Elections 2019: Azam Gets 2nd EC Notice for Inflammatory Remarks
Catch all the updates on the Lok Sabha 2019 elections here.
The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections officially begun on 11 April. Polling for the first phase took place in 91 parliamentary constituencies spread across 20 states. The final results will be announced on 23 May. Catch all the updates on the Lok Sabha 2019 elections here.
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Campaign Peaks for First-Phase Poll in Karnataka
High-voltage electioneering peaked in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies across central and southern regions of Karnataka for the first-phase poll in the state on 18 April, a poll official said on Monday.
"As campaign ends on Tuesday evening for the first phase of polling on Thursday, leaders and candidates of political parties and independents are criss-crossing the twin regions to woo the electorate for their votes," the official monitoring electioneering across the state said.
Of the 28 parliamentary constituencies from the southern state, including five reserved for the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and two for the Scheduled Tribes (STs), polling in the remaining 14 seats will be held in the western or coastal and northern regions on 23 April. Vote count for all the seats is due on 23 May.
(Source: IANS)
Possibility of Change in Govt Every 5 Years: Mohan Bhagwat
There are possibilities of a government changing every five years and social organisations should not depend on it for help, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Monday, reported news agency PTI.
"Those who want to speak to government should approach it. But, I don't feel that social organisations should be dependent ("aashrit") on government. Because, governments keeps changing, earlier the royal ("rajwati") government used to change in 30 to 50 years. Now, there are possibilities of a government changing in five years. Hence, there is no faith, until it is there, utilise it," he said.
BJP May Revive 'Operation Kamala' Post LS Polls
The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.
There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday.
(Source: PTI)
Rajnath Singh to File Nomination for Lucknow Today
Senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to file for his nomination for Lucknow Lok Sabha seat today.
Sitharaman Visits Tharoor in Hospital
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Congress leader Shashi Tharoor at the hospital in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, where he was admitted after he got injured while performing a ritual at a temple on 14 April.
Karnataka: I-T Raids Underway in Mandya, Maddur
Income Tax raids are underway at two different locations of Zilla Panchayat President and JD(S)'s Nagarathna Swamy and another member of the Zilla Parishad, in Mandya's Maddur, reported ANI.
Railway Employees Suspended After Tickets with PM's Face Circulated
Four Railway employees have been suspended after tickets with the photo of PM Modi printed on them were issued to passengers at Barabanki railway station on Monday, 15 April. The ADM said, "On 13 April, when shift changes, the old roll was mistakenly used. two employees are suspended, department is probing the matter."
Besides two reservation clerks, one Chief Reservation Supervisor and a Commercial Inspector have also been suspended.
(ANI)
After Yogi, Cong Asks Election Commission to Act Against PM Modi, Amit Shah
The Congress lauded the election commission's move to debar UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath from campaigning for three days for his communal remarks, further urging the poll panel to act against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah for their equally sectarian remarks during campaigning.
Preparations for Polling Underway in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu
Preparations underway for polling for the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram parliamentary constituency. The District Collector was quoted as saying, "we are fully prepared to conduct free and fair elections."
(ANI)
Mayawati Challenges EC Order Barring Campaigning in SC
BSP Chief Mayawati has challenged the Election Commission order barring her from campaigning for 48 hours over poll code violation. The Supreme Court later refused to entertain the BSP supremo’s plea against EC’s ban on her campaigning for hate speech during poll campaign.
EC Under Pressure not to Act on Complaints on EVMs: Siddaramaiah
Former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah has alleged that the Election Commission(EC) is under "pressure" from the Modi government to not take action on complaints of political parties over alleged EVM tampering and their demand for re-introduction of ballot paper.
He said the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are not tamper-proof and Voter Verified Paper Trail (VVPATs) machines are not without their flaws either, he said adding that the Congress will bring back ballot paper if voted to power.
Ensure PDP, NC, NCP Won't be Part of NDA: Sena to PM Modi
Hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strongly rebutting those talking about the separation of Jammu and Kashmir from the country, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday, 16 April said he must commit that the PDP, NC and the NCP won't be part of the NDA after elections even if it is short on numbers.
(PTI)
IT Raids at Premises of 2 Karnataka CM Aides
fficials from the Income Tax department are conducting raids at the residence of Zilla Panchayat President and Janata Dal (Secular) leader Nagarathna Swamy in Maddur, sources said on Tuesday, 16 April.
Raids are also being carried out at Zilla Parishad member Timme Swamy's premises, as well as two firms belonging to Nagarathna Swamy, namely Someshwara Fertiliser and Saw Mill, sources added.
Both Nagarathna and Timme are said to be close aides of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy.
(India Today)
PM Modi Holds Rally in Odisha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tursday 16 April addressed a rally in Odisha, where the Prime Minister reiterated his promise for a water ministry. PM Modi said that the people of Odisha want change and they will get it once his party is back to power.
Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore Files Nomination in Jaipur
Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore filed his nomination from Jaipur parliamentary constituency for the Lok Sabha polls. Rathore was accompanied by Baba Ramdev and wife Gayatri Rathore.
(ANI)
Home Minister Rajnath Singh Files Nomination from Lucknow
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, on Tuesday 16 April filed for his Lok Sabha nomination from Uttar Pradesh’s Lucknow. Singh held a roadshow in Lucknow before filing his nomination, news agency ANI reported.
PM Modi, BJP Should Look Inwards: Scindia
Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP “must stop looking outwards and gaze inwards” as jobs and agrarian distress are the key issues, reported PTI.
EC Flying Squad Checks BS Yeddyurappa's Luggage
Election Commission flying squad checked the luggage of former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa at a helipad in Shivamogga.
(ANI)
Amit Shah Hits Out at JD(S) at Rally in Karnataka's Davanagere
BJP President Amit Shah addressed a rally in Karnataka’s Davanagere. The BJP President hit out at the JD(S) saying that the party got the least number of seats in the recently held state Assembly elections, while BJP got the most number of seats but the 'mahamilawat' (mixed alliance) made that person the CM whose party got the least number of seats.
(ANI)
BJP Delegation to Meet EC on Yogi Adityanath's Campaigning Ban
A BJP delegation comprising senior leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Jagat Prakash Nadda will approach the Election Commission later on Tuesday, 16 April against the ban on UP CM Yogi Adityanath who has been barred from election campaigning for 72 hours.
BJP Candidate Says Will Be Difficult to Retain Moradabad
It is going to be difficult to retain Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency for BJP, which is in a direct contest with Congress due to consolidation of Muslim votes ahead of the April 23 election, saffron party candidate Kunwar Sarvesh Kumar has said.
Kumar, a Thakur, is pitted against Congress's Imran Pratapgarhi, a poet who has often questioned the BJP government through his provocative compositions and fiery speeches.
(PTI)
Petition Seeking Safety of EVMs Filed in SC
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking direction for Election Commission to ensure the safety and security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and to ensure that they are not tampered with, during the post polling period.
(ANI)
Amit Shah Offers Prayers at Siddaganga Mutt in Tumakuru
BJP President Amit Shah, in Karnataka for his poll campaign, offered prayers at Siddaganga mutt in Tumakuru. The prayers were conducted for 'the electoral victory of PM Narendra Modi.'
Cong-AAP Delegation Meets With EC to Review Transfer of IG Kunwar Vijay Pratap
A delegation comprising Congress' Sunil Jakhar and Tripat RS Bajwa and AAP's Harpal S Cheema and Nazar Singh met with the Election Commission today, requesting them to review transfer of IG, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh from the SIT probing sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib and the killing of 2 people in firing thereafter, in 2015.
Shivpal Singh Yadav Releases List of 14 Candidates
Shivpal Singh Yadav's Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) releases a list of 14 candidates for Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Haryana.
(ANI)
Notification for Phase 6 of Lok Sabha Polls Issued
The Election Commission on Tuesday issued the notification for the sixth and penultimate phase of Lok Sabha elections to be held on 12 May in 59 seats across seven states.
The seven-phase elections began on 11 April and will end on 19 May. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal will head for voting in all the seven phases of the general elections.
All the seven seats in Delhi will also go for polling in the sixth phase.
(Source: PTI)
Does it Behove Rahul Gandhi to Label all Modis as Thieves: PM in Korba
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed Rahul Gandhi for calling "all Modis" thieves, adding such a language does not behove the Congress chief.
Such type of language does not behove the Congress leader, Modi said, addressing a poll rally in Chhattisgarh’s Korba.
"I have a question. Why all the thieves have Modi in their names whether it be Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi and Narendra Modi? We don't know how many more such Modis will come out," Gandhi had said, attacking the PM over alleged corruption.
"Is this the language to be used," Modi asked, targeting Gandhi.
Modi also accused the Congress of being "hand-in-glove with not only Naxals but also with those who want to to break India".
Shatrughan Sinha’s Wife Poonam Sinha Joins SP
Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha on Tuesday joined the Samajwadi Party in the presence of Dimple Yadav in Lucknow. She might contest against Home Minister Rajnath Singh from Uttar Pradesh’s capital.
MHA Seeks Report on Bangladeshi Actor 'Campaigning' for TMC
The Home Ministry has sought a report from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, Kolkata, on a Bangladeshi actor allegedly campaigning for the Trinamool Congress, reported PTI.
Opposition Alliance is Opportunistic Alliance: TN CM Palaniswamy
Speaking in Tamil Nadu’s Salem, state Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami called the Opposition alliance an “opportunistic one”.
“Their only aim is to secure power. On the other hand, we take up issues of the state with Centre as a result of which many Central schemes have been implemented in the state,” he said.
(Source: ANI)
EC Issues Show-Cause Notice to Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for Poll Code Violation
The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Union Minister and BJP MP from Jodhpur, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, for violating the Model Code of Conduct by threatening public officials in his speech in Pokhran on 14 April.
Election to Vellore Lok Sabha Seat Cancelled After Cash Seizures
President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday rescinded the election to the Vellore parliamentary constituency in Tamil Nadu, accepting the recommendation of the EC dated 14 April, the poll body said in a statement.
Congress Can Go To Any Extent for Its Vote Bank: PM Modi in Bhubaneswar
Addressing a rally in Odisha’s Bhubaneswar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress, saying that people are angry with the party.
Congress Fields Acharya Pramod Krishnam From Lucknow
The Congress has released a list with three names for the Lok Sabha elections, fielding Acharya Pramod Krishnam from Lucknow (UP), Vinay Kumar Pandey from Kaiserganj (UP) and Pankaj Sanghvi from Indore (Madhya Pradesh).
Notably, in Lucknow, Krishnam would be up against Union Minister Rajnath Singh and Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha, who joined the SP earlier today.
Income Tax Dept Conducts Raid at Kanimozhi’s Residence
The Income Tax department is conducting a raid at DMK leader Kanimozhi’s house in Thoothukudi, just two days before Tamil Nadu goes to polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections. An I-T team along with a team of the Election Commission are at the DMK leader’s residence.
Polling in Tripura East Deferred to 23 April
The polling in the Tripura East constituency has been deferred to 23 April. The constituency was supposed to vote on 18 April in the second phase.
EC Officials Seize Rs 50 Lakh from AMMK Office
An Election Commission flying squad seized nearly Rs 50 lakh from an AMMK (TTV Dhinakaran’s party) election office in Andippatti, Theni on Tuesday. The officials reached the office based on a tip-off that the AMMK cadre was hoarding money for distribution to voters.
A face-off took place between the cadre and the officials, following which the police had to fire in the air to control the situation. Five people have been detained.
Cong Files Complaint with CEO as Row Erupts over 'Letter'
The separate religious tag for Lingayats has reared its head with the BJP in Karnataka on Tuesday sharing a 'letter' on social media, triggering a strong reaction from the Congress which has lodged a complaint with the CEO against the BJP state president and other leaders.
The Congress took the step after BJP shared a letter on its Twitter handle allegedly written by then home minister M B Patil to Congress supremo Sonia Gandhi in July 2017.
This comes on a day when curtains were drawn on campaigning for 14 Lok Sabha seats, which will go to polls during the first phase in Karnataka, on 18 April.
(Source: PTI)
Country Will See Priyanka as a 'Thief's Wife', Says Uma Bharti
Union Minister Uma Bharti courted controversy by saying the country will see Priyanka Gandhi Vadra the way it views a "thief's wife", while claiming that the Congress general secretary will have no impact on the outcome of Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh.
When asked to comment on the impact the Congress leader could have on the poll outcome, the firebrand BJP leader told reporters in Chhattisgarh's Durg, "Nothing. Why will she have an impact... Whose husband is facing theft charges. She will be seen the way India sees a thief's wife."
(Source: PTI)
Azam Khan Gets Another EC Notice for Inflammatory Remarks
Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan was issued a fresh show cause notice on Tuesday, 16 April, by the Election Commission for allegedly making inflammatory remarks at various places in Uttar Pradesh in the past few days.
The EC gave him 24 hours to respond to the notice saying prima facie he is guilty of violating the provisions of the model code.
Giving instances of his remarks, the EC said on one occasion, he had allegedly said that "fascists are trying to kill him".
On another occasion, he had allegedly claimed that the prime minister has killed Muslims.
(Source: PTI)