Assembly Election 2021 Updates: Campaigning ends for second phase of polling in Assam

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates

New EVMs will be used in coming polls: EC informs HC

The Election Commission on Tuesday informed the Madras High Court that it would use only new Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), manufactured three to four years ago, for the April 6 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Following the submission, the court disposed of a petition from the DMK on the matter, reports PTI.

The EC’s submission was made in its counter-affidavit filed before the first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy when the PIL from DMK Organising secretary R S Bharathy came up for further hearing today.

In response to DMK’’s plea to not to use EVMs which are beyond the expiry of 15 years, the EC agreed to use only M3-EVMs, manufactured between 2017-2019.

As regards DMK’’s another plea for provision of jammers, the EC submitted that the same are not required as the strong rooms, where the loaded EVMs will be stored after polling, cannot be tampered with by wifi, radio waves or by any other methods.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates

Mamata Banerjee admits to calling up BJP leader in Nandigram

Two days after a huge controversy erupted over an audio clip in which Mamata Banerjee was purportedly heard cajoling a BJP leader from Nandigram to help her win the seat, the chief minister Tuesday said that she had indeed called up Pralay Pal as she had got a feedback that he wants to talk to her. Speaking at an election meeting at Tengua in Nandigram just before the time for campaigning for the second phase of Assembly poll came to an end, Banerjee said as a candidate she has every right to call up a voter. “Yes I had called up this BJP leader in Nandigram. I had got the feedback that someone wants to talk to me. So I talked to him after getting his number. I told him to keep well, to take care of his health. So what is my crime?” the TMC supremo said. “As a candidate of the constituency I can seek the help of any voter, I can call up anyone. There is no harm in that, it is not a crime,” the TMC supremo said. “But if someone makes the conversation viral that is a criminal offence. Action should be taken against the person who made my conversation viral, not me,” Banerjee said adding she will continue to call up people in the same manner in future.

PTI

Assam Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates

Campaigning ends for second phase of polling

A high-octane electoral  campaign for the second phase of Assam assembly polls, spearheaded by an array of national and state leaders, came to an end on Tuesday evening. The second phase of state elections will decide the fate of 345 candidates in 39 seats going to polls on1 April. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) issue was at the forefront of the campaign, with the BJP, which had maintained a studied silence on it in the run up to the first phase of voting, raising it in the Barak Valley this time as a carrot to the predominantly Hindu Bengali population, some of whom have their roots in Bangladesh.

 The ruling BJP is contesting in 34 seats and its allies, the AGP in six and the UPPL in three, with friendly contests in four constituencies-two each with the AGP and the UPPL. The Congress is contesting in 27, its partners the AIUDF in eight and BPF in four. The newly formed Assam Jatiya Parishad is contesting in 17 seats while 174 Independents are also in the fray.  A total electorate of 73,44,631, including 37,34,537 males, 36,09,959 females and 135 of the third gender, are eligible to exercise their franchise in 10,592 polling stations in the second phase. 

PTI

Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates

Govt approves issuance of electoral bonds from  1-10 April

 Amidst Assembly elections in four states and a Union territory, the government on Tuesday approved the issuance of the 16th tranche of electoral bonds which will be open for sale from 1 to 10 April.  Electoral bonds have been pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in political funding. However, Opposition parties have been raising concerns about alleged opaqueness in funding through such bonds.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has accorded ’no objection’ from the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) angle on 17 March with certain conditions, including that no political functionary would make any reference in this regard during any public speech or communication to the press or public in the constituencies going for polls, the finance ministry said in a statement. “The State Bank of India (SBI), in the XVI Phase of sale, has been authorised to issue and encash electoral bonds through its 29 authorised branches w.e.f. 01.04.2021 to 10.04.2021,” it said.

PTI

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

LDF govt survives purely on PR and propaganda, alleges Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

The truth about LDF govt is it survives purely on its PR and propaganda, alleges Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The BJP RSS has also tried to distract you with divisive issues, she says.

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

LDF didn’t fulfill promises, alleges Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

LDF government never fulfilled their promises, alleges Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Kattakada. “Rubber is being imported unchecked, rubber industry is suffering, choir industry is suffering. They promised 20 lakh jobs but as as soon as they got a chance they filled government posts with their own people. You gave seen again and again that the LDF governments operated on the principle of favoritism,” says the Congress leader. “You were promised a clean government but you got a government of frauds and scams,” she alleges.

Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Congress divides, but Modi unites, says Nadda

BJP president JP Nadda on Tuesday alleged that the Congress is suffering from “mental bankruptcy” as it has aligned with political parties on religious lines in the current round of elections in the states.  The Congress has joined hands with the political parties on religious lines be it Kerala, West Bengal or Assam, Nadda said while addressing election rallies in Assam.  “At the same time it has entered into alliances with the Left parties in Bengal and Assam but in Kerala, it is fighting against them. This exposes the party’s mental bankruptcy”, he said at a poll rally.   He alleged that the Congress has divided the society on
diffierent criterion, including religion, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured that all people get benefits of various schemes on the basis of their need and not on any other considerations.   The Prime Minister has always insisted on inclusion of all sections by emphasising on “Sabka saath, sabka vikash aur sabka vishwas” unlike the Congress which had divided society on the basis of caste, class and religion for nearly seventy years after Independence.  “Congress todne ka kaam karta hain, aur Modiji jodne ka (Congress divides but Modiji unifies)”, he added.

PTI

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

BJP supporters raise Jai Sri Ram slogans around Mamata Banerjee

Earlier in the day, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was greeted with ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans by BJP supporters in Nandigram, reports news agency ANI. Banerjee, who is pitted against her protege-turned-rival Suvendu Adhikari in the constituency, had strongly reacted to ‘Jai Sri Ram’ slogans in the past.

#WATCH Nandigram: Slogans of 'Jai Sri Ram' raised by BJP supporters as CM Mamata Banerjee was going to visit the house of a TMC worker who was beaten up and injured. pic.twitter.com/HjKdDCEh2h

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

EC must give security to people from Balarampur village, says Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that the people of Balarampur village in Nandigram seat are hounded by BJPand said the Election Commission must give them security, reports PTI.

This is Balrampur village, Nandigram, BJP workers are beating them (TMC worker) here,they're demanding security. I'll request Election Commission to give them security as law & order is in their hands: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee visiting the house of a TMC worker in Nandigram pic.twitter.com/QUjUX4BB2s

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Ashok Dinda attacked during poll campaign, EC seeks report

Former India speedster Ashok Dinda, the BJP’s candidate from Moyna in West Bengal’’s Purba Medinipur, was allegedly attacked and his vehicle vandalised during the campaign on Tuesday, prompting the Election Commission to seek a report from the district authorities. 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 news agency PTI. “There was no way we could escape as they had blocked all the roads. Dada, was sitting in the middle row and fortunately could lower his head as one huge brick flew in, shattering the front window pane,” he claimed.Dinda is in severe pain following the injury to his shoulder, he said.

The TMC denied the allegation, saying the attack was the result of an infighting within the BJP. “The BJP old-timers could not accept Dinda as the candidate so they attacked him. TMC has no connection to the incident,” TMC’’s district president Akhil Giri said. The Election Commission sought a report from the district administration in connection with the incident, an official said.

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

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

LDF govt following ‘corporate manifesto’, alleges Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

On the campaign  trail in Kerala, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday mounted a scathing attack on the CPM-led LDF government, saying it was a dispensation of “frauds and scams”, which was following a “corporate” manifesto. Priyanka said the Left Democratic Front government had sworn allegiance to the communist manifesto but was actually following “corporate manifesto” like the Modi government at the Centre. The LDF government failed to recognise the “real gold” of Kerala — the people of the state, she said, addressing a public meeting in Kollam alluding to the gold smuggling case. It seems the LDF government was more interested in foreign gold and in gold smuggling and on giving fishing contract to multinational companies, she alleged. “Their agenda is to sell the assets of state to corporates,” the Congress leader said at a series of public meetings at Karunagapally, Kollam and Kottarakara.

PTI

Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Congress won’t allow implementation of CAA, says Rahul Gandhi in video message

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday termed the Citizenship (Amendment) Act an “attack” on the language, history and culture of Assam, and promised that his party would not allow it to be implemented in the state if voted to power in the ongoing Assembly polls.  Urging the people to vote for the Congress and its ‘Mahajot’ alliance, he reiterated his party’s assurance of providing employment to five lakh youth and Rs 365 minimum wage to tea garden workers. In a video message posted on Twitter, Gandhi said he was to campaign in the state on Tuesday, but could not reach there due to inclement weather. “I could not reach Assam today due to bad weather, but my and the Mahajot’s message is clear. We will take Assam forward on the path of progress and prosperity with the five guarantees promised. With that objective, please support the Mahajot by voting in large numbers,” he wrote on Twitter along with the video.

Gandhi also alleged that the BJP was “attacking” the hill-tribe people by planning to scrap Article 254-A. He pledged that the ‘Mahajot’ alliance will implement it.

आज ख़राब मौसम की वजह से आप सब के बीच नहीं पहुँच पाया लेकिन मेरा और महाजोत का संदेश साफ़ है- असम को 5 गैरंटी से उन्नति और समृद्धि की राह पर आगे बढ़ाएँगे।

इस उद्देश्य के लिए आप महाजोत को भारी मतों का समर्थन दें।#Elections2021 pic.twitter.com/A9b2zRdZtT

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 30, 2021

Congress did not fulfill promises from its manifesto, alleges Modi

“I have seen many elections but Puducherry election 2021 is unique because the sitting chief minister has not been given a ticket,” Modi said, targeting V Narayanasamy. “So many years of loyalty, lifting the slippers of his leader, doing wrong translation to impress his leader This clearly shows how much of a disaster his govt has turned out to be.”

“Promises from their own manifesto were not fulfilled,even today the Congress is not giving a report card of the work done in five years,” he said. I" had said NDA will work to make BEST Puducheery — by that I mean business, education, spiritual and tourism hub. I see Puducherry playing a key role in Atmanirbhar Bharat." Modi said and added that new job opportunities will be created for youth

Narendra Modi slams previous Congress govt in Puducherry

“After the elections were announced, I went to Assam and Bengal quite a few times. I went to Tamil Nadu and Kerala today. In four states and one UT Im seeing a huge wave in favour of the NDA,” Modi claimed. In the long list of non-performing Congress govts over the years the previous govt in Puducherry had a special place, Modi alleged. ‘Delhi high command govt of Puducherry failed on all fronts. Take any sector,education, filling of medical seats, welfare of SC-STs, there was loot and only loot," he further claimed. “MLAs belonging to Congress party were openly talking about corruption, directly linked to the family of the former Chief Minister,” he alleged.

Puducherry Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Narendra Modi addresses rally in Puducherry 

Addressing a public meeting in Puducherry Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I must say there is something special about Pducuherry that keeps bringing me back here again. Just a month ago I was here with you where a wide range of development projects were inaugurated.” Modi said the turnout at his rally then had made it clear the UT was voting for change.

Puducherry Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Narendra Modi to address rally shorty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Puducherry, where he will address a public rally shortly. #PuducherryElections2021 pic.twitter.com/QqD6CVllEL

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

Assam  Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Two Congress members pursuing politics for survival of family, alleges Smriti Irani

 Apparently referring to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Union minister Smriti Zubin Irani on Tuesday alleged that they “do not know the Assamese culture” and pursue politics only for “the survival of their family”. She, however, did not name the siblings. The senior BJP leader also accused the Congress of committing a sin by not fulfilling the promises that it had made during earlier elections in Assam. Without taking the names of Gandhis, the Union textiles minister said, “A few days ago, two members of the Gandhi family visited Assam. They don’t know the Assamese culture and do politics only for the survival of their family.” Addressing a series of election rallies in Assam, the Union women and child development minister appealed to the people to vote for the BJP for development and bring the saffron party back to power. “The Congress committed a sin of smashing the dreams of people, which it had earlier shown before coming to power,” she said.

PTI

Assam  Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Two Congress members pursuing politics for survival of family, alleges Smriti Irani

 Apparently referring to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Union minister Smriti Zubin Irani on Tuesday alleged that they “do not know the Assamese culture” and pursue politics only for “the survival of their family”. She, however, did not name the siblings. The senior BJP leader also accused the Congress of committing a sin by not fulfilling the promises that it had made during earlier elections in Assam. Without taking the names of Gandhis, the Union textiles minister said, “A few days ago, two members of the Gandhi family visited Assam. They don’t know the Assamese culture and do politics only for the survival of their family.” Addressing a series of election rallies in Assam, the Union women and child development minister appealed to the people to vote for the BJP for development and bring the saffron party back to power. “The Congress committed a sin of smashing the dreams of people, which it had earlier shown before coming to power,” she said.

PTI

Kerala Industries Minister EP Jayarajan quits electoral politics

Senior CPM leader and  Kerala Industries Minister E P Jayarajan on Tuesday said he has decided to bid adieu to electoral politics.  A three-time MLA, Jayarajan is one of the several senior leaders who did not get a ticket this time as the Left party decided not to field those who have completed two terms.  While addressing the media , Jayarajan made it clear that he would not contest in any form of election from now onwards.  “The partyhas decided not to field those persons who have already completed two terms. I have completed my term…I have been elected an MLA thrice and become a minister also,” he said.  Citing his advanced age and related ailments as reasons to quit electoral politics, the 70-years-old leader said he would not contest even if the party demands.

PTI

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

After first phase of polling, BJP confident of victory, asserts Dilip Ghosh

 Claiming that a “strong undercurrent” for the BJP has now come to the surface in West Bengal, its state unit chief Dilip Ghosh on Tuesday exuded confidence that the party will form the next government in the state and said it is not necessary that only a sitting MLA will become the chief minister. Ghosh, a sitting MP from Medinipur, asserted that the momentum “in favour” of the BJP will continue till the last phase. “After the first phase of polling only the BJP is confident of its victory, whereas the TMC and its leaders are frustrated. As the election will progress, the trend set by the BJP in the first phase will gain momentum and with every phase of polling TMC workers will themselves realise their defeat,” Ghosh told PTI in an interview.

To a query on whether a sitting MLA will become the chief minister if the BJP wins, Ghosh, who himself is seen as a strong contender, said, “It is for the party to decide but it is not necessary a sitting MLA will become the chief minister…. when Mamata ji became chief minister she was not an MLA.”

PTI

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Dharmendra Pradhan, Mithun Chakraborty campaign for Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal: Union Minister and BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan and Mithun Chakraborty campaign for party's Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram pic.twitter.com/lNpjpbf9VE

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

After widespread criticism, Joyce George withdraws remarks against Rahul Gandhi

After coming under fire for his sexually-coloured remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, former MP Joyce George on Tuesday withdrew his comments and expressed regret publicly, even as the national party demanded his arrest while the ruling CPI(M) distanced itself from the slur, reports PTI.

“I hereby unconditionally withdraw the inappropriate remarks made by me while addressing an election rally in Irattayar here on Monday. “I also express regret over that,” he said while speaking at a meeting in Kumaly in this high range district.

George had won as the CPI(M) supported independent during 2014 Parliament election from Idukki but lost to Congress’s Dean Kuriakose in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

As TV channels started airing the visuals of his speech in Irattayar here this morning, sharp reactions poured in from various quarters especially from the Congress-UDF fold which strongly condemned the remarks and described it as “misogynistic”.

Sensing that the objectionable remarks would give the opposition ammunition to target them during campaigns in the poll-bound state, the CPI(M) was quick to reject George’s comments.

Distancing himself the derogatory comments, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made it clear that attacking Gandhi personally was not the LDF’s stand. “We will oppose him politically not personally’, Vijayan told reporters in Kasaragod.

Soon after that, the CPI(M) state secretariat here issued a press statement stating that the Left party does not agree with the remarks made by their ex-MP.

West Bengal Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates

Amit Shah holds roadshow in Panskura Paschim

Road show in Panskura Paschim, West Bengal. #BanglayEbarAsolPoriborton https://t.co/92GWe7A9zr

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 30, 2021

Assembly Elections 2021 LATEST Updates

AIUDF,ISF and IUML ’new secular syndicate’ of Congress: Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi

Senior BJP leader and Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi termed the All India United Democratic Front in Assam, Indian Secular Front in West Bengal and Indian Union Muslim League in Kerala as the “new secular syndicate of the Congress”. Naqvi, who is campaigning for the Assam Assembly elections, told news agency PTI in an exclusive interview, “This new secular syndicate is the height of hypocrisy of the Congress.” Congress is partnering with the three parties mentioned in the ongoing elections in Assam, West Bengal and Kerala respectively. The Assembly elections in the four states including Assam and Union Territory of Puducherry is a battle for mandate between “communal vote bank owners” and “inclusive development practitioners”,asserted the union Minorities Affairs minister.

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slams BJP, RSS for ‘harrassment’ of nuns on train

Congress leader  Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday slammed the BJP and RSS for the alleged harassment suffered by the nuns belonging to a Kerala-based congregation during a train journey in Uttar Pradesh and claimed that Home Minister Amit Shah had condemned it only because of Assembly polls. Addressing a rally at Karunagapally in Kollam district, Vadra said, “It’s election time. That’s why when the sisters (nuns) were taken off a train in Jhansi and harassed by their own people, the Union minister made a comment saying it’s wrong. The rest of the time, they fully encouraged this sort of behaviour.”

The Congress leader said she had spoken on the phone to the Nuns and they told her that they were worried.  They were pulled out of the train, they were afraid and there was nobody to protect them, she said adding when the BJP and the RSS make “hollow” statements about protecting women, it’s a “farce because they don’t respect women”.

PTI

Puducherry Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Narayanasamy rules out possibility of being Puducherry chief minister

Senior Congress leader V Narayanasamy on Tuesday ruled out any possibility of him taking on the mantle of chief ministership if the Congress-led alliance comes to power in Puducherry, saying he would turn down such an offer and would work 24X7 to strengthen the party in the Union Territory. The former Puducherry chief minister’s remarks come days after his name did not figure in the list of 14 candidates announced by the Congress for the Assembly polls and he asserted that he was not contesting the 6 April elections as there was a need to coordinate poll-related works and programmes of the party in the Union Territory.

In a telephonic interview with news agency PTI, Narayanasamy also said the defining issue of the assembly election this time was statehood for Puducherry and while the Congress was strongly behind the demand, the BJP manifesto was silent on it. He also alleged that BJP wanted to create a Delhi-like situation in Puducherry and take power away from an elected government.

Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

264 ‘crorepati’ candidates in fray in Assam 

A total of 264 ‘crorepati’  candidates, comprising 27.90 percent of the final 946 contestants, are engaged in the battle of ballots in Assam for 126 Assembly constituencies in three phases.  The richest candidate in the arena is the United Peoples Party, Liberal (UPPL)s Kokrajhar West (ST) contestant Manaranjan Brahma, with total assets worth Rs 268 crore.   He is followed by Independent candidate Rahul Roy from Udharbond with assets worth Rs 136 cr and AIUDF’s Jamunamukh nominee Sirajuddin Ajmal with assets worth Rs 111 crore, according to the affidavits filed by them.  All three candidates have shown their source of income from business with Brahma’s wife filing her source as agricultural income.

PTI

Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

JP Nadda addresses rally in Bilasipara

Addressing a rally in Bilasipara, BJP president JP Nadda said" Assam has been in disquote since a long time. Was there not the Bodo agitation going on? were not thousands of people killed? The Congress said “sab chalta hai”." Nadda said that peace had been brought to Assam after the Bodo Accord signed under the leadership or Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Amit Shah holds roadshow in Debra

#WATCH: Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds a roadshow in Debra ahead of the second phase of #WestBengalElections on April 1st. pic.twitter.com/5gdrvK7js2

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

West Bengal  Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

TMC complains to EC over Modi’s Bangladesh visit

The Trinamool Congress has registered a complaint with Election Commission over, the “gross violation of democratic ethics and the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) during his visit to Bangladesh.” The party has said it “strongly objects” to Modi’s programme on 27 March, claiming it had nothing to do with 50th anniversary of the country’s Independence or the birth centenary of ‘Bangabandhu’. “Rather, They were solely and exclusively intended to influence the voting pattern in certain constituencies in the ongoing elections to the Legislative Assembly of West Bengal,” the TMC’s letter read.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) registers a complaint with Election Commission over, "Gross violation of democratic ethics and the Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister during his visit to Bangladesh." pic.twitter.com/S1dDiejAqt

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Suvendu Adhikari will win from Nandigram, asserts Amit Shah

“Looking at the enthusiasm among the people of Nandigram, it is clear that Bharatiya Janata Party’s candidate Suvendu Adhikari is going to win from here. The easiest way to bring ‘parivartan’ is to make sure Mamata Didi loses from Nandigram,” said Amit Shah.

Shah, while talking to reporters at a party office in Nandigram, said the saffron camp’s victory margin “should be so big that no politician will dare to fool the masses with false promises ever again”. “By defeating Mamata didi in Nandigram, you can bring about the much-desired change in West Bengal. You defeat her here, The TMC will automatically get defeated in other parts of the state,” he said.

Looking at the enthusiasm among the people of Nandigram, it is clear that Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate Suvendu Adhikari is going to win from here. The easiest way to bring 'parivartan' is to make sure Mamata Didi loses from Nandigram: Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/uEruKS9jXG

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addresses rally in Kollam

Addressing a rally at Karunagappaly in Kollam, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, “I wish for you to show to everybody in this country that you will not be fooled by any false promises, corrupt government, people who want power and do not serve you.”

Kerala | I wish for you to show to everybody in this country that you will not be fooled by any false promises, corrupt govt, people who want power and do not serve you: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra addresses a public rally in Karunagappally, Kollam district pic.twitter.com/s4n3PRdX42

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Congress, DMK will never let business grow: Modi

“The corrupt eyes of the Congress and DMK will never let business grow. Like in the past their strongmen will be busy in money collection drives. Due to frequent power cuts, industries could never grow,” claimed Modi. “Agriculture sector is in needs of reforms, NDA’s priority is progress of small farmers,” claimed Modi. “In our manifesto we have promised an annual stipend of Rs 6,000 for fishermen and farmers,” he said.

Committed to help business and enterprises grow, says Modi

“We in NDA believe that progess of society is not possible without empowerment of women and that is why most of our schemes are aimed at nari shakti,” Modi said and listed schemes to build toilets, the Ujwala Yojana as examples. “We are committed to do everything to help business and enterprise grow here,” he said. “Tamil Nadu will also have a toy cluster,which will supply world class toys. Our focus is on MSME sector,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

DMK, Congress will not guarantee women’s empowerment, alleges Modi

“Sadly, to insult women is part of Congress-DMK culture,” alleged Modi The crown prince of DMK who sidelined many senior leaders also made horrible remarks, DMK has done nothing to stop him, Modi claimed. DMK and Congress will not guarantee women empowerment, in their rule crime against women has gone up. The Opposition’s anti-woman mindset is not restricted to Tamil Nadu," he said, referring to the death of Shova Majumdar in West Bengal. “This has been in the news for a long time. Did Congress show and sympathy? Did ally condemn such incidents? Not at all. There was pin drop silence among the Opposition,” alleges Modi.

Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Modi targets Congress-DMK alliance

“On one hand, NDA has its development agenda,on the other hand the Congress and DMK have their own dynasties. The speeches of the leaders have nothing positive to offer.   All they do is demean others and spread lies. The Congress and DMK has launched their outdated 2G missile which has a clear target: the women of Tamil Nadu. The missile was launched by UPA with clear message to attack the nari shakti of Tamil Nadu,” Modi alleged. “I want to tell Congress and DMK: pls control your party leaders, the people of Tamil Nadu are noting everything and will never tolerate an insult to the women of the state. The Congress and DMK have insulted the respected mother of CM. God forbid, if they come to power, they will insult many other women of Tamil Nadu, said Modi in an apparent reference to DMK MP A Raja’s remarks against K Palaniswami.

Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Vote for NDA is a vote to solve long-standing issues, says Modi

Drawing attention to the upcoming assembly election, Modi said the NDA family seeks votes for the solid agenda of all-round development.“Inspired by the ideals of MGR and Jayalalitha, we want to empower the farmers, poor, youngsters  and women of Tamil Nadu.”

“We want to promote Tamil culture and language. Vote for NDA is a vote to solve long-standing issues,” says Modi.

Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

India takes great pride in culture of Tamil Nadu, says Modi

Addressing a rally in Dharapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India takes great pride in the culture of Tamil Nadu. " One of the greatest moments of my life was when I got a chance to speak a few words in the world’s oldest language Tamil at the United Nations," Modi said.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Modi reaches Dharapuram, will campaign for BJP state chief L Murugan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Dharapuram in Tamil Nadu. He is scheduled to address an election rally for BJP candidate and state unit president L Murugan.

AIADMK leader and Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi Palaniswami and Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam will share the stage with Modi along with other senior leaders from AIADMK and BJP.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Mamata Banerjee urges voters to cast votes peacefully

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram on Tuesday appealed to voters to cast their votes during election.

“During election cast your votes peacefully. Keep in mind, ‘cool cool Trinamool, thanda thanda cool cool, vote pabe joda phool’. Keep your mind cool for 48 hours,” she said at a rally in Sona Chura, Nandigram.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

BJP to win over 200 seats in Bengal: Amit Shah in Nandigram 

“We will win over 200 seats in West Bengal and form the next Government. If Suvendu Adhikari defeats Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram then ‘parivartan’ will begin in the entire state, said Union jome minister Amit Shah on Tuesday.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

‘Nandigram is my place, will stay here’, says Mamata in Sona Chura

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said in Sona Chura, Nandigram Tuesday, “I could have contested from any other constituency but I have chosen Nandigram to pay my respect to the mothers and sisters of this place. To salute the Nandigram movement, I chose Nandigram over Singur.”

Mamata said Nandigram was her place and she will not leave it. “Remember, if I have entered Nandigram once, I will not leave. Nandigram is my place, I will stay here.”

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Mithun Chakraborty campaigns in Kharagpur

Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mithun Chakraborty was campaigning Tollywood for actor Hiran Chatterjee, the party’s candidate from the Kharagpur Sadar Assembly seat.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Speaker P Dhanapal injured after road accident in Dharapuram

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal was injured on Tuesday after his car met with an accident near Surianallur toll gate in Dharapuram. Dhanapal and State Minister SP Velumani were on their way to Dharapuram to attend Narendra Modi’s election rally.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Amit Shah arrives in Nandigram

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah Tuesday arrived in Nandigram. He will hold a roadshow shortly.  The BJP leader was received by Suvendu Adhikari, party’s candidate from Nandigram.

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Left parties in Kerala behave like junior-level goons: PM in Palakkad 

Accusing the Left parties in Kerala of inciting violence in the state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Palakkad Tuesday said, “their leaders still behave like junior-level goons. Under them, political rivals are killed, hacked and beaten. BJP govt in Kerala will stop this violence.”

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Mamata begins campaign in Nandigram 

West Bengal chief minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee is conducting a padyatra in Bhagabeda of Nandigram. She is contesting from the high-profile constituency in East Medinipur district against TMC turncoat Suvendu Adhikari.

West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC leader Mamata Banerjee leads a 'padyatra' in Bhagabeda of Nandigram.

Mamata Banerjee is contesting from Nandigram constituency for #WestBengalElections2021 pic.twitter.com/YJHKOFAZbq

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2021

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Mithun Chakraborty to campaign for Suvendu Adhikari in Nandigram today

Actor Mithun Chakraborty will address rallies in the high-profile constituency of Nandigram in Purba Medinipur district which is witnessing an intense contest between West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her protege-turned-foe Suvendu Adhikari.

With just two days ahead of the second phase of the West Bengal election 2021, BJP has deputed Shah, Chakraborty and other leaders to lead the poll campaign in Nandigram. 

Meanwhile, Banerjee reached the Assembly constituency on 28 March and will stay put till the voting is over.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Amit Shah to address rallies from 12 pm

Amit Shah will hold a series of election campaigns in Bengal including one in Nandigram. He will hold road show in Nandigram at 12.00 pm, in Debra at 1.35 pm, in Panskura Paschim at 3.05 pm and in Diamond Harbour at 4.40 pm.

West Bengal Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Amit Shah to hold roadshow in Nandigram today 

Before the election campaigning for second phase ends on Tuesday, top TMC and BJP leaders are scheduled to hit the streets and hold a series of rallies and roadshows.

Union home minister Amit Shah is scheduled to participate in at least three roadshows, including one at Nandigram in East Midnapore, and one public rally in Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas. He will attend two more roadshows in Debra and Panskura.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Narendra Modi to campaign in Dharapuram 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in an election campaign at Dharapuram on Tuesday. The region with a significant population of Arunathiyars, Pallars, Kuravars and other scheduled communities will have the BJP’s state president L Murugan contesting for the BJP-AIADMK alliance.

BJP’s national general secretary in-charge of Tamil Nadu CT Ravi had earlier said that Modi would also campaign in Madurai and Nagercoil on 2 April. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam would participate in the election rally.

Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Campaigning for phase 2 polls in Assam and Bengal to end today

Election campaigning for second phase of elections in Assam and West Bengal to be held on 1 April will end on Tuesday.

In West Bengal, 30 constituencies will go for polls in the second phase. These include Nandigram where chief minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting against her former aide and now a BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

In Assam, polling will be held for 39 seats in the second phase. The seats going to polls include 15 in the crucial Barak Valley.

Assam Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Eight newspapers get EC notice over ad claiming BJP’s victory in phase 1

The Election Commission of has issued notices to eight newspapers of Assam which carried an advertisement of the BJP in the form of a headline claiming that the party will win all 47 seats where elections were held in the first phase on Saturday, officials said.

The notices were sent to the newspapers following a complaint filed by the Congress alleging that the advertisement violated a directive of the ECI, the model code of conduct for the election and the Representation of People Act, 1951.

In the notices, Assam Chief Electoral Officer Nitin Khade asked the newspapers to send a report clarifying their position to the Commission by 7 pm on Monday.

Puducherry Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

PM to address rally ahead of 6 April polls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a poll rally on Tuesday to seek support for the NDA in the union territory for the 6 April Assembly elections.

This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to Puducherry to campaign for the NDA candidates after having addressed a poll rally on 25 February after unveiling several centrally sponsored development projects that day.

He will speak at the rally to be held at the AFT Thidal, BJP sources said.

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Modi to campaign for E Sreedharan, 11 more NDA candidates

Narendra Modi will be campaigning for the BJP’s Palakkad candidate E Sreedharan and other National Democratic Alliance candidates from the remaining 11 constituencies in the district.

He is to reach Indira Gandhi Stadium by chopper at 10.45 pm, where he will be received by top BJP leaders. His convoy will proceed to Fort Maidan by road through Sultanpet. BJP officials said that the function would begin at 11 am.

Kerala Assembly Election 2021 LATEST Updates

Narendra Modi to campaign in Palakkad today 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an election rally at Fort Maidan in Kerala’s Palakkad on Tuesday. It will be Modi’s first campaign rally in the state in this Assembly election. He had addressed a BJP rally at Fort Maidan during the last Assembly election in May 2016.