News Analysis India

Tag: Election Commission of India

  • Uddhav Thackeray: My detractors see me in their dreams, know people of Maharashtra are with me: Uddhav Thackeray

    Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday said his detractors see him in their dreams despite stealing the party’s name and symbol and also know the people of Maharashtra are with him. The former chief minister was addressing supporters at his residence ‘Matoshree’ in Bandra in the western part of the metropolis.

    “Despite stealing my party’s name and symbol, detractors see me in their dreams. They know Uddhav Thackeray is not alone, all of Maharashtra is with him,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said.

    “Love and affection are not for sale. These emotions cannot be purchased,” Thackeray asserted. Referring to some political workers rejoining Shiv Sena (UBT) in Ulhasnagar, part of Thane district, which is a stronghold of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Thackeray said the battle ahead was but struggles can be overcome with all loyalists sticking together and fighting.

    Speaking on the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, Thackeray said that day he would offer prayers at Kalaram Temple in Nashik and perform ‘maha aarti’ on the banks of Godavari river.

    He also said he would tour Kalyan Lok Sabha seat, which is represented by Shrikant Shinde, the son of CM Shinde. The Shiv Sena split in June 2022 after Shinde and several MLAs revolted, bringing down the MVA government under Thackeray.

    Shinde’s outfit was given the ‘Shiv Sena’ name and ‘bow and arrow’ symbol by the Election Commission of India.

  • With Nearly No Opposition, Lok Sabha Passes Bill To Appoint CEC, Election Commissioners |

    New Delhi: In a significant move, the Lok Sabha passed the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 on Thursday. Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal underscored that the bill, prompted by a Supreme Court ruling, seeks to regulate the appointment and service terms of the CEC and election commissioners.

     

    Lok Sabha passes the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.
    — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2023

     

    Key Provisions And Changes

    The bill encompasses crucial facets such as appointment procedures, qualifications, the establishment of Search and Selection Committees, terms of office, salaries, resignations, removals, leaves, and pensions for the Chief Election Commissioner and other election commissioners. Notably, the legislation addresses the void in the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, which lacked provisions for qualifications and search committees.

    Meghwal emphasized the Supreme Court’s directive that the President, based on a committee’s advice, appoints the CEC and election commissioners. The committee includes the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, or the leader of the largest opposition party, and the Chief Justice of India. Pending parliamentary legislation, the Supreme Court’s norm remains in force.

    Law Minister’s Clarifications And Amendments

    Meghwal clarified that the bill’s amendment designates the Law Minister, not the cabinet secretary, as the head of the search committee. The President will appoint the CEC and ECs following the Selection Committee’s recommendation, consisting of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.

    This bill is slated to replace the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991.

    Opposition Slams Centre Over Passage Of Bill In Absence Of MPs

    Despite the bill’s swift approval, major opposition parties refrained from active participation in the debate due to the suspension of 97 members for “misconduct” during the winter session. Opposition members have voiced serious concerns, asserting that this legislation represents “one of the biggest blows to democracy” in the past nine years.

    Congress leaders conveyed their apprehensions, highlighting a perceived shift from ‘electoral credibility’ to ‘elections compromised’ under the Modi government. The passage of this bill marks a pivotal moment in India’s electoral landscape, prompting discussions on its potential impact on democratic processes.

  • Five assembly elections: Polling from Nov 7- 30, counting on Dec 3

    By Online Desk

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the schedule for holding assembly elections in five states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram.

    The election in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases – the first stage of voting will be held on November 7. The second phase will be held on November 17. Legislative elections in Madhya Pradesh will be held on November 17. Legislative elections in Mizoram will be on November 7. Rajasthan will go to polls on November 23 and Telangana on November 30 in a single phase. 

    Counting of votes in all five states will be held on December 3, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced at a press conference.

    The Assembly elections this year are extremely significant as they come just months before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and will reflect the mood of the electorate in the run-up to the general elections.

    Check out the poll schedule for #AssemblyElections2023 of Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, which begins on November 7. The counting is on December 3.READ: https://t.co/eQvzokjbVc pic.twitter.com/KnZF8HdWIn
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) October 9, 2023
    At present, there is a BJP government in Madhya Pradesh led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have Congress governments led by Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel respectively.

    Telangana, on the other hand, has the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) government led by K Chandrasekhar Rao whereas the Mizo National Front (MNF), a BJP ally, is in power in Mizoram. 

    The terms of the legislative assemblies in Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are set to conclude on various dates in January 2024, while the term of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly will end on December 17 this year.

    SCHEDULE for Legislative Assembly Elections of #MIZORAM, #CHHATTISGARH, #MADHYAPRADESH, #RAJASTHAN & #TELANGANA#ECI #AssemblyElections2023 #MCC #ElectionSchedule pic.twitter.com/BYgfPvA672
    — Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) October 9, 2023
    Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addresses a press conference in Delhi
    We have met all stakeholders, including political parties and enforcement agencies, ahead of five assembly polls: CEC Rajiv Kumar.
    Election Commission has given special emphasis on making electoral rolls inclusive, focus will be on roll-to-poll conversion: CEC Rajiv Kumar.
    Election Seizure Management System being introduced for five assembly polls for enhancing oversight for inducement-free elections: EC.
    940 checkposts in place for strict vigil on interstate borders and to dry up inflow of illicit liquor, cash, freebies and drugs: EC
    Zero tolerance towards use of money power; strict vigil over suspicious online cash transfers through wallets: EC on five assembly polls
    Election Commission to decide on J-K elections at right time, keeping in mind security situation and other elections there: CEC Rajiv Kumar.
    Announcements of freebies always have ‘tadka’ of populism, public has right to know from where freebies will come: CEC Rajiv Kumar.

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the schedule for holding assembly elections in five states, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram.

    The election in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases – the first stage of voting will be held on November 7. The second phase will be held on November 17. Legislative elections in Madhya Pradesh will be held on November 17. Legislative elections in Mizoram will be on November 7. Rajasthan will go to polls on November 23 and Telangana on November 30 in a single phase. 

    Counting of votes in all five states will be held on December 3, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar announced at a press conference.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Assembly elections this year are extremely significant as they come just months before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and will reflect the mood of the electorate in the run-up to the general elections.

    Check out the poll schedule for #AssemblyElections2023 of Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram, which begins on November 7. The counting is on December 3.
    READ: https://t.co/eQvzokjbVc pic.twitter.com/KnZF8HdWIn
    — The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) October 9, 2023
    At present, there is a BJP government in Madhya Pradesh led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh have Congress governments led by Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel respectively.

    Telangana, on the other hand, has the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) government led by K Chandrasekhar Rao whereas the Mizo National Front (MNF), a BJP ally, is in power in Mizoram. 

    The terms of the legislative assemblies in Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh are set to conclude on various dates in January 2024, while the term of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly will end on December 17 this year.

    SCHEDULE for Legislative Assembly Elections of #MIZORAM, #CHHATTISGARH, #MADHYAPRADESH, #RAJASTHAN & #TELANGANA#ECI #AssemblyElections2023 #MCC #ElectionSchedule pic.twitter.com/BYgfPvA672
    — Election Commission of India #SVEEP (@ECISVEEP) October 9, 2023
    Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar addresses a press conference in Delhi
    We have met all stakeholders, including political parties and enforcement agencies, ahead of five assembly polls: CEC Rajiv Kumar.
    Election Commission has given special emphasis on making electoral rolls inclusive, focus will be on roll-to-poll conversion: CEC Rajiv Kumar.
    Election Seizure Management System being introduced for five assembly polls for enhancing oversight for inducement-free elections: EC.
    940 checkposts in place for strict vigil on interstate borders and to dry up inflow of illicit liquor, cash, freebies and drugs: EC
    Zero tolerance towards use of money power; strict vigil over suspicious online cash transfers through wallets: EC on five assembly polls
    Election Commission to decide on J-K elections at right time, keeping in mind security situation and other elections there: CEC Rajiv Kumar.
    Announcements of freebies always have ‘tadka’ of populism, public has right to know from where freebies will come: CEC Rajiv Kumar.

  • EC to allot poll-time ad slots to political parties on AIR & DD online

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  Allotment of telecast time to political parties in order to conduct election campaigns on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) during elections will now be done online. This follows the Election Commission of India (ECI) amending its existing scheme on the use of government-owned electronic media by political parties.

    With this facilitation, the political parties will not be required to send their representatives to ECI or chief electoral officer offices for collection of the time vouchers physically during the election. It reflects the commission’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of the electoral process and ease of all stakeholders, said a statement issued by the Election Commission.

    “Recognising the advancements in technology, the commission has been providing IT-based options for interface with political parties. Recently, the commission also introduced a web portal for online filing of financial accounts by political parties with the ECI,” the commission added.

    The scheme for political parties to carry out campaigns on state-owned television and radio channel was introduced under direction of the ECI during the 1998 general election. Subsequently, it was extended to all elections to state assemblies.

    It was formulated after extensive consultations with recognised national and state parties and is aimed at ensuring equitable access to government-owned electronic media during polls for campaigning.

    Extra timeUnder the Election Commission’s scheme, an equitable base time is allotted to each national and recognised state party uniformly on DD and AIR. The additional time allotted to the parties is decided on the basis of the poll performance of the parties in the previous elections.

    NEW DELHI:  Allotment of telecast time to political parties in order to conduct election campaigns on All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD) during elections will now be done online. This follows the Election Commission of India (ECI) amending its existing scheme on the use of government-owned electronic media by political parties.

    With this facilitation, the political parties will not be required to send their representatives to ECI or chief electoral officer offices for collection of the time vouchers physically during the election. It reflects the commission’s commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of the electoral process and ease of all stakeholders, said a statement issued by the Election Commission.

    “Recognising the advancements in technology, the commission has been providing IT-based options for interface with political parties. Recently, the commission also introduced a web portal for online filing of financial accounts by political parties with the ECI,” the commission added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The scheme for political parties to carry out campaigns on state-owned television and radio channel was introduced under direction of the ECI during the 1998 general election. Subsequently, it was extended to all elections to state assemblies.

    It was formulated after extensive consultations with recognised national and state parties and is aimed at ensuring equitable access to government-owned electronic media during polls for campaigning.

    Extra time
    Under the Election Commission’s scheme, an equitable base time is allotted to each national and recognised state party uniformly on DD and AIR. The additional time allotted to the parties is decided on the basis of the poll performance of the parties in the previous elections.

  • SC refers to impact of ‘big money’ & ‘partisan media’ on Election Commission of India case: Reports

    The Court was rendering its decision on a batch of pleas challenging the current system of appointing members of the Election Commission of India.

  • EC takes cognisance of sudden increase in voters in Uttarakhand, orders inquiry

    Express News Service

    DEHRADUN: The Election Commission of India has ordered an inquiry into the reasons for the unprecedented rapid increase in the number of voters in Uttarakhand in the last 10 years. On the orders of the Commission, the State Election Commission has written a letter to the District Election Officers and ordered a quick investigation by constituting committees at the district level, assembly constituency level and polling station level in every district. 

    During the Uttarakhand assembly elections in 2022, Dehradun-based think tank Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation had released a detailed report based on Election Commission data on the unprecedented increase in the number of voters in the state in the last 10 years. The foundation had compared the voting percentage with voters in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. Amongall these states, Uttarakhand had the highest increase in the number of voters.

    Based on this report, former IFS officer and Uttarakhand Raksha Morcha president Dr V K Bahuguna had written to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister before the Chief Election Commissioner, insisting on demanding an inquiry into the matter. Bahuguna said, “This unusual increase in the number of voters hasthreatened the cultural integrity of the state. Uttarakhand’s carrying capacity has already ended many years ago”.

    On the basis of the SDC Foundation’s report, the committee to be formed at the district level to investigate will have four members, including the Deputy District Election Officer. The assembly constituency-level committee will have six members, including the electoral registration officer, and the booth-levelcommittee will have five members, including Patwari nominated by the deputy district magistrate. The State Election Commission has asked to complete this investigation and submit the report by February 28, 2023.

    Welcoming the Election Commission’s order to probe the comparative increase, SDC Foundation chairman Anup Nautiyal told The New Indian Express, “The seats where the number of voters have increased the most are all seats in the plains. Among the 70 seats in the state, Dharampur assembly constituency in Dehradun district recorded the highest voter registration. In the last 10 years, the number of voters in this assembly constituency has increased by 72 percent”.

    Apart from Dharampur, Rudrapur, Doiwala, Sahaspur, Kaladhungi, Kashipur, Raipur, Kichha, BHEL Ranipur and Rishikesh have seen the highest increase in the number of voters from 41 per cent to 72 per cent.

    Nautiyal further said, “With such a large number of people coming from outside and settling in Uttarakhand, there is a lot of pressure on the state’s ability to take care of the cities. Most cities in the state are already burdened far beyond their carrying capacity. This is leading to lack of civic amenities and different kinds of urban problems”.

    In the next few months, municipal elections are to be held in eight municipal corporations of the state – Dehradun, Haridwar, Roorkee, Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Haldwani, Kashipur and Rudrapur.

    SDC chairman Nautiyal expressed apprehension, “These eight cities and their districts have recorded the highest increase in the number of voters. It needs to be noted that people are being brought in from outside to strengthen the vote bank. Along with all this, there may be a possibility of doing so in a plannedmanner for social, religious or security reasons as well as political reasons”.

    DEHRADUN: The Election Commission of India has ordered an inquiry into the reasons for the unprecedented rapid increase in the number of voters in Uttarakhand in the last 10 years. On the orders of the Commission, the State Election Commission has written a letter to the District Election Officers and ordered a quick investigation by constituting committees at the district level, assembly constituency level and polling station level in every district. 

    During the Uttarakhand assembly elections in 2022, Dehradun-based think tank Social Development for Communities (SDC) Foundation had released a detailed report based on Election Commission data on the unprecedented increase in the number of voters in the state in the last 10 years. The foundation had compared the voting percentage with voters in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. Among
    all these states, Uttarakhand had the highest increase in the number of voters.

    Based on this report, former IFS officer and Uttarakhand Raksha Morcha president Dr V K Bahuguna had written to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister before the Chief Election Commissioner, insisting on demanding an inquiry into the matter. Bahuguna said, “This unusual increase in the number of voters has
    threatened the cultural integrity of the state. Uttarakhand’s carrying capacity has already ended many years ago”.

    On the basis of the SDC Foundation’s report, the committee to be formed at the district level to investigate will have four members, including the Deputy District Election Officer. The assembly constituency-level committee will have six members, including the electoral registration officer, and the booth-level
    committee will have five members, including Patwari nominated by the deputy district magistrate. The State Election Commission has asked to complete this investigation and submit the report by February 28, 2023.

    Welcoming the Election Commission’s order to probe the comparative increase, SDC Foundation chairman Anup Nautiyal told The New Indian Express, “The seats where the number of voters have increased the most are all seats in the plains. Among the 70 seats in the state, Dharampur assembly constituency in Dehradun district recorded the highest voter registration. In the last 10 years, the number of voters in this assembly constituency has increased by 72 percent”.

    Apart from Dharampur, Rudrapur, Doiwala, Sahaspur, Kaladhungi, Kashipur, Raipur, Kichha, BHEL Ranipur and Rishikesh have seen the highest increase in the number of voters from 41 per cent to 72 per cent.

    Nautiyal further said, “With such a large number of people coming from outside and settling in Uttarakhand, there is a lot of pressure on the state’s ability to take care of the cities. Most cities in the state are already burdened far beyond their carrying capacity. This is leading to lack of civic amenities and different kinds of urban problems”.

    In the next few months, municipal elections are to be held in eight municipal corporations of the state – Dehradun, Haridwar, Roorkee, Rishikesh, Kotdwar, Haldwani, Kashipur and Rudrapur.

    SDC chairman Nautiyal expressed apprehension, “These eight cities and their districts have recorded the highest increase in the number of voters. It needs to be noted that people are being brought in from outside to strengthen the vote bank. Along with all this, there may be a possibility of doing so in a planned
    manner for social, religious or security reasons as well as political reasons”.

  • Big liquor, cash haul in Himachal & Gujarat ahead of polls

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made record seizures, including cash, liquor, precious metal, and gifts from poll-bound states Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat which were possibly to be used to influence electorates. In the hill state, the value of confiscated articles, including cash, stands at Rs 50.28 crore, which is five times higher than the value of seizures made during the previous elections in 2017. People in Himachal will vote today.   

    From Gujarat, where polling will take place in two phases on December 1 and December 5, total seizure so far is of Rs 71.88 crore. Within a few days of announcement of elections in the state, it had surpassed the seizures recorded duration of enforcement of Model Code of Conduct in Assembly elections 2017, which was Rs 27.21 crore.

    Though these are early days after the polls were announced in Gujarat, yet activity by the police has led to seizure of around 1.10 lakh litre of liquor worth Rs 3.86 crore so far, said the Commission. The Election Watchdog further said that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had also reported massive seizure amounting to Rs 64 crore of toys and accessories, which were being smuggled by way of ‘mis-declaration’ and by resorting to concealment in import cargo at Mundra Port. Two persons including the mastermind in the case have been arrested and further investigation is under progress.  

    The Investigation Wing of Income Tax Department, which is one of the main participating enforcement agencies, conducted raids at stone crushing units in 27 premises in Himachal Pradesh and adjoining states and seized a significant amount of cash. It also conducted search and seizure operations on manufacturers and traders of country liquor, wherein unaccounted cash was seized and discrepancies in stock and account keeping was observed. The comprehensive planning, reviews and follow-ups and active participation of enforcement agencies have led to record seizures in the ongoing Assembly elections in the states, said the Commission.

    Further, if citizens become vigilant and use cVigil App more extensively, it would go a long way in curbing money power in the elections, it added.

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made record seizures, including cash, liquor, precious metal, and gifts from poll-bound states Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat which were possibly to be used to influence electorates. In the hill state, the value of confiscated articles, including cash, stands at Rs 50.28 crore, which is five times higher than the value of seizures made during the previous elections in 2017. People in Himachal will vote today.   

    From Gujarat, where polling will take place in two phases on December 1 and December 5, total seizure so far is of Rs 71.88 crore. Within a few days of announcement of elections in the state, it had surpassed the seizures recorded duration of enforcement of Model Code of Conduct in Assembly elections 2017, which was Rs 27.21 crore.

    Though these are early days after the polls were announced in Gujarat, yet activity by the police has led to seizure of around 1.10 lakh litre of liquor worth Rs 3.86 crore so far, said the Commission. The Election Watchdog further said that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had also reported massive seizure amounting to Rs 64 crore of toys and accessories, which were being smuggled by way of ‘mis-declaration’ and by resorting to concealment in import cargo at Mundra Port. Two persons including the mastermind in the case have been arrested and further investigation is under progress.  

    The Investigation Wing of Income Tax Department, which is one of the main participating enforcement agencies, conducted raids at stone crushing units in 27 premises in Himachal Pradesh and adjoining states and seized a significant amount of cash. It also conducted search and seizure operations on manufacturers and traders of country liquor, wherein unaccounted cash was seized and discrepancies in stock and account keeping was observed. The comprehensive planning, reviews and follow-ups and active participation of enforcement agencies have led to record seizures in the ongoing Assembly elections in the states, said the Commission.

    Further, if citizens become vigilant and use cVigil App more extensively, it would go a long way in curbing money power in the elections, it added.

  • Gujarat polls 2022: AAP looks to give sleepless nights to the BJP and the Congress

    By Online Desk

    A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the Gujarat Assembly election dates, political activities have started picking up pace in the State.

    The ECI has announced that elections for the 182 assembly seats in Gujarat will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 8.

    Close on the heels of the announcement of dates for the assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal announced a former TV journalist, Isudan Gadhvi, an OBC, as the CM face of his party. Gadhvi was chosen through public opinion in which 73 percent supported him to be the CM face. Gadhvi is the national general secretary of AAP.

    Kejriwal has asserted that AAP will certainly win the Gujarat assembly elections. AAP has already released the list of 118 candidates for the polls. The party is poised to play a crucial role in the polls giving sleepless nights to both the BJP and the Congress.

    Meanwhile, upset reportedly over not being made AAP’s chief ministerial candidate, former legislature Indranil Rajguru on Friday quit the party and joined Congress. He alleged that the Kejriwal-led party has been functioning as a “B-team” of the BJP in the state.

    Also on Friday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge chaired a meeting of the party’s central election committee (CEC) during which several candidates for the Gujarat polls were finalised. Subsequently, the party released the first list of 43 candidates. The Congress has fielded former Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhwadiya from Porbandar, Himanshu Patel from Gandhinagar South and Hiteshbhai Vora from Rajkot South. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi joined the meeting online, while the rest of the participants attended it physically at the AICC headquarters in Delhi.

    For the BJP, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired a meeting of top Gujarat BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, to deliberate on the potential candidates for the polls.

    The BJP has been ruling the state since 1995. Though the party has an anti-incumbency factor working against it, the absence of a solid, united opposition can be counted as one of the advantages for the saffron party. A report however points out that the BJP’s seat tally has been declining in each election since 2002. The Deccan Herald reports that BJP’s seat tally has gradually come down to 99 in 2017 from 127 seats in 2002. In 2007, the party won 117 seats while in 2012 it won 116 seats. Between 1962 and 1985, Gujarat remained with the Congress.

    (With inputs from PTI)

    A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the Gujarat Assembly election dates, political activities have started picking up pace in the State.

    The ECI has announced that elections for the 182 assembly seats in Gujarat will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5. The counting of votes will be taken up on December 8.

    Close on the heels of the announcement of dates for the assembly polls, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal announced a former TV journalist, Isudan Gadhvi, an OBC, as the CM face of his party. Gadhvi was chosen through public opinion in which 73 percent supported him to be the CM face. Gadhvi is the national general secretary of AAP.

    Kejriwal has asserted that AAP will certainly win the Gujarat assembly elections. AAP has already released the list of 118 candidates for the polls. The party is poised to play a crucial role in the polls giving sleepless nights to both the BJP and the Congress.

    Meanwhile, upset reportedly over not being made AAP’s chief ministerial candidate, former legislature Indranil Rajguru on Friday quit the party and joined Congress. He alleged that the Kejriwal-led party has been functioning as a “B-team” of the BJP in the state.

    Also on Friday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge chaired a meeting of the party’s central election committee (CEC) during which several candidates for the Gujarat polls were finalised. Subsequently, the party released the first list of 43 candidates. The Congress has fielded former Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhwadiya from Porbandar, Himanshu Patel from Gandhinagar South and Hiteshbhai Vora from Rajkot South. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi joined the meeting online, while the rest of the participants attended it physically at the AICC headquarters in Delhi.

    For the BJP, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday chaired a meeting of top Gujarat BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, to deliberate on the potential candidates for the polls.

    The BJP has been ruling the state since 1995. Though the party has an anti-incumbency factor working against it, the absence of a solid, united opposition can be counted as one of the advantages for the saffron party. A report however points out that the BJP’s seat tally has been declining in each election since 2002. The Deccan Herald reports that BJP’s seat tally has gradually come down to 99 in 2017 from 127 seats in 2002. In 2007, the party won 117 seats while in 2012 it won 116 seats. Between 1962 and 1985, Gujarat remained with the Congress.

    (With inputs from PTI)

  • Multiple reasons for delay in Gujarat assembly polls including Morbi tragedy: CEC

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday said that there were “multiple factors” leading to the delay in the announcement of the Gujarat Assembly polls, adding that the recent Morbi bridge collapse tragedy was one of them.

    The Gujarat Assembly elections are all set to take place in two phases on December 1 and 5, the results of which will be declared on December 8, which will coincide with that of the Himachal Pradesh polling outcome.

    Addressing a press conference to make the announcement of the polling dates, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said, “There were multiple factors behind this. Recently a very tragic incident occurred there (Morbi bridge collapse)- one of the reasons why we delayed. Also, there was state mourning in the state yesterday; so multiple factors.”

    When asked about the recent tweet by the Congress party stating “The Election Commission of India is an autonomous institution. It conducts fair elections”, Kumar said that the people who are critical also got surprising results.

    “Action and outcome actually speak louder than words. No matter how much I try to make you understand, what’s important are the actions and our correct results. Results have shown that those who are critical got surprising results. People question EVM but when results are in their favour, they become silent,” Kumar said.

    The voting for the Gujarat Assembly elections will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5 while the counting of votes will be done on December 8, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday. The CEC informed that as many as 3,24,422 people would be first-time voters in the state.

    “I am happy to inform you that 3,24,422 new voters will vote for the first time this time in the Gujarat Assembly elections. The total number of polling stations is 51,782. At least 50 per cent of the polling stations set up in the state will have webcasting arrangements,” Kumar said.

    “For a better voting experience, 1274 polling stations will be managed entirely by women and security staff. Public Works Department will welcome voters at 182 polling stations. For the first time, 33 polling stations will be set up and managed by the youngest polling staff,” he added. 

    NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday said that there were “multiple factors” leading to the delay in the announcement of the Gujarat Assembly polls, adding that the recent Morbi bridge collapse tragedy was one of them.

    The Gujarat Assembly elections are all set to take place in two phases on December 1 and 5, the results of which will be declared on December 8, which will coincide with that of the Himachal Pradesh polling outcome.

    Addressing a press conference to make the announcement of the polling dates, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said, “There were multiple factors behind this. Recently a very tragic incident occurred there (Morbi bridge collapse)- one of the reasons why we delayed. Also, there was state mourning in the state yesterday; so multiple factors.”

    When asked about the recent tweet by the Congress party stating “The Election Commission of India is an autonomous institution. It conducts fair elections”, Kumar said that the people who are critical also got surprising results.

    “Action and outcome actually speak louder than words. No matter how much I try to make you understand, what’s important are the actions and our correct results. Results have shown that those who are critical got surprising results. People question EVM but when results are in their favour, they become silent,” Kumar said.

    The voting for the Gujarat Assembly elections will be held in two phases on December 1 and 5 while the counting of votes will be done on December 8, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said on Thursday. The CEC informed that as many as 3,24,422 people would be first-time voters in the state.

    “I am happy to inform you that 3,24,422 new voters will vote for the first time this time in the Gujarat Assembly elections. The total number of polling stations is 51,782. At least 50 per cent of the polling stations set up in the state will have webcasting arrangements,” Kumar said.

    “For a better voting experience, 1274 polling stations will be managed entirely by women and security staff. Public Works Department will welcome voters at 182 polling stations. For the first time, 33 polling stations will be set up and managed by the youngest polling staff,” he added. 

  • Supreme Court: It’s ‘anti-democratic’ to de-register political parties for distributing freebies

    By Online Desk

    CHENNAI: The Supreme Court on Thursday described as ‘anti-democratic’ to look into the aspect of de-registering political parties for distributing freebies.

    “I don’t want to look into the aspect of de-registration. That’s an anti-democratic thing. We are a democracy after all,” the Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said.

    The court was dealing with a plea seeking directions to the Election Commission of India to not permit political parties to promise freebies during election campaigns.

    “Question is, now to what extent we can interfere or go into the issue? The reason is there is ECI, which is an independent body and the political parties are there. Everyone is there. It’s the wisdom of all those people. It’s definitely an issue of concern & financial discipline has to be there but in a country like India where poverty is there we can’t ignore that issue,” CJI was quoted as saying by the Live Law.

    ALSO READ | AAP opposes PIL against freebies in SC, says petitioner furthering political agenda

    The ECI earlier declined to be part of a panel mooted by the SC to examine regulatory measures on freebies announced by political parties ahead of elections.

    The ECI pointed out that in the judgment in Subramaniam Balaji vs State of Tamil Nadu (2013) 9 SCC 659, the Supreme Court had held that promises made by political parties in election manifesto cannot be construed as a “corrupt practice” under the Representation of Peoples Act 195. The poll panel further said that as per the direction in the Subramaniam Balaji case, it has framed guidelines in the Model Code of Conduct requiring the political parties to explain the rationale for the promises made and the ways and means to finance them.

    On July 26 the court termed freebies a “serious issue” and asked the Centre to take a clear stand on it.

    CHENNAI: The Supreme Court on Thursday described as ‘anti-democratic’ to look into the aspect of de-registering political parties for distributing freebies.

    “I don’t want to look into the aspect of de-registration. That’s an anti-democratic thing. We are a democracy after all,” the Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said.

    The court was dealing with a plea seeking directions to the Election Commission of India to not permit political parties to promise freebies during election campaigns.

    “Question is, now to what extent we can interfere or go into the issue? The reason is there is ECI, which is an independent body and the political parties are there. Everyone is there. It’s the wisdom of all those people. It’s definitely an issue of concern & financial discipline has to be there but in a country like India where poverty is there we can’t ignore that issue,” CJI was quoted as saying by the Live Law.

    ALSO READ | AAP opposes PIL against freebies in SC, says petitioner furthering political agenda

    The ECI earlier declined to be part of a panel mooted by the SC to examine regulatory measures on freebies announced by political parties ahead of elections.

    The ECI pointed out that in the judgment in Subramaniam Balaji vs State of Tamil Nadu (2013) 9 SCC 659, the Supreme Court had held that promises made by political parties in election manifesto cannot be construed as a “corrupt practice” under the Representation of Peoples Act 195. The poll panel further said that as per the direction in the Subramaniam Balaji case, it has framed guidelines in the Model Code of Conduct requiring the political parties to explain the rationale for the promises made and the ways and means to finance them.

    On July 26 the court termed freebies a “serious issue” and asked the Centre to take a clear stand on it.