Assembly Election 2021 Updates: Mamata in Nandigram dares BJP to play 'Hindu' card; RJD joins Congress in Assam

Postal ballots being used as mode for proxy voting, alleges West Bengal BJP

The West Bengal BJP has written to West Bengal Chief Secretary claiming that “attempts being made to use postal ballot as a mode to ensure proxy votes in favour of the ruling party”, reports news agency ANI.

West Bengal BJP has written to West Bengal Chief Secretary stating, "attempts being made to use postal ballot as a mode to ensure proxy votes in favour of the ruling party" pic.twitter.com/DL4CGl3af4

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2021

Plea in SC seeks direction to Centre to not open any further window for sale of electoral bonds

 A plea was Tuesday filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre and others to not open any further window for sale of electoral bonds during the pendency of a case pertaining to funding of political parties and alleged lack of transparency in their accounts. The application filed by an NGO in the pending petition has claimed that there is a serious apprehension that any further sale of electoral bonds before the upcoming Assembly elections, including in West Bengal and Assam, would further increase illegal and illicit funding of political parties through shell companies.

It alleged that as per data on electoral bonds declared by political parties in their audit reports for 2017-18 and 2018-19, the ruling party had received more than 60 percent of the total electoral bonds issued till date. While seeking a direction to the Centre not to allow any further sale of electoral bonds during the pendency of matter, the application claimed that so far more than Rs 6,500 crores worth of electoral bonds have been sold with the majority of donations going to the ruling party.

 PTI

Kamal Haasan invites DMDK to join alliance

Hours after the DMDK walked out of the alliance with the AIADMK, Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan invited the DMDK to the front led by him and welcomed other like minded parties as well. The alliance led by him, “is not the third but the first front,” he said.

PTI

Plea in SC seeks direction to Centre to not open any further window for sale of electoral bonds

A plea was Tuesday filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre and others to not open any further window for sale of electoral bonds during the pendency of a case pertaining to funding of political parties and alleged lack of transparency in their accounts, reports PTI

The application filed by ‘Association for Democratic Reforms’, an NGO, in the pending petition has claimed that there is a serious apprehension that any further sale of electoral bonds before the upcoming Assembly elections would further increase illegal and illicit funding of political parties through shell companies, said the application filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visits Shamshabad Mazar in Nandigram

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visits Shamshabad Mazar in Nandigram and offers a chadar there. pic.twitter.com/c1ZSv2vVU0

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2021

Watch: Mamata Banerjee serves tea at stall in Nandigram

#WATCH: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee serves tea to everyone at a tea stall in Nandigram. The CM herself had tea at the stall. pic.twitter.com/0FwnNgZF44

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2021

RJD joins ‘Grand Alliance’ in Assam

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) said that it has joined the Opposition Congress-led ‘Grand Alliance’ in Assam and will contest one seat during the first phase of the assembly election. With this, the number of constituents in the Grand Alliance has gone up to eight. RJD Assam president Shonarul Shah Mustafa told news agency PTI that the party has formally joined the opposition grouping and it will contest the Tinsukia constituency which will go topolls during the first phase on27 March .  “Now talks are on between central leaders of the RJD and the Congress to finalise the seat-sharing agreement for the second and third phase of polling,” he said.

PTI

ITBP carries out confidence buidling march in Kolkata

ITBP jawans carried out Flag March and patrolling with local police in the area of Golpark, Jadhavpur area under Rabindra Sarobar PS and at Rajarhat area, Kolkata for instilling confidence among the local population in forthcoming West Bengal Assembly Elections: ITBP pic.twitter.com/3rlQWQtQ8s

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2021

TMC to retain power in Wet Bengal, predicts Times Now C Voter opinion poll

Times Now C Voter Opinion poll has predicted that ruling All India Trinamool Congress Party may retain power in West Bengal but BJP will make huge gains. The TMC could get around 154 of the state’s 294 seats, six more than the majority mark of 147 and down from 211 that the party won in 2016. The BJP, meanwhile, is expected to make major gains and may secure 107 seats – a massive gain from its current tally of three – the opinion poll said. The Left-Congress-led alliance could get around 33 seats, as per the survey results.

It is important to note thatpre-poll opinion surveys try to predict the actual result on the basis of the information collected from voters but often miss the mark. The actual results of the elections may vay from the predictions.

Suvendu Adhikari gives call to oust TMC at Jhargram rally

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari gave a clarion call to oust the TMC from power in Bengal as he led a ‘padayatra’ in Jhargram district. Adhikari, sporting a saffron ’tilak’ on his forehead, chanted ‘Hare Krishna Hare Hare, BJP Ghore Ghore’ (BJP in every household), as a battery of saffron party workers cheered for him. Some of his supporters also raised the slogan ‘TMC sarkar aar nei darkar’ (we dont need the TMC government any longer), while holding high lotus symbol cutouts and saffron- coloured balloons. The former state cabinet minister, while talking to reporters, said he will campaign for saffron camp candidates of Paschim Medinipur and Jangalmahal every other day.

Incidentally, Adhikari’s former mentor and TMC boss Mamata Banerjee held a public meeting in Nandigram during the day, as he canvassed for BJP candidates in Jhargram. 

PTI

JD(S) announces four candidates for Kerala polls

Janata Dal (Secular) announces four candidates for the Kovalam, Thiruvalla, Chittur and Ankamali constituencies in Kerala. 

Kerala State JD(S) President Mathew T Thomas is among the candidates whom the party has fielded and he will be contesting from Thiruvalla assembly seat. The other three are Dr Neela Lohithadassa Nadar from Kovalam, K Krishnan Kutty from Chittur, and Jose Thettayil from Ankamali.

Kerala: Janata Dal announces four candidates for Kovalam, Thiruvalla, Chittur, Ankamali constituencies, contesting for Kerala Legislative Assembly elections pic.twitter.com/kVKDxq0M6w

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2021

MNM to announce first list of candidates at 9 am tomorrow

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan said that the first list of candidates will be announced at 9 am on Wednesday, reports news agency ANI. Earlier in the day, the party finalised a seat sharing pact with two of its allies for the 6 April Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu and is set to contest from 154 segments out of the 234 constituencies.

First list of candidates will be announced tomorrow at 9 am: Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan#TamilNaduElections2021 pic.twitter.com/HzAvfXFG1n

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2021

EC doubles broadcast time broadcast time for political parties during Assembly polls

The Election Commission has decided to double the broadcast/telecast time allotted to each national party and recognized state party from Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on Doordarshan and All India Radio during the ongoing Assembly elections.

CPI releases list of 21 candidates for Kerala polls

Communist Party of India, part of Left Democratic Front, will contest in 25 seats in Kerala, ANI quotes CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran as saying. Rajendram said that a list of 21 candidates has been released and a list of four candidates will be released later. “Those who contested two consecutive terms not in the fray,” he says. According to the Indian Express, prominent names in the list of candidates include outgoing revenue minister E Chandrasekharan (Kanjangad), Chittayam Kanhaiya Kumar’s batchmate Muhammad Muhsin (Pattambi) and CK Asha (Vaikkom).

Congress announces three more candidates from West Bengal

INC COMMUNIQUE

Important Notification regarding candidates for West Bengal elections pic.twitter.com/9IbpfxH3m5

— INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) March 9, 2021

Game on in Nandigram on 1 April, says Mamata Banerjee

According to the Indian Express, the West Bengal chief minister said the game will be on in Nandigram on 1April. “Nandigram will vote on April 1, make them (BJP) April Fool that day,” she reportedly said. “Don’t give in to threats and don’t vote in exchange of money. Have faith, TMC will emerge victorious,” she added.

Will make Nandigram model region for entire country, says Mamata Banerjee

Banerjee listed several development projects for the region, including the construction of a bridge connecting Nandigram with Haldia, according to News18. The West Bengal chief minister vowed to make Nandigram a model for the whole country and added that a university will be built in Nandigram and the same will be mentioned in TMC’s election manifesto.

Divisive politics will not work in Nandigram, says Mamata Banerjee

Divisive politics will not work in Nandigram, PTI quotes Mamata Banerjee as saying in Nandigram.

Will stay in Nandigram till required, says Mamata Banerjee

Banerjee tells the rally she has rented a 2bhk house in Nandigram and promises to she will stay here till required. She says she does politics honestly and not like those who have “deep pockets and dirty heart”.

Mamata Banerjee chants ‘Chandi Paath’

“There was no one fighting for the people of Nandigram, except me; I was tortured, yet stood my ground”, India Today, quotes Mamata as saying. “Those calling me outsider in Nandigram are outsiders themselves,” she said, according to PTI.

The CM went on to chant famous ‘Chandi Paath’ and dared the saffron party to play the “Hindu” card. “Don’t lie during elections,” said Mamata, added, “I can recite all Hindu prayers, I will teach you how to become a good Hindu. Khela hobe? (will you play).”

Won’t forget Nandigram, says Banerjee

Mamata Banerjee address rally in Nandigram. According to India Today, Banerjee says she never deserted Nandigram and  accuses BJP of ‘divide and rule’. “I can forget my own name, won’t forget Nandigram,” she reportedly said.

Mamata Banerjee reaches Nandigram

West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has reached Nandigram, reports News18. Banerjee will file her nomination papers for the constituency tomorrow. Banerjee will contest the Nandigram seat for the first time after relinquishing the Bhowanipore constituency in Kolkata, from where she had won twice. The TMC supremo has rented a house in Nandigram and will campaign from there. She is pitted against former TMC leader Suvendu Adhikari who is contesting on a BJP ticket.

Assam has witnessed unprecedented development in last five years, says Sonowal

Before filing his nomination papers, Sonowal addressed a huge rally where NEDA convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma, AGP president Atul Bora, BJP’s state unit president Ranjeet Dass and state party in-charge Baijyanta Panda were present. He sought the blessings of the people to return him and the party to power so that they continue to “serve the state and ensure further development initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”.

Sonowal said that during the last five years, the state has witnessed unprecedented development.“In the last Assembly elections we came to you promising ‘poriborton’ (change) and to protect ‘Jati-Mati- Bheti’ (identity, land and the base), which we have fulfilled with dedication and we appeal for your continued love and trust in us so that we can continue with this journey,” he said.

PTI

Assam CM files nomination papers

Assam chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal files his nomination papers from the  Majuli Assembly constituency for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state, reports news agency ANI. The chief minister filed his papers on the last day of submitting nominations before Majuli Deputy Commissioner
Bikram Kairi.

Assam Assembly elections: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal files nomination papers from Majuli Assembly constituency. pic.twitter.com/Aaq0zWLNYo

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2021

NDA to win Assam polls with thin margin, predicts Times Now C Voter opinion poll

The BJP led NDA will face a close contest from the Opposition alliance but win the Assam Assembly polls, with a thin margin, the Times Now C Voter opinion poll has predicted. The opinion poll has projected 67 seats for the ruling NDA and 57 for the Congress led UPA in the 126 member Assembly/

SC puts in abeyance arrest warrant against Begal BJP candidate Bharati Ghosh

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that the non-bailable arrest warrant against BJP candidate and former IPS officer Bharati Ghosh in connection with the 2019 Lok Sabha polls violence case be kept in abeyance till the conclusion of the Assembly polls in West Bengal.  Ghosh is contesting from Derba constituency in the state against Trinamool Congress candidate Humayun Kabir, also a former IPS officer.  A bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, S Abdul Nazeer and Hemant Gupta said no further coercive action should be taken against Ghosh in the case. The top court listed the matter for further hearing after two months. 

PTI

Congress’ Rakibul Hussain files nomination for Assam polls

Congress Rakibul Hussain said on Twitter that he filed his nomination for the Samaguri constituency. According to reports, Congress’ Bhupen Bora also filed his papers to contest from Bihpuria.

Powered by love & support of the people, filed my nomination for Samaguri LAC at Nagaon, in the presence Sh. @RipunBora, Sh. @GauravGogoiAsm & Sh. @PradyutBordoloi. We are ready to usher in a new future for Assam, one defined by peace & prosperity!#CongressIsWinningAssam pic.twitter.com/V288gmB1XY

— Rakibul Hussain (@rakibul_inc) March 9, 2021

AIMIM-AMMK to hold joint campaign on 12 March, says Owaisi

We will contest 3 seats in alliance with TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK in Vaniyambadi, Sankarapuram and Krishnagiri. On March 12, we will jointly campaign to give a third political alternative to the people: AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi on alliance formation for #TamilNaduElections2021 pic.twitter.com/52EZmTC0iP

— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2021

Assam breaks records in poll seizures, items worth Rs18 crore confiscated so far

Assam broke all previous records in seizures of cash, liquor, drugs and other goods in the run-up to the Assembly polls with various agencies already confiscating over Rs 18 crore worth of items and arresting around 110 people in the last 11 days, officials said on Tuesday. The highest amount of seizures worth over Rs 5.72 crore took place during the 24 hours, starting 9 am on Sunday, an official told news agency PTI.

AINRC, BJP announce tie-up in Puducherry

Former Puducherry chief minister Rangasamy’s NR Congress finalises tie up with BJP, said reports. The AINRC will contest 16 seats while the  BJP and AIADMK will fight on 14 seats. According to The Hindu, Rangasamy will head the alliance.

DMDK pulls out of AIADMK-BJP alliance

Actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) exits AIADMK-BJP alliance, said reports. According to a NewsMinute report, Vijayakant said in a statement, “In the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2021, DMDK held talks with AIADMK in three sittings. The AIADMK refused to allot the requested numbers of the seats and the demanded seats. So as the negotiations did not reach a desired conclusion and since all of DMDK district secretaries reached a decision, DMDK has decided to quit AIADMK and DMDK alliance from March 9.”

Assam’s Kamrup Metropolitan district to have 125-all women polling booths

 To encourage female voters to  exercise their franchise, the authorities have decided to set up 125 all-women polling booths in the Kamrup Metropolitan district of Assam, officials said on Tuesday. These booths will be managed by women officials only, they said. This initiative towards gender equality is an attempt to boost the participation of women in the electoral process, an election official said. Ten such polling booths will be set up in the Jalukbari constituency, 65 in Guwahati (East), 20 in Guwahati (West), and 30 booths in the Dispur seat, she said.

The training for the women presiding officers and poll officials has commenced in Guwahati from 6 March, and will continue till17  March , she added.

PTI

BJP releases list of star campaigners in Assam 

Ahead of the three-phased Assam Assembly elections, the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on Monday released the list of star campaigners. The ruling party’s list includes consists of 20 ministers, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, among others.

The Assam polls will be held in three phases on 27 March, 1 and 6 April. The counting of votes will take place on 2 May.

Suvendu Adhikari to be accompanied by Smriti Irani, Mithun Chakraborty on 12 March

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is likely to be accompanied by Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Dharmendra Pradhan and actor Mithun Chakraborty when he files his nomination papers from the Nandigram seat on 12 March.

The high stakes battle in Nandigram will see Suvendu taking on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who will file her nomination papers on March 10.

SC rejects plea against raising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan during poll campaign in Bengal

The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected petition filed by advocate ML Sharma challenging Election Commission’s decision to hold Assembly polls in eight phases in West Bengal. 

A bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde dismissed the plea, which had also sought to bar the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders from using the “Jai Shri Ram” slogan during the poll campaign in the state.

The bench initially asked the petitioner, to approach the Calcutta High Court. “I rely upon a judgment. This is not a matter of an election petition. One party is using a religious slogan. Why should I go to the high court,” Sharma told the bench, which also comprised justices AS Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian.

When the petitioner said the matter be kept for hearing on Wednesday, the bench said, “Alright, we do not agree with you. Dismissed.”

At least 415 companies of CAPF to be deployed in Bengal during phase 1: EC

All booths in West Bengal where polling will be held in the first phase of the state elections are ‘sensitive and vulnerable’ and central forces will be deployed in all of them, the Election Commission said on Monday.

The deployment of the CAPF will ensure that the people can exercise free and fair voting rights, a senior official of the CEO’s office said.

The EC will deploy at least 415 companies of CAPF for the first phase of the polling on 27 March, he said.

Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Kamal Haasan’s party finalises seat-sharing deal

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan’s party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has finalised the seat-sharing deal for the upcoming Assembly election in Tamil Nadu. His party will contest on 154 out of 234 Assembly seats.

Haasan said the party left the remaining 80 seats for its two alliance partners – All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) and Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi – who will contest on 40 seats each.

Amit Shah advocates communalism, faces grave crimes of murder: Pinarayi Vijayan 

A day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah threw questions at him, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday made a scathing counterattack, calling Shah the “embodiment of communalism”, who is “ready to do anything to nurture communalism”.

In a tit-for-tat a day after Shah posed him questions over the gold and dollar smuggling cases, the Marxist leader asked the union minister whose name had been mentioned in the charge sheet of “a fake encounter and kidnapping” cases.

“Amit Shah is an embodiment of communalism. He will do anything to nurture communalism. Even though he became a union minister, he has not changed much. The leader of RSS which propagates communalism is here to teach us secularism,” Vijayan said.

Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Final list of candidates in Kerala to be announced soon

In Kerala, discussions on candidate selection and seat-sharing of major political fronts is in its final phase. It is being reported that the seat-sharing talks have been completed in the LDF.

Although consensus has been reached regarding candidate selection in CPM and CPI, the final decision will be available only after a few days.  Seat-sharing in UDF has also been completed.