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).
Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections
Robust Voter Turnout Marks Second Phase of Indian Parliamentary Elections Over 63 per cent polling was reported in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 88 seats across 13 states amid few complaints of EVM glitches and bogus voting in some states. Voters in some villages of Uttar Pradesh's Mathura, Rajasthan's Banswara and Maharashtra's Parbhani were boycotting the polls over various issues but were later persuaded by authorities to cast their franchise. Polling for the second stage of the seven-phase elections started at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Several states experienced intense heat conditions. The first phase of polling was held on April 19 in 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. The Election Commission (EC) said polling remained largely peaceful. The tentative figure at 8 pm of voter turnout was 63.50 per cent. It is likely to go upwards when reports from all polling stations are obtained, the EC said, adding voters reaching polling stations till the end of polling hour are allowed to cast their vote. The National Democratic alliance (NDA) under Prime Minister Modi is seeking a stronger majority for a third consecutive term, while the constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc are hoping for a rebound after facing reverses in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Election Commission data showed the highest voting percentage was recorded in Tripura which registered 79.46 per cent polling, followed by Manipur at 77.32 while the turnout was in Uttar Pradesh at 54.85 per cent and Bihar 55.08 per cent. 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. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and actor-turned-politician Arun Govil, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's brother DK Suresh (Cong), and former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (JDS) are among the key candidates while BJP's Hema Malini, Om Birla and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat seeking a hat-trick of wins from their respective constituencies. 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 in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election. 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 NDA's good governance. Youth and women voters are powering the strong NDA support.'' In Kerala, the turnout was 65.91 per cent. The election process, held amid tight security arrangements, was primarily incident free except for instances of bogus voting and breakdowns of electronic voting machines (EVMs) being reported in some booths of the state. Such incidents resulted in delaying the polling process in the affected booths. One person each reportedly died at Palakkad, Alappuzha and Malappuram after casting their vote and a polling agent died after collapsing at a booth in Kozhikode. Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency recorded a turnout of 79.46 per cent. Election officials said there were some complaints from a few booths but those were ''promptly addressed''. A jawan of the Madhya Pradesh Special Armed Force deployed on poll duty allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle at a government school where he was stationed in Gariaband district under the Mahasamund seat in Chhattisgarh, where a voter turnout of 73.62 per cent was recorded. A polling booth at Sivni village in Balod district (Kanker seat) was decorated like a wedding 'mandap', with a display of rituals of traditional weddings. Several brides and grooms, dressed in their wedding finery, cast their votes at several polling booths. The EC said people from 46 villages in Bastar and Kanker seats cast their votes in a polling booth set up in their own village for the first time in a Lok Sabha election. In neighbouring Madhya Pradesh, there was a turnout of 57.88 per cent. An estimated 71.11 per cent of the 77,26,668 voters exercised their franchise in the five parliamentary constituencies of Assam that went to polls in this phase. In restive Manipur, where polling is being held under high presence of security personnel, the turnout was a significantly high 77.32 per cent. There were reports of intimidation by suspected militants, altercation between Congress workers and NPF supporters and damage of EVM at a polling station in the Tangkhul Naga-dominated hill district. At KK Leishi Phanit polling station in Ukhrul, irate voters destroyed an EVM and other items after alleged disturbances by armed miscreants. The overall voting percentage in Karnataka was 68.30. A case was booked against BJP MP and Bangalore South Candidate Tejasvi Surya for allegedly posting a video on a social media platform and soliciting votes on the grounds of religion, the Election Commission said. Another BJP leader CT Ravi was booked for allegedly promoting hatred and enmity between citizens through his social media post. Various restaurants in Bangalore were offering free dosas, laddu, coffee and other food items at discounted rates to customers who cast their vote. A private hospital assisted 41 inpatients cast their vote with the help of city civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). Green corridors were created for the ambulances across constituencies to ensure easy, hassle-free voting. Some EVMs were destroyed at a polling station in Indiganatha village in Chamarajanagara district of Karnataka during a clash between two groups of people over whether to vote or not. Officials said an FIR is being filed the Election Commission will take a call after getting a detailed report. A voter turnout of 57.83 per cent was recorded in eight constituencies in Maharashtra, while in Rajasthan, the turnout was 64.07 per cent. Incidents of confrontation between the supporters of the Congress candidate and an independent candidate were reported at a couple of places during polling in Barmer-Jaisalmer Lok Sabha constituency of Rajasthan. Police said they were looking into the complaints besides some about fake voting from some places. The by-election for the Bagidora assembly constituency in Banswara district was also held simultaneously on Friday and 76.66 per cent voting took place. A voter turnout of 54.85 per cent was recorded in the eight parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Senior citizens dominated the early hours of voting in Noida in the Gautam Buddh Nagar constituency. Some residents' welfare associations made arrangements for electric vehicles to ferry voters to and from the polling booths. In Bihar, the turnout was 55.08 per cent, 71.84 per cent in in West Bengal and 71.91 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir. The Lok Sabha polls are the first major electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh -- on August 5, 2019. The Election Commission registered nearly 300 complaints in West Bengal, mostly related to EVM malfunctioning. After Friday's 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). The third phase of elections for 94 seats across 12 states and Union territories will be held on May 7. Counting will be done on June 4.
DoNER Task Force meets for development of tourism in Northeast
Guwahati: The 4th meeting of the Task Force for the Development of Tourism in the North East was held in New Delhi on Thursday. Present in the meeting were the officials of all the North Eastern States Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The other stakeholders were NITI Aayog, the Ministry [] The post DoNER Task Force meets for development of tourism in Northeast appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
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)
Questioning the polls rain washes out play moments
The Surat and Arunachal Pradesh results are issues that call for debate where an election is made to seem free and fair despite people not having cast a single vote
Meghalaya officials attend tourism task force meet
The fourth meeting of the Task Force for the Development of Tourism in North East was held in New Delhi today. Present in the meeting were the officials of all the North East states Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The other stakeholders were NITI Aayog, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry [] The post Meghalaya officials attend tourism task force meet first appeared on Highland Post .
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 .
Rijiju's Chakma-Hajong resettlement comments spark controversy, Himanta Sarma denies talks
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifies his statement, stating he never said Chakma-Hajong refugees should be settled in Assam, but rather across India due to their inability to get permanent resident certificates in Arunachal Pradesh. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma denies any discussions on resettling these refugees in Assam. Opposition parties seek clarification, with AJP criticizing the Citizenship Amendment Act's impact on indigenous rights.
Takam Anju Appointed Director Of Miss Universe Arunachal Pradesh
In a significant development in Arunachals fashion scene, Ms. Takam Anju, the esteemed Chairperson of Miss Capital, has been appointed as the Director of Miss Universe Arunachal Pradesh. This appointment, marks a pivotal moment for both Ms. Anju and aspiring young women in the state. Renowned for her contributions to the fashion realm, Ms. Anjus... The post Takam Anju Appointed Director Of Miss Universe Arunachal Pradesh appeared first on Northeast Today .
Landslide Cuts Off Road Connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley
A massive landslide has washed away a major portion of a highway in Arunachal Pradesh, disrupting road connectivity with Dibang Valley, a district bordering China. The district experienced heavy landslides between Hunli and Anini on National Highway-313 due to heavy rainfall over the past few days, according to authorities. Videos showed a portion of the highway missing, making it impossible for vehicles to cross to the other side. This has posed challenges for locals and security forces who rely on the highway as a lifeline in this challenging terrain. The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has deployed resources to repair the damaged sections of the highway. Currently, there is no shortage of food or other essential supplies. Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his concern in an online post about the inconvenience caused to commuters due to the extensive damage on the highway between Hunli and Anini. He stated that instructions have been given to restore connectivity as quickly as possible, as the road is a vital link between Dibang Valley and the rest of the country. Now celebrate summer vacation abroad, travel will be very cheap 10 Crew Members Killed in Malaysian Military Helicopter Collision QS World University Rankings: India Emerges as Top Performer Among G-20 Nations
Portion of NH-313 caves in due to landslide in Arunachal Pradesh
ITANANAGAR: A portion of National Highway-313 caved in due to a landslide, triggered by incessant rain in Arunachal Pradesh for the past few days, disrupting traffic movement, an official said on Thursday. Surface communication to Dibang Valley district in the northeastern state snapped after a stretch of the vital highway, connecting Roing in lower Dibang Valley with Anini was damaged. The road between Hunli and Anini, the Dibang Valley district headquarters, was damaged due to the landslide on Wednesday night, he said. A massive landslide triggered by incessant rainfall washed away a portion of NH-313 highway in Arunachal Pradesh's Dibhang Valley. ANI pic.twitter.com/BsUUL59LVj The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 25, 2024 The district administration has deployed workers and adequate machinery to repair the road on a war footing. It will take a couple of days to restore traffic movement,Anini additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Dhurbajyoti Borah said. He, however, said that efforts were being made so that small vehicles could ply on the road by Thursday evening.
Chakmas-Hajongs relocation from Arunachal to Assam: Rijiju retracts from earlier remark
GUWAHATI: Amidst a swirling controversy in Assam following his remarks on proposed relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam, union minister Kiren Rijiju seems to have retracted from his claims. Earlier, it was reported that union minister and senior BJP leader Kiren Rijiju had claimed that he urged Assam chief minister [] The post Chakmas-Hajongs relocation from Arunachal to Assam: Rijiju retracts from earlier remark appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Highway along China border washed away after severe landslide in Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh's Chief Minister Pema Khandu addresses the interruption caused by a landslide on National Highway-33 in Dibang Valley, bordering China. He promises that connectivity between Hunli and Anini towns will be restored as soon as possible.
Watch: Arunachal Officials Cross Mountains, Rivers For Repolling In 8 Booths
Videos widely circulated online show polling officials in remote areas of Arunachal Pradesh, not far from the Line of Actual Control with China, carrying bulky EVMs and other election materials, on their way to carry out repolling in eight areas.
Massive landslide in Arunachal Pradesh, road connectivity cut off
CM Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh addresses the disruption caused by a landslide on National Highway-33 in Dibang Valley near China. He assures quick restoration of connectivity between Hunli and Anini towns.
Massive landslide hits Arunachal Pradesh, highway linking China border washed away
Massive landslide hits Arunachal Pradesh highway linking China border washed away
Massive Landslide In Arunachal, Key District Bordering China Cut Off
A massive landslide in Arunachal Pradesh has cut off road connectivity with Dibang Valley, a district sharing its border with China.
Dangerous Trek: Women Cops Cross Bamboo Bridge On Arunachal River
In a video that captures both the difficult terrain of Arunachal Pradesh as well as the dangers that it poses, women cops were seen crossing a traditional bamboo bridge over the mighty Kameng river while returning after elections.
CM Pema Khandu Extends Warm Wishes For Moh-Mol Festival Of Tangsa Community
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, extends heartfelt greetings on the auspicious occasion of the Moh-Mol festival, celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm by the Tangsa community of Changlang district. Emphasising the festivals significance in showcasing the cultural vibrancy and diversity of Arunachal Pradesh, CM Khandu expresses his sincere hopes and prayers for peace, happiness, and... The post CM Pema Khandu Extends Warm Wishes For Moh-Mol Festival Of Tangsa Community appeared first on Northeast Today .
3 ULFA (I) Overground Workers Arrested in Connection with Assam Rifles Convoy Ambush
3 ULFA (I) Overground Workers Arrested in Connection with Assam Rifles Convoy Ambush Three 'overground workers' of banned militant outfit ULFA (I) were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the ambush of an Assam Rifles convoy in Tinsukia district earlier this month, a police statement said. A search operation has also been launched to find the body of an ULFA cadre, purportedly killed in retaliatory firing during the ambush, which was buried in the area, it added. A convoy of 31 Assam Rifles, coming from Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh towards Margherita in Tinsukia (Assam), was fired upon by suspected militants in Makumpani forest area on April 16, in which one personnel of the paramilitary force was injured. Security forces opened retaliatory fire, in which the militants were also suspected to have sustained injuries. The ULFA (I) later claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that 'Operation Pratishodh' was carried out to avenge the death of two of its cadres. Tinsukia Police, in a statement, said the three persons, all from Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh, were apprehended in a joint operation with the police force of the neighbouring state and Assam Rifles. It said one of the arrested persons had provided logistics support, ration and acted as the guide for the ULFA cadres in the execution of the ambush. The other two had helped in the exit of the militants and provided local support and guidance. ''It has been learnt that one ULFA cadre died in retaliatory firing by Assam Rifles and was buried by other militants in the nearby forest area. Efforts are underway to recover the dead body of slain cadre and hand it over to the family members,'' police said. It also added that at least three ULFA cadres were injured during retaliatory fire and have been evacuated to ULFA camps in Myanmar. The three accused persons have identified the ULFA cadres who were part of the ambush and further joint search operation is underway with Assam Rifles, Army and Arunachal Pradesh Police to apprehend them, the statement added.
Apprehensions over declaration that Chakmas, Hajongs of Arunachal will be settled in Assam
Opposition parties including Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Congress leader have asked Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to clarify if there are plans to settle Chakma community from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam.
Lok Sabha Polls: 74% Voter Turnout Recorded In Arunachal Pradesh Repolling
An estimated 74 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the repolling at eight polling stations across four assembly constituencies of Arunachal Pradesh conducted on Wednesday amid elaborate security arrangements, an election official said.
Resettlement of refugees will alter demographic balance of Upper Assam dists: Forum
Guwahati, April 24: Prabajan Virodhi Manch (PVM) convenor Upamanyu Hazarika has expressed apprehension over Union minister Kiren Rijijus statement regarding resettlement of Chakmas and Hajongs (living in Arunachal Pradesh) in Assam post implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), while observing that such a development would have significant implications for the Upper Assam districts bordering [] The post Resettlement of refugees will alter demographic balance of Upper Assam dists: Forum appeared first on The Shillong Times .
ANS concerned over proposed relocation of Chakma-Hajong refugees to Assam
GUWAHATI: The Axom Nagarik Samaj (ANS) has expressed concern over the proposed relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam. ANS president and Rajya Sabha MP from Assam Ajit Kumar Bhuyan and general secretary Paresh Malakar have voiced concern over union minister Kiren Rijijus recent comments regarding resettlement of approximately [] The post ANS concerned over proposed relocation of Chakma-Hajong refugees to Assam appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
IMD Rainfall Alert: According to the Meteorological Department, there will be light to moderate rain in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura between April 24-28. Know the weather condition of other states also IMD Rainfall Alert: There is severe heat in various parts of the country including North India. Heatwave situation persists in [] The post IMD Rainfall Alert: There will be heavy rain in these states between 24-28 April, storm warning issued first appeared on informalnewz .
Repolling underway in eight polling stations in Arunachal amid heavy security
Itanagar, April 24: Repolling at eight polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh is underway amid tight security on Wednesday, officials said. According to election officials, the voting is going on peacefully and over 50 per cent of voters have cast their ballots till noon. The Election Commission on Sunday declared, as void, the simultaneous elections (Lok [] The post Repolling underway in eight polling stations in Arunachal amid heavy security appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Sangam Kayang Makes History As Arunachals First National Football Referee
In a groundbreaking achievement for Arunachal Pradeshs football community, Mr. Sangam Kayang has etched his name in history by becoming the states first national football referee. Hailing from Seppa in the East Kameng District, Kayangs journey to this milestone is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the sport. Mr. Kayangs remarkable journey began with... The post Sangam Kayang Makes History As Arunachals First National Football Referee appeared first on Northeast Today .
Arunachal: Padma Shri Yanung Jamoh Lego receives a warm welcome at East Siang district
Pasighat: Yanung Jamoh Lego of Arunachal Pradesh, who received the Padma Shri award for this year on Monday in New Delhi from the President of India was given a warm reception at her home town on Tuesday by Adi Baane Kebang of East Siang district unit along with members from Anggong society, Lego Erang Kebang [] The post Arunachal: Padma Shri Yanung Jamoh Lego receives a warm welcome at East Siang district appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Repolling underway in four assembly seats in Arunachal
Repolling in Arunachal Pradesh's eight polling stations under strict security measures following violence and EVM damage during recent elections, with Election Commission overseeing the process. The voting period is from 6 AM to 2 PM.
Re-Poll Begins In 8 Polling Stations Of Arunachal Pradesh
Re-polling has commenced today at eight polling stations across four assembly segments in four districts of Arunachal Pradesh. The Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered the re-voting after the previous polling on April 19 was deemed invalid due to reported incidents of violence and booth snatching. The fresh voting, which began promptly at 6 am,... The post Re-Poll Begins In 8 Polling Stations Of Arunachal Pradesh appeared first on Northeast Today .
Why Chakmas-Hajongs might get relocated from Arunachal to Assam?
GUWAHATI: Amidst intense election campaigning in Assam for the second phase of Lok Sabha polls, the state is witnessing a massive uproar over possible relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam. The opposition parties in Assam are up in arms against the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in [] The post Why Chakmas-Hajongs might get relocated from Arunachal to Assam? appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Opposition expresses concerns over potential Chakma relocation to Assam, CM Sarma clarifies
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has affirmed that the central government has not held any discussions regarding the resettlement of Chakma and Hajong refugees in Assam. Rijiju, who represents Arunachal Pradesh in the Lok Sabha, has proposed relocating these refugees to Assam before they become eligible for Indian citizenship under the CAA.
Chakma-Hajong row: Himanta Biswa Sarma conspiring against Assam, says state Congress chief
GUWAHATI: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is engaged in a dangerous conspiracy against the state. This was claimed by Assam Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah on Tuesday (April 23). Assam Congress chief Bupen Borah made this statement while reacting to a recent statement by union minister and Lok Sabha MP from Arunachal Pradesh [] The post Chakma-Hajong row: Himanta Biswa Sarma conspiring against Assam, says state Congress chief appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Assam CM says no proposal to resettle Chakma Hajong in State
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking at a conclave in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar on Saturday. (Image: DC) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking at a conclave in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar on Saturday. (Image: DC) Guwahati: In what has triggered a major controversy union minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that more than 67000 Chakma-Hajong refugees would be relocated from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam. However, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma immediately came before the media and clarified that there has been no such proposal to relocate Chakma-Hajong from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam. I dont know what Mr Kiren Rijiju said to media, there is no such proposal. Neither Chakma-Hajong leaders met me nor central government has ever contacted me on this issue. I have agreed to provide Permanent Residence Certificate to few hundered Assamese people living in Arunachal Pradesh. Realising the impact of it on ensuing Lok Sabha polling, Mr Sarma said that Mr Rijiju is not any authority on making such remarks. He may have said so for some political reasons, I will talk to him after the elections, said Mr Sarma visibly not happy over the development in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls. Asserting that Chakma Hajong refugees would be relocated outside the frontier state before being granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Mr Rijiju told reporters, They are staying in Arunachal Pradesh as guests. They are not entitled to get a permanent resident certificate (PRC) of citizenship in the frontier state, said Mr Rijiju said this in the presence of state home minister Bamang Felix and BJP MLA from Itanagar, Techi Kacho. Mr Rijiju went on saying, The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a blessing for Arunachal Pradesh. It is out of the purview of Arunachal Pradesh. The CAA grants citizenship to non-Muslim migrants Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from the three countries. So we will not grant them citizenship or permanent residents in Arunachal. He claimed, We are already in touch to the Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma about the resettlement of Chakmas in Assam. It is a big issue. There is also resistance from local residents. He informed, We also initiated talk with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. But we dont want to make it public. We have been trying for their resettlement for the past three years. We are looking for suitable land for their resttlement. When we will get land we will tell them to leave the state. He reiterated, We have been working silently on the issue and and Assam government has been urged to identify an appropriate location for their relocation. In 1996, the Supreme Court directed the Centre and the Arunachal Pradesh governments to grant citizenship to Chakma and Hajongs. Still, the state government has refused to accept the judgment and has refused to implement it. In August 2022, the Arunachal Pradesh government announced that it would no longer be issuing residence proof certificates to the Chakma and Hajong refugees in Changlang district following opposition by the All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU). As they do not have the proof of residence Chakmas and Hajongs are not Indian citizens and, therefore, are ineligible for official identification documents. The residential proof certificates which were issued by an extra assistant commissioner (EEAC) of Changlang district were also suspended from his service. On April 24, 2023, Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu announced that after resolving the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh boundary dispute, he will resolve the Chakma Hajong problem by distributing them in different states of India as the Chakmas and Hajongs being refugees cannot be permanently settled in the state, which is protected as a tribal state under the Constitution of India. Meanwhile, several organisations in Assam including Asom Jatiya Yuva Chhatra Parishad (AJYCP) has registered a strong opposition to the proposed resettlement of Chakma-Hajong in Assam.
Arunachal: Yanung Jamoh Lego conferred Padma Shri for excellence in herbal medicine
Guwahati: President Droupadi Murmu honoured Arunachal Pradeshs Yanung Jamoh Lego with the prestigious Padma Shri award during the esteemed civil investiture ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Lego was conferred Padma Shri in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of herbal medicine and agriculture. A renowned herbalist of the frontier state, she has [] The post Arunachal: Yanung Jamoh Lego conferred Padma Shri for excellence in herbal medicine appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
No plan of relocating Chakmas-Hajongs from Arunachal to Assam: CM Sarma
GUWAHATI: There are no plans or discussions in regards to relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam. This was claimed by Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. No discussion was held with Arunachal Pradesh regarding relocation of Chakma and Hajong refugees (to Assam), said CM Sarma. However, the Assam CM stated [] The post No plan of relocating Chakmas-Hajongs from Arunachal to Assam: CM Sarma appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Arunachal: Indian Army undertakes infra & healthcare projects in Tuting village
Dibrugarh: The Indian Army as part of its ongoing commitment to fostering harmony and development in Upper Siang District at Vibrant Village Tuting, Arunachal Pradesh has developed multiple infrastructure and healthcare projects under Operation Sadbhavana; a flagship initiative of the Indian Army aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the people. Spear Corps along [] The post Arunachal: Indian Army undertakes infra & healthcare projects in Tuting village appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Arunachals Yanung Jamoh Lego Honored With Padma Shri For Traditional Healthcare Contributions
In a commendable recognition of her decades-long dedication to preserving and reviving the traditional healing practices of the Adi community in the Siang belt, Smt Yanung Jamoh Lego of Arunachal Pradesh has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award. Lego, a former Deputy Director in the State Agriculture Department and a prominent figure in... The post Arunachals Yanung Jamoh Lego Honored With Padma Shri For Traditional Healthcare Contributions appeared first on Northeast Today .
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
Re-polling in Manipur peaceful, EC orders re-polling in eight Arunachal polling stations
Guwahati: Re-polling in 11 polling stations in Manipur passed off peacefully on Monday even as the Election Commission ordered re-polling in eight polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh. Brisk polling was recorded in the 11 polling stations falling under the Inner Manipur seat in the Meitei-majority Imphal Valley. Seven are under Imphal East and four are under Imphal West districts. The polling passed off peacefully. A voter turnout of 73.05 per cent was recorded till 3 pm, the states election department said. A large number of voters went out to cast their votes after the authorities had deployed adequate security personnel to the polling stations. Imphal East District Magistrate and Returning Officer Khumanthem Diana Devi said voting in the district was peaceful. Manipur | Festival of democracy under the shadow of ethnic conflict The voters are feeling safe and secure. They are happy that the EC has given this chance to them to cast their vote again. Adequate security arrangements were kept in place to make the voters feel safe and secure and the (election) process transparent and fair, she told journalists when polling was underway. During polling in the first phase on April 19, several incidents of gunfire, intimidations, destruction of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and alleged booth capturing by the armed miscreants were reported from the Imphal Valley. Opposition Congress had demanded re-polling in 47 polling stations 36 under the Inner Manipur and 11 under the Outer Manipur seats. The EC, however, ordered re-polling in the 11 polling stations. The Outer Manipur seat partially went to polls on April 19. It has 28 Assembly segments and 15 went to polls. Polling in the remaining 13 will be held on April 26. Meanwhile, the EC ordered re-polling in the eight polling stations in Arunachal following violence and damage to EVMs during polling in the first phase. Arunachal Pradesh: East or West, BJP faces a tough test Re-polling will be held at the polling stations Sario in East Kameng district, Longte Loth in Kurung Kumey district, Dingser, Bogiya Siyum, Jimbari and Lengi in Upper Subansiri district and Bogne and Molom in Siang district. Simultaneous Assembly and Lok Sabha elections were held in the state on April 19.
Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh repolling conducted peacefully, turnout exceeds 75%
Repolling in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh conducted peacefully; turnout exceeds 75%. Election Commission orders fresh voting in 11 Manipur stations and 8 Arunachal booths due to violence and EVM damage during April 19 polls. Manipur sees 72.17% turnout in Lok Sabha polls; remaining segments to vote on April 26. Arunachal Pradesh records 76.44% turnout; BJP wins 10 seats unopposed. Counting for assembly on June 2, Lok Sabha on June 4.
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.
Election Commission Orders Re-Polling in Eight Arunachal Pradesh Booths
Itanagar: Following incidents of violence and EVM damage during the simultaneous polling for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh on April 19, the Election Commission has ordered re-polling in eight booths. According to Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu, the Election Commission declared the polling in these eight booths as void and ordered fresh elections on April 24, from 6 am to 2 pm. The re-polling will take place in the following booths: Sario in Bameng Assembly constituency, East Kameng district Longte Loth in Nyapin Assembly constituency, Kurung Kumey district Bogne and Molom booths in Rumgong Assembly constituency, Siang district Dingser, Bogiya Siyum, Jimbari, and Lengi polling booths in Nacho constituency, Upper Subansiri district The initial polling on April 19 was conducted for 50 Assembly seats and two Lok Sabha seats in the state. Supporters of two candidates clashed near a polling station in the Bameng constituency of East Kameng district on the polling day. Additionally, incidents of EVM damage were reported at three polling stations in East Kameng, Kurung Kumey, and Upper Subansiri districts. The damaged machines were replaced, and polling resumed. A total of 76.44% of the 8,92,694 voters in the state exercised their franchise to elect 50 of the 60 members of the state assembly. It is noteworthy that the BJP had already won 10 assembly seats unopposed. The counting of votes for the assembly elections is scheduled for June 2, while the counting for the Lok Sabha polls will take place on June 4. Scientists Confirm Fossil Evidence of Vasuki Serpent Discovery in Gujarat Ruling PNC Secures Super-Majority in Maldivian Parliament Mob Lynched Woman for BJP Vote in Tamil Nadu: DMK's Rising Intolerance?
Bangalore: Karnataka Congress corporator Niranjan Hiremath criticized his own party, alleging that despite openly naming eight people he believed were involved in his daughter Neha Hiremath's murder, not a single person he named was arrested. He demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI. Neha Hiremath, a 23-year-old Masters of Computer Applications (MCA) student, was stabbed to death by her former classmate Fayaz Khondunaik on the campus of BVB College in Hubballi on April 18. The attack was caught on CCTV footage. While Fayaz was arrested later, Neha's death sparked a row between the BJP and Congress. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated earlier today that Neha's murder case would be handed over to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a trial would be conducted in a time-bound manner. However, Niranjan Hiremath, the Congress corporator of Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, expressed his frustration over the investigation into his daughter's murder. I have openly named eight people. They have not even caught one person. I am losing faith now. They are trying to divert my case. Give it to CBI if you are not able to handle it, he told the media. The commissioner in this case is a lady. Even then, she is not taking a girl's murder seriously. She is giving only assurances and saying that we are with you. I believe she is working under some pressure. I demand the commissioner should be transferred for negligence in the case. I demand that the case should be given to CBI, he said. Calling Neha innocent and talented, Niranjan Hiremath alleged his daughter was murdered due to 'love jihad'. Four members of the same community were present with the killer. I had tried talking with my daughter many times on this issue. This should be seriously investigated. The injustice done to my daughter should not happen to other girls, he said. Meanwhile, the BJP staged statewide protests over Neha's murder. The party alleged that the Congress government's 'appeasement politics' was responsible for the incident. The Karnataka government refuted the BJP's allegations of 'love jihad' and 'appeasement politics' over Neha's murder. Election Commission Orders Re-Polling in Eight Arunachal Pradesh Booths Supreme Court Allows Abortion for 7.5-Month Pregnant 14-Year-Old Girl Scientists Confirm Fossil Evidence of Vasuki Serpent Discovery in Gujarat
Re-polling announced at 8 polling booths in Arunachal Pradesh on April 24
Repolling announced at polling booths in Arunachal Pradesh on April
After Manipur, EC orders repolling in Arunachal Pradesh
Election Commission of India has ordered repolling in eight polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh where EVM damage and violence were reported during polling to simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls on April 19, an official said. The Commission in an order on Sunday declared the polling in the eight polling stations as void and ordered fresh polling on April 24 from 6 am to 2 pm, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a communique.
Election Commission Orders Re-Poll In Arunachal Pradesh
Following clashes during the first phase of Lok Sabha elections on April 19, the Election Commission of India ordered re-polling in eight stations across Arunachal Pradesh. Similarly, violence and EVM damage were reported during the assembly elections held on the same day, prompting the Commissions decision for fresh polling on... The post Election Commission Orders Re-Poll In Arunachal Pradesh appeared first on HW News English .
Election panel orders re-polling at eight stations in Arunachal Pradesh
Guwahati: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered re-polling in eight polling stations across Arunachal Pradesh. According to reports, the order was given owing to clashes that erupted in Arunachal Pradesh during the first phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024, on April 19. An official informed PTI that reports of violence and EVM [] The post Election panel orders re-polling at eight stations in Arunachal Pradesh appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Repolling On April 24 At 8 Polling Stations In Arunachal That Saw Violence
The Election Commission of India has ordered repolling in eight polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh where EVM damage and violence were reported during polling to simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls on April 19, an official said.
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.
The Commission in an order on Sunday declared the polling in the eight polling stations as void and ordered fresh polling on April 24 from 6 am to 2 pm, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a communique.
EC announces repolling in eight stations in Arunachal Pradesh after EVM damage, violence
Itanagar, Apr 22 (PTI) Election Commission of India has ordered repolling in eight polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh where EVM damage and violence were reported during polling to simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls on April 19, an official said. The Commission in an order on Sunday declared the polling in the eight polling stations as void and ordered fresh polling on April 24 from 6 am to 2 pm, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu said in a communique. The polling stations where repoll would be held include, Sario in Bameng assembly constituency in East Kameng district, Longte Loth under Nyapin assembly seat in Kurung Kumey, Dingser, Bogiya Siyum, Jimbari and Lengi polling booths under Nacho constituency in Upper Subansiri district. Repoll will also be held in Bogne and Molom polling booths under Rumgong assembly constituency in Siang district, the communique said. An estimated 76.44 per cent of the total 8,92,694 voters exercised their franchise on April 19 to elect 50 MLAs for the 60-member assembly in the northeastern state. The ruling BJP had already won 10 assembly seats unopposed.
Nikum Gyamar, a future football star from Arunachal Pradesh
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CAA will be repealed when INDIA Bloc comes to power, says Congress leader P Chidambaram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday said the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be repealed in the first session of Parliament after the INDIA Bloc forms the government at the Centre. Chidambaram said the intention of the Congress party is to repeal the CAA even though it is not mentioned in its manifesto. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) has been constantly lashing out at the Congress saying its manifesto fails to mention the CAA. Talking to the media here, Chidambaram claimed it was not mentioned in the manifesto ecause it became too long. The former union minister said the 10-year-rule of the BJP has caused tremendous damage to the country as it misused the rute majority in Parliament. There is a long list of laws among which five laws will be absolutely repealed. Take it from me, I am the chairman of the manifesto committee. I wrote every word of it, I know what the intention was. The CAA will be repealed, not amended. We have made it clear, Chidambaram said. The CAA will be repealed in the first session of Parliament in which the INDIA Bloc forms the government, he added. Dismissing the claims of Vijayan that the Congress has not opposed the Law, Chidambaram said Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has spoken against the CAA in Parliament. When asked whether the Ayodhya Ram temple inauguration will have any impact on the elections, Chidambaram said he hopes not. Ayodhya now has a temple. We are happy. People wanted the temple and a temple has come up. That should be the end of the story. Why should a temple in Ayodhya play a role in politics or in elections and on who should rule the country. It should have no role at all, Chidambaram said. TMC manifesto promises guaranteed jobs, free LPG cylinders, CAA repeal On the issue of national border security, the senior Congress leader alleged that the BJP government was hiding the truth from the people of the country that housands of square kilometres of Indian land was occupied by Chinese troops. That's a fact testified by the MP from Ladakh. The fact testified by the Arunachal Pradesh citizens. Therefore, to say that they have secured our borders is a complete lie, Chidambaram said. He also lashed out at the BJP-led NDA government and said the saffron party is no longer a political party but has become a cult that worships Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Targeting the Modi government, Chidambaram said there is a grave erosion of freedom of speech and expression that happened in the 10 years of Modi rule, and urged the people to estore democracy. The BJP constituted the manifesto in 14 days which is not titled manifesto. They called it Modi's guarantee. The BJP is no longer a political party. It has become a cult and the cult worships Narendra Modi, Chidambaram said. He claimed that Modi ki guarantee reminds everyone of the countries where there is cult worship. That cult worship in India has started gaining strength and will lead to dictatorship, he said. He alleged that there has been gross censorship of the freedom of expression under the 10-year Modi rule. If Modi is voted back to power for a third time, he may amend the constitution. We have to restore democracy, Chidambaram said. The Congress leader also criticised Vijayan, who has been vocal these days against the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, and asked the Left leader to look at this election as a national election, which it is. He alleged that its ally in the INDIA Bloc, the CPI(M) was fighting this election in Kerala as if it is a state election. And from a national point of view, who is better placed to fight the BJP and form a government in Delhi. Who is better placed to fight the BJP across India? It is obviously the Congress and not the CPI(M). CPI(M) is literally a single state party now, Chidambaram said. He appealed to the people to vote the INDIA bloc to power in Delhi. I am not sure if I can hold a press conference like this if Mr Modi is elected for a third time. I am not sure whether you will be free to ask any questions to BJP leaders then, he added. Polling will be held on April 26 in Kerala for the Lok Sabha election, and the nationwide results will be declared on June 4.
Missing since April 5, Karaya trader found in Arunachal forest
Trader Noor Alam found safe in Arunachal Pradesh after a ransom incident. The Anti-Rowdy Section's operation led to arrests. The case involved a significant financial transaction and police assistance from Lower Bimang Valley SP Akanksha Yadav.
Arunachal: Polling official, Security personnel die during election duty
Itanagar: Two election personnel engaged in assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Arunachal Pradesh succumbed to cardiac arrests, said a top election official. Additionally, three others were hospitalized following heart attacks. Changdam Yangchang, a dedicated Polling Officer stationed at Balupothar polling station in Bordumsa, Changlang district, passed away en route to the hospital after suffering [] The post Arunachal: Polling official, Security personnel die during election duty appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Insights on Hyderabad's Wanderlust and India's Travel Landscape
Delving into the heartbeat of Hyderabad's travel scene and India's burgeoning wanderlust, Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head of Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, shares exclusive insights with Deccan Chronicle. From the surge in domestic and international travel preferences to the rise of 'Pilgrimage Plus' experiences, Kale unveils the dynamic shifts and emerging trends shaping the travel industry. He also gives a list of most instagrammable tourist spots in the world. How is Hyderabad as a market for travel? Could you give us some statistics on the travel scene in Telangana, especially Hyderabad? Hyderabad is a key source market for us and our data reflects uptick of 29% YoY from Telangana and Hyderabad. This increased demand is emerging from customers across segments of families, couples, Young Indias millennials and Gen Z. While Hyderabad is a key market, Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam are emerging strongly. What do Hyderabadis prefer domestic or international travel? Could you tell us about the most popular tourist hotspots they visit? Name the top most travelled destinations within India Customers from Hyderabad and Telengana are travelling like never before and demand for both domestic and international destinations are equally high. Domestic and short-haul destinations are preferred for weekends, mini-cations; Long Haul destinations are opted for summer vacations, festive season like Dusshera, Diwali and year-end. Our customers are displaying strong appetite for Europes Switzerland, France, Hungary, Spain; also Finland and the Scandics; Australia-New Zealand, and USA despite visa challenges. Short haul destinations witnessing high interest include Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia; Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan. What is noteworthy, is that we have relaunched our flagship European Extravaganza holidays that offers our customers with a range of exclusive experiences that are share-worthy on social media. To address this demand, we have introduced Telugu and south special departures from Hyderabad to cater to the growing demand. On the domestic front, in addition to the cooler climes of Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, North East, we have observed a demand for beach destinations including Kerala and Goa. Spiritual tourism has gained momentum in the recent past. What are the top pilgrim towns? We are witnessing increased preference for spiritual tours to Char Dham, Ayodhya-Prayagraj-Varanasi, Tamil Nadu, etc. from not only from Telenganas senior segment but also families, couples and millennials. What is noteworthy, is the trend of Pilgrimage Plus where customers are combining darshans while exploring the surrounding destination. What about instagrammable locations? Could you give us 5 most travelled spots? From Scandic countries like Finland with Iceland and inclusions of husky-safaris, stays in glass igloo/bubbles or traditional log cabins with spectacular views of the Northern Lights, to panoramic views of Tegallalang rice terraces in Bali, Japans Cherry Blossom/Sakura season, are some examples. What are the unexplored places in India that have the potential to become tourist hot spots Hyderabadis are displaying increased interest in offbeat destinations with high preference for hidden gems including hot sulphur springs of Panamik in Nubra valley Ladakh; Yusmarg and Doodhpathri in Kashmir - exquisite hill stations in Kashmir with a lush green landscape and snow-capped mountain ranges, Damro - longest enchanted hanging bridge in Arunachal Pradesh, and Vantawng falls - the highest and most spectacular waterfalls in Mizoram. Beach destinations like North Kerala's Kappad Beach, Andhra's Rushikonda Beach and Andaman's Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island have emerged as top beach favorite choices. What about Lakshadweep? Have the booking surged post PM's tweet? The Prime Minister Narendra Modis recent visit to Lakshadweep and encouragement to Indians to explore the islands within the country, we have witnessed an uptick in our searches for both domestic islands and beach destinations. Our search data for Lakshadweep indicates a significant jump of over 950% compared to December, followed by destinations like, Goa - a clear catalyst for Domestic Tourism. What trends have you noticed in the travel industry during long weekends and seasonal holidays like Navratri or Summer? Our consumer trends indicate that customers from Telangana state are utilizing their extended weekends and public holidays, taking multiple holidays in a year especially to no-visa and easy visa destinations; also drive-cations. The announcements of visa-free entry has been a game-changer for destinations like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand, resulting in a significant uplift of approx. 35%. What is interesting, is that Indian consumers have shifted from being a Saver to a Spender, and this changed mindset has had a cascading impact on holidays; customers are willing to increase spends on their holidays by 20-30% compared to pre-pandemic levels and stay in premium properties while travelling for a longer duration from 7-10 days to over 15 days.
Official, Security Personnel Die Due To Cardiac Arrest During Voting
A polling official and a constable of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) died due to cardiac arrest during simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Arunachal Pradesh on April 19, a top poll official said.
Polling official, IRBn personnel die due to cardiac arrest during Arunachal elections
Polling official, IRBn personnel die due to cardiac arrest during Arunachal elections A polling official and a constable of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRBn) died due to cardiac arrest during simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Arunachal Pradesh on April 19, a top poll official said. Three others have been admitted to hospitals after suffering heart attack, he said. Polling Officer Changdam Yangchang, deployed at Balupothar polling station in Bordumsa in Changlang district, died while being taken to a hospital after suffering a heart attack during polling, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain told reporters here on Saturday. Passang Dondup, a constable in the fourth IRBn, died at Tamen in Kamle district while on naka duty, he said. Three other polling personnel also suffered cardiac arrest and have been hospitalised. S K Paul, a presiding officer deployed in Upper Siang district, suffered a heart attack during polling and was admitted to a hospital in Dibrugarh in Assam, the CEO said adding that his condition is stable. ''Dinesh Kumar Panda, a central police force personnel from Odisha, who was deployed in Kurung Kumey district on election duty, also suffered a heart attack and was admitted to Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS), where he is in ventilation,'' Sain said. The CEO said that Kesang Goiba, returning officer of Rumgong in Siang district, also suffered a heart attack and is presently undergoing treatment at a hospital in East Siang district. ''An amount of Rs 15 lakh will be paid as ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased, while others will be paid as per the prescribed norms of the Election Commission,'' Sain said. Polling for simultaneous elections to two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies in the northeastern state was held on Friday. The ruling BJP has already won 10 seats in the 60-member assembly unopposed. The CEO added that the state recorded 76.44 per cent polling for assembly polls, while the turnout in the Lok Sabha polls to East and West seats were 76.37 per cent and 70.11 per cent respectively. The CEO said that re-polling is likely to be held in five polling stations, including four in Upper Subansiri and one in Kurung Kumey district.
Travel tips: Coldest city in India, shivering is felt even in summer
The summer season has arrived. The temperature starts increasing in this season. Due to the scorching sun and heat, one starts sweating. In such weather, neither do we feel like going out nor do we feel like staying at home continuously. In summer people want to enjoy relaxing holidays at some cool place. Although there are many hill stations where the temperature is lower than other places in summer, sunshine and heat can also be felt. People also do not want to visit hill stations in the sun. Well, India is a country of diversity. There are different types of weather in different cities. Somewhere there is sunshine, somewhere it rains, somewhere it is hot and somewhere it is cold. In such a situation, if you want to feel cool in the scorching heat of May-June, then you can go to the coldest place in the country to spend time. In this article, we are talking about the coldest city in the country, where you can enjoy the shivering cold weather even in the summer season. The coldest place in India Leh Ladakh remains cool throughout the year. Ladakh is situated amidst the Himalayan ranges, where it is so cold in winter that the temperature goes beyond minus. This place is better to visit in summer. During the summer season the temperature here ranges from 2 to 12 degrees Celsius. During this time, one can see snowy mountains and feel the chilling winter in the scorching heat of May and June. Dras and Siachen Glacier In April, while the temperature in many states including the capital Delhi is more than 40 degrees Celsius, in Dras it is around 7 degrees Celsius. Dras is a town located in Kargil district in Leh Ladakh, which is considered to be the coldest town in India. Siachen Glacier is also one of the coldest places. The temperature here goes down to minus -50 degrees Celsius. Siachen Glacier is a glacier located near the India-Pakistan Line of Control in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayas. Tawang Tawang city of Arunachal Pradesh is also included among the coldest places. This place experiences heavy snowfall and avalanches during the winter season. At the same time, the temperature here is low in summer. The natural beauty and coolness of Tawang encourage tourists to visit here in the summer. (PC: Pexel)
It would not be wrong to say that Buddhism is one of the most loved religions in the world. Buddhism, which has spread all over the world, has its roots in India. It was founded by Lord Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha followed the path of truth till the end of his life and always inspired people to follow the truth and choose the right path. Today, there are many monasteries, stupas, monuments, and other Buddhist sites associated with Gautam Buddha across the country which are known throughout the world. If you are also curious to know about the precious words, secrets, and philosophical and spiritual teachings of Gautam Buddha, then visit these places. These places hold great importance for history lovers. Let us know about these places... Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. People who follow Buddhism consider it very sacred. This is the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment sitting under the ancient Bodhi tree. The structure of the temple is very beautiful. The most special thing about this temple is that images of different religions can be seen through artifacts. Bodh Gaya is considered by Buddhists to be one of the holiest cities in the world, as it was the site where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple located in Bodh Gaya was given the status of World Heritage by UNESCO in the year 2002. Sarnath Temple, Varanasi Sarnath Temple needs no introduction. One of the Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Sarnath is the place where Buddha gave his first sermon to his disciples. This temple located in Varanasi was built by King Ashoka. Sarnath is a city of historical wonders with numerous Buddhist stupas, museums, ancient sites, and beautiful temples that prove to be a source of great wonder and awe for tourists. During your trip to Sarnath, you can visit Chaukhandi Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, Dhamekh Stupa, Archaeological Museum, Moolgandh Kuti Vihar, Chinese, and Thai temples, and monasteries. Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh Located near Gorakhpur in the northeastern region of Uttar Pradesh, Kushinagar is a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. Lord Buddha is believed to have died in Kushinagar after which Emperor Ashoka built a stupa here to mark the site of Parinirvana. The stupa contains the resurrected Nirvana statue of the Buddha, with a reclining statue of the dying Buddha placed on the right side. Kushinagar is a religious city that attracts a large number of tourists, especially followers of Buddhism. Other major sites of Kushinagar include Chaitya, Rambhar Stupa, Monastery, and some popular small temples. Kesariya Stupa, Bihar Kesariya Stupa is an ancient heritage, which is famous as the world's largest ancient Buddhist stupa. According to the information, this stupa was built by Emperor Ashoka the Great. This is an important place for those interested in history and art, many important aspects of Indian history can be understood here. According to the dates recorded in the records, this huge stupa belongs to the third century. This ancient site was discovered in 1958 by the Archaeological Survey Department. The entire survey work was done by archaeologist K. Happened under the supervision of Muhammad. Before the survey, this site was considered to be an ancient Shiva temple but during the excavation, many other things of ancient times were found here. These include statues of Buddha, copper objects, Islamic coins, etc. after which it has been considered a Buddhist stupa. Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh Tawang is one of the most famous Buddhist places in India as well as a major tourist destination of Arunachal Pradesh which attracts tourists with its beauty. Situated at an altitude of about 3048 meters, Tawang is famous for many important and beautiful monasteries and is the birthplace of the Dalai Lama. Tawang Monastery is the largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, popular as a rich, center of spirituality and knowledge. Tawang Monastery is also known as the Golden Namgyal Lhasa by the local people. The monastery library also houses a vast collection of some of the most sacred and important scriptures. Also, the Buddhist India Cultural Study Center is established here for Buddhist monks. Which is known as a shelter for more than 300 monks. Red Maitreya Temple, Leh This temple is situated in one of the most spectacular Indian locations. Right in the middle of the sky touching mountains and soothing landscapes. This religious site is a part of Thiksey Monastery and is famous for the 49-foot tall statue of Lord Buddha. Pilgrims and travelers from all over the world come here for the beauty and spiritual importance of this place. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh Sanchi Stupa is located on the banks of Betba River, 46 km northeast of Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh state. Sanchi Stupa is one of the most prominent Buddhist sites in India. Sanchi Stupa was established in the 3rd century BC on the orders of Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty. Where the remains of Lord Buddha are kept. A good glimpse of Buddhist art and architecture can be seen in the sculptures and monuments present at this place. For your information, let us tell you that Sanchi Stupa, world-famous for its attractive artworks, was included as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on 15 October 1982. (PC: Lifeberrys)
Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls: Re-polling ordered for four polling stations after violence
ITANAGAR: Following reports of violence, re-polling has been ordered for four polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh. Of these four polling stations in Arunachal Pradesh, where re-polling have been ordered, one is located in Kurung Kumey and three in Upper Siang. This was informed by Arunachal Pradesh chief electoral officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain. Sain stated [] The post Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls: Re-polling ordered for four polling stations after violence appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
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)
Lone voter casts vote in remote Arunachal district
ITANAGAR, April 19: The unique Malogam polling station in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh recorded cent per cent polling with the lone female voter, exercising her constitutional right on Friday, officials said. The 44-year-old Sokela Tayang cast her vote around 1 pm, a district official said. For the single voter, a team of polling officials []
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)
Itanagar, April 19: Amid reports of violence from a few districts, Arunachal Pradesh recorded 66.36 per cent of its 8.92 voters casting their votes in the election to the states two Lok Sabha seats and over 68.43 per cent in the simultaneous Assembly polls on Friday, officials said. A senior police official said that supporters [] The post Arunachal Pradesh: Over 66 per cent turnout in LS polls, 68 per cent for Assembly polls amid rain disruption appeared first on The Shillong Times .
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)
Indians vote in huge election dominated by jobs, Hindu pride and Modi
Indians vote in huge election dominated by jobs, Hindu pride and Modi A substantial number of Indians voted on Friday in the first phase of the world's largest election, authorities said, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term on the back of issues such as growth, welfare and Hindu nationalism. The vote pits Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against an alliance of two dozen opposition parties that promise greater affirmative action and more handouts while stressing what they call the need to save democratic institutions. Three hours before polls closed, figures from the Election Commission showed voter turnout ranged between 40% in the sprawling northern state of Bihar and 68% in the small northeastern state of Tripura. Voters show great enthusiasm as polling reaches halfway mark, an election panel spokesperson had posted earlier on X. Substantial voter turnout reported. The first of seven phases, Friday's vote covered 166 million voters in 102 constituencies across 21 states and territories, from Tamil Nadu in the south to Arunachal Pradesh on the Himalayan frontier with China. Almost a billion people in the world's most populous nation are eligible to vote in the entire exercise running through the peak of summer until June 1, with results set for June 4. Modi will come back to power, because apart from the religious push, his other work, in areas such as safety and security, is good, said Abdul Sattar, 32, a Muslim voter in the city of Kairana in the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. Surveys suggest the BJP will easily win a majority, even though voters worry about unemployment, inflation and rural distress in the world's fastest growing major economy. Jobs were the chief concern for Mohammed Shabbir, another Muslim voter in Kairana. None of his eight children had regular employment, the 60-year-old driver said. Even the Hindus are affected by a lack of jobs, he said, adding that the problem outweighed the appeal of Hindu nationalism in the Hindu-majority nation. Especially after Modi's January consecration of a grand temple to Lord Ram on a site in Uttar Pradesh believed to be his birthplace, Hindu nationalism is a key election theme. Critics accuse Modi's government and party of targeting India's 200 million minority Muslims to please their hardline Hindu base - charges both deny. Modi aims to win 370 of parliament's 543 seats, up from 303 in 2019, hoping for a two-thirds majority that some analysts and opposition members fear could let his party usher in far-reaching constitutional changes. STRONG SOUTHERN PUSH But in Tamil Nadu, one of India's most developed states where the BJP is weak, voters seemed divided on whether Modi's strong push this time round would benefit his party. Modi has made India a peaceful country, particularly for Hindus, said S. Rajagopal, a three-wheel taxi driver in the state capital of Chennai. The BJP may not boost its vote share in Tamil Nadu but nationwide, Modi will win hands down again. However, V. Parasuraman, 55, a businessman in construction, said the BJP had done little for Tamil Nadu, adding, People here are educated and ... won't fall for Modi's sugar-coated words. The BJP campaign focuses on Modis guarantee to deliver on promises to voters. This election is not just to choose a member of parliament, Modi said on Friday. It is an election to secure the future of generations that come after you. India needed a strong government at a time when clouds of war are hanging over the world, he added. Victory for Modi would make him only the second Indian prime minister to be elected three times in a row, after post-independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru. PROSPECT OF HEAT, VIOLENCE Surveys show a big gap between BJP and the opposition but it was not ecessarily unsurmountable, said political analyst Sandeep Shastri of research firm Lokniti Network. Many voters say that we take our decision on who to vote for during campaigning and many say we do it closer to the day of voting, he said. So there is also scope for campaigning to impact the nature of the verdict. But some BJP insiders and analysts say the party is worried about complacency or overconfidence among voters and party members, and needs to draw more people to vote. Yet the opposition's INDIA alliance has struggled to forge unity. It has accused the government of hobbling its efforts by arresting its leaders in graft cases and making huge tax demands ahead of the vote - a charge the government denies. The election will decide the future of Indian democracy, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, said on X. Strengthen democracy by applying the balm of your vote to the wounds inflicted on the soul of the nation in the last 10 years ... defeat hatred, he said on Friday.
Arunachal Pradesh LS Polls: 38% turnout till 1 pm
Guwahati: According to reports, around 38 per cent of the total 8,92,694 voters exercised their franchise till 1 pm on Friday in Arunachal Pradesh. Here the polling is underway for two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies. The ruling BJP has already won ten seats unopposed in the 60-member assembly. The turnout, which was [] The post Arunachal Pradesh LS Polls: 38% turnout till 1 pm appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
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.
Phase 1: 40% turnout till 1 pm; violence in Bengal
Minor EVM glitches were reported at some booths in Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Assam.
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 leads with 53 percent turnout at 1 pm
Northeast states record high voter turnout, Tripura leads 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)
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)
India votes in gigantic election dominated by jobs, Hindu pride and Modi
India votes in gigantic election dominated by jobs, Hindu pride and Modi Indians began voting on Friday in the world's largest election as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term on the back of issues such as growth, welfare, Hindu nationalism and personal popularity. The vote pits Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against an alliance of two dozen opposition parties that promise greater affirmative action and more handouts while stressing what they call the need to save democratic institutions. Modi will come back to power, because apart from the religious push, his other work, in areas such as safety and security, is good, said Abdul Sattar, 32, a Muslim voter in the city of Kairana in the most populous state of Uttar Pradesh. He was among those queuing outside polling stations, some well before the opening time of 7:00 a.m. (0130 GMT), amid tight security. Friday's phase is the first and largest of seven, covering 166 million voters in 102 constituencies across 21 states and territories, from Tamil Nadu in the south to Arunachal Pradesh on the Himalayan frontier with China. Almost a billion people in the world's most populous nation are eligible to vote in the entire exercise running through the peak of summer until June 1, with results set for June 4. Surveys suggest the BJP will easily win a majority even though voters worry about unemployment, inflation and rural distress in the world's fastest growing major economy. Unemployment was the main concern for Mohammed Shabbir, another Muslim voter in Kairana, about 100 km (60 miles) from Delhi, the capital. The 60-year-old driver and father of eight said none of his children had regular jobs. Even the Hindus are affected by a lack of jobs, he said, explaining that he saw it outweighing Hindu nationalism as an election issue in the Hindu-majority nation. Hindu nationalism is a key election theme, especially after Modi's January consecration of a grand temple to the God-king Lord Ram on a site in the northern city of Ayodhya believed to be his birthplace. Critics accuse Modi's government and party of targeting India's 200 million minority Muslims to please their hardline Hindu base - charges both deny. Modi aims to win 370 of parliament's 543 seats, up from 303 in 2019, hoping for a two-thirds majority that some fear could let his party make far-reaching constitutional changes. STRONG SOUTHERN PUSH Voters in Tamil Nadu, one of India's most developed states where the BJP is weak, seemed divided on whether Modi's strong push this time would benefit his party. Modi has made India a peaceful country, particularly for Hindus, said S. Rajagopal, a three-wheel taxi driver in the state capital of Chennai. The BJP may not boost its vote share in Tamil Nadu but nationwide, Modi will win hands down again. V. Parasuraman, 55, who works in the construction business, said the BJP had done little for Tamil Nadu, however. Their leaders didn't even come here when Chennai was flooding. People here are educated and ... won't fall for Modi's sugar-coated words. The BJP campaign takes as its theme Modis guarantee to fulfill promises to voters. I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to vote in large numbers, Modi posted on X minutes before polls opened. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters. A Modi victory would make him only the second Indian prime minister to be elected three times in a row, after post-independence leader Jawaharlal Nehru. PROSPECT OF HEAT, VIOLENCE With India forecast to experience more heat-wave days than normal this year, a more immediate concern is how the weather could affect voter turnout. The threat of violence looms in some pockets, such as the central state of Chhattisgarh, after security forces killed 29 Maoist rebels. On Friday, the forces used drones to track rebel movement while patrolling polling areas. Parts of the eastern state of West Bengal saw sporadic violence before the vote, as workers of the BJP and regional rival Trinamool Congress accused each other of attacks. Some BJP insiders and analysts say the party is worried about fatigue, complacency or overconfidence among voters and party members, however, and needs to draw people to vote. Yet the opposition's INDIA alliance has struggled to forge unity. It has accused the government of hobbling its efforts by arresting its leaders in graft cases and making huge tax demands ahead of the vote - charges the government denies. The election will decide the future of Indian democracy, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, said in a post on X. Strengthen democracy by applying the balm of your vote to the wounds inflicted on the soul of the nation in the last 10 years ... defeat hatred, he said on Friday.
19 percent polling recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by 11 am
19 percent polling recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by 11 am An estimated 19 per cent of the total 8,92,694 voters exercised their franchise till 11 am on Friday in Arunachal Pradesh where polling is underway for two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies, officials said. The ruling BJP has already won 10 seats in the 60-member assembly unopposed. Though the turnout was moderate in the morning hours due to inclement weather, it gathered momentum with weather conditions improving. In a few polling stations in the state, polling was delayed as the electronic voting machines (EVMs) developed technical snags which were later replaced, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain said. According to reports from various districts, the polling remained peaceful so far without any incidents of violence, the CEO said Union Earth Science Minister Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy CM Chowna Mein were among the early voters in the northeastern state. Rijiju cast his vote in his village Nafra in the newly created Bichom district, while Khandu exercised his franchise at the government secondary school Bomba from where he did his schooling, in the Mukto constituency in Tawang district, the officials said. Mein also exercised his franchise at Chowkham. Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik and his wife Anagha Parnaik, cast their votes at Polling Station 1 at P Sector government secondary school, here. ''I had cast my vote as per the Constitutional privilege I have and I appeal to all the voters of the state to exercise their franchise and make our democracy a success,'' the governor told reporters. An estimated 8,92,694 voters, including 4,54,256 women, are eligible to exercise their franchise and decide the electoral fate of 133 candidates in the assembly polls and 14 Lok Sabha poll contestants.
19 per cent polling recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by 11 am
19 per cent polling recorded in Arunachal Pradesh by 11 am An estimated 19 per cent of the total 8,92,694 voters exercised their franchise till 11 am on Friday in Arunachal Pradesh where polling is underway for two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies, officials said. The ruling BJP has already won 10 seats in the 60-member assembly unopposed. Though the turnout was moderate in the morning hours due to inclement weather, it gathered momentum with weather conditions improving. In a few polling stations in the state, polling was delayed as the electronic voting machines (EVMs) developed technical snags which were later replaced, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Pawan Kumar Sain said. According to reports from various districts, the polling remained peaceful so far without any incidents of violence, the CEO said Union Earth Science Minister Kiren Rijiju, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy CM Chowna Mein were among the early voters in the northeastern state. Rijiju cast his vote in his village Nafra in the newly created Bichom district, while Khandu exercised his franchise at the government secondary school Bomba from where he did his schooling, in the Mukto constituency in Tawang district, the officials said. Mein also exercised his franchise at Chowkham. Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik and his wife Anagha Parnaik, cast their votes at Polling Station 1 at P Sector government secondary school, here. ''I had cast my vote as per the Constitutional privilege I have and I appeal to all the voters of the state to exercise their franchise and make our democracy a success,'' the governor told reporters. An estimated 8,92,694 voters, including 4,54,256 women, are eligible to exercise their franchise and decide the electoral fate of 133 candidates in the assembly polls and 14 Lok Sabha poll contestants.
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)
Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections: Rijiju, Khandu cast votes in native villages
The polling for two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies is underway
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)
Lok Sabha Phase 1 Polling: MP Records Highest Voter Turnout, Arunachal Yet To Pick Up Pace
New Delhi: In the initial phase of Indias nationwide election, voter turnout till 9 AM diverged significantly across states. According to ECI, states like West Bengal witnessed a robust voter turnout of 15.09%, while Arunachal Pradesh recorded a comparatively lower figure of 4.95%. Notably, Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh reported an 11% turnout by 9:00 [] The post Lok Sabha Phase 1 Polling: MP Records Highest Voter Turnout, Arunachal Yet To Pick Up Pace appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
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.
Arunachal: Rijiju, Khandu cast votes in native villages
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju cast their votes on Friday at their native villages as the polling for two Lok Sabha seats and 50 assembly constituencies is underway, officials said. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also exercised his franchise in his village in the Chowkham assembly segment. Rijiju []
Voting begins on 102 seats in first of 7-phase polls
New Delhi: Voting has commenced for 102 Lok Sabha seats, constituting nearly a fifth of the total 543 seats, across 18 states and three Union Territories including 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 [] The post Voting begins on 102 seats in first of 7-phase polls appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .
