Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates: Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the BJP on Wednesday said that democracy should be the last word in her dictionary as it hit back at her following her letter to opposition leaders against the Narendra Modi government’s alleged assault on democracy. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said that TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has realised that she has lost ground in West Bengal and is speaking about her ‘gotra’ in desperation, but this “drama” will not help her party win the Assembly election. Addressing a rally in Thrissur, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she wanted to give a call to reject the BJP’s divisive politics and the LDF’s politics of fear fraud and favouritism. She said the Congress is not a Kerala-based party like the CPM but a people-based party. “Congress doesn’t practice the politics of divisiveness like the BJP does, our politics is of uniting you. It is about love, brotherhood and progress,” she said. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written personal letters to non-BJP leaders highlighting the “assaults” by the BJP and its government on democracy and constitutional federalism of India. Ahead of the second phase of polls in the state, Banerjee’s letter, which was released by the TMC on Wednesday, seeks to drum up support from opposition leaders by stating how non-BJP states have suffered due to the saffron party led Centre’s actions. Accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of issuing threats to its supporters in her rallies, BJP has registered a complaint with the Election Commission over comments made by her. Uttar Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hit at out both the Congress and DMK alleging that they have failed to safeguard women. Referring to some alleged derogatory remarks made by some political party leaders, including DMK MP A Raja, recently, Adityanath said this has proved that there would be no protection to women if these parties were voted to power The Election Commission has also started air surveillance in the area with the help of a helicopter, a senior official said. Congress had shot the youth of Assam during insurgencies in the past. Does any party that killed Assam’s youth has any right to ask for votes in Assam?, asked the home minister in Chirang. Amit Shah also asserted that the BJP government in the state will implement all the promises made in Bodo agreement before 2022. “I have come here to promise you that Govt of India will implement every single promise made in Bodo agreement before 2022 for a peaceful Assam,” said Shah. Mamata is scared of losing the polls. That is why she is using the gotra card. She is conducting attacks on Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP candidates. Sometimes she abuses the Election Commission, said the union minister. The former Congress chief visited Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati ahead of the second phase of Assam Assembly election. The EC said SDPO, Haldia, Barun Baidya should be replaced by Uttam Mitra. Similarly, Circle Inspector, Mahishadal, Bichitra Bikas Roy should be replaced by Inspector, Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench, Sirshendu Das. Twenty-two companies of central forces will be deployed in Nandigram seat, which is witnessing a fierce battle between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her one-time lieutenant-turned-foe BJP’s Suvendu Adhikary. The EC has also decided to deploy a 22-personnel quick response team (QRT) at Nandigram on the election day, an official told PTI. The EC has also constituted a team of officials who will supervise the proceedings in Nandigram on the poll day, he said. The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to DMK leader A Raja for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami during an election campaign. The former Union minister and DMK’s “star campaigner” has been asked to respond to the notice by 6 pm on Wednesday. Based on ground reports, the Commission said, it is of the view that “the contents of the speech made by you are not only derogatory but also obscene and lower the dignity of motherhood of women, which seems to be a serious violation of the provisions of Model Code of Conduct.” The Commission has given him “an opportunity to explain your position in this regard on or before 6 pm on 31 March, failing which the Commission shall take a decision without any further reference to you.” The notice said the EC received a complaint through the state chief electoral officer from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which alleged that Raja had made derogatory and scandalous speech against Palaniswami during an election campaign on 26 March at Thousand Lights assembly constituency. The notice pointed out that the Central Crime Branch has registered a case under the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act, 1951 against the DMK MP. The EC said that Raja had allegedly said that (DMK leader MK) “Stalin is a child of good relationship and good birth while Palaniswami is a child of bad relationship and a premature born child”. The EC also referred to some other remarks made by Raja against the chief minister.
Assembly Election 2021 Updates: BJP slams Mamata for letter to Oppn, says democracy should be 'last word' in her dictionary
Assembly Election 2021 LIVE Updates: Ahead of the second phase of polls in the state, Banerjee’s wrote a letter seeking to drum up support from Opposition leaders by highlighting how non-BJP states have suffered due to the saffron party-led Centre’s actions. read more
 "Assembly Election 2021 Updates: BJP slams Mamata for letter to Oppn, says democracy should be 'last word' in her dictionary")
Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Phase 2 polling in Assam and Bengal concludes, says EC
The Election Commission of India Thursday said that the second phase of Assam and West Bengal elections was conducted peacefully across 21,112 polling stations spread over 69 Assembly constituencies.
While more than 73 lakh electorates across 10,592 Polling Stations are registered to exercise their franchise in the 39 seats in the second phase of polling in Assam, in West Bengal, nearly 76 lakh electorates are registered across 10,620 Polling Stations in 30 Assembly Constituencies.
“Voter turnout reported by 5 pm from the 39 Assembly seats of phase 2 in Assam is 73.03 percent, whereas the poll percentage reported from the 30 constituencies of phase 2 in West Bengal is 80.43% as of 5 pm,” ANI quoted EC as saying.
“During this phase, a total of 10620 Ballot Units (BUs), 10620 Control Units(CUs) and 10620 VVPATs were used in West Bengal and 10819 Ballot Units (BUs), 10592 Control Units (CUs) and 10592 VVPATs were used in Assam,” the commission said in a release.
Webcasting arrangements were put in place for 5,535 polling stations in West Bengal and 5,193 polling stations in Assam, the commission added.
The EC also said that the option of postal ballot facility was extended to PwDs, Senior Citizens above the age of 80 years, COVID-19 suspect or affected persons and persons employed in essential services.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Mehbooba Mufti supports Mamata Banerjee’s pitch for opposition unity
Expressing solidarity with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said it is imperative for the opposition parties in the country to unite in order to protect democracy and its cherished values, reports PTI.
Mufti, who was reacting to a letter by the West Bengal chief minister to non-BJP leaders in which she pitched for opposition unity against alleged “assaults” by the saffron party and its government on democracy and constitutional federalism of India, said the need of the hour is to put up a collective fight against the onslaught .
Agree with @MamataOfficial di that in order to protect our democracy & its cherished values it is imperative for the opposition parties to unite. @derekobrienmp @AITCofficial https://t.co/7NjJtNSPeu pic.twitter.com/hmEq6ZqPln
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) March 31, 2021
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Amit Shah, BSF DG should resign if infiltration is taking place in Bengal: Abhishek Banerjee
If infiltration is taking place in West Bengal from Bangladesh as alleged by the BJP, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the BSFs director general should resign as securing the countrys border is their duty and not of the Mamata Banerjee administration, Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee said on Wednesday.
Abhishek Banerjee claimed that the Narendra Modi government failed to fulfil its promise of reopening closed tea gardens of north Bengal but at least five such gardens have resumed functioning following the intervention of the chief minister.
“Who is responsible for infiltration in West Bengal? Is it the BSF or the state police? I would say Home Minister Amit Shah and the DG of the BSF should step down as they are not successful in handling the issue. What is the use of pointing fingers at Mamata Banerjee?” he said.
BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been attacking Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly pursuing “appeasement and vote bank politics” which are responsible for infiltration in the state. Speaking at a public rally at Madarihat in North Bengal’’s Alipurduar district, Abhishek Banerjee said that the TMC government has increased the daily wage of tea garden workers from Rs 67 to Rs 202.
-PTI
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Democracy should be last word in Mamata’s dictionary: BJP
Slamming West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the BJP on Wednesday said that democracy should be the last word in her dictionary as it hit back at her following her letter to opposition leaders against the Narendra Modi government’s alleged assault on democracy.
“Democracy should be the last word in @MamataOfficial & @AITCofficial dictionary. Their cadre attack @BJP4Bengal candidates, intimidate voters, capture booths, block all hoardings and at the end leaders preach Democracy,” BJP general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh tweeted.
The sharp attack by Santosh came following Banerjee’s letters to non-BJP leaders, expressing serious concern over alleged “assaults” by the BJP and its government on democracy and constitutional federalism of India.
-PTI
Pducherry Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Amit Shah to campaign in Puducherry tomorrow
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will pay a one day visit to Puducherry on Thursday and participate in a series of road shows to canvass for NDA candidates in the run up to the 6 April assembly polls. Shah would arrive at airport at 9.30 am , leave for the shrine of Sithananda Swamigal in Karuvadikuppam and then proceed for campaign, BJP party sources told news agency PTI. This will be Shah’s second visit to the Union Territory to campaign for NDA candidates, his earlier one being in February, when he came to Karaikal.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Asaduddin Owaisi slams Mamata Banerjee
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she practices BJP’s politics of communalism. “I condemn her remarks in which she’s claiming to be from an upper caste community. Where should Muslims and Dalits of West Bengal go, who are not part of ‘varna’ system? She’s practicing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP’s politics of communalism. They are made for each other,” news agency ANI quotes him as saying.
I condemn her remarks in which she's claiming to be from an upper caste community. Where should Muslims & Dalits of West Bengal go, who are not part of 'varna' system? She's practicing PM Modi & BJP's politics of communalism. They are made for each other: Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM pic.twitter.com/WNAtWQDtqB
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2021
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
EC transfers three police officials
The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered the transfer of three police officials, including two IG ranked officers, in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, following “adverse inputs.” In a communication to the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, with a copy marked to the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO),the EC directed the transfer of IG Central HM Jayaram, IG West Dhinakaran,and SP Rural Coimbatore Arul Arasu. The EC directed the transfer of the officials “based on adverse inputs,” it said, and also named the replacement for the respective officials. “Jayaram, Dhinakaran and Arul Arasu will be attached to the DGP Headquarters awaiting posting orders” and their posting cannot be done without its permission, the EC said.Further, the Commission also directed the appointment of A Arun as Police Commissioner of Tiruchirappalli City, a day after it transferred then incumbent J Loganathan.
PTI
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata Banerjee speaking of her ‘gotra’ in desperation, says Prakash Javadekar
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday said that TMC chief Mamata Banerjee has realised that she has lost ground in West Bengal and is speaking about her ‘gotra’ in desperation, but this “drama” will not help her party win the assembly election. “You are disclosing your gotra and are opposing ‘Jai Shri Ram’ and also disallowed Ma Durga’s immersion during Durga Puja. People understand everything as to who is genuine and who is not,” he told reporters. Javadekar claimed that the people of the state have already made up their mind to bring the BJP to power and the Lok Sabha election result indicated the people’s will to reject Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress.
As she ended her Nandigram poll campaign, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said during her speech that her gotra was ‘Shandilya’.
PTI
Assam Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Items worth over Rs 110cr confiscated so far, says CEO
Assam broke all previous records in seizures of cash, liquor, drug and other goods after the Assembly polls were notified with several agencies confscating items worth over Rs 110 crore, Chief Electoral Officer of Assam Nitin Khade said on Wednesday. During the 2016 state polls, Central and state agencies had seized goods worth less than Rs 20 crore. Addressing a press conference, Khade said, “After the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force on 26 February in view of the Assam Assembly elections, cash and other valuables worth Rs 110.83 crore have been seized till date. Till now, seizures of drugs and narcotics worth Rs 34.29 crore, over 16.61 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 33.44 crore, cash amounting to Rs 24.50 crore along with gold, silver jewelleries and gold bars worth Rs 3.68 crore have been made.”
Only betrayals in five years of CPM rule, alleges Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
“In Kerala you are suffering from both sides. One hand is the Central govt whose policies have set virtually back the economy,” says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Thrissur rally. “Unfortunately the state government has done nothing to support you through this crisis. Many wonderful promises were made. You were told 20 lkah jobs would be provided, cashew industry will be revived and rubber industry will be strengthened but none of this happened,” she claimed.
“If you look back at five years of CPM rule, you find only betrayals,” the Congress leader charged.
Kerala Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slams Centre over farmers’ protest
“Everybody knows how the Central govt headed by Narendra Modi has divided the country in the name of religion and everybody has seen the disdain with which he has treated the poor farmers of our nation,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said and spoke about the farmers’ protest against the agri laws at the borders of Delhi. “All they want is a hearing and yet the prime minister and his govt persist with laws that are going to destroy their livelihood,” she alleges and goes on to quotes the Bible.
Kerala Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Congress doesn’t practice the politics of divisiveness like BJP, says Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Addressing a rally in Thrissur, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that it is Kerala’s greatness that many festivals are celebrated without any negativity and gave a call to reject the BJP’s divisive politics and the LDF’s politics of fear fraud and favouritism. She said the Congress is not a cadre-based party like the CPM but a people-based party. “Congress doesn’t practice the politics of divisiveness like the BJP does, our politics is of uniting you. It is about love, brotherhood and progress,” she said.
Referiing to Narendra Modi’s rally in Kerala on Tuesday where he quoted the Bible, Priyanka said she didn’t hear the prime minister utter a single word about the harassment of nuns in Uttar Pradesh." I didn’t see him stand up for them," she charged.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Mithun Chakaraborty holds roadshow in Toofaganj
West Bengal: Bharatiya Janata Party's Mithun Chakraborty holds a roadshow in Tufanganj, Coochbehar. pic.twitter.com/2FWTQYxd5P
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2021
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
DMK’s A Raja responds to EC notice
Responding to a notice by the Election Commission, DMK leader A Raja said he had not made any speech that would demean women or motherhood as alleged by the AIADMK. The former Union minister said had used a simile while responding to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami’s comment against his leader MK Stalin.
“In Tamil oratory, simile is a well-accepted norm. In my speech, evolution of the political heights and their means of MK Stalin and Edappadi Palanisami were compared by me through a simile as newborn babies for the easy understanding of the common mass,” Raja told the poll panel, according to ANI. “This was in response to the repeated allegations of the Chief Minister that MK Stalin had never worked hard to become the leader. Hence, if the full text is considered by the committee, I am hopeful it will wipe out the insult and consequent injury inflicted on me.” According to The Indian Express , Raja alleged that the AIADMK as well as the BJP are falsely propagating that he had insulted the chief minister..
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Abhishek Banerjee lashes out at Amit Shah
“Amit Shah always mentions the word ‘ghuspethia’ (infiltrators) during campaigning in Bengal. Who is responsible for that when BSF is guarding the International border and it comes under Amit Shah’s ministry. Amit Shah and the BSF DG should resign for this,” ANI quotes TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee as saying.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP files complaint with EC against TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee
BJP files a complaint with Election Commission against TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee for “misinforming and misleading the electorates by levelling false allegations against PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission of India,” reports news agency ANI.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) files a complaint with Election Commission against, "TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee for misinforming and misleading the electorates by levelling false allegations against PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah & Election Commission of India." pic.twitter.com/rc92any4mT
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2021
Puducherry Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Narayanasamy rejects Modi’s allegations against him, previous govt
Senior Congress leader V Narayanasamy on Wednesday denied as ‘baseless’ the allegations levelled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi against him and the previous party government he headed in Puducherry. Narayanasamy told reporters that all the charges have been made by Modi without any basis. “If there are any corrupt practices during my stewardship and on the part of the previous Congress government, a probe could be ordered by the Prime Minister instead of making off the cuff allegations at the rally,” he said.
Addressing an election rally of the NDA in Puducherry on Tuesday, Modi had said the previous Congress government headed by Narayanasamy had turned out to be a ‘disaster’ that failed on all fronts.
PTI
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
DMK tries to gain votes on communal basis, alleges Rajnath Singh
“The DMK tries to gain votes on communal basis. But the BJP does not do politics of caste, creed, and religion. We do politics of humanity and justice. We firmly believe in justice for all and appeasement of none,” news agency ANI quotes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as saying at a poll rally in Tamil Nadu.
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata Banerjee accuses BJP leaders of horse-trading
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday alleged that BJP leaders were distributing large sums of money running into crores of rupees to influence electoral outcome and asked for action by the Election Commission. The Trinamool Congress supremo also accused BJP of bringing in “hired goons” from outside states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to create disturbance in the state and urged the ECI to ensure free and fair Assembly polls. “There are several BJP leaders sitting in hotels with huge amounts of money and distributing from there. They are conducting horse trading,” Banerjee alleged. “The BJP is bringing goons from Bihar, UP to disrupt peace in Bengal. There are several outsiders here in Bengal,” the TMC supremo said.
Banerjee also urged the ECI “not to believe the BJP and implement any decision taken on the basis of their version of events”. Banerjee, who is contesting from Nandigram assembly seat, was speaking at a rally for party candidates Becharam Manna who is contesting from Singur and Ashima Patra, the sitting MLA and contestant from Dhaniakhali.
PTI
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata writes to Opposition, calls for united stand against BJP’s ‘attacks on democracy’
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday wrote to non-BJP leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Arvind Kejriwal, and Naveen Patnaik, stating that the time has come for a “united and effective struggle” against BJP’s “attacks on democracy and constitutional federalism”.
In the letter, Mamata said that in states governed by non-BJP parties, the BJP-led Centre is creating problems for duly elected government by misusing governor’s office.
The West Bengal CM also said the passage of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) (GNCTD) Bill is a “grave development” and the BJP has snatched practically all powers of a democratically elected government.
Mamata Banerjee writes to leaders incl Sonia Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, MK Stalin, Tejashwi Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Arvind Kejriwal, Naveen Patnaik stating, "I strongly believe that the time has come for a united & effective struggle against BJP's attacks on democracy & Constitution" pic.twitter.com/OLp7tDm9pU
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2021
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP files complaint against Mamata Banerjee with EC over alleged threats
Accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of issuing threats to its supporters in her rallies, BJP has registered a complaint with the Election Commission over comments made by her.
In its letter to the poll panel, BJP on Tuesday alleged, despite “pro-active” role of the commission, “large- scale violence” has been reported during past several days due to such utterances by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief. To back up its claim, the letter mentioned a widely circulated video of a meeting addressed by Banerjee at Nandigram on 29 March.
“In the meeting she said the central paramilitary forces will go one day, but she will stay in Bengal. Who will then save her rivals,” the letter quoted Banerjee as saying.
Raising objection to the TMC supremo’s remarks, the letter signed by BJP leaders Shishir Bajoria, Arjun Singh and Pratap Banerjee said, “Such statements are threat to free, fair and peaceful elections … and have been brought to the notice of the commission.”
The saffron party also described the speech as a violation of the model code of conduct that urges political parties to avoid offences such as intimidation of voters.
“Threatening and criminal intimidation is not only an abuse of free and fair polls but also a criminal act as well as an electoral offence which needs strong and immediate check,” the BJP said.
-PTI
Kerala Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Results of assembly polls will mark beginning of Congress’ return to Delhi in 2024: Oommen Chandy
The Kerala poll results along with those of other states will mark the beginning of the Congress’ comeback nationally and its return to Delhi in 2024, former Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy said on Wednesday.
Chandy, who is among the top contenders to be the chief minister if the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) gets a majority in the Kerala polls, said there would be “no problem” in the selection of the CM after the polls if voted to power and the high command’s decision in the matter would be acceptable to all the leaders.
Expressing confidence that the UDF would come to power, Chandy said the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the last assembly elections made so many promises but could not fulfil any of them, and asserted that the people can see the difference between the LDF and the UDF.
-PTI
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Abhiskek Banerjee challenge politicians coming from Delhi to speak Bengali
“Many leaders are coming to Bengal from Delhi for the election campaign. I challenge them to speak for only 2 minutes in Bengali. I challenge them. I am ready to speak in Hindi in any part of the country,” said TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee in Alipurduar.
Many leaders are coming to Bengal from Delhi for the election campaign. I challenge them to speak for only 2 minutes in Bengali. I challenge them. I am ready to speak in Hindi in any part of the country: TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee in Alipurduar pic.twitter.com/jX1GASqTqi
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2021
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
JP Nadda holds roadshow in Hooghly
#WestBengalElections2021: BJP president JP Nadda holds a roadshow in Pursurah, Hooghly pic.twitter.com/WJgfxyPcun
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2021
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
DMK-Congress failed to safeguard women, alleges Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Chief Minister YogiAdityanath on Wednesday hit at out both the Congress and DMK alleging that they have failed to safeguard women. Referring to some alleged derogatory remarks made by some political party leaders, including DMK MP A Raja, recently, Adityanath said this has proved that there would be no protection to women if these parties were voted to power. Addressing a rally in Coimbatore seeking votes for Vanathi Srinivasan, BJP candidate for the Coimbatore South Assembly constituency, he said the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was always development of Tamil Nadu, both industrially and economically. If the BJP-AIADMK was voted to power, the state would get more funds for development activities, he said.
PTI
West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata promises action against attackers after polls, claims she has videos
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said that she has photographs and videos of those who attacked her car in Nandigram on Tuesday and would take up the issue after the elections. Banerjee said that she refrained from any action as elections are on and the model code of conduct is in place. “How dare they attack my car! I kept mum only because the elections are on. Or else I would have seen how big they have grown,” Banerjee said at a rally in Goghat. “I have videos of the goons attacking my car. Let the elections be over in Bengal, then I will take action,” the chief minister said adding a Bengali proverb “Ami dekhbo koto dhane koto chaal hoi (They will learn what’s what).” A visibly agitated Banerjee said of her attackers “I will see which `gaddar’ (traitor) shelters you. Where will you go? To Delhi, Bihar, Rajasthan or UP. I will drag you back here (West Bengal).”
The fiery leader was heckled by alleged opposition party supporters when she visited a TMC worker, undergoing treatment after being beaten up. Her car was then chased by placard-waving people, who TMC members said had attacked the vehicle.
PTI
Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates
Facebook to steps up efforts to curb hate speech amid elections
Facebook is taking several measures, including reducing distribution of content deemed to be hate speech, as part of its efforts to curb spread of misinformation during elections in four Indian state Facebook will also temporarily reduce the distribution of content from accounts that have recently and repeatedly violated the company’s policies, the social media giant said in a blogpost on Tuesday. “We recognise that there are certain types of content, such as hate speech, that could lead to imminent, offline harm…To decrease the risk of problematic content going viral in these states and potentially inciting violence ahead of or during the election, we will significantly reduce the distribution of content that our proactive detection technology identifies as likely hate speech or violence and incitement,” it added. This content will be removed if determined to violate Facebook’s policies, but its distribution will remain reduced until that determination is made, the blog noted.
Facebook has drawn flak in the past for its handling of hate speech on the platform in the country. India is among the biggest markets for Facebook and its group companies, WhatsApp and Instagram.
PTI
West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Section 144 in Nandigram ahead of phase 2 voting
The Election Commission on Wednesday imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC in Nandigram in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district, a day ahead of the high-stakes elections, a senior official said.
Besides, the EC has also started air surveillance in the area with the help of a helicopter, he said.
People who are not voters of Nandigram are not being allowed to enter the constituency in view of the sensitivity, he added.
“Nandigram is a sensitive constituency with high-profile candidates like Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikary. We want to ensure that the law and order situation is not compromised and people can vote freely without fear,” the official said.
West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
TMC govt takes no action against sexual assault cases: JP Nadda in Hooghly
BJP president JP Nadda targeted the Trinamool Congress on Wednesday over rising crimes against women in the state and accused the TMC government of taking no action.
“West Bengal is number one in terms of kidnapping of women, attempt to murder and unsolved missing cases. Two tribal girls were raped in Jalpaiguri but no action was taken. What have the people raising slogan of ‘Ma, Mati, Manush’ done for women?” said the BJP chief in Hooghly.
Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
I’m not Narendra Modi, didn’t come here to lie: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while addressing a rally in Kamrup said that he is not like Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he doesn’t lie to the public.
“I’ve not come here to lie to you. My name isn’t Narendra Modi. If you want to listen to lies – about Assam, farmers, about anything – then switch on your TV, look at his face and listen to him as much as you want. He lies to India all 24 hours,” said Rahul.
Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP will implement promises in Bodo Agreement before 2022: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Chirang on Wednesday asserted that the BJP government in the state will implement all the promises made in Bodo agreement before 2022.
“I have come here to promise you that Govt of India will implement every single promise made in Bodo agreement before 2022 for a peaceful Assam,” said Shah.
West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Mamata alleges goons from other states intimidating Nandigram voters
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday urged the Election Commission to take action, alleging that goons from other states have come to Nandigram to foment trouble and intimidate the voters.
Speaking to reporters before hitting the campaign trail for the later phases, Mamata alleged that locals are being hounded out of various villages in the Assembly constituency in the Purba Medinipur district. “Goons from other states have entered Nandigram to intimidate the voters. The villagers of Balarampur and many other areas are being hounded out. They are intimidating voters,” she alleged.
“We are lodging a complaint with the EC. The Election Commission must take note of it and take action,” she added. BJP leader Jaiprakash Majumdar said that although it is for the EC to look into the allegations, but it seems that sensing defeat the chief minister is making such claims in advance.
Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Unlike BJP, Congress fulfills its poll promises: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday visited the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati and said that unlike the BJP, his party keeps the promises made to the people during the elections.
Replying to a question that what his party will do if it wins the polls, Rahul said, “We have promised five guarantees”.
Asked how the Congress will fulfill the ‘five guarantees’, he shot back, “Do you know what guarantee means? We are not like BJP, we fulfill what we promise.”
The Congress leader said that in Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka his party had promised to waive farm loans and did it after assuming power.
West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Ashoke Dinda gets Y+ security day after attack in Moyna
Former cricketer and BJP candidate from Moyna in Purba Medinipur district, Ashok Dinda has been provided Y+ security cover, day after he was allegedly attacked during a campaign in West Bengal.
Dinda was returning from a roadshow when his SUV was attacked around 4.30 pm by hundreds of goons, wielding lathi and rods, his manager said.
They also hurled stones at the vehicle, injuring the former cricketer on his shoulder, he said.
“The incident happened right in front of Moyna Bazar when we were returning from a roadshow. There was one local TMC goon, Shahjahan Ali, who along with others, numbering more than a hundred, attacked with lathi, rods and bricks,” the manager told PTI.
West Bengal: Former cricketer and BJP candidate from Moyna, Ashok Dinda attacked by unidentified people in Moyna. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/wxu6mT335v
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021
West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Rohingya clan better than ‘chotiwala rakshasa’: Mahua Moitra to Giriraj Singh
TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday hit out at Union Minister Giriraj Singh after he claimed that Mamata Banerjee “settled the Rohingya in Bengal for votes”.
In a counter barb on ‘gotra card’, Moitra said, “Union Minister Giriraj Says Mamata’s from ‘Rohingya Clan’. Proud of it. Far better than being from the Chotiwala Rakshasa Clan!
TMC chief Mamata Banerjee pulled out the ‘gotra’ during the last leg of campaigning in Nandigram and declared that she is ‘Shandilya’. “I visited a temple where the priest asked me my ‘gotra’. I told him – Maa Maati Manush, but actually, I’m Shandilya,” said Mamata on Tuesday.
Now, BJP and AIMIM leaders have targeted her for using the ‘gotra card’ in desperation of winning the poll battle.
Union Minister Giriraj Says Mamata's from 'Rohingya Clan'
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) March 31, 2021
Proud of it.
Far better than being from the Chotiwala Rakshasa Clan!
West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Giriraj Singh claims Mamata settled the Rohingya in Bengal for votes
As soon as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee mentioned her ‘gotra’ in Nandigram, Union Minister Giriraj Singh raked up the issue of “gotra of Rohingya”.
Slamming the TMC supremo for playing ‘gotra’ card, Singh said, “Mamata didi, now it is to be found out whether the gotra of the Rohingya and the infiltrators is Shandilya or not. Those who settled the Rohingya for votes, those who stopped Durga puja and Kali puja and humiliated the Hindus, are now banking on the gotra in fear of defeat. ‘Shandilya Gotra’ is dedicated to Sanatan and the nation, not for the vote,” read his tweet.
Mamata Banerjee is scared of losing the polls. That is why she is using the gotra card. She is conducting attacks on Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP candidates. Sometimes she abuses the Election Commission, said the union minister.
Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Rahul reiterates Congress’ promise of Rs 365 a day to tea garden workers
Congress has given Five guarantees to voters of Assam. We aren’t the BJP, we fulfill our promises. Tea garden workers must remember our guarantee of Rs 365 per day minimum wage," said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday.
The former Congress chief visited Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati ahead of the second phase of Assam Assembly election.
West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Two police officers in Haldia, Mahishadal to be transferred, says EC
The Election Commission has ordered the transfer of the sub-divisional police officer of West Bengal’s Haldia and the circle inspector of Mahishadal in the state’s Purba Medinipur district to non-election assignments following inputs provided by its special observers.
The EC said SDPO, Haldia, Barun Baidya should be replaced by Uttam Mitra. Similarly, Circle Inspector, Mahishadal, Bichitra Bikas Roy should be replaced by Inspector, Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench, Sirshendu Das.
Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
BJP gets chance to make inroads, but prevailing in coastal state seems improbable
Even as the BJP has commanded significant support in North India and has made inroads in East and Northeast India, the South and especially the state of Kerala has evaded the Saffron wave.
However, notwithstanding the subsequent poll losses, a look at the party’s performance since the 2014 general elections show that slowly but steadily, the BJP has been building its support base in the coastal state. The party has been fortifying efforts in Kerala and has managed to improve its vote share. It has also managed to attract professionals to its folds, including former railway engineer E Sreedharan, who became famous for spearheading the construction of Konkan Railway and Delhi Metro.
From the Sabarimala issue to the allegations of ‘corruption’ under subsequent governments, BJP leaders are sounding the right note during the campaign trail. The party has been insisting that it can secure a win in the state even though the Left Democratic Front has refused to take the BJP as a serious contender in the poll.
Read more here…West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
Heavy security in Nandigram, 22 companies of central forces to be deployed
Twenty-two companies of central forces will be deployed in Nandigram for the Assembly polls, an Election Commission official said on Tuesday.
The Nandigram seat, which is witnessing a fierce battle between Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her one-time lieutenant-turned-foe BJP’s Suvendu Adhikary, has a total of 355 polling booths and 75 percent of them will have webcasting facility.
The EC has also decided to deploy a 22-personnel quick response team (QRT) at Nandigram on the election day, the official told PTI.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
DMK’s A Raja gets EC notice for remarks against CM
The Election Commission on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to DMK leader A Raja for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami during an election campaign.
The former Union minister and DMK’s “star campaigner” has been asked to respond to the notice by 6 pm on Wednesday.
Based on ground reports, the Commission said, it is of the view that “the contents of the speech made by you are not only derogatory but also obscene and lower the dignity of motherhood of women, which seems to be a serious violation of the provisions of Model Code of Conduct.”
West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
EC removes returning officer of Ballygunj, two others
The Election Commission on Tuesday removed three officials including the returning officer of the Ballygunj Assembly constituency in Kolkata, according to an order.
The two other officials are the Sub-divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Haldia and the Circle Inspector (CI) of Mahishadal in Purba Medinipur district.
Arindam Mani, who has been posted in the same office for more than 10 years and is currently the returning officer of the Ballygunj seat, shall be transferred to a non-election post immediately, the EC stated in a communication to the West Bengal CEO.
Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates
JP Nadda to hold rallies in Bengal today
BJP national president JP Nadda will hold public rallies and roadshows in West Bengal on Wednesday. Ahead of the second phase of Assembly election in the state, Nadda will be in Hooghly, Pursurah and Bally.
BJP National President Shri @JPNadda Ji's public programs in West Bengal today. pic.twitter.com/KoRfz1CGMr
— Office of JP Nadda (@OfficeofJPNadda) March 31, 2021
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