The long electoral exercise is heading towards an end in India, with only the seventh and last phase of voting remaining. The politicians are now eagerly waiting for election results, scheduled to be announced on May 23.

But before the results are out, tongues are wagging and regional leaders - who many say will hold the key to government formation - are predicting not-so-bright future for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

One such politician is <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/bjp-will-see-reduced-seat-count-in-up-draw-blank-in-seven-other-states-mamata-banerjee-217832">West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee</a> who said that the BJP will not win more than 150 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

On the campaign trail, she spoke to Zee 24 Ghanta, Zee Media's Bengali language channel. "I have attended more than 100 meetings and undertook pad yatras (march on foot) in this heatwave. I think I am dehydrated," said Banerjee, smiling. But as the conversation moved towards election results and BJP's future, she turned combative.

"The BJP formed the government in 2014 because of the high number of seats it won in Uttar Pradesh. They won 73 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state. But this time, they will not get more than 17 seats in UP. The alliance of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati will win 55 seats, so if you deduct 55 from 73, you'll get the actual number of seats that BJP will get," Banerjee told Zee 24 Ghanta.

"The BJP's tally will reduce to half in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. So how will they come back to power?" Banerjee added.

When asked if Congress will support a PM face from regional parties, Banerjee said, "The regional parties will get more seats than the BJP and the Congress. If there is such a situation, we can ask for Congress's support. We want to make a stable government." At the same time, she also ruled out supporting BJP in case there is a need. "I don't know how BJP is saying it will win all 42 seats in West Bengal? Everything will be clear on May 23. But the TMC will never support BJP," said Banerjee.

"If someone gives love, we are ready to wash dishes at that person's house. But if someone threatens us, we will not spare that person," added Banerjee.

Banerjee has been instrumental in forging the 'Mahagathbandhan', a group of like-minded parties who have come together to stop the BJP from forming the government. She, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has met leaders of various parties to take on the BJP.

Nine constituencies of West Bengal will vote in the final phase of the seven-phased Lok Sabha election on May 19. The staggered election exercise has seen more than seven weeks of campaigning.

The long electoral exercise is heading towards an end in India, with only the seventh and last phase of voting remaining. The politicians are now eagerly waiting for election results, scheduled to be announced on May 23.

The long electoral exercise is heading towards an end in India, with only the seventh and last phase of voting remaining. The politicians are now eagerly waiting for election results, scheduled to be announced on May 23. But before the results are out, tongues are wagging and regional leaders - who many say will hold the key to government formation - are predicting not-so-bright future for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). One such politician is West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee who said that the BJP will not win more than 150 seats in the Lok Sabha elections. On the campaign trail, she spoke to Zee 24 Ghanta, Zee Media's Bengali language channel. "I have attended more than 100 meetings and undertook pad yatras (march on foot) in this heatwave. I think I am dehydrated," said Banerjee, smiling. But as the conversation moved towards election results and BJP's future, she turned combative. "The BJP formed the government in 2014 because of the high number of seats it won in Uttar Pradesh. They won 73 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state. But this time, they will not get more than 17 seats in UP. The alliance of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati will win 55 seats, so if you deduct 55 from 73, you'll get the actual number of seats that BJP will get," Banerjee told Zee 24 Ghanta. "The BJP's tally will reduce to half in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. So how will they come back to power?" Banerjee added. When asked if Congress will support a PM face from regional parties, Banerjee said, "The regional parties will get more seats than the BJP and the Congress. If there is such a situation, we can ask for Congress's support. We want to make a stable government." At the same time, she also ruled out supporting BJP in case there is a need. "I don't know how BJP is saying it will win all 42 seats in West Bengal? Everything will be clear on May 23. But the TMC will never support BJP," said Banerjee. "If someone gives love, we are ready to wash dishes at that person's house. But if someone threatens us, we will not spare that person," added Banerjee. Banerjee has been instrumental in forging the 'Mahagathbandhan', a group of like-minded parties who have come together to stop the BJP from forming the government. She, along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, has met leaders of various parties to take on the BJP. Nine constituencies of West Bengal will vote in the final phase of the seven-phased Lok Sabha election on May 19. The staggered election exercise has seen more than seven weeks of campaigning.

BJP will not get more than 150 seats in Lok Sabha polls: Mamata Banerjee

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/west-bengal-government-stops-amit-shah-from-holding-rally-in-jadavpur-bjp-chief-cries-foul-218367">BJP president Amit Shah on Monday</a> dared West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to arrest him for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram', claiming that the TMC supremo can stop him from attending rallies in Bengal but not BJP's victory march in the state.

Addressing a rally in Joynagar Lok Sabha constituency, he said Banerjee has turned "sonar Bangla (golden Bengal) into kangal (pauper) Bangla".

"Mamata didi gets angry if someone chants 'Jai Shri Ram'. I am chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' here today, if you (Mamata) have the guts, arrest me. I will be in Kolkata tomorrow." 
A video clip showing Banerjee fuming at people for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in Ghatal Lok Sabha seat went viral on social media recently.

Hitting out at the TMC government for denying him permission to land his chopper at Baruipur in Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat, Shah said, "The Mamata Banerjee government is visibly perplexed. She wants to stop me from attending rallies. Can you (Banerjee) prevent your defeat this way?"

The TMC can stop me from attending rallies but can't stop the victory march of the BJP in Bengal," he maintained.

Shah's scheduled rally in Jadavpur was called off on Monday after the state government denied him permission to land his chopper and hold the public address at Baruipur area.

Referring to infiltrators as "termites", who are eating into the resources of this country, the BJP boss said his party will throw them out from Bengal after coming to power at the Centre for a second term.

"We will restore the glory of Bengal. Mamata Banerjee has turned Sonar (golden) Bangla into Kangal (pauper) Bangla. She is only interested in protecting infiltrators to secure her vote bank. But her vote bank won't be able to save her from imminent defeat," he asserted.

Alleging that Banerjee, who is vehemently opposed to the contentious NRC, was misleading people, he vowed to implement it across the country after winning the polls. 
The National Register of Citizens (NRC) aims to separate genuine citizens from illegal immigrants.

"After May 23, we will bring citizenship (Amendment) Bill to grant citizenship to our refugee brothers from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain community," he said.

Maintaining that Modi has been working for the development of the country, Shah said the opposition parties are working to secure the future of their families.

"The opposition leaders are trying to secure the future of their relatives - be it brother, husband, son, son-in-law or nephew. But Modi is working only to secure the future of the country. I have been touring the entire country, chants of 'Phir Ekbar Modi Sarkar' (Modi government, once again) are resonating everywhere," he said.

Lashing out at the chief minister for allegedly running a "syndicate raj" in the state, the BJP president claimed that the TMC works to benefit the CM's nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.

"Earlier it was syndicate tax, now it has been replaced by nephew tax. We have to throw out this corrupt government of Bua-Bhatija (Aunt and Nephew). We will defeat this corrupt regime," he stated.

Shah also iterated that Banerjee, along with other opposition leaders, is keen on holding talks with Pakistan, even after the Pulwama attack in Kashmir.

"If you are interested in holding a dialogue with Pakistan, you can go ahead. We will respond to their bullets with cannon balls," Shah said.

He accused Mamata Banerjee of trying to hinder Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja celebrations in the state, stating that the CM was trying to use religion as a political tool.

"If Bengalis do not conduct Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja here, will they conduct it in Pakistan? The people of Bengal will give a befitting reply to Mamata Banerjee in this election," he said.

The state, which was once known for Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's songs, has become a hub of illegal "bomb and gun making factories", Shah claimed.

"Under the TMC rule all three - mother, motherland and people are suffering," he said, referring to the 'Ma, Maati and Manush' slogan of West Bengal's ruling party.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday dared West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to arrest him for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram', claiming that the TMC supremo can stop him from attending rallies in Bengal but not BJP's victory march in the state.

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday dared West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to arrest him for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram', claiming that the TMC supremo can stop him from attending rallies in Bengal but not BJP's victory march in the state. Addressing a rally in Joynagar Lok Sabha constituency, he said Banerjee has turned "sonar Bangla (golden Bengal) into kangal (pauper) Bangla". "Mamata didi gets angry if someone chants 'Jai Shri Ram'. I am chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' here today, if you (Mamata) have the guts, arrest me. I will be in Kolkata tomorrow." A video clip showing Banerjee fuming at people for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in Ghatal Lok Sabha seat went viral on social media recently. Hitting out at the TMC government for denying him permission to land his chopper at Baruipur in Jadavpur Lok Sabha seat, Shah said, "The Mamata Banerjee government is visibly perplexed. She wants to stop me from attending rallies. Can you (Banerjee) prevent your defeat this way?" The TMC can stop me from attending rallies but can't stop the victory march of the BJP in Bengal," he maintained. Shah's scheduled rally in Jadavpur was called off on Monday after the state government denied him permission to land his chopper and hold the public address at Baruipur area. Referring to infiltrators as "termites", who are eating into the resources of this country, the BJP boss said his party will throw them out from Bengal after coming to power at the Centre for a second term. "We will restore the glory of Bengal. Mamata Banerjee has turned Sonar (golden) Bangla into Kangal (pauper) Bangla. She is only interested in protecting infiltrators to secure her vote bank. But her vote bank won't be able to save her from imminent defeat," he asserted. Alleging that Banerjee, who is vehemently opposed to the contentious NRC, was misleading people, he vowed to implement it across the country after winning the polls. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) aims to separate genuine citizens from illegal immigrants. "After May 23, we will bring citizenship (Amendment) Bill to grant citizenship to our refugee brothers from Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain community," he said. Maintaining that Modi has been working for the development of the country, Shah said the opposition parties are working to secure the future of their families. "The opposition leaders are trying to secure the future of their relatives - be it brother, husband, son, son-in-law or nephew. But Modi is working only to secure the future of the country. I have been touring the entire country, chants of 'Phir Ekbar Modi Sarkar' (Modi government, once again) are resonating everywhere," he said. Lashing out at the chief minister for allegedly running a "syndicate raj" in the state, the BJP president claimed that the TMC works to benefit the CM's nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. "Earlier it was syndicate tax, now it has been replaced by nephew tax. We have to throw out this corrupt government of Bua-Bhatija (Aunt and Nephew). We will defeat this corrupt regime," he stated. Shah also iterated that Banerjee, along with other opposition leaders, is keen on holding talks with Pakistan, even after the Pulwama attack in Kashmir. "If you are interested in holding a dialogue with Pakistan, you can go ahead. We will respond to their bullets with cannon balls," Shah said. He accused Mamata Banerjee of trying to hinder Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja celebrations in the state, stating that the CM was trying to use religion as a political tool. "If Bengalis do not conduct Durga Puja and Saraswati Puja here, will they conduct it in Pakistan? The people of Bengal will give a befitting reply to Mamata Banerjee in this election," he said. The state, which was once known for Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore's songs, has become a hub of illegal "bomb and gun making factories", Shah claimed. "Under the TMC rule all three - mother, motherland and people are suffering," he said, referring to the 'Ma, Maati and Manush' slogan of West Bengal's ruling party.

Trinamool Congress can stop me from attending rallies, not BJP's victory: Amit Shah

BJP's President Amit Shah was supposed to hold three rallies in the state but his Jadavpur rally cancelled after not getting permission for same. Watch this video to know more.

BJP: TMC scared that Mamata's nephew may lose polls

Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party cadres clashed again over the cancelled programme of BJP president Amit Shah who was supposed to hold a rally at Jadavpur constituency in West Bengal today. &nbsp;

Shah would now hold only two rallies in the state instead of three.

In his first rally in North 24 Parganas district, an angry Shah attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and said that the reason why he was not allowed to hold a rally in Jadavpur was that Banerjee fears that her nephew may lose the elections.&nbsp;

Teasing Mamata, he said that the state administration can arrest him for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in the public. A couple of days back, Mamata had derided a youth for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' when her cavalcade was passing by.

The BJP has approached the Election Commission against the state administration's move to bar Shah from holding a rally in Jadavpur.&nbsp;

The party has emerged as a powerful opposition in the state after the 2014 general elections where its voter share crossed double digit.

The BJP sees states like Odisha and West Bengal as the new harvest areas that can help offset losses in Uttar Pradesh in the case of the 'grand alliance' succeeding in the state this general polls.&nbsp;

Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party cadres clashed again over the cancelled programme of BJP president Amit Shah who was supposed to hold a rally at Jadavpur constituency in West Bengal today.

Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party cadres clashed again over the cancelled programme of BJP president Amit Shah who was supposed to hold a rally at Jadavpur constituency in West Bengal today. Shah would now hold only two rallies in the state instead of three. In his first rally in North 24 Parganas district, an angry Shah attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee and said that the reason why he was not allowed to hold a rally in Jadavpur was that Banerjee fears that her nephew may lose the elections. Teasing Mamata, he said that the state administration can arrest him for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in the public. A couple of days back, Mamata had derided a youth for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' when her cavalcade was passing by. The BJP has approached the Election Commission against the state administration's move to bar Shah from holding a rally in Jadavpur. The party has emerged as a powerful opposition in the state after the 2014 general elections where its voter share crossed double digit. The BJP sees states like Odisha and West Bengal as the new harvest areas that can help offset losses in Uttar Pradesh in the case of the 'grand alliance' succeeding in the state this general polls.

West Bengal government stops Amit Shah from holding rally in Jadavpur, BJP chief cries foul 

BJP candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/attack-on-bjp-candidate-by-trinamool-congress-in-west-bengal-act-of-frustration-javadekar-218097">Bharati Ghosh was attacked in West Bengal</a> and a poll officer was allegedly beaten up by an MLA of the saffron party in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha poll's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-633-total-voter-turnout-recorded-in-phase-6-election-commission-218138">sixth and penultimate phase on Sunday</a> in which over 63 per cent turnout was recorded in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872">59 seats across six states and the national capital</a>.

Elections were held in 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 seats in Haryana, eight constituencies each in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, four in Jharkhand and seven seats in Delhi where votes were cast by a number of public figures, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

With today's polling, votes have already been cast in nearly 89 per cent of the 543 constituencies, while the last phase of voting will take place on May 19 for the remaining 59 seats.&nbsp;

The Election Commission (EC) announced 63.3 per cent turnout across the states and Delhi, with West Bengal recording over 80 per cent polling and the national capital registering just 60 per cent.&nbsp;

Union ministers Radha Mohan Singh, Harsh Vardhan and Maneka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders Digvijay Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sheila Dikshit as also celebrity contestants Gautam Gambhir, Vijender Singh, Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', Ravi Kishan and Hans Raj Hans were among several prominent faces in the fray.

Delhi&nbsp;saw a dip in its turnout from 65 per cent in 2014, despite a three-cornered contest between the BJP, Congress and AAP with several high profile candidates, while the EC also appeared disappointed at the low polling figure even after its enhanced efforts to draw the voters to polling booths&nbsp;

Over 80 per cent polling was recorded in eight seats in West Bengal, where BJP's Ghatal candidate and former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh was attacked twice by local people when she tried to visit polling stations in her constituency.&nbsp;

Ghosh suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take a BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area, officials said.

Following this, bombs were hurled and stones were pelted towards her convoy when she was going to visit another booth at Dogachia in Keshpur after receiving complaints of rigging there. One of her security guards was injured and a vehicle was damaged, they said.

In the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, 54 per cent polling was reported in 14 constituencies. SP president Akhilesh Yadav and Maneka Gandhi are in the fray in the state that sends 80 members to Lok Sabha.

Maneka Gandhi and her rival BSP candidate Chandra Bhadra Singh had a face-off in Sultanpur, with the BJP leader warning him that hooliganism will not work. Singh dismissed her charge.

In Badohi, BJP MLA Dinanath Bhaskar and four others allegedly beat up a presiding officer in the Aurai assembly segment, accusing the official of deliberately slowing the polling process. Poll officials have sought a report on the matter.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In Azamgarh, Akhilesh is trying to retain his father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's seat against Bhojpuri film star 'Nirahua' of the BJP&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In Bihar, around 59.38 per cent turnout was recorded for the eight Lok Sabha seats.

In Sheohar Lok Sabha constituency, a polling officer was killed at a booth in a freak incident of firing by a home guard before polling started.

A few incidents of malfunctioning of EVMs were reported from various booths, officials said.

Haryana recorded around 66.30 per cent turnout in 10 Lok Sabha seats and officials said no untoward incident was reported and polling remained peaceful in the state.

However, Congress' Rohtak candidate Deepender Singh Hooda, who is seeking re-election for a fourth term, accused Haryana Minister and Rohtak MLA Manish Grover of "intimidating" voters by forcibly entering some polling booths.

Grover, however, rejected the charge claiming that Deepender, who is the son of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, made baseless allegations in the face of "imminent defeat".

Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar are among the 223 candidates in fray in Haryana.

In Jharkhand, an estimated 64.46 per cent turnout was recorded for four Lok Sabha seat and officials said no untoward incident was reported.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh, which recorded 59.96 per cent turnout, saw several heavyweights contesting the polls. Eight constituencies went to polls Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In Bhopal, Congress veteran Digvijay Singh was locked in a battle with BJP candidate and 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur.

Congress general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is seeking re-election from Guna seat, is locked in a battle with BJP's K P Yadav, who is contesting his first general election.

Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his family members exercised their franchise at their native village Jait, which falls under the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat.

Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who is the sitting MP from Gwalior, is in the fray from the Morena seat this time.

BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked in West Bengal and a poll officer was allegedly beaten up by an MLA of the saffron party in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha poll's sixth and penultimate phase on Sunday in which over 63 per cent turnout was recorded in 59 seats across six states and the national capital.

BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked in West Bengal and a poll officer was allegedly beaten up by an MLA of the saffron party in Uttar Pradesh during the Lok Sabha poll's sixth and penultimate phase on Sunday in which over 63 per cent turnout was recorded in 59 seats across six states and the national capital. Elections were held in 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 seats in Haryana, eight constituencies each in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, four in Jharkhand and seven seats in Delhi where votes were cast by a number of public figures, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. With today's polling, votes have already been cast in nearly 89 per cent of the 543 constituencies, while the last phase of voting will take place on May 19 for the remaining 59 seats. The Election Commission (EC) announced 63.3 per cent turnout across the states and Delhi, with West Bengal recording over 80 per cent polling and the national capital registering just 60 per cent. Union ministers Radha Mohan Singh, Harsh Vardhan and Maneka Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leaders Digvijay Singh, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Sheila Dikshit as also celebrity contestants Gautam Gambhir, Vijender Singh, Dinesh Lal Yadav 'Nirahua', Ravi Kishan and Hans Raj Hans were among several prominent faces in the fray. Delhi saw a dip in its turnout from 65 per cent in 2014, despite a three-cornered contest between the BJP, Congress and AAP with several high profile candidates, while the EC also appeared disappointed at the low polling figure even after its enhanced efforts to draw the voters to polling booths Over 80 per cent polling was recorded in eight seats in West Bengal, where BJP's Ghatal candidate and former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh was attacked twice by local people when she tried to visit polling stations in her constituency. Ghosh suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take a BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area, officials said. Following this, bombs were hurled and stones were pelted towards her convoy when she was going to visit another booth at Dogachia in Keshpur after receiving complaints of rigging there. One of her security guards was injured and a vehicle was damaged, they said. In the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, 54 per cent polling was reported in 14 constituencies. SP president Akhilesh Yadav and Maneka Gandhi are in the fray in the state that sends 80 members to Lok Sabha. Maneka Gandhi and her rival BSP candidate Chandra Bhadra Singh had a face-off in Sultanpur, with the BJP leader warning him that hooliganism will not work. Singh dismissed her charge. In Badohi, BJP MLA Dinanath Bhaskar and four others allegedly beat up a presiding officer in the Aurai assembly segment, accusing the official of deliberately slowing the polling process. Poll officials have sought a report on the matter. In Azamgarh, Akhilesh is trying to retain his father and SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav's seat against Bhojpuri film star 'Nirahua' of the BJP In Bihar, around 59.38 per cent turnout was recorded for the eight Lok Sabha seats. In Sheohar Lok Sabha constituency, a polling officer was killed at a booth in a freak incident of firing by a home guard before polling started. A few incidents of malfunctioning of EVMs were reported from various booths, officials said. Haryana recorded around 66.30 per cent turnout in 10 Lok Sabha seats and officials said no untoward incident was reported and polling remained peaceful in the state. However, Congress' Rohtak candidate Deepender Singh Hooda, who is seeking re-election for a fourth term, accused Haryana Minister and Rohtak MLA Manish Grover of "intimidating" voters by forcibly entering some polling booths. Grover, however, rejected the charge claiming that Deepender, who is the son of former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, made baseless allegations in the face of "imminent defeat". Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar are among the 223 candidates in fray in Haryana. In Jharkhand, an estimated 64.46 per cent turnout was recorded for four Lok Sabha seat and officials said no untoward incident was reported. Madhya Pradesh, which recorded 59.96 per cent turnout, saw several heavyweights contesting the polls. Eight constituencies went to polls Sunday. In Bhopal, Congress veteran Digvijay Singh was locked in a battle with BJP candidate and 2008 Malegaon blast accused Pragya Singh Thakur. Congress general secretary Jyotiraditya Scindia, who is seeking re-election from Guna seat, is locked in a battle with BJP's K P Yadav, who is contesting his first general election. Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his family members exercised their franchise at their native village Jait, which falls under the Vidisha Lok Sabha seat. Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who is the sitting MP from Gwalior, is in the fray from the Morena seat this time.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: 63% voting in sixth phase; BJP candidate attacked in Bengal, poll official beaten up in UP

Ahead of the commencement of polling in the state, three BJP workers were attacked in separate incidents in the state, officials confirmed.

In East Medinipur, BJP workers Ananta Guchait and Ranjit Maity were shot at last night in Bhagabanpur area. The injured were admitted to a hospital soon after the incident and are undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, BJP worker Raman Singh was found dead in Gopiballabpur area of Jhargram.

Polling in West Bengal in almost all the phases has been marred by violence, primarily due to clashes between BJP and TMC workers.

BJP is looking to make significant inroads into West Bengal while Mamata Banerjee-led TMC is seeking to defend its bastions.

Polling is underway for the sixth phase of elections in the country for 59 Lok Sabha seats, including 7 in Delhi, 8 in Bihar, 10 in Haryana, 8 in Madhya Pradesh, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, 8 in West Bengal and 4 in Jharkhand.

Results of the seven-phase elections will be declared on May 23.

Ahead of the commencement of polling in the state, three BJP workers were attacked in separate incidents in the state, officials confirmed. In East Medinipur, BJP workers Ananta Guchait and Ranjit Maity were shot at last night in Bhagabanpur area.

Ahead of the commencement of polling in the state, three BJP workers were attacked in separate incidents in the state, officials confirmed. In East Medinipur, BJP workers Ananta Guchait and Ranjit Maity were shot at last night in Bhagabanpur area. The injured were admitted to a hospital soon after the incident and are undergoing treatment. Meanwhile, BJP worker Raman Singh was found dead in Gopiballabpur area of Jhargram. Polling in West Bengal in almost all the phases has been marred by violence, primarily due to clashes between BJP and TMC workers. BJP is looking to make significant inroads into West Bengal while Mamata Banerjee-led TMC is seeking to defend its bastions. Polling is underway for the sixth phase of elections in the country for 59 Lok Sabha seats, including 7 in Delhi, 8 in Bihar, 10 in Haryana, 8 in Madhya Pradesh, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, 8 in West Bengal and 4 in Jharkhand. Results of the seven-phase elections will be declared on May 23.

Ahead of polling, 3 BJP workers attacked in West Bengal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/live-lok-sabha-phase-6-elections-voting-begins-for-59-constituencies-across-seven-states-217872">Polling for the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections</a> came to an end on Sunday evening. Till 7 pm, the overall voter turnout was recorded at 61 per cent. The Election Commission is yet to notify the final turnout figure.&nbsp;

As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today.&nbsp;

Incidents of unrest were reported in West Bengal, despite which a whopping 80 per cent turnout was reported in the state till 7 pm.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-candidate-attacked-twice-in-west-bengal-ceo-seeks-report-217994">BJP's West Bengal candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked</a> which the party termed as an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered.

Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway.

BJP leader Mukul Roy accused Mamata government of acting out of political vendetta after his convoy was searched by the local police.

He said the police was acting like "stooges of the state government".

"All of a sudden some police officers came in front of my vehicle and told me that they were going to search my car. I told them they had every right to search but let the press people come," he said.

Reports of EVM glitches surfaced in the national capital. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/raghav-chadha-alleges-bogus-voting-by-bjp-workers-in-south-delhi-218118">AAP's South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha</a> said on Sunday that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election. Turnout here was recorded at 56 per cent till 7 pm.

Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand witnessed brisk polling with voter turnout at 62.91, 60.40 and 64.46 per cent respectively till 7 pm.&nbsp;

In Bihar, an attempt was made to attack Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP candidate from West Champaran Parliamentary Constituency, outside polling booth no. 162, 163. The state recorded 59.29 per cent turnout till 7 pm.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest turnout of all at 53.37 per cent till 7 pm. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Union minister Maneka Gandhi were among key contestants in the second-last phase of polling in 14 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh today.

 
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Polling for the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections came to an end on Sunday evening. Till 7 pm, the overall voter turnout was recorded at 61 per cent.

Polling for the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections came to an end on Sunday evening. Till 7 pm, the overall voter turnout was recorded at 61 per cent. The Election Commission is yet to notify the final turnout figure. As many as 14 seats in Uttar Pradesh, 10 in Haryana, eight seats each in West Bengal, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, seven in Delhi and four in Jharkhand went to polls today. Incidents of unrest were reported in West Bengal, despite which a whopping 80 per cent turnout was reported in the state till 7 pm. BJP's West Bengal candidate Bharati Ghosh was attacked which the party termed as an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered. Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway. BJP leader Mukul Roy accused Mamata government of acting out of political vendetta after his convoy was searched by the local police. He said the police was acting like "stooges of the state government". "All of a sudden some police officers came in front of my vehicle and told me that they were going to search my car. I told them they had every right to search but let the press people come," he said. Reports of EVM glitches surfaced in the national capital. AAP's South Delhi candidate Raghav Chadha said on Sunday that voting in the city-state was a positive sign for his party but the BJP workers had done 'bogus votes' in Sangam Vihar during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election. Turnout here was recorded at 56 per cent till 7 pm. Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand witnessed brisk polling with voter turnout at 62.91, 60.40 and 64.46 per cent respectively till 7 pm. In Bihar, an attempt was made to attack Sanjay Jaiswal, BJP candidate from West Champaran Parliamentary Constituency, outside polling booth no. 162, 163. The state recorded 59.29 per cent turnout till 7 pm. Uttar Pradesh witnessed the lowest turnout of all at 53.37 per cent till 7 pm. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Union minister Maneka Gandhi were among key contestants in the second-last phase of polling in 14 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh today.

Lok Sabha polls phase six: 61% voter turnout till 7pm, West Bengal tops with 80%; Delhi, UP register lowest

The BJP Sunday termed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-bjp-candidate-attacked-twice-in-west-bengal-ceo-seeks-report-217994">attack on its candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal</a> an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered.

The party also demanded that the Election Commission take suo motu cognisance of matter.

Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway there.

One of her security guards was injured in stone pelting while Ghosh herself suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take a BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area in the morning.

Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "Stones were pelted on her car and she was also injured. Instead of taking action against the goons, Ghosh's movements have been restricted and her car, which was vandalised, has been seized by the local administration. This is unacceptable. The TMC goons are engaged in unabated violence against the BJP. This is an act of frustration."

The state CEO has sought reports from the West Midnapore district magistrate about the incidents.

Javadekar also claimed that in Jhargam Lok Sabha constituency, the body of a BJP booth president has been recovered.

Demanding that poll observers should ensure proper deployment of central forces for smooth voting, the Union minister said, "Mamata (Banerjee) says there is an expiry date for the prime minister. But the way they are conducting elections, the amount of frustration, and with the imminent defeat of the TMC, there is an expiry date of the Mamata government."&nbsp;

The BJP Sunday termed the attack on its candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered.

The BJP Sunday termed the attack on its candidate Bharati Ghosh in West Bengal an "act of frustration" by the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state and claimed that the days of the Mamata Banerjee government are numbered. The party also demanded that the Election Commission take suo motu cognisance of matter. Ghosh was allegedly attacked twice by locals on Sunday when the former IPS officer tried to visit polling stations in Ghatal Lok Sabha constituency, where she is the BJP candidate when polling was underway there. One of her security guards was injured in stone pelting while Ghosh herself suffered minor injuries when a group of women allegedly attacked her when she tried to take a BJP agent inside a polling booth at Keshpur area in the morning. Union minister and BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said, "Stones were pelted on her car and she was also injured. Instead of taking action against the goons, Ghosh's movements have been restricted and her car, which was vandalised, has been seized by the local administration. This is unacceptable. The TMC goons are engaged in unabated violence against the BJP. This is an act of frustration." The state CEO has sought reports from the West Midnapore district magistrate about the incidents. Javadekar also claimed that in Jhargam Lok Sabha constituency, the body of a BJP booth president has been recovered. Demanding that poll observers should ensure proper deployment of central forces for smooth voting, the Union minister said, "Mamata (Banerjee) says there is an expiry date for the prime minister. But the way they are conducting elections, the amount of frustration, and with the imminent defeat of the TMC, there is an expiry date of the Mamata government."

Attack on BJP candidate by Trinamool Congress in West Bengal act of frustration: Javadekar

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday claimed that BJP will see a reduced seat count in Uttar Pradesh and draw a blank in seven other states and the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are losing confidence about winning the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

She said BJP is looking at West Bengal for votes as it has fared badly in the last five phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

"Where will BJP get the numbers from? In Uttar Pradesh, its seat count will reduce from 73 to 13 or 17. In other states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Punjab and Odisha the party will draw a blank. Its seats will reduce in Madhya Pradesh also", Banerjee claimed while addressing a public meeting here in support of Trinamool Congress candidate Nusrat Jahan.

Modi is losing confidence, she said and urged the electorate not to vote for BJP.

"In Bengal, Trinamool Congress should win all the 42 seats which will help it to have some control in the formation of the new government," Banerjee who has been claiming that her party would play an important role at the Centre after the general elections, said.

"We do not want BJP. Show the door to the party through votes," the Trinamool Congress supremo said.

She alleged that BJP, Congress and CPI(M) are of the same ilk. "Some people are supporting BJP in the morning, Congress in the afternoon and CPI(M) in the night. So voting any of the three will be a waste. Vote for TMC, it is the only party which has the guts to fight BJP.

"BJP has kept the entire country petrified. Captured institutions like RBI, CBI, Income Tax and the ED... Instead of giving food, shelter and clothing, it has dismantled Planning Commission with Niti Aayog and shown how to create riots ... It started cow vigilantism and lynching syndicates", she said.

Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have often attacked the TMC by accusing it of running 'syndicates raj'.

Continuing her tirade against Modi, Banerjee said in the last parliamentary polls he had said a lot of things and became the prime minister. "But what work has he done in the last five years?"

Prices of commodities had risen during BJP's rule and are going to increase more after the elections.

"The BJP has forgotten Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose who gave the Jai Hind slogan. Nathuram Godse (who killed Mahatma Gandhi) is now its leader," she added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday claimed that BJP will see a reduced seat count in Uttar Pradesh and draw a blank in seven other states and the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are losing confidence about winning the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday claimed that BJP will see a reduced seat count in Uttar Pradesh and draw a blank in seven other states and the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are losing confidence about winning the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. She said BJP is looking at West Bengal for votes as it has fared badly in the last five phases of the Lok Sabha polls. "Where will BJP get the numbers from? In Uttar Pradesh, its seat count will reduce from 73 to 13 or 17. In other states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Punjab and Odisha the party will draw a blank. Its seats will reduce in Madhya Pradesh also", Banerjee claimed while addressing a public meeting here in support of Trinamool Congress candidate Nusrat Jahan. Modi is losing confidence, she said and urged the electorate not to vote for BJP. "In Bengal, Trinamool Congress should win all the 42 seats which will help it to have some control in the formation of the new government," Banerjee who has been claiming that her party would play an important role at the Centre after the general elections, said. "We do not want BJP. Show the door to the party through votes," the Trinamool Congress supremo said. She alleged that BJP, Congress and CPI(M) are of the same ilk. "Some people are supporting BJP in the morning, Congress in the afternoon and CPI(M) in the night. So voting any of the three will be a waste. Vote for TMC, it is the only party which has the guts to fight BJP. "BJP has kept the entire country petrified. Captured institutions like RBI, CBI, Income Tax and the ED... Instead of giving food, shelter and clothing, it has dismantled Planning Commission with Niti Aayog and shown how to create riots ... It started cow vigilantism and lynching syndicates", she said. Modi and BJP president Amit Shah have often attacked the TMC by accusing it of running 'syndicates raj'. Continuing her tirade against Modi, Banerjee said in the last parliamentary polls he had said a lot of things and became the prime minister. "But what work has he done in the last five years?" Prices of commodities had risen during BJP's rule and are going to increase more after the elections. "The BJP has forgotten Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose who gave the Jai Hind slogan. Nathuram Godse (who killed Mahatma Gandhi) is now its leader," she added.

BJP will see reduced seat count in UP, draw blank in seven other states: Mamata Banerjee

In villages of Purulia that are awash with summer hues, the orange palash flowers blend with political parties' symbols, even as the BJP's 'lotus' and TMC's 'grass and two flowers' vie for attention -&nbsp;and political space.

With elections in the constituency scheduled for Sunday, the BJP's lotus appears on the walls of many mud house, side-by-side with the Trinamool Congress' symbol, signifying the BJP's emergence as a force to reckoned with.

In some places, the tiger symbol of the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) makes its presence felt as it roars from the red flags that can be seen from a distance.

Following its impressive show in the 2018 panchayat elections in Purulia, the BJP is upbeat about wresting the Lok Sabha seat from the TMC. Left Front constituent AIFB, which held the seat from 1977 to 2011, before losing it to the TMC, is also positive about regaining its lost glory.

But TMC candidate Mriganka Mahato is sure he will win from Purulia for the second consecutive term. He is up against BJP's Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato, AIFB's four-time MP Bir Singh Mahato and Congress' Nepal Mahato.

"The huge amount of development work done under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including roads, electricity connections and many welfare schemes, is there for everybody to see," Mriganka Mahato told PTI.

He is a doctor who was brought to electoral politics by the TMC chief in 2014.

Large parts of Purulia became Maoist strongholds for a few years towards the latter part of 34-year Left Front rule in the state. Subsequently, the Jangalmahal area, which comprises forested areas spread over the districts of Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore and Jhargram, was freed from red terror by joint forces.

With the TMC government ushering in 'parivartan' (change) in 2011, smooth metalled roads have replaced the red soil-topped roads that used to turn into slush and pond-sized craters during the monsoons.

There have been several developments and welfare schemes and electricity has reached small villages in the area.

Life in the once-neglected district in the western part of West Bengal, bordering Jharkhand, is generally better than it was 10 years ago, said villagers.

But with change and development has come corruption and the wealth of a section of local Trinamool Congress leadership has risen manifold in just a few years, they alleged.

Amal Mahato, the owner of a small tea stall on the outskirts of Purulia town, said the arrogance of the leaders is alienating people.

Admitting that a small percentage of local party leaders and workers have become greedy in Jangalmahal, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had said that action was taken against them and urged people not to turn towards an opposition party out of anger.&nbsp;

In a state with a volatile political history, Purulia has been largely free of poll-related violence. But the 2018 panchayat elections, in which the BJP emerged as the new opposition to the TMC, changed the scenario. At least 12 people were killed in the violence.

While the TMC won 234 seats in panchayat samitis in Purulia, the BJP bagged 142 seats, leaving the Congress with 33 and the Left with 25 seats as distant third and fourth place holders.&nbsp;

In the gram panchayats in the three-tier election, the TMC won 838 seats, the BJP 644, the Left 178 and the Congress 150.

The BJP, with its RSS and Bajrang Dal wings, appears to have made inroads among the indigenous people. The TMC leadership also seems worried as a section of the influential Mahato community is inclining towards the BJP, party workers said.

The BJP, which came fourth in the 2014 general elections, is the biggest challenger to the TMC in Purulia.

The seat was with the Forward Bloc since 1977 till 2014 when TMC's Mriganka Mahato defeated the Left party in a wave for the Mamata Banerjee-led party.&nbsp;

The TMC won 34 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the last general elections.

With Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally in Purulia, the party's candidate Nepal Mahato did get a boost but the party doesn't stand much a chance of now, political observers and villagers said.

According to BJP candidate Jyotirmoy Mahato, "People are not with the TMC. They only have goons in their fold. The general public will resist if they try to loot votes." 
He claimed the Left has been wiped out from Purulia and most of their supporters have joined the BJP.

AIFB contestant Bir Singh Mahato, who has been a four-time MP from the seat, said the so-called BJP wave has been artificially created.

"It has no proper leader in the constituency and its supporters have been left directionless, though the party had won quite a good number of seats in the panchayat elections," he said.

TMC candidate Mriganka Mahato said he expects a better fight from the Left which has a support base all over the constituency. The BJP and the Congress, he claimed, have only some pockets of influence.

"The BJP is using religion to divert the attention of people from the basic requirements of job, food and development, which it could not provide in the last five years," he said.&nbsp;

In villages of Purulia that are awash with summer hues, the orange palash flowers blend with political parties' symbols, even as the BJP's 'lotus' and TMC's 'grass and two flowers' vie for attention - and political space.

In villages of Purulia that are awash with summer hues, the orange palash flowers blend with political parties' symbols, even as the BJP's 'lotus' and TMC's 'grass and two flowers' vie for attention - and political space. With elections in the constituency scheduled for Sunday, the BJP's lotus appears on the walls of many mud house, side-by-side with the Trinamool Congress' symbol, signifying the BJP's emergence as a force to reckoned with. In some places, the tiger symbol of the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) makes its presence felt as it roars from the red flags that can be seen from a distance. Following its impressive show in the 2018 panchayat elections in Purulia, the BJP is upbeat about wresting the Lok Sabha seat from the TMC. Left Front constituent AIFB, which held the seat from 1977 to 2011, before losing it to the TMC, is also positive about regaining its lost glory. But TMC candidate Mriganka Mahato is sure he will win from Purulia for the second consecutive term. He is up against BJP's Jyotirmoy Singh Mahato, AIFB's four-time MP Bir Singh Mahato and Congress' Nepal Mahato. "The huge amount of development work done under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, including roads, electricity connections and many welfare schemes, is there for everybody to see," Mriganka Mahato told PTI. He is a doctor who was brought to electoral politics by the TMC chief in 2014. Large parts of Purulia became Maoist strongholds for a few years towards the latter part of 34-year Left Front rule in the state. Subsequently, the Jangalmahal area, which comprises forested areas spread over the districts of Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore and Jhargram, was freed from red terror by joint forces. With the TMC government ushering in 'parivartan' (change) in 2011, smooth metalled roads have replaced the red soil-topped roads that used to turn into slush and pond-sized craters during the monsoons. There have been several developments and welfare schemes and electricity has reached small villages in the area. Life in the once-neglected district in the western part of West Bengal, bordering Jharkhand, is generally better than it was 10 years ago, said villagers. But with change and development has come corruption and the wealth of a section of local Trinamool Congress leadership has risen manifold in just a few years, they alleged. Amal Mahato, the owner of a small tea stall on the outskirts of Purulia town, said the arrogance of the leaders is alienating people. Admitting that a small percentage of local party leaders and workers have become greedy in Jangalmahal, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had said that action was taken against them and urged people not to turn towards an opposition party out of anger. In a state with a volatile political history, Purulia has been largely free of poll-related violence. But the 2018 panchayat elections, in which the BJP emerged as the new opposition to the TMC, changed the scenario. At least 12 people were killed in the violence. While the TMC won 234 seats in panchayat samitis in Purulia, the BJP bagged 142 seats, leaving the Congress with 33 and the Left with 25 seats as distant third and fourth place holders. In the gram panchayats in the three-tier election, the TMC won 838 seats, the BJP 644, the Left 178 and the Congress 150. The BJP, with its RSS and Bajrang Dal wings, appears to have made inroads among the indigenous people. The TMC leadership also seems worried as a section of the influential Mahato community is inclining towards the BJP, party workers said. The BJP, which came fourth in the 2014 general elections, is the biggest challenger to the TMC in Purulia. The seat was with the Forward Bloc since 1977 till 2014 when TMC's Mriganka Mahato defeated the Left party in a wave for the Mamata Banerjee-led party. The TMC won 34 of 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the last general elections. With Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressing a rally in Purulia, the party's candidate Nepal Mahato did get a boost but the party doesn't stand much a chance of now, political observers and villagers said. According to BJP candidate Jyotirmoy Mahato, "People are not with the TMC. They only have goons in their fold. The general public will resist if they try to loot votes." He claimed the Left has been wiped out from Purulia and most of their supporters have joined the BJP. AIFB contestant Bir Singh Mahato, who has been a four-time MP from the seat, said the so-called BJP wave has been artificially created. "It has no proper leader in the constituency and its supporters have been left directionless, though the party had won quite a good number of seats in the panchayat elections," he said. TMC candidate Mriganka Mahato said he expects a better fight from the Left which has a support base all over the constituency. The BJP and the Congress, he claimed, have only some pockets of influence. "The BJP is using religion to divert the attention of people from the basic requirements of job, food and development, which it could not provide in the last five years," he said.

BJP emerges as force to reckon with in West Bengal's Purulia

In this segment of India Election Watch. In every phase of Lok Sabha election 2019, West Bengal is facing violence. The tussle between PM Modi and West Bengal CM Mamta Banrjee prevails.

IEW: Battle for Bengal, the most critical of 2019?

As the Lok Sabha election 2019 is about to witness its 6th phase of polling on 12th of May. Watch some of the high profile contests for the this phase.

IEW: High profile contests in phase 6 polls

The West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights ordered the arrest of BJP Diamond Harbour candidate Nilanjan Roy for allegedly molesting a minor girl. The Commission has demanded him arrested within 24 hours.&nbsp;

Elections to the Diamond Harbour constituency are scheduled to be held on May 19.&nbsp;

In a statement, the West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights said, “Taking cognizance following a complaint received by the commission in a POCSO case where the BJP candidate from the Diamond Harbour constituency in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections has been allegedly accused of sexually assaulting and outraging the modesty of a minor girl of 17 years under Falta police station, South 24 Parganas. The accused is yet to be arrested.”&nbsp;

The Commission further directed the Chief Electoral Officer to take the necessary action as per rules within 24 hours and also directed the police to arrest the alleged accused immediately under the POCSO Act, 2012. &nbsp;

The incident came to light when the Shiv Sena candidate Santosh Kumar from the same constituency wrote to the Commission seeking immediate action against the alleged accused Nilanjan Roy.&nbsp;

In his letter, Kumar stated, “The father was asked to wait outside when the minor girl was made to meet Roy to discuss the issue that had transpired earlier with other BJP supporters. Upon meeting him, it appears that instead of helping the minor girl, Roy carried out a sexual assault and harassed her”.&nbsp;

BJP candidate Roy could not be reached for comment.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed by the father of the minor girl at Falta police station. Charges under sections 354 IPC and sections 8 and 12 of the POCSO Act, 2012 have been slapped against Roy.&nbsp;

The West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights ordered the arrest of BJP Diamond Harbour candidate Nilanjan Roy for allegedly molesting a minor girl.

The West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights ordered the arrest of BJP Diamond Harbour candidate Nilanjan Roy for allegedly molesting a minor girl. The Commission has demanded him arrested within 24 hours. Elections to the Diamond Harbour constituency are scheduled to be held on May 19. In a statement, the West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights said, “Taking cognizance following a complaint received by the commission in a POCSO case where the BJP candidate from the Diamond Harbour constituency in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections has been allegedly accused of sexually assaulting and outraging the modesty of a minor girl of 17 years under Falta police station, South 24 Parganas. The accused is yet to be arrested.” The Commission further directed the Chief Electoral Officer to take the necessary action as per rules within 24 hours and also directed the police to arrest the alleged accused immediately under the POCSO Act, 2012. The incident came to light when the Shiv Sena candidate Santosh Kumar from the same constituency wrote to the Commission seeking immediate action against the alleged accused Nilanjan Roy. In his letter, Kumar stated, “The father was asked to wait outside when the minor girl was made to meet Roy to discuss the issue that had transpired earlier with other BJP supporters. Upon meeting him, it appears that instead of helping the minor girl, Roy carried out a sexual assault and harassed her”. BJP candidate Roy could not be reached for comment. Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed by the father of the minor girl at Falta police station. Charges under sections 354 IPC and sections 8 and 12 of the POCSO Act, 2012 have been slapped against Roy.

West Bengal State Commission for Protection of Child Rights orders arrest of BJP candidate for molestation 

West Bengal’s Maoists infested zones or the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts have been turned into a fortress with less than two days to go for the Lok Sabha polls here.

The largest paramilitary force – the CRPF - which was deployed in the Maoist-infested zones or Junglemahal in West Bengal was recently withdrawn by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in view of re-deployment of CRPF companies in other districts going to polls.

However, almost 80,000 jawans of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed in the sixth phase of elections. This phase is one of the most crucial as LWE zones, comprising districts of Jungle Mahal – Jhargram, Purulia and parts of Bankura, West Midnapore and Birbhum, have not seen any Maoist movements in the last five years and the security agencies have chalked out massive plan to thwart any Maoist attempt to disrupt the poll process.

“Since the last week, we have started combing and search operations. Culverts, new roads, ambush locations have all been identified and we have started sanitizing all these areas. As many as 683 companies have been deployed in these zones and all of the 683 company commanders and ADHOC commanders have been asked to be on the field and be available on the phone at all times,” said S Raveendran, IG, CRPF, West Bengal sector.

“Our priority is safety and security of polling personnel. We have often seen either on their way to the polling station or on their way back from the polling station, they come under attack. We will ensure they are escorted safely to and fro from the polling stations in sensitive areas. As far as the security of the jawans is concerned, they have been asked to be on foot to prevent any landmine blast. Several anti-landmine and landmine assistant vehicles have also been pressed into service. Jawans in the most sensitive zones have been asked to wear the bulletproof jackets and bulletproof helmets,” added Raveendran.

In case of an eventuality, a chopper will remain stationed at Salboni CRPF camp to evacuate the injured or be pressed into service in case of an emergency.

West Bengal’s Maoists infested zones or the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts have been turned into a fortress with less than two days to go for the Lok Sabha polls here.

West Bengal’s Maoists infested zones or the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts have been turned into a fortress with less than two days to go for the Lok Sabha polls here. The largest paramilitary force – the CRPF - which was deployed in the Maoist-infested zones or Junglemahal in West Bengal was recently withdrawn by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in view of re-deployment of CRPF companies in other districts going to polls. However, almost 80,000 jawans of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed in the sixth phase of elections. This phase is one of the most crucial as LWE zones, comprising districts of Jungle Mahal – Jhargram, Purulia and parts of Bankura, West Midnapore and Birbhum, have not seen any Maoist movements in the last five years and the security agencies have chalked out massive plan to thwart any Maoist attempt to disrupt the poll process. “Since the last week, we have started combing and search operations. Culverts, new roads, ambush locations have all been identified and we have started sanitizing all these areas. As many as 683 companies have been deployed in these zones and all of the 683 company commanders and ADHOC commanders have been asked to be on the field and be available on the phone at all times,” said S Raveendran, IG, CRPF, West Bengal sector. “Our priority is safety and security of polling personnel. We have often seen either on their way to the polling station or on their way back from the polling station, they come under attack. We will ensure they are escorted safely to and fro from the polling stations in sensitive areas. As far as the security of the jawans is concerned, they have been asked to be on foot to prevent any landmine blast. Several anti-landmine and landmine assistant vehicles have also been pressed into service. Jawans in the most sensitive zones have been asked to wear the bulletproof jackets and bulletproof helmets,” added Raveendran. In case of an eventuality, a chopper will remain stationed at Salboni CRPF camp to evacuate the injured or be pressed into service in case of an emergency.

CRPF draws massive plans to thwart Maoist attempts to disrupt poll process  

Two days after Mamata Banerjee said she wanted to give him a "tight slap of democracy", Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his response while campaigning in Bengal.

IEW: BJP's mega push in West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a jibe at West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamta Banerjee for saying she doesn't consider him as the country's prime minister.

Insult to India Constitution: PM Modi on Mamata Banerjee's 'do not consider him PM' remark

NASA has released images showing the impact of Cyclone Fani on power situation in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Watch this video to know more.

NASA releases images of power situation after Fani

Use of money to buy votes has been intensified in India. Parties expected to spend $7 Bn in Elections 2019. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Money decides India's Election?

BJP is aiming to make a mark in West Bengal. PM Modi to address 6 rallies in West Bengal. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: BJP bets big on West Bengal

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here.

But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold.

The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people.

"It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said.

In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power.

"Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut.

Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram.&nbsp;

While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change.&nbsp;

However, some changes cannot go unnoticed.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace.

The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block.

"The facelift that you see around here is&nbsp;just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat?&nbsp;asked Sushma.

It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity.

But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here".

"Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12.

This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said.

The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said.

Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening."

Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers".

"These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence,"&nbsp;said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area.

Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it.&nbsp;

"It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change).

The BJP is making its presence felt in this once Maoist hotbed despite a dominant presence of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, which routed the Left Front promising 'poriborton' (change). Several locals, who were among the thousands that joined a movement in 2008 to express their angst with the then CPI(M) government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, say they sense another change in this part of West Bengal. Trinamool Congress (TMC) flags dot 'haats' (local markets) and villages, and its signature blue can be seen on walls of several establishments, even schools and security outposts here. But at Lalgarh's bustling tea stalls and markets, the discussion is about the challenge the TMC faces from the BJP in this erstwhile CPI(M) stronghold. The BJP making inroads into Lalgarh and its surrounding areas has not gone unnoticed by the TMC chief, who completely overhauled the grassroot-level leadership before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls in an attempt to earn the goodwill of the people. "It came as a shock to us to see the BJP gain so much traction in the (Jhargram) district after the panchayat polls last year. It had not done any work in the area...We banked on the development that the TMC has brought in since 2011," Jyoti Prasad Mahato, a local TMC leader, said. In Jhargram district, the TMC lost 28-gram panchayats out of 79. Part of the Jhargram Lok Sabha constituency and district, it was in 2008 that this dusty corner of Bengal, around 170 km from Kolkata, became the hotbed for the ultras and later, a centre point of left-wing extremism, which after continuous crackdown by security forces met a natural death in 2011 --the year the TMC came to power. "Schemes announced by the Centre haven't reached us and those announced by the state are only benefitting people who hobnob with the TMC. Why shouldn't we demand change, now that there is an alternative," said Sushma Mahato, as she rolled tendu leaves into bidis in front of her mud hut. Echoing Sushma's view, a villager said,"When the TMC won the Jhargram seat we had no other party to protect our interests. Now, we do. We don't want them to feel that they are entitled to our votes. They have to deliver on their promises." In 2014, TMC's Uma Soren had wrested the Jhargram from Pulin Bihari Baske of the CPI(M), ending the Left party's 42-year domination in the constituency. This time the TMC has pitted Birbha Soren against CPI(M)'s Deblina Hembram and BJP's Kunar Hembram. While Deblina is known for her fiery speeches, Kunar, his party people, say will win the polls as there is an anti-Mamata wave and people want change. However, some changes cannot go unnoticed. Dirt and mud roads, which security forces treaded cautiously fearing buried IEDs, have now been paved with asphalt and infrastructure development in Binpur-1 block, under which Lalgarh falls, is on at full pace. The Banerjee-led government has also delivered around 25,000 cycles under the Sabuj Sathi scheme, built about 30 healthcare centres and about 1,300 self-help groups have come up in block. "The facelift that you see around here is just that an outer shell. What will we do with them if we don't have jobs and food to eat? asked Sushma. It was Banerjee's promise of change that brought her to power in Lalgarh that yearned for things like jobs, food, water, electricity and connectivity. But, two assembly and one Lok Sabha elections since Banerjee swept into power, another resident said there seems to be a "strong feeling of mistrust between the TMC and the people here". "Nothing has reached us. People have been made civic volunteers, but only those connected with the ruling party have got benefits. The local TMC leaders are so corrupt that they take money from us to even deliver basic benefits," the resident said. People said they are more concerned about their basic needs, rather than the politics or the violence associated with it, as election day comes closer. Jhargram goes to polls on May 12. This time, there is a straight contest between the BJP and the TMC, but the ruling party in Bengal is the dominant force, a member of a local group said. The saffron party has worked quietly and made its mark here, he said. Even TMC's Jyoti Prasad said, "BJP worked so silently, pumped in money that we didn't even realise what was happening." Each police station in the area - Lalghar, Binpur, Belpahari and Goaltorh has more than 200 "civic volunteers". "These men are not to help us, but to spy on us. Who we are speaking with, what are we telling them. Who is coming to campaign here, what are they promising us. It's like living under constant watch. They look out for everything even for Maoist resurgence," said a villager, claiming that three civic volunteers are in his area. Rani Mahato rued water comes here for an hour in the morning and in the evening, people have to wait for it. "It depends on the whims and fancies of the man who releases the water. We are not unhappy with Didi (as Banerjee is popularly known), but her man here needs to be taught a lesson," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders have held several rallies Bengal, including in Jhargram, to counter the heavy presence of the ruling TMC.

Lalgarh: In this former Maoist hotbed, TMC's new challenge is BJP

Politics over Cyclone Fani is getting intensifies day by day. Mamata Banerjee refused to meet PM Modi. PM Modi calls her arrogant.

India Election Watch: Politics over Cyclone Fani, Mamata refuses to meet PM

During addressing a election rally in West Bengal, Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Jai Shri Ram' chant

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy. Watch this video to know more.

India Election Watch: Nirmala Sitaraman calls 'Mamata Banerjee'- A threat to Democracy

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people!&nbsp;

In 2013, cyclone Phailin with a similar intensity saw 550,000 people being evacuated and an estimated loss of more than Rs 4,000 crore.

Despite over a million people being evacuated from sensitive zones, cyclone Fani caused the death of about 30-plus people in Odisha alone. However, this is still an admirable achievement, given the poor infrastructure in the state, the high incidence of poverty and the normally unwilling response of potential evacuees.

The effort, which the state government of Odisha put in along with the national disaster response agencies and many volunteers, was remarkable in reaching out to vulnerable populations across the length of the Odisha coast, convincing people to evacuate quickly to safe shelters.

The trail of destruction that Cyclone Fani left behind is mute testimony to the enormous avoided costs in terms of human lives.

While we deservedly pat ourselves on our backs for a job done well in minimising the loss of lives due to an extreme event, we need to do a lot more to make the recovery process from such events less traumatic.

As evacuees in Odisha go back to their villages, they face the humongous task of rebuilding their homes and their lives. Can we provide them requisite support in a timely manner to enable them to stand on their feet quickly once again? How long will the medical and educational services take to serve the needs of these people and alleviate their misery? Do banking services exist in these areas? What financial and material support can be immediately mobilised and delivered? Getting food and water to the affected people days after the incident is inhuman to say the least.

It would also be crucial to ask whether the wider community was mobilised in advance to respond to the needs of those affected. How well were the shelters stocked? Were effective community mechanisms defined to administer relief in the immediate aftermath of the event?&nbsp;

Several questions above address themselves to disaster response and relief measures. But some of them also point towards the need for building systemic resilience in vulnerable populations.

Scientists predict that the looming climate change will result in more frequent and intense extreme events. While Cyclone Fani was not caused by climate change, it would be accurate to say that it probably received its intensity on account of climate change.

The impact of such coastal events would also be exacerbated by rise in sea levels, higher ocean temperatures, wind speeds and changing monsoon patterns. Hence, for both historical reasons and projected intensification, India needs to evolve from merely disaster preparedness and response to investing in and building resilient societies and systems.&nbsp;

Proper zoning laws that would govern developmental activities, quality of construction, development and maintenance of natural barriers, insurance for life and livelihood, empowered village committees and mobile clinics, among others, are some long-term measures to build resilience and to adapt.

Governments at all levels — national, state and local — need to recognise their responsibility and accountability for creating such robust systems.

Cyclone Fani caught the attention of the global community because it was an extreme event of mammoth proportions. However, environmental degradation is also resulting in what are known as creeping events — events that are slow, but inexorable. If we are not watchful, as we tend not to be with creeping events, they can result in tipping points that would have impacts on scales larger than what we experience from extreme events.&nbsp;

Falling water tables, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution and loss of biodiversity are all examples of creeping events that India is already facing.

Climate change is likely to exacerbate these creeping events through its own impact – accelerated melting of our glaciers in the Himalayas that cater to half of India’s population, shifts/variability in monsoon patterns that would be very difficult for farmers to adapt to in current conditions, salt water intrusion and rising temperatures.&nbsp;

It is time for India to wake up and take an integrated approach to its development, more urgently in the context of the existential threats that it is facing.&nbsp;

Our water and food security are under enormous threat and closely inter-linked. India is hosting the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in September this year. A major focus of this COP is to work towards land degradation neutrality. As a theme, this would be a wonderful test case to see how different ministries of the government of India will participate in this conference and if we are able to design a coherent strategy for reversing the land degradation taking place.&nbsp;

Nearly 30 per cent of India’s lands are already degraded and climate change impacts will further exacerbate this damage.&nbsp;

Similarly, several of our cities are becoming (have become?) unliveable – Delhi has demonstrated that there are no silver bullets! Just because we do not have the research (no support for inconvenient questions!) to establish a clear attribution of cause to effect, does not mean that the crisis does not exist – that we are not facing disasters in our daily lives.

Question is: do we have the courage to transform our governance structures and processes to enable effective systemic solutions? 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-going-beyond-cyclone-fani-2746668">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people!

Cyclone Fani that hit the Odisha coast on May 3, 2019, was indeed an extremely severe cyclone — when a super cyclone had hit the state 20 years ago, it had witnessed a loss of life of over 10,000 people! In 2013, cyclone Phailin with a similar intensity saw 550,000 people being evacuated and an estimated loss of more than Rs 4,000 crore. Despite over a million people being evacuated from sensitive zones, cyclone Fani caused the death of about 30-plus people in Odisha alone. However, this is still an admirable achievement, given the poor infrastructure in the state, the high incidence of poverty and the normally unwilling response of potential evacuees. The effort, which the state government of Odisha put in along with the national disaster response agencies and many volunteers, was remarkable in reaching out to vulnerable populations across the length of the Odisha coast, convincing people to evacuate quickly to safe shelters. The trail of destruction that Cyclone Fani left behind is mute testimony to the enormous avoided costs in terms of human lives. While we deservedly pat ourselves on our backs for a job done well in minimising the loss of lives due to an extreme event, we need to do a lot more to make the recovery process from such events less traumatic. As evacuees in Odisha go back to their villages, they face the humongous task of rebuilding their homes and their lives. Can we provide them requisite support in a timely manner to enable them to stand on their feet quickly once again? How long will the medical and educational services take to serve the needs of these people and alleviate their misery? Do banking services exist in these areas? What financial and material support can be immediately mobilised and delivered? Getting food and water to the affected people days after the incident is inhuman to say the least. It would also be crucial to ask whether the wider community was mobilised in advance to respond to the needs of those affected. How well were the shelters stocked? Were effective community mechanisms defined to administer relief in the immediate aftermath of the event? Several questions above address themselves to disaster response and relief measures. But some of them also point towards the need for building systemic resilience in vulnerable populations. Scientists predict that the looming climate change will result in more frequent and intense extreme events. While Cyclone Fani was not caused by climate change, it would be accurate to say that it probably received its intensity on account of climate change. The impact of such coastal events would also be exacerbated by rise in sea levels, higher ocean temperatures, wind speeds and changing monsoon patterns. Hence, for both historical reasons and projected intensification, India needs to evolve from merely disaster preparedness and response to investing in and building resilient societies and systems. Proper zoning laws that would govern developmental activities, quality of construction, development and maintenance of natural barriers, insurance for life and livelihood, empowered village committees and mobile clinics, among others, are some long-term measures to build resilience and to adapt. Governments at all levels — national, state and local — need to recognise their responsibility and accountability for creating such robust systems. Cyclone Fani caught the attention of the global community because it was an extreme event of mammoth proportions. However, environmental degradation is also resulting in what are known as creeping events — events that are slow, but inexorable. If we are not watchful, as we tend not to be with creeping events, they can result in tipping points that would have impacts on scales larger than what we experience from extreme events. Falling water tables, soil degradation, desertification, air pollution and loss of biodiversity are all examples of creeping events that India is already facing. Climate change is likely to exacerbate these creeping events through its own impact – accelerated melting of our glaciers in the Himalayas that cater to half of India’s population, shifts/variability in monsoon patterns that would be very difficult for farmers to adapt to in current conditions, salt water intrusion and rising temperatures. It is time for India to wake up and take an integrated approach to its development, more urgently in the context of the existential threats that it is facing. Our water and food security are under enormous threat and closely inter-linked. India is hosting the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in September this year. A major focus of this COP is to work towards land degradation neutrality. As a theme, this would be a wonderful test case to see how different ministries of the government of India will participate in this conference and if we are able to design a coherent strategy for reversing the land degradation taking place. Nearly 30 per cent of India’s lands are already degraded and climate change impacts will further exacerbate this damage. Similarly, several of our cities are becoming (have become?) unliveable – Delhi has demonstrated that there are no silver bullets! Just because we do not have the research (no support for inconvenient questions!) to establish a clear attribution of cause to effect, does not mean that the crisis does not exist – that we are not facing disasters in our daily lives. Question is: do we have the courage to transform our governance structures and processes to enable effective systemic solutions? (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Going beyond Cyclone Fani: India needs to do a lot more to make recovery process less traumatic

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