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Category: Politics

  • Chinese Human rights lawyer hospitalised after hunger strike

    Chinese Human rights lawyer hospitalised after hunger strike

    Wang was released from Weicheng County Detention Center on November 1 after serving a short administrative detention…reports Asian Lite News


    Chinese Human Rights lawyer Wang Yu has been hospitalized after her condition significantly worsened following a nine-day hunger strike. She began the strike while in detention, protesting an incident on October 23 outside a courthouse in Hebei province, where she had a confrontation with the police.

    Wang’s hunger strike was a protest against the authorities’ refusal to allow her to meet with her lawyer and family, their denial of proper medical care, and their refusal to let her take a shower, among other grievances.
    According to a report from Radio Free Asia, Wang was released from Weicheng County Detention Center on November 1 after serving a short administrative detention for “disrupting public order” following the altercation.

    Her husband, fellow rights lawyer Bao Longjun, told RFA Mandarin in an interview that he took Wang directly to the hospital.
    When Wang was released, she was “completely hunched over and unable to walk,” with Bao having to carry her on his back.

    He was shocked by how much weight she had lost, describing her as feeling “like carrying a sack of cotton wool.” He estimated her weight to be around 30 kilograms (70 pounds).

    After being examined at Wei County People’s Hospital, doctors discovered a “shadow” on her liver, prompting Bao to transfer her to the well-known Handan Central Hospital. There, she was put on an IV drip and slowly began to eat solid food again, according to Bao.

    Bao and Wang, who were among the first individuals targeted in the mass arrests, detentions, and harassment of over 300 rights lawyers, public interest law firm staff, and activists across China in July 2015, are currently staying in a hotel while planning Wang’s ongoing medical treatment.
    Police had detained Wang and fellow rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong after they arrived at the Wei County People’s Court to defend their client, Liu Meixiang, who was facing corruption charges.

    A confrontation broke out when police confiscated the camera of a family member attempting to take photos, according to a lawyer present at the scene who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
    Bao submitted a legal opinion through formal channels on day 7 of Wang’s hunger strike out of concern for her health, but the authorities refused to accept the document, he said. Bao added, “I asked them to send Wang Yu to the hospital, and I went to the detention center, rang the doorbell, and requested to meet with her so she could eat and drink.

    They lied to me, saying there was no need for that and that she had eaten the night before, but she hadn’t eaten anything at all”.
    Bao also stated his intention to take Wang to Beijing and Tianjin for consultations with other medical professionals. He plans to appeal her administrative sentence as a public protest against the treatment she has received. “There’s no rule of law in this country, so all we can do now is speak out on our own behalf,” Bao said.
    The report also highlighted the release of rights lawyer Qin Yongpei in Guangxi, who had completed a five-year prison sentence for “incitement to subvert state power.” Qin returned home to Nanning city on October 31, but his wife declined to comment when contacted by RFA Mandarin, citing it was “inconvenient”–a phrase often used to suggest pressure from the authorities.
    Qin had been arrested in November 2021 during a raid on his Baijuying legal consultancy firm in Nanning. His wife has previously stated that Qin had frequently spoken out against misconduct and injustices committed by police and local judicial officials, which likely made him a target for local law enforcement.
    U.S.-based human rights lawyer Wu Shaoping stated that Qin had not violated any laws through his consultancy work, despite being disbarred. “He was accused of inciting subversion of state power only because he posted many of his personal opinions on the internet,” Wu said.
    “Everything he did complied with the law and human justice in any normal country.” He added. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Pakistan sees nationwide protests against arbitrary rent hikes

  • Pakistan sees nationwide protests against arbitrary rent hikes

    Pakistan sees nationwide protests against arbitrary rent hikes

    This decision was made following consultations with tenant representatives from various cities, who operate businesses in Evacuee Trust properties….reports Asian Lite News


    The Evacuee Trust Action Committee (ETAC) has launched a nationwide protest campaign in response to the arbitrary hike in rents for properties managed by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB).

    The Evacuee Trust Action Committee (ETAC) is an organization primarily associated with the welfare and rights of the evacuees and their descendants, particularly those who were displaced during the partition of British India in 1947.

    This decision was made following consultations with tenant representatives from various cities, who operate businesses in Evacuee Trust properties.
    According to a report by The Express Tribune, the protest specifically targets the Evacuee Trust Amendment Ordinance 2006, which mandates an 8 per cent annual rent increase for properties and also grants ETPB officials the discretionary authority to raise rents based on prevailing market rates.

    During a meeting held on Monday by the All Karachi Tajir Ittehad, the ordinance was condemned as unjust and punitive.
    The report further stated that Atiq Mir, Chairperson of the Union, appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, highlighting the severe injustice faced by tenants. He pointed out that ETPB officials were pressuring tenants by citing a controversial Supreme Court ruling that allows them to set varying rent rates for different areas at their discretion.

    Atiq Mir emphasized that following a previous amendment to the Act, rents for Evacuee Trust properties were raised by 30 per cent, and tenants were also hit with an additional fee equivalent to 60 months’ rent.
    These changes have already led to a significant increase in property rents. Mir warned that under the current law, many tenants would struggle to afford the rent, while corruption within the department would likely escalate.
    He argued that imposing uniform rent rates on all tenants–regardless of their business sizes or economic status–was untenable.
    Mir made it clear that if the arbitrary rent hikes continue, tenants will halt payments and refuse entry to department inspectors in markets. He further warned that if corrective measures were not taken, the protest would spread across the country, with tenants staging a sit-in at Numaish and at the Evacuee Trust Board office.

    The meeting was attended by various business and tenant representatives, including Khawaja Khawar Amin, Hanif Ghanchi, Sharif Memon, Anjum Mosani, Farhan Saeed, Syed Sharafat Ali, Saeed Muhammad Ali, Syed Ghalib Hasan, Tayyab Ali, Amin T, Salman Abdul Khaliq, Nadeem Ahmed, Afzal Malik, Zaid Isa, and others. They collectively urged political parties to speak out in support of the tenants’ cause.
    Atiq Mir also noted that the Department had been implementing the 8 per cent annual rent increase for the past 17 years. He reminded those present that a similar attempt to enforce this controversial ordinance was successfully blocked years ago following a widespread protest by Evacuee Trust property tenants across the country. (ANI)

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  • BJP banks on Modi charisma in Maharashtra

    BJP banks on Modi charisma in Maharashtra


    BJP, which is contesting 148 seats in the MahaYuti, proposes to ride on the Modi wave while approaching the voters, a report by Sanjay Jog

    BJP, in a serious bid to surpass anti-incumbency, has lined up rallies by party bigwigs including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who are in demand from most of the party nominees, during November 6 and 14.

    BJP, which is contesting 148 seats in the MahaYuti, proposes to ride on the Modi wave while approaching the voters. BJP also proposes to seek votes for pro-development MahaYuti opposing the anti-growth Maha Vikas Aghadi.

    The party also hopes to increase its vote share banking on the popularity of Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had addressed 18 rallies during Lok Sabha elections for the MahaYuti candidates, will address two rallies each during November 8 and 14 covering Konkan, North Maharashtra, Western Maharashtra, Vidarbha and Marathwada before he leaves for his official trip abroad.

    He will visit Dhule, Nashik, Akola, Nanded, Chandrapur, Chimur, Solapur, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, and Mumbai.

    BJP insiders said that two more rallies may be organised in some constituencies based on the Prime Minister’s schedule. The Prime Minister is expected to visit Mumbai on November 14 to address the MahaYuti’s joint rally at the Bandra Kurla Complex.

    The MahaYuti partners have already swung into action to mobilise cadres to put up a show of strength.

    According to a senior party functionary: “The party bets big on the Prime Minister’s charisma and popularity. His meetings help the party and MahaYuti to woo the voters in their favour. The Prime Minister’s appeal to vote MahaYuti to increase the pace of Maharashtra’s development is crucial. His call for the election of double engine sarkar will find resonance among the voters, especially in the wake of a slew of development projects launched by the Centre and the MahaYuti government in the last two and half years.”

    He recalled that the Prime Minister during his recent visits to the state has already announced the Centre’s assistance for Maharashtra to become a powerhouse and one of the major tourist destinations while Mumbai is the Fintech capital.

    Furthermore, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who held more than four region-wise meetings in September and October to review the party’s poll preparations, will address at least 20 rallies in the state.

    The state unit has so far received the Home Minister’s schedule for November 8 when he will hold rallies in Kolhapur south, Jat, Karhad South, Khadakwasla and Parvati. His schedule for other days will be sent to the state unit soon. Amit Shah had also addressed more than 10 rallies during the general elections.

    The state BJP unit is banking on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as he is scheduled to address the rallies on September 6 when he will address rallies in Washim, Murtijapur and Mozart-Tivasa.

    “Yogi Adityanath’s appeal for voters such as ‘Ek Rahangdale to Bachenge’ and ‘Batenge to Katenge’ will change the narrative in the state in favour of the party,” said another party functionary.

    He further added that Adityanath is expected to hold rallies in other constituencies also.

    Mumbai: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray during “Sadbhavana Diwas” organised on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.(IANS)

    MVA to formally launch Maha poll campaign

    The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of the Congress, the Shiv Sena-UBT, and the Nationalist Congress Party-SP will officially launch its campaign for the November 20 Maharashtra Assembly elections with events in Nagpur and Mumbai, attended by top leaders, on Wednesday, party leaders said.

    Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will land in Nagpur in the morning and attend the ‘Samvidhan Sanman Sammelan’ (Honour the Constitution Meeting), there.

    Rahul Gandhi will start his state trip by first paying homage at Deekshabhoomi, where the Indian Constitution’s Chief Architect, Dr B. R. Ambedkar, and over four lakhs of his followers had embraced Buddhism 68 years ago.

    Later, he will participate in the ‘Honour Constitution Meeting’ at Kavivarya Suresh Bhat Auditorium, and later, along with Kharge and other top leaders, shall arrive in Mumbai for a massive MVA public rally – the “Swabhiman Sabha” – at the Bandra Kurla Complex, Congress chief spokesperson Atul Londhe said.

    “We will unveil the Congress’ guarantees for the people of Maharashtra ahead of the Assembly elections, highlight the corrupt dealing of the ruling MahaYuti alliance government, how they have mortgaged the pride of Maharashtra to Gujarat, its various acts detrimental to the state, etc,” he said.

    The MVA leaders shall also give a firm response to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s fake narratives, detail how the Congress guarantees have been implemented in Karnataka and Telangana, and the manner in which it would be executed in Maharashtra.

    The opposition rally will be attended by Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Nationalist Congress Party-SP President Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena-UBT President Uddhav Thackeray, NCP-SP state chief Jayant R. Patil and heads of other parties in the alliance.

    The MVA allies have so far addressed independent political meetings across the state for their respective candidates in key constituencies from the 288 going to the polls.

    However, the Wednesday rally will be the first formal joint campaign launch for the MVA-INDIA bloc, followed by more such combined rallies planned in different parts of the state, said a party leader in Mumbai.

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  • Priyanka stresses on improving situation of farmers, tourism

    Priyanka stresses on improving situation of farmers, tourism

    Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting against Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Satyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas in the by-polls…reports Asian Lite News

    Congress candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-polls, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Tuesday emphasised the importance of strengthening agriculture and tourism in Wayanad, stating that these sectors hold immense potential for the region’s future.

    “I believe our focus should be on food processing, improving the livelihoods of farmers, and creating more opportunities in farming and tourism. If we strengthen these two areas, I think we can significantly contribute to Wayanad’s future. I will continue everything that Rahul Gandhi has been fighting for, addressing the issues he has worked hard to resolve. I will carry forward his efforts,” she said.

    Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is contesting against Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Satyan Mokeri and BJP’s Navya Haridas in the by-polls.
    On Monday, Priyanka expressed her gratitude for the support from the people, pledging not to let them down.

    Speaking to ANI, Priyanka stressed that with the right focus on agriculture, there is substantial scope for development.

    “I asked the people about their main issues. I truly believe that with the right focus on agriculture, especially food processing and marketing, we can achieve a lot here. A strong push for agriculture, food processing, and tourism are essential areas where we can make progress,” she said.
    “They’re giving me so much love and affection, and I genuinely feel it. I will not let them down,” Priyanka added.

    She also noted that with proper infrastructure development, Wayanad has great potential for tourism.

    “You have beautiful mosques, temples, and churches. You live in harmony and stand up for what is right for the unity of this country and the values upon which our Constitution was founded. For me, there can be no greater honour than to represent the people of Wayanad,” Priyanka said.
    Wayanad, a Congress stronghold, will see a contest between Congress’s Priyanka Gandhi, BJP’s Navya Haridas, and Left candidate Sathyan Mokeri in the upcoming bypolls. The election was called after Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat, opting to retain Rae Bareli following his win in both constituencies during the general elections earlier this year.
    The by-election for the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled for November 13. (ANI)

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  • INDIA bloc unveils joint manifesto for Jharkhand polls

    INDIA bloc unveils joint manifesto for Jharkhand polls

    The alliance also promised that degree colleges will be built in all blocks and engineering, medical colleges and universities in the district headquarters…reports Asian Lite News


    Ahead of the assembly polls in Jharkhand, the INDIA bloc on Tuesday released its joint manifesto promising seven guarantees including LPG cylinder for Rs 450 and 10 lakh jobs.
    INDIA bloc members, Congress, Jharkhand Mukti Morch (JMM), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and CPI-M, released the manifesto in the presence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmed Mir, Chief Minister Hemant Soren and others.

    The seven guarantees included an LPG cylinder for Rs 450 per family and a 7 kg ration for every person; Bringing policy based on the Khatiyan of 1932 along with the implementation of the Sarna Religion Code and an honorarium of Rs 2,500 to women; 28 per cent reservation for ST, 12 pc for SC and 27 pc for OBC;10 lakh jobs and health insurance up to Rs 15 lakh.
    The alliance also promised that degree colleges will be built in all blocks and engineering, medical colleges and universities in the district headquarters; MSP of paddy will be increased to Rs 3,200 and of other agricultural products will be raised by 50 per cent.
    “All leaders of Mahagathbandan gathered here today to release 7 guarantees about the works we will take forward on priority after we form government in the state…,” CM Soren told reporters after releasing the manifesto.
    Mallikarjun Kharge said, “The seven guarantees are for the public. These are the do-able guarantees and we have put forward these guarantees as per our budget.”
    Later, addressing a gathering in Jharkhand’s Mandu, Kharge said, “…In the Jharkhand elections, PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and many ministers are campaigning here. There are 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand but ministers and Chief Ministers from Assam and other parts of India are campaigning in Jharkhand.”
    He said that Hemant Soren will again become Chief Minister of Jharkhand
    “In such a small election like this, leaders have gathered in large numbers. If leaders in large numbers would have campaigned in the parliamentary elections it would have made sense but in Jharkhand Assembly elections, as many ministers are roaming as the number of our candidates. Their objective is to snatch Jharkhand and come to power and remove a tribal CM…They will not be able to remove the Jharkhand government from power. Hemant Soren will become the CM of Jharkhand again…”
    The tenure of Jharkhand Assembly is scheduled to end on 5 January 2025.
    The 81-member Jharkhand Assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.
    A total of 2.6 crore voters are eligible to participate, including 1.31 crore male and 1.29 crore female voters, as well as 11.84 lakh first-time voters and 66.84 lakh young voters.
    In the 2020 Assembly election in Jharkhand, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) won 30 seats, BJP won 25 seats and Congress won 16. In 2014, the BJP won 37 seats, JMM won 19 seats and Congress only won 6 seats. (ANI)

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  • SC overturns ban on Islamic schools

    SC overturns ban on Islamic schools

    A bench Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra however, held the Madarsa Act unconstitutional…reports Asian Lite News


    The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld constitutional validity of ‘Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004’ and set aside the Allahabad High Court’s March 22 verdict which had struck down the Act.
    A bench Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra however, held the Madarsa Act unconstitutional to the extent it regulates higher education in relation to ‘Fazil’ and ‘Kamil’, which is in conflict with the UGC Act.

    The Madarsa Act regulates the standards of education in the State of Uttar Pradesh, said the bench while pronouncing the verdict on pleas against the judgement of the High Court.

    The right of minorities to administer educational institutions is not absolute and the state can regulate the standards of such education, it added.

    The Allahabad High Court had struck down the UP Madrasa Act for violating principles of secularism – a facet of basic structure of the Constitution.

    The apex court said that a law can be struck for violation of fundamental rights under part III of the Constitution or on grounds of legislative competence but not for violation of basic structure.

    “The legislative scheme for the Act is to standardise level of education being prescribed in the madrasas. The Madrasa Act does not interfere with the day to day working of the madrasas. It is to protect the rights of minority in the State of Uttar Pradesh and is consistent with positive obligation of the State which ensures the students to pass out and earn a decent living,” the verdict of the top court stated.
    During the hearing of the case, the apex court had described India as a “melting pot of cultures, civilisations and religions” and stressed on taking steps to preserve it.
    It had said that such religious instructions are not unique to Muslim community and other religions have the same too. NCPCR had contended that the education imparted to children in Madrasa is not comprehensive, and is therefore against the provisions of Right to Education Act, 2009.
    The Uttar Pradesh government had said that it was in support of the legislation, however, it added that state has accepted the ruling. The ruling of the top court came on an appeal against the High Court judgment striking down ‘UP Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004’ as unconstitutional and violative of secularism and fundamental rights.
    The appeals against High Court order were filed by Anjum Kadari, Managers Association Madaris Arabiya (UP), All India Teachers Association Madaris Arabiya (New Delhi), Manager Association Arbi Madarsa Nai Bazar and Teachers Association Madaris Arabiya Kanpur.
    Madarsas are institutions where Islamic studies and other education may be pursued by students. On March 22, Allahabad High Court found that the 2004 Act was violative of the principle of secularism enshrined in the Constitution of India. The High Court further asked the State to take immediate steps so that students pursuing studies in Madarsas of Uttar Pradesh are accommodated other schools.

    Muslim organisations express happiness

    The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the constitutional validity of the ‘Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004’ has been received well within the Muslim community.

    The office bearers of various Muslim organisations have expressed their happiness after the apex court upheld the constitutional validity of the ‘Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004’ and set aside the Allahabad High Court’s March 22 verdict, which had struck down the Act.
    General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board (AISPLB), Maulana Yasoob Abbas, termed the top court’s decision a ‘great decision’.
    “It is a great decision. I welcome this decision… I salute the Supreme Court for their decision,” he said.

    Lucknow Eidgah Imam and member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi, said the decision has brought joy to the people related to madrasas, underscoring that madrasas also impart modern education along with Islamic education.

    “.This decision has brought joy to the people related to Madrasa. UP Madrasa Act had been drafted by the UP Govt itself. How can an Act draughted by the Govt be unconstitutional?…We have said this earlier too that besides Islamic education, we impart modern education too at Madrasas,” Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi said.

    Reacting to the decision, Advocate Anas Tanveer said, “The Supreme Court has set aside Allahabad HC’s verdict that the Madrasa Board Act is against the secularism principle as laid down by the Constitution. The SC said that Act is constitutional. As far as kamil and fazil degrees are concerned, these are higher degrees–the SC said that the Board won’t be able to confer that. But other degrees equivalent to 10th and 12th will be valid…This is a big relief…”

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  •  Trump Edges Over Harris

     Trump Edges Over Harris

    As per the latest projections by Politico at 10 am IST Trump had surged to 230 electoral college votes as compared to 205 for Harris….reports Asian Lite News

    Former President Donald Trump won his home state of Florida, making it three times in a row that the Sunshine state has voted for the Republican candidate according to Decision Desk HQ projection on Tuesday.

    As per the latest projections by Politico at 10 am IST Trump had surged to 230 electoral college votes as compared to 205 for Harris. Trump has carried most of the ‘Red wall’ states in this election.

    The win in Florida will add 30 electoral votes for Trump in the final count. Previously considered a swing state for years after having decided the 2000 presidential election for George W Bush, votes have shifted significantly to the red in the recent years. Barack Obama won in 2008 and 2012.

    Meanwhile, Harris was seen trailing in her home state of Minnesota as Trump looks to flip the 10 electoral college votes of one of the traditional Democratic bastion.

    According to CBS news no Republican candidate for president has won Minnesota since 1972. Trump came within striking distance in 2016, narrowly losing by 1.5 points to Hillary Clinton.

    Trump has won in Idaho and Harris has claimed California, according to CNN projections. He has also picked up win in Texas according to NBC News projections. He secured the the conservative state’s 40 Electoral College votes. The Republican candidate also notched a win in Oklahoma contest with 65 per cent of votes according to NBC News projection
    Polls showed a tight race with Trump taking a tentative lead over Democratic Party candidate Vice President Kamala Harris by just a few points in some cases.
    According to projections at 9 am (IST) NBC, ABC and CBS have all given Harris 91 votes but for Trump they have counted between 178 and 201 electoral votes.
    Fox News has projected a win for Trump in Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, South Carolina and Arkansas. It projected wins for Harris in Vermont, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.
    CNN has projected Trump victory in Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Kansas and North Carolina while the news outlet projected a lead for Harris in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan and Maine.
    It has also projected Harris win in Colorado, New York and Delaware.
    Trump is projected to win in Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming and Louisiana,
    There are 538 Electoral College votes allotted to the 50 states and the District of Columbia. It takes 270 votes for a candidate to win.
    According to CBS projections at 9 45 am (IST) Trump is narrowly ahead in Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, while Harris has the advantage in Michigan.
    “Polls have closed in Florida. @realDonaldTrump has carried the state of Florida and has earned 30 electoral votes” Florida Governor Ro DeSantis said on X.
    DeSantis led an aggressive campaign against Amendment 3, which sought to legalize recreational marijuana, and Amendment 4, which would have broadened abortion access in the state.
    The Trump campaign in a statement said after the win, “after four years of the disastrous Harris-Biden administration, Floridians are eager to return to commonsense policies that put their freedom, their families, and America first.”
    The US is voting to elect the President and Vice President, all representatives to the House and one-third of the senators, as well as governors of 11 states and two US territories.
    By around 10 am (IST) polls had closed in most states, including the seven swing states of Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. (ANI)

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  • Samosa Caucus Expands

    Samosa Caucus Expands

    In his Virginia constituency, Suhas Subramanyam had 52.1 per cent of the votes to 47.9 per cent for his Republican rival with 97 per cent of the votes counted…reports Asian Lite News

    Suhas Subramanyam is on his way to Congress where he will join the ‘Samosa Caucus’, the group of Indian American lawmakers, boosting its strength to six.

    In his Virginia constituency, he had 52.1 per cent of the votes to 47.9 per cent for his Republican rival with 97 per cent of the votes counted.

    He was declared the winner by The Associated Press, which calls elections based on the counting data before the official announcement.

    Subramanyam now serves in the Virginia General Assembly after having been a technology policy adviser in President Barack Obama’s White House and starting a business.

    His mother is from Bengaluru and his father is from Chennai.

    Subramanyam got his undergraduate degree from Tulane University and went to work on Capitol Hill as a policy aide, where he worked to expand and improve health care access to millions of Americans [and] helped build a bipartisan coalition in support of immigration reform,” according to his campaign biography.

    After a Law degree from Northwestern University, he joined the White House staff.

    He contested the election on his record of helping small businesses and working families and promoting laws to bring down medicine prices.

    Suhas and his wife Miranda Peña Subramanyam have two daughters.

    All the five Indian Americans in the House of Representatives – Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Shri Thaneda – are expected to be re-elected.

    Amish Shah, another Democrat, running for the House from Arizona had a slender lead of 1.8 per cent with 54 per cent of the votes at 11:30 p.m. in New York (10 a.m. in India).

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  • Trump wants swift declaration of results

    Trump wants swift declaration of results

    Experts and officials emphasize that ensuring an accurate and secure count takes precedence over speed….reports Asian Lite News

    Former President Donald Trump is intensifying calls for a swift declaration of the presidential race winner soon after polls close, despite the complexity of vote counting. Trump’s demand echoes his 2020 declaration of victory before all ballots were tallied, which fueled baseless claims of election fraud.

    However, experts and officials emphasize that ensuring an accurate and secure count takes precedence over speed. Republican lawmakers in key swing states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have resisted changes that would allow early processing of mail ballots, contributing to delays. Close races, as expected in 2024, naturally extend the counting process.
    Rick Hasen, a UCLA law professor, clarifies that the delay protects the integrity of the election.

    David Becker, an elections expert, points out the impracticality of instantly counting millions of complex ballots across thousands of jurisdictions.
    Trump’s demands disregard the vast U.S. geography and decentralized voting system.

    Polls close at staggered times across six time zones, with final counts from key states often delayed due to late-arriving mail and provisional ballots. Swing states like Arizona have protocols allowing voters to rectify ballot issues post-Election Day, further extending the timeline.

    Trump and his allies argue for rapid results, drawing comparisons to countries with simpler, centralized voting systems. However, the U.S. counts multiple races simultaneously across nearly 10,000 jurisdictions, each with unique procedures.
    The “red mirage” phenomenon, where early results favor Republicans before mail ballots are counted, could again play out. Despite early voting showing strong Republican turnout, it doesn’t indicate the final outcome, as the content of votes remains unknown.
    Ultimately, election results will only be clear after a thorough count, regardless of when polls close or declarations are made.

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  • Biden, Trump make last-minute appeals

    Biden, Trump make last-minute appeals


    President Joe Biden made last-minute appeal to voters on eve of election day, urging them to cast their ballots in the United States Presidential elections….reports Asian Lite News


    Expressing confidence in Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, Biden said that she will defeat her Republican rival and former President Donald Trump.
    Sharing a post on X, Biden wrote, “Tomorrow is Election Day. If you didn’t vote early, make sure you know where your polling place is for tomorrow: http://IWillVote.com.”
    He added, “I know @KamalaHarris can beat Donald Trump, but you have to vote.”
    Meanwhile, Trump also made an appeal to the people to exercise their right to vote and asserted that he will make “America great again.”
    Sharing a post on X, Trump said, “We are just one day away from what will be the most important political event in the history of our Country–but you have to get out and vote! Together, we will make America great again!!!
    Notably, Kamala Harris in her election campaigns has focused on ending the ongoing war in Gaza, bringing home hostages, and ensuring Israel’s security and the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination.
    During her Michigan rally a day earlier, Harris said, “I want to say that this year has been difficult, given the scale of death and destruction in Gaza and the civilian casualties and displacement in Lebanon. As President, I will do everything in my power to end the war in Gaza, to bring home the hostages and the suffering in Gaza, ensure Israel is secure and ensure the Palestinian people can realise their right to dignity, freedom, security and self-determination.”
    She added, “We continue to work on diplomatic resolutions across the Israel-Lebanon border to protect civilians and provide lasting stability.”
    Harris during her rally also emphasised the need for a new generation of leadership in America, vowing to fight for the people and make healthcare a right, not a privilege. “It is time for a new generation of leadership in America and I am ready to offer that leadership as the next President of the US,” Harris said.
    The Vice President also pledged to lower healthcare costs, cut taxes for workers and middle-class families, and make housing and childcare more affordable. Harris further stressed that “healthcare should be a right and not just a privilege.”
    On the other hand, Trump in his rallies has criticised Harris over her handling of the nation’s economy. In his rally in North Carolina, Trump targeted Harris by saying that she “has no vision, no ideas, and no solutions,” and that her only message is blaming him for various issues.
    He also claimed that if elected, Harris would open the border, allowing an influx of migrants, gangs, and criminals into the country.
    Addressing the rally, Trump had said, “Everything Kamala says is a lie–she has no vision, no ideas, and no solutions. All she can say is, ‘Donald Trump did this, Donald Trump did that.’”
    He added, “If she ever won, she would open the border on the first day. I don’t know why, nobody knows why. If I win, the American People will be the rulers of this country again. Kamala has violated her oath, eradicated our sovereign border, and unleashed an army of gangs and criminal migrants from prisons and jails, insane asylums and mental institutions around the world.”
    Trump’s speech also emphasised his commitment to restoring the prosperity and security of the United States. He promised to cut taxes for workers and small businesses and eliminate taxes on tips, overtime, and social security for seniors. He also vowed to end the “migrant invasion” and restore America’s sovereignty.
    Notably, the US presidential election takes place every four years on the first Tuesday in November. On election day, people in every state across the country go to their polling place and vote for their preferred candidate and their running mates.
    In this election, Democrat and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican Ohio Senator JD Vance are the running mates of Harris and Trump respectively.
    The United States is poised for presidential elections on November 5 (local time) and the race for the White House is down to the wire.
    Over 160 million voters are expected to cast their ballots, with the results either delivering a return to power for Republican former President Donald Trump (78) or electing America’s first woman in the White House, Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris (60).
    According to polls, both candidates are deadlocked in the race, with an estimated 75 million voters having already voted. Neither candidate currently holds a polling lead in enough states to reach 270 electoral votes.
    As of November 4, NBC News and Emerson College have projected a 49 per cent-49 per cent tie nationally. Ipsos has projected a three-point lead (49 per cent-46 per cent) to Harris and AtlasIntel has projected a two-point lead (50 per cent-48 per cent) to Trump. (ANI)

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