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The voting for the second phase of 17th Lok Sabha elections underway across India today.

Kamal Haasan, P Chidambaram and Rajinikanth cast their votes in phase of Lok Sabha polls

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

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

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>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1118842706212675584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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 

Here's a look at key electoral battles in phase 2 of Lok Sabha polls.

Key electoral battles in phase 2 of Lok Sabha polls

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 

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

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>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118855251413671936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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 

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai on Thursday reacted over the collapse of an alliance with Congress in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

Rai stated that AAP had made one last effort but can't understand why Congress stepped back.

"We had made one last effort, Sanjay Singh ji held talks, but can't understand that after almost finalizing the matter and seat sharing why the Congress stepped back last evening," Rai told media today.&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alliance-with-congress-in-delhi-has-been-called-off-aap-leader-sanjay-singh-211214">was called off on Wednesday</a>, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media.&nbsp;

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Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai on alliance with Congress: We had made one last effort, Sanjay Singh ji held talks, but can't understand that after almost finalizing the matter and seat sharing why the Congress stepped back last evening <a href="https://t.co/Q2crRUW0Wo">pic.twitter.com/Q2crRUW0Wo</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118826114246422529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As per reports, the alliance was called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh.&nbsp;

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision.

A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi.

"What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on.&nbsp;

"Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read.&nbsp;

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai on Thursday reacted over the collapse of an alliance with Congress in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls. Rai stated that AAP had made one last effort but can't understand why Congress stepped back.

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Gopal Rai on Thursday reacted over the collapse of an alliance with Congress in Delhi for the Lok Sabha polls. Rai stated that AAP had made one last effort but can't understand why Congress stepped back. "We had made one last effort, Sanjay Singh ji held talks, but can't understand that after almost finalizing the matter and seat sharing why the Congress stepped back last evening," Rai told media today. The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi was called off on Wednesday, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media. Senior AAP leader Gopal Rai on alliance with Congress: We had made one last effort, Sanjay Singh ji held talks, but can't understand that after almost finalizing the matter and seat sharing why the Congress stepped back last evening pic.twitter.com/Q2crRUW0Wo — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × As per reports, the alliance was called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls. The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision. A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi. "What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on. "Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read.

Don't understand why did Congress step back: AAP on alliance in Delhi

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

"Appropriate action is also being taken regarding his overstay in contravention of visa validity".&nbsp;

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After ferdous Ahmed, another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor who campaigned for TMC asked to leave; Action being taken regarding his overstay in "contravention of visa validity"
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1118819370136944645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The development comes just a couple of days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday cancelled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ministry-of-home-affairs-blacklists-bangladeshi-actor-ferdous-ahmed-for-his-tmc-campaign-in-west-bengal-cancels-his-business-visa-210963">Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed</a>'s business visa and issued him a 'leave India' notice. Ahmed has also been blacklisted.

"After receiving a report from the Bureau of Immigration regarding visa violations committed by a Bangladesh National Mr Ferdous Ahmed," the MHA statement noted.&nbsp;

The ministry had asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's campaign for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.&nbsp;

The 45-year-old Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. "Appropriate action is also being taken regarding his overstay in contravention of visa validity". After ferdous Ahmed, another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor who campaigned for TMC asked to leave; Action being taken regarding his overstay in "contravention of visa validity" — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) April 18, 2019 × The development comes just a couple of days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday cancelled Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's business visa and issued him a 'leave India' notice. Ahmed has also been blacklisted. "After receiving a report from the Bureau of Immigration regarding visa violations committed by a Bangladesh National Mr Ferdous Ahmed," the MHA statement noted. The ministry had asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's campaign for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. The 45-year-old Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Another Bangladeshi actor asked to leave India for participating in political rally in West Bengal: MHA  

Poonam Sinha, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-fight-with-full-dignity-rajnath-singh-welcomes-samajwadi-partys-poonam-sinha-as-opponent-from-lucknow-210968">the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow</a> parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion.&nbsp;

Poonam Sinha is set to take on Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Congress was urged by the Samajwadi Party not to field a candidate from the seat but the party went ahead and named Acharya Pramod as its candidate from Lucknow.&nbsp;

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SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Poonam Sinha, files nomination. Shatrughan Sinha &amp; Dimple Yadav also present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/vp0i2GO0nn">pic.twitter.com/vp0i2GO0nn</a>
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Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow Lok Sabha seat.

Singh said that someone must contest. Calling Lucknow the land of "tehzeeb (etiquette)" he said the battle will be fought with full dignity.

"Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge," Singh told media.&nbsp;

Poonam Sinha, the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion.

Poonam Sinha, the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, filed her nomination on Thursday. Congress leader and veteran actor Shatrughan Sinha, SP MP from Kannauj Dimple Yadav were also present on the occasion. Poonam Sinha is set to take on Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Union Minister Rajnath Singh from Lucknow. Congress was urged by the Samajwadi Party not to field a candidate from the seat but the party went ahead and named Acharya Pramod as its candidate from Lucknow. SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow parliamentary constituency, Poonam Sinha, files nomination. Shatrughan Sinha & Dimple Yadav also present. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/vp0i2GO0nn — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2019 × Union Home Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Tuesday reacted over Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha contesting from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Singh said that someone must contest. Calling Lucknow the land of "tehzeeb (etiquette)" he said the battle will be fought with full dignity. "Yes somebody must contest, that is the beauty of democracy. We will fight elections with full dignity, tehzeeb jo Lucknow ki bohot badi dharohar hai usko bhi hum kayam rakhenge," Singh told media.

Lok Sabha polls: Poonam Sinha files nomination from Lucknow in presence of Shatrughan, Dimple Yadav

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra.

"SP and BSP both have worked together in Azamgarh and 'gathbandhan'&nbsp;will take the state on the path of development," said Yadav, before filing his nomination papers.

"BJP has to give an account of its work in the last 5 years at centre and 2 years in the state," he added.

SP, BSP and RLD are contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Uttar Pradesh in which the SP is contesting on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three.

Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting from Mainpuri constituency, is the sitting MP from Azamgarh.

Uttar Pradesh is undergoing polling today in the second phase for 8 parliamentary constituencies. It went to polls on April 11 for 8 Lok Sabha constituencies. The remaining seats will witness polling in the next five phases, and counting of votes will take place on May 18.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav filed his nomination from Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency on Thursday in the presence of BSP general secretary Satish Chand Mishra. "SP and BSP both have worked together in Azamgarh and 'gathbandhan' will take the state on the path of development," said Yadav, before filing his nomination papers. "BJP has to give an account of its work in the last 5 years at centre and 2 years in the state," he added. SP, BSP and RLD are contesting the Lok Sabha polls in alliance in Uttar Pradesh in which the SP is contesting on 37 seats, BSP on 38 and RLD on three. Akhilesh's father Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting from Mainpuri constituency, is the sitting MP from Azamgarh. Uttar Pradesh is undergoing polling today in the second phase for 8 parliamentary constituencies. It went to polls on April 11 for 8 Lok Sabha constituencies. The remaining seats will witness polling in the next five phases, and counting of votes will take place on May 18.

Akhilesh Yadav files nomination from Azamgarh

Formerly known as Madras Central, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-a-high-octane-faceoff-between-two-powerful-daughters-thoothukudi-209778">Tamil Nadu</a>'s Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle.

Traditionally, the fight in Chennai Central has primarily been a show between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - both bereft of their supremos now.&nbsp;

Trends have it, the constituency was an undisputed DMK bastion since 1996 until AIADMK's SR Vijayakumar swept the seat in 2014, beating former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran by over 50,000 votes.

Until 2014, Chennai Central was a typical DMK, rather Maran bastion. While Dayanidhi Maran kept the seat in 2004, 2009; his father and former union minister Murasoli Maran was elected thrice from the constituency between 1996 and 2004.&nbsp;

At present, all three Lok Sabha seats from Chennai - north, south and central - rest with AIADMK, which has not fielded a&nbsp;candidate from Chennai Central this time. The party swept 37 of Tamil Nadu's 39 seats in last general elections. AIADMK is fighting this year's general elections in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

DMK's Dayanidhi Maran loss in 2014 was largely attributed to charges in the telecom scams.&nbsp;Maran is in a direct fight with PMK's Sam Paul.

Water crisis and bigger investments would be some of the key issues on which nearly 14 lakh electors of Chennai Central will be eligible to exercise their voting rights on April 18.&nbsp;

Chennai Central goes to&nbsp;polls on April 18.&nbsp;

Formerly known as Madras Central, Tamil Nadu's Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle.

Formerly known as Madras Central, Tamil Nadu's Chennai Central is touted as one of the crucial Lok Sabha seats from the South Indian capital. Despite being one of the smallest constituencies, the seat witnesses some of the biggest bigwigs of Tamil politics wrest power in the mega electoral battle. Traditionally, the fight in Chennai Central has primarily been a show between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - both bereft of their supremos now. Trends have it, the constituency was an undisputed DMK bastion since 1996 until AIADMK's SR Vijayakumar swept the seat in 2014, beating former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran by over 50,000 votes. Until 2014, Chennai Central was a typical DMK, rather Maran bastion. While Dayanidhi Maran kept the seat in 2004, 2009; his father and former union minister Murasoli Maran was elected thrice from the constituency between 1996 and 2004. At present, all three Lok Sabha seats from Chennai - north, south and central - rest with AIADMK, which has not fielded a candidate from Chennai Central this time. The party swept 37 of Tamil Nadu's 39 seats in last general elections. AIADMK is fighting this year's general elections in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK). DMK's Dayanidhi Maran loss in 2014 was largely attributed to charges in the telecom scams. Maran is in a direct fight with PMK's Sam Paul. Water crisis and bigger investments would be some of the key issues on which nearly 14 lakh electors of Chennai Central will be eligible to exercise their voting rights on April 18. Chennai Central goes to polls on April 18.

Second phase polling: In Chennai Central, challenge for Dayanidhi Maran is to regain DMK bastion

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday.

Polling will be held in Nagina (SC), Amroha, Bulandshahr (SC), <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-aligarh-bjp-candidate-facing-strong-anti-incumbency-residents-say-unhappy-over-amu-row-211129">Aligarh</a>, Hathras (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Agra (SC).

Fatehpur Sikri will see a triangular battle between Babbar, BJP's Rajkumar Chahar and BSP's Shreebhagwan Sharma, who is a two-time MLA from Debai assembly constituency of Bulandshahr.

While in the temple-town constituency of Mathura, Bollywood "dream girl" of yesteryears, Hema Malini, is seeking re-election after winning the seat in the 2014 general elections.

The other candidates in the fray are Kunwar Narendra Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Mahesh Pathak of the Congress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-phase-polls-bjp-mahagathbandhan-set-to-lock-horns-in-uttar-pradeshs-amroha-210709">In Amroha, sitting BJP MP Kanwar Singh Tanwar</a> will lock horns with Bahujan Samaj Party's Kunwar Danish Ali, who recently joined the party after quitting as the general secretary of the Janata Dal-Secular.

The eight Lok Sabha seats were bagged by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. This time it faces a tough fight from the SP-BSP-RLD alliance.

In this phase, the BSP has fielded candidates for six of the eight constituencies -- Nagina, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The SP and the RLD have fielded one candidate each from Hathras and Mathura respectively.

Apart from Hema Malini and Tanwar, the BJP has retained three other MPs - Yashwant Singh (Nagina), Bhola Singh (Bulandshahr) and Satish Gautam (Aligarh).

The Election Commission has set up 16,162 polling booths in 8,751 polling centres for this phase in the state.

In Agra, UP animal husbandry, minor irrigation and fisheries minister S P Singh Baghel (BJP) will take on Preeta Harit of the Congress and Manoj Kumar Soni of the BSP.

In Aligarh, the fight is between Gautam (BJP), Ajeet Baliyan (BSP) and Bijendra Singh (Congress) while in Hathras, Rajvir Diler of the BJP will take on Ramji Lal Suman of the Samajwadi Party and Triloki Ram of the Congress.&nbsp;

In Bulandshahr, the contest figures Bhola Singh (BJP), Yogesh Verma (BSP) and Banshi Singh (Congress).

The Nagina constituency will see Singh defending his turf against Omvati Devi of the Congress and Girish Chandra of the BSP.

While Singh is a former SP leader, Devi has been with all the four principal parties in the state - SP, BSP, BJP and Congress - at different times of her political career.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday.

Uttar Pradesh Congress president Raj Babbar and another actor-turned-politician Hema Malini are among the 85 candidates contesting for eight Lok Sabha seats in the second phase of elections in the state on Thursday. Polling will be held in Nagina (SC), Amroha, Bulandshahr (SC), Aligarh, Hathras (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Mathura and Agra (SC). Fatehpur Sikri will see a triangular battle between Babbar, BJP's Rajkumar Chahar and BSP's Shreebhagwan Sharma, who is a two-time MLA from Debai assembly constituency of Bulandshahr. While in the temple-town constituency of Mathura, Bollywood "dream girl" of yesteryears, Hema Malini, is seeking re-election after winning the seat in the 2014 general elections. The other candidates in the fray are Kunwar Narendra Singh of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and Mahesh Pathak of the Congress. In Amroha, sitting BJP MP Kanwar Singh Tanwar will lock horns with Bahujan Samaj Party's Kunwar Danish Ali, who recently joined the party after quitting as the general secretary of the Janata Dal-Secular. The eight Lok Sabha seats were bagged by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2014. This time it faces a tough fight from the SP-BSP-RLD alliance. In this phase, the BSP has fielded candidates for six of the eight constituencies -- Nagina, Amroha, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The SP and the RLD have fielded one candidate each from Hathras and Mathura respectively. Apart from Hema Malini and Tanwar, the BJP has retained three other MPs - Yashwant Singh (Nagina), Bhola Singh (Bulandshahr) and Satish Gautam (Aligarh). The Election Commission has set up 16,162 polling booths in 8,751 polling centres for this phase in the state. In Agra, UP animal husbandry, minor irrigation and fisheries minister S P Singh Baghel (BJP) will take on Preeta Harit of the Congress and Manoj Kumar Soni of the BSP. In Aligarh, the fight is between Gautam (BJP), Ajeet Baliyan (BSP) and Bijendra Singh (Congress) while in Hathras, Rajvir Diler of the BJP will take on Ramji Lal Suman of the Samajwadi Party and Triloki Ram of the Congress. In Bulandshahr, the contest figures Bhola Singh (BJP), Yogesh Verma (BSP) and Banshi Singh (Congress). The Nagina constituency will see Singh defending his turf against Omvati Devi of the Congress and Girish Chandra of the BSP. While Singh is a former SP leader, Devi has been with all the four principal parties in the state - SP, BSP, BJP and Congress - at different times of her political career.

Second phase polls in Uttar Pradesh to decide fate of Raj Babbar, Hema Malini

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government.

The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking.

"The country has earned respect at the global level during the BJP government...We made an anti-satellite missile which only Russia, China and the US had," Singh said.

India is on the sixth spot "as far as the economy is concerned whereas in 2014 it was ninth. We want the country to become a superpower and 'vishwa' guru," he said.

The home minister said after the Mumbai attack in 2008, "the then Congress government did nothing, but after the Pulwama terror attack, Indian forces went inside Pakistan and carried out its operation."

The Indian Air Force on February 26 carried out a strike on a terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

"The Congress is asking how many were killed (in Balakot) to which we said the brave do not count bodies, but vultures do," Singh said.

He also attacked the SP and the BSP, saying they have joined hands to stop Narendra Modi from becoming prime minister, but warned that no individual or organisation can get success on the basis of negative thinking.

The SP, BSP and RLD have formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh to take on the BJP in this Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

The Mayawati-led BSP is contesting 38 Lok Sabha seats, while the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP has fielded candidates from 37 parliamentary constituencies.

There are three Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidates in the poll fray from the state. The alliance has fielded no candidates from Rae Bareli and Amethi, which are Congress bastions in the state.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government. The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday said the country has earned respect across the world during the last five years of the Modi government. The senior BJP leader, who was speaking at an election rally here, attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), saying organisations cannot get success on the basis of negative thinking. "The country has earned respect at the global level during the BJP government...We made an anti-satellite missile which only Russia, China and the US had," Singh said. India is on the sixth spot "as far as the economy is concerned whereas in 2014 it was ninth. We want the country to become a superpower and 'vishwa' guru," he said. The home minister said after the Mumbai attack in 2008, "the then Congress government did nothing, but after the Pulwama terror attack, Indian forces went inside Pakistan and carried out its operation." The Indian Air Force on February 26 carried out a strike on a terror camp in Pakistan's Balakot after 40 CRPF personnel were killed in a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. "The Congress is asking how many were killed (in Balakot) to which we said the brave do not count bodies, but vultures do," Singh said. He also attacked the SP and the BSP, saying they have joined hands to stop Narendra Modi from becoming prime minister, but warned that no individual or organisation can get success on the basis of negative thinking. The SP, BSP and RLD have formed an alliance in Uttar Pradesh to take on the BJP in this Lok Sabha elections. The Mayawati-led BSP is contesting 38 Lok Sabha seats, while the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP has fielded candidates from 37 parliamentary constituencies. There are three Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidates in the poll fray from the state. The alliance has fielded no candidates from Rae Bareli and Amethi, which are Congress bastions in the state.

India earned respect at global level during BJP governmentt: Rajnath Singh

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 Saradar 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.

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PM in Anand, Gujarat: Congress has said in its manifesto that it wants to remove the sedition law, so that stone pelting in J&amp;K &amp; Naxalism in rest of the places in the country can be strengthened, 'tukde tukde gang desh ke tukde karne ki apni shararatein khule aam kar paayein' <a href="https://t.co/Xqd1Ktqn9g">pic.twitter.com/Xqd1Ktqn9g</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118511505001992192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The Congress' naamdar (dynast) termed the entire backward class as thieves. The insult inflicted on the honest in their (Congress) vendetta against Narendra Modi will not be tolerated," he said.

The Prime Minister accused the Congress of insulting Patel "at every step to further the cause of the (Nehru-Gandhi) family".

He said Patel spent his life in uniting India but the Congress was busy embracing separatists.

He also hit out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law and reviewing of the AFSPA if it came to power.

"It wants to strengthen stone-pelters and ensure that the "tukde tukde gang" can easily chalk out a conspiracy to disintegrate the country," Modi said.

He said when the dynastic rule becomes the "sole vision", then they (Congress) resort to hurling abuses.

Modi said the Congress insulted attires of people from the north-eastern states and linked majority Hindus to terror.

Addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra recently, Gandhi had said, "I have a question. Why all the thieves have Modi in their names whether be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Narendra Modi? We don't know how many more such Modis will come out."&nbsp;

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".

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 Saradar 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. PM in Anand, Gujarat: Congress has said in its manifesto that it wants to remove the sedition law, so that stone pelting in J&K & Naxalism in rest of the places in the country can be strengthened, 'tukde tukde gang desh ke tukde karne ki apni shararatein khule aam kar paayein' pic.twitter.com/Xqd1Ktqn9g — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019 × "The Congress' naamdar (dynast) termed the entire backward class as thieves. The insult inflicted on the honest in their (Congress) vendetta against Narendra Modi will not be tolerated," he said. The Prime Minister accused the Congress of insulting Patel "at every step to further the cause of the (Nehru-Gandhi) family". He said Patel spent his life in uniting India but the Congress was busy embracing separatists. He also hit out at the Congress for promising to abolish sedition law and reviewing of the AFSPA if it came to power. "It wants to strengthen stone-pelters and ensure that the "tukde tukde gang" can easily chalk out a conspiracy to disintegrate the country," Modi said. He said when the dynastic rule becomes the "sole vision", then they (Congress) resort to hurling abuses. Modi said the Congress insulted attires of people from the north-eastern states and linked majority Hindus to terror. Addressing a poll rally in Maharashtra recently, Gandhi had said, "I have a question. Why all the thieves have Modi in their names whether be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Narendra Modi? We don't know how many more such Modis will come out."

Division of communities only vision of Congress: PM Modi

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday.&nbsp;

As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-u-turn-tweet-suggests-youre-not-interested-in-alliance-kejriwal-slams-rahul-gandhi-210728">Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi</a> have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision.

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Sanjay Singh, AAP: In order to stop BJP we were ready for an alliance with Congress, but Congress is not in a mood for any coalition. It is a matter of sadness, that even after so many efforts, Congress is not ready for any kind of compromise. <a href="https://t.co/UbaxqsbW6K">pic.twitter.com/UbaxqsbW6K</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118510045078130690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi.

"What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on.&nbsp;

"Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read.&nbsp;

Kejriwal went on to say that the country needs to be saved from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji" and unfortunately, "the Congress is just helping the BJP by distributing anti-Modi votes in UP and other states too".

Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!"&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday. As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh.

The Lok Sabha alliance between Aam Aadmi Party and Congress party in Delhi has been called off, AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media on Wednesday. As per reports, the alliance has been called-off following a disagreement over tie-up in Haryana and Delhi, news agency PTI reported quoting Singh. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi have lately been in a flip-flop over the much-anticipated alliance in Delhi for Lok Sabha polls. The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision. Sanjay Singh, AAP: In order to stop BJP we were ready for an alliance with Congress, but Congress is not in a mood for any coalition. It is a matter of sadness, that even after so many efforts, Congress is not ready for any kind of compromise. pic.twitter.com/UbaxqsbW6K — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019 × A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday reacted over Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's remark wherein he accuses Kejriwal of taking a U-turns on an alliance in Delhi. "What U-turn?" tweets Kejriwal adding that talks are still going on. "Your tweet exhibits that you are not interested in an alliance, I am sad that you are indulging in just giving out statements," Kejriwal's tweet read. Kejriwal went on to say that the country needs to be saved from "Modi ji and Amit Shah ji" and unfortunately, "the Congress is just helping the BJP by distributing anti-Modi votes in UP and other states too". Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi tweeted out saying that although he is ready for an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party and can give 4 Lok Sabha seats for the party, "Mr Kejriwal has done another U turn!" (With inputs from agencies)

Alliance with Congress in Delhi has been called off: AAP leader Sanjay Singh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joko-widodo-leading-in-early-count-in-indonesia-pollsters-211136">Indonesians voted on Wednesday in a one-day election</a> billed as one of the most complex in the world. Our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesian envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on the Indonesian elections, the Indian polls among other things. The envoy said, his country can learn from the Indian experience on the electronic voting machine (EVM) and lauded the democratic process in both the countries.&nbsp;

WION: What can Indians learn from the Indonesian election process and what can Indonesians learn from the Indian elections?

Sidharto Suryodipuro: Learning, it's a two-way street. We need to have a conversation between our election commissions. It will be a good idea to start that. From the Indonesian side, we can learn a lot from our Indian friends about the EVM because behind India's voting machine there is a long history. It's a long process of gaining political consensus for the adoption of the EVMs and the process has not ended. Now you have paper trail added. Indonesia can benefit from the Indian experience on this.

WION: What are the similarities between the Indian and the Indonesian elections?

Suryodipuro: Similarities are in terms of diversity and scale of both the countries. India has a larger population than Indonesia. Indonesia had 810,000 polling booths. My guess is, in every round of elections in India there will be about as many numbers of polling booths. Both have very diverse and complex processes. It shows both our democracies are robust, people have the confidence in democracy and voting process and another thing - our election cycle is the same (previously in 2014 and now), and this helps in strengthening the bilateral relations because it creates stability in relations for the next 5 years.

WION: How big is the process of elections in Indonesia?

Suryodipuro: On April 17, a total of 193 million Indonesians went to the polling booth. They are electing the President and the Vice president. They will be voting for 575 members of the lower house. This is out of candidates of 16 political parties. There will be local voting at the provincial level. So in all, 20,000 seats will be up for votes.

WION: How did Indonesians in India vote?

Suryodipuro: There are 2 million Indonesians living overseas. They are covered by 133 Indonesian missions worldwide. So in India, we have votings in the embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate in Mumbai. In all, we have 198 Indonesian citizens come to the embassy and vote and 91 that voted by mail. We are going through the counting. These are ballot papers and not electronic voting machines, they are being counted manually.

Indonesians voted on Wednesday in a one-day election billed as one of the most complex in the world. Our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesian envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on the Indonesian elections, the Indian polls among other things.

Indonesians voted on Wednesday in a one-day election billed as one of the most complex in the world. Our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to Indonesian envoy to India Sidharto Suryodipuro on the Indonesian elections, the Indian polls among other things. The envoy said, his country can learn from the Indian experience on the electronic voting machine (EVM) and lauded the democratic process in both the countries. WION: What can Indians learn from the Indonesian election process and what can Indonesians learn from the Indian elections? Sidharto Suryodipuro: Learning, it's a two-way street. We need to have a conversation between our election commissions. It will be a good idea to start that. From the Indonesian side, we can learn a lot from our Indian friends about the EVM because behind India's voting machine there is a long history. It's a long process of gaining political consensus for the adoption of the EVMs and the process has not ended. Now you have paper trail added. Indonesia can benefit from the Indian experience on this. WION: What are the similarities between the Indian and the Indonesian elections? Suryodipuro: Similarities are in terms of diversity and scale of both the countries. India has a larger population than Indonesia. Indonesia had 810,000 polling booths. My guess is, in every round of elections in India there will be about as many numbers of polling booths. Both have very diverse and complex processes. It shows both our democracies are robust, people have the confidence in democracy and voting process and another thing - our election cycle is the same (previously in 2014 and now), and this helps in strengthening the bilateral relations because it creates stability in relations for the next 5 years. WION: How big is the process of elections in Indonesia? Suryodipuro: On April 17, a total of 193 million Indonesians went to the polling booth. They are electing the President and the Vice president. They will be voting for 575 members of the lower house. This is out of candidates of 16 political parties. There will be local voting at the provincial level. So in all, 20,000 seats will be up for votes. WION: How did Indonesians in India vote? Suryodipuro: There are 2 million Indonesians living overseas. They are covered by 133 Indonesian missions worldwide. So in India, we have votings in the embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate in Mumbai. In all, we have 198 Indonesian citizens come to the embassy and vote and 91 that voted by mail. We are going through the counting. These are ballot papers and not electronic voting machines, they are being counted manually.

Can learn a lot from Indian experience on electronic voting machines: Indonesian envoy

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said.

This is the maximum number of central security forces ever deployed in the state for the general elections, they said.

Officials in the central security establishment said a "massive mobilisation" of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is being made. The state sends 42 Lok Sabha MPs.

Elections to two constituencies was held in phase one on April 11, while three seats will go to polls on Thursday in the second phase. The state will have seven-phase polls.

About 41,000 personnel drawn from the central pool, as part of 400 companies, will be deployed gradually in West Bengal till the last and seventh phase of voting on May 19, they said.

Officials said the build up in the numbers of the central forces is evident from the first phase of polls in the state when about 84 companies (nearly 100 personnel each) were deployed to conduct polls in two seats of Coochbehar and Alipurduar. For polls in three seats of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj on Thursday, a total of 194 companies are being deployed.

Officials said the aim is to have "85-90 per cent" of the polling booths in the state under the cover of the central forces as a number of incidents of voters intimidation, booth attack and looting of EVMs have taken place in the state during the panchayat polls held last year and the assembly polls in 2016.

A number of polling booths have been declared sensitive from the point of view of violence and suspicion of distribution of poll inducements like liquor and cash, they said.

Reports state that while about 12-13 people were killed during the panchayat polls, over a dozen were injured and wide-scale violence during the last assembly elections in the state.

A large of chunk of the 400 companies will be drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Central Industrial Security Force and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRBs) of different states, officials added.

Huge logistics and requisitioning of railway coaches, trucks and helicopter sorties are being arranged to send these forces, they said.

As the phases are getting over, the troops are being moved from one state to the other and maximum numbers are being sent to West Bengal, they said.

The Election Commission has appointed former Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ajay V Nayak as a special observer for West Bengal, while retired IPS officer Vivek Dubey has been sent to the state as a special police observer.

About 2.5 lakh central police forces are being deployed across the country for the Lok Sabha polls that began on April 11 and will end on May 19. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 23.&nbsp;

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said.

A massive contingent of 41,000 paramilitary personnel will be deployed in politically crucial West Bengal during the remaining six phases of Lok Sabha polls in the state which has often seen violence during elections, officials said. This is the maximum number of central security forces ever deployed in the state for the general elections, they said. Officials in the central security establishment said a "massive mobilisation" of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) is being made. The state sends 42 Lok Sabha MPs. Elections to two constituencies was held in phase one on April 11, while three seats will go to polls on Thursday in the second phase. The state will have seven-phase polls. About 41,000 personnel drawn from the central pool, as part of 400 companies, will be deployed gradually in West Bengal till the last and seventh phase of voting on May 19, they said. Officials said the build up in the numbers of the central forces is evident from the first phase of polls in the state when about 84 companies (nearly 100 personnel each) were deployed to conduct polls in two seats of Coochbehar and Alipurduar. For polls in three seats of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Raiganj on Thursday, a total of 194 companies are being deployed. Officials said the aim is to have "85-90 per cent" of the polling booths in the state under the cover of the central forces as a number of incidents of voters intimidation, booth attack and looting of EVMs have taken place in the state during the panchayat polls held last year and the assembly polls in 2016. A number of polling booths have been declared sensitive from the point of view of violence and suspicion of distribution of poll inducements like liquor and cash, they said. Reports state that while about 12-13 people were killed during the panchayat polls, over a dozen were injured and wide-scale violence during the last assembly elections in the state. A large of chunk of the 400 companies will be drawn from the Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Central Industrial Security Force and Indian Reserve Battalions (IRBs) of different states, officials added. Huge logistics and requisitioning of railway coaches, trucks and helicopter sorties are being arranged to send these forces, they said. As the phases are getting over, the troops are being moved from one state to the other and maximum numbers are being sent to West Bengal, they said. The Election Commission has appointed former Bihar Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ajay V Nayak as a special observer for West Bengal, while retired IPS officer Vivek Dubey has been sent to the state as a special police observer. About 2.5 lakh central police forces are being deployed across the country for the Lok Sabha polls that began on April 11 and will end on May 19. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 23.

Lok Sabha polls: 41,000 central forces personnel to be deployed in West Bengal over multiple phases

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, who is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malegaon-blast-case-sadhvi-pragya-and-lt-col-purohit-will-be-tried-under-uaps-act-along-with-other-accused-27869">facing trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case</a>, 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.

A post-graduate in history, she worked with the RSS' student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Durga Vahini, women's wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

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.

The court dropped the charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against her, and she is now being tried under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

She was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in 2017.

Six people were killed and over 100 injured when a bomb went off near a mosque in Malegaon in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. According to the prosecution, it was the handiwork of a Hindu extremist group.

The BJP has been holding Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, where about 4.5 lakh of the 18 lakh voters are Muslim, since 1989.

According to sources, BJP leaders went into a huddle after Digvijay Singh's candidature was announced.

In the 2018 Assembly elections, the Congress won three out of the eight assembly segments in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, and in the remaining segments the BJP's victory margin decreased.&nbsp;

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.

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. A post-graduate in history, she worked with the RSS' student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Durga Vahini, women's wing of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. 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. The court dropped the charges under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against her, and she is now being tried under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. She was granted bail by the Bombay High Court in 2017. Six people were killed and over 100 injured when a bomb went off near a mosque in Malegaon in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. According to the prosecution, it was the handiwork of a Hindu extremist group. The BJP has been holding Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, where about 4.5 lakh of the 18 lakh voters are Muslim, since 1989. According to sources, BJP leaders went into a huddle after Digvijay Singh's candidature was announced. In the 2018 Assembly elections, the Congress won three out of the eight assembly segments in the Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency, and in the remaining segments the BJP's victory margin decreased.

Pragya Singh joins BJP, set to take on Congress' Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP candidate Kanimozhi on Wednesday reacted on I-T raids that were conducted at her house in Thoothukudi on Tuesday.

Targetting the Central government, she said that in the past five years, "every government agency has been exploited," news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

She alleged that only "opposition leaders have been targetted repeatedly".

"Over the last 5 yrs, every government agency has been exploited. They've become a part of BJP. CBI, ED, RBI IT, EC all have been compromised. Only opposition leaders have been targeted repeatedly," the leader said.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
DMK MP candidate Kanimozhi on I-T raids at her house in Thoothukudi: Over the last 5 yrs, every government agency has been exploited. They've become a part of BJP. CBI, ED, RBI IT, EC all have been compromised. Only opposition leaders have been targeted repeatedly. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/qoRlv9hXCE">pic.twitter.com/qoRlv9hXCE</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118450820519874560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier in the day, she said that the BJP cannot prevent her from winning in the ongoing elections.

She also dubbed the raids as "anti-democratic, deliberately planned and tested".

"BJP cannot prevent my success through this income tax raid. The raid is anti-democratic, deliberately planned and tested, and no documents have been seized," Kanimozhi told reporters here after completion of raids.

"They want to intimidate us through this. They have come to stop elections in Thoothukudi. DMK volunteers will be working with more enthusiasm," she added.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP candidate Kanimozhi on Wednesday reacted on I-T raids that were conducted at her house in Thoothukudi on Tuesday. Targetting the Central government, she said that in the past five years, "every government agency has been exploited," news agency ANI reported.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP candidate Kanimozhi on Wednesday reacted on I-T raids that were conducted at her house in Thoothukudi on Tuesday. Targetting the Central government, she said that in the past five years, "every government agency has been exploited," news agency ANI reported. She alleged that only "opposition leaders have been targetted repeatedly". "Over the last 5 yrs, every government agency has been exploited. They've become a part of BJP. CBI, ED, RBI IT, EC all have been compromised. Only opposition leaders have been targeted repeatedly," the leader said. DMK MP candidate Kanimozhi on I-T raids at her house in Thoothukudi: Over the last 5 yrs, every government agency has been exploited. They've become a part of BJP. CBI, ED, RBI IT, EC all have been compromised. Only opposition leaders have been targeted repeatedly. #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/qoRlv9hXCE — ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2019 × Earlier in the day, she said that the BJP cannot prevent her from winning in the ongoing elections. She also dubbed the raids as "anti-democratic, deliberately planned and tested". "BJP cannot prevent my success through this income tax raid. The raid is anti-democratic, deliberately planned and tested, and no documents have been seized," Kanimozhi told reporters here after completion of raids. "They want to intimidate us through this. They have come to stop elections in Thoothukudi. DMK volunteers will be working with more enthusiasm," she added. (With inputs from ANI)

Opposition leaders have been targetted repeatedly, every government agency has been exploited: Kanimozhi on I-T raids

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

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

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

Many undesirable, dangerous trends in 2019 Lok Sabha elections

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest.

Satish Gautam of Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting "mahagathbandhan" candidate Ajeet Baliyan of Bahujan Samaj Party and Bijendra Singh of Congress in the election to be held on Thursday.

The BJP candidate appears to be banking on a division of the Muslim vote while the two opposition candidates are hoping for its consolidation in favour of one of them.

Sameer Mishra, a businessman, said he does not like the hard-line Gautam takes.

"People, like me, chose him to bring pro-people policies and not instigate controversies like the one he did in Aligarh Muslim University," Mishra said.

In May 2018, Gautam demanded the portrait of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, be removed from AMU student union office where it had been for decades. Violent protests ensued.

"This aggressive and communal attitude has shown him in bad light. We would have supported another BJP candidate but not him again," Mishra added.

But other residents of the city admitted that Gautam has a strong Brahmin voter base, about five lakh in the constituency.

Brahmins, Vaishya and Chatriya together make up about seven lakh of the total 18.73 lakh voters in Aligarh, a lock-making hub in western Uttar Pradesh.

There are 3.50 lakh Muslims voters while Jat, Yadav and Lodi account for four lakh. Around 3.50 lakh voters belong to SC/ST communities.

In 2014, Gautam won the seat by beating BSP's Arvind Kumar Singh by over two lakh votes. "But that time Gautam was riding on Modi wave. Things have changed since," said a BJP member, who did not wished to be named.

"There is strong opposition for Gautam by veteran leader Kalyan Singh who did not support his candidature and was vocal about it too within party cadres," the BJP member added.

"Another factor which might act against him is the anger brewing among lock industrialists who are extremely angry with him over demonetisation and high GST rate," said Tribhuvan Sarmisht, a tea seller on Shahjamal Road, a hub of small lock industries in the area.

Prakash Sharma, the owner of Rajput locks, agrees with him.

"Most of the industries on this road closed post demonetisation and GST implementation. Even my business is running in loss, it would definitely reflect in the result of the polls," Sharma said.

"I know Gautam wasn't directly responsible for demonetisation and GST but even our demands and situation was put forward by him which is his responsibility as an elected member," he said.

This anti-incumbency may benefit both Congress and mahagathbandhan who have promised to focus on education and improve the city's infrastructure, many residents feel.

A split in Muslim votes between Congress and mahagathbandhan may prove a challenge, the residents say, and added the mahagathbandhan candidate, Baliyan, a newcomer and Jat leader, has a better chance due to his strong support base also among SC/ST voters.

"It is high time that Muslims do tactical voting as that could play a very important role in the turnout in the election," said Ali Nadeem Rezavi, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University.

Nusrat Jahan, a primary school teacher, said the Congress candidate, Singh, has fought the election 12 times so she is thinking of giving the mahagathbandhan candidate a chance.

"It is yet to be seen how other voters think but for now, I think, Baliyan has a better chance as he would have the combined support of BSP-SP-RLD voters," she said.

Aligarh goes to poll in the second phase of elections on April 18. Khair, Baroli, Atroli, Kol and Aligarh city are assembly segments in the constituency.&nbsp;

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest.

The sitting BJP MP in Aligarh, which was at the centre of a raging controversy last year over Muhammad Ali Jinnah's portrait at the distinguished Aligarh Muslim University, is facing strong anti-incumbency and anger from traders, making the Lok Sabha election a three-cornered contest. Satish Gautam of Bharatiya Janata Party is fighting "mahagathbandhan" candidate Ajeet Baliyan of Bahujan Samaj Party and Bijendra Singh of Congress in the election to be held on Thursday. The BJP candidate appears to be banking on a division of the Muslim vote while the two opposition candidates are hoping for its consolidation in favour of one of them. Sameer Mishra, a businessman, said he does not like the hard-line Gautam takes. "People, like me, chose him to bring pro-people policies and not instigate controversies like the one he did in Aligarh Muslim University," Mishra said. In May 2018, Gautam demanded the portrait of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, be removed from AMU student union office where it had been for decades. Violent protests ensued. "This aggressive and communal attitude has shown him in bad light. We would have supported another BJP candidate but not him again," Mishra added. But other residents of the city admitted that Gautam has a strong Brahmin voter base, about five lakh in the constituency. Brahmins, Vaishya and Chatriya together make up about seven lakh of the total 18.73 lakh voters in Aligarh, a lock-making hub in western Uttar Pradesh. There are 3.50 lakh Muslims voters while Jat, Yadav and Lodi account for four lakh. Around 3.50 lakh voters belong to SC/ST communities. In 2014, Gautam won the seat by beating BSP's Arvind Kumar Singh by over two lakh votes. "But that time Gautam was riding on Modi wave. Things have changed since," said a BJP member, who did not wished to be named. "There is strong opposition for Gautam by veteran leader Kalyan Singh who did not support his candidature and was vocal about it too within party cadres," the BJP member added. "Another factor which might act against him is the anger brewing among lock industrialists who are extremely angry with him over demonetisation and high GST rate," said Tribhuvan Sarmisht, a tea seller on Shahjamal Road, a hub of small lock industries in the area. Prakash Sharma, the owner of Rajput locks, agrees with him. "Most of the industries on this road closed post demonetisation and GST implementation. Even my business is running in loss, it would definitely reflect in the result of the polls," Sharma said. "I know Gautam wasn't directly responsible for demonetisation and GST but even our demands and situation was put forward by him which is his responsibility as an elected member," he said. This anti-incumbency may benefit both Congress and mahagathbandhan who have promised to focus on education and improve the city's infrastructure, many residents feel. A split in Muslim votes between Congress and mahagathbandhan may prove a challenge, the residents say, and added the mahagathbandhan candidate, Baliyan, a newcomer and Jat leader, has a better chance due to his strong support base also among SC/ST voters. "It is high time that Muslims do tactical voting as that could play a very important role in the turnout in the election," said Ali Nadeem Rezavi, a professor at Aligarh Muslim University. Nusrat Jahan, a primary school teacher, said the Congress candidate, Singh, has fought the election 12 times so she is thinking of giving the mahagathbandhan candidate a chance. "It is yet to be seen how other voters think but for now, I think, Baliyan has a better chance as he would have the combined support of BSP-SP-RLD voters," she said. Aligarh goes to poll in the second phase of elections on April 18. Khair, Baroli, Atroli, Kol and Aligarh city are assembly segments in the constituency.

In Aligarh, BJP candidate facing strong anti-incumbency; residents say unhappy over AMU row

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Wednesday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar claiming that under their government Maharashtra lagged behind in every area and it was BJP and Shiv Sena which have restored the state's lost glory.

Addressing an election rally in Maharashtra's Sangli, Shah said, "The credit to bring development in Maharashtra goes to the BJP government as it lagged behind in every area under the rule of Congress and NCP. It was the BJP and Shiv Sena government who worked very hard to restore Maharashtra's lost glory."

"Rahul Baba is sympathising with the poor now. Sharad Pawar ruled for so many years... the Gandhi family ruled the country for five generations... But they did nothing for the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of the society," he said.

Comparing the funds allocated for the state under BJP and Congress government, Shah said, "Under the 13th Finance Commission, the UPA government gave only Rs 1.15 billion for the development of Maharashtra. But, when you made Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of this country, Maharashtra received Rs 4 lakh 38 thousand 760 crores under the 14th Finance Commission."

The BJP president also lambasted the Congress for raising questions over the country's security. He said, "For ten years, there was the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in the country; they put the security of the country at stake for vote bank. They did nothing even when our soldiers were beheaded by terrorists."

"There were only two countries in the world, which used to take revenge for the blood of their soldiers -- one America and the other is Israel. Now, the third is India under the Narendra Modi government. As this is a land of Shivaji Maharaj, our country's defence, security and culture are important for all of us. I can guarantee you that only Narendra Modi can secure them," Shah added.

Slamming the Congress for not adopting a tough approach on terror, Shah said that the most important task accomplished by the BJP government is providing security to the country. "Kashmir is an integral part of India and no one can separate it. Congress can't keep our country secure and safe. Only Prime Minister Modi is capable of doing this and we will adopt 'zero-tolerance'&nbsp;policy against terrorism."

"In Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah put a demand of having two prime ministers in the country, I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, what is his response to those who want to divide the country," he asked.

Claiming that Congress party, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati are supporting illegal migrants in the name of human rights, Shah said, "Why you are favouring them? Are they (illegal migrants) your 'chachere bhai'&nbsp;(cousins)? What about the bomb blasts orchestrated by them? They are like termites on the internal security of our country and our soldiers'&nbsp;rights."

Shah asserted that the BJP's Sankalp Patra (manifesto) is in the favour of the country and the party will ensure development in every sector. "We will ensure development in every sector as we are committed to 'sabka sath sabka vikas'. We have provided reservation to Savarn Samaj (community) and I have asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to give benefits to farmers through retrospective effect," he said.

The Lok Sabha polls for 48 parliamentary seats in Maharashtra began on April 11. It has been staggered in four phases till April 29. The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Wednesday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar claiming that under their government Maharashtra lagged behind in every area and it was BJP and Shiv Sena which have restored the state's lost glory.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Wednesday hit out at Congress president Rahul Gandhi and NCP chief Sharad Pawar claiming that under their government Maharashtra lagged behind in every area and it was BJP and Shiv Sena which have restored the state's lost glory. Addressing an election rally in Maharashtra's Sangli, Shah said, "The credit to bring development in Maharashtra goes to the BJP government as it lagged behind in every area under the rule of Congress and NCP. It was the BJP and Shiv Sena government who worked very hard to restore Maharashtra's lost glory." "Rahul Baba is sympathising with the poor now. Sharad Pawar ruled for so many years... the Gandhi family ruled the country for five generations... But they did nothing for the upliftment of the underprivileged sections of the society," he said. Comparing the funds allocated for the state under BJP and Congress government, Shah said, "Under the 13th Finance Commission, the UPA government gave only Rs 1.15 billion for the development of Maharashtra. But, when you made Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of this country, Maharashtra received Rs 4 lakh 38 thousand 760 crores under the 14th Finance Commission." The BJP president also lambasted the Congress for raising questions over the country's security. He said, "For ten years, there was the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in the country; they put the security of the country at stake for vote bank. They did nothing even when our soldiers were beheaded by terrorists." "There were only two countries in the world, which used to take revenge for the blood of their soldiers -- one America and the other is Israel. Now, the third is India under the Narendra Modi government. As this is a land of Shivaji Maharaj, our country's defence, security and culture are important for all of us. I can guarantee you that only Narendra Modi can secure them," Shah added. Slamming the Congress for not adopting a tough approach on terror, Shah said that the most important task accomplished by the BJP government is providing security to the country. "Kashmir is an integral part of India and no one can separate it. Congress can't keep our country secure and safe. Only Prime Minister Modi is capable of doing this and we will adopt 'zero-tolerance' policy against terrorism." "In Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah put a demand of having two prime ministers in the country, I want to ask Rahul Gandhi, what is his response to those who want to divide the country," he asked. Claiming that Congress party, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, and Mayawati are supporting illegal migrants in the name of human rights, Shah said, "Why you are favouring them? Are they (illegal migrants) your 'chachere bhai' (cousins)? What about the bomb blasts orchestrated by them? They are like termites on the internal security of our country and our soldiers' rights." Shah asserted that the BJP's Sankalp Patra (manifesto) is in the favour of the country and the party will ensure development in every sector. "We will ensure development in every sector as we are committed to 'sabka sath sabka vikas'. We have provided reservation to Savarn Samaj (community) and I have asked Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to give benefits to farmers through retrospective effect," he said. The Lok Sabha polls for 48 parliamentary seats in Maharashtra began on April 11. It has been staggered in four phases till April 29. The results will be declared on May 23.

BJP, Shiv Sena government restore Maharashtra's lost glory: Amit Shah

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

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

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

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

The Income Tax department on Tuesday carried out raids at a house where DMK candidate Kanimozhi is staying in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi.

Official sources indicated that the searches were held following "some inputs," but they did not elaborate. Income Tax officials were also "assisting," the local poll officials, they told PTI. The outcome of the searches were not known immediately.

DMK workers and supporters protested the incident while DMK chief MK Stalin blamed the centre, crying foul.&nbsp;

"Crores and crores of rupees are kept in Tamilisai Soundararajan's (BJP TN chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT, CBI, judiciary and now EC to interfere in elections. They are doing this as they fear losing," Stalin told media today.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Madras High Court earlier in the day dismissed a plea to prevent DMK's candidates Kanimozhi and Kathir Anand from fighting the Lok Sabha polls for allegedly violating the Model Code Conduct.

A bench of justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad dismissed the plea after the Election Commission told the court that the two have been booked for allegedly resorting to electoral malpractices, news agency PTI reported.

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MK Stalin on IT raids on Kanimozhi: Crores and crores of rupees are kept in Tamilisai Soundararajan's(BJP TN Chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT,CBI,Judiciary and now EC to interfere in elections.They are doing this as they fear losing <a href="https://t.co/31Q7Lalf5M">pic.twitter.com/31Q7Lalf5M</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1118192756734615552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As the plea came up for hearing before the bench, the poll panel counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan told the judges that FIRs have been filed against both the candidates on complaints of violation of the code.

Tamil Nadu is set to go to general polls this Thursday.

Kanimozhi is the DMK candidate from Tuticorin, while Anand was set to contest from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elections-commission-calls-off-polls-in-tamil-nadus-vellore-over-cash-haul-210961">Vellore</a>. However, the Election Commission has cancelled Lok Sabha polls in Vellore citing seizure of huge cash from an associate of a DMK leader recently.&nbsp;

Petitioner V Abdullah Sait of Ramanathapuram had urged the court to direct the EC to initiate action against Kanimozhi and Anand. He had also sought the court's directive to the poll panel to bar the duo from contesting the polls.

Sait alleged in his petition that Kanimozhi had been 'clandestinely' distributing cash to voters during campaigning and police have booked a case against DMK members in this regard.

Last month, the Income Tax department and Election Commission officials had raided DMK treasurer Durai Murugan's residence in Vellore, and reportedly seized a large amount of unaccounted cash.

(With inputs from PTI)

 
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The Income Tax department on Tuesday carried out raids at a house where DMK candidate Kanimozhi is staying in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi. Official sources indicated that the searches were held following "some inputs," but they did not elaborate.

The Income Tax department on Tuesday carried out raids at a house where DMK candidate Kanimozhi is staying in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi. Official sources indicated that the searches were held following "some inputs," but they did not elaborate. Income Tax officials were also "assisting," the local poll officials, they told PTI. The outcome of the searches were not known immediately. DMK workers and supporters protested the incident while DMK chief MK Stalin blamed the centre, crying foul. "Crores and crores of rupees are kept in Tamilisai Soundararajan's (BJP TN chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT, CBI, judiciary and now EC to interfere in elections. They are doing this as they fear losing," Stalin told media today. Meanwhile, the Madras High Court earlier in the day dismissed a plea to prevent DMK's candidates Kanimozhi and Kathir Anand from fighting the Lok Sabha polls for allegedly violating the Model Code Conduct. A bench of justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad dismissed the plea after the Election Commission told the court that the two have been booked for allegedly resorting to electoral malpractices, news agency PTI reported. MK Stalin on IT raids on Kanimozhi: Crores and crores of rupees are kept in Tamilisai Soundararajan's(BJP TN Chief) residence, why no raids there? Modi is using IT,CBI,Judiciary and now EC to interfere in elections.They are doing this as they fear losing pic.twitter.com/31Q7Lalf5M — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019 × As the plea came up for hearing before the bench, the poll panel counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan told the judges that FIRs have been filed against both the candidates on complaints of violation of the code. Tamil Nadu is set to go to general polls this Thursday. Kanimozhi is the DMK candidate from Tuticorin, while Anand was set to contest from Vellore. However, the Election Commission has cancelled Lok Sabha polls in Vellore citing seizure of huge cash from an associate of a DMK leader recently. Petitioner V Abdullah Sait of Ramanathapuram had urged the court to direct the EC to initiate action against Kanimozhi and Anand. He had also sought the court's directive to the poll panel to bar the duo from contesting the polls. Sait alleged in his petition that Kanimozhi had been 'clandestinely' distributing cash to voters during campaigning and police have booked a case against DMK members in this regard. Last month, the Income Tax department and Election Commission officials had raided DMK treasurer Durai Murugan's residence in Vellore, and reportedly seized a large amount of unaccounted cash. (With inputs from PTI)

Just 2 days before Lok Sabha polls, Income Tax department raids DMK leader Kanimozhi's house

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