Gujarat polls 1st phase as it happened: Amit Shah says record turnout symbolises voters' belief in Narendra Modi

Never heard of Salman Nizami, says Congress

The Congress on Saturday said that Salman Nizami, who Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited to attack it, does not hold any position in the party, while hitting out at the prime minister for moving away from “real issues”.

Congress leader Rajeev Shukla told reporters that Salman Nizami doesn’t hold any position in the party.

“We have not even heard the name Salman Nizami. He holds no post in the party, we don’t know who he is. Maybe they (BJP) got a name from somewhere. If we start speaking like this, we can name anyone and call the person a BJP worker,” he said.

AAP hits outs at BJP after voters from Gajadi village boycott election

An entire village boycotted the elections due to pathetic roads, water and Electricity supply and BJP keeps blaring about is achievements.
Is this the quality of life under Gujarat model ? https://t.co/f7FcdbVeoQ

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) December 9, 2017

To protest water woes, village in Gujarat boycotts election

Zero voting was recorded at Gajadi village in Morbi district of Gujarat on Saturday as the locals, fed up with water shortage, boycotted polling.

While long lines were seen outside polling booths in Saurashtra and South Gujarat in the first phase of Assembly polls, none among the 1,000 registered voters in Gajadi turned up to cast vote, officials said. The village, though situated in Tankara tehsil of Morbi, comes under Kalavad constituency of Jamnagar district.

The district administration said they tried their best to persuade villagers to vote. “Villagers had announced a few months ago that they will refrain from voting. Their main grievance was about water supply. Though the village is being supplied water through a pipeline, they claimed it was not enough and demanded another pipeline,” said Morbi Collector and District Election Officer IK Patel.

PTI

In Mehsana’s Vijapur, Rahul Gandhi promises free medical facilities if Congress comes to power

When our govt comes to power, it will provide you free of cost medical facility in govt hospitals and free medicines in govt pharmacies: Rahul Gandhi in Mehsana #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/Z21xufXk0W

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Amit Shah lauds people of Gujarat over ‘record turnout’

On Twitter, BJP chief Amit Shah wrote: “In the first phase of election, the people of Gujarat, who have participated in this great episode of democracy, are venerable. This record voting symbolises the belief in Modi’s Gujarat model in the mind of every person in Gujarat. The BJP is heading towards historic conquest in Gujarat.”

प्रथम चरण के मतदान में गुजरात की जनता ने लोकतंत्र के इस महापर्व में जिस जोश और उत्साह के साथ भाग लिया है वह वंदनीय है। यह रिकॉर्ड मतदान गुजरात के प्रत्येक व्यक्ति के मन में मोदी जी के गुजरात मॉडल में दृण विश्वास का प्रतीक है। गुजरात में भाजपा ऐतिहासिक विजय की ओर अग्रसर है।

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 9, 2017

Election Commission says EVMs can’t be tampered with via Bluetooth 

There is no such connection of any Bluetooth or EVM. EVMs don't have receptors or wiring to facilitate that. So such reports are false.: Election Commission of India #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/LwpdQiGzVQ

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Average voter turnout in 19 districts till 4 pm

Election Commission says 68% voter turnout recorded

At the media briefing, the Election Commission said that 68 percent voter turnout has been recorded during the first phase and it is expected to exceed 70 percent. “Exact voting percentage will be known soon,” the Election Commission said.

By the time we get final figures voting percentage may go a little higher and touch last year's figure.: Election Commission of India #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/xng48jKNMx

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Arun Jaitley rejects Congress’ claim of EVM ’tampering’ via Bluetooth

These are just baseless statements. When statements of these kind are given, I can't help but say that these are preparation of upcoming defeat: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Congress' Arjun Modhwadia complaints of Bluetooth connection in EVM in Porbandar #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/B4VmorM3VJ

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

#Visuals from Rajkot: EVMs & VVPATs being sealed after first phase of polling ends in #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/3MBIGuVL42

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Arun Jaitley exudes confidence in BJP as polling ends for first phase

Jaitley said that he is sure that BJP will have “landslide victory” in Gujarat. “The BJP will get to serve the people of Gujarat again for the next five years,” the finance minister said.

First phase of polling has ended, we are extremely grateful to EC, the officials & voters for peaceful & successful completion of voting. I'm sure, as per the reports that are coming, that BJP is going to register a landslide victory: Arun Jaitley #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/4LodFh06G2

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Over 70% voting in Gujarat first phase, many still to vote

Over 70 percent voting was registered in Gujarat at close of polling at 5 pm in the first phase, though there were still long queues lined up to vote at most polling stations, Chief Electoral Officer BB Swain said on Saturday.

IANS

Narendra Modi tweets pictures from his Mehsana rally

Coming to Mehsana feels special. In today’s rally I spoke about the good governance efforts of NDA Government at the Centre and BJP Government in Gujarat. Highlighted how Mudra Yojana is turning our youth into entrepreneurs and job creators. pic.twitter.com/um5KgtmuDP

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 9, 2017

Few voters in polling booth 4 said their votes are going to some other candidate. Polling Officer said it'll be tested & if it's found to be false action will be taken against them. Those voters left without tests. There's no truth behind such reports: Bharuch District Collector pic.twitter.com/3oqJsSfWUv

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Watch: Amit Shah addresses public meeting in Matar

Rahul Gandhi campaigns in Mehsana’s Vadnagar

90% samay unhone apne aap pe bhashan dia, Narendra Modi ne Narendra Modi ke baare mein bhashan dia, aur kuch bacha hi nahi! But this election is not about Modi Ji or me, it is about Gujarat's future: Rahul Gandhi in Mehsana's Vadnagar #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/s35e136Wvd

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Chairman of Lok Adalat in Rajsamadhiyala says voters given time slots to maintain discipline

Lok Adalat’s Hardev Singh Jadeja told Firstpost that Rajsamadhiyala village has adopted a “scientific method” to handle polling. “We have allotted people time slots have discipline during voting process,” he said.

BJP should win in every booth, Narendra Modi tells voters in Mehsana

Taking a dig at Congress for losing election in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and other states, Modi urged the voter in Gujarat to not vote for the Grand Old Party. “Congress should not win even one seat in the state Assembly. BJP should win in every booth,” he said.

I fight courageously with blessings of ‘janata janardan’: Narendra Modi

આ જનતા જનાર્દનના આશીર્વાદથી હું હિંમતથી લડાઈ લડું છું - શ્રી @narendramodi જી #Gujarat4Modi pic.twitter.com/Prx77CGQek

— BJP Gujarat (@BJP4Gujarat) December 9, 2017

47.28% voter turnout recorded till 4 pm in first phase of #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/UQtQhBg7Hv

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Narendra Modi lauds BJP govt’s efforts to solve water crisis in Gujarat

“We brought the Sujalam-Sufalam scheme. We got rid of the thirst of Gujarat. The water level in the ground is what we call development,” Modi said at a rally in Mehsana on Saturday.

Rajkot voter says his brother took permission from panchayat as he is hospitalised

Jagdishbhai Kakadiya from Rajsamadiyala village of Rajkot, where voting is compulsory spoke to Firstpost. He said: “Mere bhai ka accident ho gaya hai, Isliye usne panchayat se permission le liya hai. Hospital me hai, vote nahi karega. Lekin mai khud pahucha hu vote karne. (My brother met with an accident. He took permission from the panchayat since he can’t vote from the hospital. But I am here to vote)”

Without development there is no solution to the problems India faces: PM Narendra Modi in Mehsana #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/wrrYu7sdAZ

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Narendra Modi slams Congress

Criticising the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra said that Congress has set a record of spreading lies. At a rally in Mehsana, Modi said: “You have destroyed the country. Four generations (of Gandhi family) had made the situation poor in India.”

Visuals from Modi’s rally in Mehsana

મહેસાણા ખાતે લોકોના હૃદયસમ્રાટ વડાપ્રધાન શ્રી @narendramodi જીનું વિશાળ જનમેદનીને સંબોધન #Gujarat4Modi pic.twitter.com/s3KK9gUbJd

— BJP Gujarat (@BJP4Gujarat) December 9, 2017

Watch: Narendra Modi addresses rally in Mehsana

Keshubhai Patel, Vaju Vala cast their vote

Gujarat: Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala cast his vote in Rajkot #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/m73EzQzIuh

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

#GujaratElection2017 : Former CM Kehsubhai Patel casts his vote
: https://t.co/1RFC7y7Rbq#Gujarat pic.twitter.com/wXWX8QyUj0

— Tv9 Gujarati (@tv9gujarati) December 9, 2017

Congress complains of EVM ’tampering’ via Bluetooth in Porbandar booths

Senior Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia on Saturday complained of possible EVM tampering at three polling booths in a Muslim-dominated area of Porbandar claiming that some machines were found to be connecting to external devices via Bluetooth.

The Election Commission said that based on the Congress leader’s complaint, an inquiry had been initiated.

“We detected that the EVMs at three polling booths at Memanwada, a Muslim-dominated area, are connected to external devices through Bluetooth. When the Bluetooth of a mobile phone is turned on, a device named ‘ECO 105’ is shown as available,” Modhwadia, the Congress candidate from Porbandar, said.

Visuals of selfie booth in Bhavnagar 

Gujarat: A selfie point built in Bhavnagar to attract voters to cast their vote. First phase of voting underway in the state today. #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/vjMWNU3C96

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

EC replaced 1.9% of 24,689 VVPATs during first phase

During the first phase of voting 1.90% of VVPATs replaced out of 24,689 units deployed. 0.37% out of the 26,865 Ballot Units and 0.38% out of the 24,689 Control Unites replaced too. #GujaratElection2017

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Bhavnagar deputy election officer denies reports on faulty EVMs

No such issues reported till now. Some EVMs replaced due to errors. EVMs were updated with VVPAT, which allows people to verify their vote for 7 seconds: Yogesh Thakkar, Bhavnagar Deputy Electoral Officer on reports of faulty EVMs in 1st phase of polling in #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/czFeupn7UU

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Voters to be able to cast their vote after 5 PM with token
: https://t.co/ilkK5r9Zj6#Gujarat #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/vnIAsMEXdC

— Tv9 Gujarati (@tv9gujarati) December 9, 2017

Around 55% voting recorded in state till 3 PM in the first phase.#Gujarat #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/3j3yNfImy9

— Tv9 Gujarati (@tv9gujarati) December 9, 2017

Voters complain of EVM, VVPAT glitches across state; 40.47% turnout till 2pm

As of 2 pm on Saturday, Gujarat recorded 40.47 percent voting as in the first phase of the state Assembly election amid reports of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and VVPAT glitches.

Earlier on Saturday, there were reports of technical glitches in EVMs in some of the polling booths in Surat and other areas.

The poll panel received several complaints of EVM malfunctioning in Kosamba region of Valsad district as well. An EVM was also tampered with in Rajkot East constituency, a complaint to the EC said.

Rahul Gandhi takes a dig at Narendra Modi over state of education in Gujarat

22 सालों का हिसाब#गुजरात_मांगे_जवाब

11वां सवाल:
80% इंजीनियर बैठे हैं बेकार
टाटा नैनो जुमला, चली नहीं यह कार
नौकरी मांगने वालों को मिलती है गोली
युवा के भविष्य की लगा दी आपने बोली

बेची शिक्षा, बेची परीक्षा, स्कूल-कॉलेज बन गए दुकान
शिक्षा केंद्रों का मोदीजी क्यों बेच दिया ईमान?

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 9, 2017

Voter turnout in Surat till 3 pm
 

Here is the list of voting percentages in Surat till 3 pm:

Mangrol- 45%

Olpad- 44%

Surat East- 43%

Katargam- 43%

Limbayat- 44%

Mahua- 45%

Vagra- 44%

Bardoli- 45%

Choryasi- 45%

Kamrej- 44%

Karanj-  43%

Mandvi- 44%

Majura- 45%

Watch: EVM engineer talks to media after complaints of EVM being connected via bluetooth

#WATCH EVM engineer S.Anand talks to media after visiting a polling booth in Porbandar's Thakkar plot following complaints of EVM being connected to Bluetooth, says, 'the name that you give to your Bluetooth device will be shown when it is paired to another device' #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/TivLjQXEOW

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Despite good medical infrastructure, Dang district remains unhealthy

As much as 75% of Dang’s population lives under the poverty line of Rs 356 per person a month in villages and Rs 538 per person in cities, and the district struggles to succeed under Gujarat’s development model. In this primarily tribal district–98% belong to the scheduled tribes–48.1% of children under five years were stunted, 72.2% of women were anaemic and only 44.3% of children under two were fully immunised, according to the latest National Family Health Survey of 2015-16 (NFHS-4), even as the district has made investments in health infrastructure.

And it is not just Dang. Gujarat, ranked fifth by per capita income in the country, is ranked 17 among 29 states on infant mortality, with 34 of every 1,000 infants dying every year, worse than much poorer Meghalaya (30), and lower than India’s average infant mortality rate (IMR: deaths per 1,000 births) of 41, as IndiaSpendreported in November 2017.

EC team reaches polling booth in Porbandar after complaints of EVMs being connected to bluetooth

A team of Election Commission reaches polling booth in Thakkar Plot, Porbandar after complaints of EVM being connected to Bluetooth #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/ETmuu73Fwk

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Salman Nizami hits back at Modi, says ‘PM embraces Sajjad Lone’

People of Gajdi village boycott polls due to lack of basic amenities: CNN-News18

#ElectionsWithNews18 | People of Gajdi village in Gujarat boycott elections due to lack of basic amenities. #BattleForGujarat pic.twitter.com/WUsWuFRrR8

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 9, 2017

My colleague Rohit Bhan is reporting that 70 EVMs have malfunctioned in Surat alone. Will the Election Commission of India answer why there are such a large number of malfunctions? https://t.co/JEi6EdsIlo

— Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) December 9, 2017

Here’s a unique (and hilarious) take on the controversy surrounding Mani Shankar Aiyar

Voter praises Narendra Modi, says security for women in Surat has increased

They have everything, central govt, UP govt, Maharashtra govt, IB...everything...but Congress party has nothing but the truth of Gujarat: Rahul Gandhi in Patan's Harij #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/JXIf7S5rrz

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Narendra Modi avoided topic of corruption in Gujarat polls because of Jay Shah: Rahul Gandhi

“Narendra Modi has not talked about the issue of corruption even once in the Gujarat polls,” said Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat, adding that it was because of Jay Shah that the prime minister avoided the topic of corruption.

“Honesty has surrounded Narendra Modi,” said the Congress vice-president. “When Narendra Modi talked yesterday, he was talking about himself 60 percent of the time.”

Congress has made it a habit to say EVMs malfunctioned every time they face defeat: Jitendra Singh

Congress party has made it a practice to say EVM malfunctioned every time when they face defeat. Therefore, they are preparing ground before Dec 18 to blame their defeat on EVM: MoS PMO Jitendra Singh #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/TVNCNVhQQd

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

While some are staunch supporters of Narendra Modi, others claim he is ‘Feku’…

Mixed feelings for Ro Ro ferry service

The Ro Ro ferry service has also impacted the fishermen in Ghogha. They say their area of fishing has been limited after the construction of jetty and security guards don’t let them fish on the other side.

Ro Ro, however, has struck a chord with the Patel Community here in Bhavnagar, many of whom have their relatives working in textile or diamond industry in Surat. The ferry service has enabled them to reach Surat in an hour, which was earlier a 9-hour commute.

Kanti Balar, BJP’s candidate from Surat North, casts his vote

Who is Salman Nizami?

According to News18 , Nizami was reportedly the joint secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee in 2014. He has a history of making controversial remarks.

A defamation notice had been issued against him earlier in 2017 for lashing out at Yogi Adityanath. On 19 March, Nizam had allegedly tweeted: “Zakir Naik is being hounded despite no evidence against him. Yogi Aditynath has cases of murder, riots registered against him.”

Unprecedented fervour at the rally in Lunawada. pic.twitter.com/J0yvsSEIi0

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 9, 2017

Katargam(Surat): A bride to be, Fenny Parekh arrives from her 'haldi' ceremony to cast her vote #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/oGaW9skOYV

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Elderly people arrive to cast their vote in Bharuch's Ankleshwar #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/d1P6bjqJi2

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

The controversy over Salman Nizami

Narendra Modi was allegedly referring to Nizami’s tweet where he questioned who the prime minister’s parents are.

According to a report on Times Now, Nizami often tweeted about Azad Kashmir.

Responding to Modi’s remarks, Congress leader Rajiv Shukla dismissed the claims and said that he didn’t know any individual in the party by Nizami’s name and that he held no position in the party. “I don’t know who is Salman Nizami. He does not hold any position in the party. Even we can say that there is some random person Ram Lal in BJP who said something,” said Shukla.

Voter expresses concern over EVM glitches

31 percent voter turnout recorded till 12 pm: News18

Kaun Nizami, asks Congress on Modi’s remarks

Kaun Nizami? Kahin aap hi ka toh aadmi nahi hai: Rajiv Shukla,Congress on PM Modi's remarks on Salman Nizami pic.twitter.com/cGlOYCr7Fy

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

A coastal village in Gujarat wonders whether it is being purposely discriminated against

Ghogha, a coastal village in Bhavnagar, from where Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ro Ro Ferry service, gets water once in 30 days. The village is predominantly Muslim, while other villages with Koli population around Ghogha do not face such problems. Ghogha wonders whether it is being purposely discriminated against.

Over 1 lakh power loom machines shut down due to lack of demand because of demonetisation: Voter

Congress leader & close aide of Rahul Gandhi, Salman Nizami asks on Twitter- Modi, who is your father, who is your mother? He calls for Azad Kashmir & says 'har ghar se Afzal nikalega'. He calls our Army rapists. Does Congress want to win election with the help of such people? PM pic.twitter.com/b0y0jnPNYs

— BJP (@BJP4India) December 9, 2017

Congress’ campaign tactics have failed: Arun Jaitley

“Voting trends look fine. We will win by a landslide margin. The BJP has given a great model of development in Gujarat and no party can question that. EVMs are questioned in every election, it is nothing new. The Election Commission will look into it,” News18 further quoted Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as saying.

This will be a landslide victory for BJP and the win will be resounding. Congress's campaign tactics have failed: FM Arun Jaitley #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/TtaL7iVCgQ

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Hope EC can step up: Omar Abdullah on reports about EVM glitches in Gujarat

I’ve been extremely sceptical of EVM related conspiracy theories but I’m being to question my unwavering faith in the machines & their infallibility.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 9, 2017

I hope the Election Commission can step up & address the questions that are being asked of it about the trustworthiness of voting machines.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 9, 2017

Karadia Rajput community set to back BJP again

Bhavnagar has a Karadia Rajput community as well, which was said to be going against the BJP. Dansing Mori, a Sarpanch from Dedhula village, had been campaigning against BJP president Jitu Vanghani over a land dispute.

However, the differences seem to have been settled. Mori is back in the ranks of BJP and the Karadiya Rajput community, which has been loyal with BJP, is set to back the party once again.

Muslims need MAAS, just like Hardik Patel’s PAAS: Social worker

Social worker Saleem Patel from Surat said that Muslims need a separate body called Muslim Adhikaar Sangharsh Samiti (MAAS), just like Hardik Patel’s Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS).

I have cast my vote today. I have voted for change. Urge all fellow Gujaratis to turn out in large numbers & bring around the change that the entire nation is waiting for pic.twitter.com/6obnW00czn

— Ahmed Patel Memorial (@ahmedpatel) December 9, 2017

Bridegroom in Sagrampura will vote first, marry later

A bridegroom in Sagrampura, a 250-year-old colony of Sindhi Muslims in Surat, says he will vote before attending his wedding ceremony.

Modi’s frequent visits to state may be sign of BJP’s nervousness

Normally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shouldn’t have any worries about the election results in Gujarat. It is Narendra Modi’s home state and the party has been in power there for more than two decades.

Prima facie, it should be cakewalk for the BJP, not least because its principle opponent, the Congress, has been down in the dumps all these years. Nor is there any sign of a revival of its moribund organisation.

Yet, the BJP doesn’t seem to be at ease. For one, its star – and, indeed, only effective – campaigner, the prime minister, has virtually parked himself in Gujarat, addressing a large number of meetings all over the state.

As is obvious, it is unusual for a prime minister to spend so much time in a single state before an election, especially when the opponent is supposed to be weak. If he has nevertheless done so, it means that he is uncertain about the outcome.

Journalist Ajay Singh speaks to students in Gujarat

Cyclone Ockhi has only added to the distress of farmers

Cyclone Ockhi ruptured miles of cotton crops with unseasonal rains, causing severe loss to farmers. It has added to their distress. They are wondering if they would get any compensation from the government.

#ElectionsWithNews18 | Congress alleges that booth number 145, 146 and 147 EVM machines are connected to other devices through Bluetooth#BattleForGujarat #LIVE https://t.co/879EQG83N0 pic.twitter.com/j2gIgwJs9U

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 9, 2017

EVMs getting connected via bluetooth to some devices, alleges Congress leader

Senior Congress leader Arjun Modhwadia has reportedly given screenshots from mobile phones of his supporters and has claimed that EVMs in some places in Gujarat are getting connected via bluetooth to some devices like mobile phones and laptops, reported CNN-News18.

#ElectionsWithNews18 | Arjun Modhwadia alleges EC wifi is available at pooling booths; says EVMs can be rigged | @MeghdootS with ground report

Get all the live updates from #BattleForGujarat https://t.co/Kh7SPbyc9R pic.twitter.com/y2i9VuKAAp

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 9, 2017

2016 drought was a tough time for farmers in Amreli

The 2016 drought was a terrible time for farmers in Amreli, when lack of water rendered farmlands after farmlands useless. Farmers worked as labourers to make their ends meet.

Region-wise voting percentages till now

Surat: 26 percent
Narmada: 21 percent
Navsari: 16 percent
Tapi: 19 percent
Dang: 20 percent
Bharuch: 22 percent

Congress asking for votes in the name of caste: Narendra Modi

“Salman Nizami asks on Twitter – Modi, who is your father, who is your mother? Among the other things he says – he calls for Azad Kashmir. He calls our army rapists. How can the people accept such people like Salman Nizami? He also says there will be an Afzal from every home,” ANI also quoted the prime minister as saying.

Modi is currently addressing a rally in Lunavada.

Congress has been rejected comprehensively across the nation. Gujarat too will reject the Congress and will punish them for their politics: PM Modi in Lunavada #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/pMDDgpWPPx

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

There are reports of EVM malfunctioning in several polling stations. Request the Election Commission to take necessary action immediately

— Ahmed Patel Memorial (@ahmedpatel) December 9, 2017

A look at how BJP and Congress performed in 2012:

Here's a glimpse of the 2012 election performances of the two major parties - @incindia and @bjp4india - across constituencies in Gujarat | #ElectionsWithNews18 pic.twitter.com/aMJgl8JX6o

— News18 (@CNNnews18) December 9, 2017

11 percent voting recorded in first two hours of polling

Around 11 percent voter turnout was recorded in the initial two hours during polling on 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions in the first phase of the crucial Gujarat assembly polls.

After the polling process began at 8 am, people could be seen stepping out of their homes despite cold weather and queuing up to exercise their franchise at the polling stations.

According to officials, around 11 percent voting has been recorded in the first two hours.

Although there were reports of technical glitches in EVMs in Surat and some other centres, the polling process resumed after the machines were replaced, officials of the Election Commission said.

In the first two hours, several important leaders and candidates cast their votes, including Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, his opponent on Rajkot-West seat Indranil Rajyaguru, senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel, Gujarat BJP chief Jitu Vaghani and Congress MLA of Amreli seat Paresh Dhanan, among others. — PTI

Hardik Patel and GST stand in the way of an easy win for BJP

Between BJP repeating its 2012 performance — winning 63 seats out of 89 going to the polls — stand Patidar reservation activist Hardil Patel and cumbersome procedures of GST.  There is no denying the fact that there has been palpable resentment among the people in the run up to the polls against the BJP, a party which they strongly supported for close to two and half decades.

Hardik’s influence is put to test in Saurastra region and GST’s implication is put to test in Surat, diamond and textile hub. In last few days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the campaigning pitch to an emotive level, putting it on the top of everything else. The key question is — has that convinced voters to continue preferring the BJP over Congress? After all, their vote would decide who rules Gujarat for next five years.

BJP’s Reshma Patel arrives to cast her vote amid protests

A group of Patidars protest as BJP's Reshma Patel arrives to cast her vote in Junagadh, #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/cLGt3QZmFQ

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Chetan Patel, a voter from Rajkot, says he ‘stands with development’

Poor water storage systems of Amreli

In 2015, Amreli district had 117 percent rainfall of the average, but by 2016 summer, the district was struggling for water. This reflects on the districts poor storage systems.

Wherever there are complaints of EVM malfunctioning, it should be dealt with immediately: Ahmed Patel, Congress #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/CPkE8hM6cq

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

10 percent polling registered in first two hours

Visible enthusiasm among voters marked the first phase of Gujarat election on Saturday as large queues lined up outside 24,689 polling booths. The Election Commission said it received several complaints against malfunctioning EVMs and VVPATs, while the Model Code of Conduct was also violated at a few places.

In the first two hours of polling in 89 constituencies spread across 19 districts of Kutch, Saurashtra and the southern region of the state, an overall 10 percent polling was registered, a poll official said.

People showed unprecedented and overwhelming response in Rajkot and Amreli as sources said there was 16 percent polling since 8 am.

Election Commission official says faulty EVMs have been fixed, and voting has resumed

Have replaced two machines and one VVPAT, you cannot really call it a technical error, these are electronic items there can be some issues. Now everything is okay & voting has started: Vipul Goti, Master Trainer, Election Commission in Surat's Varaccha #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/RVF86aW4Wh

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Another Patel youth says he is voting to bring in parivartan

A voter from Rajkot says people are choosing between development and change in these Assembly polls

Congress won’t ape BJP but will fight for issues that affect people, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said his party would not imitate BJP leaders who “abuse” him, and asserted that he would fight over the issues which affect the people of poll-bound Gujarat.

“A leader told me that whatever Mani Shankar-ji (Mani Shankar Aiyar) said about (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi was wrong, but what about Modi_ji_ and people from BJP saying wrong things about you, abusing you, and saying (objectionable things) about you on Internet? I told him he belongs to Congress and not the BJP, so we will not do what they do, we have a history,” Gandhi said.

‘Burden of making Congress return to power after 27 years rests on Hardik’s perceived influence’

For long, Congress’ pre-poll punch line was Congress ka haath Garib ke saath, but in December 2017, during the Gujarat election campaigns, it changed to something else – Hardik ka haath, Congress ke saath.

Of the three “young Turks”, which sections of media tirelessly talked about, two of them — Jignesh Mewani and Aplesh Thakor — could bring any dividend or so to say help Congress is swinging tribal and OBC votes in favour of the party. That burden of ousting BJP from power and making Congress return after 27 years rests on Hardik’s perceived influence.  As the polling is on in 89 constituencies, it’s now on to the voters .

Hardik’s attack on BJP is good news for Congress

Hardik Patel has been effective in egging the electorate on in Amreli’s rural Patidar, most of whom are farmers. He doesn’t mention reservation as emphatically but the farm distress and Hardik’s attack on the BJP bode well for the Congress.

The water woes continue to hurt Amreli. The SAUNI Yojana is a work in progress and farmers here are still waiting for Narmada water.

Hardik Patel, GST key factors working against GST

Between BJP repeating its 2012 performance (winning 63 seats out of 89 going to the polls) stand Patidar reservation activist Hardil Patel and cumbersome procedures of GST.

There is no denying the fact that there has been palpable resentment among cross sections of people in the run up to the polls against the BJP, a party which they strongly supported for close to two-and-half decades.

Hardik’s influence is put to test in Saurastra region and GST’s implication is put to test in Surat, diamond and textile hub.

In the last few days, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the campaigning pitch to an emotive level, putting it on the top of everything else. The key question is whether convinced voters will continue preferring the BJP over Congress. After all, their vote would decide who rules Gujarat for next five years.

North Indian voter complains of negligence

गुजरात में 22 सालों से भाजपा की सरकार है।

मैं केवल इतना पूछूंगा-
क्या कारण है इस बार प्रधानमंत्री जी के भाषणों में ‘विकास’ गुम है?
मैंने गुजरात के रिपोर्ट कार्ड से 10 सवाल पूछे, उनका भी जवाब नहीं।
पहले चरण का प्रचार ख़त्म होने तक घोषणा पत्र नहीं।

तो क्या अब ‘भाषण ही शासन’ है?

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 9, 2017

Nearly 400 crorepati candidates will contest Gujarat polls

As many as 397 crorepati candidates are in the fray for the Gujarat Assembly elections, an analysis of their election affidavits done by two NGOs has found.

Of the total 1,828 candidates trying their luck in the two-phased Assembly polls, 1,098 nominees have passed class 12 or below. Also, there are only 118 women candidates in the fray, according to the report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Gujarat Election Watch (GEW).

While 198 out of the total 977 candidates of the first phase have declared assets worth more than Rs 1 crore, 199 nominees out of the total 851 of second phase have emerged as ‘crorepati’ as per the analysis of their affidavits conducted by the NGOs.

Congress' Arjun Modhwadia casts his vote at a polling booth in Porbandar, he is contesting against BJP's sitting MLA Babu Bokhiria. #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/zltmNtIkRj

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara casts his vote in Rajkot's Ravi Vidayalaya booth. #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/NobynWfp6P

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Will the women of Gujarat continue supporting Narendra Modi?

The number of women queuing up to vote early morning is indicative of the fact that they take democracy seriously.

In this election in Gujarat, the mood of women voters will be watched very closely by the BJP. Over the years, Narendra Modi has had tremendous appeal among women voters and in the past, they have voted decisively for Narendra Modi.

Do they continue to support Modi and his party when he is away as prime minister? While much has been talked about Patidar, OBC, Muslim, tribal factor, there has not any worthwhile ground level assessment about what womenfolk think of this election, how are they going to vote, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

a significant number of women attended Modi’s rallies. Will they come out and vote for him when Modi — in the last two days — has linked this election with son of soil’s pride and by extension with Gujarati ashmita?

Ahmed Patel casts his vote, says Congress will win over 110 seats

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel casts his vote in Bharuch's Ankleshwar, says 'Congress will win more than 110 seats' #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/V3CGobtwZ4

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Faulty EVM in Surat’s Varachha replaced

Faulty EVM in Sardar Patel Vidyalaya booth in Surat's Varaccha has been replaced #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/X6Tzu7aNCs

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Mixed reactions come from north Indian migrants in Dindoli, Surat

Technical error reported in 33 EVMs in Rajkot

#Rajkot : 33 EVMs show technical error during voting :https://t.co/JE97bFhCNg#Gujarat #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/7ysO96pLqz

— Tv9 Gujarati (@tv9gujarati) December 9, 2017

Woman voter praises Modi for security of women in Gujarat

Communal polarisation powerful tool in Gujarat

Communal polarisation is a powerful tool in Gujarat. Amreli has a sizeable Patel population, which has historically been anti-Muslim. The Hindutva card is played by BJP to undo the Hardik Patel effect.

8.5 percent voter turnout in the first hour of voting in Gujarat: CNN-News18

Even wedding ceremonies won’t stop people from voting…

A couple reaches polling booth in Bharuch's Bahumali building to cast their votes before their wedding ceremony #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/laEvfU75Zl

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

EVM malfunctioning reported from areas like Surat, Rajkot: Times Now

BJP seeks to mobilise other backward castes to make up for lost votes

With the first phase of polling in Gujarat already in progress, the one issue which is being discussed is the role that the Patel factor may play in the election results. Will the Patel’s unhappiness hurt BJP or will it end up helping the ruling party in the state? Could it be that the Patel discourse may mobilise other castes?

Nimish Bhai Kadiya and Rakesh Bhai Kadiya in Rajkot’s Limda Chowk believe it would.

A mason by profession, Nimish Bhai who belongs to the OBC community says, “The Patel issue is not as big as it’s being played out. Yes, there’s talk, but we have been voting for BJP. It’s not going to make much of a difference.”

Click here to read the full analysis.

Congress leader Indranil Rajyaguru arrives with his family to cast vote

Indranil Rajyaguru, contesting against Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, asks people to vote

Why Yogi Adityanath’s speech was crucial

BJP has recognised that it’s struggling among farmers, which is why Yogi Adityanath’s speech was crucial. Through the speech, he made repeated references to Ayodhya, Italy and Rahul Gandhi’s Somnath visit, to polarise the election.

Let us together make a new #Gujarat, full of vibrancy, happiness n growth.
Let us all walk Hand in Hand so that Gujarat prospers more n more.
All @INCGujarat candidates have been working so hard n I wish them good luck in #GujaratElection2017. #NavsarjanGujarat #GujaratRound1

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) December 9, 2017

Visuals of Vijay Rupani casting his vote along with family members

Farmers in Amreli particularly angry with Modi

Amreli is predominantly agrarian and the farmers there are particularly angry with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over falling crop prices.

Moreover, cotton, which was sold at Rs 1,200/20 kg three years ago, today sells at Rs 850-900. Meanwhile, the production cost has tripled.

As chief minister, Modi often castigated the then prime minister Manmohan Singh and demanded the prices be raised to Rs 1,500. The main gripe of farmers is that Modi as prime minister has not done anything on this issue himself.

Here are two different opinions from the Patidar community on Hardik Patel:

Visuals of Vijay Rupani casting his vote

CM Vijay Rupani casts his vote in Rajkot. He is contesting against Congress’ Indranil Rajyaguru from Rajkot-West seat #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/d38IIAPs0v

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Voters in Surat divided over Hardik Patel

Vijay Rupani’s family members urge voters to turn out in large numbers

Vijay Rupani’s daughter on Gujarat polls:

Vijay Rupani casts his vote

PAAS leader calls Hardik Patel’s support for Congress ‘fixing’

Hardik Patel’s key aide and senior member of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) Dinesh Bambhania on Friday alleged that the quota agitation spearhead’s support to the Congress party smacks of some kind of “fixing” between them.

Bambhania said he could not understand why Patel was supporting the Congress party, despite it not clarifying how it would give reservation to the Patidar community if voted to power.

People in Godhra speak out

Gujarat BJP chief casts his vote

BJP Gujarat Chief Jitubhai Vaghani casts his vote in Bhavnagar #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/oHJ7ULxTj6

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

मतदाताओं की भागीदारी लोकतंत्र की आत्मा होती है। गुजरात चुनाव में पहली बार वोट डाल रहे युवा साथियों का बहुत स्वागत और अभिनन्दन। गुजरात की जनता से अपील है कि भारी संख्या में मतदान कर लोकतंत्र के इस पर्व को सफल बनाएं।

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 9, 2017

Vijay Rupani arrives at polling booth in Rajkot-West to vote

We will teach BJP a lesson: Voter in north Surat

My Dear Citizens,

Your vote is crucial. Please exercise your franchise and affirm your right of nation building.

— Vijay Rupani (@vijayrupanibjp) December 9, 2017

Visuals of people voting in Rajkot-West:

In some of Ahmedabad’s Dalit colonies, people survive without toilets:

Vijay Rupani urgers voters to turn out in large numbers

“Voting will begin for the first phase. There is a lot of enthusiasm. We want people to use this process of democracy and turn out in large numbers,” Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said.

“There is no question of any (close) contest,” Rupani further said, when asked about what he thought about the contest in the state.

Voting for first phase of #GujaratElection2017 begins. Visuals from Bharuch's Ankleshwar pic.twitter.com/gOduleVrRO

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Voting begins for 89 seats in the first phase of Gujarat election 2017

Narendra Modi cashed in on Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remark

Narendra Modi wouldn’t let go the issue, which thanks to Aiyar, a motormouth Congress leader and avowed Gandhi-Nehru family loyalist, had fallen in his lap at the most critical time of electioneering in his home state, Gujarat. More so, it had come just ahead of the first phase of polling. It should be noted that in the past 22 years since the time BJP came to power in the state, December 2017 election is perhaps the toughest election the party is facing.

Modi sells high in Gujarat. Sections of people across the state may have a varying degree of resentment against the BJP and but even those (barring hardcore all season Modi critics) who are showing their displeasure and anger against the ruling party, its policies and practices still have a soft corner for the prime minister.

Voting to begin shortly

Voting for first phase of #GujaratElection2017 to begin shortly. Visuals from polling booth no 62 in Rajkot pic.twitter.com/ju40GxFM1d

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

BJP has turned leaders like Patel, Gandhi into ‘product’: Rahul Gandhi

BJP has turned leaders such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose into “product”, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said on Friday.

Gandhi addressed a campaign meeting in Anand town in central Gujarat which is historically associated with Patel, a stalwart of freedom struggle and the country’s first home minister.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani will cast his vote here in Rajkot-West at around 8.30 am:

Urging voters to turn out in record numbers: Narendra Modi

Phase 1 of Gujarat polls begin. Urging all those voting today to turnout in record numbers and vote. I particularly call upon youngsters to exercise their franchise.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 9, 2017

Maximum number of candidates contesting are from Jamnagar Rural

First phase: Maximum candidates contesting on a seat are 27 from Jamnagar Rural. Minimum are 3 from Jhagadia and Gandevi #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/ZHprC6x6YI

— ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2017

Rahul Gandhi during his final campaign before the first phase of polling in Gujarat

Of the people, by the people, for the people. #गुजरात_में_नया_सवेरा pic.twitter.com/XKgadzz6J3

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 8, 2017

8 seats with over 16 candidates

There are eight seats with more than 16 candidates. The maximum of 27 are in Jamnagar Rural seat. There are just three candidates each in Jhagadia and Ganadevi constituencies, both Scheduled Tribe seats.

Wherever there are more than 16 candidates, two ballot units will be put up.

Inputs from PTI

Over two crore voters eligible to vote today

Of the 2,12,31,652 voters, 1,11,05,933 are males and 1,01,25,472 females while 247 are from the third gender.

Polling to take place today for 9 hours

Polling on Saturday will begin at 8 am and end at 5 pm at a total of 24,689 polling booths.

Updates for Saturday, 9 December begin here

The millionaire club: Who has the richest candidates

Polling to begin at 8 am

Poll preparations underway

Minimum candidates contesting from Jhagadia, Ganadevi seats

There are just three candidates each in Jhagadia and Ganadevi constituencies. Both these constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Tribe candidates.

Maximum candidates contesting from Jamnagar Rural

The maximum of 27 are in Jamnagar Rural seat and there are eight seats with more than 16 candidates. Wherever there are more than 16 candidates, two ballot units will be put up.

Mock polls to be conducted at every polling station before actual polling: EC

Amid a host of measures to ensure integrity of EVMs, the Election Commission said that the presiding officers will conduct mock polls at all polling stations with at least 50 votes to ensure that the EVMs are functioning properly. The mock poll exercise will be conducted at least one hour before the actual polling starts.

Dhoraji seat a prestige issue for Hardik Patel 

The contest on Dhoraji seat of Gujarat will be a prestige issue for Hardik Patel as one of his key aides, Lalit Vasoya, is contesting from there on Congress’ ticket. Vasoya will be taking on veteran BJP leader and former Lok Sabha MP Harilal Patel on this Patel community-dominated Assembly constituency in Rajkot district.

Dhoraji is the only Assembly constituency on which Congress has fielded a leader from Hardik Patel-led PAAS.

Congress promises constitutionally impossible, financially improbable: Jaitley

​

The BJP on Friday said the Congress poll manifesto in Gujarat promising quota for Patidars and farm debt waiver was “ constitutionally impossible ” and “financially improbable” and that the party’s policy of social polarisation would harm the state.

“One of Congress’ poll promises is constitutionally impossible, which is reservation. It cannot go beyond 50 per cent. The Congress vision is based on constitutional impossibility.”

The Congress in its manifesto has promised that if it forms the government in the state, it will bring in a special bill to provide quotas for those who are not presently entitled to any reservation and Patidars will get quota under special category. The quota given to OBCs, STs and SCs will not be touched.

Ahead of Gujarat polling, EC seeks to allay fears on EVMs integrity

the Election Commission on Friday sought to allay apprehensions vis-a-vis the integrity of its EVMs by saying that it has put in place “an elaborate framework of system, security protocols and procedural checks” to prevent any “possible misuse” of the voting machines.

Any malfunctioning EVM or VVPAT found during the first level checks were sent to the factories so that the same cannot be used in the election, it said, adding that after the first level checks, the machines are kept in strong room under round the clock security and CCTV coverage.

Kutch, Saurashtra crucial regions in first phase polling

Saurashtra and Kutch are crucial for the ruling BJP as these two regions have the highest concentration of seats in the first phase. Political pundits believe that the party winning the maximum number of seats from Saurashtra and Kutch will be better placed to form the next government in the state. 

Saurashtra, located on the Arabian Sea coast, covers 11 districts of the state. Kutch is the largest district in Gujarat, comprising 10 talukas, 939 villages and six municipalities.

Of the 58 seats in Saurashtra and Kutch, the BJP had won 35 in the 2012 Assembly polls and the Congress 20. Of the remaining three seats, two were won by the now-defunct Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) of Keshubhai Patel and one by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

What are VVPAT machines

VVPAT machines are special printers attached to the voting machine. When a voter presses a button in the EVM, a paper slip is printed through the VVPAT. The slip contains the poll symbol and name of the candidate. It allows the voter to verify his/her choice.  After being visible to the voter from a glass case in the VVPAT for seven seconds, the ballot slip will be cut and dropped into the drop box in the VVPAT machine and a beep will be heard. VVPAT machines can be accessed by polling officers only.

After Goa, Gujarat to be second state to use VVPAT machines for polling

Gujarat would be the second state after Goa where the voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) system would be used, along with electronic voting machines (EVMs), at all the 50,128 polling booths. Political parties have been raising their doubts about the electronic voting machines. However, the Election Commission has said that the machines remain tamper-proof.

Gujarat Phase One Polling: Key points at a glance

Voters to cast polls for 89 seats in phase one

A total of 89 seats — out of 182 — spanning the Saurashtra and south Gujarat regions, are up for grabs in the first phase with 977 candidates in the fray, including Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) BB Swain said around 2.12 crore of the 4.35 crore voters of the state were expected to exercise their franchise on Saturday.

BJP launched manifesto just a day before polling; Rahul Gandhi slams party’s ‘arrogance’

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, BJP Gujarat president Jitu Vaghani and BJP leader Bhupendra Yadav released the BJP’s manifesto for the Gujarat Assembly elections in Ahmedabad on Friday. The Bharatiya Janata Party, while releasing its sankalp patra (vision document), said that the document will focus on the party’s development plank for Gujarat. ​

Rahul Gandhi however, slammed the move. “We raised questions about Manifesto & BJP hastily prepared it behind closed doors. Congress asked for it so Arun Jaitley released it. Otherwise why do they need it when they think they’re going to govern here for 100 years? Such is their arrogance,” he said.

Expect a tough contest in BJP ‘safe seat’ Rajkot West

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The Gujarat Chief Minister is contesting election from Rajkot-West, often seen as a safe seat for BJP, which has been representing it since 1985. However, this time around the odds may not align so easily in the favour of BJP as Rupani is facing Congress’ Indranil Rajyaguru. 

Though Rajkot-West is a stronghold of the RSS, the Congress has mounted a strong challenge by bringing in Rajyaguru, the sitting MLA from Rajkot-East, to rework the caste combination in the party’s favour.

Rupani must also overcome the discontent Patidars, who are the largest community in the seat. Out of 3.15 lakh voters in the constituency, the number of Kadva and Leuva Patidars is the highest at 62,000, followed by Brahmins, Lohana and Jain communities.

Voters from Saurashtra, South Gujarat to decide fate of 977 candidates on Saturday

Gujarat goes to the polls on Saturday for the first phase of the assembly election being held in 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat regions with 977 candidates in the fray. After a campaign that often turned vituperative, around 2.12 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise in Modi’s home state tomorrow to choose between the ruling BJP and the Congress.