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Maharashtra Polls: Akshay Praises Booth Setup, Farhan Urges Voter Participation

November 20, 2024, 12:40 pm

As Maharashtra Assembly elections commenced on Wednesday, several celebrities were spotted at polling stations casting their votes. Videos and pictures of Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Rajkummar Rao, and Kabir Khan surfaced on social media, showing them arriving early to vote.

Akshay Kumar’s Visit

Akshay Kumar was seen interacting with the media outside the polling booth. When asked to show his inked finger, he praised the arrangements, saying, “The best thing is the arrangements are really good. I saw that planning was done well for senior citizens. It’s clean too. Yahi hai ki sab log aaye, vote kare (Everyone should come and vote). That is the most important thing.” He joked with a reporter about arriving early, mentioning that even the reporter had come before him. Akshay was dressed in a black shirt and grey pants.

Farhan Akhtar on Voting’s Importance

Farhan Akhtar took to social media to urge citizens to vote, emphasizing, “I urge all people to come out and vote. It’s very important. It is our responsibility as a citizen of this city, state, and country to be involved in its narrative…I hear that people complain about Mumbai and how it should be but when asked if they voted, they will say, ‘No, I didn’t.’ Then don’t complain. This is the one chance that you have to contribute as a citizen. So it is your responsibility.” He also discussed the need for more cinema screens, urging the government and the industry to collaborate on expanding screen availability.

Rajkummar Rao and Gautami Kapoor Encourage Voting

Rajkummar Rao cast his vote early and reminded everyone of its importance: “It is very important (to vote). Everyone, please step out and vote. This is the voting day, it is very important.” He wore a beige T-shirt and black pants.
Similarly, actress Gautami Kapoor expressed her satisfaction after voting, saying, “I feel great. I think casting a vote is amazing. You feel liberated and I think it is very important for every citizen to vote because every vote makes a huge difference. So, please vote…It’s very important, we can change the country.”

Maharashtra Elections Overview

The voting for the Maharashtra Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. and will conclude at 6 p.m. Polling is taking place across all 288 assembly constituencies. With heightened security in Mumbai, over 4,000 candidates, including 2,086 independents, are contesting the elections. Among the major parties, BJP is contesting 149 seats, Shiv Sena 81, NCP 59, Congress 101, and smaller parties like BSP are also in the fray. The state has approximately 9.7 crore registered voters.

Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Statewide Holiday on Nov 20 for Voting

November 10, 2024, 12:14 pm

The Maharashtra government has declared a statewide public holiday on Nov. 20 for the upcoming Assembly elections, ensuring that government offices, semi-government organizations, corporations, banks, boards, and related institutions remain closed to facilitate voting.

“The Government of Maharashtra hereby declares public holiday on account of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly General Election of 2024 in all assembly constituencies on Wednesday, November 20, 2024,” the official order stated.

Bank Closures on Election Day

As part of this holiday, all government offices, including banks, will be closed for in-person services on Nov. 20 across Maharashtra. Despite this closure, customers can still access online banking and ATM services without disruption.

Paid Leave for Mumbai Employees

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has mandated paid leave on Nov. 20 for employees within Mumbai to encourage higher voter participation. The BMC order specifies, “Every person engaged in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment in the polling area where the election is held, and entitled to vote in the State Assembly elections shall be given a holiday on the polling day.” Employers must comply, as the order warns that any violation will result in strict action, and no deductions in employee salaries will be allowed for this leave.

The Assembly elections will be conducted across all 288 seats in a single phase on Nov. 20, with the results scheduled to be declared on Nov. 23.

US Election Voting Looks Different In Every State, Here’s How Polls Look Like

November 5, 2024, 1:34 pm

The upcoming US general election on November 5 will be pivotal for the nation, determining its direction for the coming years. However, this national contest is not a single unified event. The election process differs significantly across the 50 states and Washington D.C., each of which administers its own rules and systems. From unique vote allocations in Maine and Nebraska to ranked-choice voting in Alaska and Maine, the variations in state-specific practices highlight the diversity of the electoral landscape.

Unique Electoral Vote Allocation in Maine and Nebraska

While most states operate under a winner-takes-all system in which the candidate with the most statewide votes secures all of that state’s electoral votes, Maine and Nebraska stand out. These states assign electoral votes by congressional district: the winner of each district receives one electoral vote, with two additional votes going to the statewide winner. For example, in 2020, Maine awarded Democrat Joe Biden three out of its four electoral votes, while one electoral vote went to Republican Donald Trump. Similarly, Nebraska allocated four of its five electoral votes to Trump and one to Biden.

Ranked-Choice Voting in Alaska and Maine

Alaska and Maine also utilize ranked-choice voting (RCV) in state and federal elections, a system allowing voters to rank candidates by preference. In cases where no candidate wins more than 50% of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and votes are redistributed to the remaining candidates. Maine has implemented RCV in federal races, including presidential, Senate, and House elections, while Alaska uses it for all legislative and statewide offices. This year marks Alaska’s first presidential election under RCV, with eight candidates appearing on the ballot.

Louisiana’s Open Primary on Election Day

On November 5, Louisiana will conduct an “open primary,” where all candidates appear on the ballot regardless of party affiliation. If any candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, they are declared the winner. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the top two contenders advance to a runoff. Changes starting in 2026 will restrict this open primary system for U.S. House races, moving to earlier party-specific primaries.

Party Runoff Options in California and Washington

California and Washington also use a unique system where the top two candidates from an open primary advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. This often results in contests between candidates of the same party, as seen this year in six House districts across the two states. The Associated Press will report these races based on party affiliations, as outcomes are largely predetermined in these cases.

Runoff System in Georgia

Georgia’s runoff system kicks in if no candidate earns over 50% of the vote in a general election. This process has historically led to runoff elections in tightly contested races, particularly for Senate seats, although this year’s runoffs are likely limited to state legislative races due to a lack of third-party candidates.

Dual Abortion Measures in Nebraska

Nebraska voters face two contrasting abortion measures on the ballot, one seeking to protect the right to abortion until fetal viability, the other aiming to enshrine a 12-week ban with specific exceptions. If both pass, only the measure with the most “for” votes will be enacted.

Variances in Vote Reporting Across Time Zones

States with multiple time zones, like Florida, Michigan, Texas, and Oregon, can release early results from regions with earlier poll closures. While early vote counts are released from closed precincts, winners will not be called by the AP until all polls close in each state.

Kamala Harris Brings Up Project 2025 in Debate as Donald Trump Denies Connection: ‘I’m an Open Book’

September 11, 2024, 7:45 am

The intense debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump took center stage on Tuesday night, featuring a notable clash over Project 2025, which Democrats criticize as extreme.

During the debate, Harris sought to link Trump to Project 2025, a controversial conservative policy blueprint authored by the Heritage Foundation. The 922-page document, titled “Mandate for Leadership,” outlines a radical overhaul of the federal government. It proposes significantly expanding presidential powers and replacing up to 50,000 federal employees with Trump loyalists.

Despite Harris’s efforts to connect him to the plan, Trump vigorously denied any association with Project 2025. He emphasized his detachment from the agenda, stating that he has “purposefully” avoided reading it and remains transparent about his own policies.

“I have nothing to do with Project 2025,” Trump asserted during the debate. “Everybody knows I’m an open book. Everybody knows what I’m going to do.” Earlier, on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump had stated, “I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”

An Overview of Project 2025

Project 2025 proposes sweeping changes to the federal government, including the abolition of the Departments of Education and Homeland Security. It suggests that the Department of Health and Human Services should enforce policies to protect “the fundamental right to life,” and it advocates for criminalizing pornography and prosecuting those who mail abortion pills. The plan also recommends that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain data on abortions.

Democrats have frequently cited Project 2025 during the campaign to warn voters of what they perceive as a radical shift towards authoritarianism under a potential Trump administration.

Debate Dynamics

Before the debate began, Harris and Trump shared a notably awkward handshake. Harris then addressed the first question about the state of the US economy compared to four years ago. She highlighted aspects of her economic agenda, including tax relief for new parents, support for first-time homebuyers, and aid for small businesses, positioning herself as a champion for the middle class.

In contrast, Trump focused on his economic plans, reiterating his commitment to substantial tax cuts and fostering economic growth. “Everybody knows what I’m going to do – cut taxes very substantially and create a great economy,” Trump said in response to Harris’s economic critique.

The debate showcased stark differences in policy and approach, setting the stage for a crucial period as the election nears.

US Presidential Debate: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Face Off in Potential Game Changer

September 11, 2024, 6:57 am

In a historic moment for the U.S. presidential race, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are set to engage in one of the most significant showdowns of the election cycle. With the polls indicating a tight race, this debate could be crucial in swaying undecided voters just weeks before Election Day.

The debate, taking place at 9 p.m. local time in Philadelphia, could be their only face-to-face encounter before the November 5 election. Each candidate faces unique challenges as they aim to gain an advantage.

For Trump, running for the presidency for the third time, he is a well-known and polarizing figure. Some of his supporters hope he will focus on policy issues rather than personal attacks to project a presidential demeanor and address voter concerns about electing a former president who is now a convicted felon.

Recent Developments

A key point of contention is Project 2025, a controversial conservative plan linked to the Heritage Foundation. Democrats have sought to connect Trump with this radical proposal, but he has distanced himself from it. Trump has dismissed the association, stating, “Everybody knows what I’m going to do – cut taxes very substantially and create a great economy.”

As the debate began, Trump and Harris met on stage and exchanged a handshake, marking the start of what might be their only direct confrontation. The debate, moderated by ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis, will be a high-stakes 90-minute discussion, with the candidates standing about 6-8 feet apart in a small, blue-lit amphitheater.

Debate Logistics

The debate’s format was decided by a virtual coin toss conducted by ABC News last week, giving Trump the option to choose the order of closing statements or his position on stage. Trump opted for the final closing statement, while Harris chose her spot on the right side of the stage from the viewers’ perspective.

With no live audience present, the debate will lack the usual applause and reactions that can influence the atmosphere. The National Constitution Center, where the debate is hosted, is adorned with blue lighting and decorated with constitutional imagery, including a “We the People” inscription above the lectern.

As Harris and Trump make their cases to the American people, the focus will be on their arguments and performances rather than the stage setting. This debate represents a crucial opportunity for both candidates to clarify their positions and connect with voters as the election draws near.

Harris vs. Trump: Polls Reveal Who’s Leading the US Presidential Race Ahead of the Debate

September 11, 2024, 5:57 am

As the first Presidential Debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump looms, recent polls reveal a closely contested race. With Election Day set for November 5, the competition for the White House is intense, and the debate could prove pivotal.

Originally anticipated as a rematch of the 2020 election, the dynamics shifted significantly when President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July and endorsed Harris. This move altered the landscape, with Harris now competing directly against Trump for the presidency.

The central question is whether Trump will secure a second term or if Harris will make history as the first female president of the United States. Tonight’s debate will be a critical moment as both candidates seek to sway undecided voters and consolidate their support.

Polling Insights

Recent polls highlight the tight nature of the race:

New York Times/Siena College Poll: The latest survey from the New York Times and Siena College shows Trump leading Harris by a narrow margin of 48% to 47%. Conducted between September 3 and September 6 with 1,695 registered voters, this poll has a margin of error of ±2.8 percentage points, indicating that the race is essentially too close to call. Additionally, the poll suggests that many voters are still unfamiliar with Harris, with 28% seeking more information about her compared to just 9% for Trump.
Washington Post Poll: According to the Washington Post, Harris is currently leading in three crucial battleground states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Trump holds a slight lead in Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina. This poll integrates both state and national surveys and considers previous presidential election results to gauge voter preferences.
Emerson College Poll: Emerson College’s poll indicates a tight race with Harris leading Trump 49% to 47%. The poll shows 3% of voters are undecided, and 1% prefer a different candidate.
Morning Consult Poll: A daily survey from Morning Consult shows Harris slightly ahead of Trump, with a 49% to 46% lead.
FiveThirtyEight Poll: FiveThirtyEight’s latest national poll reveals Harris leading Trump by a narrow margin of 47.1% to 44.3%.
YouGov Poll: YouGov’s survey shows Harris with a slight edge over Trump in Michigan (50% to 49%) and Wisconsin (51% to 49%). However, the two candidates are tied in Pennsylvania.

Swing States Analysis

Trump previously won Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin in 2016, but these states reverted to blue in 2020 with Biden’s victory. Harris’s performance in these key states will be crucial to her success. On the day Biden withdrew, he was trailing Trump in these battlegrounds by nearly five percentage points, underscoring how the race has evolved with Harris as the Democratic nominee.

Trusting the Polls

At present, polls show a tight race both nationally and in crucial swing states. With such a close contest, predicting the outcome is challenging. Historically, polls have underestimated Trump’s support in both the 2016 and 2020 elections. Polling firms are working to improve their accuracy by better representing voter demographics and adjusting methodologies to reflect current trends.

As the debate approaches, all eyes will be on how Harris and Trump perform under the spotlight and how their arguments resonate with voters in these final critical weeks leading up to the election.

Where Kamala Harris and Donald Trump Stand Before Their First Presidential Debate

September 11, 2024, 5:39 am

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are preparing to face off in a Presidential Debate on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, hosted by ABC News. With only eight weeks remaining in the campaign, Harris has the dual challenge of introducing herself to millions of voters and making a strong case against Trump.

As Election Day approaches and early voting starts in several states, Harris needs to make a significant impact during the debate. She must both present her vision and counter Trump’s arguments effectively.

Immigration

Immigration is a central issue for both candidates, though their approaches are markedly different. Trump has centered his campaign around stringent immigration policies. He has promised to complete the US-Mexico border wall, reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and impose stricter asylum rules. Trump also aims to carry out what he describes as “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history” and has expressed a desire to end birthright citizenship through an executive order.

In contrast, Harris supports the Biden administration’s immigration policies. She emphasizes addressing the root causes of migration from Central America and criticizes Republicans for blocking a bipartisan immigration reform bill. As President, Harris would push for comprehensive reform, including an earned pathway to citizenship.

Crime and Gun Violence

On gun violence, Harris advocates for universal background checks, nationwide red flag laws, and a ban on assault weapons. Following a recent school shooting in Georgia, she condemned the violence as “senseless” and argued that “it doesn’t have to be this way.”

Trump, however, attributes mass shootings to mental health issues, referring to perpetrators as “sick and deranged monsters.” He has championed his record as the “most pro-gun president” and opposed new gun control measures. Despite data indicating a national decrease in violent crime, Trump argues that crime rates are rising.

Economy and Inflation

Economic issues are expected to be a major topic. Trump has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration’s handling of inflation, which peaked at a 40-year high in 2022 but has since eased to 2.9% as of July 2024. His economic plan includes restoring “energy independence,” cutting gas prices, reducing the national debt, and imposing tariffs on foreign imports.

Harris, meanwhile, proposes an “opportunity economy” that builds on Biden’s achievements. Her plan includes expanding drug pricing reforms, increasing the Child Tax Credit, and providing down-payment assistance for first-time homeowners. She also supports raising the minimum wage, banning corporate price-gouging, and offering tax benefits to small businesses.

International Affairs

In terms of foreign policy, Harris aligns closely with President Joe Biden. She supports continued assistance to Ukraine, backs NATO, and is committed to protecting US interests against threats from Iran. On the Israel-Hamas conflict, she supports Israel’s right to self-defense while advocating for a cease-fire to safeguard civilians in Gaza and calling for the return of hostages.

Trump, on the other hand, argues that conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war and the Ukraine war would not have occurred under his leadership. He suggests reducing US aid to Ukraine and has criticized NATO allies for not contributing sufficiently. Trump remains a strong supporter of Israel, backing its defense against Hamas and calling for a swift resolution to the conflict.

CM Yogi Adityanath Casts Vote in Gorakhpur

June 1, 2024, 8:48 am

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cast his vote at a polling booth in Gorakhpur’s Gorakhnath on Saturday, marking his participation in the seventh and final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The key contenders for this seat include BJP’s Ravi Kishan, SP’s Kajal Nishad, and BSP’s Javed Ashraf.

Ravi Kishan’s Appeal for ‘Ramrajya’

BJP candidate and actor-turned-politician Ravi Kishan made a passionate appeal to voters, urging them to cast their votes to build a “Self-reliant India – Developed India” and to realize the concept of ‘Ramrajya’. In a post on X, Kishan wrote, “Today is the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. My appeal to the respected voters is that you must vote to build a ‘Self-reliant India – Developed India’ and realize the concept of ‘Ramrajya’. Your one vote will become the basis for the bright future of the coming generations.”

Ravi Kishan is heavily relying on the support of CM Yogi Adityanath, who served five terms as MP from the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency. Earlier, Yogi Adityanath held a roadshow in Gorakhpur to garner support for Kishan.

The Challengers: Kajal Nishad and Javed Ashraf

SP candidate Kajal Nishad, known for her work in the Bhojpuri film industry and TV soaps like “Lapataganj,” is entering her first major political contest in these elections. Her entry adds a new dynamic to the race, with her popularity in the entertainment industry potentially influencing voter sentiment.

BSP’s Javed Ashraf is also in the running, making the contest a closely watched three-way battle.

The Significance of the Seventh Phase

The seventh phase of the Lok Sabha elections marks the culmination of the world’s largest polling marathon, which began on the 19th of last month and has covered six phases and 486 Lok Sabha seats.

Prominent Candidates in the Final Phase

Among the notable candidates in this phase are Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP leaders Ravi Shankar Prasad, Nishikant Dubey, and Ravneet Singh Bittu, Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Charanjit Singh Channi, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal, and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Misa Bharti.

Looking Back: 2019 Lok Sabha Elections

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Ravi Kishan secured a decisive victory against Samajwadi Party (SP) candidate Rambhual Nishad with a margin of 3,01,664 votes. This phase is expected to be equally crucial, with heavyweights from various parties vying for dominance in the final stretch.

As the election fever reaches its peak, the final phase will determine the future political landscape of India, with the hopes and aspirations of millions hanging in the balance.

Voting phobia needs attention

June 1, 2024, 3:50 am

A section of the ‘lok’ are ‘katti’ with ‘loktantra’. The low voter turnout in quite a few constituencies in the recent elections can’t be attributed to foreign interference, the favourite whipping boy. In fact, many voters are cynical, lackadaisical or a combination of both. The authorities tried their best to invite voters to celebrate the festival of democracy but ended up with a modest success. Celebrities, who were chosen as state ambassadors, must have been wondering if they had overestimated their charm and impact. The candidates gave theatrical performances and tried many overt and covert tactics. But all this had as much impact on some voters as the dictates of parents have on the teens.

The cynics (those who label a half-filled glass as half empty) have an unshakeable belief- there won’t be any progress after an election because all politicians are clones of each other. The explanation is similar to the one given by those who go in for large scale tax evasion- the tax money paid by them is going to be lost because of corruption. Others declare- we don’t want to have anything to do with politics. They don’t realize that politics is a part and parcel of every family in our country and it starts as soon as one is born- both the paternal and maternal sides claim that the newborn baby resembles them. The influential ones feel that they would have a firm grip on the system irrespective of whichever political party wins. Some smooth operators boast (even in a non-drunken state)- we are the system.

The online shopping sites and the food delivery apps have made people so lethargic that they don’t even have the energy to go to the corner shop or the local eatery, leave alone a polling booth. Those who have become accustomed to working from home find moving out of the home a major project. The day is not far off when cooked food will move from the kitchen via conveyer belts or mini lifts inside homes and family members in the same building will bond with each other over video calls. Some overworked people take voting day as a holiday. They spend it by gluing their butt to the couch and ogling at the smart television screen. Shutting down OTT platforms, gaming apps and television entertainment channels for the voting day would leave the couch potatoes with no choice but to vote.

We do need out of the box ideas. Every voter could be offered a scratch card (the prizes to be given out of the goods confiscated by the customs). Gen Z is reportedly showing the maximum apathy. They will relate to online appointments for voting. For all voters who are below 25 years of age, the indelible ink on the finger may be offered in fluorescent colours and interesting patterns. Selfie point should be compulsory in each booth. Volunteers could set up paani poori, dahi vada, bhel poori and pav bhaji stalls at the exit route. The ones resting in their homes will feel jealous after getting to know of the fun times availed by those who got inked.

There is no alternative but to embrace democracy. It may not be the perfect system of governance but is much better than theocracy, monarchy and military rule!

Lok Sabha Elections: Stage Set for Sixth Phase, Two Former CMs Among Prominent Candidates in Fray

May 25, 2024, 5:54 am

The penultimate round of the mammoth Lok Sabha battle is set for Saturday, covering 58 seats across six states and two union territories. The Election Commission ensures arrangements for smooth voting.

In this sixth phase, Bihar, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Delhi, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal witness polling. A total of 889 candidates vie for these seats, with prominent contenders including former Chief Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Mehbooba Mufti.

Notable battles include New Delhi, North-East Delhi, North-West Delhi, and Chandni Chowk in Delhi, and Sultanpur and Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh. Stakes are high for BJP, Congress, AAP, and other parties in this phase.

The Delhi contest sees AAP and Congress challenging BJP, which dominated the capital’s Lok Sabha seats in recent elections. High-profile candidates like Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Arvind Kejriwal bolster their respective party campaigns.

Haryana, where BJP swept all seats in 2019, also witnesses multi-cornered contests. Odisha, with battles in Sambalpur, Bhubaneshwar, and Puri, is significant.

The Election Commission instructs state officials to manage adverse weather conditions, ensuring polling stations provide necessary facilities for voter comfort and safety.

Voters are urged to turn out in large numbers, with emphasis on urban centres like Delhi and Gurgaon to break the trend of urban apathy.

This phase marks the culmination of polling in 428 parliamentary constituencies across 25 states and UTs. Over 11.13 crore voters, including 5.84 crore male, 5.29 crore female, and 5120 third gender electors, are eligible to vote.

Special provisions are made for elderly voters and those with disabilities to vote comfortably, including voting from home.

The Lok Sabha elections conclude on June 1 after the seventh phase, with results declared on June 4.

LS Polls 2024: Anil Kapoor Says, ‘All Citizens Of India Should Vote’

May 20, 2024, 1:05 pm

As voting commenced on Monday in Mumbai for the fifth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, numerous notable personalities exercised their right to vote. Among them was veteran actor Anil Kapoor, who cast his vote at a polling booth in the city.

After voting, Anil Kapoor urged everyone to utilize their voting power. “I have cast my vote. All citizens of India should vote,” Anil told ANI.

Earlier in the day, celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Farhan Akhtar, Suniel Shetty, Kunal Kemmu, Neha Dhupia, Mahesh Bhatt, and Govinda were seen arriving at their respective polling stations to cast their votes.

Voting on Monday began at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, with those in line by closing time still allowed to vote. According to the ECI, over 8.95 crore voters, including 4.69 crore males, 4.26 crore females, and 5409 third-gender electors, will determine the fate of 695 candidates in this phase.

The fifth phase features significant contests in various constituencies. Leaders such as Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya are vying for electoral success. The eight states/UTs participating in phase 5 include Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Of the 49 Lok Sabha seats, 14 are from Uttar Pradesh, 13 from Maharashtra, 7 from West Bengal, 5 from Bihar, 3 from Jharkhand, 5 from Odisha, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

To ensure a peaceful voting environment, a total of 2,000 flying squads, 2105 static surveillance teams, 881 video surveillance teams, and 502 video viewing teams are monitoring the 94,732 polling stations round the clock.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Veteran Star Dharmendra Casts Vote In Juhu

May 20, 2024, 11:57 am

Veteran actor Dharmendra, renowned for his iconic roles and enduring charm, demonstrated civic responsibility by casting his vote in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Sporting his trademark black bowler hat, the 88-year-old actor was captured by photographers at a polling station in Juhu’s Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai, exuding joy.

Among the array of celebrities exercising their voting rights, Dharmendra’s presence added sophistication and significance to the electoral process. Earlier, several film industry luminaries, including Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, Shahid Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, RajKummar Rao, and Janhvi Kapoor, were also seen at various polling booths across Mumbai.

The current phase of Lok Sabha elections in Mumbai encompasses six constituencies: Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North East, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South, and Mumbai South Central. Additionally, several other constituencies in Maharashtra, such as Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, Kalyan, Palghar, Bhiwandi, and Thane, are actively participating in this phase.

With 48 Lok Sabha seats, Maharashtra is the second-largest state in terms of parliamentary constituencies after Uttar Pradesh. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1, with the final results scheduled for declaration on June 4.

Voting commenced in the morning at 7 am, with key contests in various constituencies featuring prominent leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, BJP leaders Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Piyush Goyal, Ujjwal Nikam, Karan Bhushan Singh, LJP (Ramvilas) chief Chirag Paswan, JKNC chief Omar Abdullah, and RJD leader Rohini Acharya.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Vote and Get Discount in Multiplexes in Gurugram on May 25

May 9, 2024, 8:21 pm

The Gurugram district administration has launched an innovative initiative to boost voter turnout for the May 25 Lok Sabha polls in the Gurgaon Parliamentary constituency. Officials have announced discounts on movie tickets and food items in multiplexes, along with complimentary refreshments, aiming to encourage participation.

A single-phase voting will take place in all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana on May 25.

According to an official, voters simply need to show their inked finger on polling day to avail discounts on offline tickets or on food and drinks within the cinema hall premises.

A meeting was convened on Wednesday with representatives from various multiplex chains, chaired by Hitesh Kumar Meena, ADC, and nodal officer for the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme in Gurugram.

Meena mentioned that voters would also receive complimentary refreshments at select multiplexes. Additionally, all multiplexes will broadcast messages from the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, along with short films promoting voter awareness.

Notably, the Gurugram district administration recently appointed Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal as the ‘brand ambassador’ to further enhance voter turnout.

Lok Sabha 2024 polls: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar urges first-time voters to “go for change” at national level

April 26, 2024, 12:16 pm

As the second phase of Lok Sabha voting commenced, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged first-time voters to seek change, highlighting that the BJP has been in power for a decade and advocating for the Congress party to be given a chance. He expressed confidence that Congress would secure over 20 seats in the state’s 28 parliamentary constituencies.

“Karnataka is going to poll; the state is giving very big results and people are very happy as whatever we said in the last elections we have delivered. Women are cutting across the party line, all of them are favouring us and I thank all of them. For the first-time voters- the youth of this country, I have to say that Congress has put up a beautiful manifesto. You have to make a change as it is needed, you have given 10 years and now let’s go for a change,” he said.

He also asserted that Congress will cross 20 seats out this time in the State which has 28 parliamentary constituencies.

Earlier today, BJP candidate from Bengaluru South constituency, Tejasvi Surya, cast his vote in Bengaluru and stated that the Congress party may not win more than 30 seats in the Lok Sabha polls.

“Congress party has become absolutely frustrated. Survey after survey shows that it may not win more than 30 seats… The more personal attacks and baseless allegations they make against the PM, history has shown that the Prime Minister has only gotten stronger and the BJP has only gotten more popular,” he said.

Karnataka is voting on 14 seats today in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections.

The second phase has 88 Lok Sabha constituencies across 13 States/Union Territory, including 13 in Rajasthan, 20 in Kerala, eight in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam and Bihar, six in Madhya Pradesh, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, and one each in Tripura, Manipur, and Jammu & Kashmir.

34.8 lakh first-time voters are registered to cast their votes. Additionally, there are 3.28 crore young voters in the age group of 20-29 years. 1202 candidates (males: 1098; females: 102; third gender: 02) are in the fray.

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Harsh Vardhan Shringla Casts Votes in Darjeeling

April 26, 2024, 12:04 pm

Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla cast his vote at a polling booth in Darjeeling on Friday. After voting, Shringla displayed his inked finger at the polling booth.

Darjeeling has been a stronghold for the BJP since 2009, with the Trinamool Congress failing to win the seat from the principal opposition party in the state. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, MP Raju Bista secured the constituency with 59.2 per cent of the total votes polled, defeating TMC’s Amar Singh Rai, who received only 26.6 per cent of the votes.

In 2014, BJP’s SS Ahluwalia, who is contesting this year from Asansol, won 42.8 per cent of the votes against 25.5 per cent secured by former footballer and TMC’s prominent candidate Bhaichung Bhutia.

Besides Darjeeling, voting is also underway in Balurghat and Raiganj in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections today. Voting for the remaining constituencies of West Bengal will be conducted on May 4, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.

The Lok Sabha election is being conducted in seven phases until June 1, with votes set to be counted on June 4. The electorate comprises 8.08 crore male and 7.8 crore female voters, along with 5,929 third-gender electors, who will determine the fate of candidates. The first phase of voting for the seven-phased Lok Sabha election was held on April 19 in 102 constituencies across 21 states and UTs, with a voter turnout of over 62 per cent, according to the Election Commission. The third phase of the election will be held on May 7.

‘Great Response’: PM Modi Thanks Voters After Lok Sabha Phase 1 Polling

April 20, 2024, 1:26 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to voters for their enthusiastic participation in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 and voiced confidence in the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) strong victory on June 4.

Taking to the social media platform X, the Prime Minister stated, “First phase, great response! Thank you to all those who have voted today. Getting EXCELLENT feedback from today’s voting. People across India are voting for NDA in record numbers.”

First phase, great response! Thank you to all those who have voted today.

Getting EXCELLENT feedback from today’s voting. It’s clear that people across India are voting for NDA in record numbers.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2024

The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections witnessed a voter turnout of over 60%, covering 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. Despite sporadic incidents of violence, including in West Bengal’s Coochbehar and an accidental explosion in Chhattisgarh that resulted in the death of a CRPF jawan, the Election Commission reported that polling remained largely peaceful.

Prime Minister Modi’s NDA is aiming for a stronger majority for a third consecutive term, while the opposition INDIA bloc is hoping for a resurgence after setbacks in the 2014 and 2019 elections.

Assembly elections were also held concurrently in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The Election Commission noted that the tentative figure of voter turnout till 7 pm is expected to rise as reports from all polling stations are gathered, with voters arriving at polling stations until the end of polling allowed to cast their votes.

Minor glitches were reported with electronic voting machines (EVMs) in some areas, but overall, voting proceeded smoothly. In West Bengal’s Cooch Behar seat, however, there were incidents of violence between workers of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with both parties lodging complaints related to poll violence and voter intimidation.

Prominent candidates in the first phase included Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal, Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, and DMK’s Kanimozhi. Voting also took place in several other states and Union territories, with the Election Commission deploying over 18 lakh polling personnel across 1.87 lakh polling stations.

Voting begins for student union polls at JNU

March 22, 2024, 11:31 am

Voting has commenced at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for the student union elections, which are being held after a gap of four years. The polls began after a delay of over an hour due to the time taken for the selection of polling agents, with the scheduled start time being 9 am.

Students gathered around the polling stations hours before the polling began, engaging in slogans and chants. ABVP supporters were heard chanting ‘Jai Shree,’ while Left groups used drums to chant ‘lal Salam’ in unison.

A total of 7,751 students are registered to cast their votes in the elections scheduled for March 22.

The Delhi High Court appointed former Supreme Court judge, Justice V Ramasubramanian, as the observer for the JNU Students Union elections while hearing a plea on the polls. The plea, filed by a JNU student, sought direction to frame appropriate university statutes, regulations, or mechanisms for conducting JNUSU elections, incorporating the recommendations prescribed in the Lyngdoh Commission.

The students’ union comprises four central panel positions: President, Vice President, General Secretary, and Joint Secretary. According to the election commission, eight candidates (1 woman, 7 men) have been finalized for the president position, and 4 candidates (1 woman, 3 men) are contesting for the position of vice president.

The ABVP has nominated Umesh Chandra Ajmira for the post of President and Deepika Sharma for Vice President. Arjun Anand and Govind Dangi have been nominated as candidates for General Secretary and Joint Secretary, respectively.

The United Left representatives from the AISA, SFI, DSF, and AISF panel have fielded Dhananjay as the Presidential candidate, Avijit Ghosh for Vice-President, Swati Singh for General Secretary, and Sajid for Joint Secretary as part of the left unity panel.

The JNUSU elections are being held after a gap of four years, with the previous elections being stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and not being conducted thereafter. The last JNUSU election was won by the left-backed SFI candidate Aishe Ghosh in 2019. The left student outfits had allied to contest in the 2019 polls under the banner of The United-Left alliance, which included a coalition of AISA, SFI, DSF, and AISF.

Rajasthan records 40.27 percent turnout till 1.30 pm

November 25, 2023, 8:16 am

Rajasthan recorded 40.27 per cent polling for 199 assembly constituencies till 1.30 pm, the Election Commission informed on Saturday.

After intense campaigning by political parties, including the ruling Congress and BJP, major political parties, voting in 199 of the 200 assembly seats in Rajasthan started on Saturday.

Rajasthan BJP leader and Deputy Leader of Opposition Satish Poonia said at the Jhotwara Assembly constituency in Jaipur that the people of Rajasthan are prepared to teach the Congress party a lesson.

“The people of the country have always voted on the national agenda, they have voted on local and state issues as well. The voters of Rajasthan, this time, are ready to teach a lesson to the Congress party,” Poonia said.

“The public is more aware of the issues of law and order, appeasement politics, and farmer loans which might become a cause for the defeat of the Congress party in the state,” he added.

Gurmeet Singh Koonar, a Congress candidate, passed away, consequently postponing the Karanpur constituency elections. Voters can cast ballots till 6 p.m. which started at 7 a.m. today.

In order to guarantee free and fair elections, sufficient security measures have been put in place. The BJP, which is hoping to unseat the Ashok Gehlot administration and is counting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity, is aiming to win another term in office for the ruling Congress.

Prominent candidates in the fray include Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former CM Vasundhara Raje, former Deputy CM Sachin Pilot, Congress national spokesperson Gourav Vallabh, Union Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, Vishwaraj Singh Mewar, Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi, and Rajasthan LoP Rajendra Rathore.

Many rebel candidates of BJP and Congress withdrew their names after persuasion. But still, around 45 rebel candidates from both parties are in the fray. These also include MLAs, former MLAs and party officials. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 3.

Cambodia elections: Voting ends, PM Hun Sen likely to emerge victorious

July 23, 2023, 7:40 pm

Voting in Cambodia’s national election has completed, and Prime Minister Hun Sen’s Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) is poised to win easily in what opponents have called the country’s least free and fair election in decades, according to Al Jazeera.

At 7 a.m. Sunday (00:00 GMT), around 9.7 million of the country’s 16 million registered voters began casting ballots. According to Al Jazeera, 17 minor parties are running in the election alongside the incumbent and long-reigning CPP, but none of them have the popular support to truly challenge Hun Sen’s decades of power.

Hun Sen, Asia’s longest-serving elected leader, has entrenched power in Cambodia during the last 38 years. This election triumph is intended to pave the way for the transfer of power to his son, Hun Manet, the commander of the Cambodian army, according to the article.

His party is projected to retain all 125 seats in the country’s legislature. The sole true opposition rival, the Candlelight Party, was prohibited from voting due to a registration error in May.

Critics slammed this as yet another example of Hun Sen’s flattening of political engagement in the country.

According to Al Jazeera, Hun Sen and his wife, Bun Rany, voted immediately after polls opened on Sunday morning in Takhmau, south of the city, where one of the prime minister’s palaces is located.

Karnataka Congress chief drives auto after casting vote

May 10, 2023, 2:52 pm

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar was seen driving an auto rickshaw after casting his vote in the ongoing state assembly polls today.

Mr Shivakumar was spotted driving a three wheeler in his constituency, Kanakapura, and a woman was sitting beside him during the ride.

While the Congress chief was driving the auto, several party workers sat in the backseat, and many of them walked along the auto

Last week, Mr Shivakumar predicted that the Congress would emerge victorious with a comfortable margin in the Karnataka assembly polls. He further added that the party would follow the decision of the senior leaders on the issue of the chief ministership.

He went on to say that “we will form government in Karnataka in 2023 and in the country in 2024”.

Meghalaya assembly 2023: Countdown begins from today

February 26, 2023, 11:34 am

The people of Meghalaya are all set to vote for the assembly elections sealing the political fate of 369 candidates on Monday after intense campaigning by all the political parties.
The polls this year features multiple players in the form of the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), the (BJP) and the Congress, with the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal also entering the fray in the hope of cutting its electoral teeth into this Northeast state. The fates of the contesting parties will be decided by over 21 lakhs voters across 59 poll-bound constituencies on Monday. According to the Election Commission, polling will be held in a total of 3,419 polling stations across the state. Voting will begin at 7 am and continue till 4 pm on Monday.

Tripura Assembly Elections 2023: Voting begins amid tight security

February 16, 2023, 1:28 pm

The polling for the Tripura Assembly elections began amid tight security on Thursday.
The voting started at 7 am and will continue till 4 pm. According to Election Commission, over 28.14 lakh electorates of which 14,15,233 are male voters, 13,99,289 are woman voters and 62 are of the third gender, are eligible to cast their franchise. The voting is underway at 3,337 polling stations.
Adequate security arrangements have been made for the polls. The state has 97 all-women-managed police stations. It has 94,815 voters in the 18-19 age group and 6,21,505 in the 22-29 age group. The highest number of voters are in the 40-59 age group at 9,81,089.
The fate of the 259 candidates will be sealed on 60 Assembly seats today.
A triangular contest is on the cards as Congress and CPIM, which have been arch rivals for years, stitched a pre-poll alliance to defeat the ruling BJP while the BJP which is looking to retain its power is contesting in alliance with Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) and the Tipra Motha which is being seen as a kingmaker in case of a hung assembly scenario, emerged as an influential regional party floated by the royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma in 2021. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress has also put up candidates on several seats.
The BJP is contesting on 55 seats and its ally, IPFT, on six seats. But both allies have fielded candidates in the Ampinagar constituency in Gomati district.
The Left will contest on 47 and Congress on 13 seats, respectively.Of the total 47 seats, the CPM will contest 43 seats while the Forward Bloc, Communist Party of India ( CPI) and Revolutionary Socialist Party ( RSP) will contest one seat each.
Over 28 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in the election for the 60-member assembly in the border state.
Tripura is the first state to go to the polls this year. While polling for Nagaland and Meghalaya assemblies will be held on 27 February, five more states face elections this year in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
A total of 259 candidates, including 20 women, are in the fray in Tripura. The counting of votes will be done on 2 March.

Gujarat polls second phase: Voter turnout at 34.74 %, lowest in Mahisagar

December 5, 2022, 3:22 pm

Gujarat witnessed a voter turnout of 34.74 % till 1 pm. The voting began at 8 am today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Aam Aadmi Party CM candidate Isudan Gadhvi are amongst those prominent people who cast their votes. 93 of 182 seats are being contested in the second phase.

Gandhinagar which witnessed the highest percentage with 7.05 per cent till 9 am, saw a turnout of 20.39 per cent till 11 am.

The first phase of elections that held on 1 December, recorded a voter turnout of 63.14 %. The tables were turned this year in elections when on the contrary to last year, AAP was introduced as third big player in the fray. Earlier the battle was between BJP and Congress.

93 seats are spread across 14 districts
833 candidates are contesting in the second phase out of which 69 are female
The counting of votes will take place on 8 December

According to Gujarat’s Chief Electoral Officer P Bharathi, of the total 26,409 polling stations, 93 are model polling booths, 93 are eco-friendly booths, another 93 are managed by Divyang and 14 are managed by youth. Webcasting will be done in 13,319 polling booths in the second phase.
“Total of 2,51,58,730 voters will vote, of which, 1,29,26,501 are men, 1,22,31,335 are women and 894 are from the third gender,” Bharathi said.

UP: Mainpuri witnesses 18.72 % voter turnout till 11 am

December 5, 2022, 1:05 pm

The Election Commission of India recorded 18.72 per cent voter turnout in the Mainpuri Lok Sabha Assembly Seat in Uttar Pradesh on Monday.

Following the passing of the incumbent MP and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mulayam Singh Yadav, voting was mandated in the Mainpuri Lok Sabha constituency. His daughter-in-law and Akhilesh Yadav’s wife, Dimple Yadav, is running for the party. She is up against Raghuraj Singh Shakya, a former member of the BJP. The Samajwadi Party has traditionally held sway in Mainpuri.

Abhay Ram Yadav, the brother of Samajwadi Party supporter Late Mulayam Singh Yadav, cast his ballot at Abhinav Vidyalaya in Saifai, Etawah, and declared that there is no opposition from any political party.

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, voted in the present election at a polling location in Etawah. He then claimed that the police were preventing voters from casting their ballots.

“I don’t know on whose orders the administration is working from the day polling started. What briefing has been given to him. Complaints are coming continuously since morning. Police is not allowing people to cast votes,” Akhilesh Yadav said while addressing a press conference after casting his vote.

Meanwhile, Dimple Yadav who is a candidate of Samajwadi Party alleged in a tweet that the Mainpuri DM was not receiving the calls of the SP workers.

“DM Mainpuri is not receiving calls of SP workers regarding the complaint of rigging in the elections. Election Commissioner should take note of it,” she tweeted in Hindi.

Voting is currently taking place for the six assembly seats up for grabs in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Rampur in Uttar Pradesh has so far seen the lowest voter turnout with 11.30 percent, while Padampur in Odisha saw a 29.73 percent turnout.

Gujarat Polls: Voting ends for Phase 1, 8 districts see above 50 pc voting

December 1, 2022, 5:25 pm

During the first round of voting for the Gujarat Assembly election, with a total turnout of 48.48 percent as of 3 p.m., voter turnout was getting closer to 50%.

On Thursday, voting started at 8 a.m. and lasted till 5 p.m. in 89 constituencies distributed over 19 districts in Kutch, Saurashtra, and South Gujarat. 34.65% of eligible voters had cast ballots as of 1:00 PM. Data from the Election Commission show that as of 3 p.m., Tapi had the highest voter turnout—64.27 percent—while Narmada came in second with 63.88 percent. Dangs indicated 58.55.

The much-discussed Morbi saw a turnout of 53.75%, while Jamnagar got a turnout of 42.26%.

Additionally, polling is taking place in the following districts: Amreli (44.62), Bharuch (52.45), Bhavnagar (45.91), Botad (43.67), Devbhumi Dwarka (46.55), Gir Somnath (50.89), Junagadh (46.03), Kachchh (45.45), Navsari (55.10), Porbandar (43.12), Rajkot (46.68), and Surat (17.92).

The fate of the 788 candidates who are running in the first round will be decided by the votes of 2,39,76,670 voters by today at 5 p.m.

1,24,33,362 male electorates, 1,15,42,811 female electorates, and 497 electorates of a third gender make up the total electorate. There are more than 4 lakh PWD voters who can cast ballots.

The voting age is 80 years or older for nearly 9.8 lakh senior citizens, and 100 years or older for almost 10,000 voters.

The EC reports that 4,945 voters are beyond the age of 99, and 5,745,460 voters are between the ages of 18 and 19. There are 125 men and 38 women among the 163 NRI voters.

14,382 voting locations exist, 3,311 of which are in urban areas and 11,071 in rural ones.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is running from Ghatlodia, while AAP candidate for chief minister Isudan Gadhvi is running from Khambhaliya, former Congressman Hardik Patel is running for BJP in Viramgam, and former Congressman Alpesh Thakor is running for BJP in Gandhinagar South.

Gopal Italia, the state president of the AAP, is running in the Katargam district, alongside Harsh Sanghavi, the state’s home minister for Gujarat, Rivaba Jadeja, Jamnagar North’s Rivaba Jadeja, Bhavnagar Rural’s Parshottam Solanki, Jasdan’s Kunwarji Bavaliya, Morbi’s Kantilal Amrutiya, and Jetpur’s Jayesh

Gujarat’s second round of elections would take place on December 5.

On December 8, the votes will be tallied. On the same day, the results of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections will also be announced.

These are “semi-finals” for 2024 Lok Sabha elections: Gujarat Finance Minister

December 1, 2022, 11:22 am

These 2022 assembly polls in Gujarat are the “semi-finals” for Lok Sabha elections 2024 in the country, state Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai said after casting his vote on Thursday.

“After the country accepted Gujarat’s model of development in the year 2014, these 2022 assembly elections are the semi-finals for 2024 elections,” Kanubhai Desai said. He said that the people of Gujarat have decided to vote for BJP to bring it to power once again.

“Gujarat has been progressing and the people of the state have decided to vote for the BJP. People have trust in BJP that there will be more development in the state,” he added.
Further talking about the people’s enthusiasm, Desai said that people have an “unbreakable trust” in the BJP. “The craze with which they are voting, the margin of victory will rise,” the state Finance Minister said.

The fate of the 788 candidates is in the hands of 2,39,76,670 voters who will cast their votes till 5 pm today. Out of the total number of electorates, 1,24,33,362 are males, 1,1,5,42,811 females and 497 are from the third gender. Over 4 lakh PWD voters are eligible to cast their votes.
Nearly 9.8 lakh senior citizen voters (80+) and nearly 10,000 voters who are 100 and above are eligible to vote.

Among prominent candidates, Gujarat Chief Minster Bhupendra Patel is contesting from Ghatlodia, AAP Chief Ministerial candidate Isudan Gadhvi from Khambhaliya, former Congress leader and BJP candidate Hardik Patel from Viramgam, former Congress leader and now BJP candidate Alpesh Thakor from Gandhinagar South.

105 yearl old Naro Devi casts vote at Churah

November 12, 2022, 1:30 pm

A 105 year woman, Naro Devi cast her vote at Ladhan polling station falling under the Churah assembly constituency in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district.

This centenarian woman cast her vote through the electronic voting machine (EVM) at the polling station today in spite of the facility provided by the election commission of India for octogenarians to cast their vote through ballot paper provided at their residence. Voting for the 68-member assembly seats began in Himachal Pradesh today at 8 am which will continue till 5 pm.

Himachal Pradesh assembly deputy speaker Hans Raj is contesting from BJP, whereas Congress fielded Yashwant Singh from here. AAP’s candidate for this constituency is NK Jaryal.

Churah constituency is reserved for Scheduled castes candidates. The constituency came into existence in 2008 following the delimitation of the Legislative Assembly constituencies. A total of 412 candidates including 24 women contestants are in the fray for the 68-Assembly seats.