Lok Sabha Election 2019 Phase 4 Voting Updates: EC issues show cause notice to Giriraj Singh over remark on 'Muslim graves'

Lok Sabha election latest updates

64% voter turnout in phase four, says EC

Odisha election latest updates

Cyclone Fani: EC tells Odisha govt to ensure security of EVMs 

In view of Cyclone Fani, Odisha chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi directed Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) to keep close watch over the situation and asked concerned departments to stay in all preparedness to deal with any possible strike of the cyclone, according to ANI. The Hindu reported that EC has told the Odisha government to ensure security of EVM strong rooms in view of the cyclone.

Delhi election latest updates

BJP files complaint against Kejriwal’s wife for allegedly having two voter IDs

Delhi BJP spokesperson Harish Khuranna Monday filed a complaint against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal before a Delhi court for allegedly having two voter identity cards.

While one identity card is from Uttra Pradesh’s Ghaziabad parliamentary constituency, the another is from Chandni Chowk, Khuranna alleged in his petition.

The complainant alleged, “In complete disregard to the electoral processes and norms and in order to wrongfully give advantage to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in which her husband is the national convener, the accused is deliberately and intentionally maintaining her name in the electoral roll at two different places.”

PTI

BJP campaign election latest updates

Rijiju hits out at Congress for ‘criminal injustice’ to Ladakh

Union minister Kiren Rijiju lashed out at the Congress on Monday for “decades of criminal injustice” to the people of Ladakh.

Addressing rallies at Nyoma in Changthang region near the Line of Actual Control in Leh, the minister of state for home said in the 72 years of independence, Congress enjoyed power for 60 years but the party did not manage to do anything for the common man.

“The Congress has unleashed a demonic culture of looting the nation’s resources for filling their own pockets, which has done enough harm to the nation and it should be stopped at once”, he said, campaigning for the BJP’s candidate Jamyang Tsering Namgyal in Ladakh parliamentary seat, which is primarily Buddhist-dominated.

PTI

State-wise voter turnout till 7 pm

The overall turnout for this phase is estimated to be 61.26 percent.

West Bengal election latest updates

Lesser violence now than before, says TMC’s Moon Moon Sen

On a day when a number of violent incidents were reported in West Bengal during the fourth phase of polls, TMC candidate from Asansol and veteran actor Moon Moon Sen said, “Thoda toh hoga hi har jagah hota hai (Some amount of violence is witnessed everywhere). Violence is much less now compared to before.”

Moon Moon Sen, TMC candidate from Asansol: I have not met my seniors yet and when we will sit together I will know where and why violence took place. Thoda toh hoga hi har jagah hota hai. Violence is much less now compared to before. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/yJMkdgqnVA

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Mumbai election polling latest updates

Sunny Deol, Bobby cast vote in Mumbai

Bollywood actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol cast their vote in Vile Parle in Mumbai. Sunny Deol is contesting the election on a BJP ticket from Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat in Punjab.

Mumbai: Actors Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol cast their votes at a polling booth in Vile Parle. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/IZI6jdNO3K

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Lok Sabha election latest updates

EC issues showcause notice to BJP’s Giriraj Singh for ‘grave’ remark

The Election Commission (EC) issued a show-cause notice to Union minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh for his communal remarks.

The EC said, prima facie, Singh has violated provisions of the model code and directions of the Supreme Court which had said that religion cannot be used while making statements during campaigning. He has been given 24 hours to respond to the notice.

Taking suo motu cognizance, the Begusarai district administration in Bihar had on 25 April booked Singh for violating the Model Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Act by making controversial remarks against Muslims at a rally on 24 April, where BJP president Amit Shah was also present.

Addressing the rally in Begusarai, Singh had said in Hindi, “Those who cannot say Vande Mataram or cannot respect the motherland, the nation will never forgive them. My ancestors died at the Simaria Ghat and did not need a grave but you need three handspans of space.”

PTI

Statewise turnout till 6 pm

The overall turnout is estimated to be 59.14 percent at 6 pm.

West Bengal election polling latest updates

BJP polling agent beaten up in Asansol

A BJP polling agent brutally beaten up at booth number 79 at Mahua Dangal School in Asansol. Two others, identified as Pramod Biswakarma and Rajesh Verma, were also injured. The three have been admitted to Asansol government hospital.

A Ghose/101Reporters

BJP files EC complaint against TMC over poll violence

The BJP met the EC to place its demand that repolling be conducted in Chapra in Krishnanagar constituency, Chakdah in Ranaghat constituency, Barabani, Asansol, Pandaweshwar in Asansol constituency, and all booths in Birbhum.

Input by A Ghose/101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

SP seeks removal of Uttar Pradesh DGP over EVM snags

Opposition Samajwadi Party Monday urged the Election Commission to remove Uttar Pardesh’s police chief OP Singh from the post, alleging he was “favouring” the ruling BJP and trying to influence elections. The party also alleged that in at at least two polling booths in Kannauj the VVPAT machine showed the voting for the BJP when the ballot was cast for the SP. 

It also claimed the police issued warning notes to “a large number” of SP supporters in the constituency, from where Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple is contesting, asking them to remain inside their houses after casting their own votes.

Image coutesy: Saurabh Sharma/101Reporters

West Bengal election polling latest updates

EC orders FIR against Babul Supriyo for intimidating poll officials

The Election Commission directed the police to register FIR against Union minister and BJP’s Asansol candidate Babul Supriyo for allegedly trespassing into booth number 199 and threatening a polling agent and an officer.

West Bengal election latest updates

Watch: BJP, TMC cadres clash in West Medinipur

BJP and TMC cadres involved in a violent clash in West Medinipur. A clash broke out as BJP’s Ghatal candidate former IPS offiial Bharti Ghosh came to visit the area. A few TMC supporters allegedly eve-teased her and passed lewd remarks. In reaction to which this, the clash broke out.

A Ghose/101Reporters

Odisha election polling latest updates

BJD writes to Odisha CEO over ‘booth capturing’ by BJP

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has written to Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha over the alleged “booth capturing by BJP”. According to ANI, the BJD said in its letter to the CEO, “BJP goons conducted booth capturing in 12 booths of Bari Assembly constituency under Jajpur parliamentary constituency while the polling was going on today (Monday).”

State-wise voting turnout till 5 pm

Uttar Pradesh election polling latest updates

Voting process stopped in Kanpur Dehat booth due to faulty EVM

Voting has been stopped for the past hour due to EVM malfunctioning at booth 374 in Rasoolabad of Kanpur Dehat.

Input by Abhay Awasthi/101Reporters

Lok Sabha election latest updates

Will charge Modi with horse-trading, says Derek O’Brien over PM’s ‘40 MLAs in touch’ remark

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed at a West Bengal rally that 40 TMC MLAs were in touch with him, TMC leader Derek O’Brien said the party will complain to the Election Commission and charge Modi with horse-trading.

Expiry Babu PM , let’s get this straight. Nobody will go with you. Not even one councillor. Are you election campaigning or horse trading! Your expiry date is near. Today, we are complaining to the Election Commission. Charging you with horse trading #LokSabhaElection2019

— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) April 29, 2019

One wrong vote can turn your child into a chaiwala or chowkidar: Navjot Singh Sidhu

In a tweet, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and wrote, “One wrong vote can turn your child into a chaiwala, pakorawala, or chowkidar. Better prevent and prepare, rather than repent and repair.”

एक गलत वोट आपके बच्चों को चायवाला, पकौड़ेवाला या चौकीदार बना सकता है|

Better prevent and prepare, rather then repent and repair...

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) April 29, 2019

SC seeks EC, Centre’s response over plea seeking deciminalistion of complaints regarding EVM malfunction

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to Election Commission of India (ECI) and Centre (Union of India) in connection with a plea seeking to decriminalise complaint on malfunctioning of VVPAT/EVM.

Mumbai based advocate Sunil Ahya, through his plea, sought direction to the Centre to set aside Rule 49MA of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 except for the procedure prescribed for purpose of creating a statistical record of the complaints. According to the present situation, jail term and fine is guaranteed if the complaint is found false.

Ahya, in his petition, stated that at present, if an elector complains / reports about any discrepancy between EVM and VVPAT, he may face the consequence of a jail term up to six months if it turns to be false, so it should be decriminalised.

Section 49 MA of Code Of Election Rules states that if a person files a complaint regarding the discrepancy (voted for a particular party but it went to some other party) regarding the EVM, and, if after investigation this is found to be false or incorrect, then the complainant can be prosecuted under section 177 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for “furnishing false information. This section invites six months in jail or a Rs. 1,000 fine or both”.

ANI

West Bengal election polling latest updates

TMC workers accused of not allowing voters inside booth in Nakasi Para

Trinamool Congress workers have been accused of stalling the polling process in Nadia part of Krishnanagar LS constituency. They allegedly didn’t let BJP’s polling agent was not allowed to sit in the booth and stopped people from voting in the 162 number booth in Nakasi Para area.

Input by A Ghose/101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election polling latest updates

Two injured in Bijdua after ceiling fan falls in polling booth

Two voters sustained minor injuries when the ceiling fan at the Bijdua polling booth in Jalaun fell on them.

Input by Sushil Nayak/101Reporters

Delhi election latest updaes

Atishi alleges poll code violation by Gambhir over pamphlet distribution

AAP’s East Delhi candidate Atishi  wrote to the Election Commission seeking registration of FIR against her BJP rival Gautam Gambhir over his alleged violation of the poll code by distributing pamphlets without details such as printer’s name.

The AAP nominee had on Sunday written to the EC seeking a 72-hour campaign ban against the cricketer-turned-politician for carrying out a road show without permission.

State-wise voter turnout till 4 pm

West Bengal election polling latest updates

TMC writes to EC over firing by security personnel in Birbhum

TMC has written to the Election Commission over the alleged “firing by central forces personnel inside a polling booth in Dubrajpur in Birbhum parliamentary constituency”. Letter states, “Central forces have created a reign of terror in minds of voters and have also urged the voters to cast their vote for BJP.”

TMC writes to EC over alleged "firing by Central Forces personnel inside a polling booth in Dubrajpur, Birbhum parliamentary constituency". Letter states, "Central forces have created a reign of terror in minds of voters & have also urged the voters to cast their vote for BJP." pic.twitter.com/s81VTTWq8q

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

West Bengal election polling latest updates

EC orders police to file FIR against two BJP candidates for speaking on phone inside polling booth

The Election Commission has ordered the police to register FIRs against BJP candidates Dudh Kumar Mondal (Birbhum) and Kalyan Chaubey (Krishnanagar). Both these candidates were caught speaking on the phone while being inside the booth. Allegations of vote rigging have also been levelled against both of them.

Input by Syeda Shabana/101Reporters

Shatrughan Sinha files nomination from Patna Sahib

Congress candidate Shatrughan Sinha filed his nomination from Patna Sahib constituency in Bihar.

Bihar: Congress candidate for Patna Sahib constituency Shatrughan Sinha files nomination. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/DAiOk9yvfX

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Narendra Modi in West Bengal latest updates

Modi claims division in TMC camp

At his Srirampur rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly claimed that 40 TMC MLAs are in touch with the BJP.

State-wise polling till 3 pm

Uttar Pradesh election latest updates

SP changes its Varanasi candidate

Samajwadi Party fielded former BSF jawan Tej Bahadur from Varanasi, withdrawing the name of its earlier candidate Shalini Yadav from the constituency. Bahadur had triggered uproar in 2017 over his videos on the “substandard food” served to soldiers on social media.

सेना के जवान तेज़ बहादुर जी को वाराणसी से समाजवादी पार्टी का टिकट दिया गया है।

— Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) April 29, 2019

Narendra Modi in West Bengal latest updates

Lotus will bloom on 23 May, says PM

“TMC goons are trying to stop people from voting. They are attacking BJP workers, not allowing them to have speeches. But people in the villages are reaching polling booths. There is only one voice and one dream visible among the voters and that is ‘chupe chap, kamal chap’. When the results will be out, and lotus will bloom everywhere.,” said Narendra Modi at a rally in West Bengal’s Srirampur.

On Mamata Banerjee’s remark of sending him sweets filled with rocks, he said, “She wants to feed us rasgullas made of soil and stones. If Modi gets rasgulla made of the soil of West Bengal, that that will be as good as prasad for him.  The more rasgullas you send, the more people will be saved from being hit by them by your goons.”

Narendra Modi in West Bengal latest updates

PM says it will be ‘phir ek bar, Modi sarkar’ on 23 May

Addresing a rally in Srirampur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out at TMC over poll violence. “Don’t betray democracy. Didi, you, your workers, and your gang of goons, no matter who must violence you resort to, the people of West Bengal have made up their mind. The results will be out on 23 May, it will be ‘phir ek bar Modi sarkar’ (Once again, Modi government). Today whoever is aspiring to be a prime minister, their main agenda is to oust Modi. BJP’s saying is that we will get rid of corruption and this mahamilawati says oust Modi. BJP says make India free of terrorism, yet didi and her allies want to oust Modi. BJP wants to double farmers income and give home to all poor by 2022. Yet they’re saying ‘Modi ko hatao’.

Rahul Gandhi once again expresses regret for misquoting SC, but refuses to apologise

Facing a contempt notice for his remarks in the Rafale deal case, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court but has refused to apologise once again. 

Expressing regret for attributing the ‘chowkidar chor hai’ slogan to the top court, Gandhi in his affidavit said he had no intention of dragging the court into the political arena, and claimed that the petitioner, BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi, was seeking political mileage under the pretext of contempt proceedings. 

Phase 4 records 38.63% voter turnout till 2 pm 

West Bengal election polling latest updates

Paramalitary troops resort to aerial fire in Birbhum’s Dubrajpur

Paramilitary troops allegedly resorted to aerial firing at a poll booth in Birbhum’s Dubrajpur to control a violent crowd. The firing took place after TMC workers allegedly tried to enter the booth with their mobile phones. The people were claiming that they were never informed that they cannot carry mobile phones to the booth.

Uttar Pradesh election polling latest updates

This Hardoi village has not cast a single vote this election

In Hardoi, booth number 234 in Sandila has not witnessed any voter since morning. The villagers are boycotting the polls owing to non development. 
The Sandila area is infamous in India for its traditional prostitution and has seen lack of development because politicians do not want to go there.

Input by Sanjeev Anand

As the day progress, voter turnout goes north in Jharkhand

Voter turnout in the three parliamentary constituencies of Jharkhand that have gone for polling in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha Election 2019 has picked up with Chatra recording 29.12 percent, Lohardaga 28.78 percent and Palamu 29.57 percent till 12 pm.

West Bengal election polling latest updates

Amid West Bengal poll violence, BJP, TMC rush leaders to EC’s doorstep

A BJP delegation from Delhi including Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Vijay Goel and Anil Baluni met the Election Commission on Monday over the issue of poll-related violence during phase four voting in West Bengal. The panel also raised the issue of Congress leaders making ‘derogatory statements’ against the prime minister. Counterintuitively, the TMC had also asked the poll panel for time to make an appointment, about alleged poll code violations by the BJP.

VOTER TURNOUT TILL 1 PM

According to official EC data, 23.81 percent have voted till 12 pm across 72 constituencies in nine states. Here is a state wise break up of the polling percentage.

Sidhu says he will quit politics if Rahul loses Amethi

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has claimed that he would quit politics if Congress chief Rahul Gandhi loses the Lok Sabha election from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi faces a tough fight from Smriti Irani in the family bastion, from where he had defeated her in 2014 as well. 

Cricketer-turned-politician Sidhu also rejected the BJP’s charge that no development has taken place in the country in the last 70 years. He said that the country made everything from a needle to an aircraft during this period.

West Bengal election polling latest updates

TMC’s polling agent seen casting women voters’ vote for them in Burdwan-Durgapur consttituency 

Trinamool Congress’ polling agent at booth number 136 in Natundanga High School, in Burdwan-Durgapur Lok Sabha constituency, was seen voting for women voters on behalf of them. Subodh Ruidas, TMC’s polling agent, was seen accompanying women voters into the EVM room and even pressing the button on their behalf. 

Input by A Ghose/101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election polling latest updates

In Lakhimpur Kheri, voters cross a river to cast vote

People of the terai area in Lakhimpur Kheri came on a boat to cross the river just to cast their votes.  

Anantnag election polling latest updates

Amid poll boycott clashes erupt in Kulgam’s Qoimoh, Bugam

Amid poll boycott, clashes erupted on Monday between youth and government forces at Qoimoh and Bugam areas of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district where polling is being held for Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency. Rising Kashmir reported that the local youth pelted stones at the polling booth, after which swung into action and fired tear gas shells at the protesting mob.

VOTER TURNOUT TILL 12 PM

According to official EC data, 23.48 percent have voted till 12 pm across 72 constituencies in nine states. Here is a statewise break up of the polling percentage. 

Anantnag election polling latest updates

Voters stay indoors in Kulgam

Voters prefer to stay indoors in Kulgam district. The highest voter turnout was recorded from the National Conference bastion of Noorabad assembly segment at 8.50 percent while the overall percentage. As many as 4,509 people cast their vote in Noorabad, 4,459 people cast vote in Devsar, 528 people cast vote in Kulgam and only 292 people cast vote in Home Shalibugh assembly segment.

Kulgam assembly segment has the highest number of 98,298 voters (51,051 males, 46,818 females, 455 service voters and 4 transgender voters) while Noorabad has the lowest 77,171 electors, including 40,093 males, 36,886 females, 188 service voters and 4 transgender voters.

Anantnag election polling latest updates

We are not voting because it means nothing for us: Kulgam voters

Overall voting turnout in Kulgam (which comes under Anantnag LS seat) was an abysmal .36 percent till 11.46 am. Polling began in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir amid stringent security arrangements as the voting in the second leg of the three-phase schedule for the Lok Sabha seat would decide the fate of 18 candidates, including former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

“We are not voting because it means nothing for us,” Abrara Ahmad, a resident of Yaripora said. “We even don’t know who has stood up in elections.” Yaripora is infested with militancy and the streets were deserted on Monday morning. Kulgam, which is going to polls in the second of the three-phase polls for the Anantnag parliamentary constituency, is among the four most volatile districts in south Kashmir.

In the first leg, Anantnag district voted during the third phase of the general elections on 23 April, with a low turnout of 13.61 percent. The state government has suspended the mobile Internet service in central and south Kashmir last night. All the 433 polling booths in Kulgam district have been designated as hypersensitive.

Sunny Deol offers prayers at Golden Temple before filing papers from Gurdaspur 

Actor and BJP candidate Sunny Deol, Monday paid obeisance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar ahead of filling his nomination papers from the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha seat. Sporting a navy blue turban and wearing a blue shirt, the 62-year-old offered prayers at the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple. He also offered prayers at the Durgiana Temple.

Vasundhara Raje’s son accused of threatening voters

Congress candidate from Jhalawar, Pramod Sharma, has accused Dushyant Singh, son of former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, of threatening people at polling booths, reports India Today.

Bihar election voting latest updates

BJP leader’s aides capture booth in Munger

Aides of former BJP leader and present JD(U) spokesperson Lalan Singh have allegedly captured booth number 313 in Lakhisarai, which is a part of Munger Lok Sabha constituency. No one is being allowed to enter the booth, say reports.

Inputs by Ganesh Prasad, 101Reporters

Congress says its helpline got 127 EVM glitch complaints

As many as 127 complaints of EVM malfunctioning have been registered at a helpline started by Congress, claims the party. Complaints of booth capturing have also come been reported at Jhaltapatan, booth number 67 in Jodhpur, and booth number 224 of Barmer. Congress leaders have filed complaints to the respective collectors.

Inputs by Rajendra Sharma, 101Reporters

11.26 % polling recorded till 11.00 am in fourth phase

Here is a state-wise breakdown of polling percentage at a glance. 

Around 400 voters stopped from voting by unidentified goons in Baharampur constituency

Reports state that around 400 voters were not allowed to enter a polling booth at Mirzapur’s Benldanga Thana area, which falls under the Baharampur Lok Sabha Constituency. Unidentified men stopped them from entering the booth and casting their vote. There are allegations that several of these voters were attacked last night as well, while a few houses in the village were vandalised. Police denied naming any political party. Locals claim it is the result of a clash between Congress and TMC. 

A.Ghose/101Reporters

Amid poll violence in Bengal, EVM snatched in Birbhum district, claims report

Reports have emerged that an EVM machine was forcefully taken away from a polling station by miscreants in Birbhum’s Dubrajpur area. This is the latest in series of poll malpractices being reported from West Bengal. Some women voters in Barabani area of Asansol alleged that the TMC cadre were forcing them to vote for their party, while in Ranaghat constituency, some miscreants have blocked voters from casting their vote.

SC to hear Congress plea against Modi, Amit Shah’s alleged hate speech tomorrow

Supreme Court has agreed to hear plea of Congress MP Sushmita Dev alleging violation of Model Code of Conduct by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah.  Dev has sought necessary directions to the Election Commission to take a decision on the complaints filed against Modi and Shah over alleged violations of electoral laws.

Jharkhand election voting latest updates

Naxal-hit Jagodih area of Palamu constituency participates in voting for first time 

Jharkhand: Polling is being conducted for the first time at booth number 249 in Jagodih area of Palamu constituency. It is a naxal-affected area. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/cCP2eU3trq

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Wanting to vote in Lok Sabha polls, Rishi Kapoor calls Indian consulate in New York

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor, who is undergoing medical treatment in the US for an undisclosed illness, sought help from the Indian Consulate in New York on Sunday for casting vote in the on-going Lok Sabha elections. But after finding out that there is no such facility for people living abroad temporarily, the actor urged citizens to “not forget to vote wherever and whenever you have to”. 

Called the Indian Consulate’s office here in NY to inquire if there was any facility for people like us to vote(away from home)There wasn’t. Please do not forget to vote wherever and whenever you have to. Jai Hind! Vande Mataram! (Sorry for earlier error) pic.twitter.com/A0heLdBhZv

— Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) April 28, 2019

Uttar Pradesh ​election voting latest updates

WATCH: Women of UP village cast votes for first time

Women of the Ganeshpur village in Lakhimpur Kheri exercised their franchise for the first time in their life. These women were administered an oath to vote in the elections by the district administration under the voter awareness programme.

Inputs by Gopal Giri, 101Reporters

#LokSabhaElections2019 | Women of Ganeshpur village in #Lakhimpur Kheri exercised their franchise for the very first time in their life. Follow LIVE updates of polling in #UttarPradesh here: https://t.co/2ZxBZllkyt pic.twitter.com/VU1ZfUFc2z

— Firstpost (@firstpost) April 29, 2019

10.36 % polling recorded till 10.00 am in fourth phase

Here is a state-wise breakdown of polling percentage at a glance. 

Mumbai election voting latest updates

NCP chief Sharad Pawar after casting his vote in Mumbai

#Mumbai: NCP Chief Sharad Pawar after casting his vote at polling booth 31 in Tardeo. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/G8VNrNwESd

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Three poll personnel suffer burn after their bus catches fire in UP’s Mahoba

Three polling personnel including a presiding officer suffered burn injuries in neighbouring district of Mahoba when the bus in which they were travelling came in contact with a high tension wire. 

District Magistrate of Mahoba, Sahdev, said, “The bus carrying 40 polling personnel came in contact with a high tension electricity wire while crossing the road near Kaimaha village. As a result, the vehicle caught fire.”

Three of them, including a presiding officer, sustained burn injuries and were rushed to a hospital, the DM said, adding that the remaining occupants of the bus were sent to their polling centres in another vehicle.

Asansol election voting latest updates

Babul Supriyo’s car pelted with stones in Asansol 

BJP’s Babul Supriyo had a verbal duel with polling officers after he visited a polling booth in Asansol over complaints of booth capture and ensuing clashes. “I will myself take the central forces to that polling station. It is very good that people in West Bengal are aware&they want central forces so that they can cast their vote. This is why Mamata Banerjee is scared,” Supriyo said.

Odisha election voting latest updates

EVM malfunctioning delaying voting in Odisha

Like the second and third phase, voting in various booths in Odisha is being delayed due to problems in EVMs. According to sources, in Bhadrak Lok Sabha Constituency, polling was delayed at booth numbers 71, 183, 198, 220; in Bhandaripokhari Assembly Constituency booth no 222, 244, 245, 54, 243 under Dhamnagar Assembly segment, Booth no 2, 46, 208,50 of Soro MLA constituency, booth no 119, 109, 110 of Simulia, booth no 69,114,116 of Basudevpur, Chandbali (booth no 216, 14, 239) in Bhadrak due to EVM glitches.

Voting delayed due to EVM glitches in booth no 219, 268 in Kakatpur, booth no 42, 66 of Nimapara, booth no 214 in Paradip, booths no 5 and 203 in Ulumara and Natakata panchayats respectively. Voting also delayed due to EVM glitches in booth no 138 under Balikuda-Erasama constituency in Jagatsinghpur LS constituency. 

In Jajpur, similar problems reported from booth no 115 of Dharmasala, booth no 110 of Bari & booth no 96 of Jajpur.

Input by Bibhuti Mohapatro/101Reporters

Voters lathicharged in Asansol’s Jhamuria; BJP alleges poll malpractice by TMC

Clashes erupted outside Jhamuria polling booth in Asansol where voters have alleged that serious electoral malpractices at the booth. CNN-News18 reported that the sitting MP from the constituency Babul Supriyo had an altercation with the polling officers and the TMC cadre. Supriyo apparently misbehaved with the presiding officer and TMC polling agent. Meanwhile, the other side alleged said that some voters were forced to turn back from the booth without casting their vote. More details on this are awaited.

Kanhaiya Kumar casts his vote in Begusarai 

#Bihar: CPI candidate from Begusarai, Kanhaiya Kumar arrives to cast his vote at a polling centre in the city, says, "Begusarai ko badnam karne wali takton ko Begusarai mein muh ki khani padegi." He is contesting against BJP leader Giriraj Singh in Begusarai. pic.twitter.com/N6wWqT0J3j

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Bihar election voting latest updates

Will Abdul Bari Siddiqui turn RJD’s fortune in Darbhanga?

RJD had won the Darbhanga seat in 1998 and  2004 general election with a Muslim candidate but lost the seat to BJP’s Kirti Azad in 2009 general election. This time RJD has fielded its veteran leader, Abdul Bari Siddiqui. Siddiqui has been the Finance minister in Mahagathbandhan government. JD(U) has fielded Gopal Ji Thakur.

Kirti Azad is now in Congress and he has been given a ticket in Jharkhand. Darbhanga has substantial votes of Muslims and RJD is eyeing on this population. Apart from Muslims, Yadav and lower caste voters are expected to turn for RJD.

Input by Umesh Kumar Ray/101Reporters

West Bengal election voting latest updates

BJP, Congress accuse TMC workers of booth capturing despite heavy central force deployment 

It has been two hours since polling began and disturbing report are filtering in from West Bengal. While the BJP has alleged that several booths have got hijacked by TMC cadres in Chapra and Krishnanagar constituencies, Congress has levelled similar allegations with respect to Behrampore constituency. Reports say that TMC and BJP cadre are clashing in Chapra. 

Input by A Ghose/101 Reporter

West Bengal election voting latest updates

In Bengal’s sensitive Asansol seat, villagers demand CRPF deployment, threaten to boycott polls

Even after CEO announcing 100% cover of central forces across all booths in Asansol, five booths don’t have central forces manning them.

At Durgapur’s Jemua village booth number 222, 223, 224, 225 and 226 don’t have central force deployed there. They come under Asansol Lok Sabha constituency. Villagers have boycotted polling, demanding that central forces be deployed at their polling stations or they will not cast their votes.

A Ghose/101Reporters

West bengal election voting latest updates

Crude bomb explodes Sunday late night

Allegedly one TMC supporter sustained serious injuries while making a crude bomb in West Bengal’s krishnanagar Lok Sabha constituency. Three others were also injured in the explosion.  The incident occured a day ahead of poll on late Sunday night. 

Meanwhile, these are not the only reports of disturbance coming from the constituency. The BJP has alleged that TMC cadres have captured several booths and are not allowing polling agents of other parties to enter. 

A Ghose/101Reporters

Chhindwara election voting latest updates

Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath casts his vote 

Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh’s new power centre is witnessing a unique father-son electoral show with Chief Minister Kamal Nath and his son Nakul in the fray, hoping to boost not just the Congress but also strike roots as deep as the tree from where this region takes its name.

While the chief minister, a nine-time MP from the area, is contesting an Assembly bypoll, Nakul Nath is hoping to get elected to the Lok Sabha from Chhindwara, named after the wild date palm tree known as Chhind.

#LokSabhaElections2019 :Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath casts his vote at polling booth number 17 in Shikarpur, Chhindwara. pic.twitter.com/4liBH70BYb

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

West Bengal election voting latest updates

BJP alleges ‘TMC goons’ capture booths in Krishnanagar, Chapra 

After the bloody poll violence marred voting in 3 phases of elections, Election Commission has deployed an unprecedented 561 companies of central forces for the fourth phase of elections in Bengal’s eight seats. Central forces are deployed across 98.8 percent of the total polling booth premises set up in the state. Meanwhile, BJP has alleged booth capture by “TMC goons” at several booths in Chapra and Krishnanagar 

First-time voters can find their polling booth on nsvp.in

Of the nearly 90 crore voters, around 1.5 crore voters are in the age group of 18 to 19, which means they will be voting for the very first time this election. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to finding your polling booth ahead of the voting:

Step 1: Go to the National Voters Service Portal website.

Step 2: On the extreme right hand side of the website, under ‘Citizen Information’, click on ‘Booth, AC, PC’.

Step 3: Users will be redirected to a page with two tabs — ‘Search by Details’ and ‘Search by EPIC Number’. Either option can be used to find the polling station.

Step 4: In the ‘Search by Details’ tab, users have to provide details such as their name, their father or husband’s name, gender and date of birth or age before choosing their state, district and Assembly/ Lok Sabha constituency from a drop-down menu.

Step 5 (optional): Alternatively, users can also choose to locate the geographical details on a map. Once done, they can complete the process by entering the captcha text and clicking search.

Step 6: In the ‘Search by EPIC Number’ tab, users have to enter their EPIC (Election Photo Identity Card) number, choose the state where their Lok Sabha constituency is located from the drop-down list and then enter the mandatory captcha text.

Bihar election voting latest updates

Dalit voters to decide fate of candidates in Samastipur

Reserved Loksabha Constituency Samastipur will see a two-cornered fight, where Dalit voters will decide the fate of the NDA and Mahagathbandhan candidate. .

Lok Janshakti Party, which is an NDA ally had given ticket to Ramchandra Paswan, incumbent MP and brother of Ram Vilas Paswan whereas Congress has fielded Dr Ashok Kumar who had given a good fight at the seat during 2014 general election. 

Kumar had got 2,63,529 votes in 2014 despite Modi wave. Ram Chandra Paswan had won the seat with meager 10 thousand votes. JDU had won the seat in 2009 election but lost in 2014 as JDU had snapped the tie with NDA and fought the election independently in 2014.

Input by Umesh Kumar Ray/101Reporters

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

Tough fight in 13 seats of Uttar Pradesh

The fourth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh will Monday witness key political figures like SP leader Dimple Yadav, Congress’s Salman Khurshid and Sakshi Maharaj of the BJP testing their electoral fortunes.

Thirteen constituencies of politically crucial Uttar Pradesh will vote Monday in the fourth phase in which 2.38 crore people will exercise their franchise.

The seats which will go to polls are Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Akbarpur, Jalaun (SC), Jhansi and Hamirpur.

Former Union ministers Salman Khurshid (Farrukhabd) and Sriprakash Jaiswal (Kanpur) of Congress, UP Cabinet minister Satyadev Pachauri (Kanpur), Sakshi Maharaj of BJP (Unnao) and Annu Tandon of Congress (Unnao) are among others who are in fray for the polls.

Uttar Pradesh election voting latest updates

From Jatland, polling moves to the Ganga: Will alliance votes transfer?

With the fourth phase, the Parliamentary election has now moved towards the Ganga region from the land of Jats and Yadavs. The fourth phase is crucial for the Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and Rashtriya Lok Dal alliance because it will be a test of transfer of votes. According to the ground reports, the gathbandhan is not likely to get Yadav votes in areas where Mayawati has fielded her candidates, presumably due to caste ego issues.

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav told this reporter that both the parties will be easily transferring their votes. Political pundits in Uttar Pradesh have it that Mayawati’s appearance with Mulayam Singh Yadav in the Mainpuri rally was a strategy for this purpose alone.

Giriraj Singh casts an early vote in Nawada

Union Minister Giriraj Singh cast an early vote in Bihar’s Nawada. Singh was upset over being given ticket from Begusarai and not Nawada, his traditional constituency. He is facing CPI’s Kanhaiya Kumar and Opposition alliance’s Tanveer Hasan. 

Bihar: Union Minister and sitting MP from Nawada, Giriraj Singh, cast his vote at polling booth number 33 in Barahiya of Lakhisarai district. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/babrOKVG36

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Mumbai election voting latest updates

Anil Ambani, Rekha, Poonam Mahajan amid early voters 

Industrialist Anil Ambani, BJP candidate Poonam Mahajan and actor Rekha were among early voters in Maximum city Mumbai. Meanwhile, voters could also be seen lining up to cast vote in Mumbai South and East constituencies. 

#Mumbai: BJP MP Candidate from Mumbai North Central, Poonam Mahajan casts her vote at polling booth number 48 in Worli. pic.twitter.com/muecE30tIC

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

#Mumbai: Veteran actor Rekha casts her vote at polling booth number 283 in Bandra. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/z14VraA06W

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Narendra Modi urges first time voters to cast vote 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday morning urged voters in fourth phase of Lok Sabha to come out in large numbers to vote. He also made a special appeal to first time voters. 

Another phase of the General Elections begins today. I hope those voting today do so in large numbers and break the voting records of the previous three phases.

A special appeal to young voters to head to the polling booth and exercise their franchise.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2019

Begusarai election voting latest updates

Kanhaiya dominates poll talk but ‘Hindu lion’ Giriraj Singh puts up tough fight to Left candidate

An energetic campaign boosted by his image of being a trenchant critic of the Modi government has propelled CPI’s Kanhaiya Kumar into the centre stage of electoral contest in Begusarai seat but many see his rising graph posing a bigger threat to the opposition RJD than the ruling BJP.  

The BJP supporters in Begusarai  assert that the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains a big draw for voters, while the opposition’s alliance is hoping to counter it with its social arithmetic at several places. 

The fact that a number of public figures like actor Prakash Raj and lyricist Javed Akhtar, vocal critics of the Modi government, have come to the town to campaign for him, has strengthened the perception that he poses a better challenge to the BJP than alliance’s Tanveer Hasan, a soft-spoken leader who many believe lacks Kumar’s appeal and connect. This indicates that anti-BJP vote may get divided between Kumar and the alliance, ultimately profiting the saffron party.

Mumbai election voting latest updates

Early birds queue up to vote in South Mumbai constituency 

As polling enters the final phase, the Mumbai South constituency will see an intense battle between Shiv Sena’s sitting MP Arvind Sawant and Congress’s newly appointed Mumbai chief Milind Deora. Even before the polling could cmmense, a few early bird voters had already queued up at the booths to cast their vote. 

#Mumbai: Voters queue outside polling booth number 40 & 41 in South Mumbai parliamentary constituency. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/tRnHiTURvo

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2019

Mumbai election voting latest updates

Maximum City goes to poll today; Milind Deora, Urmila Matondkar amid key faces in fray

Mumbai’s six Lok Sabha constituencies will be among 17 that go to the polls in the fourth phase of 2019 elections today. With voting in areas that include the country’s commercial-glamour capital, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, a world-famous pilgrimage centre, and some of the most backward tribal hamlets, Maharashtra will conclude polling today. 

Key faces in fray include Milind Deora, Poonam Mahajan, Priya Dutt, Urmila Matondkar among several high profile candidates.

Google doodle on Phase 4 of Lok Sabha election tells us how to vote

Today’s Google Doodle is dedicated to the fourth phase of India’s mammoth general election. Depicting an inked finger in place of the second ‘O’ in Google, a click on the logo takes us to a search page with detailed bullet points on the voting procedure. The electoral fortunes of several star candidates will be decided in this phase, including six Union ministers.

Phase 4 sounds poll bugle in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan 

The contest in Phase 4 will be interesting to watch as Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the two states in Hindi heartland which the BJP lost to Congress recently, will begin polling in this phase. 

The saffron party had cornered all but two of the total 54 seats in 2014, but it appeared to have ceded space to the Congress in last year’s Assembly polls. The party is counting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal charsima to retain its vote share.

West Bengal election voting latest updates

Bengal turns into a fortress for Phase 4 polling

After the bloody poll violence marred voting in 3 phases of elections, Election Commission has deployed an unprecedented 561 companies of central forces for the fourth phase of elections in Bengal’s eight seats. Central forces are deployed across 98.8 percent of the total polling booth premises set up in the state.

Polling to begin at 7 am

In most constituencies, polling booths will be open between 7 am and 6 pm. More than 1.4 lakh polling booths have been set up across the country and special security arrangements have been made at sensitive booths.

Voters to seal fate of 945 candidates in 72 seats across nine states

Across 72 constituencies in nine states, more than 12 crore voters will exercise their franchise on Monday during the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha election. Elections will be held in five seats in Bihar, one in Jammu and Kashmir, three in Jharkhand, six in Madhya Pradesh, 17 in Maharashtra, six in Odisha, 13 in Rajasthan, 13 in Uttar Pradesh and eight in West Bengal.