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Tag: poll

  • ECI shakes up administrative posts

    ECI shakes up administrative posts

    With this step, the Election Commission of India has shown its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections…reports Asian Lite News

    In a decisive move towards upholding the principles of free, fair and transparent elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued orders for the removal of Home Secretaries in six states namely Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

    Additionally, the Secretary of the General Administrative Department in Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh have also been removed.

    The commission has directed all the State Governments to transfer the officers connected with election-related work, who have completed three years or are in their home districts.

    Maharashtra had not complied with the directions in respect of few Municipal Commissioners and some Additional / Deputy Municipal Commissioners in Maharashtra.

    While conveying displeasure to the Chief Secretary, the Commission directed transfer of BMC and the additional / Deputy commissioners with the direction to report by 6pm.

    The Chief Secretary was further directed to transfer all the similarly placed Municipal commissioners and Additional / Deputy Municipal Commissioners of other Corporations in Maharashtra.

    This step comes as part of the Commission’s resolve and commitment to maintaining a level playing field and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, which has been emphasised by CEC Rajiv Kumar time and again and recently during the Press Conference for announcement of Schedule for General Elections 2024.

    The Commission meeting chaired by Shri Rajiv Kumar, comprising of Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was held on Monday at noon.

    The officials who have been removed in these seven states were found to be holding dual charges in the office of Chief Minister in respective states which may potentially compromise or be seen to be compromising the impartiality and neutrality required during the electoral process, especially in matters relating to law and order, deployment of forces, etc.

    Furthermore, the Election Commission has also taken the necessary action to remove the Director General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal. This decision was taken due to DGP being removed from any active election management related duty earlier, during 2016 Assembly Election in the state and in 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.

    With this step, the Election Commission of India has shown its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.

    Through these measures, the Commission ensures that all stakeholders uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, thereby safeguarding the level playing field in the entire electoral process. (ANI)

    Mamata hits out over Bengal DGP’s removal  

    West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Monday welcomed the removal of West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar by the ECI, saying that Kumar’s removal was inevitable due to his compromised position and inability to conduct a fair election.

    Majumdar also claimed that Mamata Banerjee has many such ‘Rajeev Kumars’ throughout West Bengal on her payroll.

    “Rajeev Kumar was supposed to be removed. He is the same Rajeev Kumar against whom the CBI registered an FIR and had gone to arrest him when he was a Commissioner of Police (CP) and had disappeared. Mamata Banerjee had protested against his arrest, so such a person is more like a cadre of the party (TMC) than a DGP. In 2014, he was also removed from the position of CP because the commission felt that he was compromised and could not conduct a fair election. But not just one Rajeev Kumar, Mamata Banerjee has kept many small Rajeev Kumars on her payroll throughout West Bengal,” he said.

    Ahead of the ensuing Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday issued orders for the removal of West Bengal’s Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Iqbal Chahal, along with some other senior officials from various states.

    The DGP had been in the spotlight after the BJP and other opposition parties criticised the Bengal police for alleged inaction in giving justice to the victims of Sandeshkhali.

    The Sandeshkhali area had been witnessing unrest after women protestors sought justice against alleged atrocities committed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Kolkata, Vivek Sahay, was appointed as the DGP of West Bengal on Monday, following the removal of the previous DGP, Rajeev Kumar, by the Election Commission.

    “The Governor is pleased to appoint Shri Vivek Sahay, IPS, Director General and Commandant General, Home Guards, West Bengal, to the post of Director General and Inspector of Police, West Bengal, with immediate effect until further order. This appointment is made in the interest of public service,” the chief secretary of West Bengal wrote in a notice. (ANI)

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  • SC Pulls Up SBI On Poll Bonds

    SC Pulls Up SBI On Poll Bonds

    A five-judge Constitution bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra asked SBI’s Chairman to file a compliance affidavit 5 pm of March 21…reports Asian Lite News

    The Supreme Court on Monday directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to disclose all details to the Election Commission of India which are in its possession, including the Electoral Bonds’ unique alphanumeric numbers corresponding to each bond.

    A five-judge Constitution bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra asked SBI’s Chairman to file a compliance affidavit 5 pm of March 21.

    The Chairman has to file affidavit indicating that SBI has disclosed all details of Electoral Bonds which were in its possession and custody and no details have been withheld, the court said.

    It further asked the Election Commission of India to upload the details on its website forthwith upon receipt of information from the SBI.

    There is no manner of doubt that SBI was required to disclose all details available with it. This, we clarify, will include the alphanumeric number and serial number, if any, of the bonds purchased,” the bench ordered.

    It added, “In order to avoid any controversy in the future, the Chairperson of the bank should file an affidavit by 5 pm on Thursday that it has disclosed all details in its custody and that no details have been withheld.”

    The bench said that its February 15 judgment mandated the SBI to disclose all details including the date of purchase/redemption, name of purchaser/recipient, and the denomination of Electoral Bonds.

    The use of the word including means that the details specified in the judgment are illustrative and not exhaustive, the apex court said.

    The bench, during the hearing, observed that SBI should not be selective on disclosing the details.

    Last week, the apex court took exception to SBI for not furnishings Electoral Bonds data with unique alphanumeric numbers, which help identify the bond, and issued notice to it.

    It had said that the SBI has not fully complied with its March 11 order in which it had ordered the bank to disclose all details concerning Electoral Bonds.

    During today’s hearing, the top court also expressed displeasure on SCBA President Adhish Aggarwala writing letter to CJI DY Chandrachud for suo motu review of Electoral Bonds judgement, and CJI said these are all publicity related issue and we will not get into this.

    CJI told Aggarwala, “Apart from being a senior counsel, you are president of SCBA. You have written a letter invoking my suo Motu powers. These are all publicity related… and we will not get into this. Do not make me say anything more. It will be distasteful.”

    Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, told the apex court that ultimate aim was to curb black money and top court must be aware of how this judgment is being played outside the court.

    “Now the witch hunting has started on another level and not at the level of the Central government. Those before the court started giving press interviews and deliberately embarrassing the court. A series of social media posts, at least intended to cause embarrassment, started,” Solicitor General said and asked it to consider issuing some direction in this regard.

    To this, CJI DY Chandrachud said that as judges we are only on the rule of law and work as per the Constitution.

    “Our court is only to work for the governance of rule of law in this polity. As judges we are also discussed in social media but our shoulders are broad enough to take this. We are only on enforcing our directions of the judgment,” said the CJI.

    The Supreme Court by its February verdict had struck down the Electoral Bonds Scheme which allowed for anonymous funding to political parties, and ordered the SBI to stop issuing Electoral Bonds immediately.

    It had unanimously quashed the Electoral Bonds scheme as well as amendments made to the Income Tax Act and the Representation of People Act which had made the donations anonymous.

    It had asked SBI to furnish the details about each Electoral Bonds encashed by the political parties, which shall include the date of encashment and the denomination of electoral bond.

    An Electoral Bond is an instrument in the nature of a promissory note or bearer bond which can be purchased by any individual, company, firm or association of persons provided the person or body is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. The bonds are issued specifically for the purpose of contribution of funds to political parties.

    Various petitions were filed before the top court challenging amendments made to different statutes through Finance Act 2017 and Finance Act 2016 on the ground that they have opened doors to unlimited, unchecked funding of political parties. (ANI)

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  • Rahul Gandhi calls for ‘combined consciousness’

    Rahul Gandhi calls for ‘combined consciousness’

    Making a call of empathy for each other, the Congress leader said that there is no ‘combined consciousness’ in the people of the country…reports Asian Lite News

    Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a call for ‘combined consciousness’ while addressing Nyay Sankalp Sabha in Mumbai after the conclusion of his 63-day long Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

    While addressing the Nyay Sankalp Sabha in Mumbai on Sunday, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, “If India is a country of ‘Mohabbat’ then why is hatred being spread? We say that the BJP spreads hatred, but there has to be a basis for this hatred. The reason for hatred is injustice. In this country, every day injustice is being done against the poor, farmers, Dalits, women, & youth.”

    “Papers are being leaked, farmers are not getting MSPs, labourers are not getting minimum wage, and small workers are crushed with GST. At every step, people came to me and spoke about the injustice happening to them,” the Congress leader said, recollecting his journey at the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.

    Making a call of empathy for each other, the Congress leader said that there is no ‘combined consciousness’ in the people of the country.

    “People are able to see the injustice happening to them, but they neglect the injustice happening to the fellow citizens. Unless you see the injustice happening to your fellow countrymen, no movement can be started,” he said.

    “There are a maximum of 5 per cent of people who get justice. For them, the courts, government, and all other institutions work for them. But if we look at the other 90 per cent of the population, they have been suffering due to injustice,” he added.

    “In the Bharat Jodo Yatra, I was not alone, lakhs of people were walking with me. The strength of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra was not Rahul Gandhi, but all of the other people that stood by me. All of us need to fight together,” the Congress MP stated.

    The Congress leader characterised the clash between two ideologies by asserting, “The BJP adheres to centralised political control. According to the BJP and RSS perspectives, only one individual possesses wisdom, while farmers, labourers, and the youth are deemed lacking in knowledge. However, I believe that a farmer in our nation is just as knowledgeable as a scientist.”

    Day after concluding the 63-day long Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, days ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with the party’s general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and actor Swara Bhaskar, held the ‘Jan Nyay Padyatra’ from Mani Bhavan Sangrahalaya to August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, on Sunday. (ANI)

    CWC to meet on March 19 to give nod to manifesto

    The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will discuss the party’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections at its meeting on March 19 and give the final shape to it.

    The Congress’ central election committee (CEC) chaired by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge is also likely to meet on March 19 to 20 to finalise the remaining candidates of the party for the seven-phase polls beginning April 19.

    AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that the CWC, its top decision-making body, would meet on March 19 and give its nod to the draft manifesto which carries the five ‘guarantees’ for justice.

    He said the party will fight the elections on the issue of ‘five nyay’ (justice) — ‘Bhagidari Nyay’, ‘Kisan Nyay’, ‘Nari Nyay’, ‘Shramik Nyay’ and ‘Yuva Nyay’ — with 25 guarantees, five for each nyay, which have already been announced by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former president Rahul Gandhi.

    “These are the guarantees by the Congress party and not by a single person,” he remarked in an obvious jibe at the prime minister who has been claiming to provide “Modi ki guarantee”.

    Sources said the party’s CEC would also discuss and finalise the party candidates. The Congress has so far announced a total of 82 candidates in two separate lists — first list of 39 candidates and the second of 43.

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  • India goes to poll

    India goes to poll

    Simultaneous election for Lok Sabha and assembly will be held in four states — Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. J&K, which has been under President’s Rule since 2018, was not on the list…reports Asian Lite News

    The 2024 general election in India for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases that will begin from April 19 and continue till June 1, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said today, announcing the commencement of the world’s largest democratic exercise in which the BJP would attempt to win a third consecutive term in power. The results of the election will be announced on June 4.

    Simultaneous election for Lok Sabha and assembly will be held in four states — Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.  Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under President’s Rule since 2018, was not on the list.

    Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held soon after the Lok Sabha polls, Mr Kumar said. Simultaneous election was not viable due to shortage of security personnel, he added, pointing out that the Commission has to provide security to every member who would contest in the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

    By-elections will also be held for 26 assembly seats across multiple states, including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.

    Kumar, announcing the dates, sent out a strong message on the circulation of fake news on social media, saying political parties should ensure responsible social media behaviour — “verify before you amplify”.

    “Fake news will be dealt with severely as per existant laws.. Section 79 (3)(B) of the IT Act empowers nodal officers in each state to remove unlawful content,” he said.

    The other strong message was on violation of model code in terms of hate speeches. “There should be issue-based campaign, no hate speeches, no speeches along caste or religious lines, no criticism of anyone’s personal lives,” he said.

    The media must clarify when they carry political adverts, those cannot masquerade as news, he said. Individual messages regarding this would be sent to the candidates, he added.

    The commission has employed 2,100 advisors to keep an eye on these issues and strong action will be taken regarding this, he said.

    Voters above the age of 85 years and persons with disabilities, with 40 per cent disability can vote from home, Kumar said. Around 82 lakh voter are above the age of 85, he said.

    The announcement of election come days after Election Commissioner Arun Goel quit, leaving the three-member Commission with only the Chief Election Commissioner.

    Asked about the matter, Kumar said, “Arun was a very distinguished member of the team and I thoroughly enjoyed working with him. But in every institution, one must be given personal space. So if he has given personal reasons, respect it”.

    On Thursday, a committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi named two retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers — Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar – as Election Commissioners. They took oath the next day.

    The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect from Saturday after the Election Commission of India announced the dates for elections to the Lok Sabha and four state assemblies, with Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar asking all political parties and their leaders to strictly adhere to the poll code.

    According to the set of guidelines issued by the EC (Election Commission), no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.

    It lists out the dos and don’ts regarding general conduct, meetings, processions, conduct of parties and their candidates on polling day, polling booth, observers, party in power and guidelines on election manifestos.

    According to the guidelines, all parties and candidates shall avoid scrupulously all activities which are “corrupt practices” and offences under the election law, such as bribing of voters, intimidation of voters, impersonation of voters, canvassing within 100 meters of polling stations, holding public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of the poll, and the transport and conveyance of voters to and from polling station.

    The poll body said that organizing demonstrations or picketing before the houses of individuals by way of protesting against their opinions or activities shall not be resorted to under any circumstances.

    No political party or candidate shall permit its or his followers to make use of any individual’s land, building, compound wall etc., without his permission for erecting flag-staffs, suspending banners, pasting notices, writing slogans etc.

    Political parties and candidates shall ensure that their supporters do not create obstructions in or break up meetings and processions organized by other parties. Workers or sympathisers of one political party shall not create disturbances at public meetings organized by another political party by putting questions orally or in writing or by distributing leaflets of their own party. Processions shall not be taken out by one party along places at which meetings are held by another party. Posters issued by one party shall not be removed by workers of another party.

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  • BJP releases second list of 72 candidates

    BJP releases second list of 72 candidates

    Banto Kataria from Ambala, Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa, Chaudhary Dharambir Singh from Bhiwani-Mahendargah, Rao Inderjit Singh Yadav from Gurgaon, and Krishanpal Gurjar from Faridabad…reports Asian Lite News

    The Bharatiya Janata Party released the second list of Lok Sabha polls on Wednesday, consisting of 72 candidates, including three former Chief Ministers Manohar Lal Khattar, Trivendra Singh Rawat, Basvaraj Bommai as well as four Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Anurag Thakur, and Piyush Goyal, Pralhad Joshi.

    The BJP has fielded former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for the Karnal Lok Sabha seat. Manohar Lal Khattar had earlier resigned from the position of Haryana Chief Minister on Tuesday.

    In Himachal Pradesh, Union Minister Anurag Thakur will contest from the Hamirpur constituency. Suresh Kashyap has been fielded from Shimla seat.

    In Karnataka, the party has fielded Union Minister Pralhad Joshi from Dharwad. Tejaswi Surya will contest from the Bangalore South constituency. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basvaraj Bommai has been given a ticket from the Haveri Lok Sabha seat, while PC Mohan will contest from Bangalore Central.

    In Maharashtra, the BJP has decided to field Union Minister Nitin Gadkari from the Nagpur seat. Piyush Goyal will contest from Mumbai North. Pankja Munde has been fielded from Beed.

    The BJP also announced the candidature for two seats in Uttarakhand.

    The party has fielded former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat from the Haridwar seat while Anil Baluni, who is the National Chief Spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party is set to contest from the Garhwal seat.

    Also, BJP announced that Harsh Malhotra will contest from East Delhi constituency, a seat which was held by former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir. Yogendra Chandolia will contest from North West Delhi.

    Meanwhile, Kalaben Delkar will contest from Dadar and Nagar Haveli.

    In the second list, the BJP has announced the names of candidates for seven Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat.

    In Gujarat, the party has fielded Hashmukhbhai Somabhai Patel from Ahmedabad East, Dhawal Patel from Valsad, Mukeshbhai Chandrakant Dalal from Surat, Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt from Vadodara, Nimuben Bambhania from Bhavnagar, Bhikhaji Dudhaji Thakor from Sabarkantha and Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathwa from Chhota Udaipur.

    Six names have been announced from Haryana.

    Banto Kataria from Ambala, Ashok Tanwar from Sirsa, Chaudhary Dharambir Singh from Bhiwani-Mahendargah, Rao Inderjit Singh Yadav from Gurgaon, and Krishanpal Gurjar from Faridabad.

    BJP has fielded Raghvendra from Shimoga and V Sommana from Tumkur in Karnataka.

    In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP has fielded Vivek ‘Bunty’ Sahu from the Chhindwara seat where he will face Congress leader Nakul Nath. Shankar Lalwani will contest from Indore.

    In Maharashtra, Anup Dhotre will fight the polls from the Akola seat on the BJP ticket, and Kapil Moreshwar Patil from Bhiwandi.

    In Telangana, Godam Nagesh will contest from Adilabad, DK Aruna from Mahbubnagar, and Saida Reddy will contest from Nalgonda.

    From Tripura East, Maharani Kriti Singh Debbarma will contest on BJP ticket.

    Earlier, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday had released its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi again.

    Meanwhile, Congress has so far announced names for 82 Lok Sabha seats.

    The BJP-led National Democratic (NDA) won a total of 303 seats, leaving the grand-old party behind at 52 seats.The Lok Sabha polls are slated to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)

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  • One-nation, one-poll report likely soon

    One-nation, one-poll report likely soon

    The committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is likely to recommend a concrete model for one nation-one election for synchronising the different poll cycles…reports Asian Lite News

    The high-level committee set up by the government to draw a roadmap for holding simultaneous elections is expected to submit an eight-volume report, running into 18,000 pages, to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, sources said.

    The committee, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is likely to recommend a concrete model for one nation-one election — as opposed to suggesting options — for synchronising the different poll cycles, it is learnt.

    The committee is reported to have deliberated on a number of options for ensuring continuity of simultaneous elections.

    According to sources, it also debated the German model of constructive vote of no-confidence — where a no-confidence motion against the incumbent can be brought if there is a positive vote of confidence in a successor — but decided against recommending it. The panel found it to be “against the tenets of Indian democracy”, a source said.

    One Nation, One Election The committee is reported to have deliberated on a number of options for ensuring continuity of simultaneous elections.

    The Law Commission, in its 2018 draft report, had recommended the “constructive vote of no-confidence” as a way to ensure stability of governments.

    The panel met representatives of political parties, retired Chief Justices, former Chief Election Commissioners, industrialists and economists as a part of its consultations with stakeholders. It also invited comments from the public in January. In a statement in January, the committee said it had received 20,972 responses, of which 81 per cent were in favour of simultaneous elections.

    While it is learnt that the committee wrote to the Election Commission (EC) asking for a meeting at least twice, the EC did not meet the committee but sent its written response. The committee also examined the macroeconomic impact of simultaneous elections, as well as the implications on crime rate and education outcomes.

    Joint polls see high GDP growth, low inflation: Kovind committee told Asaduddin Owaisi presents AIMIM’s submissions to One Nation, One Election panel chairperson Ram Nath Kovind in the presence of members N K Singh and Rajiv Mani. (File photo)

    The Union Law Ministry had appointed the committee in September 2023 to make recommendations for holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, municipalities and panchayats.

    Apart from Kovind, the committee includes Home Minister Amit Shah, former Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Finance Commission chairperson N K Singh, former Lok Sabha Secretary-General Subhash C Kashyap, senior advocate Harish Salve, and former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Sanjay Kothari.

    Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, was included in the committee too, but he declined to be a part of it, saying it was an “eyewash”. He said the terms of reference had been drawn up in a way that guaranteed the conclusions.

    The committee was asked to suggest specific amendments to the Constitution, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the RP Act, 1951 and the rules framed under them. It was also tasked with examining whether any amendments to the Constitution would require to be ratified by states.

    According to its terms of reference, the Kovind Committee was also asked to “analyse and recommend possible solution in a scenario of simultaneous elections emerging out of a hung House, adoption of no-confidence motion, or defection, or any such other event” and “suggest a framework for synchronisation of elections and specifically, suggest the phases and time-frame within which simultaneous elections may be held”. It also looked into the logistics of holding simultaneous elections, and the modalities for a common electoral roll and Voter ID cards.

    Law panel may suggest new chapter in Constitution

    Meanwhile, the Law Commission is is likely to recommend adding a new chapter to the constitution on ‘one nation, one election’ to aid simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha, state assemblies and local bodies by 2029, Deccan Herald has reported.

    The suggested amendment to the Constitution would introduce a new chapter covering issues related to simultaneous elections, their sustainability, and the creation of a common electoral roll. This chapter, if adopted, would hold the authority to override other constitutional provisions concerning the terms of legislative assemblies.

    The commission, led by Justice (retd) Ritu Raj Awasthi, is also likely to recommend synchronization of polls in three phases over the five-year period.

    The commission will recommend that the first phase may deal with state assemblies whose period will have to be curtailed by a few months – three or six months, the Deccan Herald reported.

    In the event of a government collapse due to a vote of no confidence or a hung House, the Law Commission proposes the formation of a “unity government” comprising representatives from various political parties. If this approach proves ineffective, the recommendation is to conduct fresh elections for the remaining term of the House.

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  • Congress to Contest in 16 Kerala Seats

    Congress to Contest in 16 Kerala Seats

    Allies Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is likely to contest on two, and one seat each will be given to Kerala Congress (Joseph) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (B)…reports Asian Lite News

    The Congress will contest 16 seats in Kerala, while the rest of the four seats will be contested by the constituent parties, announced Kerala Congress MLA and Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan after the party’s Central Election Committee meeting here on Thursday.

    Kerala has 20 parliamentary seats.

    The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is likely to contest on two, and one seat each will be given to Kerala Congress (Joseph) and Revolutionary Socialist Party (B), he said.

    “In Kerala we are contesting- 16 out of 20 seats. The rest of the four seats are being contested by our constituent parties. Today, the CEC has decided on the candidates for those 16 seats. Tomorrow, the AICC will announce the names of the candidates,” Satheesan told reporters.

    When asked about speculation of K C Venugopal and Rahul Gandhi contesting from Kerala, Satheesan refused to answer saying he is not “competent” to announce the candidates.

    Meanwhile, the Congress party’s second Election Committee meeting will be held on March 11 in the national capital to discuss the candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

    Earlier, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge arrived at the party headquarters on Thursday for a Central Election Committee meeting to discuss candidates for the Lok Sabha polls.

    After the meeting, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said “We had the first central election committee regarding the parliament candidates. We finalised seats from Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Delhi and Lakshadweep. The procedure is going on; a formal announcement will be made very soon.”

    When asked if he will be contesting the Lok Sabha elections, former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel said that the spokesperson will speak.

    Congress leader Sachin Pilot said, “It was a good discussion. Discussion was held on all the seats. As soon as CEC decides, you will be told. Whatever decision is taken AICC will brief.”

    After the meeting, Congress leader Deepak Babaria said that the discussion was held and it was CEC’s opinion that a discussion should be held on March 11.

    Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is the chairperson of the committee and its members include former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

    The Lok Sabha polls are likely to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)

    Karunakaran’s Daughter Joins BJP

    In another setback to the Congress party ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Padmaja Venugopal, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary and late Kerala Chief Minister K. Karunakaran’s daughter, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here in the national capital in the presence of party’s Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Javdekar and several other leaders.

    Venugopal said that she was not happy with the grand old party.

    ” I am so happy, A little bit tense because I stood with my party for so many years. For the first time, I am changing a party, because I was not happy with the Congress party for so many years. Especially, from the last assembly elections,” she said while addressing the media.

    “I even sought an appointment from the central leadership, but they couldn’t give me one. My father had the same experience. He was also unhappy. So, that is why I took the decision,” she added.

    Attacking the Congress party, Venugopal said that there is no “leadership” in the party.

    “I didn’t ask for anything, rather I wanted to work peacefully. I believe that strong leadership should be there in each party. In the Congress party, there is no leadership. I have immense respect for Soniaji but I couldn’t see her. Because of the fact that she didn’t give me an appointment,” she said.

    Padmaja Venugopal also heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that he is a strong leader.

    “I believe that Prime Minister Narendra Modiji is a very strong leader; this is the sole reason why joined this party,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Prakash Javdekar welcomed Venugopal to the party and asserted that the BJP would create history in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

    “There is going to be a big churning in Kerala. I welcome Padmajaji. We are very happy. Our Prime Minister has given us a target and we are going to create history in the coming Lok Sabha polls,” Javdekar said.

    Venugopal, in the 2004 Lok Sabha polls, contested from Mukundapuram (now Chalakudy) but lost. She contested the Kerala Assembly elections in 2016 and 2021 but lost both times.

    Venugopal has served as Congress vice-president and was recently appointed as the general secretary of the KPCC.

    The BJP, in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, drew a blank while the grand old party swept 19 out of 20 in the state.

    The Lok Sabha polls are slated to be held in April-May this year. (ANI)

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  • Poll: Majority Doubt Biden’s Mental Capability

    Poll: Majority Doubt Biden’s Mental Capability

    The approaching election presents a juxtaposition, with voters viewing it as a contest between two candidates well beyond the standard retirement age. The next president will grapple with global conflicts, domestic emergencies, and a strained Congress…reports Asian Lite News

    A recent poll indicates a growing skepticism among U.S. adults regarding President Joe Biden’s cognitive abilities, with approximately six in ten expressing doubts about his capacity to effectively serve as president. This sentiment has transformed his upcoming State of the Union address into a critical evaluation for a potential second term.

    The survey, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, reveals a slight increase in concerns about Biden’s mental capability since January 2022. Concurrently, nearly six in ten respondents also lack confidence in the mental acuity of former President Donald Trump, the 77-year-old Republican front-runner.

    The approaching election presents a juxtaposition, with voters viewing it as a contest between two candidates well beyond the standard retirement age. The next president will grapple with global conflicts, domestic emergencies, and a strained Congress.

    In his State of the Union address, scheduled for Thursday, Biden is expected to address these challenges and more, seeking to persuade Americans that he merits another term. However, entering this significant event, only 38% of U.S. adults approve of Biden’s presidential performance, while 61% disapprove. Discontent spans various issues, including the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.

    Despite some approval for his handling of healthcare, climate change, and other issues, satisfaction dips concerning immigration, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the economy—topics likely to feature prominently in his speech before Congress.

    Moreover, a majority of Americans perceive the national economy as worse off under Biden’s leadership, though personal financial outlooks remain relatively positive. The survey also reveals deep concerns among respondents regarding the age and potential cognitive decline of the candidates, casting a shadow over the November election.

    Last month, President Biden turned the tables on Trump when asked about the claims that he is too old to run for a second term, saying that “he’s about as old as I am,” ABC News reported.

    US President Biden, while campaigning in New York, stopped by 30 Rockefeller to appear on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers.”

    The president’s sit-down with the comic included questions about his age and his 2024 agenda versus that of former President Trump, the Republican front-runner for the nomination, reported ABC News.

    “Some documents recently leaked, some classified documents–and this isn’t a gotcha show but I do want to ask about it–that says you are currently 81 years old,” Meyers said.

    “Who the hell told you that?” Biden joked. “That’s classified.”

    Turning to a more serious note, Meyers highlighted the fact that polls showed that voters are concerned about Biden’s age as he runs for a second term and asked how Biden plans to address that on the campaign trail.

    “Number 1, you got to take a look at the other guy, he’s about as old as I am,” Biden said, hinting at Trump, who is 77.

    “Number 2, it’s about how old your ideas are,” Biden added.

    “Look, I mean, this is a guy who wants to take us back. He wants to take us back on Roe v. Wade. He wants to take us back on a whole range of issues that, for 50, 60 years, have been solid American positions,” he said.

    “I think it’s about the future,” Biden said. “And everything, every single thing we’ve done, and I think we’ve got some good things done…they told us we couldn’t get them done because things were so divided,” he added.

    The interview comes as Biden seeks to tamp down voter worries and Republican criticisms about his age and stamina by ramping up his appearances, as reported by ABC News.

    Moreover, the choice of venue was also decided, targeting an important demographic: targeting, younger voters. (with input from agencies)

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  • Pakistan Gearing Up to Hold Presidential Poll by March 9

    Pakistan Gearing Up to Hold Presidential Poll by March 9

    The six-party alliance, set to form a coalition government at the Centre under the PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif, has already declared PPP chairman Asif Ali Zardari as its consensus candidate for Pakistan’s top constitutional office…reports Asian Lite News

    The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is gearing up to hold the election for the office of Pakistan’s President by March 9, two days prior to the retirement of half of the senators after completing their six-year terms, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.

    A senior Pakistan Peoples Party office-bearer said, “The president will be elected by the present senators after setting up all four provincial assemblies,” adding that the election could be held on March 9 or 10, according to Dawn report.

    The six-party alliance, set to form a coalition government at the Centre under the PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif, has already declared PPP chairman Asif Ali Zardari as its consensus candidate for Pakistan’s top constitutional office.

    The Article 41(4) of Pakistan’s Constitution reads, “Election to the office of president shall be held not earlier than sixty days and not later than thirty days before the expiration of the term of the president in office: Provided that, if the election cannot be held within the period aforesaid because the National Assembly is dissolved, it shall be held within thirty days of the general election to the Assembly.”

    As the general elections were conducted on February 8, Pakistan’s presidential election needs to be held by March 9, just two days prior to the retirement of half of the 100-member Senate, Dawn reported.

    The elections in Pakistan’s Senate were also due in the first week of March, Dawn reported, citing sources. However, due to the delay in the general elections of the national and provincial assemblies, the Senate polls will now be conducted either in the last week of March or the first week of April, which implies that the upper house will remain dysfunctional and incomplete for some period.

    According to the PPP leader, it is due to the upcoming presidential election and to ensure Zardari’s win that the party has stopped its two senators – Nisar Khuhro and Jam Mahtab Dahar, from taking the oath as Members of Provincial Assembly in the Sindh Assembly.

    According to the formula applied for the president’s election in Pakistan, the vote of a senator is considered a single vote, while in the Sindh Assembly, one vote will be equal to nearly four votes. With this formula, Zardari will benefit in the presidential elections.

    Notably, Pakistan’s incumbent president, Arif Alvi, is already on an extended tenure after completing his five-year term on September 9, 2023. According to Article 44(1) of Pakistan’s Constitution, the Pakistani President will hold office for five years from the day he assumes charge. However, he will continue to hold the office until a successor is chosen.

    The term-wise data of senators suggests that the PML-N and the PPP will lose a large chunk of their members–69 per cent and 57 per cent, respectively as they will retire on March 11 after completing their tenure, Dawn reported.

    However, both the PML-N and PPP will be able to add to their tally in the Senate after the elections held on February 8. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will have a disadvantage if it fails to hold the intra-party elections before the Senate polls, and it may have to depend on the SIC to get representation in the upper house of the parliament.

    Until now, the total strength of the Senate has been 100, including 23 members each from the four federating units and four each from the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) and Islamabad.

    The 23 seats that are given to a province include 14 general seats, four reserved for women, four for technocrats, and one for a minority member. Only 96 members will grace the chamber, as the representation of the erstwhile tribal areas will end after their merger with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the 25th Constitutional Amendment.

    This implies that 48 new senators–11 each from all four provinces on general and technocrats’ seats, two from Islamabad, and two minority members from Punjab and Sindh will be elected to Pakistan’s Senate, Dawn reported.

    Presently, the house has 97 members due to the death of PML-N’s Rana Maqbool Ahmed and the resignations of PTI leader Shaukat Tarin and Anwaarul Haq Kakar of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) who assumed the charge of Pakistan’s caretaker PM. (ANI)

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  • Romania Sets September Date for Presidential Election

    Romania Sets September Date for Presidential Election

    The massive blast brought down the building and caused severe damage to neighbouring houses in the western part of the camp…reports Asian Lite News

     At least 17 Palestinians were killed and more than 34 others injured in an Israeli airstrike on a house in the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, local medical sources told the media.

    The sources added on Wednesday that rescue efforts are still ongoing, and the casualties include women and children, Xinhua news agency reported.

    The recovered victims were all transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the city of Deir el-Balah, the sources said.

    Eyewitnesses told Xinhua news agency that an Israeli warplane fired several missiles at the house sheltering several displaced families.

    The massive blast brought down the building and caused severe damage to neighbouring houses in the western part of the camp.

    Meanwhile, the Palestinian death toll from Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip has risen to 29,313, with 69,333 others wounded, as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday.

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