #LokSabhaPolls

General election 2019: 9.51 per cent voter turnout recorded till 9 am in Assam

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

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

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

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

Malegaon blast accused&nbsp;Sadhvi Pragya Singh&nbsp;Thakur on Thursday broke down while recalling the ‘torture’ she faced in the custody of law enforcing agencies.

Interacting with&nbsp;BJP&nbsp;workers here, Thakur said: “When they took me away illegally, they kept me for 13 days. On the first day itself, they started beating me. When they used to hit me with a belt, the entire nervous system used to go blank. They used to beat me day and night.”

“They used to hurl abuses while beating me. They used to threaten me to hang me upside down. I was threatened to be stripped off. It is unbearable for me to recall the torture I suffered in the custody,” she said in a choked voice.

Thakur, whom the&nbsp;BJP&nbsp;has fielded against&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;veteran&nbsp;Digvijaya Singh&nbsp;from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, said: &nbsp;“I am not recalling my pain before you but all I am saying is that no sister should undergo what I have faced.”

“Did I indulge in some corruption or did I snatch someone’s post? But this did not happen due to these reasons. They told me not to talk about patriotism. They told me not to speak for the country,” she said.

She also claimed that she was beaten because the interrogators wanted her to confess that she had carried out a blast and killed Muslims.

“I never knew why they were beating me? The only reason which I later got to know was that they wanted me to say that I have carried out an explosion and killed Muslims. This was their politics. This was their act of sedition.&nbsp; 
This was their conspiracy to break the country,” she said.

“They kept asking me -- You carried out those explosions. I said -- I did not. Then they said that you are a terrorist. RSS is a terrorist organisation. I realised that Hindutva was being targeted,” said Sadhvi.

Terming those who allegedly framed her in Malegaon blast case as atheists, she said: “They never knew the power of patriots. What would these people know about the power of patriots? They get sold just for money and clothes.”

She said: “They used to beat me for the entire night and stopped only when they feared that now blood would begin to come out from my hands. They used to bring hot water, mix salt in it and then they used to dip my hand in that so that they become soft and they can beat me again.”

Pragya claimed that due to several narco, polygraph, and brain-mapping tests conducted on her, she was diagnosed with cancer.

“Three narco tests, three polygraph tests, and three brain-mapping tests were conducted on me. These are tests where chemical are injected into your body, which causes cancer,” she said.

She further alleged that there were attempts to kill her on the pretext of an encounter.

“They tried to encounter me. I thought it will not matter even if they will kill me but I won’t let them reach the heart where the Mother India lives,” said Pragya.

She also claimed that former Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Hemant Karkare died because she cursed him.

“I called Hemant Karkare and asked him to let me go if there is no evidence (against me). He (Karkare) said that he will bring evidence but will not leave me. I told him -- You will be ruined," she said.

Karkare was martyred along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during 26/11 attack in Mumbai in 2008.

Urging the people to stay vigilant from those who are trying to brand “saffron” colour as terrorism, she said: “Our nation is in danger because of these traitors. Our soldiers sacrifice themselves for us, but they question their valour. They praise the enemy country.”

Taking a dig at&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;candidate from Bhopal and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister&nbsp;Digvijaya Singh, she said: “Will we allow such “vidharmis” to stay in Bhopal? Sixteen years ago, you saw the rule of someone for 10 years. Forget vehicles. He doesn’t even have the right to walk barefoot here.”

“If you want our Bhopal safe, then remove such people, and chase them away. Don’t tolerate them. If you want Bhopal to prosper, then even their shadow should not fall here.”

Terming the Lok Sabha election as “Dharm Yudh,” Thakur said: “I am not contesting elections. I am a ‘sanyasi.’ This is a ‘Dharm Yudh.’ I am here considering it as the order of god. I am not here to do ‘netagiri.’ I have been instructed by the god to take part in this Dharm Yudh.”

Sadhvi also said that she was begging to the people for their votes.

“I beg because I am a sanyasi. So, I will beg for one vote for the nation, vote for the integrity of the country. If ‘vidharmis’ win, then we will not be able to show our face to our children,” she said.

Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. A bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra’s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Bhopal will go to polls on May 12. The results will be announced on May 23.

Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Thursday broke down while recalling the ‘torture’ she faced in the custody of law enforcing agencies. Interacting with BJP workers here, Thakur said: “When they took me away illegally, they kept me for 13 days.

Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Thursday broke down while recalling the ‘torture’ she faced in the custody of law enforcing agencies. Interacting with BJP workers here, Thakur said: “When they took me away illegally, they kept me for 13 days. On the first day itself, they started beating me. When they used to hit me with a belt, the entire nervous system used to go blank. They used to beat me day and night.” “They used to hurl abuses while beating me. They used to threaten me to hang me upside down. I was threatened to be stripped off. It is unbearable for me to recall the torture I suffered in the custody,” she said in a choked voice. Thakur, whom the BJP has fielded against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, said: “I am not recalling my pain before you but all I am saying is that no sister should undergo what I have faced.” “Did I indulge in some corruption or did I snatch someone’s post? But this did not happen due to these reasons. They told me not to talk about patriotism. They told me not to speak for the country,” she said. She also claimed that she was beaten because the interrogators wanted her to confess that she had carried out a blast and killed Muslims. “I never knew why they were beating me? The only reason which I later got to know was that they wanted me to say that I have carried out an explosion and killed Muslims. This was their politics. This was their act of sedition. This was their conspiracy to break the country,” she said. “They kept asking me -- You carried out those explosions. I said -- I did not. Then they said that you are a terrorist. RSS is a terrorist organisation. I realised that Hindutva was being targeted,” said Sadhvi. Terming those who allegedly framed her in Malegaon blast case as atheists, she said: “They never knew the power of patriots. What would these people know about the power of patriots? They get sold just for money and clothes.” She said: “They used to beat me for the entire night and stopped only when they feared that now blood would begin to come out from my hands. They used to bring hot water, mix salt in it and then they used to dip my hand in that so that they become soft and they can beat me again.” Pragya claimed that due to several narco, polygraph, and brain-mapping tests conducted on her, she was diagnosed with cancer. “Three narco tests, three polygraph tests, and three brain-mapping tests were conducted on me. These are tests where chemical are injected into your body, which causes cancer,” she said. She further alleged that there were attempts to kill her on the pretext of an encounter. “They tried to encounter me. I thought it will not matter even if they will kill me but I won’t let them reach the heart where the Mother India lives,” said Pragya. She also claimed that former Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Hemant Karkare died because she cursed him. “I called Hemant Karkare and asked him to let me go if there is no evidence (against me). He (Karkare) said that he will bring evidence but will not leave me. I told him -- You will be ruined," she said. Karkare was martyred along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during 26/11 attack in Mumbai in 2008. Urging the people to stay vigilant from those who are trying to brand “saffron” colour as terrorism, she said: “Our nation is in danger because of these traitors. Our soldiers sacrifice themselves for us, but they question their valour. They praise the enemy country.” Taking a dig at Congress candidate from Bhopal and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, she said: “Will we allow such “vidharmis” to stay in Bhopal? Sixteen years ago, you saw the rule of someone for 10 years. Forget vehicles. He doesn’t even have the right to walk barefoot here.” “If you want our Bhopal safe, then remove such people, and chase them away. Don’t tolerate them. If you want Bhopal to prosper, then even their shadow should not fall here.” Terming the Lok Sabha election as “Dharm Yudh,” Thakur said: “I am not contesting elections. I am a ‘sanyasi.’ This is a ‘Dharm Yudh.’ I am here considering it as the order of god. I am not here to do ‘netagiri.’ I have been instructed by the god to take part in this Dharm Yudh.” Sadhvi also said that she was begging to the people for their votes. “I beg because I am a sanyasi. So, I will beg for one vote for the nation, vote for the integrity of the country. If ‘vidharmis’ win, then we will not be able to show our face to our children,” she said. Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. A bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra’s Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Bhopal will go to polls on May 12. The results will be announced on May 23.

Sadhvi Pragya breaks down recalling 'torture' during custody

Political heavyweights in Tamil Nadu cast votes as polling begins

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/digvijaya-singh-needed-proper-challenger-bjps-ram-madhav-on-pragya-thakur-211565">Pragya Singh Thakur</a> from contesting the Lok Sabha election.

The application was filed by Nisar Sayeed, who lost his son in the blast, a day after the BJP fielded Thakur from the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat against Congress veteran Digvijay Singh.

Special National Investigation Agency cases judge V S Padalkar sought replies from both the NIA and Thakur and posted the matter for Monday.

The applicant sought that Thakur, who is out on bail, be asked to attend court proceedings in Mumbai and be barred from contesting the election as the trial is in progress.

It further mentioned that Thakur got bail on health grounds. If she was "healthy enough to fight elections in the crippling summers heat", then she has misled the court, the complainant alleged.&nbsp;

A petition seeking cancellation of her bail was pending before the Supreme Court, it said.

Six people were killed and over a hundred injured in a bomb blast at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Thakur and others in the case, alleging that they were part of a Hindu extremist group which carried out the blast.

The NIA later gave Thakur a clean chit, but the court did not discharge Thakur.

It dropped charges against her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, but she is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code sections.

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from contesting the Lok Sabha election.

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from contesting the Lok Sabha election. The application was filed by Nisar Sayeed, who lost his son in the blast, a day after the BJP fielded Thakur from the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat against Congress veteran Digvijay Singh. Special National Investigation Agency cases judge V S Padalkar sought replies from both the NIA and Thakur and posted the matter for Monday. The applicant sought that Thakur, who is out on bail, be asked to attend court proceedings in Mumbai and be barred from contesting the election as the trial is in progress. It further mentioned that Thakur got bail on health grounds. If she was "healthy enough to fight elections in the crippling summers heat", then she has misled the court, the complainant alleged. A petition seeking cancellation of her bail was pending before the Supreme Court, it said. Six people were killed and over a hundred injured in a bomb blast at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Thakur and others in the case, alleging that they were part of a Hindu extremist group which carried out the blast. The NIA later gave Thakur a clean chit, but the court did not discharge Thakur. It dropped charges against her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, but she is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code sections.

Malegaon victim's father asks court to ban Sadhvi from contesting polls

Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77&nbsp;per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise.&nbsp;

The turnout in Manipur is 16.60 per cent while&nbsp;Chhattisgarh&nbsp;has recorded at 13.09&nbsp;per cent at 10&nbsp;am, according to data provided by the Election Commission.&nbsp;

In Chhattisgarh, voters have braved the threats of Naxals and have come out in large numbers to cast votes in three constituencies which are voting.&nbsp;

In Bihar, voter turnout has touched 10.10&nbsp;per cent in the first three hours, while Uttar Pradesh, which has eight constituencies going to polls, has clocked 9.35&nbsp;per cent voting till 9 am.

Among other states going to polls, voter turnout in the first two hours in Odisha is 6.75 per cent, Karnataka 7.60&nbsp;per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 5.86&nbsp;per cent, Tamil Nadu 6.85&nbsp;per cent, Maharashtra 6.60&nbsp;per cent and Puducherry 7.48&nbsp;per cent.

The second the phase of polling is being held in Assam (five seats), Bihar (five seats), Chhattisgarh (three seats), Jammu and Kashmir (two seats), Karnataka (14 seats), Maharashtra (10 seats), Manipur (one seat), Odisha (five seats), Tamil Nadu (38 seats), Uttar Pradesh (eight seats), West Bengal (three seats), and Union Territory Puducherry (one seat).&nbsp;

Assam - 11.80% 
Bihar&nbsp;- 10.10% 
J&amp;K - 5.86% 
Karnataka - 7.60% 
Maharashtra - 6.60% 
Manipur - 16.60% 
Odisha - 6.75% 
Tamil Nadu - 6.85% 
Uttar Pradesh - 9.35% 
West Bengal - 16.77% 
Chhattisharh - 13.09% 
Puducherry - 7.48%

Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77 per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise.

Three hours after the second phase of polling commenced on Thursday, West Bengal is leading in terms of voter turnout with 16.77 per cent electorates having already exercised their franchise. The turnout in Manipur is 16.60 per cent while Chhattisgarh has recorded at 13.09 per cent at 10 am, according to data provided by the Election Commission. In Chhattisgarh, voters have braved the threats of Naxals and have come out in large numbers to cast votes in three constituencies which are voting. In Bihar, voter turnout has touched 10.10 per cent in the first three hours, while Uttar Pradesh, which has eight constituencies going to polls, has clocked 9.35 per cent voting till 9 am. Among other states going to polls, voter turnout in the first two hours in Odisha is 6.75 per cent, Karnataka 7.60 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 5.86 per cent, Tamil Nadu 6.85 per cent, Maharashtra 6.60 per cent and Puducherry 7.48 per cent. The second the phase of polling is being held in Assam (five seats), Bihar (five seats), Chhattisgarh (three seats), Jammu and Kashmir (two seats), Karnataka (14 seats), Maharashtra (10 seats), Manipur (one seat), Odisha (five seats), Tamil Nadu (38 seats), Uttar Pradesh (eight seats), West Bengal (three seats), and Union Territory Puducherry (one seat). Assam - 11.80% Bihar - 10.10% J&K - 5.86% Karnataka - 7.60% Maharashtra - 6.60% Manipur - 16.60% Odisha - 6.75% Tamil Nadu - 6.85% Uttar Pradesh - 9.35% West Bengal - 16.77% Chhattisharh - 13.09% Puducherry - 7.48%

Lok Sabha polls 2019: West Bengal leads in voter turnout 3 hours after polling began

Puducherry registered 80.5 per cent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/voter-turnout-in-second-phase-of-lok-sabha-polls-recorded-at-66-election-commission-211597">polling in the election</a> to the lone Lok Sabha seat Thursday.

Chief Electoral officer V Candavelou told reporters it was only a tentative figure and percentage of polling might go up as polling was going in some booths.

He said of the 9.73 lakh voters spread over all the four regions of Puducherry Karaikal Mahe and Yanam, 7.84 lakh voters exercised their franchise.

The official also said polling went off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere.

On the by-election in Thattanchavady Assembly segment, Candavelou said 76 per cent of the 29,957 voters in the constituency exercised their franchise.

While Puducherry polled 81.3 per cent, Karaikal recorded 78.5 per cent, Mahe 67 per cent and Yanam region 84.8 per cent.

Eighteen contestants including former Speaker V Vaithilingam (Congress) and doctor turned politician K Narayanasamy (AINRC) were in the fray for the Lok Sabha poll.

The by-election in Thattanchavady Assembly segment involved a fight among eight contestants, including the AINRC candidate P Nedunchezian and DMK candidate K Venkatesan. 
&nbsp;

Puducherry registered 80.5 per cent polling in the election to the lone Lok Sabha seat Thursday. Chief Electoral officer V Candavelou told reporters it was only a tentative figure and percentage of polling might go up as polling was going in some booths.

Puducherry registered 80.5 per cent polling in the election to the lone Lok Sabha seat Thursday. Chief Electoral officer V Candavelou told reporters it was only a tentative figure and percentage of polling might go up as polling was going in some booths. He said of the 9.73 lakh voters spread over all the four regions of Puducherry Karaikal Mahe and Yanam, 7.84 lakh voters exercised their franchise. The official also said polling went off peacefully and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere. On the by-election in Thattanchavady Assembly segment, Candavelou said 76 per cent of the 29,957 voters in the constituency exercised their franchise. While Puducherry polled 81.3 per cent, Karaikal recorded 78.5 per cent, Mahe 67 per cent and Yanam region 84.8 per cent. Eighteen contestants including former Speaker V Vaithilingam (Congress) and doctor turned politician K Narayanasamy (AINRC) were in the fray for the Lok Sabha poll. The by-election in Thattanchavady Assembly segment involved a fight among eight contestants, including the AINRC candidate P Nedunchezian and DMK candidate K Venkatesan.

Lok Sabha polls: 80.5% polling registered in Puducherry; poll chief says figure tentative, may go up

Congress candidate from Bihar's Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency and veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday campaigned for his wife Poonam Sinha in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Poonam Sinha, earlier in the day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-poonam-sinha-files-nomination-from-lucknow-in-presence-of-shatrughan-dimple-yadav-211500">filed her nomination from the constituency</a> in the presence of her husband and Samajwadi Party MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav.&nbsp;

Accompanied by his wife and SP leader Dimple Yadav during a road show, Shatrughan Sinha praised the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in the state.

"I have never seen such a powerful and huge gathering. This has been possible only through the blessings of Mulayam Singh Yadav, co-operation of BSP's Mayawati and hard work of RLD's Ajit Singh," he said.

While praising SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Sinha said, "Grand alliance has the power of youth with it and the example is Akhilesh Yadav, who is a youth icon not only in Uttar Pradesh but also throughout the country."

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Shatrughan Sinha, Congress on reported comments of Congress candidate from Lucknow, Pramod Krishnam that Sinha should not campaign for a candidate from an opposing party: It is my duty as the head of the family and a husband to support my family. <a href="https://t.co/3pW1nsCfrS">pic.twitter.com/3pW1nsCfrS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118826848517906432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Congress leader said, "I am here not only for SP and BSP but also for my wife, Poonam Sinha... The elections this time are being held to bring a change, it will be fought for a cause of development... the development of the city, state and country."&nbsp;

Shatrughan Sinha faced a backlash from Congress'&nbsp;Lucknow candidate for campaigning for Poonam Sinha. Shatrughan responded saying that it is his duty "as the head of the family and a husband to support my family."&nbsp;

Krishnam had said that by campaigning for SP candidate and his wife Poonam Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha kept his virtue as a husband, he should now campaign for his party's candidate.&nbsp;

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Congress MP candidate for Lucknow,Pramod Krishnam: Shatrughan Sinha Ji ne yahan aa karke apna pati-dharm nibhaya hai, lekin mai Shatru Ji se ye kehna chahunga ki pati-dharm unhone aaj nibha diya, lekin ek din mere liye prachar karke wo party-dharm nibhayein.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/ivWJXcodW9">pic.twitter.com/ivWJXcodW9</a>
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"Mai Shatru Ji se ye kehna chahunga ki pati-dharm unhone aaj nibha diya, lekin ek din mere liye prachar karke wo party-dharm nibhayein," Krishnam said.&nbsp;

Poonam Sinha is set to take on Congress' Krishnam and BJP leader and union minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat.&nbsp;

Rebel BJP leader and Congress candidate Shatrughan Sinha is set to take on BJP leader and union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Bihar's Patna Sahib seat.&nbsp;

Congress candidate from Bihar's Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency and veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday campaigned for his wife Poonam Sinha in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow.

Congress candidate from Bihar's Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency and veteran Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha on Thursday campaigned for his wife Poonam Sinha in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Poonam Sinha, earlier in the day, filed her nomination from the constituency in the presence of her husband and Samajwadi Party MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav. Accompanied by his wife and SP leader Dimple Yadav during a road show, Shatrughan Sinha praised the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in the state. "I have never seen such a powerful and huge gathering. This has been possible only through the blessings of Mulayam Singh Yadav, co-operation of BSP's Mayawati and hard work of RLD's Ajit Singh," he said. While praising SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Sinha said, "Grand alliance has the power of youth with it and the example is Akhilesh Yadav, who is a youth icon not only in Uttar Pradesh but also throughout the country." Shatrughan Sinha, Congress on reported comments of Congress candidate from Lucknow, Pramod Krishnam that Sinha should not campaign for a candidate from an opposing party: It is my duty as the head of the family and a husband to support my family. pic.twitter.com/3pW1nsCfrS — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × The Congress leader said, "I am here not only for SP and BSP but also for my wife, Poonam Sinha... The elections this time are being held to bring a change, it will be fought for a cause of development... the development of the city, state and country." Shatrughan Sinha faced a backlash from Congress' Lucknow candidate for campaigning for Poonam Sinha. Shatrughan responded saying that it is his duty "as the head of the family and a husband to support my family." Krishnam had said that by campaigning for SP candidate and his wife Poonam Sinha, Shatrughan Sinha kept his virtue as a husband, he should now campaign for his party's candidate. Congress MP candidate for Lucknow,Pramod Krishnam: Shatrughan Sinha Ji ne yahan aa karke apna pati-dharm nibhaya hai, lekin mai Shatru Ji se ye kehna chahunga ki pati-dharm unhone aaj nibha diya, lekin ek din mere liye prachar karke wo party-dharm nibhayein.#LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/ivWJXcodW9 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2019 × "Mai Shatru Ji se ye kehna chahunga ki pati-dharm unhone aaj nibha diya, lekin ek din mere liye prachar karke wo party-dharm nibhayein," Krishnam said. Poonam Sinha is set to take on Congress' Krishnam and BJP leader and union minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Rebel BJP leader and Congress candidate Shatrughan Sinha is set to take on BJP leader and union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from Bihar's Patna Sahib seat.

It's my duty as head of family and a husband: Shatrughan Sinha on campaigning for wife Poonam Sinha in Lucknow 

The Congress was left red-faced on Wednesday after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that partymen, who had "misbehaved" and "threatened" her, were being let off.

She lashed out at the party in public and accused it of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the Congress.

Chaturvedi, who is the Congress's communications department convener, said it is unfortunate and saddening that those who threatened her have got away without even "a rap on their knuckles".

The Uttar Pradesh Congress had suspended some workers for misbehaving with Chaturvedi during a press conference in Mathura a few days ago.

But, on Monday, the party issued a communication in which it rescinded all actions taken earlier against such workers who "misbehaved" with Chaturvedi in Mathura.

"Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get preference in Congress over those who have given their sweat and blood.

"Having faced brickbats and abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate," she tweeted.

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Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get prefence in <a href="https://twitter.com/INCIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@incindia</a> over those who have given their sweat&amp;blood. Having faced brickbats&amp;abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate. <a href="https://t.co/CrVo1NAvz2">https://t.co/CrVo1NAvz2</a>
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankac19/status/1118412202065657856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The action of rescinding the suspension, party leaders claimed, was taken on the recommendations of Congress general secretary for West Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Chaturvedi has been trending on social media for her "Kyunki Mantri Bhi Kabhi Graduate Thi" jibe at Union minister Smriti Irani, who is contesting from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress was left red-faced on Wednesday after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that partymen, who had "misbehaved" and "threatened" her, were being let off.

The Congress was left red-faced on Wednesday after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi alleged that partymen, who had "misbehaved" and "threatened" her, were being let off. She lashed out at the party in public and accused it of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the Congress. Chaturvedi, who is the Congress's communications department convener, said it is unfortunate and saddening that those who threatened her have got away without even "a rap on their knuckles". The Uttar Pradesh Congress had suspended some workers for misbehaving with Chaturvedi during a press conference in Mathura a few days ago. But, on Monday, the party issued a communication in which it rescinded all actions taken earlier against such workers who "misbehaved" with Chaturvedi in Mathura. "Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get preference in Congress over those who have given their sweat and blood. "Having faced brickbats and abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate," she tweeted. Deeply saddened that lumpen goons get prefence in @incindia over those who have given their sweat&blood. Having faced brickbats&abuse across board for the party but yet those who threatened me within the party getting away with not even a rap on their knuckles is unfortunate. https://t.co/CrVo1NAvz2 — Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) April 17, 2019 × The action of rescinding the suspension, party leaders claimed, was taken on the recommendations of Congress general secretary for West Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia. Chaturvedi has been trending on social media for her "Kyunki Mantri Bhi Kabhi Graduate Thi" jibe at Union minister Smriti Irani, who is contesting from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Congress has reinstated 'goons' who misbehaved with me: Priyanka Chaturvedi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that this Lok Sabha polls will determine if "India will make rules or just follow them".

While addressing a rally in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, the prime minister added that "there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of voters of Kerala, especially the first-time voters".

PM Modi slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on his decision to contest from Kerala's Wayanad constituency. He said, if Rahul Gandhi wanted to send out a strong message in the South, then why didn't he think of contesting from the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram?&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: These elections will determine if India will make rules or just follow them. So there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of voters of Kerala, especially first-time voters <a href="https://t.co/cgmHNKH3BK">pic.twitter.com/cgmHNKH3BK</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118898327674920966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Congress' 'Naamdaar' says he his contesting from Wayanad because he wanted to send a message to South. Couldn't you contest from Trivandrum to give the message? It's the capital. It's not a message to South but a message of appeasement politics," the prime minister said.&nbsp;

"Congress president had to come to Wayanad here to secure his place in the Parliament. He says he won't speak a word against CPI(Marxist). Kerala mein kushti, aur Delhi mein dosti, yahi inka khel hai," PM Modi said.&nbsp;

Stepping up his attack on the Congress, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/division-of-communities-the-only-vision-of-congress-pm-modi-211236">Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday</a> said "division" of communities was its only "vision" and accused party chief Rahul Gandhi of labelling OBCs as "thieves".

Addressing a poll rally, PM Modi also accused the Congress of insulting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and said the situation in India would have been different had the latter been the country's first prime minister.

The Prime Minister also attacked the Congress for labelling the middle class as "selfish" and alleged it brought price rise whenever it was in power.

"Division of communities is the only vision of the Congress," Modi told the public meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that this Lok Sabha polls will determine if "India will make rules or just follow them". While addressing a rally in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, the prime minister added that "there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of voters of Kerala, especially the first-time voters".

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that this Lok Sabha polls will determine if "India will make rules or just follow them". While addressing a rally in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, the prime minister added that "there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of voters of Kerala, especially the first-time voters". PM Modi slammed Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on his decision to contest from Kerala's Wayanad constituency. He said, if Rahul Gandhi wanted to send out a strong message in the South, then why didn't he think of contesting from the capital city, Thiruvananthapuram? PM Narendra Modi in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: These elections will determine if India will make rules or just follow them. So there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of voters of Kerala, especially first-time voters pic.twitter.com/cgmHNKH3BK — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × "Congress' 'Naamdaar' says he his contesting from Wayanad because he wanted to send a message to South. Couldn't you contest from Trivandrum to give the message? It's the capital. It's not a message to South but a message of appeasement politics," the prime minister said. "Congress president had to come to Wayanad here to secure his place in the Parliament. He says he won't speak a word against CPI(Marxist). Kerala mein kushti, aur Delhi mein dosti, yahi inka khel hai," PM Modi said. Stepping up his attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday said "division" of communities was its only "vision" and accused party chief Rahul Gandhi of labelling OBCs as "thieves". Addressing a poll rally, PM Modi also accused the Congress of insulting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and said the situation in India would have been different had the latter been the country's first prime minister. The Prime Minister also attacked the Congress for labelling the middle class as "selfish" and alleged it brought price rise whenever it was in power. "Division of communities is the only vision of the Congress," Modi told the public meeting.

This Lok Sabha election will determine if India will make rules or just follow them: PM Modi in Thiruvananthapuram

MNS chief Raj Thackeray Wednesday continued his diatribe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, and appealed to people to ensure that they did not remain in power after the Lok Sabha election.

He was addressing a public rally in Satara.

"I had earlier said that last time, Maharashtra was incautious. However, I appeal to the people of the state to remain alert now as this election is very important since it will decide whether the country will move towards democracy or dictatorship," he said.

"If these people (Modi and Shah) come to power again, the lives of the people will be destroyed," he added.

"You will not be able to ask questions...Journalists will not be able to report the incidents that would take place before their eyes and if you feel that this situation should not arise, make sure that these people should remain out of the political horizon," Thackeray said.

Thackeray said that if these Modi and Shah remain at the helm of affairs, the country will collapse.

"Adolf Hitler is on their mind. Hitler used to work in a similar way...He also used to speak on the radio. Modiji, too, started speaking on the radio once a month...To push his ideology. Hitler made feature films, these people are also making feature films," he said.

He added that ahead of the election, they wanted to screen the biopic on Modi.

"It was said that the Election Commission took objection and stopped the screening. But the reality is that they themselves halted the screening fearing that no one will come and watch the movie," the MNS chief said.

Playing on the big screen Modi's statement - 'If farmers die, then it is an election issue, but when soldiers die then it is not an election issue?' - Thackeray said that looking at his recent statements regarding soldiers, there was a room for doubt whether the Pulwama attack was planned. 
He also accused Modi of taking political advantage of the soldiers' martyrdom.

Playing another video of the comments made by BJP-backed MLC, Prashant Paricharak, against the wives of soldiers, Thackeray said the legislator shared the dais with Modi during his rally in Akluj earlier in the day.&nbsp;

MNS chief Raj Thackeray Wednesday continued his diatribe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, and appealed to people to ensure that they did not remain in power after the Lok Sabha election.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray Wednesday continued his diatribe against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah, and appealed to people to ensure that they did not remain in power after the Lok Sabha election. He was addressing a public rally in Satara. "I had earlier said that last time, Maharashtra was incautious. However, I appeal to the people of the state to remain alert now as this election is very important since it will decide whether the country will move towards democracy or dictatorship," he said. "If these people (Modi and Shah) come to power again, the lives of the people will be destroyed," he added. "You will not be able to ask questions...Journalists will not be able to report the incidents that would take place before their eyes and if you feel that this situation should not arise, make sure that these people should remain out of the political horizon," Thackeray said. Thackeray said that if these Modi and Shah remain at the helm of affairs, the country will collapse. "Adolf Hitler is on their mind. Hitler used to work in a similar way...He also used to speak on the radio. Modiji, too, started speaking on the radio once a month...To push his ideology. Hitler made feature films, these people are also making feature films," he said. He added that ahead of the election, they wanted to screen the biopic on Modi. "It was said that the Election Commission took objection and stopped the screening. But the reality is that they themselves halted the screening fearing that no one will come and watch the movie," the MNS chief said. Playing on the big screen Modi's statement - 'If farmers die, then it is an election issue, but when soldiers die then it is not an election issue?' - Thackeray said that looking at his recent statements regarding soldiers, there was a room for doubt whether the Pulwama attack was planned. He also accused Modi of taking political advantage of the soldiers' martyrdom. Playing another video of the comments made by BJP-backed MLC, Prashant Paricharak, against the wives of soldiers, Thackeray said the legislator shared the dais with Modi during his rally in Akluj earlier in the day.

Raj Thackeray continues to slam Modi and Shah, asks voters to remove them

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

General Election 2019: Elections in Vellore cancelled over cash seizure

The Election Commission on Thursday stated that the total voter turnout in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">second phase of Lok Sabha polls</a> has been recorded at 66 per cent. Senior deputy election commissioner Umesh Sinha told media about the total polling percentage today evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Moderate to high voter turnout was recorded in the 95 constituencies in 11 states and Puducherry that went to polls in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/general-elections-2019-voters-politicians-celebrities-queue-up-to-vote-in-second-phase-211518">second phase</a> of Lok Sabha elections which were marred by sporadic incidents of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tension-prevails-in-bengals-chopra-amidst-voting-raf-deployed-211424">violence in West Bengal</a> and Manipur and EVM glitches.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.&nbsp;

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>States</td>
			<td>Final polling% figure released by EC</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Assam</td>
			<td>76.22%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bihar</td>
			<td>62.38%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Jammu and Kashmir</td>
			<td>45.5%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Karnataka</td>
			<td>67.67%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Maharashtra</td>
			<td>61.22%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Manipur</td>
			<td>67.15%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Odisha</td>
			<td>57.97%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tamil Nadu</td>
			<td>66.36%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Uttar Pradesh</td>
			<td>66.06%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>West Bengal</td>
			<td>76.42%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chhattisgarh</td>
			<td>71.40%</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Puducherry</td>
			<td>76.19%</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Till 7 pm on Thursday, as per the official EC data, the total voter turnout stood at around 64 per cent with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/west-bengal-violence-mars-polling-at-raiganj-chopra-211421">West Bengal</a> registering the highest turnout at 76 per cent despite incidents of violence in many areas.&nbsp;

Technical glitches relating to Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines held up polling in the morning in several <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/political-heavyweights-in-tamil-nadu-cast-their-vote-as-polling-begins-211319">constituencies across Tamil Nadu</a> till the machines were changed.

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo told reporters that 384 faulty EVMs and 692 faulty VVPAT machines were replaced across the state and after that, polling went on smoothly. Voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 63.90 per cent.&nbsp;

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Voter turnout in 2nd phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a>: 
Assam-76.22% 
Bihar-62.38% 
Jammu and Kashmir-45.5% 
Karnataka-67.67% 
Maharashtra-61.22% 
Manipur-67.15% 
Odisha-57.97% 
Tamil Nadu-66.36% 
Uttar Pradesh-66.06% 
West Bengal-76.42% 
Chhattisgarh-71.40% 
Puducherry-76.19% <a href="https://t.co/CfhR6VJuF0">pic.twitter.com/CfhR6VJuF0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118894801984872448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In Odisha, the chief electoral officer recommended re-polling in booth 213 in Sundergarh, booth 129 in Bonai, and booths 210 &amp; 222 in Daspalla assembly constituency due to technical problems in EVM machines and VVPATs. The voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 57.81.&nbsp;

Puducherry saw a high voter turnout of 78 per cent while in Manipur, the polling percentage was nearly 75, sources in the election office said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, which in 2014 witnessed the lowest voter turnout in the country at 25.86 per cent, saw 12.43 per cent polling, with highest 17.1 per cent recorded in Shia-dominated Budgam district till 3 pm. The voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 44.60 per cent.&nbsp;

No untoward incident was reported during polling which was being held amid tight security due to militant threats and a boycott call by separatists in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Besides Tamil Nadu, the polling was conducted in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-107-year-old-padma-shri-awardee-defies-odds-and-sets-example-casts-vote-from-bangalore-rural-211541">14 seats in Karnataka</a>, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry besides 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha.&nbsp;

Till 7 pm the total voter turnout for Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh stood at 75.85 per cent, 63.01 per cent, 66.69 per cent, 59.64 per cent, 76.15 per cent, 61.94 per cent and 70.94 per cent respectively. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/madras-high-court-upholds-election-commissions-decision-to-cancel-vellore-lok-sabha-polls-211196">Polling in Tamil Nadu's Vellore seat was cancelled</a> on Tuesday by the Election Commission following the recovery of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader recently.

The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Election Commission on Thursday stated that the total voter turnout in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls has been recorded at 66 per cent. Senior deputy election commissioner Umesh Sinha told media about the total polling percentage today evening.

The Election Commission on Thursday stated that the total voter turnout in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls has been recorded at 66 per cent. Senior deputy election commissioner Umesh Sinha told media about the total polling percentage today evening. Moderate to high voter turnout was recorded in the 95 constituencies in 11 states and Puducherry that went to polls in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections which were marred by sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal and Manipur and EVM glitches. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few places in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal. States Final polling% figure released by EC Assam 76.22% Bihar 62.38% Jammu and Kashmir 45.5% Karnataka 67.67% Maharashtra 61.22% Manipur 67.15% Odisha 57.97% Tamil Nadu 66.36% Uttar Pradesh 66.06% West Bengal 76.42% Chhattisgarh 71.40% Puducherry 76.19% Till 7 pm on Thursday, as per the official EC data, the total voter turnout stood at around 64 per cent with West Bengal registering the highest turnout at 76 per cent despite incidents of violence in many areas. Technical glitches relating to Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines held up polling in the morning in several constituencies across Tamil Nadu till the machines were changed. Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo told reporters that 384 faulty EVMs and 692 faulty VVPAT machines were replaced across the state and after that, polling went on smoothly. Voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 63.90 per cent. Voter turnout in 2nd phase of #LokSabhaElections2019: Assam-76.22% Bihar-62.38% Jammu and Kashmir-45.5% Karnataka-67.67% Maharashtra-61.22% Manipur-67.15% Odisha-57.97% Tamil Nadu-66.36% Uttar Pradesh-66.06% West Bengal-76.42% Chhattisgarh-71.40% Puducherry-76.19% pic.twitter.com/CfhR6VJuF0 — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × In Odisha, the chief electoral officer recommended re-polling in booth 213 in Sundergarh, booth 129 in Bonai, and booths 210 & 222 in Daspalla assembly constituency due to technical problems in EVM machines and VVPATs. The voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 57.81. Puducherry saw a high voter turnout of 78 per cent while in Manipur, the polling percentage was nearly 75, sources in the election office said. Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar, which in 2014 witnessed the lowest voter turnout in the country at 25.86 per cent, saw 12.43 per cent polling, with highest 17.1 per cent recorded in Shia-dominated Budgam district till 3 pm. The voter turnout here till 7 pm was recorded at 44.60 per cent. No untoward incident was reported during polling which was being held amid tight security due to militant threats and a boycott call by separatists in Kashmir. Besides Tamil Nadu, the polling was conducted in 14 seats in Karnataka, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry besides 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha. Till 7 pm the total voter turnout for Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh stood at 75.85 per cent, 63.01 per cent, 66.69 per cent, 59.64 per cent, 76.15 per cent, 61.94 per cent and 70.94 per cent respectively. Polling in Tamil Nadu's Vellore seat was cancelled on Tuesday by the Election Commission following the recovery of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader recently. The counting of votes will take place on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Voter turnout in second phase of Lok Sabha polls recorded at 66%: Election Commission 

Known as a soft and suave kind of politician, BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday came down heavily on the BJP dubbing it "anti-poor" and cautioning the saffron party that its "jumla" will not work in Odisha.

Patnaik said this at election meetings in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts where polling to be held in third and fourth phase on April 23 and April 19 respectively.

"BJP government is anti-poor. It suddenly realised that poor people need to be given cheap rations only three days ago. The realisation came after the BJP understood that it is facing defeat in the first phase of polls in Odisha," Patnaik claimed.

Senior BJP leader and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said the party if voted to power in the state, will provide 5 kg of rice, half a kg of pulse and half a kg of salt at Re 1 to the poor people.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public meeting in Sambalpur in Odisha Tuesday also referred to this promise.

Seeking a reply from the BJP as to why it did not announce such provisions during the last five years, Patnaik said, "This Jumlawaji (propaganda) will not work in Odisha. The BJP's announcement of sops for the poor during polls clearly exposed its intentions."

Patnaik also lambasted the BJP for putting the common people in trouble by implementing demonetisation and GST, raising the price of petrol, diesel and cooking gas.

"The poor people become poorer due to demonetisation while small traders suffered a lot due to GST," he said.

Patnaik said the BJD government is committed to the poor farmers and is providing financial support to them under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme.

Accusing the BJP of conspiring to stop KALIA scheme, the chief minister said as soon as a new government is formed in the state, farmers will be given Rs 10,000 each at one go.

He also alleged that the BJP led central government has stopped scholarships of Scheduled Caste students and allowances of nearly 20 lakh BPL people in Odisha.&nbsp;

Known as a soft and suave kind of politician, BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday came down heavily on the BJP dubbing it "anti-poor" and cautioning the saffron party that its "jumla" will not work in Odisha.

Known as a soft and suave kind of politician, BJD president and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday came down heavily on the BJP dubbing it "anti-poor" and cautioning the saffron party that its "jumla" will not work in Odisha. Patnaik said this at election meetings in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts where polling to be held in third and fourth phase on April 23 and April 19 respectively. "BJP government is anti-poor. It suddenly realised that poor people need to be given cheap rations only three days ago. The realisation came after the BJP understood that it is facing defeat in the first phase of polls in Odisha," Patnaik claimed. Senior BJP leader and Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday said the party if voted to power in the state, will provide 5 kg of rice, half a kg of pulse and half a kg of salt at Re 1 to the poor people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public meeting in Sambalpur in Odisha Tuesday also referred to this promise. Seeking a reply from the BJP as to why it did not announce such provisions during the last five years, Patnaik said, "This Jumlawaji (propaganda) will not work in Odisha. The BJP's announcement of sops for the poor during polls clearly exposed its intentions." Patnaik also lambasted the BJP for putting the common people in trouble by implementing demonetisation and GST, raising the price of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. "The poor people become poorer due to demonetisation while small traders suffered a lot due to GST," he said. Patnaik said the BJD government is committed to the poor farmers and is providing financial support to them under the Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme. Accusing the BJP of conspiring to stop KALIA scheme, the chief minister said as soon as a new government is formed in the state, farmers will be given Rs 10,000 each at one go. He also alleged that the BJP led central government has stopped scholarships of Scheduled Caste students and allowances of nearly 20 lakh BPL people in Odisha.

BJP announces sops for poor after realising defeat: Patnaik

Watch: Visuals from polling station in different places where people can be ssen casting their vote. Watch full video to know more.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Voting in 95 constituencies in 2nd phase today

Political heavyweights including actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram,&nbsp;Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan,&nbsp;Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy and&nbsp;Kiran Bedi&nbsp;among others cast their votes minutes after polling began in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday.

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan and his daughter Shruti Haasan cast their votes at Alwarpet Corporation School in Chennai to cast their votes while Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy cast his vote at a polling station in Edappadi, Selam.

Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, exercised her franchise at a polling station in Puducherry.&nbsp;

Rajinikanth cast his vote at the polling station in Stella Maris College, in Chennai Central parliamentary constituency while P Chidambaram exercised his franchise a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga.&nbsp;

Nalini Chidambaram, Karti Chidambaram and his wife Srinidi Rangarajan also cast their vote at the same polling station in Karaikudi.&nbsp;

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Tamil Nadu: Actor turned politician Rajinikanth casts his vote at the polling station in Stella Maris College, in Chennai Central parliamentary constituency. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/NfD3llN4J1">pic.twitter.com/NfD3llN4J1</a>
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Polling began Thursday morning for 95 Lok Sabha seats spread across 11 states and the union territory of Puducherry with Tamil Nadu witnessing contest in 38 constituencies.

Voting was also underway in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha and in 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.

Prominent faces in the fray in the Lok Sabha contest are Union ministers Jitendra Singh, Jual Oram, Sadananda Gowda and Pon Radhakrishnan; former prime minister H D Deve Gowda; DMK's Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja and Kanimozhi; Congress leaders Verappa Moily and Raj Babbar; National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and BJP's Hema Malini.

Over 15.80 crore voters will decide the fate of the 1,600-odd contestants. 
In Tamil Nadu, polling is being held in 38 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats. Polling in Vellore Lok Sabha seat was cancelled Tuesday by the Election Commission following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader recently.

The EC also announced postponement of polling in Tripura (East) Lok Sabha seat to the third phase on April 23, saying the prevailing law-and-order situation there is not conducive for holding free and fair polls.

Besides Tamil Nadu, polling is being held in 14 seats in Karnataka, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Political heavyweights including actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram, Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy and Kiran Bedi among others cast their votes minutes after polling began in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday.

Political heavyweights including actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram, Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy and Kiran Bedi among others cast their votes minutes after polling began in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday. Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan and his daughter Shruti Haasan cast their votes at Alwarpet Corporation School in Chennai to cast their votes while Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy cast his vote at a polling station in Edappadi, Selam. Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, exercised her franchise at a polling station in Puducherry. Rajinikanth cast his vote at the polling station in Stella Maris College, in Chennai Central parliamentary constituency while P Chidambaram exercised his franchise a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga. Nalini Chidambaram, Karti Chidambaram and his wife Srinidi Rangarajan also cast their vote at the same polling station in Karaikudi. Tamil Nadu: Actor turned politician Rajinikanth casts his vote at the polling station in Stella Maris College, in Chennai Central parliamentary constituency. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/NfD3llN4J1 — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × Polling began Thursday morning for 95 Lok Sabha seats spread across 11 states and the union territory of Puducherry with Tamil Nadu witnessing contest in 38 constituencies. Voting was also underway in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha and in 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. Prominent faces in the fray in the Lok Sabha contest are Union ministers Jitendra Singh, Jual Oram, Sadananda Gowda and Pon Radhakrishnan; former prime minister H D Deve Gowda; DMK's Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja and Kanimozhi; Congress leaders Verappa Moily and Raj Babbar; National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and BJP's Hema Malini. Over 15.80 crore voters will decide the fate of the 1,600-odd contestants. In Tamil Nadu, polling is being held in 38 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats. Polling in Vellore Lok Sabha seat was cancelled Tuesday by the Election Commission following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader recently. The EC also announced postponement of polling in Tripura (East) Lok Sabha seat to the third phase on April 23, saying the prevailing law-and-order situation there is not conducive for holding free and fair polls. Besides Tamil Nadu, polling is being held in 14 seats in Karnataka, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry. (With inputs from PTI)

Political heavyweights in Tamil Nadu cast their votes as polling begins 

As Karnataka goes to polls some interesting battles are being witnessed in some of the 14 parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

Mandya

One constituency that has been making a lot of noise is Mandya which is witnessing a battle between two political greenhorns - Chief Minister's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh's wife Sumalatha.&nbsp;

While Nikhil is attempting to sail on the strength of his JD(S) cadres and MLAs from the region, Sumalatha, an actor herself, is using star power to gather crowds. Not to mention the disgruntled Congress workers who have vocally supported Sumalatha over Nikhil. A loss here will be a huge loss for Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy

Bangalore South

Bangalore South is seeing BJP's 28-yr-old Tejasvi Surya take on veteran Congress leader BK Hariprasad. The constituency was previously held by late Union Minister Ananth Kumar.&nbsp;

Bangalore North&nbsp;

Foreign-educated state minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-it-is-gowda-vs-gowda-in-bangalore-north-210690">Krishna Byre Gowda is using anti-incumbency to target Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda</a> in Bangalore North.&nbsp;

While Byre Gowda is a sitting MLA from the area, Sadananda Gowda is seeking a second term. The contest is believed to be a close one between the two leaders.&nbsp;

Tumkur

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch HD Devegowda is probably facing his toughest elections yet in Tumkur as he takes on BJP's Basavaraj, a Lingayat.&nbsp;

While Deve Gowda is banking on caste equations, the leader moving to Tumkur only to let his grandson have Hassan has been a thorny issue. Gowda has also been accused of deliberately denying water from the Hemavati river to Tumkur while he was the Hassan MP.&nbsp;

Chikkaballapur

Chikkaballapur sees veteran Congress leader M Veerappa Moily take on Vokkaliga leader Bachche Gowda of the BJP. In 2014 the constituency had witnessed a three-cornered contest between Moily, Kumaraswamy and Bachce Gowda that saw the Vokkaliga votes split between the JD(S) and BJP, but that is not the case this time. Can Moily sail through after having a sliver of a margin of 10,000 votes in 2014?&nbsp;

As Karnataka goes to polls some interesting battles are being witnessed in some of the 14 parliamentary constituencies. Mandya One constituency that has been making a lot of noise is Mandya which is witnessing a battle between two political greenhorns - Chief Minister's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh's wife Sumalatha.

As Karnataka goes to polls some interesting battles are being witnessed in some of the 14 parliamentary constituencies. Mandya One constituency that has been making a lot of noise is Mandya which is witnessing a battle between two political greenhorns - Chief Minister's son Nikhil Kumaraswamy and late actor-turned-politician Ambareesh's wife Sumalatha. While Nikhil is attempting to sail on the strength of his JD(S) cadres and MLAs from the region, Sumalatha, an actor herself, is using star power to gather crowds. Not to mention the disgruntled Congress workers who have vocally supported Sumalatha over Nikhil. A loss here will be a huge loss for Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy Bangalore South Bangalore South is seeing BJP's 28-yr-old Tejasvi Surya take on veteran Congress leader BK Hariprasad. The constituency was previously held by late Union Minister Ananth Kumar. Bangalore North Foreign-educated state minister Krishna Byre Gowda is using anti-incumbency to target Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda in Bangalore North. While Byre Gowda is a sitting MLA from the area, Sadananda Gowda is seeking a second term. The contest is believed to be a close one between the two leaders. Tumkur Former Prime Minister and JD(S) patriarch HD Devegowda is probably facing his toughest elections yet in Tumkur as he takes on BJP's Basavaraj, a Lingayat. While Deve Gowda is banking on caste equations, the leader moving to Tumkur only to let his grandson have Hassan has been a thorny issue. Gowda has also been accused of deliberately denying water from the Hemavati river to Tumkur while he was the Hassan MP. Chikkaballapur Chikkaballapur sees veteran Congress leader M Veerappa Moily take on Vokkaliga leader Bachche Gowda of the BJP. In 2014 the constituency had witnessed a three-cornered contest between Moily, Kumaraswamy and Bachce Gowda that saw the Vokkaliga votes split between the JD(S) and BJP, but that is not the case this time. Can Moily sail through after having a sliver of a margin of 10,000 votes in 2014?

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Karnataka to witness neck and neck contests

Tamil Nadu: Congress leader P Chidambaram casts his vote at a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga. Also know which states goes to polls to day.#LokSabhaElections2019, #IndiaVotes, #Election2019

2nd Phase of voting in India's General elections today

BJP's national general secretary Ram Madhav on Thursday said that there can be no better BJP candidate to fight Congress leader Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal other than <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pragya-singh-joins-bjp-says-would-like-to-contest-from-bhopal-211153">Pragya Thakur</a>.&nbsp;

"The decision is taken by Madhya Pradesh unit. She is probably right challenger for a person like Digvijay Singh who is largely responsible for propagating the dubious and mischievous idea of Hindu terror in this country. He needed a proper challenger," Madhav told media.&nbsp;

The BJP leader added that the party cannot be questioned "on the constitutional validity of putting up a candidate who has just allegations against her," ANI reported.&nbsp;

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Ram Madhav, BJP on Pragya Thakur: The decision is taken by Madhya Pradesh unit. She is probably right challenger for a person like Digvijay Singh who is largely responsible for propagating dubious &amp; mischievous idea of Hindu terror in this country. He needed a proper challenger <a href="https://t.co/zwdGAj2EqO">https://t.co/zwdGAj2EqO</a>
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Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is facing trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, joined the BJP on Wednesday. Later in the day her name emerged in the party's list of candidates - Thakur has been fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal Lok Sabha seat.

"I will contest the election from Bhopal and win. Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is with me," Thakur said, speaking after emerging out of the BJP office.

Thakur had recently said she was ready for a "Dharm Yudh".

"I am ready to take on Digvijay Singh if the sanghatan (organisation, apparently referring to the BJP) asks me to do so," Thakur had told PTI last month.

Born in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, Thakur has had a long association with the Sangh parivar.

Arrested in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, she was given a clean chit by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but the trial court refused to discharge her from the case.

BJP's national general secretary Ram Madhav on Thursday said that there can be no better BJP candidate to fight Congress leader Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal other than Pragya Thakur.

BJP's national general secretary Ram Madhav on Thursday said that there can be no better BJP candidate to fight Congress leader Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal other than Pragya Thakur. "The decision is taken by Madhya Pradesh unit. She is probably right challenger for a person like Digvijay Singh who is largely responsible for propagating the dubious and mischievous idea of Hindu terror in this country. He needed a proper challenger," Madhav told media. The BJP leader added that the party cannot be questioned "on the constitutional validity of putting up a candidate who has just allegations against her," ANI reported. Ram Madhav, BJP on Pragya Thakur: The decision is taken by Madhya Pradesh unit. She is probably right challenger for a person like Digvijay Singh who is largely responsible for propagating dubious & mischievous idea of Hindu terror in this country. He needed a proper challenger https://t.co/zwdGAj2EqO — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is facing trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, joined the BJP on Wednesday. Later in the day her name emerged in the party's list of candidates - Thakur has been fielded from Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal Lok Sabha seat. "I will contest the election from Bhopal and win. Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is with me," Thakur said, speaking after emerging out of the BJP office. Thakur had recently said she was ready for a "Dharm Yudh". "I am ready to take on Digvijay Singh if the sanghatan (organisation, apparently referring to the BJP) asks me to do so," Thakur had told PTI last month. Born in Bhind district of Madhya Pradesh, Thakur has had a long association with the Sangh parivar. Arrested in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, she was given a clean chit by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), but the trial court refused to discharge her from the case.

Digvijaya Singh needed proper challenger: BJP's Ram Madhav on Pragya Thakur

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive. The cost of ensuring democracy is increasing day by day. From 1951 to 2019 the expense per vote has increased many folds. One should not take it lightly while thinking about voting. &nbsp;

The irony of the matter lies in the fact that the Election Commission (EC) puts expenditure limit as only Rs. 50 lakh to 70 lakh per candidate to campaign for his/her election. The configuration of elections has changed post-independence. Now the mode of transport is no more the ‘Paidal Yatras’ but helicopters have taken over it. The mode of advertisements have also changed in this electronic age; now they have their own websites, blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter handle over the internet and a hefty sum is spent over them.&nbsp;

There’s no denying the fact that elections are an expensive affair in India. In 1952, Rs 10.45 crore was spent on conducting the first general election by the government. The expenditure was less than Rs 100 crore till the 8th general election in 1984-85.

The expenditure crossed Rs 500 crore for the first time during the 11th general election in 1996 and it crossed Rs 1000 crore during the 14th general election in 2004. In 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the cost to the exchequer was Rs 1114.4 crores. In 2014, Lok Sabha elections were most expensive entailing a cost of Rs 3870 crore to the national exchequer. &nbsp;

Regardless of the ubiquity of various offers and favours, a number of factors explain why campaigns are getting more expensive.&nbsp;

First, a slow and steady increase in the size of various constituencies may play a major role. By March 2019, the voter size in the country already swelled by a record-breaking number of 52.6 million. This increase is because of the post-Millennia’s — the ones born at the dawn of the 21st century. They have come of age at a crucial time and no political party can afford to ignore. Simply, increasing populations require candidates to spend more. &nbsp;

Secondly, in the new age of electronic media, there are changes in campaigning strategies. While radio and television have emerged as the preferred traditional media platform, all political parties have gone beyond it this year. A series of amusing videos, which entered into people's screens through WhatsApp and YouTube, which increase the cost of the campaigning. &nbsp;

Thirdly, and most importantly, a steady rise in the number of candidates and competition has sparked a race in campaign spending. &nbsp; 
 
How to reduce the cost of elections:

To reduce the overall cost of conducting the election, we should think about One Nation One Election. The basic idea behind this concept is to conduct a single election for the Lok Sabha, the State Legislatures and the local governments in place of series of elections done regularly over a period of time. This concept is increasingly growing popular within India as many eminent political leaders have put forth their views over its application within India, which includes Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India), former President of India Pranab Mukherjee and also Ram Nath Kovind (President of India). 
 
In Indian democracy, the number of candidates has been increased, political competition has also increased and the cost of campaigning has also amplified. ‘One Nation One Election’ is a much-awaited policy, which after implementation shall completely change the electoral scenario in India. Hence for this general election, vote wisely to safeguard the democratic process in India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(The article is co-authored by Meenakshi. She is currently pursuing a PhD&nbsp;in Political Science from Amity University)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) 
&nbsp;

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive.

The world’s largest democratic election is already in the process. Around 900 million people are eligible to vote, 53 million for the first time. It is not only the 'largest democratic exercise' in history, but it is also among the world’s most expensive. The cost of ensuring democracy is increasing day by day. From 1951 to 2019 the expense per vote has increased many folds. One should not take it lightly while thinking about voting.  The irony of the matter lies in the fact that the Election Commission (EC) puts expenditure limit as only Rs. 50 lakh to 70 lakh per candidate to campaign for his/her election. The configuration of elections has changed post-independence. Now the mode of transport is no more the ‘Paidal Yatras’ but helicopters have taken over it. The mode of advertisements have also changed in this electronic age; now they have their own websites, blogs, Facebook pages and Twitter handle over the internet and a hefty sum is spent over them. There’s no denying the fact that elections are an expensive affair in India. In 1952, Rs 10.45 crore was spent on conducting the first general election by the government. The expenditure was less than Rs 100 crore till the 8th general election in 1984-85. The expenditure crossed Rs 500 crore for the first time during the 11th general election in 1996 and it crossed Rs 1000 crore during the 14th general election in 2004. In 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the cost to the exchequer was Rs 1114.4 crores. In 2014, Lok Sabha elections were most expensive entailing a cost of Rs 3870 crore to the national exchequer. Regardless of the ubiquity of various offers and favours, a number of factors explain why campaigns are getting more expensive. First, a slow and steady increase in the size of various constituencies may play a major role. By March 2019, the voter size in the country already swelled by a record-breaking number of 52.6 million. This increase is because of the post-Millennia’s — the ones born at the dawn of the 21st century. They have come of age at a crucial time and no political party can afford to ignore. Simply, increasing populations require candidates to spend more. Secondly, in the new age of electronic media, there are changes in campaigning strategies. While radio and television have emerged as the preferred traditional media platform, all political parties have gone beyond it this year. A series of amusing videos, which entered into people's screens through WhatsApp and YouTube, which increase the cost of the campaigning. Thirdly, and most importantly, a steady rise in the number of candidates and competition has sparked a race in campaign spending. How to reduce the cost of elections: To reduce the overall cost of conducting the election, we should think about One Nation One Election. The basic idea behind this concept is to conduct a single election for the Lok Sabha, the State Legislatures and the local governments in place of series of elections done regularly over a period of time. This concept is increasingly growing popular within India as many eminent political leaders have put forth their views over its application within India, which includes Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India), former President of India Pranab Mukherjee and also Ram Nath Kovind (President of India). In Indian democracy, the number of candidates has been increased, political competition has also increased and the cost of campaigning has also amplified. ‘One Nation One Election’ is a much-awaited policy, which after implementation shall completely change the electoral scenario in India. Hence for this general election, vote wisely to safeguard the democratic process in India. (The article is co-authored by Meenakshi. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science from Amity University) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 'One nation, one election' will help India reduce the poll expenses

107-year-old Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka set&nbsp;examples for crores of Indians today as she walked out of the polling booth at the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency after casting her vote.&nbsp;

Thimmakka is one of the oldest citizens in the country today to have exercised her voting rights in the fight to elect the next leader of the world's largest democracy.&nbsp;

Fondly known as Aalada Marada, Thmimakka is an Indian environmentalist who hails from Karnataka and is known to have initiated a plantation drive wherein a whopping 385 banyan trees were planted along a four-kilometre highway stretch between Hulikal and Kudur.

Thimmakka is known to have taken to planting trees almost 60 decades ago when she nearly lost heart for not being able to bear a child.&nbsp;She, along with her husband, took to serving mother earth by planting trees.&nbsp;

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Karnataka: 107-year-old Padma awardee, Saalumarada Thimmakka casts her vote for the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/e7dJJgI2bO">pic.twitter.com/e7dJJgI2bO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118832917159895041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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She has also planted nearly 8000 other trees. The Government of India honoured her selfless work with Padma Shri this year. A video of her blessing President Ram Nath Kovind while accepting her Padma award went viral earlier this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As many as 14 parliamentary constituencies, out of Karnataka's total 28 seats, have gone to polls today in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-karnataka-to-witness-neck-to-neck-contests-211263">second phase of the Lok Sabha polls</a>. These include Udupi, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamrajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikkaballapur and Kolar.&nbsp;

By 5pm, Karnataka recorded 58% voter turnout.&nbsp;

107-year-old Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka set examples for crores of Indians today as she walked out of the polling booth at the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency after casting her vote.

107-year-old Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka set examples for crores of Indians today as she walked out of the polling booth at the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency after casting her vote. Thimmakka is one of the oldest citizens in the country today to have exercised her voting rights in the fight to elect the next leader of the world's largest democracy. Fondly known as Aalada Marada, Thmimakka is an Indian environmentalist who hails from Karnataka and is known to have initiated a plantation drive wherein a whopping 385 banyan trees were planted along a four-kilometre highway stretch between Hulikal and Kudur. Thimmakka is known to have taken to planting trees almost 60 decades ago when she nearly lost heart for not being able to bear a child. She, along with her husband, took to serving mother earth by planting trees. Karnataka: 107-year-old Padma awardee, Saalumarada Thimmakka casts her vote for the Bangalore Rural parliamentary constituency. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/e7dJJgI2bO — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × She has also planted nearly 8000 other trees. The Government of India honoured her selfless work with Padma Shri this year. A video of her blessing President Ram Nath Kovind while accepting her Padma award went viral earlier this year. As many as 14 parliamentary constituencies, out of Karnataka's total 28 seats, have gone to polls today in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls. These include Udupi, Chikmagalur, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Chitradurga, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamrajanagar, Bangalore Rural, Bangalore North, Bangalore Central, Bangalore South, Chikkaballapur and Kolar. By 5pm, Karnataka recorded 58% voter turnout.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 107-year-old Padma Shri awardee sets example, casts vote from Bangalore Rural 

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