#Uttar Pradesh polls

[haveyoubeentothiscity]

Population: 3,500,000

One submitter commented, “its my favourite city in the world and capital to indias most populous state + one of the most densely populated regions in the world. it was one of the seats to the mughal empire. its very beautiful!“

[uniqueeval]

Top news of the day: Mamata Banerjee says Bengal Assembly will pass bill seeking capital punishment for rapists; ED fines DMK MP Jagathratchakan ₹908-crore in FEMA case

Trinamool supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a gathering during the TMC Chhatra Parishad (students wing) foundation day celebrations in Kolkata on August 28, 2024. | Photo Credit: PTI Mamata Banerjee says Bengal Assembly will pass bill seeking capital punishment for rapists West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday (August 28, 2024) said that a session…

[allthegeopolitics]

At least 33 Indian polling staff died on the last day of voting from heatstroke in just one state, says a top election official, after scorching temperatures gripped swaths of the country. Navdeep Rinwa, chief electoral officer for the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where voting in the seventh and final stage of the election ended on Saturday, said 33 polling personnel died due to the heat. The figure included security guards and sanitation staff. “A monetary compensation of 1.5 million rupees [$18,000] will be provided to the families of the deceased,” Rinwa told reporters on Sunday (Jun 2).

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[thoughtlessarse]

At least 33 Indian polling staff died on the last day of voting from heatstroke in just one state, says a top election official, after scorching temperatures gripped swaths of the country. Navdeep Rinwa, chief electoral officer for the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where voting in the seventh and final stage of the election ended on Saturday, said 33 polling personnel died due to the heat. The figure included security guards and sanitation staff. “A monetary compensation of 1.5 million rupees [$18,000] will be provided to the families of the deceased,” Rinwa told reporters on Sunday. While there have been reports of multiple deaths from the intense heatwave – with temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in many places – the dozens of staff dying in one day marks an especially grim toll.

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[warningsine]

Most pundits and exit polls predicted a big win for Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India’s massive six-week election that just came to a close.

They were wrong. Instead, many voters in key battleground states cast their ballots for opposition parties, cutting the BJP’s tally of seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower hour of parliament, from 303 to 240.

Together with their coalition partners, the BJP should retain power with a slim majority of 21 seats. Modi will serve a rare third term as India’s prime minister. But for the first time in a decade, both the prime minister and his party no longer look invincible.

So, what went wrong?

It will be a while before detailed post-election surveys are published, with robust data on why Indians voted as they did. But from what we already know, we can identify a few factors that might explain why support for the BJP has waned.

The BJP went into the election campaign claiming great successes in economic management. Under the stewardship of the Modi government, as the party’s manifesto declared, India has emerged as the fastest-growing major economy in the world. It is currently ranked number five and Modi had set the ambitious goal of rising to third by the end of the decade.

The BJP had made other big promises for a third Modi term: to make India more self-reliant and resilient to global shocks, as well as to improve its infrastructure, generate more power and attract more foreign investment in manufacturing.

Yet, what it lacked – and what may have swayed some voters – was a credible plan to boost employment and curb inflation. The BJP’s track record in both areas is not good.

India needs to create jobs for tens of millions of young and ambitious Indians entering the workforce ever year, but it has struggled to do that in recent years. This has led many to move abroad, even to countries in conflict zones.

Moreover, it needs to stabilise prices, which have increased at annual rate of 5–6% in recent years.

Fear and favour

Another issue that likely swayed some voters was the possible fate of positive discrimination schemes for education and public sector employment known as “caste reservations”.

Designed to improve social mobility for historically marginalised caste groups and communities, these schemes have become politically contentious in a society where good schools and good jobs are scarce.

The BJP has long been ideologically sceptical about reservations, arguing – among other things – they are socially divisive, pitting caste against caste and community against community.

Some Hindu nationalists also see these schemes as standing in the way of consolidating all Hindus into one unassailable social and political bloc.

During the election campaign, these arguments were highlighted by opposition parties, which claimed the BJP planned to abolish reservations or even amend India’s Constitution to ban them outright.

And it seems that fear this might have prompted many lower caste Indians to switch their votes to parties pledging to defend reservations, like the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.

Modi fatigue

A third factor shaping voter behaviour may well prove to be a loss of enthusiasm for Modi himself.

Modi’s personal popularity has remained very high by both Indian and global standards for more than a decade – and for good reason.

He is a charismatic and effective communicator, but his capacity for reinventing his image has arguably been his greatest asset. At different points in his career, he has been able to project himself as a firebrand, a technocratic moderniser, a humble servant of the people and an adroit diplomat.

Recently, however, Modi has cast himself as a distant, almost priestly and otherworldly figure. In the days before the election results were announced this week, the prime minister withdrew to a beach to meditate for 45 hours. In interviews, he has spoken of being chosen by god for his role.

These actions led at least one opposition leader to comment that Modi was saying “all kinds of things that made no sense”. Some voters may have shared that view.

Modi’s broader Hindu project in doubt

For ten years, the BJP has also worked hard to establish a dominant position in India’s political system. To win over voters, it has improved infrastructure in the cities and extended India’s rudimentary welfare state to improve the lives of women and the rural poor.

Ultimately, however, the BJP aims not just to develop India, but to ensure all aspects of Indian society reflect what it sees as the values of the Hindu majority.

To do that, the Modi government has tried to unite all Hindu voters – around 80% of the population – with high-profile religious and cultural appeals, like the construction of a much-vaunted new Ram temple at the holy city of Ayodhya.

The result of this election suggests this project has not – so far, at least – succeeded. In a striking development, the BJP failed to hold the parliamentary seat (Faizabad) where Ayodhya is located.

It is not yet clear what lessons Modi and the BJP will take from this election. Tethered to coalition partners with more leverage than before, the incoming government will be more constrained than its predecessors. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this election has transformed India’s political landscape.

[nando161mando]

"Seven of them were home guard jawans, three were sanitation workers, one was a clerk posted at the Chief Medical Officer’s office, one was a consolidation officer and one was a peon with the home guards."

[abhishekpandey123]

Elections in India

India’s national election will take place in phases over 44 days. Here’s why it takes so long

Nearly 970 million people or over 10% of the global population are eligible to vote in India’s general elections. The mammoth exercise is the biggest anywhere in the world and will take 44 days before results are announced on June 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is aiming for a third consecutive term in office. He is set to compete against a diverse yet faltering coalition of opposition parties who are finding it difficult to counter his popularity. The majority of polls forecast a comfortable victory for the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, solidifying his position as one of the most prominent and influential leaders in the country.

WHY DOES IT TAKE SO LONG?

Two primary factors contribute to this situation: the vast expanse of India, the most populous nation globally, and the intricate logistics required to enable each eligible voter to participate in the electoral process.

Over the years, the duration of voting has wavered. It took nearly four months to complete the vote in India’s first elections in 1951-1952, after it gained independence from British rule, and just four days in 1980. In 2019, voting took 39 days, and this year’s election is the second longest.

With 969 million registered voters, the size of India’s electorate is bigger than the combined population of the 27 European Union member states. This includes 18 million first-time voters, and around 197 million who are in their 20s.

The vote to choose 543 lawmakers for the lower house of Parliament takes place over seven phases. India’s 28 states and eight federal territories will vote at different times. Each phase is one day, with the first held on April 19 and the last on June 1.

Some states may complete their voting process within a day, while others might require more time. For instance, Uttar Pradesh, the largest state in India with a population of 200 million, equivalent to the size of Brazil, will conduct voting over seven days. This extended duration of the voting process in India's general elections has been criticized by Modi's opponents, who argue that it provides an advantage to the prime minister in terms of campaigning and travel, particularly in states where his party is not as strong.

EVERY VOTE COUNTS

The Election Commission of India is responsible for ensuring that a voting booth is accessible within a 2-kilometer radius of each voter. Chakshu Roy from PRS Legislative Research emphasized the extensive efforts election officials must undertake to enable every voter to cast their ballot. Around 15 million election officials and security personnel will travel across deserts and mountains, utilizing various modes of transportation such as boats, walking, and even horseback riding, to reach all voters.

It can be especially arduous. In 2019, when India last held elections, a team of polling officers trekked over 480 kilometers (300 miles) for four days just so a single voter in a hamlet in the remote state of Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, could exercise their right.

Officials also traveled to a village tucked away high up in the Himalayas in 2019 to install a booth at 15,256 feet (4,650 meters), the highest polling station anywhere in the world.

This time too, polling stations will be installed in remote places, including one inside a wildlife sanctuary in southern Kerala state and another in a shipping container in western Gujarat state.

TIGHT SECURITY

Security is cited as a significant factor behind the multi-phase elections in India, according to experts. In order to ensure safety, a large number of federal security forces, who typically guard borders, are mobilized and work in conjunction with state police. Their primary responsibilities include preventing violence, escorting electoral officials, and transporting voting machines. Previous elections in India have been marred by deadly clashes between supporters of rival political parties, particularly in West Bengal. However, the presence of heavy security forces has contributed to a decrease in such incidents over the years, resulting in relatively peaceful voting. The geographical diversity of the country, with its rivers, mountains, snow, and jungles, poses challenges for the movements of security forces. Despite these obstacles, the chief election commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, has emphasized their commitment to ensuring a smooth voting process by going the extra mile for the convenience of voters.

[mybharatguru]

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath tops list of India's best chief ministers…

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has topped the list of India’s best Chief Ministers. A private newspaper conducted a poll on the best performing Chief Ministers in the country. Opinions were sought from 1,36,463 people from 30 states across the country. Out of this, 33 percent people voted in favor of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Accordingly, he is ranked first in…

[bhaskarlive]

Dera Sacha Sauda chief gets 21-day furlough, 10th in four years

Ahead of the Assembly polls in Haryana, likely slated in October, rape convict and Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, who is undergoing a 20-year sentence for raping two disciples, was granted a 21-day furlough on Tuesday, 10th time in four years.

After the parole, he will be staying in his sect’s Dera in Bagphat in Uttar Pradesh.

The last time Ram Rahim was granted a 50-day parole was in January.

Source: bhaskarlive.in

[haveyoubeentothiscity]

Population: 637,272

Time zone: UTC +5:30

[phoenixx-news]

Amitbhai Anilchandra Shah (Amit Shah) – A Biography

Early Life and Education

Amitbhai Anilchandra Shah, born on October 22, 1964, in Mumbai to Mrs. Kusum Ben and Mr. Anilchandra Shah, hails from a family with deep roots in Gujarat. His grandfather was a prosperous merchant (Nagar Seth) in Mansa, a small princely state of the Baroda State of Gaikwad. Shah spent his early years in Mansa, where he received his primary education. His upbringing was steeped in the ‘Indian Value Tradition,’ under the guidance of eminent scholars from the Gaikwad State, focusing on Indian scriptures, historical texts, grammar, and epics.

Influences and Early Political Engagement

After completing his primary education, Shah’s family relocated to Ahmedabad. Influenced by his mother, an ardent Gandhian, Shah embraced the simplicity of Khadi. His fascination with the biographies of patriots and the writings of K.M. Munshi deeply influenced his young mind.

At the age of 13, during the 1977 general elections amidst the Emergency period, Shah actively participated in the campaign, supporting Maniben Patel, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s daughter, who contested from the Mehsana Lok Sabha seat as a Jana Sangh candidate.

Early Political Career

Shah’s formal political journey began at 16 when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a young Swayamsevak in 1980. By 1982, he was the joint secretary of the Gujarat unit of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and worked as a polling agent for the BJP in 1984. He joined the BJP Yuva Morcha in 1987 and became involved with the Deendayal Research Institute, serving as its treasurer for eight years. This period allowed him to learn from the social reformer Nanaji Deshmukh.

Rise in the BJP

In 1989, Shah became the BJP secretary of Ahmedabad, playing a pivotal role during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the Ekta Yatra. He managed election campaigns for senior leaders like L.K. Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Gandhinagar until 2009. Shah’s association with Narendra Modi began in the 1990s when Modi was the BJP’s Organization Secretary in Gujarat. Shah’s business acumen helped him significantly when he became the chairman of the Gujarat Pradesh Finance Corporation in 1995, turning around the corporation’s financial health.

Political Achievements in Gujarat

Shah was appointed the National Treasurer of the BJP’s Yuva Morcha in 1997 and won the Sarkhej assembly by-election by a margin of 25,000 votes. He continuously won assembly elections until 2012, with increasing margins each time. As an MLA, Shah facilitated numerous development projects and became the state secretary of Gujarat BJP in 1998, and state vice-president within a year.

Leadership in Cooperative Sector and Further Political Roles

At 36, Shah became the youngest chairman of the Ahmedabad District Co-operative Bank (ADCB) in 2000, transforming its financial status. He was appointed as the convener of the BJP’s National Cooperative Cell in 2001. He played a crucial role in the 2002 Gujarat assembly elections under Narendra Modi’s leadership and served as a minister in the Gujarat government, holding key portfolios like Home, Traffic, Prohibition, Parliamentary Affairs, Law, and Excise.

National Politics and BJP Presidency

In 2013, Shah became the BJP’s National General Secretary. During the 2014 elections, he was pivotal in the BJP’s success in Uttar Pradesh, securing 73 seats. On July 9, 2014, Shah became the BJP National President. Under his leadership, the BJP expanded its organizational base and achieved significant electoral successes, forming governments in states like Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Haryana, and Maharashtra. He was re-elected as the national president in 2016 and became a trustee of the Somnath Temple Trust the same year.

Ministerial Roles and Legislative Achievements

In 2017, Shah was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat and continued to strengthen the party’s presence across India. He contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Gandhinagar, winning by a significant margin. Appointed as the Home Minister in 2019, Shah played a crucial role in major legislative changes, including the abrogation of Article 370 and the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Contributions to Security and Disaster Management

Shah has been instrumental in resolving long-standing issues in Kashmir and the northeastern states, implementing a zero-tolerance policy against Left-Wing Extremism, and improving disaster management protocols. His efforts have bolstered internal security and the National Disaster Response Force’s (NDRF) effectiveness.

Ministry of Cooperation and Personal Life

In 2021, Shah was appointed as the Minister of Cooperation, focusing on revitalizing the cooperative movement. Despite his busy political career, Shah enjoys various cuisines, old films, and chess. He has not traveled abroad since 2006, maintaining a disciplined and spiritual lifestyle.

Amitbhai Anilchandra Shah’s journey from a young activist to one of India’s most influential politicians is marked by strategic acumen, dedication to public service, and a deep commitment to the nation’s security and development.

[graphaizesmm]

Lok Sabha Seats 2024: Visualizing Election

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are set to redefine India’s political landscape, with prominent alliances like the NDA and INDI vying for dominance. Currently, the NDA holds a considerable number of seats, yet forecasts suggest a tight race. This article explores the 2024 Lok Sabha seat statistics, offering a clear and visual representation of the shifting electoral dynamics. Through detailed infographics and data visuals, we aim to provide an in-depth analysis of how political alliances are evolving for the upcoming elections. Stay with us to grasp the intricate details and trends influencing one of the most significant elections in recent Indian history.

Busting Modi’s “400 Paar” promise

During the 2019 Indian general election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi boldly promised to achieve “400 paar” (crossing 400 seats) in the Lok Sabha elections. Despite the BJP’s good performance leading to the most voted party, they fell short of this ambitious goal, securing just 240 seats. This pledge, while showcasing the party’s confidence and aggressive campaigning strategy, ultimately was not fulfilled.

Critics argue that the “400 paar” promise was overly optimistic, possibly a strategic move to energize the party’s base and create an image of invincibility. The final results, though a clear victory for the BJP, highlighted the limitations of political forecasting and the complexities of voter behavior in a diverse and vast democracy like India. This outcome emphasized the challenges in converting campaign rhetoric into electoral reality and underscored the dynamic nature of Indian politics.

Various polls and political analyses project the NDA securing around 290-320 seats, falling short of the 400-seat mark. The INDI alliance and other political entities have made significant inroads, complicating the NDA’s path to a supermajority.

The surprising rise of the INDI Alliance

The surprising rise of the INDI Alliance has notably reshaped India’s political landscape. Formed as a coalition of opposition parties, the alliance aims to present a unified front against the BJP. The coalition includes major players like the Indian National Congress, which has seen a resurgence in influence, and the Samajwadi Party (SP), which has consolidated its regional base.

The formation of the INDI Alliance is a strategic move to pool resources and voter bases, creating a formidable challenge to the BJP’s dominance. Congress’s growth within the alliance is notable, leveraging its national presence and historical legacy to rally support. The SP, with its stronghold in Uttar Pradesh, adds significant weight to the coalition, enhancing its ability to mobilize voters.

This alliance effectively challenges the BJP by presenting a cohesive alternative, addressing key issues like economic disparity, social justice, and democratic governance. Their collaborative efforts resonate with a diverse electorate, making the upcoming elections highly competitive and unpredictable. The INDI Alliance’s rise highlights the evolving dynamics of Indian politics and the potential for coalition politics to disrupt established power structures.

No clear majority: The role of kingmakers

India’s political landscape often sees scenarios where no party secures a clear majority, leading to the emergence of kingmakers who play pivotal roles in government formation. This time BJP’s long time ally Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) (JDU) and Chandrababu Naidu of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) helped the party in forming the government.

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, the political landscape in India is more unpredictable than ever. The “400 paar” promise by Prime Minister Modi has highlighted the ambitious goals of the NDA, but current projections suggest they may fall short of this target. Meanwhile, the emergence of the INDI Alliance has introduced a new dynamic, reshaping alliances and creating a more competitive field.

[study-buddies]

Amid Talk of UP BJP Rift, Yogi Adityanath Takes Charge of Assembly Bypoll Preparations

Chief Minister’s Direct Involvement In the wake of a disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken the reins for the upcoming Assembly bypolls. With ten bypolls on the horizon due to MLAs being elected to Parliament, Adityanath is ensuring his administration is proactive in addressing constituents’ concerns and organizing effective campaigns.

Strategy and Assignments Despite no official election dates being announced, Adityanath held a meeting at his residence in Lucknow on Wednesday. Notably absent were Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, as well as senior BJP organizational leaders. Sources within the BJP explained that until dates are set, the focus remains on governance and resolving local issues, which is why only government ministers attended the meeting.

Ministers were assigned to specific constituencies to address grievances, improve booth management, and prepare for the elections. This groundwork aims to counter negative publicity through active intervention.

Internal Tensions and Statements The meeting coincided with Maurya reiterating his stance that the party organization is more significant than the government, a comment perceived as a critique of Adityanath’s management style. These remarks highlight ongoing internal tensions within the UP BJP.

Key Focus Areas The BJP is particularly focused on the Milkipur constituency, part of the Faizabad district, which they lost to the Samajwadi Party (SP) in the Lok Sabha polls. Winning this seat back is seen as crucial to recovering from the setback in Faizabad, a district that includes the significant city of Ayodhya. Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi and Minister of State for Health Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh have been tasked with securing this constituency.

Coalition Dynamics Adityanath is also coordinating with the BJP’s alliance partners, the NISHAD Party and Apna Dal (Soneylal). NISHAD Party leader Sanjay Nishad has recently voiced concerns about government actions affecting the poor, aligning with Maurya’s statements about the party’s importance. Apna Dal (S) leader Anupriya Patel’s husband, Ashish Singh Patel, participated in the meeting, underscoring the coalition’s collaborative approach. Anupriya Patel recently raised concerns about the treatment of reserved seats in government recruitment, reflecting broader worries about shifting voter bases among Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Seats in Play The ten Assembly seats facing bypolls are currently divided among various parties: five held by the SP, three by the BJP, and one each by the NISHAD Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). The upcoming bypolls are crucial for the BJP to strengthen its position and address internal dissent.

Conclusion As Yogi Adityanath takes a hands-on approach to the Assembly bypoll preparations, the focus is on resolving local issues, strengthening the party’s grassroots presence, and ensuring a robust strategy to regain lost ground. The collaboration between the BJP and its allies will be pivotal in navigating the political landscape and addressing voter concerns in Uttar Pradesh.

[tfgadgets]

BJP Plans UP Overhaul To Bounce Back From Lok Sabha Poll Drubbing: Sources

BJP leaders from UP have visited Delhi recently to meet the party brass, including PM Narendra Modi New Delhi: The BJP is prepping for an organisational rejig in Uttar Pradesh after its big drubbing in the politically-significant state in this Lok Sabha election, sources have told NDTV. State BJP president Bhupendra Chaudhary, it is learnt, has taken responsibility for the party’s poor show and…

[taaza-khabar]

Yogi says overconfidence in polls hurt BJP UP executive meet expectations.

Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, speaks at the party’s state working committee meeting in Lucknow on Sunday, July 14, 2024. Adityanath urges party members to act swiftly for upcoming elections and increase social media usage to combat false stories.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the BJP’s expectations were affected in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in Uttar Pradesh due…

[livewellnews]

UP Congress Plans Extensive Dalit Outreach Ahead of 2027 Assembly Polls

Following its success in regaining a significant portion of the Dalit vote in Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has launched an extensive outreach campaign to solidify this support for the 2027 Assembly elections. The party’s first focus is Gorakhpur, the home turf of UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

Reconnecting with the Dalit Community

The Congress aims to strengthen its ties with the Dalit community through special membership drives, identifying influential Dalit figures in each Assembly constituency, and organizing division-level “sammelans” and district-level “Dalit chaupals” to address community issues.

Detailed Outreach Plan

At a recent high-level meeting at the state Congress headquarters in Lucknow, a detailed 15-day program was crafted with input from prominent Dalit leaders across the state. Although not officially announced, the first four sammelans are proposed for Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Meerut.

Leadership and Support

Alok Prasad, head of the UP Congress’s Scheduled Caste (SC) department, emphasized the party’s commitment to the Dalit community. “Dalits have traditionally been our supporters but drifted away over time. However, they supported us in the recent elections. It’s now our responsibility to listen to their issues and find solutions,” he said.

Action Plan

Starting in Gorakhpur, the Congress will launch a membership drive to enroll at least 1,000 prominent Dalit faces from each Assembly segment. In coordination with district units, “Dalit chaupals” will be held fortnightly in Dalit-dominated areas.

Strengthening the Organization

The Congress plans to assign new responsibilities to prominent Dalit leaders within the organization to strengthen its SC unit at the grassroots level. The outreach also aims to engage professionals from the community, such as doctors and teachers, to address their issues.

Political Strategy

The Congress’s strategy includes promoting Dalit leaders within the INDIA bloc, such as supporting Faizabad MP Awadhesh Prasad for the role of Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker. This move aims to highlight the coalition’s commitment to Dalit leadership, especially in regions with significant Pasi Dalit populations.

Impact on BJP

According to internal BJP reviews, the shift of Dalit votes to the SP-Congress alliance has significantly impacted their performance. Approximately 6% of the BSP’s core Jatav Dalit votes shifted to the INDIA alliance, helping the Opposition coalition in the elections.