LIVE: Uttar Pradesh votes in 7 phases from 11 Feb to 8 March; counting on 11 March

UP CM candidate Sheila Dikshit open to a tie up with the Samajwadi Party, reported India Today

Congress’ UP chief minister candidate Sheila Dikshit on the upcoming poll

UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya on election

Ruling Congress may continue alliance in Uttarakhand 

In the run-up to the election in the hill state of Uttarakhand, the Congress party indicated that it might continue its alliance with the Progressive Democratic Front, which includes the Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, BSP as well as three independents.

Pre-election situation in Goa

Currently under the rule of a Bharatiya Janata Party-led coalition, the state assembly election will see not only the local parties like Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and established national parties like the Congress, BJP, NCP and Trinamool Congress but also marks the debut of Aam Aadmi Party in the tiny state.

Manipur to witness two phase polling, despite economic blockade

The state of Manipur, which is currently governed by Congress under Ibobi Singh has been battling with a law and order situation due to a road blockade by some Naga groups. The blockade had started as a response to the Congress government to create seven new districts in Manipur, a decision opposed by the United Naga Council (UNC), which started the blockade.

Amarinder Singh on single phase poll in Punjab 

Amarinder Singh on upcoming elections

Former Chief Minister of Punjab dismisses his opponents, says he is confident of Congress winning two-third majority. 

“Not a do or die battle. It is a do battle. We will win the battle.. We will trash our opponents.. AAP was a movement which is now on its way down”.

Election Commission to curb unaccounted funding  

Heated contests in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab

In Punjab, the fight is between the SAD-BJP alliance, Congress and the new entrant Aam Aadmi Party. In Uttar Pradesh, the electoral battle will be between Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, BJP and the Congress.

Zaidi on fight over party symbol in Samajwadi Party 

Any query on freezing of Samajwadi Party poll symbol is hypothetical at this point of time. Let us first examine the documents, Zaidi told reporters when asked about the ongoing tug of war on the party symbol ‘cycle’.

Zaidi also added that the Union Budget, which will be presented on 1 February, will not interfere with any of the election processes.

Election Commission has received one representations with regard to presentation of budget. The EC is examining it and will take call on it in due course, Chief Election Commissioner Zaidi said.

EC announces 11 March as counting day, a day before Holi

Counting for votes in all states on 11 March

Uttar Pradesh — 7-phased election in 403 seats

First phase: 73 constituencies, 15 districts go to polls on 11 February
Second phase: Polling date 15 February
Third phase: 69 constituencies go to polls on 19 February
Fourth phase: 53 constituencies to go to polls on 23 February
Fifth phase: 53 constituencies 27 February
Sixth Phase: 49 constituencies include 7 districts and they go to polls on 4 March
Seventh Phase: 40 constituencies to includue 7 districts go to polls on 8 March

Goa, Manipur, Punjab and Uttarakhand dates announced

Goa – Single phase in all 40 constituencies

Date of notification: 11 January

Scrutiny of nomination: 19 January

Last day for withdrawal of candidature: 21 Jan 

Election Date: 4 February

There will be strict expenditure monitor mechanism to curb black money, says Zaidi. Calling the media their friend, Zaidi said that the EC will take up the issue of paid news very seriously. 

Zaidi thanks all the state governments and relevant authorities for scheduling and planning the elections.

Poll expense limit for candidates has been restricted as following:

Rs 28 lakh for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand and Rs 20 lakh for Goa and Manipur. Election Commission is committed to discourage use of plastics and noise pollution by loudspeakers in upcoming state polls. 

Additional affidavit by candidates, no-demand certificate for telephone, electricity and govt accommodation must be filed. Failure to file these will invite scrutiny, Zaidi said. 

Model code of conduct comes into effect right away

1.85 lakh polling stations to be in operation for Assembly Elections to the five states, CEC Zaidi said. “Every polling station will have four posters for voting procedure and dos and don’ts,” Zaidi said.

100 percent voters have voter cards

160 million voters to participate in the polls

Nearly 160 million voters will be participating in the polls. “There will be complete accountablility of photo voter slips, colourful voter guides will be distributed to each family,” CEC Nasim Zaidi said.

160 million voters to participate in the polls

Nearly 160 million voters will be participating in the polls. “There will be complete accountablility of photo voter slips, colourful voter guides will be distributed to each family,” CEC Nasim Zaidi said.

Final electoral rolls

Final electoral rolls to be published in Goa on 5 January, Manipur 12 January, Punjab 5 January, Uttarakhand 10 January and Uttar Pradesh 12 January. EC has also mandated to constitute assemblies of these 5 states prior to expiry of term of their existing assemblies.

At every polling booth, there will be a polling assistant to help those who do not have necessary papers. 

690 legislative Assembly seats to go to polls.

Election Commission press conference begins

BJP national executive meet on 6-7 January

As EC readies to announce election dates in the five poll bound states, reports said that BJP senior leaders will meet on 6 and 7 January to discuss the party’s preparedness for the upcoming polls.

Pre-certify your adverts: EC to political parties

The poll panel has also reminded political parties to approach the Media Certification and Monitoring Committees at district and state level, for pre-certification of their political advertisements proposed to be issued in the electronic media.

Election Commission’s list of dos and don’ts

In a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary and chief secretaries of the poll-bound states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab in December, the Commission has compiled a set of instructions issued in the past to drive home the point that model code should be implemented effectively with the announcement of poll schedule.

The list of dos and don’ts issued by the Commission includes prevention of misuse of public place, avoiding use of official vehicles for campaigning, removing pictures of political functionaries from state government websites and bar on use of public money for advertisements to help the ruling party.

UP may go for 7-phased election; Others to have election on a single day

Except Uttar Pradesh, which may go for a seven-phased elections, the other states could have elections on a single day. While the term of the Uttar Pradesh assembly expires on 27 May this year, the terms of four state assemblies end in March 2017.

Election Commission to announce polling dates at 12 pm

Poll bugle will be sounded for five states today. The Election Commission is expected to announce the dates by 12 pm today. 

According to The Times of India, the Election Commission will launch e-postal ballot for over 1.5 lakh service voters in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh elections. Ahead of the announcement, the Election Commission on Tuesday held a meeting with Chief Electoral Officers of the poll-bound states to finetune the arrangements. The law and order situation in Manipur due to road blockade by some Naga groups was the focus of attention of the Commission in the meeting, sources said.