New Delhi:&nbsp;With a view to provide more opportunities for youth to become part of voters' list, Election Commission has made a provision of four chances in a year to enrol names in the list.Now, 17+ year old youngsters can now apply in advance for having their names enrolled in voter's list and not necessarily have to await the pre-requisite criterion of attaining age of 18 years on January 1 of a year.ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey, has directed the CEOs/EROs/AEROs of all states to work out tech-enabled solutions such that the youth are facilitated to file their advance applications with reference to three subsequent qualifying dates including April 1, July 1 and October 1 and not just January 1.Henceforth, the Electoral Roll will be updated every quarter and eligible youngsters can be registered in the next quarter of the year in which he/she has attained the qualifying age of 18 years. After getting registered, he/she will be issued an Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), said the Commission.The poll panel added that for the current round of annual revision of electoral roll, 2023, any citizen attaining the age of 18 years by April 1, July 1 and October 1 of 2023 can also submit an advance application for registration as a voter from the date of draft publication of electoral roll.The Election Commission, in pursuance of the legal amendments in the Section 14(b) of the RP Act 1950 and consequent modifications in Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, has initiated the process for bringing about necessary changes for preparation/revision of electoral roll of Assembly/Parliamentary Constituency.It may be recalled that on the recommendations of ECI, the Ministry of Law &amp; Justice recently amended the RP Act to provide for four qualifying dates i.e., 01st January, 01st April, 01st July and 01st October as eligibility for youngsters to register in electoral rolls as opposed to the earlier single qualifying date of 1st January only.As per existing policy, revision of electoral rolls with reference to 1st January of the coming year as the qualifying date was done normally in the later part of each year in all States/UTs (normally in the last quarter of a year) so that final publication of the electoral rolls is made in the first week of January of the succeeding year. This meant that a large number of young persons who completed 18 years after 1st January had to wait for Special Summary Revision of the next year for enrolment and were not able to participate in elections held in the intervening period. —IANS

With a view to provide more opportunities for youth to become part of voters' list, Election Commission has made a provision of four chances in a year to enroll names in the list.

 More Opportunities for youth to enrol in voters' list, says EC

With a view to provide more opportunities for youth to become part of voters' list, Election Commission has made a provision of four chances in a year to enrol names in the list.

Bhubaneswar (The Hawk): On Wednesday, a high-level BJP delegation led by Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD of distributing money to entice voters ahead of the byelection in the Bhadrak district Dhamnagar Assembly constituency.
The group, which also included BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra and senior leader Om Pathak, visited the office of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Delhi on Wednesday afternoon and submitted the memorandum.
Pradhan told reporters outside the ECI headquarters that the district administration of Bhadrak is in cahoots with the BJD.
"Even though we alerted the chief electoral officer (CEO) of Odisha about the ruling party's money distribution, the CEO said today that a forensic investigation has been initiated into the issue. This indicates that no action would be taken until a forensic report is received "he stated.
In addition, the CEO is also the secretary of the Panchayati Raj department, creating a potential conflict of interest. Consequently, the BJP approached the ECI, he noted.
In the memorandum, the BJP said that in an additional brazen attempt to bribe voters, prominent BJD leaders had pledged to donate Rs 1 crore to panchayats that voted for the BJD candidate.
"It is extremely regrettable that both instances of violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and corrupt practises were promptly brought to the attention of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha by our party, along with documentary evidence, but the CEO has taken no action to date, which emboldens the ruling BJD to violate the election code," the BJP said.
The party urged the ECI to take harsh measures against individuals attempting to bribe voters and those actually bribing voters on behalf of the BJD candidate and his party by providing cash.
The BJD has also sent a memorandum to the CEO in which it accuses the BJP of attempting to influence voters by giving money and other means.
A complaint has been registered in connection with the alleged distribution of cash by two women, and another case has been registered against a man in connection with his offer to donate Rs 1 crore to each panchayat, the CEO, S.K. Lohani, announced earlier on Wednesday.
In response to the receipt of specific complaints and the review of video footage for violations of the model code of conduct, appropriate action has been taken in two incidents. He stated that action would be taken upon investigation.
(Inputs from Agencies)

On Wednesday, a high-level BJP delegation led by Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD of distributing money to entice voters ahead of the byelection in the Bhadrak district Dhamnagar Assembly constituency.

BJP complains to ECI about BJD bribing Dhamnagar bypoll voters

New Delhi (The Hawk): It has been reported that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has requested documentation from Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav to back up his claim that the ECI removed the names of approximately 20,000 voters from the electoral rolls in almost all of the 403 Assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh at the behest of the BJP and its aides.
The polling body stated that there is no basis in law for a caste or religiously based electoral roll, and instead cited provisions in the Representation of the People Act of 1950 and the Representation of the People Act of 1951 that include penalties and criminal liabilities for undue interference, including false declaration and promoting enmity between classes.
According to sources, the EC has asked Yadav to submit documentary proof based on which he levelled the allegation, as the statement about the alleged mass deletion of names, that too of a particular group of voters, is extremely serious and has far-reaching implications on the integrity of the poll process.
The Election Commission has reportedly asked Yadav to provide details to the Commission by November 10 so that appropriate action can be taken in light of a statement he is reported to have made while addressing the media recently. Yadav is a seasoned politician and the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
According to EC sources, Yadav has been asked to provide data on the deletion of names, broken down by Assembly. This data should include the names and numbers of alleged erroneous deletions, as well as any documentation or papers pertaining to the voters whose names were deleted.
According to the sources, the SP leader has also been asked to provide specifics regarding any complaint of deleted voter names submitted by his party with a DEO or CEO.
(Inputs from Agencies)

It has been reported that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has requested documentation from Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav to back up his claim that the ECI removed the names of approximately 20,000 voters from the electoral rolls in almost all of the 403 Assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh at the behest of the BJP and its aides.

EC tells Akhilesh Yadav to prove "deletion of Muslim, Yadav voters' names."

Shimla/Manali: Widespread snow and extreme cold climatic conditions in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday has not impacted arrangements for the Assembly polls on Saturday, say election officials.
Even the voters are gung-ho over their participation in record despite extreme climatic conditions.
Officials told IANS that at a majority of 92 polling stations for a population of 31,538 in Lahaul-Spiti district -- out of the state's 7,881 booths -- there was widespread overnight snowfall. The polling booths in the district, a cold desert dotted by tiny helmets spread over the Himalayan peaks, adjoining Tibet, are scattered over rugged and inhospitable terrain where poll officials have to trek hours to reach there.
"The polling material has already reached all polling stations across the state, including the remotest stations," Neeraj Kumar, officer on special duty with the state election department, told IANS in Shimla.
He said the election staff at the far-off polling booths would reach by Friday, a day ahead of the election.
"Our election staff is highly motivated. So are the electorates. This time we will see a record polling of over 80 per cent," he added.
In the 2017 Assembly polls, a record 75.57 per cent polling, highest in four decades, was experienced.
At that time too the Congress and the BJP were locked in a straight contest.
Electorates of remote Kinnaur, Chamba and Lahaul-Spiti districts, part of the sprawling Mandi parliamentary constituency that covers almost two-thirds of the state, have a special place in the history of democracy in independent India as they were the first to exercise their franchise months ahead of the rest of the nation for the first general elections between December 1951 and February 1952.
This was done to ensure that snowfall did not deprive the tribals of the privilege of exercising their franchise.
"Till early 1990's there were no proper roads. The ballot boxes were transported on horseback," said octogenarian Tashi Tenzing of Tholang village in the Lahaul Valley.
Gian Bodh, a school teacher, from Nako village in Kinnaur, said: "I still remember my grandfather trudging to reach the nearby polling station located some 20 km from our house. Now it is located in the village itself."
As per the records of the state election department, Shyam Saran Negi, 106, was the first voter of independent India who cast his vote at the polling booth in Kinnaur's Kalpa village on October 25, 1951.
Just three days after casting his 34th vote for the forthcoming polls, he passed away at his native place on November 5.
Kinnaur district also boasts of the polling station with the least number of voters in the state. "The Kaa polling station near Yangthang has just six voters - the lowest in the state," chief electoral officer Maneesh Garg said. Octogenarian Durga Negi, a retired teacher from Tashigang, located at 15,256 feet in Spiti valley, said: "Earlier we used to walk miles to cast votes. Now the better road network has made the polling station accessible."
Located close to the India-China border, the polling station at Tashigang covers 52 voters of Tashigang and Gete villages.
Himachal Pradesh's highest polling station in Chask Bhatori village in Bharmour assembly, located at an altitude of 4,500 metre, where the polling party has to trudge 14-km arduous journey to reach there. Garg said 26 people are eligible to cast their votes at the Chask Bhatori, situated at an altitude of 4,500 metres in Sechu panchayat of the Pangi tribal area.
The Election Department has set up 7,881 polling stations for the November 12 polls to the 68-member Assembly.
The poll material for Bara Bhangal, located 65 km from the last village which is connected by road, in Kangra district was airlifted.
Bara Bhangal, accessible by foot through the Thamsar Pass at an altitude of 4,700 metres has a population of around 470 voters.
Most of them migrated to Bir, near Palampur town, some 250 km from state capital Shimla, during the winter. The Election Commission has set up a polling booth in Bara Bhangal for 100 voters. Kangra, the state's largest district, has 1,625 polling stations, while Lahaul-Spiti district has the lowest of 92.
There are 7,235 polling stations in rural areas and 646 in urban areas, an official statement said. For the Assembly elections, three auxiliary polling stations -- Sidhbari (Dharamsala), Bara Bhangal (Baijnath) and Dhillon (Kasauli) -- will also be set up. Chamba, a remote district, has the maximum number of 1,459 voters in the Manola polling station in Dalhousie, while Bharmour has only 84 voters. Kangra having 15 constituencies has the highest 1,511 voters in Sidhabari, while the lowest polling station is Kalangan in Nurpur having 75 voters. The remotest polling station in the district is Manch in the Shahpur constituency where the polling party has to walk 7 km.
Another remote district, Lahaul-Spiti, has 811 voters in Kaza, while Lingar has only 38 voters. In Kullu district, the Manali constituency has Chichonga polling station with 1,305 voters, while Banjar's polling station Tilga has the least number of 89 voters. For the Shakti polling station in Banjar assembly, polling parties have to trudge 10 km. Mandi, the second largest district having 10 Assembly seats, has the highest 1,403 voters in the Chaugan polling station under the Sundernagar constituency, while the lowest 95 voters at the Jarathu polling station.
Manjhagan is the remote polling station in the district where the polling party has to walk 10 km to reach there.
The Hamirpur constituency has the highest number of 1,283 voters in the Swahal polling station, while the Barsar constituency has the lowest number of 105 voters at Balh Dhatwalian polling station. Comprising eight assembly constituencies, Shimla district has maximum 1,298 voters in the Charoli polling station in Chopal assembly, while only the Summerhill polling station under the Shimla (Urban) constituency has the minimum of 33 voters. The polling party has to cover a distance of 7 km to reach Pandar, a remote polling booth in the Rohru constituency.
A total of 55,92,828 electors, which includes 67,559 service electors and 22 NRIs, are eligible to exercise their franchise. The ballots will be counted on December 8. —IANS

Widespread snow and extreme cold climatic conditions in the higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday has not impacted arrangements for the Assembly polls on Saturday, say election officials.

Despite Snow, Himachal Voters Gung-Ho Over Exercising Franchise

Kolkata (The Hawk): Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, urged the people on Wednesday to make sure their names are on the electoral record to prevent being transported to detention facilities in the name of implementing the NRC.
She was speaking at a state government-sponsored event where marginalised families from all districts were being given land pattas (papers).
Make sure your name is on the voter list; otherwise, the NRC may send you to a detention facility. It's terrible, terrible, terrible, Banerjee remarked.
No eviction will be permitted in Bengal without adequate compensation and rehabilitation, Banerjee stated, referring to examples of "forcible takeover of land by the railway and airport administrations."
She urged attendees at the public event to start protests if their land is forcibly removed, and the state would support you.
She claimed that the Center had withheld funding for 100-day work.
She claimed that the central government follows the orders of the BJP without naming the organisation.
At the event, Banerjee presented 4,701 land pattas.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, urged the people on Wednesday to make sure their names are on the electoral record to prevent being transported to detention facilities in the name of implementing the NRC.

To prevent detention under the NRC, make sure your name is on the voters' list: Mamata Banerjee

Bengaluru (The Hawk): According to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the government is conducting an impartial investigation into the voters list revision dispute, and any officers, organisations, or agencies found to be at fault will face sanctions.
Speaking to reporters after decorating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's statue in honour of Constitution Day on Saturday, he stated that several people have already been detained in connection with this and that officials are currently conducting an investigation.
The administration will applaud the Election Commission of India's decision to update the voter list where names have been removed. The election must be conducted fairly and impartially. "We will welcome certain initiatives, such correcting when the names are purposely erased at two or three places despite having the Voter's Identity Card," the statement reads.
On Friday, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ruled that the voter list's omissions and additions should be reviewed and suspended two more district election officials.
The CM stated that Home Minister Araga Jnanendra has been given instructions to speak with the Home Secretary of Maharashtra to ensure that no one must take the law into their own hands and damage the amicable relationship between the two states. In addition, the Maharashtra Police must safeguard the lives and property of Kannadigas who have settled in that state, as well as the Karnataka buses.
He said that during the meeting scheduled for next month, the cornerstone would be laid for the sculptures of Kittur Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna to be placed in front of Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi.
When the Panchamasali seer's deadline for requesting the Permanent Backward Classes Commission's report was brought to his attention, Bommai stated that the commission had been asked to submit its report as soon as possible and that it would be helpful for the government to make a decision on this matter.
The CM noted that the BJP had stated its strong opposition to the Uniform Civil Code in its manifesto, and that committees had been established in a number of states. The BJP thinks that a uniform civil code is preferable.
(Inputs from Agencies)

According to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the government is conducting an impartial investigation into the voters list revision dispute, and any officers, organisations, or agencies found to be at fault will face sanctions.

K'taka CM: Government impartially investigating voters' list revision

New Delhi: India has more than 94.50 crore voters, the government said on Thursday, citing data from the Election Commission.
In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "According to the Election Commission of India, with regard to persons enrolled on Voter ID database as per the final publication of electoral roll as on January 1, 2023, the total number of persons enrolled were 94,50,25,694." According to a recent letter by EC to political parties, in 1951, India had 17.32 crore registered voters, which rose to 19.37 crore in 1957.
India had 91.20 crore voters in 2019, when the last Lok Sabha elections were held.—Inputs from Agencies

India has more than 94.50 crore voters, the government said on Thursday, citing data from the Election Commission

India has over 94.50 crore voters as on Jan 1: Govt

Lucknow: The Samajwadi Party (SP) has directed its party workers to keep a close and systematic watch on updation of voters' list and thwart any attempt to drop names or include fake ones. The party has appointed leaders in every district for this work. The leaders concerned have been given a detailed run-down on how to look for anomalies, get them corrected and seek expert guidance from party headquarters as and when required. SP president Akhilesh Yadav and national secretary Shivpal Yadav explained various ways through which the names of voters could be dropped from the list and also the official process to get the genuine names included back in the list or to get the bogus ones deleted. The party leaders have been provided a blueprint of how to go about the entire exercise in a systematic manner to maintain a record of all its communication with the booth level officers and election officers at district level and beyond. The participants were also provided booklets having details of the process of seeking corrections in the voters list. The SP is keeping an eye on voters' list in view the reports of alleged anomalies in voters list in the 2022 Assembly polls and the by polls that were held thereafter. The SP had submitted written complaints with the Election Commission, besides state and district level election officers. The issue of mass anomalies in voters' list had surfaced during the party's convention in Kolkata where the SP chief decided that a committee, led by a senior leader, would be constituted in every district to monitor the preparation of voters' list from the time the process begins to avoid last minute hiccups. —IANS

The Samajwadi Party (SP) has directed its party workers to keep a close and systematic watch on updation of voters' list and thwart

SP Asks Party Workers To Check Voters' List

Jaipur: With eyes firmly set on the upcoming elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi will launch the Indira Rasoi Gramin scheme at Niwai in Rajasthan’s Tonk district on September 10.
Preparations for the same are underway on a war-footing.
After launching the scheme at Vivekananda Model School in Jhilai village during Priyanka Gandhi’s Sabha, the Congress leader is scheduled to address the gathering.
Senior Congress leaders and ministers, including Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, state in-charge Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, state president Govind Singh Dotasra, will be present at the meeting.
As part of the preparations, Leaders of Tonk, Jaipur and Dausa have been assigned the responsibility of gathering the crowd for the meeting.
Till now, the scheme of serving food for eight rupees is being implemented in the cities. Gehlot had announced to provide cheap food from Indira Rasoi in villages also. It will be run in the name of Indira Rasoi Yojana Gramin.
In the election year, the scheme of providing food for eight rupees in towns and villages is being considered important for political gains.
With focus on women voters, the Gehlot government recently distributed free smartphones to 25 lakh women.
Several schemes, including Indira Priyadarshini Fund, free ration have been started. Through these schemes, the Congress is now trying to woo the women voters in the Assembly elections. This is the strategy behind the launch of Priyanka Gandhi’s Sabha and Indira Rasoi Grameen.
Gandhi has been actively campaigning in the Assembly election states from the beginning. She held huge election meetings in the elections of Karnataka and Himachal. Now, it is being extended in Rajasthan as well.
According to political experts, the strategy behind the launching of schemes from senior leaders of high command will give out a strong message.
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi’s meeting was organised on World Tribal Day on August 9 at Mangarh Dham in Banswara.
Congress had organised a meeting of party president Mallikarjun Kharge on September 6 in Gulabpura, Bhilwara.
During the meeting, the Kamdhenu Insurance Scheme was launched by Kharge.
Just four days after Kharge’s meeting, Priyanka Gandhi’s meeting has been announced in Niwai, Tonk. There is also a political strategy behind the meetings of leaders associated with the high command. Through Priyanka’s meeting, the
CM is trying to settle the internal political equations of the Congress, added the experts.&nbsp;
—IANS

With eyes firmly set on the upcoming elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi will launch the Indira Rasoi Gramin scheme at Niwai in Rajasthan’s Tonk district

Priyanka to launch Indira Rasoi Grameen in Rajasthan's Tonk on Sep 10

New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Election Commission released a special comic book featuring popular comic book characters Chacha Chaudhary, Sabu, and crew in an effort to encourage young people to exercise their right to vote.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, together with election commissioners Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel, released a comic book named "Chacha Chaudhary aur Chunavi Dangal" as a collaborative effort between the EC and Pran Comics.
The book's main purpose is to get eligible young people to sign up to vote so that they can actively participate in the upcoming elections.—Inputs from Agencies

On Wednesday, the Election Commission released a special comic book featuring popular comic book characters Chacha Chaudhary, Sabu, and crew in an effort to encourage young people to exercise their right to vote.

EC releases Chacha Chaudhary comic book to educate, motivate young voters

Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh): Launching a scathing attack on the Congress government in poll-bound Chattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the people have made up their minds to stand up to the "atrocities" perpetrated on them and vote for "change". "A change is in the air in Chhatisgarh. The excitement that I sense among the people itself demonstrates their desire to vote for change. The people of Chhattisgarh have decided not to tolerate the atrocities perpetrated on them by this Congress government," PM Modi said while addressing a ‘Parivartan Maha Sankalp Rally’ at Bilaspur on Saturday.
He said the dreams and aspirations of the people could only be fulfilled when there is a change of guard at the hustings. "It is my guarantee that we will work to fulfill your dreams and aspirations if voted back. Your dreams will be realised only when the BJP returns to power in Chhattisgarh. No matter how much we try to meet the expectations of the people from the Centre, the Congress government here scuttles all our efforts in this direction," PM Modi said. He added that Chhattisgarh received thousands of crores worth of central funds for infrastructure development here over the last five years. "Be it for roads, rail, electricity, and various other development projects, we did not leave the state wanting for funds. In public life, the realities seldom stay hidden. The deputy CM (TS Singh Deo) here went on record to say that Delhi does no injustice to the state. The statement ought to have been a matter of happiness for all. However, the Congress can't stomach the praise," PM Modi said. "The central government approved infrastructure projects worth thousands of crores in Chattisgarh. However, these projects were delayed or stopped altogether," PM Modi said, in a swipe at the ruling party in the state. Before starting his address, PM Modi chanted 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' at the end of two 'Parivartan Yatras' in the state by the BJP. Earlier in the day, women clad in traditional attire welcomed PM Modi's convoy during a roadshow. A sizeable crowd of cheering locals lined both sides of the road through which the convoy travelled, raising slogans in support of PM Modi.
Bilaspur is electorally significant as it accounts for 24 of the 90 assembly seats in the state. The first Parivartan Yatra began from Dantewada in the southern part of Chhattisgarh on September 12 while the second started from Jashpur in the north on September 15. The first Parivartan Yatra covered a distance of 1,728 km over 16 days, from Dantewada to Bilaspur, covering 21 districts across three divisions. More than 45 public meetings, 32 welcome meetings and a roadshow were held during the yatra. This is PM Modi's third visit to the Congress-ruled state and second visit to the Bilaspur division within a span of 15 days. The second yatra started with BJP leaders taking blessings of Goddess Khudiyarani. It covered a distance of 1,261 km in 12 days, touching 39 assembly constituencies in 14 districts across two divisions. More than 39 general meetings and 53 welcome meetings were held during the yatra. BJP did well in Bilaspur in the 2018 Assembly polls, with the division accounting for 7 of the 15 seats that it won. Chhattisgarh was carved out as a separate state from Madhya Pradesh under the Prime Ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. BJP released its first list of candidates for 21 seats in Chhattisgarh in August. The party had lost all these seats in 2018 polls. Elections in Chhattisgarh, along with four other states, would be held before the end of the year.
—ANI

Launching a scathing attack on the Congress government in poll-bound Chattisgarh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday

“People have decided not to tolerate atrocities…”: PM Modi rips into Congress in Chhattisgarh

Chandpur (The Hawk): The sixth day of the Seven Day Special Camp of National Service Scheme, unit of Hindu Inter College, Chandpur of district Bijnor, was celebrated as 'Voters Awareness Day' in the college auditorium on Saturday.  Addressing the programme, the Chief Guest Ankit Kumar Aggarwal, D.M. Bijnor remarked that the role of voters is very important in a democracy. He further stated that Voters and voting both are the pillars of a democratic country. Therefore, the students who have turned 18 years of age must get their Voter ID card made ensuring their participation in the polling process. We are fortunate of being the citizens of Bharat, the largest democracy in the world and in this sacred temple of democracy, every voter plays an important role in forming a strong democratic government by using the power of her vote awarded by Indian constitution, he added. The guest of honour, Neeraj Kumar Jadaun, S. P. of the district, inspired the students to work harder to achieve their goals. He called upon the NSS volunteers, first to set their goals in life and make tireless efforts to chase them without losing patience and courage even in adverse circumstances. He further advised the youths to never follow shortcuts but always give priority to comprehensive and in - depth study. Principal Ravindra Kumar Sharma, the President Er Arvind Kumar Mittal and the Manager Er Prabhash Chandra Mittal of the college presented a copy of the Centenary Magazine of the college to the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of the Police. The program was also addressed by District Inspector of Schools, Ramagya Kumar and S D M Chandpur, Manoj Kumar.  All the events of the function are conducted skilfully by Mahendra Singh Tyagi in the graceful presence of NSS officer Pankaj Kumar and the college staffers. —M S Tyagi

The sixth day of the Seven Day Special Camp of National Service Scheme, unit of Hindu Inter College

Voters And Voting Are The Main Pivot Of Democracy: D M Bijnor 

Dehradun: The number of voters in the state has increased by 4.70 lakh from 2019 and the total number of voters has reached 83 lakh. As per the Election Commission voter list for Uttarakhand as of January 1, 2024, there are now 83 lakh voters in Uttarakhand, which also includes service voters. Comparatively, after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the number of voters in the state has increased by 4.70 lakh. The state boasts 82.4 lakh general electors and 93,357 service voters, set to cast their votes at 11,729 polling stations across the Himalayan region. According to the new voter list of the state elections, the number of voters in the age group of 18-39 has increased to 40,33,278, out of which there are 1.29 lakh voters in the age group of 18 years. The 11,729 polling stations across Uttarakhand include 3,461 in urban areas and 8,268 in rural pockets. Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Dehradun. Strategic points were discussed to win all five seats in the general elections with 75 per cent votes during the meeting. As the battle for 2024 begins, the BJP undeniably maintains the upper hand. After securing victories in three crucial Hindi heartland states--Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh it being said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strengthened its position to face the INDIA bloc in the Lok Sabha elections. —ANI

The number of voters in the state has increased by 4.70 lakh from 2019 and the total number of voters has reached 83 lakh

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: 83 Lakh Voters To Decide Fate Of Candidates In Uttarakhand

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has revealed its campaign strategy, for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections titled 'Choosing Modi' or 'Modi ko chunte hain' in Hindi. Addressing first time voters today Prime Minister Narendra Modi passionately urged them to participate in the process emphasizing that their choices would have a significant impact on the countrys future.&nbsp;
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As the Prime Minister aims for a term in office he faces a challenge, from an united opposition, known collectively as I.N.D.I.A., who are gearing up for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Explore BJP's 'Modi ko chunte hain' campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. PM Narendra Modi urges first-time voters to influence the nation's course.

‘Modi ko chunte hain’: BJP launching 2024 Lok Sabha campaign

Lucknow: To establish relationships with the minority community and gain support in Lok Sabha constituencies that have a significant Muslim population in western Uttar Pradesh, the BJPs minority faction is preparing for a new endeavor called "Quami Chaupal." This campaign will cover over 4,100 villages and address issues that're important to Muslim voters. Starting from February 10th in Kaserwa village located in Muzaffarnagar district the BJPs Minority Morcha plans to assign constituency coordinators for the "Qaumi Chaupal" program across 23 Lok Sabha constituencies in Western Uttar Pradesh.  Kunwar Basit Ali, the president of BJP Minority Morchas Uttar Pradesh unit informed PTI that selected constituencies include Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Kairana, Meerut, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Bijnor, Amroha, Rampur, Bareilly, Agra and Aligarh. The leaders of this faction will engage with Muslim dominated villages to discuss government schemes and initiatives while addressing concerns specifically related to the minority community.  The main objective of this initiative is to strengthen the BJPs bond with the population. The "Qaumi Chaupals" are planned to be held either at individuals homes or, at madrassas within these villages. Ali emphasized that their aim is to connect with Muslims who are seeking a party dedicated to their well being. By building this connection the Morcha hopes to gain support from this segment of the Muslim community in favor of the BJP.  To facilitate the 'Qaumi Chaupals across all 23 Lok Sabha constituencies the Morcha plans to appoint representatives who will reside in their designated areas for a minimum of 10 days. These individuals will actively engage with villagers aiming to understand their concerns and challenges. While the ongoing 'Shukriya Modi Bhai Jaan' initiative by the Morcha primarily focuses on women 'Qaumi Chaupal' specifically targets predominantly male voters with the goal of strengthening their affiliation with the BJP.  During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections the BJP achieved victory in 19 out of 26 seats in Western Uttar Pradesh while a coalition between the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party secured seven seats. The BJP is strategically working towards securing all 80 Lok Sabha seats, in Uttar Pradesh during the elections.
—Input from Agencies

Explore BJP's Quami Chaupal campaign reaching out to Muslim voters in Western UP. Kunwar Basit Ali leads engagement in 23 constituencies, fostering connections and addressing community concerns.

BJP's Minority Wing Initiates Outreach Drive to Engage Muslim Voters in Western UP

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast will not be aired for the next three months in line with political ethics in view of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
In the 110th episode of the programme, he said there is a possibility that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will be enforced in March as it was done during the last polls as well, a reference to the expected announcement of the election schedule sometime next month.  The MCC guidelines of the Election Commission asks governments to not use official events or public-funded platforms for something that may be seen to give the ruling party publicity or political advantage.  The prime minister asserted that it is a big success of the programme that it has been kept away even from the shadow of the government during its 110 episodes, asserting that the broadcast has been dedicated to the country's collective strength and achievements.  "It is a programme of the people, for the people and by the people," Modi said.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/pm-modi-inaugurates-sudarshan-setu-in-gujarat-india's-longest-cable-stayed-bridge" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/pm-modi-inaugurates-sudarshan-setu-in-gujarat-india's-longest-cable-stayed-bridge</a>&nbsp;
 "However, following political ethics the 'Mann ki Baat' will not be broadcast for the next three months during this period of the Lok Sabha elections," he said.
"When we meet the next time, it will be the 111th episode of the 'Mann Ki Baat'," Modi added, noting the auspiciousness associated with the number. What can be better than this, he said.  The prime minister has frequently expressed confidence of retaining power in the elections.  The programme was deferred before the 2019 general elections as well.  Modi also appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes in record numbers, asserting that the 18th Lok Sabha will be a symbol of their aspirations.  Citizens are eligible to vote after turning 18.  The youth should not only be a part of political activities but also remain aware of debates and discussions during the period, Modi said.  "You should keep in mind that your first vote should be for the country," he said, urging influencers and other prominent personalities to motivate first-time voters.  The Election Commission, he said, has launched a campaign 'Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye', urging first-time voters to use their franchise in maximum numbers.  The bigger the participation of the young voters in the electoral process, the more beneficial its consequences will be for the country, the prime minister said.
—PTI

PM Modi pauses 'Mann Ki Baat' till Lok Sabha polls, urging political ethics and first-time voter participation.

No 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast for 3 months in view of polls: PM Modi

Nikki Haley won the Republican primary in Vermont, according to The Associated Press, notching her second victory of the 2024 campaign and her first -- and perhaps only -- win in a Super Tuesday state.
Her triumph will not halt what has so far has been former President Donald Trump's steady march toward the Republican presidential nomination, but it does signal her limited strength in places with large numbers of younger people, college-educated voters and independents.
In recent days, Haley had pointed to that small but significant base of support as a reason she had not dropped her bid. Her campaign had hoped to chart a winning path for her in Michigan and in 11 Super Tuesday states where Republican primaries are not limited to voters affiliated with the party. But that strategy had largely fallen flat. Her sole victory until Tuesday had been in Washington, D.C., where she made history Sunday as the only Republican woman to ever win a presidential primary or caucus.
In Vermont, which has an open primary, Haley drew the endorsement of Gov. Phil Scott, a moderate who has said he did not vote for Trump in either of his previous White House bids, and in 2019 became the first Republican governor to back Trump's impeachment.  While Vermont is home to an independent-minded electorate, before the contest Haley had been trailing the former president there by more than 30 points.
—International New York Times

Nikki Haley wins Vermont Republican primary, signaling strength among young, educated, and independent voters in her 2024 presidential campaign.

Nikki Haley wins Vermont, her second victory against Trump

Apt Electoral Match For "Supercilious", "Proudy", "Snooty", "Brash", "Harsh" Asaduddin Owaisi, Lok Sabha MP Of Hyderabad, Capital Of Telengana: Kompella Madhavi Latha, RSS member since last 40 years, now determinedly, irresistibly hell bent on defeating till-now-unbeatable Owaisi in this year's Lok Sabha elections, come what may, unabashedly disclose insiders. Madhavi Latha, apart from being the "high-ending, 100% dedicated + devoted RSS member since last 30 years without any break has also been nurturing an intense feeling of hers that of defeating Owaisi who's actually considered amid most political observers, analysts as a "sheer liability in Hyderabad in the absence of an all round solid opponent. Now that a strong "opponent to Owaisi is here in the form of Madhavi Latha", they have sincerely begun count down to Owaisi's ouster...And why not so, after all, around 70% voters of Hyderabad are Hindus, thus, they have every right to make Madhavi Latha victorious and they will do so also, assert insiders determinedly. ...(Electoral) Match for Owaisi, thus, finally.
—Soumitra Bose

RSS member Madhavi Latha challenges Owaisi in Hyderabad's Lok Sabha polls, sparking a showdown for political dominance in the city.

Match For Owaisi

Noted international criceter from Gujarat --- now retired --- swashbuckling, sweeping, swift Yusuf Pathan Sweeps Muslims In West Bengal + Already, As If, He Is A Winner In The MP-Polling In That State, Thanks to his cricket colleague + captain Saurabh Ganguly, now talent-hunting amid the "established cricket players" for his "Didi" Mamata Banerjee so that her party TMC wins "many seats in West Bengal and around up to the N-E including Sikkim in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections". To sway the Muslim voters --- almost, 52 % of the state --- "YusufJee" or "YusufBhai" of Yusuf Pathan is insidiously, assuredly spreading his [Pathan-branded macho charm], amicably talk to the voters on why they should vote for the TMC, discard all others right away. The voters, majority of them Muslims, are cheerfully heeding to him giving every (im)possible indication of voting for the TMC en masse, come what may. As for his winning the MP-poll from West Bengal, it is widely said to be already an assured 'yes' and he will be MP this year itself, "come what may". Add to that, Yusuf Pathan will also campaign for 'normal' TMC candidates as well, say insiders jovially.&nbsp;

Yusuf Pathan campaigns for TMC in West Bengal's Lok Sabha elections, targeting Muslim voters with charm and strategic endorsements.

The Hawk

Tag : Voters

More Opportunities for youth to enrol in voters' list, says EC

Pankaj Sharma

Tag : Voters

More Opportunities for youth to enrol in voters' list, says EC

Pankaj Sharma

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