At least 18 people have been killed and over 600,000 are affected as the flood situation in India's Assam and other Northeastern states worsens. At least three major rivers flow above danger levels due to torrential rains.

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India's mammoth Lok Sabha elections concluded Saturday (June 1) with the end of the phase 7 polls, and now the country is eagerly waiting for the verdict to be announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (Jun 4). Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: All eyes on India's electoral mandate on June 4

Elections will be held for the European Parliament later this week between June 6th and 9th. Ahead of the crucial polls for the block hundreds of farmers are back on the road. Europe has been witnessing massive protests over simmering agrarian crisis ahead of the elections. Watch in for more details!

Farmers' Protest in Europe: Farmers block key France-Spain highway

How to check Lok Sabha Election Results:&nbsp;As India eagerly awaits the outcome of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 on June 4, there are multiple ways by which voters can ensure to stay up-to-date with the latest poll results.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the go-to source for accurate and timely updates. Here's how you can check the poll results on the ECI website on June 4 and also know the other ways to get the information on a real-time basis:&nbsp;

<h2>- ECI website&nbsp;</h2>

1. Visit the official website of the Election Commission of India at www.eci.gov.in.

2. Look for the section dedicated to the Lok Sabha Election 2024 results. It is under 'General Election Results 2024' which is displayed on the homepage.

3. Once you've found the dedicated section, click on it to access the latest updates and results.

4. Navigate through the website to find the specific constituency or state you're interested in. The ECI website provides comprehensive information and allows you to drill down to the details you need to know.

<h2>- Official ECI social media channels&nbsp;</h2>

You can access social media channels of the Election Commission of India for quick updates and announcements.

<h2>- Voter Helpline App&nbsp;</h2>

In addition to the ECI website, the Voter Helpline App will also provide real-time updates on the Lok Sabha Election 2024 results. Whether you're on the go or prefer the convenience of your smartphone, this app will keep you informed every step of the way.

Simply download the Voter Helpline App from your app store and get ready to access comprehensive election updates, including constituency-wise results, candidate information, and more. With just a few taps, you can track the progress of the election and witness democracy in action.

<h2>- WION website and YouTube channel&nbsp;</h2>

Whether you prefer browsing online or streaming video content, WION has you covered. Simply visit the WION website or subscribe to their YouTube channel to access comprehensive coverage of the election results. From live updates to expert analysis, WION will keep you informed and engaged throughout this historic event.

How to check Lok Sabha Election Results: As India eagerly awaits the outcome of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 on June 4, there are multiple ways by which voters can ensure to stay up-to-date with the latest poll results.

How to check Lok Sabha Election Results: As India eagerly awaits the outcome of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 on June 4, there are multiple ways by which voters can ensure to stay up-to-date with the latest poll results. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is the go-to source for accurate and timely updates. Here's how you can check the poll results on the ECI website on June 4 and also know the other ways to get the information on a real-time basis: - ECI website 1. Visit the official website of the Election Commission of India at www.eci.gov.in. 2. Look for the section dedicated to the Lok Sabha Election 2024 results. It is under 'General Election Results 2024' which is displayed on the homepage. 3. Once you've found the dedicated section, click on it to access the latest updates and results. 4. Navigate through the website to find the specific constituency or state you're interested in. The ECI website provides comprehensive information and allows you to drill down to the details you need to know. - Official ECI social media channels You can access social media channels of the Election Commission of India for quick updates and announcements. - Voter Helpline App In addition to the ECI website, the Voter Helpline App will also provide real-time updates on the Lok Sabha Election 2024 results. Whether you're on the go or prefer the convenience of your smartphone, this app will keep you informed every step of the way. Simply download the Voter Helpline App from your app store and get ready to access comprehensive election updates, including constituency-wise results, candidate information, and more. With just a few taps, you can track the progress of the election and witness democracy in action. - WION website and YouTube channel Whether you prefer browsing online or streaming video content, WION has you covered. Simply visit the WION website or subscribe to their YouTube channel to access comprehensive coverage of the election results. From live updates to expert analysis, WION will keep you informed and engaged throughout this historic event.

India Lok Sabha Election 2024: Know how to check poll results on ECI website

As India awaits the outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha Election on Tuesday (June 4), the nation is reflecting on its electoral history marked by triumphs and defeats of political parties.&nbsp;

Congress once reigned supreme in Indian politics. The party commanded the allegiance of millions across the nation.

However, later the winds of change began to blow. In the 1996 Lok Sabha election, BJP emerged India's largest political party&nbsp;under the dynamic leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;

Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Bharatiya Janata Party capitalised on a platform of economic pledges and nationalist fervour. Riding this wave, the BJP swiftly rose to prominence and clinched a resounding victory with a full majority in the general elections in 2014.

Since India's independence in 1947, the Lok Sabha elections have been a cornerstone of the nation's democratic process. As the 18th Lok Sabha Election results loom, let's journey through the victories and defeats of past elections:&nbsp;

1951-52: Inaugural victory

The Congress party, under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, clinched the first Lok Sabha election. The party secured a dominant 364 seats out of 489. Even as there were logistical hurdles of orchestrating elections in a vast and diverse nation like India, voter turnout remained high. With a staggering 17.32 crore registered electors, the turnout stood at 45.67 per cent.

1957: Congress continues dominance

Nehru's Congress continued its reign and won 371 seats out of 494. It maintained its stronghold on Indian politics. The voter percentage in this poll was&nbsp;47.54.&nbsp;During the elections of 1951-52 and 1957, the ballot papers, typically printed on large sheets of paper, listed the candidates contesting the election along with their respective party symbols.

1962: Congress under Nehru's legacy

The Congress party, still under Nehru's stewardship, retained power with 361 seats out of 494. A total of 1,985 candidates threw their hats into the electoral ring, as 55.43 per cent of the 21.63 crore electors exercised their franchise. This was a significant increase from the 47.54 per cent turnout recorded in the 1957 elections.&nbsp;

1967: Indira Gandhi's ascension

Indira Gandhi led Congress secured 283 seats out of 520. This marked her emergence onto the national political stage. The voter turnout was&nbsp;61.04 per cent.&nbsp;

1971: Congress solidifies its position&nbsp;

Under Indira Gandhi's leadership, Congress garnered 352 seats out of 518 in the fifth general elections. It solidified its position in Indian politics.&nbsp;Led by Indira Gandhi, Congress spearheaded a campaign centered on poverty reduction. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) emerged as the second-largest party in the House, securing 25 seats.

1977: Congress dethroned

The opposition fought under the&nbsp;Janata alliance while using the symbol allocated to Bharatiya Lok Dal as their symbol on the ballot papers&nbsp;and emerged victorious. This marked the first defeat of Congress on the national stage.&nbsp;India's 1977 elections were a historic moment as it was a turning point after the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

These elections saw a resurgence of democratic fervor and a strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the Congress party. The coalition of opposition parties, emerged as a formidable force, rallying under the leadership of veteran politicians such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Morarji Desai.

1980: Congress returns

Indira Gandhi's Congress staged a comeback by securing 353 seats out of 529 and reclaiming its dominance. The winner voting percentage was 42.7.&nbsp;

1984: Congress triumph amid tragedy

Following Indira Gandhi's assassination, Congress, led by Rajiv Gandhi, secured a historic mandate with 404 seats out of 514.

1991: Congress under&nbsp;Narasimha Rao

Under PV Narasimha Rao's leadership, Congress faced challenges but still managed to secure 232 seats out of 521.&nbsp;Vote percentage of winner was 36.3. BJP was the second-largest party by winning a total of 120 seats.&nbsp;

1996: BJP's Emergence

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's BJP emerged by winning 161 seats out of 543. Congress lagged behind on second spot by securing 140 seats.&nbsp;

1998-1999: BJP's ascendancy 
The seat share for BJP increased under Vajpayee's leadership. This time BJP secured 182 seats in both elections.

2004: Congress revival 
The Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, returned to power, forming the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) after securing 145 seats. In these elections, EVMs were used for voting in Indian elections in all constituencies, marking the end of the era of paper ballots in Indian electoral processes.

2009: Congress retains power

Under Manmohan Singh's leadership, Congress secured 206 seats and maintained its hold on governance.&nbsp;Led by Singh and Sonia Gandhi, the Congress party campaigned on the promise of economic stability.

2014: BJP's landslide victory

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP secured a historic win with 282 seats. This was a clear shift in Indian politics.&nbsp;Modi's charisma, coupled with the party's aggressive outreach and social media strategy, struck a chord with voters across the nation.

2019: BJP's continued dominance

Modi's BJP secured a resounding victory yet again in 2019 Lok Sabha elections by capturing 303 seats out of 543.&nbsp;The party's messaging resonated deeply with voters with schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

As India awaits the outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha Election on Tuesday (June 4), the nation is reflecting on its electoral history marked by triumphs and defeats of political parties.

As India awaits the outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha Election on Tuesday (June 4), the nation is reflecting on its electoral history marked by triumphs and defeats of political parties. Congress once reigned supreme in Indian politics. The party commanded the allegiance of millions across the nation. However, later the winds of change began to blow. In the 1996 Lok Sabha election, BJP emerged India's largest political party under the dynamic leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Bharatiya Janata Party capitalised on a platform of economic pledges and nationalist fervour. Riding this wave, the BJP swiftly rose to prominence and clinched a resounding victory with a full majority in the general elections in 2014. Since India's independence in 1947, the Lok Sabha elections have been a cornerstone of the nation's democratic process. As the 18th Lok Sabha Election results loom, let's journey through the victories and defeats of past elections: 1951-52: Inaugural victory The Congress party, under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, clinched the first Lok Sabha election. The party secured a dominant 364 seats out of 489. Even as there were logistical hurdles of orchestrating elections in a vast and diverse nation like India, voter turnout remained high. With a staggering 17.32 crore registered electors, the turnout stood at 45.67 per cent. 1957: Congress continues dominance Nehru's Congress continued its reign and won 371 seats out of 494. It maintained its stronghold on Indian politics. The voter percentage in this poll was 47.54. During the elections of 1951-52 and 1957, the ballot papers, typically printed on large sheets of paper, listed the candidates contesting the election along with their respective party symbols. 1962: Congress under Nehru's legacy The Congress party, still under Nehru's stewardship, retained power with 361 seats out of 494. A total of 1,985 candidates threw their hats into the electoral ring, as 55.43 per cent of the 21.63 crore electors exercised their franchise. This was a significant increase from the 47.54 per cent turnout recorded in the 1957 elections. 1967: Indira Gandhi's ascension Indira Gandhi led Congress secured 283 seats out of 520. This marked her emergence onto the national political stage. The voter turnout was 61.04 per cent. 1971: Congress solidifies its position Under Indira Gandhi's leadership, Congress garnered 352 seats out of 518 in the fifth general elections. It solidified its position in Indian politics. Led by Indira Gandhi, Congress spearheaded a campaign centered on poverty reduction. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) emerged as the second-largest party in the House, securing 25 seats. 1977: Congress dethroned The opposition fought under the Janata alliance while using the symbol allocated to Bharatiya Lok Dal as their symbol on the ballot papers and emerged victorious. This marked the first defeat of Congress on the national stage. India's 1977 elections were a historic moment as it was a turning point after the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. These elections saw a resurgence of democratic fervor and a strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the Congress party. The coalition of opposition parties, emerged as a formidable force, rallying under the leadership of veteran politicians such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Morarji Desai. 1980: Congress returns Indira Gandhi's Congress staged a comeback by securing 353 seats out of 529 and reclaiming its dominance. The winner voting percentage was 42.7. 1984: Congress triumph amid tragedy Following Indira Gandhi's assassination, Congress, led by Rajiv Gandhi, secured a historic mandate with 404 seats out of 514. 1991: Congress under Narasimha Rao Under PV Narasimha Rao's leadership, Congress faced challenges but still managed to secure 232 seats out of 521. Vote percentage of winner was 36.3. BJP was the second-largest party by winning a total of 120 seats. 1996: BJP's Emergence Atal Bihari Vajpayee's BJP emerged by winning 161 seats out of 543. Congress lagged behind on second spot by securing 140 seats. 1998-1999: BJP's ascendancy The seat share for BJP increased under Vajpayee's leadership. This time BJP secured 182 seats in both elections. 2004: Congress revival The Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, returned to power, forming the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) after securing 145 seats. In these elections, EVMs were used for voting in Indian elections in all constituencies, marking the end of the era of paper ballots in Indian electoral processes. 2009: Congress retains power Under Manmohan Singh's leadership, Congress secured 206 seats and maintained its hold on governance. Led by Singh and Sonia Gandhi, the Congress party campaigned on the promise of economic stability. 2014: BJP's landslide victory Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP secured a historic win with 282 seats. This was a clear shift in Indian politics. Modi's charisma, coupled with the party's aggressive outreach and social media strategy, struck a chord with voters across the nation. 2019: BJP's continued dominance Modi's BJP secured a resounding victory yet again in 2019 Lok Sabha elections by capturing 303 seats out of 543. The party's messaging resonated deeply with voters with schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. (With inputs from agencies)

Tracing India’s electoral history: Who won and who lost in last 17 Lok Sabha elections?

Indian markets after exit polls show a resounding victory for the ruling party. Benchmark stock indices opened strongly, with new highs in sight. Watch in for more details!

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Commencing on April 19, the seven-phase elections came to an end on June 1. This may be the first press conference the poll panel has held following a survey's completion. The subject line of the EC's invitation to the media read, "Press conference by Election Commission of India on General Elections 2024."

Election Commission to hold press conference on June 3 ahead of election results

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's plea for one week of time extension to substantiate his allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Ramesh had claimed that Shah was calling district magistrates (DMs) and collectors, alleging that he had contacted 150 of them.

The ECI has now demanded that Ramesh provide evidence for his claims by 7 pm on Monday (June 3). In the press briefing held by ECI on Monday ahead of the declaration of the results of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed the allegations.

While saying that the vote counting process is 'absolutely robust',&nbsp;Kumar reacted strongly to Ramesh’s claims saying, “It's not right to spread a rumour and doubt everyone...Can someone influence them (district magistrates/returning officers) all? Tell us who did this. We will punish the person who did it...It is not right that you spread a rumour and doubt everyone.”

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Earlier on Saturday (June 1), in a letter the election body wrote, “You being a responsible experienced and very senior leader of a national party, you must have made such public statement just before the day of counting based on facts, information which you believed to be true. It is requested that details of 150 DMs to whom such calls have been allegedly made by the Home Minister along with the factual matrix basis of your information are shared by 7 pm today so that appropriate action can be taken."&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The commission further clarified that during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, all officers report directly to the ECI and no DM had reported any undue influence.

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The ECI expressed concern that Ramesh's statement could undermine public trust in the electoral process. “As you are aware, the process of counting votes is a sacred duty cast upon every returning officer and such public statements by you tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserves to be addressed in the larger public interest,” the letter had stated.

<h2>'Blatant and brazen intimidation'</h2>

Ramesh on June 1 asserted that Home Minister Amit Shah had been intimidating DMs and collectors.

“The outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors. So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch,” Ramesh wrote on X social media account.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's plea for one week of time extension to substantiate his allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissed Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's plea for one week of time extension to substantiate his allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Ramesh had claimed that Shah was calling district magistrates (DMs) and collectors, alleging that he had contacted 150 of them. The ECI has now demanded that Ramesh provide evidence for his claims by 7 pm on Monday (June 3). In the press briefing held by ECI on Monday ahead of the declaration of the results of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addressed the allegations. While saying that the vote counting process is 'absolutely robust', Kumar reacted strongly to Ramesh’s claims saying, “It's not right to spread a rumour and doubt everyone...Can someone influence them (district magistrates/returning officers) all? Tell us who did this. We will punish the person who did it...It is not right that you spread a rumour and doubt everyone.” Also Read | Indian court sentences BrahMos engineer to 14 years in jail for spying for Pakistan Earlier on Saturday (June 1), in a letter the election body wrote, “You being a responsible experienced and very senior leader of a national party, you must have made such public statement just before the day of counting based on facts, information which you believed to be true. It is requested that details of 150 DMs to whom such calls have been allegedly made by the Home Minister along with the factual matrix basis of your information are shared by 7 pm today so that appropriate action can be taken." Also Read | Another Indian student mysteriously disappears in US, last seen in Los Angeles The commission further clarified that during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, all officers report directly to the ECI and no DM had reported any undue influence. Watch | Lok Sabha elections 2024: Why is repolling going on in two of West Bengal's booths? × The ECI expressed concern that Ramesh's statement could undermine public trust in the electoral process. “As you are aware, the process of counting votes is a sacred duty cast upon every returning officer and such public statements by you tend to put an element of doubt and thus, deserves to be addressed in the larger public interest,” the letter had stated. 'Blatant and brazen intimidation' Ramesh on June 1 asserted that Home Minister Amit Shah had been intimidating DMs and collectors. “The outgoing Home Minister has been calling up DMs/Collectors. So far, he has spoken to 150 of them. This is blatant and brazen intimidation, showing how desperate the BJP is. Let it be very clear: the will of the people shall prevail, and on June 4th, Mr. Modi, Mr. Shah, and the BJP will exit, and the INDIA Janbandhan will be victorious. Officers should not get under any pressure and must uphold the Constitution. They are under watch,” Ramesh wrote on X social media account. (With inputs from agencies)

EC rejects Jairam Ramesh’s request for a week’s time to prove allegations against Shah

Not only 1.3 billion Indians but the world eagerly awaits the results from the biggest election exercise undertaken on the face of the Earth. For the first time ever India's poll body has conducted a press conference right before the election results. India's Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted several historic milestones. Watch in for more details!

India General Elections 2024: Postal ballot votes to be counted before EVM votes: ECI

Exit polls show a resounding victory for the ruling party. Benchmark stock indices opened strongly, with new highs in sight. India's stock rally hinges on Modi bettering 303-seat tally. Watch in for more details!

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India state of Karnataka's capital Bengaluru is witnessing heavy downpour. The rains have shattered the 133-year record for the highest rain in a single day in June. Watch this video for all details.

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All eyes will be on the Lok Sabha election results on Tuesday, featuring many high-profile electoral battles. The voting for the 543-member Lok Sabha took place over seven phases from April 19 to June 1. Watch in for more details!

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Not only 1.3 billion Indians but the world eagerly awaits the results from the biggest election exercise undertaken on the face of the Earth. For the first time ever India's poll body has conducted a press conference right before the election results. India's Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted several historic milestones. Watch in for more details!

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Indian shares set records, the rupee gained and bond yields dropped in Monday's opening trade. This after exit polls pointed to a third term and sizable mandate for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch this video for all details.

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India will hike road toll charges across the country by 3-5% from Monday. This after putting the annual increase on hold in April due to the country's general elections.

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India's Jammu and Kashmir where security forces in Pulwama district in Southern Kashmir are currently embattled with suspected LeT terrorists, according to police sources.

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India Elections 2024: Opposition says ECI should ensure postal ballots counted first

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The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is projected to secure more than 350 seats, crossing the Lok Sabha's halfway mark, while the Opposition INDIA bloc is expected to win in fewer than 200 seats. Watch to know more.

India Elections 2024: I.N.D.I.A bloc failed to strike chord with voters, says PM Modi

As the nation braces itself for the announcement of Lok Sabha election results on June 4, leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc visited the Election Commission of India (ECI) with a flurry of demands. At the same time, adding to the charged political atmosphere, Union Ministers and prominent BJP figures, Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman, also made their presence felt at the ECI.&nbsp;

Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticised what BJP perceived as attempts by INDIA bloc to tarnish the sanctity of India's democratic processes.&nbsp;

"We had to call upon ECI today, in light of the repeated attempts by a section of the political parties led by the Indian National Congress and their INDI alliance partners and certain motivated civil society groups and NGOs who are trying their level best to undermine the integrity of India's electoral process. Their efforts against India's robust electoral process are a direct attack on our democratic institutions," Goyal said post-meeting with the full bench of Election Commission members.&nbsp;

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Goyal elaborated on the BJP's four demands made during their meeting.&nbsp;Goyal said, "We have requested EC every official engaged in the counting process be fully conversant with the minutest details of the prescribed process and engage diligently with all EC protocols...second, to ensure safety and security of the electoral process during the counting and announcement of results...third, to take cognisance of the systematic attempts to undermine the electoral process and take stringent action against those responsible."&nbsp;

<h2>INDIA bloc meets EC officials&nbsp;</h2>

INDIA bloc's delegation also met with the Election Commission, with Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) calling for adhering to their demands, including that the postal ballots&nbsp;be counted first and announced and after that, the EVM counting should begin. "We are saying that it should be followed."

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D Raja of the CPI underscored the importance of upholding the Conduct of Election rules 1961.&nbsp;

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Congress leader Salman Khurshid expressed optimism saying, "We requested for very strict vigilance during the counting process and they gave us a satisfactory reply... We didn't question any rules but made sure they are adhered to and followed faithfully. The meeting has been very promising."

Meanwhile, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Congress, outlined a specific concern regarding the counting order of postal ballots and EVMs.

"Our complaint is that this statutory rule of this 2019 guideline has been given goodbye. The Election Commission has repealed this 2019 practice. The net result is that by method of practice, EVMs can be counted and if EVMs counting gets over before the postal ballot, it will still be completed," Singhvi said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the nation braces itself for the announcement of Lok Sabha election results on June 4, leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc visited the Election Commission of India (ECI) with a flurry of demands.

As the nation braces itself for the announcement of Lok Sabha election results on June 4, leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc visited the Election Commission of India (ECI) with a flurry of demands. At the same time, adding to the charged political atmosphere, Union Ministers and prominent BJP figures, Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman, also made their presence felt at the ECI. Union Minister Piyush Goyal criticised what BJP perceived as attempts by INDIA bloc to tarnish the sanctity of India's democratic processes. "We had to call upon ECI today, in light of the repeated attempts by a section of the political parties led by the Indian National Congress and their INDI alliance partners and certain motivated civil society groups and NGOs who are trying their level best to undermine the integrity of India's electoral process. Their efforts against India's robust electoral process are a direct attack on our democratic institutions," Goyal said post-meeting with the full bench of Election Commission members. Also Read | Assembly Polls 2024: Sikkim's ruling SKM registers thumping victory, wins 31 out of 32 seats Goyal elaborated on the BJP's four demands made during their meeting. Goyal said, "We have requested EC every official engaged in the counting process be fully conversant with the minutest details of the prescribed process and engage diligently with all EC protocols...second, to ensure safety and security of the electoral process during the counting and announcement of results...third, to take cognisance of the systematic attempts to undermine the electoral process and take stringent action against those responsible." INDIA bloc meets EC officials INDIA bloc's delegation also met with the Election Commission, with Sitaram Yechury of the CPI(M) calling for adhering to their demands, including that the postal ballots be counted first and announced and after that, the EVM counting should begin. "We are saying that it should be followed." Also Read | Assembly Polls 2024: BJP storms back to power in Arunachal Pradesh, secures 46 out of 60 seats D Raja of the CPI underscored the importance of upholding the Conduct of Election rules 1961. Watch | Pune Porsche horror | WION Exclusive: Teen, mother evasive on probe; crime branch interrogates minor × Congress leader Salman Khurshid expressed optimism saying, "We requested for very strict vigilance during the counting process and they gave us a satisfactory reply... We didn't question any rules but made sure they are adhered to and followed faithfully. The meeting has been very promising." Meanwhile, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the Congress, outlined a specific concern regarding the counting order of postal ballots and EVMs. "Our complaint is that this statutory rule of this 2019 guideline has been given goodbye. The Election Commission has repealed this 2019 practice. The net result is that by method of practice, EVMs can be counted and if EVMs counting gets over before the postal ballot, it will still be completed," Singhvi said. (With inputs from agencies)

INDIA bloc urges ECI to count postal ballots first; BJP alleges opposition undermining process

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