Results for: Election Commission of India

In response to the Election Commission’s (EC) directive against political parties enrolling voters for post-election schemes, the Congress has expressed its dissatisfaction and raised questions about the BJP’s similar tactic in its successful Chhattisgarh Assembly election campaign. The EC directive was prompted by a complaint from the BJP, alleging the Congress’s “Ghar Ghar Guarantee” outreach program as “corrupt practice amounting to bribery”. Congress spokesperson Gurdeep Singh Sappal responded by highlighting the BJP’s use of “Mahtari Vandan Yojana” in Chhattisgarh, where BJP workers had enrolled potential beneficiaries ahead of last year’s polls, and appealed to the EC for consistency in its approach.

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a plea seeking the Election Commission of India (ECI) to develop a mechanism for arrested political leaders to campaign through virtual mode for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. The plea was filed by Amarjeet Gupta, a final-year law student, following the arrests of several political leaders in connection with various cases. The High Court bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, rejected the plea, stating that it could set a dangerous precedent and allow dreaded criminals to contest elections and campaign through video conferencing. The bench also expressed concerns that even rapists and murderers could form political parties for such purposes. The court noted that it had recently dealt with several similar petitions and imposed costs on petitioners for filing frivolous pleas.

Statistical sampling theory provides a robust framework for conducting VVPAT-based audits of electronic voting machines (EVMs) to ensure the accuracy and reliability of election results. This article analyzes the current VVPAT audit protocol prescribed by the Supreme Court of India and highlights its shortcomings. It emphasizes the need for a statistically sound approach that defines the target population, specifies clear acceptance criteria, and ensures that the sample size is adequate to detect election-altering malfunctions or manipulations with high probability. The article provides concrete recommendations for improving the VVPAT audit process and preserving the integrity of the electoral system.

Following the successful conclusion of the second phase on April 26, Phase 3 of the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections is set to take place on May 7. The upcoming phase will involve 89 constituencies across various regions of the country, including 11 constituencies in Maharashtra. As part of the safety measures, schools and colleges in these constituencies will remain closed on election day. This decision aims to ensure the safety of students and staff while minimizing disruptions during the voting process. By closing educational institutions, it also facilitates smoother movement for election officials and voters, encouraging wider participation in the election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a public meeting in Pune on April 29, while the Supreme Court will hear a petition from the West Bengal government challenging an order by the Calcutta High Court. Mahindra & Mahindra is set to unveil its latest offering, the Mahindra XUV 3XO, and the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a notice to Prime Minister Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). In addition, Kolkata Knight Riders will face off against Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2024, and 30 companies are set to announce their Q4 results on April 29.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal has welcomed the Supreme Court’s order rejecting pleas to replace Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The court also dismissed requests for complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with VVPAT, stating that ‘blindly distrusting’ the system is unwarranted. Meghwal accused opposition parties of ‘defaming’ the Election Commission of India (ECI) by raising questions about EVM credibility. He emphasized that EVMs have been successfully used in numerous elections without any evidence of tampering.

As part of promoting the initiative by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to increase voter participation, the National Capital Regional Transport Corporation (NCRTC) is providing a complimentary upgrade to the premium coach in the ‘NaMo Bharat’ train for individuals who have voted. This offer is available only on April 26th, the day of the parliamentary elections, and is subject to the availability of seats. To participate, voters must book their standard coach tickets through the ‘RRTS Connect’ app and present their inked finger at the platform-level automated fare collection (AFC) gates of the premium lounge.

BJP candidate K Madhavi Latha from Hyderabad has declared assets worth Rs 218 crore in her nomination papers for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Latha, who is contesting from a constituency considered a stronghold of AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, has declared movable assets worth Rs 165.46 crore and immovable assets worth Rs 55.92 crore. The BJP candidate’s family owes a total liability of Rs 27 crore. The Lok Sabha elections 2024 are set to be a high-voltage contest in Hyderabad, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) taking cognizance of alleged model code of conduct violations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued notices to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Mallikaarjun Kharge, and Member of Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi seeking responses by Monday morning for alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The notices stem from complaints regarding campaign speeches made by the three leaders. The ECI has emphasized that star campaigners should maintain higher standards of compliance in their discourse. The opposition has criticized Modi’s comments about Muslim voters, while the ruling party has accused Gandhi of making derogatory remarks against the Prime Minister. The ECI’s notices do not explicitly mention specific sections of the MCC or Indian Penal Code (IPC) that have been violated, but they have requested responses from the relevant parties.

In India’s sprawling national election, spanning from the Himalayan peaks to the Andaman’s tropical shores, officials are employing a remarkable array of transportation methods to distribute electronic voting machines. Helicopters, buses, trucks, boats, donkeys, and mules are traversing jungles, mountain tracks, and rivers, transforming remote tents, shipping containers, and school buildings into polling stations. The massive seven-phase election, involving over 1.4 billion people, commenced last week and concludes on June 1, with nearly 970 million voters casting their ballots for 543 Parliament members. The votes will be tallied on June 4.