Sikkim's Sentinels: Eastern Army Commander Inspects Forward Defenses
Sikkim's Sentinels: Eastern Army Commander Inspects Forward Defenses Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen R C Tiwari visited the border areas in Sikkim and reviewed the operational preparedness, an official release said. Tiwari, the General Officer Commanding in Chief (GOC-in-C) Eastern Army Command visited the border areas on May 1 and 2 accompanied by GOC Trishakti Corp Lt Gen VPS Kaushik and reviewed the operational preparedness and progress of infrastructure and capability development, it said. The Eastern Army Commander appreciated the officers and troops of the Trishakti Corps for maintaining the highest standard of operational preparedness and efforts towards the development of border areas and nation-building. Interacting with troops at forward locations, he complimented them for their dedication and high standard of professionalism under the most challenging conditions. He exhorted them to continue working with dedication, motivation and enthusiasm. Lt Gen Tiwari also called upon the Governor of Sikkim Lakshman Acharya at Gangtok on May 2 and apprised the governor on the overall security situation and initiatives being undertaken to improve connectivity in the state. He also briefed the governor on the various welfare projects being undertaken under Operation Sadbhavana. Lt Gen Tiwari apprised the governor that 67 projects worth more than Rs 5 crore were executed by Trishakti Corps during the last financial year and formation plans to implement projects worth more than Rs 15 crore in the current financial year. The Eastern Army Commander assured the governor about the Indian Army's commitment to the development of border areas and continued assistance to the civil administration and local people.
Naidu and alliance leaders responsible for hardships of welfare pensioners, says YSRC
Vijayawada: YSRC general-secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has put all the possible promises in the YSRC election manifesto but the Chandrababu alliance put all the impossible promises in its joint manifesto. Ramakrishna Reddy held Naidu and alliance leaders responsible for the present problems of elders in receiving social security pensions. Addressing the media on Thursday, he said that the people knew the manifesto announced by Chandrababu was a hoax and that the YSRC is acting as a responsible party in fashioning its manifesto. Ramakrishna Reddy asked why there were no photos of the BJP in the alliance joint manifesto and why did the BJP AP unit incharge refused to hold the manifesto at its release event. He recalled that the photos of PM Modi and BJP leaders were printed on the alliance manifesto in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh states. The BJP has understood that Chandrababu's manifesto promises cannot be implemented and hence it did not want to take any responsibility thereof. Ramakrishna Reddy said Chandrababu was spreading lies on the Land Titling Act which should be implemented by the BJP government at the Centre, and if there are any doubts about that Act, then Naidu should ask his alliance partner about the Act instead of accusing the YSRC and CM Jagan. He said Naidu did not understand what is happening and who formulated the Act and spread falsehood. Chandrababu alleged that through the Land Titling Act, all the land will be taken away by the government. If so, PM Modi should grab all the land and sell those after the Act is in force, according to the statement of Chandrababu. The YSRC leader asked the BJP state and national leaders to give clarity on Land Titling Act. On Nov 25, 2019, NITI Aayog has constituted a committee to draft the Model Act and the rules on Conclusive Land Tilting that includes six senior officers from across the country. He said the YSRC understood the financial situation of the state and announced only what can be implemented. He recalled that in 1999, the TD promised to provide one crore jobs to the unemployed youth in the undivided Andhra Pradesh but it deceived them. During Chandrababu's rule, two months before the elections, the pension was enhanced to `1000 but he failed to deliver it properly. Ramakrishna Reddy stated that the opposition alliance moved the court, complained to EC and stopped the volunteers from keeping the pensioners to various difficulties. Naidu and the alliance are responsible for the hardships being faced by the senior citizens and the disabled, he stressed. He said, The volunteer system will be totally removed and the TDs Janmabhoomi Committees will be back to show hell to the poor and marginalised if TD returns to power. Chandrababu is angry that people defeated TD in the 2019 elections and is ready to mess with the lives of the poor.
GLOF early warning system takes off; Centre targets 188 critical glacial lakes
The Indian government initiates an early warning system (EWS) for 188 critical lakes in the Indian Himalayan Region prone to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) following the 2023 Sikkim disaster. Joint expeditions assess risks and plan mitigation measures. A parliamentary committee highlights inadequate monitoring systems, emphasizing proactive hazard assessment and risk management.
Sikkim Law Student Selected As Indias Delegate To UN Simulation Conference In Istanbul
In a proud moment for Soreng district and Sikkim Government Law College, Sumiran Chettri, a law student hailing from Malbasey, Budhang, Soreng District, has been chosen to represent India at the United Nations Simulation Conference. This prestigious opportunity for Sumiran, currently pursuing his B.A.LLB, will see him participate in the diplomatic simulation scheduled from October... The post Sikkim Law Student Selected As Indias Delegate To UN Simulation Conference In Istanbul appeared first on Northeast Today .
Above normal heatwave days in May, predict IMD
NEW DELHI: The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating that India is likely to experience an above-normal number of heatwave days in May, with both maximum and minimum temperatures expected to rise. The trend of warmer weather has already been observed, with April recording 40% more heatwave days than the historical average. Normally heat waves prevail over northern plains, central India and adjoining areas of peninsular India for about 3 days in different meteorological stations in May.However, this month, different parts of the country will have an additional 2-8 days of heatwave. The number of heatwave days is likely to be above normal by about 5-8 days over central India i.e. south Rajasthan, west Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Marathwada and Gujarat region.Additionally, the Northwest, Eastern, and Southern regions, including Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, northern interior Karnataka, Telangana, and isolated pockets of northern Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, may experience 2-4 days of above-normal temperatures. Furthermore, most parts of the country are expected to see above-normal maximum temperatures, except for certain regions in the northeast, northwest, central India, and parts of the northeast peninsula. Similarly, above-normal minimum temperatures are anticipated across the nation, except for specific areas in northwest India, the Indo-Gangetic plains, central India, and much of northeast India. Despite rainfall averaged over the country in May 2024 is most likely to be normal (91-109% of the long-period average). Earlier in April, the Southern Peninsula was one of the driest regions since 1901. This region experienced only 12.6 mm rainfall in April which is the fifth lowest since 1901. In addition, the Peninsular region was the second hottest month since 1901, the average mean temperature is 31.39Celsius which is more than the normal mean temperature of 30.16Celsius. Furthermore, April reportedly 118 days of heatwave days against average of 71 days. Most heatwave days were reported from Odisha (18 days) highest in the pastnine years, West Bengal (16 days) which was the highest in past 15 years, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Interior Karnataka (10 days), Southern Karnataka (8 days), Tamil Nadu and Sikkim (7days). Moreover, Odisha got the longest spell of heatwave in April 2024 during 15-30 April(16 days), after April 2016 when it prevailed during 9- 30 April 2016(21 days). A Larger number of heatwave days than average is due to scanty rainfall and the persistence of anti-cyclones over Bay of Bengal and adjoining eastern coasts of India. However, no heat waves were reported over north & central India during April 2024 due to back-to-back five Western Disturbances.
Maharashtra controls 41% of Rs 55 lakh cr mutual fund AUM; Delhis share at 8.4%
MUMBAI: The dominance of Maharashtra continued unabated with its share in assets under management touching a tad less than 41% in March, mutual fund body Amfi data showed on Wednesday. The next top four states contribution is a little over half of this western state, which rose from Rs 22.41 lakh crore in February this year to Rs 22.52 lakh crore in March. With Maharashtra controlling nearly 40.93% of the industry, the top 5 states corner 68% of the market that has 44 fund houses with a combined AUM of Rs 55.01 lakh crore as of March, as per an analysis of the state-wise spilt of mutual fund investments. The next four are New Delhi at 8.41%, Karnataka at 6.92%, Gujarat at 6.89% and Bengal at 5.20%. During the past fiscal the MF industry grew 37%, taking the assets under management to Rs 55.01 lakh crore, driven by the massive inflows into open-ended equity schemes, which clipped past 10% in March to Rs 22,633 crore from Rs 20,534 crore in March 2023. Despite the industry notching up 37% more in FY24, as many as five of the 37 states and Union Territories saw a sequential decline in AUM in March as against just two in February. Andhra, Goa, Kerala, the Lakshadweep and Sikkim saw sequential declines in the reporting month with the Lakshadweep seeing the highest contraction of 57.90%, followed by Sikkim at 3.22% and Kerala at 0.59%. Interestingly, the top 5 states in terms of sequential growth are Daman & Diu, Manipur, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Meghalaya, and Tripura. The Union Territory of Daman & Diu saw the highest sequential growth at 3.60% followed by Manipur at 3.09% and Dadra & Nagar Haveli at 2.62%. Equity-oriented schemes continued to get the maximum share from all the states for third consecutive month contributing the most towards AUM at 51.96%.
Congress has not fielded Muslim candidates in 12 states: AIMIM chief
HYDERABAD : AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday said that the Congress has not fielded even a single candidate from the Muslim community in more than a dozen states. Addressing a public meeting at Dabeerpura, the Hyderabad MP said: In Parliament, the participating form of democracy was formulated in which people across every religion and caste were supposed to take part. According to the 2011 Census, there are 17 crore Muslims (around 14 per cent), but the Muslim MPs are only 4.5 per cent. In Maharashtra, there are 38 Lok Sabha seats and around 1.10 crore Muslims (around 12-13 per cent), but neither Congress, Sharad Pawar (NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar), nor Uddhav Thackeray (UBT) gave tickets to a Muslim person. The Congress has also not given tickets to Muslims in Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Tripura, Sikkim, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. On one side, Muslim people are not given tickets, and on the other side, the BJPs manifesto does not even mention Muslims. So who will fight for you people? That is why I am saying these elections are very important for us, he said.
Sikkim CM greets people on Labour Day
GANGTOK, May 1: Sikkim chief minister Prem Singh Tamang on Wednesday greeted the people of the state on International Labour Day. He said the day signifies the dignity of labor and recognises each individuals efforts in societal progress. On this propitious occasion of International Labour Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable contributions []
Sikkim Professional University hosts Sikkim State Students Meet
HT Correspondent TEZPUR, May 1: The Sikkim State Students Meet of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has been organised at the Seminar Hall of Sikkim Professional University in Gangtok. Attending the programme as chief guest Ashish Chauhan, national organising secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) urged various officials and workers (karykarta) of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi []
Mlayan to lead IMF team to Mt. Tinchinkhang expedition
By Our Reporter Shillong, May 1: In a groundbreaking announcement, the Meghalaya Sport Climbing and Mountaineering Association (MeSCMA) disclosed that Wallambok Lyngdoh, the esteemed General Secretary, has been appointed as the Leader of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation (IMF) sponsored expedition to Mt. Tinchinkhang (6010m) in the Sikkim Himalayas. The appointment of Lyngdoh signifies a notable [] The post Mlayan to lead IMF team to Mt. Tinchinkhang expedition appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Coconut Water Consumption
Pakyong, 01 May : Incorporating coconut water into your daily regimen can introduce a refreshing and nutrient-dense beverage option. However, as with any dietary choice, its crucial to weigh both The post Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Coconut Water Consumption appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
India Braces for Extreme Weather: Heatwaves and Thunderstorms Predicted For These States
The weather department has issued warnings across India for extreme heat and thunderstorms over the next few days. In Gangetic West Bengal, a red alert has been issued for a severe heatwave lasting three days. Odisha faces a two-day heatwave alert. Meanwhile, East India has been placed under an orange alert for the next 3-5 days. IMD scientist Soma Sen anticipates a slight drop in temperatures starting from May 5 due to increased moisture. From May 4, South Peninsular India, including states like Telangana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, will experience thunderstorm activity. The IMD attributes the severe heatwave conditions to fewer thunderstorms in East and Northeast India. IMD's Rainfall Predictions: Thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall or snowfall are expected in several northeastern states over the next 5 days. Hailstorms were predicted over Sikkim on May 1. Heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya from May 1-2, and over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from May 1-3. Very heavy rainfall is expected over Arunachal Pradesh on May 1-2, and over parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura on May 2. Rainfall or snowfall with thunderstorms and lightning are expected in northern regions from May 3-6, and over certain parts of North and West India from May 4-6. IMD's Heatwave Predictions: Maximum temperatures ranging from 44-47C will persist over Gangetic West Bengal, East Jharkhand, north Odisha, and Rayalaseema until May 3, followed by a decrease. Severe heatwave conditions are expected over various regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and others on May 1, with a gradual reduction in intensity thereafter. Telangana, Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Yanam are expected to experience heatwave conditions for the next 4-5 days. Hot and humid weather is forecasted for Coast Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe over the next 5 days. IMD's Maximum Temperature Predictions: Northwest India will see a rise in maximum temperatures by 4-6C in the next 24 hours. East India will experience no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours, followed by a decrease of 2-3C. Central India is expected to witness a rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3C over the next 3 days. West India will see no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours, followed by a rise of 2-3C. Make a plan to visit this beautiful place with your family in summer, the beauty is limitless How Coconut Water Can Keep You Cool and Hydrated During Summer How Summer Fruits Packed with Vitamin C Boost Your Nutrition
Salman Khan Residence Firing Case : Accused Dies In Hospital Having Tried Suicide Attempt
Mumbai , 01 May : A tragic turn of events unfolded on Wednesday when one of the individuals accused in the shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khans residence made The post Salman Khan Residence Firing Case : Accused Dies In Hospital Having Tried Suicide Attempt appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Sikkim CS discusses monsoon preparedness with line departments
Gangtok, 01 May (IPR): The annual Pre Monsoon Preparedness Meeting organised by Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA) was held today in the Conference Hall of Tashiling Secretariat, Gangtok. Chaired The post Sikkim CS discusses monsoon preparedness with line departments appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Sikkim Chief Minister Commends Workforce on International Labour Day 2024
Pakyong, 01 May: Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) marked International Labour Day with a heartfelt message acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the states diligent workforce. In CMs Facebook The post Sikkim Chief Minister Commends Workforce on International Labour Day 2024 appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik files nomination for Hinjili assembly seat
If BJD returns to power, Naveen will become the longest-serving CM, surpassing the record of Pawan Kumar Chamling of Sikkim
Sikkim operates wildlife surveillance cameras in 2 PAs in with assistance from Aaranyak
Guwahati, April 30: With an objective to deter wildlife crimes to achieve the larger goal of biodiversity conservation, the Forest Department of Sikkim has started the process to install wildlife surveillance cameras in wildlife protection areas (PA). The begin with, the tiny Himalayan state bordering China, has initiated the process to install such surveillance [] The post Sikkim operates wildlife surveillance cameras in 2 PAs in with assistance from Aaranyak appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Senior Women's NFC for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy to kick off in Kolkata
Senior Women's NFC for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy to kick off in Kolkata The Final Round of the 28th edition of the Senior Women's National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy is set to commence in Kolkata on Wednesday. Twelve teams, divided into two groups of six each, will play in a single round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The 12 teams in the final round consist of six group stage winners, three best runners-up and three direct entrants West Bengal (hosts), Tamil Nadu (defending champions) and Haryana (runners-up). Matches will be played at the Kishore Bharati Stadium and the AIFF National Centre of Excellence. The Final Round group stage will finish on May 11. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 13 and the champions will be crowned on May 15. In Group A, Tamil Nadu's title defence will begin at 8 am on Wednesday as they face Delhi, who qualified for the final round with a perfect record of three wins in three. Railways, who have been champions once in 2015-16 and runners-up five times, are the other favourites in the group. They had a spotless qualifying campaign, pumping 38 goals without reply, and will face Chandigarh in their first match, who qualified as one of the best runners-up. Hosts West Bengal will have their work cut out in Group A if they are to break their 27-year title drought. They have lost 10 finals since then, including nine defeats to Manipur. West Bengal's campaign will begin against Punjab, who will be eager to put on a better showing after failing to win a game in the final round last year. Group B contains eternal heavyweights Manipur, who have staggeringly won 21 of the previous 27 editions of the Senior Women's NFC. Without any surprises, they ruthlessly won all three of their qualifying matches with a 27-0 aggregate. After a shocking group-stage exit last year, Manipur will look to reclaim the title, beginning with their first game on May 2 against Jharkhand, who qualified as one of the best runners-up. Haryana had a dream run last year, making the final for the first time in their history. They were bronze medallists at the 2023 National Games in Goa and will be hunting for another podium finish in Kolkata in two weeks. In their first game, Haryana will be up against one of the toughest opponents in Odisha, who were champions in 2011-12 and National Games gold medallists last year after edging out Manipur on penalties. Maharashtra and Sikkim are the other two teams in the group. Maharashtra were also one of the best runners-up and only lost once to Railways in qualifying, while Sikkim topped Group C, with four wins and a draw. 28th Senior Women's National Football Championship for Rajmata Jijabai Trophy 2023-24 Final Round Fixtures: May 1 - Group A08:00, Delhi vs Tamil Nadu (AIFF NCE)16:00, Railways vs Chandigarh (AIFF NCE)16:00, Punjab vs West Bengal (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 2 - Group B08:00, Odisha vs Haryana (AIFF NCE)16:00, Manipur vs Jharkhand (AIFF NCE)16:00, Sikkim vs Maharashtra (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 3 - Group A08:00, Delhi vs Chandigarh (AIFF NCE)16:00, Punjab vs Railways (AIFF NCE)16:00, Tamil Nadu vs West Bengal (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 4 - Group B08:00, Haryana vs Jharkhand (AIFF NCE)16:00, Odisha vs Maharashtra (AIFF NCE)16:00, Manipur vs Sikkim (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 5 - Group A08:00, Tamil Nadu vs Railways (AIFF NCE)16:00, Chandigarh vs Punjab (AIFF NCE)16:00, West Bengal vs Delhi (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 6 - Group B08:00, Jharkhand vs Odisha (AIFF NCE)16:00, Haryana vs Sikkim (AIFF NCE)16:00, Maharashtra vs Manipur (Kishore Bharati Stadium) May 8 - Group A (Time and Venue TBD)Railways vs West BengalChandigarh vs Tamil NaduPunjab vs Delhi May 9 - Group B (Time and Venue TBD)Sikkim vs JharkhandMaharashtra vs HaryanaManipur vs Odisha May 10 - Group A (Time and Venue TBD)West Bengal vs ChandigarhDelhi vs RailwaysTamil Nadu vs Punjab May 11 - Group B (Time and Venue TBD)Jharkhand vs MaharashtraOdisha vs SikkimHaryana vs Manipur May 13 - Semi-finals (Time and Venue TBD)Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group BWinner Group B vs Runner-up Group A May 15 - Final (Time and Venue TBD)Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semi-final 2.(ANI)
Food, Water, Electricity & Democracy, which are the most needed? By Prof. Samitha Hettige
Uma- Oya multipurpose project commenced paying back. Political sources note JVP leader AKD being a pioneer to propose development with waters of Uma Oya but when Mahinda walked the talk with the Iranians, those who only talk werent happy (ref media). Since SL wasnt a democracy even under the British, implementing projects for the good of the masses may have been faster till 1948. Leaving no space for negative minds in the absence of Democracy may have been an effective factor? Parakrama Samudraya still keeps the masses alive & Sigiriya setup for a conflict still prevents conflicts through forex earnings. Iran is the centre of the ancient Persian Empire (advanced, democratic & civilized than present Arab states as per historians). Historically Persia had close links with the civilized world at a time USA wasnt existing. Mahavansa mentions a 300 strong delegation witnessing the starting of Ruvanweliseya construction by King Dutugamunu (161 137 BC). Some see Dutugamunu Elara war as an exhaust point of the South India Persia trade war. In the 4 th century Persians were active at Godawaya port & traces of petroleum based water proofing in the Maduruoya ancient dam indicates investments on rice cultivation probably by Persia (given the climate which isnt best for rice cultivation there) (Ref RASSL). If SL produces a bumper harvest using Uma-Oya waters, Middle East markets can be further tapped in the 21 st century by adding rice to the already favored Ceylon Tea. Iran SL relations USA backed military ruler Shah of Iran gave the Sapugaskanda oil refinery to PM Dudley in 1969 & the US wasnt bothered. When President RW invited the Iranian President, locals were concerned about US feelings but the US seems not bothered. UNP government of PM Dudley singed the Rubber Rice Pact with Communist China (1952) to prevent famine & ensuring right to life of the masses. Some locals were sad than the US & British. Richard Nixon came to test the waters & seasoned Dudley managed diplomacy for the best of SL. Despite early media notifications, some were angry when the roads were temporarily closed to allow Iranian leaders moves. They made a huge cry on social media which operates on electricity powered platforms. Uma-Oya turbines gets energized with water that travels via a 600m (2,000ft) vertical pressure shaft, after passing through the long tailrace tunnel (Ref. media). When Uma-Oya adds more energy to the national grid, Sri Lankans especially Buddhists who boast on the value of being patient can use more electronics to educate foreigners who come to Sri Lanka to learn. One such was Ven. Sikkim Mahinda, the monk from Sikkim, India who identified himself as a Tibetan since Tibet was more known than Sikkim (Ref S. Mahinda story). He is still considered a National Hero especially by the Sinhalese from whom he questioned if they were blind. Uma-Oya 600m shaft Vs Chinas 5200m ultra-deep well. Chinas first ultra-deep geothermal scientific exploration well (Fushenre-1) in Hainan province, reached a subterranean depth of 5200 meters (5.2 KM) a week ago. This well will be used to extract power from deep geothermal resources. Geothermal energy is a stable & low-carbon form of renewable energy with large reserves & widespread distribution. The drilling was managed by Sinopec & it was a new record for geothermal exploration in China. Hainan which is being developed as a free trade port is expecting to use the new energy to power large scale development projects in the Hainan Island (Ref. Chinese media). Being independent in food & energy would be vital for SL. Ven. S. Mahindas home Sikkim itself is an example to learn the lesson. (Photo: Chinas first ultra-deep geothermal scientific exploration well (Fushenre-1) in Hainan) (Views expressed are personal)
Lok Sabha polls: Rajnath Singh to file nomination from Lucknow today
Lok Sabha polls: Rajnath Singh to file nomination from Lucknow today Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will file his nomination papers on Monday from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow constituency for the Lok Sabha elections. Before the filing of nomination papers, Rajnath Singh will also hold a two-kilometer roadshow in the city. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be present during the nomination. According to sources, Singh will go to the BJP office in Lucknow where he may participate in the roadshow for the nomination. On the way, he will also visit a temple. Lucknow will go to polls alongside 13 other constituencies on May 20 in the fifth phase of elections. Rajnath Singh in 2019 had defeated Samajwadi Party Poonam Shatrughan Sinha with over 6.3 lakh votes. He had defeated Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi by a margin of 2,72,749 votes in 2014. The first phase of voting for the seven-phased Lok Sabha election was held on April 19 in 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs with over 62 per cent voter turnout. The second phase election was concluded on April 26. In the first phase, polling was held in Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (1), Madhya Pradesh (6), Maharashtra (5), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (1), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (1), Uttar Pradesh (8), Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (3), Andaman and Nicobar (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1) and Puducherry (1). The second phase election was concluded on April 26. This phase saw polling on 88 Lok Sabha constituencies, including all 20 seats in Kerala, 14 in Karnataka, 13 in Rajasthan, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir. The third phase of Lok Sabha elections will be held on May 7. The 2024 general elections will be held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI)
Muslims Use Condoms The Most, Owaisi Levels Acquisition Against PM Modi
New Delhi, 29 April : The leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and candidate for the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, Asaduddin Owaisi, is renowned for his outspoken stance The post Muslims Use Condoms The Most, Owaisi Levels Acquisition Against PM Modi appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Empowering Sikkims Youth: Three Students Set to Shine at United Nations Simulation Conference
Pakyong , 29 April : In a remarkable achievement, three bright minds from Sikkim have been chosen to represent their state at the prestigious United Nations Simulation Conference, organized by The post Empowering Sikkims Youth: Three Students Set to Shine at United Nations Simulation Conference appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Sikkim Witnesses a Spike in Tourist Arrivals in Q1 2024
Pakyong, 28 April : Unprecedented growth in tourist numbers observed in beautiful tiny Himalayan Sikkim in first quarter of 2024. According to official figures released by the Department of Tourism The post Sikkim Witnesses a Spike in Tourist Arrivals in Q1 2024 appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Tarundeep Rai and Comrades Stunned Reigning Olympic Champions South Korea in World Cup
Pakyong, 28 April : In a momentous display of skill and determination, Sikkimese archer Tarundeep Rai, alongside his adept comrades Dhiraj Bommadevara and Pravin Jadhav, etched their names in history The post Tarundeep Rai and Comrades Stunned Reigning Olympic Champions South Korea in World Cup appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Over 280,000 visitors flock to Sikkim this year
Sikkim is experiencing an unprecedented surge in tourist arrivals in 2024. According to official data released by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sikkim has welcomed an astonishing 290,401 tourists in the first quarter of the year, up to March 31, 2024. Among these, 256,537 were domestic tourists, while 30,864 arrived from foreign countries.... The post Over 280,000 visitors flock to Sikkim this year first appeared on India's Top Travel News Source: TravelBiz Monitor .
Phurba Tamang Secures Podium in World 10K Bengaluru Marathon
Pakyong, 28 April : Phurba Tamang, a beacon of inspiration hailing from the serene landscapes of Sikkim, etched her name in the annals of sporting glory at the illustrious TCS The post Phurba Tamang Secures Podium in World 10K Bengaluru Marathon appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
WhatsApp Assures Delhi High Court: Exiting India, Upholding User Privacy, No Compromise
New Delhi , 27 April : WhatsApp informed the Delhi High Court on Thursday that it would exit India if compelled to compromise message and call encryption under the 2021 The post WhatsApp Assures Delhi High Court: Exiting India, Upholding User Privacy, No Compromise appeared first on The Voice Of Sikkim .
Talking about the tourist destinations of India, every state is known for its diversity where you get to experience different types of tourism. Now when it comes to tourism, it is natural to talk about food which is also a part of tourism. Today in this episode we are going to talk about the food of Sikkim, a beautiful state of India. Sikkim is known for its natural beauty as well as delicious food. The food of Sikkim is simple and delicious in its way. Bhutan, Tibet, and Nepal, which border Sikkim, have a significant influence on the cuisine of Sikkim. Today we are going to tell you about the main and famous food of Sikkim. Let us know about it... # Gundruk Soup Gundruk soup originated in Nepal but is one of the staple foods of Sikkim. Gunduk soup is a fermented vegetable soup made from mustard, cabbage, or radish leaves. People of Sikkim prepare this dish in earthen pots. The soup is rich in roughage and helps maintain the body's metabolism. #Thukpa If you are visiting the Indian state of Sikkim, do not miss Thukpa! This Sikkimese dish, a delicious noodle soup made in the eastern regions of Tibet, will please your taste buds. This delicious dish is available not only in street vendors but in almost every restaurant in the state. In addition to the spicy flavor, the noodle soup contains chopped onions and green chilies. You have the option to make this recipe vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Instead of chopped vegetables, you can include red meat and eggs. #Sinky soup Sinki soup is a traditional dish of Sikkim, similar to Gundruk soup, but made from radish taproot. These radish roots are cut and put in a hole covered with straw. After this, the bacteria remain covered with vegetation and soil for about a month to perform their action. It is then dried in the sun and can be stored for up to a year and used in soups. It can also be used as a pickle and eaten with parantha. #Thenthuk One of the most famous dishes of Sikkim is Thenthuk, a type of noodle soup. It is made from vegetables, chicken or mutton, and wheat flour. If you are a vegetarian then you can eat veggie thenthuk. It is a soup with vegetables, meat, or both, into which small pieces of dough are added and cooked with stew. It is a dinner dish served by Sikkimese families. #Khapsi Khapsi is a fried pastry, which tastes slightly sweet or salty. It is commonly eaten and prepared on special occasions, as well as at Tibetan weddings. These are doughs that are shaped into attractive shapes, and colors are often added to make them more attractive. #Momos Sikkim and Momos are related to each other. Momos originated in Tibet and were modified by Nepalese and then became the lifeline of Sikkim. It is a small steamed bun with vegetable filling. The filling can be anything other than ground meat and vegetables. These pagodas are made from white flour dough. To enhance the texture of momos, yeast or baking soda is also added to the dough. #Wachipa Wachipa is a traditional Sikkimese dish of the Kirat Rai ethnic group. Powder made from burnt chicken wings is mixed with cooked rice and minced chicken. Due to this, the taste of the powder is bitter. Vegetarian wachipa can be made by replacing the meat with the leaves or flowers of the bitter damlapa plant. This mostly happens only for some special occasions. # Dal Bhaat Everyone in Sikkim consumes Dal Bhaat almost every day and it is considered the staple food of Sikkim. This meal is a mixture of boiled rice, lentil soup, and vegetables. Many Indian regions refer to this dish as dal rice. The taste of lentil soup may vary from place to place, but some ingredients, such as salt, turmeric, and a little bit of allspice, remain the same. Vegetables (curry or fried vegetables) and many other side dishes are also included. For those who want to keep things simple and have a light meal, Dal Bhaat is a great option. #Sel roti Sel Roti is a famous and popular Sikkimese popular dish. It is made from rice flour. Cleaning the rice, which absorbs the water and creates a nutritious meal, is part of the process. Cardamom is added along with water and sugar to taste. It is dropped in hot oil in a ring shape. If you want to fry it, you will need a lot of practice as it will look simple but is difficult to prepare. On special occasions, it is prepared in large quantities and served with potato curry. (PC: Lifeberrys)
Travel tips: Darjeeling is full of natural beauty, definitely visit these places with your family.
Whenever it comes to traveling with family, people mostly like to choose places that are known for their natural beauty. There are many such places in the country, one of which is Darjeeling. It is a beautiful hill station surrounded by the Himalayan peaks in the Indian state of West Bengal which is also known as the Queen of Mountains. This city, full of natural beauty, was once a part of Sikkim, which is today one of the famous tourist destinations of India. Due to its beauty and attractiveness, it attracts tourists from all over the world. If you are planning to visit Darjeeling, then let us know which places you can enjoy visiting. Kursong Kursong is a small hill station known for its beauty. Every year tourists from every corner of the country reach here, and return with many good memories. Here you will see clouds on the mountains, seeing them you will feel as if you can catch them. This site attracts everyone. To reach Kursong you have to travel about 50 kilometers from Siliguri. Batasia Loop As soon as you reach Batasia Loop, you start feeling like you are actually in heaven because the clouds are below you and if you are above those clouds on the peak of the mountain, just imagine how spectacular that view would be. Batasia Loop is one of the most famous places to visit in Darjeeling and what makes it even more beautiful is the toy train that runs from there. Its special thing is that it circles the entire Batasia Loop and along with this, this place is one of the most visited places in India. One of the highest railway lines. Lepchajagat This is a small village located in Darjeeling, whose distance from the city is about 15 kilometers. You can have many peaceful moments here, away from the noise of the cities. Here you can go on a picnic with your family. Everyone likes the calm environment and pleasant weather here. Barbatiya Rock Garden The 5-kilometer-long winding road from Darjeeling city to reach Rock Garden passes through huge mountains and forests and the beautiful valleys of nature all around fascinate the tourists visiting Rock Garden. After reaching the Rock Garden, you will find many beautiful waterfalls that flow around the lush green garden, which brings peace to the mind. If you are looking for a perfect place to visit in Darjeeling, then you will hardly find any place better than this, especially for the people who are fond of photography, Rock Garden can prove to be very wonderful. Jorpokhari Jorpokhari is located at a distance of about 20 kilometers from Darjeeling. Here you can spend relaxing moments, which will make you feel good. There is also a lake here, sitting on its banks you can spend time with your family. Many tourists come here every year. Zoological Park The famous Zoological Park of Darjeeling is named after Padmaja Naidu, daughter of Sarojini Naidu. This park was built under the Red Panda Program of the Central Zoo Authority of India. Snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Asiatic black bear, clouded leopard, red panda, goral, blue sheep, and other endangered and threatened Himalayan species are protected in this zoological park. The park is so beautiful and so charmingly maintained that it is one of the better zoos in India. Mirik Tourists from far and wide come every year to see the beauty and magnificence of Mirik. This is the best place to spend time with family. Here you will get to see tea plantations, orange orchards, and Mirik Lake. Where you can enjoy with your family. Tiger hill Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is famous for its sunrise because, from Tiger Hill, colorful rays of the sun rising from the hills of Kanchanganga are visible, which thousands of tourists come every day to see. This place is one of the places worth visiting in Darjeeling, but to see the sunrise, you have to leave your hotel at 3 to 4 in the night because its distance is about 10 kilometers from Darjeeling. (PC: LIFEBERRYS)
2nd Phase of LS Polls Witnesses 61 Per Cent Voter Turnout Amid EVM Glitches
NEW DELHI: The second phase of polling for Lok Sabha elections saw nearly 61 per cent voter turnout as people avoided venturing out of homes in the summer heat and voted largely in the morning and evening. Polling in the second phase covered 88 seats across 13 states and UTs amid complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. The Election Commission of India (ECI) said polling remained largely peaceful though incidents of intimidation were reported from Manipur in the second phase too. The ECI data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.25 per cent polling, followed by Manipur 77.32 per cent, while the turnout in Uttar Pradesh was at 54.85 per cent and Maharashtra at 56.63 per cent. Rajasthan registered 64.07 per cent, West Bengal 71.84 per cent, Assam 71.11 per cent, Bihar 55.08 per cent, Chhattisgarh 73.55 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 71.91 per cent, Karnataka 68.26 per cent, Kerala 65.78 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh 57.76 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning urged people to cast their votes in record numbers and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy. Stressing on the importance of each vote, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi issued impassioned appeals asking people to step out and exercise their franchise. After the end of polling, Modi in a tweet said, Phase Two has been too good! Gratitude to the people across India who have voted today. The unparalleled support for NDA is going to disappoint the Opposition even more. Voters want NDAs good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumars brother D.K. Suresh (Congress), and former Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJPs Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. Polling was held in all 20 seats of Kerala, 14 of the 28 seats in Karnataka, 13 seats in Rajasthan, 8 seats each in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, 6 seats in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Bihar, 3 seats each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and 1 seat each in Manipur, Tripura and Jammu and Kashmir. After Fridays phase, polling is over in Kerala, Rajasthan and Tripura. In the first phase on April 19, polling was completed in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1).
Himachal Pradesh: IMD predicts thunderstorms, rain in 10 districts during next 48 hours
Himachal Pradesh: IMD predicts thunderstorms, rain in 10 districts during next 48 hours The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted thunderstorms, hail and rainfall in 10 districts of the state during the next 48 hours. Thunderstorms with lightning, hail and strong wind (30-40kmph) are very likely at isolated places over Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, Una during the next 48 hours, said IMD Shimla. Meanwhile, severe heatwave conditions are likely to continue over East and South Peninsular India during the next 5 days, the India Meteorological Department said on Friday. According to the IMD, heatwave to severe heatwave conditions will likely prevail in many places over Gangetic West Bengal, in some parts of Odisha, and in isolated pockets over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal during the next 5 days. The IMD has also predicted a fresh spell of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds is likely to occur over the Western Himalayan region from April 26-29 and the plains of Northwest India from April 26-28 and adjoining Central India from April 26-27. IMD further said that fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall/snowfall accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) is very likely over Arunachal Pradesh and scattered to fairly widespread rainfall over Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura during April 26-30 2024. It added that isolated light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is very likely over Sikkim on April 28, 2024. It added that heavy rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya on April 28-30, 2024. (ANI)
IRCTC keeps coming up with many amazing tour packages to visit popular places in the country and abroad. Summer season is going on. In such a situation, if you are planning to visit some good place. In such a situation, IRCTC has brought a very wonderful tour package for you. Under this tour package, you are getting a chance to visit beautiful Sikkim. Sikkim is very popular all over the world due to its natural beauty. The snow-covered hills here add to the beauty of Sikkim. The beauty of Sikkim attracts a large number of tourists from all over the country and the world. In this episode, let us know in detail about this tour package of IRCTC - The name of this tour package of IRCTC is SIKKIM PLATINUM. Under this tour package, you will be taken for 7 nights and 8 days. Its package code is EHH124. Under this tour package of IRCTC, you will be taken by bus. Under the package, you will be taken to Darjeeling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, and Pelling. This tour package starts from Bagdogra/New Jalpaiguri on 1st May 2024. Under this tour package, you do not have to worry about food and drinks. Everything from food to accommodation will be arranged. Apart from this, you are getting many great facilities in this tour package. If you want to know about the fare. In such a situation, you can visit this link https://www.irctctourism.com/pacakage_description?packageCode=EHH124. (PC: ISTOCK)
Manipur Governor unveils Food Museum of Northeast in Imphal
Imphal: Governor of Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey on Thursday opened a Food Museum of Northeast states at Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal where food items from the seven northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura are being put on display. The museum is being developed as a component of the Agro-ecotourism [] The post Manipur Governor unveils Food Museum of Northeast in Imphal appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
It said that severe heatwave conditions likely over coastal Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and isolated pockets of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, as well as interior Karnataka for the next five days.
India ranks low in early disaster warning
NEW DELHI: India is among the top vulnerable countries as Asia remained the worlds most disaster-hit region because of weather, climate and water-related hazards in 2023, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Tuesday while highlighting that extreme heat, severe floods, a glacial lake outburst flood devastated parts of India last year claiming around 2,500 lives. The report placed India at below average in the composite category of early warning system. India ranked 14 out of 21 countries composite scores which calculate based on risk knowledge, observation and forecasting, warning, dissemination and preparedness to respond. India has performed well on observation and forecasting and preparedness to respond index but zero report on risk knowledge and warning and dissemination. We have not done any economic analysis of our loss and damage to come up with any study to project our economic vulnerability, said Dr Sreejith OP of India Meteorological Department and a lead author of Indias chapter of WMO report. According to experts, India assesses its loss and damages based on the aftermath of the event and also based on media reports. Sreejith also pointed out Indias lack of last-mile connectivity to warn and disseminate early warning messages. India is a diverse country with different languages lacking a robust dissemination system, he said, adding that IMD has been working on it to iron out the flaws. According to the report, only five out of 21 countries performed well on each indicator. It means people of these countries can access a multi-hazard early warning system. These five countries are Korea, Qatar, Japan, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar. In 2023, various parts of the country experienced extreme weather events like extremely heavy rainfall, floods, landslide, lightning, thunderstorm, heat wave, snowfall, cold wave and hailstorm, among others, which caused about 2450 deaths, out of which more than 1330 were due to lightning and thunderstorm. The annual mean land surface air temperature average over India during 2023 was +0.65C above the long-term average (period 1981-2010). The year 2023 was the second warmest year on record after 2016 since nationwide records commenced in 1901. In 2023, there were 6 cyclones formed over the north Indian Ocean. Of these, 3 were Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Mocha, Biparjoy and Tej, two were Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung and Midhili, one was Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hamoon. Of these, 4 cyclones, viz. Mocha, Hamoon, Midhili, and Michaung, formed over the Bay of Bengal & two cyclones, namely Biparjoy and Tej, over the Arabian Sea. In addition to it, there was below the normal rainfall observed in both during southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon season in 2023. Moreover, a significant glacial lake outburst flood originating in South Lhonak in North Sikkim led to the catastrophic collapse of the Teesta III hydroelectric dam, causing widespread devastation downstream. According to the National Emergency Response Centre of India (NDMI), there were over 100 deaths and over 70 people went missing.
U20 men's football nationals: Sikkim, Telangana prove too good in big wins
Sikkim,Telangana prove too good in Swami Vivekananda U20 Mens NFC
Narainpur (Chhattisgarh), Apr 23 (UNI) Sikkim and Telangana were the big winners in Group H of the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Mens National Football Championship at the Ramakrishna Ashrama Ground here. Both teams won by identical 5-0 margins to take the top positions in the group on Monday. Sikkim put in a flawless shift in the... The post Sikkim,Telangana prove too good in Swami Vivekananda U20 Mens NFC first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .
Constitution can never be changed... Congress creating confusion: BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla
Constitution can never be changed... Congress creating confusion: BJP candidate from Kota Om Birla Lok Sabha Speaker and BJP candidate from Kota constituency for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Om Birla, slammed the Congress for spreading confusion within the Scheduled Castes by saying that the BJP wants to change the Constitution and curtail the rights of people. The BJP candidate assured that the Constitution can never be changed. Speaking to ANI here on Monday, Birla said, Prime Minister Modi has clearly said that the Constitution can never be changed. No one is going to be fooled. The Congress is trying to spread false things and create confusion within the Scheduled Castes... Replying to a query, he said, If someone has secured and protected the rights of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Dalits, then it has been done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government wants to change the Constitution and curtail the rights of people. Their (BJP) leaders are saying to everyone that they should get 400 seats and they will change the Constitution. On the other hand, Narendra Modi says - We will not change the Constitution. This is a conspiracy. The Constitution gives the right to equality to women, and the right to 'jal, Jungle' for Adivasis. This is the same Constitution for which the great men of the country sacrificed themselves. They want to change the Constitution because the PM only wants power. They want to weaken the rights of the people. They want to weaken the reservations, Priyanka Gandhi said at a rally in Rajnandgaon. Voting for Lok Sabha polls in Rajasthan is being held in two phases. Polling for 12 seats was held in the first phase on April 19 and voting for the remaining 13 seats will be contested in the second phase on April 26. The counting will take place on June 4. In 2019, the BJP registered a sweeping victory, winning 24 out of 25 seats. Rashtriya Loktrantrik Party's Hanuman Beniwal also won a seat. The first phase of voting for 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories was held on Friday with a voter turnout of nearly 64 per cent. In the first phase of LS polls, voting took place in the following states - Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. Polling was also held in the following Union Territories - Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry. The Lok Sabha polls are being held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. (ANI)
RBI asks payment system operators to report high value, suspicious transactions during elections
The Election Commission has so far announced the schedule for holding General Elections to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim
Unprecedented Feat: 35 Candidates Clinch Lok Sabha Seats Without Contest Since 1951
Unprecedented Feat: 35 Candidates Clinch Lok Sabha Seats Without Contest Since 1951 The BJP's Mukesh Dalal has become the first candidate in the last 12 years to have won a Lok Sabha election unopposed. He is also perhaps the first candidate from the BJP to have ever won a parliamentary poll unopposed. His victory from the Surat parliamentary constituency comes close on the heels of 10 BJP candidates winning uncontested in the just-held assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh. Dalal was on Monday elected unopposed from Surat Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat after all other nominees withdrew from the fray, a poll official said. The candidature of the Congress' Nilesh Kumbhani was rejected a day earlier after the district returning officer prima facie found discrepancies in the signature of the proposers. This is the first victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the ongoing seven-phased Lok Sabha elections. Before Dalal's unopposed entry to the 18th Lok Sabha, there have been at least 34 others who have won the parliamentary polls since 1951 without an electoral battle. Samajwadi Party's Dimple Yadav had won the Kannauj Lok Sabha bypoll in 2012 unopposed. The seat was vacated by her husband Akhilesh Yadav after he became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Amongst the other prominent leaders who have won parliamentary polls unopposed are Y B Chavan, Farooq Abdullah, Hare Krishna Mahtab, T T Krishnamachari, P M Syeed and S C Jamir. Of the candidates who have entered the Lok Sabha without a contest, the maximum have been from the Congress. Sikkim and Srinagar constituencies have seen such unopposed elections twice. While most candidates have won polls unopposed in general or regular elections, there have been at least nine, including Dimple Yadav, who have won bypolls uncontested. A maximum of seven candidates won the general elections uncontested in 1957, followed by five each in 1951 and 1967 polls. While three candidates won uncontested in 1962 and two in 1977, one candidate each won the polls in a similar fashion in 1971, 1980 and 1989.
Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal 2024 Phase 2: Schools and colleges to remain closed on April 26
Voting for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commenced on April 19th across 21 states and Union territories in India, witnessing a turnout of approximately 64% of eligible voters. States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry participated in the electoral process.
80% voter turnout in Sikkim Assembly elections, says EC
Yoksom-Tashiding assembly constituency registered the highest voter turnout at 85.37 per cent, while Gangtok (BL) assembly constituency witnessed the lowest turnout at 63.66 per cent.
Fifty years ago| Sikkim ruler for closer co-operation with India
Railways succeeds in mining tunnel in sandy soil below NH-10, averting cave-in risk
NEW DELHI, April 20: The Sivok-Rangpo Rail Project, which will connect Sikkim to the railway network for the first time, has got a major boost with the completion of an 855-metre-long emergency exit tunnel. A 20-metre section of the tunnel runs under National Highway-10, along the Teesta river, and according to officials, mining through its []
In this vast country of India, you will find more than one place where your beauty and beauty can please you. One such state is Sikkim which is known for its plants, animals, rivers, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. Sikkim is a mountainous state located in the north-eastern part of India. This thumb-shaped state is also known for its festivals which become the attraction here. The main religion for the people of Sikkim is Hinduism although a large population also follows Buddhism. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about the famous festivals of Sikkim which can make your trip even more memorable. Let us know about these festivals... Losang Festival Losang Festival is a major festival of Sikkim celebrated at the end of the harvest and the tenth month of the year according to the Tibetan calendar. During this festival, people pray for a good harvest and good prospects in the coming year. This festival symbolizes the spirit of good over evil. Chams were held 2 days earlier in most monasteries. People wear masks and are well-dressed and perform the Cham dance. During the festival, many competitions of traditional skills are organized, such as archery, merrymaking competitions, etc. Sonam Lhochar Festival Sonal Lhochar Festival is one of the most prominent festivals of Northeast India which is celebrated as the beginning of the Tibetan New Year for the Tamang community. To celebrate this festival with full enthusiasm and pomp, men and women wear colorful and traditional clothes and perform rituals. People wear masks and dance to the beats of drums. The exotic and delicious Tamang dishes served to the people are a real treat for the people of Sikkim as well as the visitors. It is celebrated in Sikkim as well as in Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet in February. Losar Festival Losar Festival is celebrated as Tibetan New Year in February. Yak dance is very popular in this festival and a procession is also taken out in it. Here the local community gathers together to watch grand religious performances. People celebrate the festival by singing, dancing, eating, and drinking along with traditional Sherpa songs. Many traditional ceremonial dances are performed that depict the conflict between demons and gods, this event is mainly held in monasteries. Even in Nepal, the Saur festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Saga claim Saga Dawa is an auspicious month for Sikkim. It is also known as the Triple Blessed Festival. Tibetan Buddhists celebrate the auspicious time of the year when the Saga star appears in the sky in the fourth month of the Tibetan calendar. Buddhists celebrate Shakyamuni festival on the full moon day of this month. Those of birth, enlightenment, and nirvana were all born in the same month and reached their peak on April 15. Believing that good deeds and prayers are multiplied during this period, people are much more compassionate than usual. Jokhangs chant around the temple and give alms to the needy to avoid killing animals. Bhumchu Bhumchu is celebrated with many ceremonies and rituals among the northeastern people of India. Bhumchu means sacred vessel of water. The festival features an opening ceremony on the first day where monks from Tashiding Monastery open pots and predict the future of the coming year. The next day, during the closing ceremony, the monks refill the pot with water brought from the sacred river and the pot is sealed until the next year. The festival showcases the rituals and customs of Buddhism and is an ideal opportunity for tourists to witness the traditions. Dance festival The Dance Festival is one of the special festivals in Sikkim which is celebrated in December. The dance performed by the monks during this festival depicts the destruction of evil forces. During this festival they also pray for peace and prosperity in Sikkim. Tendong Lho Rum Phato It is the most important and ancient festival of the people of Sikkim celebrated by the Lepcha tribe people as it is believed that the ancestors of the Lepcha tribe were saved by Tendong Hill during a flood that lasted for 40 days. A grand festival is organized and rituals and ceremonies are performed throughout the state of Sikkim. The main focus of this festival is the trek from Ravangla to Tendong hill which is a unique experience and is visited by many locals as well as tourists to induce some adrenaline rush. Pang Lhabsol Pang Lhabsol is a very popular festival of Sikkim which is celebrated as the Independence Day of India. On this festival, people pray to God for the country and Sikkim. All celebrations are held around Mount Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. Apart from celebrating the peak it honors the treaty between the Lepchas and Bhutias. All the Gods and Goddesses are welcomed in this festival. The celebration takes place around the fifteenth day which falls in the seventh month of their calendar and at the end of August in the English calendar. (PC: Lifeberrys)
Record-breaking 79.77 per cent voter turnout in Sikkim Assembly elections
Record-breaking 79.77 per cent voter turnout in Sikkim Assembly elections The Sikkim Assembly elections recorded a voter turnout of 79.77 per cent while the polling figure for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the Himalayan state was 80.03, officials said on Saturday. Voting for the 32 Assembly segments and the lone Lok Sabha seat in the Himalayan state was held on Friday. The election officials had given a voter turnout figure of 67.95 per cent after 5 pm on Friday. The final voter turnout figure for the Sikkim Assembly election is 79.77 per cent which was an improvement by one per cent from 78.63 per cent in 2019 assembly polls, they said. The Himalayan state has 4.64 lakh voters. Yoksom-Tashiding assembly constituency registered the highest voter turnout at 85.37 per cent, while Gangtok (BL) assembly constituency witnessed the lowest turnout at 63.66 per cent. As many as 20 assembly constituencies recorded voter turnout at 80 per cent or more, while 10 other assembly constituencies saw polling between 70 and 79 per cent. The voter turnout for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Sikkim was 80.03 per cent which is a shade lower than 81.41 per cent in 2019, officials added. A total of 146 candidates, including Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, his predecessor Pawan Kumar Chamling, former India Football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, and Tamang's wife Krishna Kumari Rai are in the fray for 32 assembly constituencies. Tamang and Chamling are contesting from two assembly constituencies each. The counting of votes for the Sikkim Assembly elections will be taken up on June 2 and that for the Lok Sabha election on June 4.
Lok Sabha elections: BSF Meghalaya ensures peaceful polls
Lok Sabha elections: BSF Meghalaya ensures peaceful polls The Border Security Force Meghalaya played a crucial role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the electoral process across the state during the first phase of the general elections held on Friday. For the parliamentary elections in 2024, which included two constituencies in Meghalaya--Shillong and Tura--the BSF Meghalaya Frontier deployed a dedicated contingent comprising six companies across Garo Hills and East Khasi Hills districts, an official release said. On the election day, BSF troops maintained security measures and assisted local border residents, the elderly, and special-abled individuals in reaching the election booths to cast their votes without hindrance. This congenial environment facilitated the overall conduct of the election by enhancing public confidence. As per estimated voter turnout data, Meghalaya recorded around 74.38 percent turnout. The voting concluded at 6 pm in 102 Lok Sabha constituencies. Meanwhile, Tripura recorded the highest turnout at around 80.17 per cent, followed by West Bengal at 77.57 per cent. Sikkim recorded around 69.47 per voter turnout. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in India in seven phases, starting from April 19 to June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1 accordingly. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. (ANI)
First day, First show and the polling begins
The first round of 7-phase parliamentary polls was held across 21 states, with sporadic incidents of violence being reported from Manipur and West Bengal. In the biggest round of the elections, all 39 seats of Tamil Nadu, 12 of Rajasthan and 8 of Uttar Pradesh went to polls. With PM Modi eyeing a third term in office, the BJP hopes to win 22 of the 25 seats in Northeast, hold on to its 2019 tally in the Hindi heartland and Maharashtra and better its show in West Bengal as well as in the South. The Opposition INDIA bloc insists that it will do well across the country, especially in the saffron bastion of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar this time. The counting of votes will take place on June 4 Rajasthan: Total seats - 25 1st phase - 12 It was subdued enthusiasm among voters in 12 seats. Voting was largely peaceful in most constituencies, though some witnessed sporadic clashes. In Kuchera, Nagaur, one of the hot seats, supporters of BJP candidate Jyoti Mirdha and INDIA Alliance candidate Hanuman Beniwal of RLP clashed with each others, injuring Tejpal Mirdha, the chairman of Kuchera municipality. Nagour is a Jat-dominated seat. In another hot seat of Jhunjhunu in the Shekhawati region, BJP candidate Shubhakaran Chaudhary fought with security personnel and in Churu, an MLA was involved in altercation with a policeman Uttar pradesh: Total seats - 80 1st phase - 8 The overall turnout seemed to be lower than the 2019 elections. The eight constituencies which went to the polls included Saharanpur (63.29%),Pilibhit (60.2%), Kairana (58.68%), Nagina (SC) (58.05%), Moradabad (57.65%), Muzaffarnagar (54.91), Bijnor (54.68%), Rampur (52.42%). No major incident was reported during the polling. Last time, a turnout of 66.47% was recorded in the eight constituencies. Overall turnout in Uttar Pradesh during 2019 was 59.21%. In the Neuria area of the district, villagers said they would not vote as they are peeved at man-animal conflict Bihar: Total seats - 40 4 A low turnout of 48.23% was recorded in four constituencies where 38 candidates were in the fray. In 2019, 53.47% voters had exercised their franchise. Gaya has the highest 14 candidates in the fray. There is a decrease of around 5.24% of turnout in 2024. According to chief electoral officer H R Srinivasa, Gaya (SC) recorded the highest 52% turnout, Jamui (SC) and Aurangabad 50% each. In Nawada, only 41.50% voters exercised their franchise. In 2019, Aurangabad had recorded 53.63% turnout, Gaya 56.16 %, Nawada 49.33% and Jamui 55.21%. Voters called for poll boycott in six stations, there was no report of clashes or violence though, according to Srinivasa. WEST BENGAL: Total seats - 42 1st phase - 3 Sporadic incidents of violence marred the first phase, with TMC and BJP workers clashing in Cooch Behar and Jalpaiguri. Three reserved seatsJalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Beharin North Bengal went to polls. The TMC and the BJP lodged 80 and 39 complaints, respectively, related to violence, voter intimidation, and assaults on poll agents in Cooch Behar and Alipurduar. Union MoS Nisith Pramanik is contesting from Cooch Behar. TMC leader Udayan Guha said that the BJP, along with central forces, unleashed a reign of terror to rig the elections. The BJP, however, denied the allegations. chhattisgarh: Total seats - 11 1st phase - 1 The voters defied the Maoist threat, as the encouraging turnout eclipsed the terror that haunted Bastar zone ahead of the polling. A CRPF personnel, Devendra kumar, was killed in an IED blast at Usoor in an edgy district of Bijapur during an area domination operation. He died of his injuries while on the way to Raipur in a chopper. In the same district, an assistant commandant of CRPF was injured during a poll-related duty at Bhairamgarh. Barring the two incidents, the polling across Bastar remained peaceful. For the first time, 102 new polling stations were set up for the convenience of voters. Madhya Pradesh: Total seats - 29 1st phase - 6 Six constituencies recorded around 67% turnout till 6.30 pm and the figure is likely to go up. The six seats had registered 75.23% polling in. The high-profile Chhindwara seat (where ex-CM Kamal Naths MP son Nakul Nath took on BJPs Vivek Sahu) stood on top in terms of poll percentage with 78.67% as shared by chief electoral officer Anupam Rajan. Another key constituency Mandla-ST (where sixth-time BJP MP and Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste was pitted against ex-minister and fourth-time Congress MLA Omkar Markam) reported 72.92% polling. The Maoist-hit Balaghat seat reported 72.60% polling Jammu & Kashmir: Total seats - 5 1st phase - 1 For the first-time in over three decades, residents at the International Border in Hira Nagar sector of Kathua district exercised their right to vote for the Udhampur seat without any fear or threat of cross-border firing. It was the first major electoral exercise in J&K since the abrogration of Article 370 and bifurcation of erstwhile J&K state into two Union Territories. People men, women, including young and old thronged at the polling station in Kadyala village close to International Border. India and Pakistan on February 24, 2021, announced to strictly uphold the November 2003 border ceasefire pact between the troops of two countries. Residents said due to the ceasefire, more people have come to vote in this election UTTARAKHAND 5 5 Despite clear weather and relatively low temperature, the turnout was below expectation. Villagers of Jalal in Nainital and Tehri parliamentary constituency boycotted the election for lack of infrastructure, posing risks to their travel and safety. Newlywed couples, dressed in their wedding attire, arrived at several polling stations to cast their votes. However, around 350 were not able to vote on polling day due to wedding ceremonies. Bhagwan Singh, father of the groom from village Chhedi in Srinagar, expressed regret for not being able to vote on polling day due to clash over marriage date Maharashtra: Total seats - 48 1st phase - 5 Voting for the five seats took place without untoward events in Maharashtra. The voting began on a slow pace due to the scorching heat in the Vidarbha region. The tribal and Naxalite district of Gadchiroli witnessed the highest turnout at 64.95%, while Nagpur reported lowest at 47.91% till 5pm. In Ramtek-SC seat, 53.38% turnout was reported, 56.87% in BhandaraGondia and 55.11% in Chandrapur seat. To avoid technical snags cropping up in EVMs in the remote polling booths in Gadchiroli, three spare EVMs were dispatched by a helicopter to the Sironcha area of the district, said an official. Manipur: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 Sporadic incidents of gunfire and intimidation of voters as well as Congress workers by armed miscreants marred Lok Sabha elections in ethnic violence-hit Manipur on Friday. The turnout was 72.32% in the Inner Manipur seat and 61.98% in Outer Manipur. The violence occurred in places falling under the Inner Manipur seat which straddles the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley. The armed men fired several rounds outside a polling station at Thamnapokpi in Bishnupur district. Three persons were reportedly injured.The voters and the Congress polling agents were intimidated by the armed miscreants Tamil Nadu: Total seats - 39 1st phase - 39 The polling began at 7am amid tight security in most of the 39 constituencies. Argument broke out between voters and officials in some polling stations as authorities did not allow people to carry their smartphones/mobiles inside the booths. People belonging to Parandhur village with over 1,000 voters near Sriperumbudur did not turn up to vote till 9.30 am. Around 1,000 voters of Ennore who had called for boycott of the election over the ammonia gas leak incident at Ennore Creek withdrew their decision and decided to vote Puducherry: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 The Union Territory gets to elect their lone representative to the Lok Sabha. A visit to some of the polling stations in rural areas brought to the fore a mixed picture. Pink booths were the centre of attraction. The green environment at a booth housed on the premises of the more-than-century-old VOC Government Boys school in the town added to the lustre of the arrangements. Gruel, nutritious cereals, millets and buttermilk were given to the voters Lakshadweep: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Nearly 60% voter turnout was recorded until 5pm in the Lakshadweep constituency spanning across 10 inhabited islands of the Lakshadweep Archipelago, with an electorate of 57,784, as per data shared by the Election Commission. Out of this total, 28,506 are women. The polling began at 7.30am across the 10 inhabited islands and concluded at 6.30 pm. An official said that the figures provided are preliminary, as voters who were in line by this deadline were given the opportunity to cast their votes Andaman & Nicobar islands: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Around 3,15,148 voters in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have exercised their franchise till 3pm for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the Union Territory. Seven members of the Shompen tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTGs) of the Great Nicobar Islands, on Friday exercised their voting rights for the first time, an election official said. Other two primitive tribes, too, exercised their voting rights like in 2019, the CEO said Arunachal Pradesh: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 The unique Malogam polling station in Anjaw district of the state recorded cent per cent polling with the lone female voter, exercising her constitutional right on Friday, officials said. Supporters of two candidates clashed at the Bameng Assembly constituency in East Kameng. Irate mobs damaged EVMs in polling stations elsewhere in the state. Miscreants tried to snatch EVMs in three polling stations in the Nacho constituency in Upper Subansiri and in one in Kurung Kumey district, where polling was also suspended Assam: Total seats - 14 1st phase - 5 Long queues were seen outside booths since morning as polling was underway for five constituencies. Poling began at 7 am in Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Kaziranga seats, and 86.5 lakh voters are eligible to vote. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal of BJP and Congresss deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi were among those who cast their votes in the first hour Meghalaya: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 2 Voters at numerous polling stations were seen queuing up as early as 6 am, underscoring their enthusiasm to participate in the electoral process. The first five voters were rewarded with mementoes and first-time voters were also felicitated. Voters in a model polling station planted trees after casting their votes. Polling was being held at 3,512 polling stations in which 10 candidates are in the fray Mizoram: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 At least 6,500 polling personnel, over 3,500 policemen and 12 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed for the polls in the state. All international borders and inter-state borders have been sealed to ensure peaceful elections, a senior police officer said. Although there are six contenders, it is believed that the fight will be mainly among ZPM, MNF and Congress Nagaland: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Polling personnel in six eastern districts of Nagaland waited for nine hours in booths, but not one of the four lakh voters of the region turned up following a shutdown call given by an organisation to press for its demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT). Of the 13.25 lakh voters in Nagaland, 50.41 per cent have exercised their franchise, the officials said. Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan exercised his franchise at Model Polling Station Sikkim: Total seats - 1 1st phase - 1 Over 50% of the 4.64 lakh voters in Sikkim exercised their franchise in the 32 Assembly seats and in the lone Lok Sabha constituency till 3 pm on Friday, an official said. Thirteen companies of CAPF have been deployed in Sikkim, of which five companies are from ITBP and eight from SSB, he added. Former Indian Football captain and SDF vice president Bhaichung Bhutia who is contesting from Barfung (BL) assembly seat voted Tripura: Total seats - 2 1st phase - 1 The opposition Congress and CPM alleged that largescale rigging in several places across the constituency, with the Election Commission saying that it received some complaints and was looking into those. In the bypolls to the Ramnagar assembly seat, which was being held simultaneously, a turnout of 56.68% was recorded. Altogether 14.61 lakh people are eligible to vote in this phase of Lok Sabha polls in Tripura
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Moderate polling in 1st phase
NEW DELHI: The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Friday covering 102 seats across 21 states and Union Territories witnessed a moderate 62% voter turnout. The figure is expected to go up after reports come in from all polling booths. It was the biggest of the seven-phase festival of democracy. There were reports of sporadic incidents of violence in West Bengal, the strife-torn Manipur, Nagaland and Chhattisgarh. Elections were held for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, all five seats in Uttarakhand, 12 seats in Rajasthan, five in Maharashtra, and all seats in the Northeastern states and three Union Territories. Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were also held simultaneously. HIGHLIGHTS | LS polls 2024: Phase 1 voting ends with 62.37% nationwide turnout, TN records 72% Billed as the worlds largest electoral exercise, elections for the 18th Lok Sabha is crucial for the BJP as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third term in office. Riding on populist welfare schemes such as free ration, housing schemes and construction of the Ram temple, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance aims to reach the 400-seat mark in the 543-strong Lok Sabha. The Oppositions INDIA bloc, which is looking to dislodge the BJP from power, projects the rising employment, inflation and rural distress as the main issues to attack the government. Strife-torn Manipur records over 68% voter turnout in LS polls amidst incidents of gun fires, EVM damage, booth capturing One of the keenly watched contests is Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is hoping to make significant gains. All eyes are on Coimbatore, where the BJP has fielded state chief K Annamalai. The election to the eight states in Western Uttar Pradesh is also crucial for the saffron party as it is facing trouble from upper caste communities and farmers. Other high profile candidates who are seeking the mandate in the first phase include Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Bhupendra Yadav, Kiren Rijiju, Jitendra Singh, Arjun Ram Meghwal and Sarbananda Sonowal. The second phase of voting for 89 seats in 13 states will be held on April 26 and the seventh and last phase on June 1. The counting of votes will be on June 4. Home secretarys circular sparks furore, withdrawn A circular issued by the state home secretary P Amudha stating that one casual leave or earned leave will be deducted if staff fail to cast votes sparked a row. The circular was later withdrawn 3 voters die in three separate incidents Three voters died in three incidents in polling booths. Two victims, R Chinnaponnu (77) and N Palaniswamy (65), were from Salem, and K Kanagaraj (70), the third victim, was from Tiruttani Heat wave sweeps TN, Erode sizzles at 43C Heat wave swept TN on Friday with Erode recording the highest of 43C. Places with temperature in excess of 41C included Vellore (41.9), Karur (41.5), Tiruchy (41.3), Tiruttani (41.2) and Salem (41.2)
Candidates win or lose with power of single vote: Congress' Kuldeep Sharma casts vote in Port Blair
Candidates win or lose with power of single vote: Congress' Kuldeep Sharma casts vote in Port Blair Congress MP and candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kuldeep Rai Sharma, cast his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair on Friday for the Lok Sabha polls. The Congress candidate stressed the importance of casting votes and explained how a single voter can determine the outcome of an election for any given candidate. Speaking to ANI, Kuldeep Rai Sharma said, I feel great. The power of a single vote of the people--candidates win or lose with one vote. The victory or loss of each candidate plays an important role in forming the government in the country. The public is God. With the work I have done in the last 28 years, I believe that the public will once again think and vote. Meanwhile, after casting his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair, Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Admiral DK Joshi, appealed to all the voters of the union territory to cast their vote. BJP candidate from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bishnu Pada Ray, also cast his vote at a polling booth in Port Blair on Friday and said that every resident of the island should celebrate this festival and cast their vote. Bishnu Pada Ray faces sitting MP and Congress candidate Kuldeep Rai Sharma here. The mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7 am today in 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories. Voters will exercise their franchise until 6 pm today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA- a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, is eyeing ousting him from power. Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1 accordingly. An estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, according to the ECI data. (ANI)
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 | Phase 1 Seats No One Is Talking About | Will Congress Dip Even Further?
More than 1,600 candidates, including eight Union ministers, two former Chief Ministers and an ex-Governor, will test their electoral fate today as India is going for polls in the first phase of the crucial Lok Sabha elections 2024. As many as 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union territories are participating in the first phase of the elections, which are scheduled to take place in seven phases. Voting began at 7 am and will end at 6 pm.The Election Commission has deployed over 18 lakh polling personnel across 1.87 lakh polling stations where over 16.63 crore voters will exercise their franchise. The 16.63 voters include 8.4 crore men, 8.23 crore women and 11,371 third gender.In addition to this, voting will also be held for 92 Assembly seats in the state elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Tripura, West Bengal lead in Lok Sabha poll voter turnout at 3 pm; moderate polling in Bihar, Rajasthan Parliamentary seats in northeastern states and West Bengal recorded high voter turnout till 3 pm in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on Friday with polling percentage also picking up in constituencies in some other states and union territories which went to the polls. Polling percentage was relatively less in Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. Voting is being held in 102 seats in the first phase of Lok Sabha election. Voting for India's parliamentary election, the largest democratic exercise in the world, began at 7 am with Election Commission urging people to exercise their franchise in maximum number. Of the 102 seats going to the polls on Friday, BJP-led National Democratic Alliance had won 43 seats and parties in INDIA bloc 48 seats in 2019 election. While the BJP-led NDA is seeking third consecutive term in office under leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the INDIA bloc is hoping to oust it from power. Polling is being held in 21 states and union territories in the first phase. These are - Arunachal Pradesh (two seats), Assam (five), Bihar (four), Chhattisgarh (one), Madhya Pradesh (six), Maharashtra (five), Manipur (two), Meghalaya (two), Mizoram (one), Nagaland (one), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (one), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (one), Uttar Pradesh (eight), Uttarakhand (five), West Bengal (three), Andaman and Nicobar (one), Jammu and Kashmir (one), Lakshadweep (one) and Puducherry (one). According to Election Commission data at 3 pm, Tripura, which saw brisk polling in the initial hours, continued to maintain its lead with 68.35 poll percentage. It was 55.58 per cent for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam (60.70), Chhattisgarh (58.14), Jammu and Kashmir (57.09), Madhya Pradesh (53.40) Manipur (63.03), Meghalaya (61.95), Mizoram (49.97), Nagaland (53.38), Puducherry (58.86), Sikkim (52.72). Seats in West Bengal also witnessed a high voting percentage of 66. 34 per cent. In seats in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, 47.44 per cent voters had cast their ballot by 3 pm. In Tamil Nadu, where all 39 Lok Sabha seats are going to the polls, voting percentage was 51.18 per cent till 3pm. In Uttarakhand, where polling is being held on all five parliamentary seats, the voting percentage was 45.62 per cent. The polling percentage was relatively low till 3 pm in Bihar (39.73 pc), Andaman and Nicobar islands recorded (45.48 pc), Lakshadweep (43.98), Maharashtra (44.12), Rajasthan (41.51). Polling is also being held on Friday for assembly polls in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. According to Election Commission data at 3 pm, it was 56.19 per cent in Arunachal Pradesh and 52.73 per cent in Sikkim. Polling will be completed in a single phase today in Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In Bihar, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh, voting will take place across all seven phases starting April 19. The poll schedule was announced by the Election Commission on March 16. Bypolls to 26 assembly constituencies will also be held alongside the Lok Sabha and four state assembly polls. Voting for bypolls is being held in the Ramnagar seat in Tripura and the Vilavancode seat in Tamil Nadu today. The first phase has the highest number of parliamentary constituencies among all phases. An estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters and 11,371 third gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls. The Lok Sabha polls will be held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI)
Annamalai, Kanimozhi: Heavyweights in first phase Of Lok Sabha 2024 Elections
Several political heavyweights were in poll fray in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls 2024 on Friday. The polling began at 8 AM where around 16.35 crore people are expected to exercise their franchise. Elections in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep and Puducherry will conclude in a single phase. First phase of voting begins today on 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs and 92 Assembly Constituencies in the state assembly elections in Arunachal and Sikkim.Nitin Gadkari, Annamalai, Kanimozhi and Chirag Paswans fate will be sealed in the EVMs today.
Lok Sabha elections: Tamil Nadu records 39.51 pc voter turnout by 1 pm
Lok Sabha elections: Tamil Nadu records 39.51 pc voter turnout by 1 pm The average voter turnout in 39 constituencies of Tamil Nadu where Lok Sabha elections are underway stood at 39.51 per cent till 1 pm as per the data released by the Election Commission of India. The south Parliament constituency of Chennai recorded a voter turnout of 28.92 per cent till 1 pm whereas the Chennai north constituency witnessed 29.05 and the voter turnout in central Parliament constituency was recorded 28.08 per cent. Voting percentages for the other constituencies participating in phase 1 elections are Arakkonam- 40.30 per cent, Arani- 44.16, Chidambaram-37.76 per cent, Coimbatore-35.89 per cent, Cuddalore-37.84 per cent, Dharmapuri-40.70 per cent, Dindigul-42.12 per cent, Eorde- 43.54 per cent, Kallakurichi-46.06 per cent, Kacheepuram-39.92 per cent, Kanniyakumari-37.86 per cent, Karur- 46.23 per cent, Krishnagiri-39.78 per cent, Madurai-35.79 per cent, Mayiladuthurai-40.50 per cent. Nagapattinam-42.05 per cent, Namakkal-46.31 per cent, Nilgris-40.88 per cent, Perambalur-45.86 per cent, Pollachi-40.08 per cent, Ramanathapuram-40.90 per cent, Salem-46.89 per cent, Sivganga-34.10 per cent, Sriperumbudur-30.65 per cent, Tenkasi-39.91 per cent, Thanjavur-41.14 per cent, Theni-41.28 per cent, Thoothukkudi-39.11 per cent, Tiruchirappalli-38.13 per cent, Tirunelveli-38.24 per cent, Tiruppur-44.08 per cent, Tiruvallur-38.55 per cent, Tiruvannamalai- 41.74 per cent, Vallore-39.5 per cent, Viluppuram-43.84 per cent and Virudhunagar-42.19 per cent. Meanwhile, there was a substantial increase in the voter turnout charts across the states in the country, with North-Eastern state of Tripura still leading at 53.04 per cent till 1 pm as per the data released by the ECI. Other Northeast states like Meghalaya (48.91) and Manipur (46.92) are also witnessing high voter turnout percentages. After Tripura, West Bengal is experiencing high voter turnout at 50.96 per cent. Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7:00 am. Voters will exercise the franchise until 6:00 pm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA- a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, is eyeing ousting him from power. In Tamil Nadu in the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, comprising the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, registered a landslide victory, winning 38 of the 39 seats in the state. Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. An estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, according to the ECI data. The counting of votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)
Northeast states record high voter turnout, Tripura leas with 53 percent turnout at 1 pm
Northeast states record high voter turnout, Tripura leas with 53 percent turnout at 1 pm There was a substantial increase in the voter turnout charts across the states in the country, with North-Easterm state of Tripura still leading at 53.04 per cent till 1 pm as per the data released by the Election Commission of India. Other Northeast states like Meghalaya (48.91) and Manipur (46.92) are also witnessing high voter turnout percentages. After Tripura, West Bengal is experiencing high voter turnout at 50.96 per cent. The lowest turnout till 1 pm has been recorded in Lakshadweep at 29.91 per cent. Voting percentages for the states participating in phase 1 elections are -- Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 35.70 per cent, Arunachal Pradesh - 37.39 per cent, Assam - 45.12 per cent, Bihar - 32.41 per cent, Chhattisgarh - 42.57 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir - 43.11 per cent, Maharashtra - 32.36 per cent and Madhya Pradesh- 44.43. Mizoram - 39.71 per cent, Nagaland - 43.62 per cent, Puducherry - 44.95 per cent, Rajasthan - 33.73 per cent, Sikkim - 36.82 per cent, Tamil Nadu - 39.51 per cent, Tripura - 53.04 per cent, Uttar Pradesh - 36.96 per cent, Uttarakhand 37.33 per cent. The voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was over 67 per cent. The commission led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and ECs Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu are also monitoring the progress of polling in Phase 1 of General Elections at ECI Headquarters today. Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7:00 am. Voters will exercise their franchise until 6:00 pm. According to the data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 1.87 lakh polling stations have been set up, while 18 lakh personnel have been deployed across the 102 constituencies going to the polls. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1 accordingly. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. (ANI)
Lok Sabha polls 2024: Kamal Haasan casts his vote in Chennai
Lok Sabha polls 2024: Kamal Haasan casts his vote in Chennai Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan on Friday cast his vote at a polling booth in Koyambedu, Chennai. Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has formed an alliance with DMK for the Lok Sabha election, but MNM has decided not to contest the elections. Voting is underway for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu in the first phase of the general elections. The mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7 am today in 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories. Voters will exercise their franchise until 6 pm today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA- a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, is looking to oust him from power. In the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, comprising the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, registered a landslide victory, winning 38 of the 39 seats in the state. Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1 accordingly. An estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, according to the ECI data. (ANI)
Over 7.66 per cent polling recorded in Sikkim till 9 am
Voting for the 32 Assembly constituencies and the lone Lok sabha seat began at 7 am.
Polling begins for lone Lok Sabha seat, 32 assembly segments in Sikkim
Voting is scheduled to end at 5 pm
Google Doodle Marks India Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 1
Hyderabad : Google has released a Doodle to mark the commencement of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections in the country. The first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 kicks off across four states on April 19. To mark the commencement of the 18th Lok Sabha Elections, Google replaced the instantly-recognisable Google logo on its homepage with one which shows an uplifted index finger marked with indelible ink a symbol that has evolved to represent the democratic process of elections in India. This Google Doodle will be visible across India as the country steps out to vote in Phase 1 of the Lok Sabha Polls. Phase 1 will see voting taking place on 102 Parliamentary Constituencies spread across 21 states and Union Territories, along with 92 Assembly Constituencies in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, marking it as the largest phase among all. Over the next 44 days, 969 million registered voters will exercise their democratic franchise to decide the trajectory of the worlds largest democracy for the next five years. What is a Google Doodle? A Google Doodle is a temporary alteration of the Google logo on the search engine's homepage. A Doodle generally appears on a specific holiday or festival, or it commemorates the contributions of a person of their birth of death anniversary.
Lok Sabha polls: West Bengal sees 15.09 per cent voter turnout, Madhya Pradesh 15 per cent till 9 am
Lok Sabha polls: West Bengal sees 15.09 per cent voter turnout, Madhya Pradesh 15 per cent till 9 am As of 9:30 am voter turnout percentages varied across states participating in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections with states like West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh leading the voter turnout charts. According to the data released by the Election Commission of India, West Bengal saw a 15.09 per cent voter turnout while Madhya Pradesh recorded a 15 per cent till 9 am. Voting percentages for the states participating in phase 1 elections are -- Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 8.64 per cent, Arunachal Pradesh - 6.29 per cent, Assam - 11.15 per cent, Bihar 9.23 per cent, Chhattisgarh 12.02 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 10.43 per cent, Lakshadweep 5.59 per cent, Maharashtra 6.98 per cent. Manipur 11.91 per cent, Meghalaya 13.71 per cent, Mizoram 11.22 per cent, Nagaland 10.64 per cent, Puducherry 10.11 per cent, Rajasthan 10.67 per cent, Sikkim 7.92 per cent, Tamil Nadu 8.25 per cent, Tripura 15.21 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 12.66 per cent, Uttarakhand 10.54 per cent The voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was over 67 per cent. Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo informed that elections in the state are going smoothly. There are four to five places where the functioning of EVMs was delayed due to technical fault but all were rectified, he said. Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7:00 am. Voters will exercise their franchise until 6:00 pm. According to the data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), a total of 1.87 lakh polling stations have been set up, while 18 lakh personnel have been deployed across the 102 constituencies going to the polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA- a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, is eyeing to oust him from power. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1 accordingly. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. (ANI)
Is baar Kamal ka phool khilna tay hai: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu
Is baar Kamal ka phool khilna tay hai: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, after casting his vote in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, said that this time Kamal ka Phool is sure to bloom in Arunachal Pradesh and the BJP will win both Lok Sabha seats. CM Khandu cast his vote for the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections at a polling station in Tawang. Polling for assembly elections in the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim also started with voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday morning. Today is the mega festival of democracy and voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections is underway. I expect that the number of voters this year will surpass the number of voters in 2019. BJP is going to make history in the state. We will also win both Lok Sabha seats. In the previous election, BJP got 41 seats and we hope that this time BJP will get 60 out of 60 seats, he said. This time the lotus flower is sure to bloom in Arunachal Pradesh, CM Khandu added. Further, the Arunachal CM emphasized that people are moving forward with the politics of the performance of the BJP. I toured both the Lok Sabha seats and after interacting with the people I saw that people are very happy with PM Modi. Everyone will thank Modi ji by making both the candidates win, he said. Arunachal Pradesh West: Nabam Tuki (Congress) is facing Kiren Rijiju (BJP) and in Arunachal Pradesh East: Bosiram Siram (Congress) is in the fray against Tapir Gao (BJP). Apart from Arunachal, Sikkim will vote for 32 assembly seats and a lone Lok Sabha seat. The polls to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha is underway. The results will be declared on June 4. (ANI)
Voting underway in 21 states in Phase 1 of LS polls
Polling for assembly elections in the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim also started along with voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on Friday morning.
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam casts his vote in Theni, says BJP alliance will win in Tamil Nadu Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and candidate from Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency, O Panneerselvam on Friday cast his vote at a polling booth in Theni. After casting his vote, Panneerselvam stated that the BJP alliance would win the Tamil Nadu Lok Sabha polls. The BJP alliance will definitely win. There is a BJP wave across the country. AIADMK will come back to me, he said. O Panneerselvam is contesting as an Independent candidate backed by the BJP-led NDA. Jayaperumal from AIADMK, K Navaskani from Indian Union Muslim League and Chandraprabha from Naam Tamilar Katchi are the prominent candidates for this seat. Voting is underway for all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu in the first phase of the general elections. The mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7 am today in 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories. Voters will exercise their franchise until 6 pm today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking his third consecutive term, while the opposition bloc-INDIA- a coalition of opposing parties formed to take on the BJP in the general elections, is eyeing to oust him from power. In the 2019 general elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, comprising the Congress, VCK, MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), IUML, MMK, KMDK, TVK, and AIFB, registered a landslide victory, winning 38 of the 39 seats in the state. Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The second phase will be held on April 26 and the remaining phases will be May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1 accordingly. An estimated 8.4 crore male voters, 8.23 crore female voters, and 11,371 third-gender electors are eligible to vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, according to the ECI data. (ANI)
Pehle matdaan phir jalpaan... Uttarakhand CM Dhami urges people to vote in large numbers
Pehle matdaan phir jalpaan... Uttarakhand CM Dhami urges people to vote in large numbers As voting for the Lok Sabha elections began on Friday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami appealed to the people to vote in large numbers and choose a good government. Urging the people to prioritize their right to vote, CM Dhami said, Pehle Matdaan Phir Jalpaan'. Today is the mega festival of democracy. I appeal to everyone to cast their votes and choose a good government. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has seen new heights in the last 10 years and our country has got global recognition. PM Modi wants to create a strong India and a strong Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and BJP candidate from Haridwar seat Trivendra Singh Rawat cast his vote along with his family at DAV School Defence Colony Dehradun polling booth. Polling for Uttarakhand's five Lok Sabha seats is underway, with the BJP hoping to retain all five seats for the third time and the Congress attempting to reclaim lost momentum in the state. Uttarakhand has traditionally witnessed a close contest between the BJP and Congress. Both parties see the state as an essential battleground for displaying and gaining supporters for their national narratives. In Uttarakhand, the BJP had won all the Lok Sabha seats in the elections in both the 2014 and 2019 elections. With 47 out of 70 assembly seats, the BJP dominated in the 2022 assembly polls, while Congress got 19 seats. BSP and Independents hold 2 seats each. This election, to be conducted from April 19 to June 1, is set to be the second longest polling exercise in the country's electoral history after the first general election, which was held over five months between September 1951 and February 1952. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. A total of 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories will vote in the first phase today. Vote counting will be done on June 4. Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. (ANI)
Voting begins in first phase of Lok Sabha polls
Voting for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday across 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states and Union Territories as the mega seven-phase electoral exercise commenced at 7 am. Voters will exercise their franchise until 6. Polling for assembly elections in the north-eastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim also [] The post Voting begins in first phase of Lok Sabha polls appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .
LS polls: CEC Rajiv Kumar urges people to vote in maximum number
New Delhi: As the voting for the high-octane Lok Sabha Elections begins today, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar has urged people to participate in the general elections in maximum number, informing that around 16.86 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the first phase of polls for 102 constituencies and nearly 1.86 lakh polling stations have been set up for the purpose. The CEC told ANI in an interview that the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections started two years ago. From preparing the border list to preparing polling stations, finding their routes, deployment of forces, finding out vulnerable booths, creating amenities at the booths--light, shade, ramps, minimum facilities...it's a tremendous exercise that started over two years ago. He also referred to the poll panel using technological interventions for promoting inclusivity and wider participation in the polls. So everything is set. It is now time for voters to come and vote in large numbers at every polling station. Kumar said that it is essential for voters including women and youth to take part in the elections. We made an amendment in the Act where qualifying dates were made four instead of one - on January 1 of every year. There are a large number of young voters. There are voters who are transgenders. It's a truly inclusive voter list that has been prepared. The campaigning for the first phase is over. The silent period is over. Now this is the day of polling, the first one. It's for the voters to come, enjoy it at the polling station, he said. The CEC said that it's very enthusiastic to see young voters getting enrolled. We also did a lot of activities in the colleges and very youth-specific activities. We see a lot of enthusiasm. We have also done a lot of awareness-raising activities. So, if you keep using your finger on social media or on the phone the whole day, this is the time to spend five minutes and enjoy the power of voting at the polling station. Press the button on the electronic voting machine there. I'm sure this time our young voters are going to come ....we have appealed to them to become our ambassadors, to become our influencers, he said. Bring as many friends as possible including family members to the polling station. Enjoy the festival. Feel the responsibility of selecting and electing your own government, he added. Speaking on the ways to ensure the maximum participation of specially-abled and elderly people in the Lok Sabha election, the CEC said there is a facility for them to cast a vote from the comfort of their home. We have earmarked in our electoral rolls persons with disabilities, 40 per cent and above. There is a facility for them to cast a vote from the comfort of their home, if they so desire. But our experience is that many of them want to come to the polling station. And we provide them a volunteer, we provide them with wheelchairs, and it's not a question of physical comfort that we provide, it's a question of giving them the due respect and empowerment, he said. The Election Commission of India (ECI), for the first time in a Lok Sabha Election, has provided the facility of home voting for the elderly and Persons with Disabilities. Voters above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with 40 per cent benchmark disability can avail the optional home voting facility. There are over 81 lakh 85+ aged voters and 90 lakh + PwD voters registered across the country. We have issued great guidelines to political parties to be very sensitive while talking about people with disabilities...they are more capable than most of us. It's a question of just giving them those opportunities, Kumar added. He also talked of ease of voting in Manipur which has seen ethnic violence. We have made a special scheme for voting in the camps. There are more than 18,000 people who have already registered with us to vote from the camps. Our teams will take their vote wherever they are. Our attempt was and is that nobody is disfranchised, everybody is given a chance to vote. Postal ballet, through camp...wherever. So we have done something, and I' am sure people will vote and establish the point that it's the ballot that gives the answers, he said. Informing about the ways to tackle muscle power, money, misinformation and Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations, the CEC said that a large number of security and non-security measures are in place to ensure security and prevent violence. We are informing of all the steps we have taken to tackle the MCC violations and the money seizures done to the media and to everybody at large. So, everything is being reported and today is the day of voting. He said there are SSTs (strategic surveillance teams), FSTs (flying squad teams) apart from police personnel. A large number of security and non-security measures are in place. The only point is that people must come and vote. Whoever is listening, please come and vote. It's phase one, and there are six phases to come. Find out your polling station through our applications.We have distributed VIS (voter information slips), he said. More than 16 crore voter slips have been distributed in phase one. It's a kind of invitation that is reaching your house, saying this is your polling station. This is your voter list. Please come and vote. youth, male, female, old age, transgender, everybody we are looking for. Our staff is a very well trained. Teams are there at all the polling stations to welcome you very, very courteously. Please come, the CEC noted. In the first phase, polling will be held in seats in 21 states and union territories. These are - Arunachal Pradesh (two seats), Assam (five), Bihar (four), Chhattisgarh (one), Madhya Pradesh (six), Maharashtra (five), Manipur (two), Meghalaya (two), Mizoram (one), Nagaland (one), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (one), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (one), Uttar Pradesh (eight), Uttarakhand (five), West Bengal (three), Andaman and Nicobar (one), Jammu and Kashmir (one), Lakshadweep (one) and Puducherry (one). The 2024 general elections will be held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1 to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4.
LS poll: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma reaches polling booth in West Garo Hills to cast his vote
LS poll: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma reaches polling booth in West Garo Hills to cast his vote Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reached a polling station in Tura, West Garo Hills, on Friday to cast his vote. A long queue of people was also seen waiting outside the Tura polling station in West Garo Hills to cast their votes. While speaking to ANI, the Meghalaya CM said, When I reached the polling station around 6:30 AM, there were around 200 people present at the polling station, which is a good message that people are participating in the voting process enthusiastically...A very good voter turnout can be seen in this election. Meghalaya is set to vote for its two Lok Sabha seats, Shillong and Tura, in the first phase of polling on April 19. The state has a total of 22.27 lakh voters, with female voters outnumbering males, totaling 11.27 lakh compared to 11 lakh male voters. Candidates vying for the Shillong (ST) seat include Vincent Pala from the Indian National Congress, the incumbent MP, Robertjune Kharjahrin from the United Democratic Party (UDP), and Ricky AJ Syngkon from the Voter's Party of India (VPP). Key political parties and alliances in Meghalaya include the INDIA bloc represented by the Indian National Congress, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and the Regional Democratic Alliance. Meghalaya will witness a multi-cornered contest for its two Lok Sabha seats, with 10 candidates vying for victory. The BJP has chosen not to contest to keep the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) votes unified. The world's largest democratic exercise kicked off in the country today, with the first phase of a marathon exercise stretching out over seven phases to elect 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. This Lok Sabha election, to be conducted from April 19 to June 1, is set to be the second longest polling exercise in the country's electoral history after the first general election, which was held over five months between September 1951 and February 1952. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. A total of 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories will vote in the first phase today. Vote counting will be done on June 4. Those voting in the first phase include seats in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. (ANI)
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Stage set for first phase of polls in 102 seats
Simultaneously, assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh (60 seats) and Sikkim (32 seats) will also be held
Voting for assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim begins
Voting for assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh Sikkim begins
Sikkim CM, SDF chief among 146 candidates in fray for Assembly elections
GANGTOK, April 18: Sikkim chief minister and SKM supremo Prem Singh Tamang, former CM and SDF chief Pawan Kumar Chamling are among the 146 candidates in fray for 32 assembly seats which will go to the polls on Friday amid elaborate security arrangements in the Himalayan state. Tamang, who is spearheading the ruling Sikkim Krantikari []
Live: Gadkari, Rijiju, Kanimozhi among star candidates whose fate will be decided in Phase-I
The world's biggest election -- with a whopping 970 million eligible voters -- kicks off in a few hours and will take a long and winding path across 44 days before culminating in the seventh phase on June 1. The first phase of the Lok Sabha polls will see 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union territories go to the polls on Friday. The biggest chunk of seats in the first phase is from Tamil Nadu where all 39 seats go to the polls. The other states which will see all of their seats going to the polls in Phase-I are Uttarakhand (all five seats), Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya (two seats each) and the sole seat in Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim. Apart from these, 12 out of 25 seats in Rajasthan, eight out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, six out of 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh, five out of 48 seats in Maharashtra, five out of 14 seats in Assam, four out of 40 seats in Bihar, three out of 42 seats in West Bengal, one out of 11 seats in Chhattisgarh and one out of two seats in Tripura will vote on Friday. In the Union territories, one out of five seats in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the sole seats in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry will be up for grabs. Separately, voting will also be held for 92 assembly seats in the state elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim on Friday. Among the prominent leaders trying their luck in phase one are Union ministers Nitin Gadkari from Nagpur, Kiren Rijiju from Arunachal Pradesh (West), Arjun Ram Meghwal from Bikaner, Sarbanada Sonowal from Dibrugarh in Assam, Sanjeev Baliyan from Muzaffarnagar in western UP, Jitendra Singh from Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir and Bhupendra Yadav from Alwar in Rajasthan. Top leaders from Tamil Nadu whose fortunes will be decided on Friday include the DMK's Kanimozhi (Thoothukudi), Dayanidhi Maran (Chennai Central), TR Baalu (Sriperumbudur) and A Raja (Nilgiris) and the BJP's K Annamalai (Coimbatore) and Tamilisai Soundararajan (Chennai South). Rs 700 per vote: Inside India's record-breaking election! India's 969 million-odd voters have assumed a near-royalty status for a brief period. Political parties have been devoting significant energies and expense to make them feel special, even if it involves wheelbarrows full of cash worth some Rs 1 lakh crore, as per preliminary estimates. The projected expenditure far outstrips the 2019 poll spending, which itself topped out at Rs 55,000-60,000 crore, according to the Centre for Media Studies (CMS), which tracks election expenses. It almost equals the spending on the 2020 US elections that stood at $14.4 billion , or Rs 1.2 lakh crore, according to OpenSecrets.org, which too tracks election spending. In other words, the world's biggest elections happening in India will also be the most expensive ever. What it also confirms is that, power often costs too much.( Read more )
102 LS Seats in 21 States Vote Today
NEW DELHI: In another few hours, the curtain will finally lift from the Lok Sabha battleground for 2024. One hundred and two Lok Sabha seats across 21 states and Union territories will go to the polls in the first phase Friday. During the last general election, the Opposition had won 45 of these 102 Lok Sabha seats, while the BJP-led NDA had won 41. With 39 seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry, the largest number of seats which will vote in the first phase is from South India. In 2019, the DMK-led alliance won 39 of the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Armed with the potent arsenal of Lord Ram, Sanatan Dharma, the Citizenship Amendment Act and the unyielding promise of Modis guarantees, the BJP aims to unsettle its main rival, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. With rising unemployment, inflation, communal tension, caste census and the farmers agitation emerging as the frontline battlegrounds, the I.N.D.I.A. bloc is all set to engage its adversaries head-on. There are a few wrinkles on the saffron forehead as the 2024 CSDS-Lokniti pre-poll survey indicated that unemployment and price rise remained the main concern of the electorate. As the BJP sought to emphasise issues like the inauguration of the Ram temple and went into a high decibel campaign on Sanatan Dharma, these issues failed to click with voters in comparison to livelihood concerns. Regardless, the survey indicated that the BJP and its allies have a comfortable 12 per cent lead over the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. Meanwhile, all eyes are on Tamil Nadu where the BJP is desperate to open its account. Besides the charisma and popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP is also banking heavily on its newfound Tamil star and state unit chief, former IPS officer K. Annamalai, his constituency Coimbatore will be going to the polls on Friday. His seven-month long En Mann, En Makkal (My land, my people) padayatra culminated in a rally attended by the Prime Minister. In Coimbatore, Annamalai is locked in a triangular fight with the DMK and AIADMK. In Tamil Nadu, the BJP led by Modi had been repeatedly hitting out at the DMK leaders for insulting Sanatan Dharma. Under Annamalai in Tamil Nadu, the BJP is contesting 23 seats on its own, a departure from its approach to contest as an ally. Speaking to this newspaper, a senior BJP leader sounded somewhat cynical. He argued: The BJP has no traditional vote bank in Tamil Nadu. We only gained when the party aligned with the Dravidian players. It was further argued that Tamil Nadu might not positively respond to the BJPs call for one language, one nation, one poll. Tamil Nadus electoral dynamics are crucial for the BJP's broader electoral objectives, whether it aims to retain its current seats or make significant gains towards achieving a landmark majority in the Lok Sabha. Of its 80 Lok Sabha seats, the first phase of polling will be held in eight seats in Uttar Pradesh. The state which has often been electorally viewed as the gateway to Delhi, will be involved in all seven phases of the general election. It may be recalled that of the eight seats voting on Friday, the BJP had managed to win only three in the last general election. These were Pilibhit, Kairana and Muzaffarnagar. The Samajwadi Party had won Moradabad and Rampur. The Bahujan Samaj Party won Saharanpur, Bijor and Nagina. Of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan, polling in the first phase will be held in 12 seats. Securing 24 of 25 seats, it was a clean sweep for the BJP in the desert state during the last general election. Even as the BJP is banking on religion and the CAA to woo the voters, the Opposition is stoking the fire of farmers protests, which it believes is simmering in the desert state. Of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, polling will be held in five seats on Friday. In the fray will be Union minister Nitin Gadkari' on his home turf Nagpur. Given the context of the intense political manipulation in the state, the situation may become tricky for the BJP. During the last general election, it had won 23 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats. Its ally, the Shiv Sena (before the split), secured 18 seats. Sources revealed that in the case of the Uddhav Thackery-led Shiv Sena, the fallout with the BJP and subsequent political maneuvering to oust it, could potentially elicit sympathy from certain sections of voters. Unemployment has also emerged as a major electoral issue in the state, a Congress leader claimed. Other states and union territories going to polls in the first phase include: Madhya Pradesh (6) Bihar (4), Assam (5),Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (3), Chhattisgarh (1), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Sikkim (1), Tripura (1), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1) and Puducherry (1).
Voting in 15 Northeast Lok Sabha seats today
15 northeast Lok Sabha seats vote on April 19. Manipur: Inner-19, Outer-26. Arunachal, Sikkim have simultaneous polls. BJP backs NPP in Meghalaya.
Ahead of polling day, CEC Rajiv Kumar urges people to vote
Ahead of polling day, CEC Rajiv Kumar urges people to vote As people gear up to participate in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Thursday appealed to voters to exercise their democratic rights. Voting will take place on 102 constituencies across 21 states and union territories in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections tomorrow. Voters in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim will also elect their assemblies on Friday. Voting begins at 7 and will end at 6 pm. On the eve of polling day, the CEC reminded people of the significance of each vote, saying there have been instances when one vote has mattered in a critical contest. In the last two years, the Election Commission and its employees have worked hard to ensure a peaceful and simple voting experience. I would like to appeal to all to cast their vote, he said in a video message. Kumar further said that every polling center has been set up on the ground floor with amenities like drinking water, washrooms, shed, ramps, help desk and volunteers. Voters with the age of 85 years or more and belonging to the PWD category can opt to vote from their homes. The enthusiasm of Indian voters will beat the extreme weather. You will be deciding MPs, MLAs in four states and next government in the country, he added. He said that the elections are the most beautiful expression of India's democracy and there is othing like voting. Referring to the heatwaves in different parts of country, Rajiv Kumar said that people must take all precautions. But I know the spirit of the Indian voter will beat the summer heat, he added. With world's largest democratic exercise underway in India, voters will begin exercising their franchise on Friday to elect 543 members of Parliament in a seven-phased election that is unparalleled in terms of its scale and logistics and covers every voter of the vast and diverse country. This year's Lok Sabha election, to be conducted from April 19 to June 1, will be the second-longest polling exercise in the country's electoral history after the first general election which was held over five months between September 1951 and February 1952. The last general elections in 2019 were also held in seven phases. Polling will also be held on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1 to elect the 18th Lok Sabha and votes will be counted on June 4. New assemblies will also be elected in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. (ANI)
LS polls: BJP aims to continue its north-east dominance against challenge of INDIA bloc, regional issues As the Bharatiya Janata Party has continued to expand its footprint in the north-east, it will be looking forward to continuing with its dominance, while the INDIA bloc which is aiming to stop the BJP juggernaut from seeking a third consecutive term, will try to inflict as much damage as possible to the ruling party in the region. The eight north-eastern states -- Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh -- will all go to polls in the first phase tomorrow, either fully or in phase. Assam The north-eastern state that sends the maximum number of MPs to the Lok Sabha -- 14, will undergo polls in three phases starting on April 19. Out of 14, five seats will go to polls tomorrow namely: Dibrugrah, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Kaziranga and Sonitpur. BJP is contesting on 11 out of 14 seats in Assam, while its ally parties, Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), are contesting in two seats (Barpeta and Dhubri) and UPPL in one seat (Kokrajhar), respectively. Among the seats going to poll in the first phase Jorhat and Dibrugarh are of most significance because of high-profile contests on the seats. While in Jorhat, Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi has decided to challenge BJP MP Topon Kumar Gogoi, the Dibrugarh presents another big clash with former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal taking on INDIA candidate Lurinjyoti Gogoi. Notably, the BJP has expanded its footprint in the state. From winning 5 seats in Assam in 2009, it has risen to 7 in 2014 and 9 in 2019. The party is also in power in the state since 2016. Mizoram Voting to elect the only MP Mizoram sends to the Parliament will take place in the first phase on April 19. Mizo National Front (MNF), which currently holds the seat, has fielded Vanlalvena this time from the only seat the state sends to the Parliament. In 2019, MNF's C Lalrosanga won the seat against the INC's Lalnghinglova Hmar by a margin of 8140 votes. Candidates of several major parties in the poll fray in the state, eyeing the sole LS seat; including Zoram People's Movement (ZPM)'s Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, Bharatiya Janata Party's Lalbiakzama, Mizo National Front's K Vanlalvena and Mizoram People's Conference (MPC), which has fielded Rita Malsawmi. The election comes in wake of issues of border fencing with Myanmar and suspension of Free Movement Regime between New Delhi and Naypyidaw. These issues are expected to play big role as in February, the Mizoram Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Centre's decision to fence the India-Myanmar border and scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) with the neighbouring country. Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced for immediate suspension of Free Movement Regime (FMR) between India and Myanmar to ensure the internal security of the country and to maintain the demographic structure of India's north-eastern states bordering Myanmar. In this regard, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also announced that the government has decided to construct a fence along the entire 1643-kilometre-long Indo-Myanmar border to facilitate better surveillance and ensure a patrol track along the border. The assembly polls were also conducted recently in the state, in which ZPM-led by Lalduhawma overthrew the MNF rule by registering a massive victory winning 27 out of 40 seats. Tripura The state of Tripura is another crucial front in the north-east, where the BJP will be looking forward to continue its recent momentum. There are two parliamentary seats in Tripura. The West Tripura parliamentary constituency will go to the polls on April 19 and polling for East Tripura is slated on April 26. Notably, BJP won both seats in the 2019 elections. The party is also in power in the state since 2018, when it formed the government under the leadership of Biplab Deb. The party decided to change the Chief Minister in 2022, and Manik Saha took over the post. BJP also won the 2023 assembly elections in the state winning 32 out of 60 seats. This time, BJP has fielded a strong face in former Chief Minister Biplab Deb from West Tripura. He is up against Congress' Asish Kumar Saha, who left BJP in 2022 and was made party's state chief. Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said this week that 2024 Lok Sabha elections holds high significance in re-electing Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister for a third term and in making a corruption-free and developed nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently emphasised the importance of north-east region and said that it is an issue of 'priority' for him and not just 'poltiics'. North East plays a major role in making India 'Viksit'. After years of Independence and during the rule of Congress justice was not done with the capabilities of the states in North East. Communists ruled in Tripura and they just destroyed the people of Tripura. But, today in Delhi there is a government that continuously thinks about North East and Tripura. North East 'mere liye politics ka nahi, prem aur prathmikta ka vishay hai, he said during a rally in Agartala.Arunachal Pradesh The state of Arunachal Pradesh also presents a high-profile contest with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in the poll fray. The state has two parliamentary constituencies, Arunachal East and Arunachal West. The Assembly elections will be held concurrently with the Lok Sabha elections for these two seats in Arunachal on April 19. The votes will be counted on June 4. The Minister of Earth Sciences is up against Nabam Tuki from the Indian National Congress (INC). Rijiju, a prominent figure in Arunachal Pradesh politics, has held this seat since 2014. Meanwhile, Nabam Tuki, a veteran leader and former state chief minister, is the candidate representing the Congress. BJP won one seat in 2014 while upped its tally and came out victorious on both seats in 2019. The state is going to polls at a time when neighbouring China has came up with its co-called renaming of 30 places in the state. Beijing's action has received strong condemnation from New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have repeatedly asserted that irrespective of what China does, Arunchal Pradesh is and will remain an 'integral' part of India. Sikkim Sikkim is another state which will undergo Lok Sabha elections and assembly polls simultaneously on April 19. In 2019, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM)'s Indra Hhang Subba won the lone Lok Sabha seat from the state in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The SKM also won 17 out of 32 seats in the Assembly polls while the Sikkim Democratic Front won 15 seats. This time, SKM has repeated Subba from the seat. BJP has fielded Dinesh Chandra Nepal while the Congress candidate from the seat is Gopal Chhetri. SDF, on the other hand, has fielded Prem Das Rai. Meghalaya Meghalaya has two Lok Sabha constituencies: Shillong and Tura, both of which will go for polling tomorrow. Key political parties and alliances in Meghalaya include the INDIA bloc represented by the Indian National Congress, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), and the Regional Democratic Alliance. The state will witness a multi-cornered contest for its two Lok Sabha seats, with 10 candidates vying for victory. The BJP is not contesting and NDA will be represented by National People's Party (NPP). In 2019, Congress' Vincent Pala and National People's Party candidate Agatha Sangma won the two seats in the state. This time Congress has repeated Pala from Shillong and fielded Saleng Sangma from Tura. NPP has repeated Agatha Sangma from Tura and fielded Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh from Shillong. TMC has also fielded its candidate Zenith M Sangma from the Tura constituency. Nagaland. The state of Nagaland sends only one MP to the Lok Sabha, which will go to polls tomorrow. In 2019, the NDPP-BJP coalition secured a significant victory over the Indian National Congress, emerging as the winner. The seat is currently being held by Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party candidate Tokheho Yepthomi. However, he has not been repeated from the seat. NDPP has fielded Chumben Murry as the NDA candidate from the seat. The Congress party has fielded Supongmeren Jamir from the seat. Earlier, BJP exuded confidence that their alliance would register a huge victory from the lone seat. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had visited Kohima as part of his Bharat Jodo Naya Yatra in January this year. Manipur The north-eastern state, which has been grappling with ethnic violence for close to a year, will also participate in the country's festival of democracy, but in a special manner. Manipur will poll in two phases, with Inner Manipur voting on April 19 and Outer Manipur in both phases, on April 19 and 26. While there is no official word on the rationale behind holding the polls in Outer Manipur in both the phases, it is believed that the decision was taken after assessing security concerns in the violence-hit state. A total of 15 assembly segments will see polling for the Lok Sabha on April 19, while another 13 assembly segments will poll on April 26. Significantly, the district of Churachandpur, which was epicentre of the ethnic violence that erupted last year, leaving many dead while displacing still more in the face of rampant violence and arsoning, will also go to polls in the opening phase on April 19. Currently, the two constituencies are held by Minister of State Rajkumar Ranjan Singh (Inner Manipur) and Naga People Front's Lorho Phoze (Outer Manipur). This time, however, the NPF is going into the polls as a partner in the BJP-led NDA. The BJP, earlier, announced its support for NPF candidate for Outer Manipur, Kachui Timothy Zimik. Zimik is up against Congress MLA Alfred K Arthur, who is the joint Opposition candidate of the INDIA bloc. BJP has fielded Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh from Inner Manipur and decided against repeating its MoS Rajkumar Ranjan Singh. He is up against Congress' Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. The Bharatiya Janata party will aim to hold and expand its dominance in the north-east while seeking a third consecutive term at the Centre. In its election manifesto, the party has said that it will continue its effective efforts to establish peace in the North-East and phase out the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. We will continue our efforts to address the issues in the disturbed areas and remove AFSPA in a phased manner. We will further work towards the resolution of inter-state border disputes amongst Northeastern states through sustained efforts, the party said in its manifesto. Meanwhile, the INDIA bloc, mainly led by Congress, will be looking to inflict some damage to NDA in these states riding on regional issues especially the situation in Manipur. (ANI)
Polling tomorrow on 5 LS seats of Uttarakhand; BJP hopes to repeat 2019 feat, Congress looking to open its account Polling booths are being prepared, security arrangements have been made, helicopter services have been set up, polling parties have left for their respective stations and directions for essential services have been issued, all ahead of the first phase of voting in Uttarakhand's five Lok Sabha seats on April 19. Polling for Uttarakhand's five Lok Sabha seats will take place on Friday, with the BJP hoping to retain all the five seats for the third time and the Congress attempting to reclaim lost momentum in the state. Voting will begin at 7 am across 11,729 polling stations and continue until 5 pm, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Kumar Jogdande said. The five seats going to polls on Friday are Haridwar, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal, Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar and the lone reserved seat of Almora. More than 83 lakh voters will decide the fate of 55 candidates in the fray. Meanwhile, pulling parties left for their respective polling stations ahead of single-phase voting on 5 Lok Sabha seats scheduled for Friday (April 19). Hours before the first phase of Lok Sabha polls starts on April 19, Uttarakhand's Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Vijay Kumar Jogdande, provided information about the booths being prepared for the polls. Speaking to ANI, Jogdande informed that they have arranged two helicopters for emergency service, adding that the voting this time will be casualty-free and no emergency situation would arise. All polling parties are leaving and we have arranged two helicopters for their emergency service. One helicopter will be deployed in Garhwal and another one will be deployed in Kumaon. It will be used only for emergency purposes. Booth-level help management plans are also available with the numbers of Community Health Centres (CHCs) and ambulances, he said on Wednesday. Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer BVRCC Purushottam held a meeting with all the departments and agencies related to essential services in the Secretariat on Thursday. The Chief Electoral Officer directed in the meeting that medical staff should be present in all hospitals on the day of polling till the end of polling. Apart from this, the concerned departments related to electricity and drinking water supply should ensure arrangements at all polling stations. The Chief Electoral Officer has instructed the Public Works Department to keep all highways, roads, and connecting roads on alert mode given landslides or any other obstruction till the safe return of the polling parties to their destinations. Uttarakhand has traditionally witnessed a close contest between the BJP and Congress. Both parties see the state as an essential battleground for displaying and gaining supporters for their national narratives. In Uttarakhand, the BJP had won all the Lok Sabha seats in the elections in both the 2014 and 2019 elections. With 47 out of 70 assembly seats, the BJP dominated in the 2022 assembly polls, while Congress got 19 seats. BSP and Independents hold 2 seats each. The election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases starting April 19. Nearly 97 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in the general elections this time. The counting of the votes is scheduled for June 4. Campaigning for 102 parliamentary constituencies distributed across 21 states and Union territories, where voting will be held in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, concluded on Wednesday. In the first phase, polling will be held in Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (1), Madhya Pradesh (6), Maharashtra (5), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (1), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (1), Uttar Pradesh (8), Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (3), Andaman and Nicobar (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1) and Puducherry (1). (ANI)
LS elections: Stage set for free, fair peaceful conduct of 1st phase polling, says ECI
NEW DELHI: As the stage is set for the commencement of the seven-phase polling for electing 18th Lok Sabha on April 19, the Election Commission of India on Thursday said that it has made elaborate arrangements and adequate security measures for free, fair and peaceful voting experience to 16.63 voters at 1.87 lakh polling stations in 102 parliamentary constituencies spread over 21 states. Officials in the ECI said that the polling parties in the election-bound areas have been dispatched with electronic voting machines and other materials. Around 18 lakh personnel have been deployed to conduct the pollin the first phase of voting. By this evening the polling staff would reach their respective polling stations along with required machinery so that voting begins tomorrow as per schedule, a senior ECI official said here, while adding that local authorities in the poll-bound areas have deployed adequate security personnel to ensure polling is held in a free and fair atmosphere. Elections 2024: 21 states, UTs set for polling in phase one; 102 LS seats in fray Voting to elect 543 Lok Sabha members will be held in staggered seven phases between April 19 and June 1and the vote count is scheduled to take place on June 4 and the results will be announced the same day. The officials said, voting will begin at 7AM and will end at 6 PM, as the closure of polling may differ constituency wise. Out of the total 102 seats, 73 are general, 11 constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Tribes and 18 for Scheduled Castes. The first phase will also witness polling in 92 assembly constituencies in the States of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Of the total 16.63 crore voters 8.4 crore are male, 8.23 crore female and 11,371 are of third gender, according to the data presented by the ECI. The data also reveals that there are 35.67 lakh first time voters and 3.51 crore young voters in the age group 20-29 years. There are 1,625 candidates comprising 1491 male and 134 female in the fray, the ECI revealed. Eight union ministers, two former CMs, one ex-governor in fray in first phase of LS polls It also informed that 41 helicopters, 84 Special trains and nearly 1 lakh vehicles have been deployed to ferry polling and security personnel. The ECI said that webcasting will be done in more than 50 percent of the polling stations along with deployment of micro observers in all polling stations. Giving details of such officials it said, there will be 361 Observers (127 General Observers, 67 Police Observers, 167 Expenditure Observers), who have already reached their designated constituencies days before the polls. They serve as the eyes and ears of the Commission to exercise utmost vigilance, it added. Lok Sabha elections: Keen contest on the cards as eight seats in western UP vote in Phase-I
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 First Phase: 5 Talking Points
Hyderabad: Voting for the seven-phased 18th Lok Sabha election begins on Friday. Campaigning ended on Wednesday (April 17) evening for the 102 LS seats in the first phase. Nominations for this phase were completed on March 27. Vote counting will be done on June 4 after voting in all phases are over. Here are the top five talking points on the first phase of voting: 1. VITAL STATISTICS The first phase is the largest of the seven phases of voting. Over 1,600 candidates are in the fray in this phase, which will cover 102 parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union territories. This phase will cover 16.63 crore voters, including 8.23 crore women, 8.4 crore men, and 11,371 from the third gender. There are 35.67 lakh first time voters, besides 3.51 crore voters in the age group of 20 to 29 years. 2. BIG NAMES The first phase will see eight Union ministers, two former chief ministers and an ex-governor test their electoral fortunes. The Union ministers include Nitin Gadkari (Nagpur, Maharashtra), Kiren Rijiju (Arunachal Pradesh-West), Arjun Ram Meghwal (Bikaner, Rajasthan), Sarbanada Sonowal (Dibrugarh, Assam), Sanjeev Baliyan (Muzaffarnagar, western UP), Jitendra Singh (Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir) and Bhupendra Yadav (Alwar, Rajasthan). Former Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb will slug it out against state Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha in the West Tripura seat. Tamilisai Soundararajan, the former Governor of Telangana and Lt Governor of Puducherry is contesting from the Chennai South constituency. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath's son, Nakul is seeking reelection from the Chhindwara seat (Madhya Pradesh). Another key figure in the first phase is Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai, vying for the Coimbatore seat in Tamil Nadu. 3. ARRANGEMENTS Over 18 lakh polling personnel have been deployed across 1.87 lakh polling booths. They were sent to their respective polling stations via 41 helicopters, 84 special trains and nearly one lakh vehicles. 4. FAIRNESS Arrangements have been made for webcasting (live video broadcasting over the internet) in over 50 per cent of the polling stations. On top of that micro observers have been deployed in all polling stations. As many as 361 observers (127 generals, 67 police officials and 167 expenditure observers) had already reached their constituencies several days before the polls. 5. POLLING TIME Voting will start at 7 am and end at 6 pm. However, the closure of poll timing differs in some seats. Following is the list of states voting in the first phase: Tamil Nadu (All 39 seats) Rajasthan (12 of 25 seats) Uttar Pradesh (8 out of 80 seats) Madhya Pradesh (6 out of 29 seats) Maharashtra (5 out of 48 seats) Uttarakhand (All 5 seats) Assam (5 of 14 seats) Bihar (4 of 40 seats) West Bengal (3 of 42 seats) Arunachal Pradesh (Both of the 2 seats in the state) Manipur (Both of the 2 seats in the state) Meghalaya (Both of the 2 seats in the state) Chhattisgarh (1 out of 11 seats) Mizoram (sole seat) Nagaland (sole seat) Sikkim (sole seat) Tripura (1 out of 2 seats) Jammu and Kashmir (1 out of 5 seats) Andaman and Nicobar Islands (sole seat) Lakshadweep (sole seat) Puducherry (sole seat) On the day, voting will also be carried out for the 92 Assembly seats in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
It's advantage NDA as 15 of Northeasts 25 seats go to polls in first phase
GUWAHATI: It will be advantage BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) when the Northeast goes to Lok Sabha elections on Friday. The region has 25 seats and 15 of them are going to polls in the first phase five in Assam, all two in Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya, one of two seats in Tripura and the lone seats in Nagaland, Mizoram and Sikkim. The BJP rules Assam, Arunachal, Tripura and Manipur and is a component of the ruling coalitions in Nagaland and Meghalaya. Assam has 14 seats and the five going to polls are Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur and Kaziranga. A straight contest is expected between the BJP and the Congress in Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Kaziranga and Sonitpur. The Dibrugarh seat is poised to witness a battle between the BJP and the Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP), which is a Congress ally. All eyes will be particularly on the Jorhat and Dibrugarh seats. The Congress Gaurav Gogoi is up against sitting MP Topon Kumar Gogoi of the BJP in the Jorhat seat. Nehru said bye bye to Assam during China war, people can never forget: Amit Shah Sensing undercurrents of a wavering electorate and Gauravs popularity as a youth icon, the BJP had considerably reinforced its campaign. Not only Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed a series of rallies, the BJP stationed a minister and some MLAs here as it had stepped up its campaign. It will be a battle between experience and exuberance in the Dibrugarh seat where Union minister and BJP stalwart Sarbananda Sonowal is facing a challenge from the AJPs Lurinjyoti Gogoi. Gogoi is among the leaders who had spearheaded the movement against Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The polls in Manipur will be held in the backdrop of the bloody ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kukis. The Inner Manipur seat will go to polls in one phase and the Outer Manipur seat in two phases. It will be the BJP versus the Congress in the Inner Manipur seat. The BJP fielded Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, a minister and former IPS officer; while the Congress set up Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who is a professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University. The Outer Manipur seat braces for a triangular contest among the Naga Peoples Fronts (NPF) Kachui Timothy Zimik, the Congress Alfred KS Arthur and an independent, S Kho John. No Kuki is contesting the polls in the state. The contest in the two seats in Arunachal will also be a Congress-BJP affair. Union minister Kiren Rijiju of the BJP is up against former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki of the Congress in the Arunachal West seat. Sitting MP and BJP leader Tapir Gao will vie against former minister Bosiram Siram of the Congress in the Arunachal East seat. A deadly trek for sake of democracy in Arunachal The National Peoples Party (NPP), which heads the coalition government in Meghalaya, has an edge over others in both Shillong and Tura seats. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangmas sister and sitting MP Agatha is contesting from the Sangma familys pet Tura seat. A multi-cornered contest in expected in the Shillong seat, which is currently held by the Congress Vincent H Pala. The BJP is facing a contest from the Congress in the Tripura West seat where it fielded former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb. He is up against state Congress president Asish Kumar Saha. Nagaland will witness a straight contest between the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Congress. The contest in Mizoram will be between the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the ruling Zoram Peoples Movement. The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and the Sikkim Democratic Front will lock horns with each other in Sikkim. The BJP is contesting the polls as NDA. The NPP, NPF, NDPP, MNF and SKM are its allies. The allies across the region are known to fight each other. This election, the BJP struck an understanding with allies in all states barring Sikkim and Mizoram. Meanwhile, Arunachal and Sikkim are also having Assembly elections. The BJP is expected to retain power in Arunachal. The SKM has an edge over other parties in Sikkim.
All arrangements in place for phase-I Lok Sabha elections
Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made all preparations to welcome voters to the biggest festival of democracy that any nation has witnessed and the first phase of elections to the 18th Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies in four States will commence from tomorrow. On the occasion, the ECI reiterated its uncompromising commitment to deliver a free, fair, peaceful, accessible, and participative and inducement free poll. The Commission and its teams across States and Union Territories, in the last two years have put in necessary hard work and meticulous interventions to give India's electors the best possible experience. The polling has come after numerous consultations, reviews, field visits, extensive training of officials and building of new and time appropriate operating procedures. It has also involved collaboration with a large spectrum of agencies, organisations countrywide. The Commission comprising Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners (ECs) Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu gave final touches to poll preparations today at 12 noon for a smooth run of phase one of general elections-2024. Remaining 6 phases of polls will continue till June 1 with around 97 crore voters lined up to vote. Counting of votes scheduled on June 4. According to ECI, polling for the phase-I will be held tomorrow (April 19, 2024) for 102 Parliamentary Constituencies in 21 States and UTs and 92 Assembly Constituencies in the State Assembly Elections in Arunachal and Sikkim. It has the highest number of parliamentary constituencies among all phases. Voting begins at 7AM and ends at 6 PM. Over 18 lakh polling officials will welcome over 16.63 crore voters across 1.87 lakh polling stations and voters include 8.4 crore men, while 8.23 crore women and 11,371 third gender electors. As many as 35.67 lakh first time voters are registered to cast their votes. Additionally, there are 3.51 crore young voters in the age group 20-29 years. Over 1625 candidates (Males - 1491; Females-134) are in the fray. Forty one helicopters, 84 special trains and nearly one lakh vehicles have been deployed to ferry polling and security personnel.
Valley of Flowers of Sikkim, where you will feel like visiting heaven
Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the Valley of Flowers in Sikkim beckons travelers with its ethereal beauty and serene ambiance. Situated in the northern part of India, Sikkim is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich biodiversity. Among its many natural wonders, the Valley of Flowers stands out as a haven of tranquility and natural splendor. A Paradise on Earth: Introducing Sikkim's Valley of Flowers Discovering the Jewel of Sikkim: A Visual Feast As you set foot into the Valley of Flowers, you are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors that seem to stretch endlessly across the landscape. Lush meadows adorned with a profusion of wildflowers create a mesmerizing panorama that captivates the senses. From vibrant rhododendrons to delicate orchids, the valley is a treasure trove of floral diversity, offering a spectacle unlike any other. Traversing the Terrain: A Journey of Exploration Embarking on an Adventure: Trekking Through Nature's Canvas Exploring the Valley of Flowers is a journey of adventure and discovery, as you traverse rugged trails and verdant forests teeming with life. Trekking enthusiasts from around the world are drawn to this pristine wilderness, eager to witness its untamed beauty up close. The trek to the valley is not just a physical endeavor but also a spiritual one, as it allows you to reconnect with nature and experience a profound sense of wonder. Encountering Flora and Fauna: A Symphony of Life As you meander through the valley, you'll encounter a rich tapestry of flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine ecosystem. Rare and exotic species of plants adorn the landscape, their vibrant hues contrasting against the verdant greenery. Butterflies flit among the flowers, while birdsong fills the air, creating a symphony of life that envelops you in its embrace. Capturing the Moment: Photography in Paradise Immersing Yourself in Beauty: Capturing the Essence of the Valley For photography enthusiasts, the Valley of Flowers offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty of nature in all its glory. Every corner of the valley presents a new perspective, whether it's the play of light and shadow on a carpet of wildflowers or the majestic silhouette of snow-capped peaks against the azure sky. Each photograph becomes a testament to the timeless allure of this enchanting landscape. Preserving Paradise: Conservation Efforts in Sikkim Safeguarding Nature's Heritage: A Commitment to Conservation Recognizing the importance of preserving this ecological treasure, conservation efforts are underway to protect the Valley of Flowers and its delicate ecosystem. Sustainable tourism practices, habitat restoration initiatives, and community engagement programs are being implemented to ensure that future generations can continue to experience the beauty of Sikkim's natural landscapes. Conclusion: Embracing the Splendor of Sikkim's Valley of Flowers As you bid farewell to the Valley of Flowers, you carry with you memories that will last a lifetime. In this sanctuary of beauty and serenity, you have experienced a glimpse of paradise on earth, where the wonders of nature unfold in all their glory. Whether you are an avid trekker, a nature enthusiast, or simply a seeker of beauty, the Valley of Flowers in Sikkim offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Himalayas. 3 amazing technologies that made car parking easier Everest will be launched, not Ford Endeavour, will Fortuner's glory end? Electric version of this popular SUV is coming, will run 500km on full charge!
Polls in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim to be held on April 19; check details here
The Election Commission of India (ECI) had last month announced the schedule for the Assembly Elections 2024, coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections
General elections 2024 | How to check your polling booth, dos and donts on polling day
The first phase of the General Elections will see 102 Lok Sabha constituencies going to polls, along with Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
Campaigning ends for 102 seats in first phase of Lok Sabha polls
All 39 Tamil Nadu seats go to polls; simultaneous Assembly polls in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh; BJP campaign focussed on PM Modis star power, Modis guarantees; INDIA bloc attacked ruling party on unemployment, inflation, farm woes
Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Campaigning ends for first phase in 102 seats
NEW DELHI: Campaigning for 102 parliamentary constituencies distributed across 21 states and Union territories, where voting will be held in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, concluded on Wednesday. In the first phase, polling will be held in Arunachal Pradesh (2 seats), Assam (5), Bihar (4), Chhattisgarh (1), Madhya Pradesh (6), Maharashtra (5), Manipur (2), Meghalaya (2), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Rajasthan (12), Sikkim (1), Tamil Nadu (39), Tripura (1), Uttar Pradesh (8), Uttarakhand (5), West Bengal (3), Andaman and Nicobar (1), Jammu and Kashmir (1), Lakshadweep (1) and Puducherry (1). Campaigning for the first phase of polling on April 19 in Uttar Pradesh concluded Wednesday evening, with candidates closing up their campaigns for eight parliamentary seats. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, both members of the opposition's INDIA bloc, held rallies in Saharanpur and Moradabad on the final day of the campaign. On what basis is BJP claiming 400 seats: Priyanka Gandhi smells a rat in NDA slogan The seats going to the polls in the first phase on Friday are Saharanpur, Bijnor, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, and Pilibhit. Likewise, campaigning drew to a close in Uttarakhand at 5 pm this evening, Chief Electoral Officer B VRC Purushottam said. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in a roadshow in Haldwani on the last day of the election campaign, earlier on Wednesday. After winning all five seats in Uttarakhand in the 2014 and 2019 general elections, the BJP is attempting to retain them for a third term. Six personnel for four voters -- a unique polling booth in Uttarakhand Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP's campaign, built around the development plank, in Madhya Pradesh for the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections that ended on Wednesday. With the first phase scheduled for April 19, the fate of 88 candidates contesting six seats in the MP will be sealed by voters. As TN gears up to vote, poll boycott decisions in the Vengaivayals of the state fail to draw attention In Maharashtra, campaigning for Lok Sabha elections came to an end in five constituencies of the Vidarbha region on Wednesday evening. Polling will be held in the constituencies of Nagpur, Ramtek, Bhandara-Gondia, Chandrapur and Gadchiroli in the first phase on April 19. The campaigning in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur parliamentary constituency ended on Wednesday evening. It is witnessing its first major electoral battle since the abrogation of Article 370. The polling is slated for the Udhampur Lok Sabha seat in the first phase on April 19 and will decide the fate of 12 contestants. Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai said, On April 17 at 6 pm, we suspended all election-related campaigning, and political parties have been directed to not hold campaigning, roadshows, or canvassing other than door-to-door campaigning. Section 144 is also imposed. Flying squad and static surveillance teams have been deployed. Our main objective is a free and fair and inducement-free election, said Rai. Asaduddin Owaisi's Uttar Pradesh gambit and why it has left the BJP chuckling in delight Meanwhile, campaigning for three Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal - Cooch Behar (SC), Jalpaiguri (SC) and Alipurduars (ST) -- going to polls in the first phase on April 19 came to an end at 6 PM on Wednesday. Altogether 14 candidates, including sitting MP and Union minister Nisith Pramanik, are contesting the parliamentary elections from Cooch Behar. Verbal exchanges between main rivals Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress over issues such as corruption, poverty, and pre-poll promises dominated the campaigning for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh, which concluded on Wednesday evening. Naxal-affected Bastar is the only seat among the 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state that will vote in the first phase on April 19, an exercise that will take place in the shadow of the major counter-insurgency operation in Kanker district on April 16. In Mizoram, the campaigning for the lone Lok Sabha seat ended on Wednesday with political parties making last ditch efforts to sweep the voters. Campaigning for the April 19 simultaneous polls in Arunachal Pradesh came to an end on Wednesday evening, setting the stage to elect two Lok Sabha MPs and 50 lawmakers for the state assembly. The BJP has already opened its account by securing 10 seats in the assembly in Arunachal. Campaigning for five Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam, which are due to go for polling on April 19, including the high-profile constituency of Dibrugarh, ended on Wednesday. Congress gave problems to Northeast, BJP made it a source of possibilities: PM Modi in Assam The Lok Sabha poll campaigning for 2024, for the first phase of elections, ended at 5 pm on the five Lok Sabha seats in Assam, including the high-profile seat of Dibrugarh, where Union Minister and former Chief Minister of Assam are contesting. The voting for the Lok Sabha election in the first phase is to be held across 21 states in 102 seats, including five seats in Upper Assam. The campaign for the Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency and the Ramnagar Assembly constituency by-poll also ended at 5 pm on Wednesday. Modi says Congress 'loot' policy would have led to Rs 5,000 mobile bills in northeast All preparations, including security arrangements, have been made for the polling to be held on April 19, an election department official said. Rallies, public meetings and roadshows marked the two-week-long high-decibel campaign. In the meantime, speaking on the preparations for Lok Sabha elections in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, South Andaman SP Niharika Bhatt says, The election campaign will be banned from 6 PM today and no political gathering or street processions will be allowed, that's called the 'Silent' period. Only door-to-door campaigning will be allowed and that too without speakers. DC has also given orders regarding Section 144 to maintain law and order. Voting will start at 7 in the morning on April 19 and go until 6 p.m. A few pink polling booths have been established where all the officials will be women, said the official. The 2024 general elections will be held in India in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, to elect the 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The results will be announced on June 4. From backroom boys to consultants: Poll strategists turn campaign makers in India's political war rooms
Campaigning ends for first phase of Lok Sabha polls in 102 seats
Campaigning ends for first phase of Lok Sabha polls in 102 seats Campaigning ended Wednesday evening for 102 Lok Sabha seats across 21 states and Union territories which will go to polls in the first phase on April 19 with top leaders of the BJP-led NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc making a last-gasp effort to woo voters. Leading the charge, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took whirlwind tours of various constituencies in the past few days, addressing rallies and holding roadshows, and asserting that he went to people with hope in 2014, trust in 2019 and guarantee in 2024. Many times he said there is ''Modi's guarantee across the country and I am giving the guarantee of fulfilling all these guarantees''. Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several of their cabinet colleagues, leaders of the Congress such as Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and other parties also canvassed for their candidates. The BJP has come out all guns blazing at the INDIA bloc over corruption, dynasty politics and insulting the Constitution and Hinduism. The Opposition leaders, in turn, have attacked the government over electoral bonds, alleged misuse of agencies, inflation and unemployment among other issues. The BJP in its manifesto prioritised development and welfare while shunning populist measures and contentious issues like the NRC. Named ''Modi ki Guarantee'', the manifesto largely built on the government's existing welfare schemes targeted at different sections of society, while reiterating the BJP's commitment to roll out one-nation-one-election and Uniform Civil Code, two issues mentioned in its 2019 manifesto too. In its 45-page manifesto titled 'Nyay Patra', the Congress focussed on five ''pillars of justice'' and 25 guarantees under them. Right to apprenticeship, a legal guarantee for MSP, passing a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs, a nation-wide caste census and scrapping of Agnipath scheme are among the promises made by the party in the manifesto. Modi, however, lambasted the Congress manifesto saying it carries the imprint of the Muslim League with ''every page reeking of breaking India''. Eight Union ministers - Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Sarbanada Sonowal, Sanjeev Baliyan, Jitendra Singh, Bhupendra Yadav, Arjun Ram Meghwal and L Murugan, two former chief ministers - Biplab Kumar Deb (Tripura) and Nabam Tuki (Arunachal Pradesh), and former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan (Telangana) are among those in fray. In 2019, the UPA had won 45 of these 102 seats and the NDA 41. Six of these seats have been redrawn as part of the delimitation exercise. Polling will be held in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1) and Lakshadweep (1). Besides, there will be voting in 12 seats in Rajasthan, 8 in Uttar Pradesh, 6 in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Maharashtra, 4 in Bihar, 3 in West Bengal, 2 in Manipur, and one seat each in Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir and Chhattisgarh. Authorities in these constituencies have been directed to ensure that no outsider remains in these areas 48 hours before polling. Any form of electioneering, public meetings, press conferences by political parties, interviews and panel discussions in electronic or print media have been strictly prohibited. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister and DMK boss M K Stalin, on the last day of campaigning, described the polls as the ''second freedom movement'' and reiterated that the election is about deciding ''whose regime must not continue'' rather than who should capture power. He also alleged that Modi has ruined the nation for the sake of his ''selfish politics''. BJP Tamil Nadu unit president K Annamalai also held high-voltage campaigns. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav addressed rallies in Saharanpur and Moradabad Wednesday in Uttar Pradesh. In Jammu and Kashmir, Modi had reassured the people about holding of assembly elections and restoration of statehood. Home Minister Shah, during a rally, reiterated that the assembly elections will be held in accordance with the deadline of September 30 set by the Supreme Court. Naxal-affected Bastar in Chhattisgarh will vote in the first phase, an exercise that will take place in the shadow of a major counter-insurgency operation in Kanker district Tuesday in which 29 Maoists, including senior cadres, were gunned down by security forces. The second phase of polling for 89 seats in 13 states and Union territories will be held on April 26.
ECI on track for the highest ever seizures of inducements recorded in history of Lok Sabha elections
ECI on track for the highest ever seizures of inducements recorded in history of Lok Sabha elections With General Elections 2024 underway, ECI is on track for the highest ever seizures of inducements recorded in the 75-year history of Lok Sabha elections in the country. Enforcement Agencies have made a record seizure of over Rs. 4650 crores in ECI's resolute fight against money power even before the first phase of polling for the 18th Lok Sabha elections commences on Friday. This marks a sharp increase over Rs 3475 crores seized during the entire Lok Sabha election in 2019. Significantly, 45% of the seizures are of drugs and narcotics, that are under the special focus of the Commission. The seizures have been possible by comprehensive planning, scaled up collaboration and unified deterrence action from agencies, proactive citizen participation and optimal engagement of technology. Use of black money, over and above political financing and accurate disclosure thereof, may disturb the level playing field in favour of more resourceful party or candidate in specific geographies. The seizures are a critical part of ECI resolve to conduct the Lok Sabha elections free of inducements and electoral malpractices and to ensure a level playing field. CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar, while announcing the polls last month, underlined Money Power as one of the '4M' challenges. On 12th April, Commission led by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu reviewed all Central Observers deployed in Phase -1 of elections going to poll on 19th April. Tightening, monitoring and checking were amongst the focus of deliberations to ensure inducement-free electoral process. The enhanced seizures reflect ECI's unwavering commitment to monitor inducements and curb electoral malpractices for a 'level playing field', particularly in favour of smaller and less resourceful parties. In an incident in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, the Commission suspended the flying squad team leader for laxity in duty and selective checking of a cavalcade of a prominent leader. Similarly, officials checked vehicles in the convoy of CM of a state and also vehicle of a Dy CM in another state. Commission has also taken strict action against approximately 106 government servants who have been found assisting politicians in campaigning, thereby violating the Code of Conduct and instructions. In the press briefing during announcement of Parliamentary elections, CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar stressed in his presentation on strict compliance of BCAS instructions on surveillance and inspection of non-scheduled aircrafts and helicopters by Income tax, airport authorities and SPs of concerned districts, border agencies to keep close watch on international checkposts and GST authorities to closely monitor godowns, especially makeshift godowns meant for storing freebies. The Commission during reviews had always emphasized that there will be multi-pronged surveillance on all modes of transport - check posts and nakas for road transport, Coast guard for coastal routes and DMs and SPs alongside agencies for air routes including checking of helicopters and non-scheduled flights. Details of State /UT wise and category wise seizures as on 13.04.2024 is placed at Annexure A. How has it been made possible? Election Seizure Management System (ESMS)- breaking silos and bringing all enforcement agencies on one platform through use of technology is proving to be a game changer. With the introduction of technology in monitoring process, ESMS, an ECI in-house developed portal is proving to be a catalyst. The novel innovation for real time reporting of interceptions and seizures, avoiding duplication of seizures was tested in the last round of Assembly elections. The portal facilitates digital trails and availability of seizure information at the click of a mouse enabling quick and timely reviews at all controlling levels. As per data, 6398 District nodal officers of various agencies, 734 state nodal officers, 59000 flying squads (FS) and Statics Surveillance Teams (SST) have been on boarded on ESMS platform for exhaustive real time monitoring and updates. All nodal officials have been trained on various aspects of using ESMS. The system took firm root during Assembly elections during 2023, when Rs 2014.26 crores was seized as against Rs 239.35 crores in the previous corresponding elections. With successful implementation and feedback from the field in the last round of assembly elections, it has been reviewed and made robust before implementation in ongoing elections. Meticulous and exhaustive planning, involvement of largest number of Enforcement Agencies: The largest number of enforcement agencies both from Centre and States have been assembled for collaborative effort among agencies. S. No.Months prior to elections and more intensively from January 2024, senior officials from the Election Commission visited every State and Union territory to emphasize the importance of combating the influence of money in elections. Furthermore, districts were thoroughly reviewed, and discussions were held with Chief Secretaries, Directors General of Police (DGPs), and heads of enforcement agencies to assess their performance and encourage heightened vigilance against the misuse of financial resources during elections. Field-level personnel are also subject to ongoing reviews by Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), Observers, and District Electoral Officers (DEOs). Often, discoveries made by one agency 'inform and guide' the actions of others, leading to a unified and widespread deterrent effect. Commission has also emphasized the importance of joint teams comprising relevant agencies in inspecting inducements through various meansroad, rail, sea, and airduring electoral visits to States/UTs. As a result, in January and February, the months preceding the official announcement, countrywide seizures totalling another Rs 7502 crores were recorded in form of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals and freebies. This brings total seizure to over Rs 12000 crores so far with six weeks still left in the election period. Increased focus on drug menace in society: Notably, there was a substantial focus on drug seizures, which accounted for approximately 75% of the total seizures in January and February 2024. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar had emphasized the importance of agencies' efforts in seizing drugs and narcotics during his visits to nodal agencies. He highlighted that besides the risk of dirty money being used to influence elections, drugs pose a serious social menace with the potential to harm communities, particularly youth. The Commission has also collaborated with the Directorate General of the Narcotics Control Bureau and its senior officials to identify key routes and corridors for drug trafficking and ensure effective countermeasures are in place. Over the past few years, significant seizures have been made during elections to State Assemblies, including during the operation of Model Code of Conduct in States like Gujarat, Punjab, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, and Mizoram. Identification of Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies: 123 Parliamentary Constituencies are marked as Expenditure Sensitive Constituencies for more focussed vigil. These constituencies had either had a history of distribution of inducements in previous elections or have inter-state and international borders with potential inflow of drugs, cash, and liquor. Deployment of Expenditure Observers: Senior officers appointed as Expenditure Observers serve as the eyes and ears of the Commission for a fair and inducement free elections. A total of 656 Expenditure Observers have been assigned to Parliamentary Constituencies, while 125 are deployed in Assembly Constituencies across Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Sikkim. Special Expenditure Observers with a brilliant track record of domain expertise and experience with election processes have also been deployed in States/UTs. Use of cVigil: cVigil app of the Commission has also reinforced the expenditure monitoring process through complaints directly from citizens on distribution of any type of inducements. Since announcement of election schedule, a total of 3262 complaints have been received pertaining to distribution of cash, liquor and freebies. No harassment to citizens: At the beginning of the current elections, there were reports in the media about tourists undergoing unnecessary checks and hassles by ground-level teams. Taking this matter seriously, the Commission promptly issued an advisory to all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) regarding the need for a careful and courteous approach when inspecting tourists and citizens. Additionally, the Commission directed the constituted 'District Grievance Committees (DGC)' to hold daily hearings at designated locations for the swift resolution of grievances related to seizures. CEOs and DEOs were instructed to ensure the effective functioning of these committees. These measures serve as the cornerstone of a comprehensive expenditure monitoring process, resulting in increased seizures with least inconvenience to the public. With campaigning intensifying in the days ahead, the Commission stands prepared to enhance its vigilance to ensure an inducement-free electoral process in line with its commitment. (With Inputs from PIB)
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What they say, they deliver...: Milind Deora hails BJP manifesto
What they say, they deliver...: Milind Deora hails BJP manifesto Rajya Sabha MP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Milind Deora hailed the BJP's election manifesto, specifically mentioning the promise of building three crore more houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), saying that it has particular significance for Mumbai. The manifesto of the BJP is very good. What they say, they deliver. I welcome it, Deora, who recently joined Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) quitting the Congress, told ANI. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), 4 crore families have been given permanent houses. Now their plan is that in the coming five years, they will give 3 crore more families permanent houses. This is a very good plan. I want to see this plan implemented in Mumbai and Maharashtra. This is the dream of Mumbaikars. Everyone should have permanent houses, he added. The BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' was unveiled in the presence of Prime Minister Modi, national president JP Nadda, other senior leaders, and senior union ministers at the party's New Delhi headquarters on Sunday . The manifesto has the tagline Modi ki Guarantee, with a focus on more development, women's welfare, and a roadmap for Viksit Bharat (developed India). According to the BJP, the year 2025 will be declared the 'Janjatiya Gaurav Year'. The BJP election manifesto promised 'One Nation One Election' and single electoral roll.The manfisto released by the BJP also focuses on bringing forward more Lakhpati Didis. It promises to make electricity bills zero with the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Also, the manifesto of BJP features India's Olympics bid in 2036, the implementation of the National Education Policy, and a law against paper leaks, among other promises. In its election promise, the party also aims to make the nation the third largest economy in the world. The manifesto set the goal of making India a global manufacturing hub. The manifesto was unveiled in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and party President JP Nadda. JP Nadda, while addressing the event, said that the government's achievements over the last 10 years, such as the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution and the women's reservation law, were made possible due to the clear mandate given to the party by people. The achievements of the last 10 years are a result of a clear mandate, Nadda said at a function to release the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The BJP had appointed a manifesto committee headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh that met twice to deliberate on its contents after the party had launched multiple exercises, including massive campaigns across the country to seek people's suggestions before the release of the 'Sankalp Patra'. The BJP received over 1.5 million suggestions for its manifesto, including more than 400,000 through the NaMo app and over 1.1 million through videos. The Lok Sabha polls in India are scheduled to take place from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024, to choose the 543 representatives for the 18th Lok Sabha. These elections will be conducted over seven phases, with the outcome being declared on June 4. Around 970 million individuals, out of a total population of 1.44 billion, are eligible to take part in the elections. The legislative assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim will coincide with the general election. Additionally, there will be by-elections for 35 seats across 16 states. (ANI)
