Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Praful Patel expressed the nation's sentiment, indicating that the mood favours Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and development plan before voting begins in the first phase of the 2024 general election. After voting at a polling booth in Gondia, Maharashtra, Patel expressed trust in Modi's leadership, citing the delivery of promised initiatives over the last decade. He said that the nation has developed and become vibrant under Modi's leadership, while also admitting lingering challenges and the path forward to overcome them, reported ANI. "The mood of the nation is for development. The mood of the nation is for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. All the schemes that he has promised in the last ten years, he has delivered. The country has become a vibrant nation. There will always be problems. You cannot say that all problems have been solved but the direction is to solve the problems and overcome them. This is a big change," Praful Patel told ANI after casting his vote at a polling booth in Gondia. #WATCH | Gondia, Maharashtra: NCP leader Praful Patel says, "The mood of the nation is for development. The mood of the nation is for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. All the schemes that he has promised in the last ten years, he has delivered. The country has become a… https://t.co/IyMmRkusqq pic.twitter.com/Nx9C55xpFl — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2024 Per the report, voting for first phase Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is currently underway for five of 48 seats in Maharashtra and the constituencies--Chandrapur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Ramtek, and Nagpur--as part of 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories. With over 16 crore eligible voters in this phase, polling for assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim is also being held on Friday. Arunachal Pradesh is voting for two Lok Sabha seats and a 60-member assembly, while Sikkim is choosing representatives for 32 assembly seats and a lone Lok Sabha seat. Through Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term, while the opposition coalition, INDIA, aims to challenge the ruling BJP. Union ministers like Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju, Bhupendra Yadav, and Arjun Ram Meghwal are among the 1625 candidates contesting in the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
19 April,2024 02:00 PM IST | Gondia | mid-day online correspondentThe Congress on Friday claimed that a "silent undercurrent" is brewing across western Uttar Pradesh against the "failures" of the Modi government, as it flagged issues such as "neglect" of sugarcane farmers and examination paper leaks. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh attacked the BJP-led central government ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll rally in Amroha. "Today's questions for the PM as he heads to UP: Why has the BJP neglected UP's sugarcane farmers? Rs 20,000 crores later, why is the Ganga still India's most polluted river? Is the Modi Sarkar doing anything to prevent paper leaks?," he asked. Elaborating on what he said were "jumla details", Ramesh said Uttar Pradesh is India's largest sugarcane producer and yet, the BJP government has "neglected" farmers' calls to increase the price of sugarcane. "Prices stand at just Rs. 360/quintal in UP, much lower than Rs.386/quintal in Punjab and Rs.391/quintal in Haryana. Price hikes have also failed to keep pace with inflation and farmers are now struggling due to the rising cost of fertiliser and pesticides," he said. Area under cultivation has come down by almost 4000 hectares in the last three years, he said. Amidst sugarcane shortages, mills are struggling to pay sugarcane farmers on time, and there are fears that some may shut down permanently, Ramesh said. "This vicious cycle is threatening the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers and mill workers but the BJP government is nowhere to be seen. What is the double Anyay BJP government doing to support sugarcane farmers and mill workers in UP?" he said in a post on X. Noting that in 2014, PM Modi had promised a cleaner Ganga through his government's flagship Namami Gange programme, Ramesh said the project sanctioned an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore between 2014 and 2019, and 815 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) had been built or proposed by 2021. The Ministry of Jal Shakti claims that there has been a marked improvement in the state of the river but, as is often the case with this government, that claim turned out to be a "bold-faced lie", Ramesh said. "The Sankat Mochan Foundation found that rather than improving, water quality in the Ganga has actually been degrading - faecal coliform bacteria levels are a staggering one million times higher than the permissible limit of 500 per 100 millilitres," he said. Ramesh said the Central Pollution Control Board also found that water quality does not comply with their standards. "While the Ministry of Jal Shakti claims that new STPs are working fine, a professor at IIT Varanasi said they were 'utterly useless' and that the government's plans were completely 'bogus'. Furthermore, as early as 2017, a CAG audit report of the project noted 'deficiencies in financial management, planning, implementation and monitoring'," the Congress leader said. "To make matters worse, contracts for STPs have been awarded to companies with well-established links to the BJP. In 2017, a 150+ crore STP contract was given to a company chaired by former BJP MP Subhash Chandra that had no record of working in sewage treatment," he alleged. "Another plant is operated by the Adani group, and 'scientific' studies worth 5 crores have been awarded to the Patanjali Organic Research Institute, he said. Noting that last year, the Central Pollution Control Board declared the Ganga the most polluted river in India, Ramesh asked what have the Indian taxpayer's Rs 20,000 crores achieved. "Under the Modi Sarkar's reign, more than 43 papers for government recruitment exams have been leaked, hurting at least 2 crore candidates. Most recently, 60 lakh applicants for the UP Police Exams had their futures clouded when exams were cancelled due to paper leaks," he said. These are not just numbers - it is the hopes and dreams of India's youth that are hanging in the balance, Ramesh asserted. "Under its Yuva Nyay Guarantee, the Congress has committed to bringing robust legislation that will design institutions and best practices to prevent paper leaks from occurring in the first place. What is Mr. Modi's vision to address the harm done to our youth?" he said. As the PM visits West Uttar Pradesh, it is important to remember that while he may have engineered the flight of the RLD from the INDIA bloc to the NDA, the real Lok Dal is still with INDIA and that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in West Uttar Pradesh was welcomed with hoardings and banners of Choudhary Charan Singh and Indira Gandhi, Ramesh said. "A silent undercurrent is brewing across this region, against the failures of this Government," he said and asked the PM to break his "silence" on these issues.
19 April,2024 12:39 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAs polling began in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 on Friday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged voters to strengthen democracy and open 'Mohabbat ki Dukaan' in every corner of the country by defeating hatred. "Today is the first phase of voting! Remember, each of your votes is going to decide the future of Indian democracy and the coming generations. So come out and strengthen democracy by applying the power of your vote to the wounds inflicted on the soul of the nation in the last 10 years. Defeat hatred and open the 'Mohabbat ki Dukan' in every corner," the Congress leader posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi specifically called upon the young and first-time voters to come out in large numbers, emphasizing that every vote counts and every voice matters. "The 2024 election commences today! As 102 seats across 21 states and UTs go to the polls, I urge all those voting in these seats to exercise their franchise in record numbers. I particularly call upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. After all, every vote counts and every voice matters!" the PM said in a post on X. Gandhi also shared a graphic of the key Congress guarantees to the people, including the right to apprenticeship, a legal guarantee of MSP and a nationwide caste census. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 kicked off Friday with polling being held for the first phase scheduled in 102 seats spread across 21 states and Union territories. Among those in the fray are Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sarbanada Sonowal and Bhupendra Yadav, Gaurav Gogoi of the Congress, the DMK's Kanimozhi and K Annamalai of the BJP.Assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh (60 seats) and Sikkim (32 seats) are also being held simultaneously. While the BJP-led NDA under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a stronger majority, the constituents of the opposition INDIA bloc are hoping for a rebound after facing reverses in the 2014 and 2019 elections.
19 April,2024 12:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentNitin Gadkari, the BJP's nominee for the Nagpur seat in Lok Sabha Elections 2024, is confident as voting begins in Maharashtra. He expressed confidence in an overwhelming victory against his opponent, Congress' Vikas Thakre, the current Nagpur West MLA. Speaking to ANI, Gadkari said that voting is important and encouraged everyone to exercise their fundamental right. Despite the hot weather, he urged people to attend early to polling places. "We are celebrating the festival of democracy today. Everyone should vote, this is our fundamental right as well as duty. You can vote for anyone but casting your vote is important. I am 101 per cent that I will win by a good margin," Gadkari told ANI. Reflecting on previous successes, Gadkari recalled his big vote share in the 2019 elections, when he won 55.7 per cent and defeated Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole by a margin of 2,16,009 votes. A similar victory was achieved in the 2014 elections against Congress leader Vilas Muttemwar, the ANI report stated. "We are celebrating the country's biggest festival with great enthusiasm. In Nagpur, I would especially appeal to the voters that the temperature is high here so they should come early and vote. Last time there was 54 per cent voting, this time our resolve is to take the voting percentage to 75 per cent. I will definitely win this election by a very big margin," he said after casting his vote. Maharashtra, with 48 Lok Sabha seats, is a key player in national politics. The BJP hopes to maintain its grip in the state via the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, which will be held in five phases. Lok Sabha Elections 2024, which runs from April 19 to June 1, is the country's second-longest polling exercise, with results set to be released on June 4. Voter turnout in Maharashtra for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 The voter turnout across five constituencies in the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Maharashtra stood at 19.17 per cent. Of the five seats, Naxal-hit Gadchiroli-Chimur took the lead with 24.88 per cent of the eligible voters casting their ballots followed by Bhandara-Gondia which saw 19.72 per cent turnout. Chandrapur saw an 18.94 per cent voter turnout while only 17.53 per cent cast their votes in Nagpur. Ramtek constituency had the least amount of voter turnout with 16.14 per cent.
19 April,2024 12:11 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentAs the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 began on Friday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to cast their ballots carefully and asserted that a new era of economic empowerment and equal opportunities beckons them. "The fight to protect our Constitution and Democracy begins today," he said in a post on 'X'. "My dear citizens, from 21 States and UTs who are voting in the First Phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, I request you to carefully cast your vote. A future where NYAY (justice) awaits you. A new era of Economic Empowerment and Equal Opportunities beckons you," the Congress chief said. "I am sure you will vote for the 'jobs revolution' through YUVA NYAY, rather than a continuation of the past 10 years of record unemployment," Kharge said. He exuded confidence that people would vote for the guarantees of 'NAARI NYAY' which takes concrete measures for the financial independence of women and against the continuation of the backbreaking price rise that has reduced their household savings to a 50-year low. "I am sure our farmers will vote for KISAAN NYAY, for a legal guarantee of MSP, rather than getting duped by Jumlas of doubling farm income. I am sure the crores of hard-working hands that build this nation, will vote for the agenda of SHRAMIK NYAY, rather than a continuation of an era that has reduced their wages and left them to walk kilometers on highways during the pandemic," Kharge said in his post. "I am sure our people belonging to the Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, EWS and Minority communities shall choose HISSEDARI NYAY over an era where they were discriminated through divisive politics and ever-increasing violence against them," he said. "When you push that button on the EVM, pause and reflect for a second ¿? Do you want our Institutions to be subverted through dictatorship, or do you want to protect Democracy," Kharge said. He said voters would decide India's destiny. Kharge also extended a warm welcome to all first-time voters. Kharge urged people to go out and vote in large numbers.
19 April,2024 12:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe electoral battle in Maharashtra's Baramati Lok Sabha seat is going to be a closely watched contest between NCP candidates Sunetra Pawar and Supriya Sule, who are vying for victory in the Pawar family's stronghold. Despite the competitive spirit, recent disclosures in their nomination forms shed light on an intriguing financial interplay between the two candidates, reported news agency ANI. Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections 2024: Sunetra Pawar has loaned Rs 35 lakh to Sule and Rs 50 lakh to Pratibha Pawar The affidavits disclose that Sunetra Pawar has loaned Rs 35 lakh to Sule and Rs 50 lakh to Pratibha Pawar, wife of Sharad Pawar. Sule has also borrowed Rs 20 lakh from Parth Pawar, son of Sunetra and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Interestingly, the Sule family does not own any vehicles, reported ANI. Sunetra Pawar's affidavit shows that her family owns property worth around Rs 121.45 crore, with investments in shares and mutual funds as well. She owns jewellery worth Rs 34.39 lakh, while her husband, Ajit Pawar, has assets worth Rs 37.15 crore in various banks, reported ANI. On the other hand, Supriya Sule and her husband own property worth more than Rs 150 crore, with investments only in India. Sule has borrowed Rs 20 lakh from Parth Pawar and Rs 35 lakh from Sunetra Pawar. The couple also possesses jewellery worth around Rs 5.45 crore, including gold, silver, and diamonds, reported ANI. Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections 2024: Affidavits provide insight into the financial status and investments of both candidates Overall, the affidavits provide insight into the financial status and investments of both candidates, showcasing their wealth and assets. The elections in Baramati are expected to be closely contested, with both candidates showcasing their financial strength and support within the Pawar family. Both candidates filed their nominations on Thursday at the divisional commissioner office, following a show of strength by holding public rallies in the city. Sunetra Pawar's public rally was attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, and her husband, Ajit Pawar. Meanwhile, Supriya Sule's public rally was attended by Sharad Pawar and senior Congress leaders Prithviraj Chavan and Balasaheb Thorat. Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections 2024: A fierce contest between Mahayuti and Maha Vikas Aghadi Baramati will go to the polls on May 7. Five parliamentary seats in Maharashtra will go to the polls in the first phase of polling on Friday, in which as many as 95.54 lakh registered voters will decide the fate of 97 candidates. Maharashtra, the second-largest state after Uttar Pradesh (80), which contributes 48 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha, will witness a fierce contest between the two major state coalitions - the Mahayuti (Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena, and Nationalist Congress Party) and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP)). (With inputs from ANI)
19 April,2024 11:56 AM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentPolling for 32 assembly seats and the lone Lok Sabha constituency in Sikkim began simultaneously at 7 am on Friday. Voting is scheduled to end at 5 pm. According to officials, over 7.66 per cent of the 4.64 lakh voters in 32 Assembly seats and the lone Lok Sabha seat in Sikkim have exercised their franchise till 9 am on Friday. Over 4.64 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to elect their representatives in the assembly and an MP for Lok Sabha from the Himalayan state. A total of 146 candidates, including Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, his predecessor Pawan Kumar Chamling, former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia, and Tamang's wife Krishna Kumari Rai are in the fray for 32 assembly constituencies. Sitting Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba and SDF's PD Rai are among 14 candidates in the lone Lok Sabha seat. Tamang and Chamling are contesting from two assembly constituencies each. Voting is underway in 573 polling stations, out of which 88 are in urban and 485 in rural areas, Sikkim Chief Electoral Officer D Anandan told PTI. Thirteen companies of CAPF have been deployed in Sikkim, of which five companies are from ITBP and eight from SSB, he told PTI. Meanwhile, Voting was underway on Friday in 102 Lok Sabha seats spread across 21 states and Union territories in the first of the seven phases of the world's largest electoral exercise, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging voters to exercise their franchise in record numbers. He especially called upon the young and first-time voters to vote in large numbers. Polling began at 7 AM and will end at 6 PM. Over 16.63 crore people are eligible to vote in this phase. In the first phase, there are 35.67 lakh first time voters, besides 3.51 crore young voters in the age group of 20-29 years. (With inputs from PTI)
19 April,2024 10:44 AM IST | Gangtok | mid-day online correspondentAs polls for the first phase of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 commenced in Nagpur, Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swyamsevak Sangh (RSS), was among the early birds to cast his ballot. Bhagwat exercised his right to vote at a polling station in Mahal soon after the voting began at 7 am. As per a PTI report, Bhagwat, after casting his vote for Lok Sabha Elections 2024, urged the public to come out and vote in huge numbers. He also urged them to keep in mind the interest of the country first while casting their ballot. "Voting is our responsibility and right as well. We kind of chart out the future of our country for the next five years. Hence, today, the first thing I did was to vote," he was quoted as saying in the PTI report. VIDEO | "Voting is our duty and a right too. We decide the future of our country for the next five years through voting and that is why everyone should vote. The first thing I did today was to vote," says #RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat after casting his vote at a polling booth in… pic.twitter.com/JFyuSXryef — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024 Expressing his belief that there should be 100 per cent voting, the RSS chief said it is important for every citizen to contribute to shaping the democratic landscape. VIDEO | RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat arrives at a polling booth in #Nagpur, Maharashtra, to cast his vote. Polling for the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on 102 seats spread across 21 states is underway.#LSPolls2024WithPTI #LokSabhaElections2024(Full video available on… pic.twitter.com/UGYYpt4Xse — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 19, 2024 In Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, which includes constituencies like Nagpur, Ramtek, Chandrapur, Bhandara-Gondia, and Gadchiroli-Chimur, voting is underway in the first phase of the seven-phase Lok Sabha Elections 2024. This phase covers 102 seats across 21 states and Union Territories and is the second-longest polling exercise. The first longest election was held from September 1951 to February 1952. The Lok Sabha Elections 2024, which commenced on Friday, will conclude on June 1 and the results will be announced on June 4 after counting of votes. Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024 is crucial since the state sends the second-largest number of parliamentarians after Uttar Pradesh.
19 April,2024 10:24 AM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondentAAP MLA Amanatullah Khan was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday for more than 13 hours in connection with a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board under his chairmanship, officials said. He reached the ED office in central Delhi around 11 am and left after midnight following more than 13 hours of questioning. Sources said he has been asked to appear before the agency next week. Khan told reporters while leaving that he deposed before the ED on the directions of the Supreme Court and that his statement was recorded by the agency. He said he has been asked to provide some documents to the agency in connection with this probe. Khan said reports of his arrest were "rumours". AAP MP Sanjay Singh, Atishi and other party leaders visited Khan's house Thursday evening and met his family members expressing their solidarity with them. Atishi told reporters outside Khan's house that they were getting news of their MLA's arrest. She said the case against him was fake. "We are getting the news that AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan ji has been arrested," she had said. The deposition of the 50-year-old legislator from the Okhla assembly seat came after the Supreme Court last week refused to entertain his anticipatory bail application in the case related to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Waqf Board during his chairmanship. The apex court had directed him to join the investigation on April 18. Speaking to reporters before entering the ED office, Khan had claimed that he followed the rules when he was the chairman of the Waqf Board and did everything after taking legal opinion and as per the new Act (for the board) that came in 2013. The money laundering case against Khan stems from a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR and three Delhi Police complaints. The ED, which had conducted raids on his premises, has claimed Khan acquired "huge proceeds of crime" in cash through illegal recruitment of staff in the Delhi Waqf Board and invested those to purchase immovable assets in the name of his associates. The ED had alleged in a statement that "illegal recruitment" of staff took place in the Waqf Board and "illegal personal gains" were made by unfairly leasing the Waqf Board properties during Khan's chairmanship (2018-2022). This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2024 08:35 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that there is a lack of knowledge about our identity among the countrymen, adding that people should proudly acknowledge that their identity is Hindu. The RSS Chief was speaking at a launch event of a book titled 'Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh' in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on Thursday. Addressing the event, Bhagwat said, "Again and again someone comes and we become slaves due to our mistakes. It needs to be addressed. This disease needs to be treated; otherwise, such things will keep happening. We need to treat some of our basic mistakes." He further said that the country needs to organise the entire society with a common thread so we can be clear about our identity. "Due to dis-orientation, there is lack of knowledge in our country about who we are and who is ours, about our identity and there is no clarity about it. Due to several years of slavery, there is mental suppression," the RSS chief said. "Hence, we need to organise the entire society with a common sutra which unites us all. We should know our identity clearly and tell the world as well. If we know who we are then we also know who is ours and that our identity is Hindu and we should say with pride that we are Hindus," he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2024 08:30 AM IST | Nagpur | ANIThe voting in the first phase of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Manipur is scheduled for Friday. The northeastern state has seen ethnic violence since May 2023. Polling will start at 7 am and continue until 4 pm. All 32 assembly segments of the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency and 15 Assembly Segments of the Outer Manipur (ST) Parliamentary Constituency will go to the polls today. A total of 15,44,652 voters, including 7,41,849 males, 8,02,557 females, and 246 transgender voters, will exercise their franchise in phase 1, according to an official release. There are a total of 2107 polling stations. It is worth mentioning that 645 polling stations will be completely managed by all-woman polling personnel. It is also notable that 2 polling stations will be exclusively managed by Persons with Disabilities (PwD) polling personnel. In addition, 85 special polling stations have been set up for internally displaced voters in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi districts. A total of 18091 internally displaced voters will exercise their franchise today. Over 8,000 polling personnel are being deployed, the release added. A total of 6 candidates are in the fray for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, while 4 candidates shall be contesting for the Outer Manipur (ST) Parliamentary Constituency. Arrangements for webcasting have been made at 1256 polling stations. Adequate CAPF has been deployed in all polling stations. In addition, micro observers have been deployed in all critical polling stations and special polling stations. A total of 11582 PwD electors and 289 Centenarian voters will exercise their franchise today. Two volunteers have been engaged in each polling station to assist voters. Voter assistance booths have also been set up in all polling stations. ASHA workers have been identified for every polling station to provide immediate health care for the voters. In addition, Anganwadi workers have been engaged to facilitate pregnant and lactating mothers voting with ease. First-aid kits have been provided for all polling stations, the release added. The movement of EVMs is being tracked with the help of the e-Traccar app, which is embedded in the mobile phones of polling personnel and sector officers. Besides, polling personnel will be able to report any sort of EVM malfunctioning or any untoward incident happening in the polling station. This will enable the returning officer & assistant, it added. Returning officers to take immediate corrective action. The Poll Star App is also used for timely reporting of voter turnout and other vital information by the polling officials. Control rooms have been set up in every district headquarters and in the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, it added. In order to ensure free, fair and smooth election, certain restrictions have been imposed on poll day in the polling station premises. Providing free conveyance to voters to and from the polling stations by a candidate/his agent is a corrupt practice and strictly forbidden. As provided in Section 130 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, canvassing within a polling station or any public or private place within a distance of 100 meters of a polling station is strictly prohibited. Cellular phones, cordless phones, etc., shall not be allowed except by officers on duty within 100 meters of a polling station. Besides, no campaign-related posters or banners within 100 metres of the polling booth are allowed. The use of loudspeakers within a 100-meter polling station is also strictly prohibited. Candidates shall also not set up booths within 200 metres of the polling booth, the release added. The Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, has appealed to all voters to come out in large numbers, exercise their franchise, and be a part of the democratic exercise. Voters are expected to produce an elector's photo identity card (EPIC) for their identification at the polling stations before casting their votes, it added. Those voters who are not able to produce EPIC shall produce one of the 12 alternative identity documents for establishing their identity: Aadhaar Card, MNREGA Job Card, Passbooks with photographs issued by Bank/Post Office, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labour, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, Indian Passport, Pension document with photograph, Service Identity Cards with photographs issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies, Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs and Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, M/o Social Justice Empowerment, Government of India. The following states and Union Territories will be conducting Phase 1 of voting: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry. The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be held on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. Vote counting will take place on June 4. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 April,2024 08:09 AM IST | Imphal | PTIADVERTISEMENT
