Uttarakhand Election 2017 as it happened: Voter turnout 68 percent till 5 pm; Karnaprayag polling deferred to 9 March

Uttarkashi takes the lead in voter turnout

Uttarakhand registered 68 percent polling by 5 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday. Among the regions of the state, Uttarkashi has taken the lead in people’s participation, with over 73 percent of its electorate registering their votes.

US Nagar, Haridwar and Nainital stood second, with 70 percent turnout each, while Dehradun saw 67 percent, Rudraprayag saw 63 percent, and Pithoragarh, Pauri and Tehri saw 60 percent polling each.  Bageshwar, Champawat and Almora  registered 62 percent voting, while Chamoli saw 61 percent turnout.

Second part of the interview with Satish Balodi, author, poet and writer of books from Uttarakhand

Here’s an interview with Satish Balodi, author, poet and writer of books from Uttarakhand

Congress party offices wear a deserted look

On polling day in Dehradun, the Congress party’s state office on Rajpur  Road wore a deserted look. Only a few party  workers were present there.  Some were unhappy with Team PK (Prashant Kishore, Congress party’s election  strategist), which continues to manages the party’s campaign in Uttarakhand. Team PK is functioning from a  different place in the city, and  Congress workers have complained that there is little coordination between the state office and Team PK on polling day.

“The team  should have preferred its base on the party office premises,” said a  worker on condition of anonymity. According to him, workers have  little role to play on the polling day in the party office.  Chambers of party functionaries were also vacant on polling day.

53 percent turnout by 3 pm

53% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in #UttarakhandElection2017

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2017

Polls could script a new chapter 

Driving through Haridwar to Dehradun one gets the feeling that election here is keenly contested. This is one of the few region where the grand electorate festival called election can be sensed through presence of big banners and hoardings. Plain to hill presents its own story. There have always been a divide between plain and hills in state of Uttrakhand and a latent tension between the residents and leaders of two regions have always been there.

In this incumbent chief minister Harish Rawat decided not to contest election from any of the hill region constituency and chose to create history by becoming first political leader of significance to contest from two constituencies. That too, both from plain – Kichcha in Terai region and from Hardwar (rural). Its important to note that when he had become chief minister he had got a seat vacated to contest from other extreme of hill region, Pithoragarh, a place closer to China border than Dehradun.

Out of a total of 70 seats in Uttrakhand assembly 30 seats of Uttrakhand assembly are from plain regions – Udham Singh Nagar 9, Hardwar 11 and Dehradun 10.

In last 2012 assembly election the BJP had done better in plain and Congress had done better in hills. Today’s polls could script a new chapter.

Problem of plenty

Uttarakhand polls present an interesting situation where the incumbent chief minister Harish Rawat is on one side, the Congress and all six former chief ministers Nityanand Swami, Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, ND Tiwari, BC Khanduri, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, Vijay Bahuguna are on BJP’s side.

Interestingly of all these names, present and ex only Harish Rawat is contesting assembly election. But then there is a history in Uttrakhand that chief minister has been imposed from above, a person who did not contest assembly election to begin with.

The two ex-Congress chief ministers ND Tiwari and Vijay Bahuguna to the BJP mean the party now has a good mix of prominent Brahmin and Rajpur faces. Bramin and Rajput are the two castes which matter most in hills.

On surface of it the BJP has an advantage in caste combination, presence of good number of prominent leaders and on such other things that could impact voter preferences but if it comes to power the party leadership will have a tough time in choosing its leader in the state.

Election Commission clarifies on voting percentage, #Uttarakhand 1 pm voting percentage is 39%

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2017

Firstpost speaks to Rajni Rawat

Rajni Rawat is a transgender candidate fighting election in Uttarakhand.

40 percent voting recorded till 1 pm

Firstpost in conversation with Rajkumar, a Congress candidate from Rajpur seat and a sitting MLA

Scuffle in Purola

In the Purola constituency, BJP and Congress supporters got into a fight in Gudiyad village.

Security, job creation main concerns for voters

People in Dehradun have reacted to elections in the hill state with great enthusiasm. After casting their votes, at Booth No 461 in Dehradun’s Dharampur seat, voters said they wanted their elected representatives to focus on development and security.

Usha Thapliyal expects women’s security in the state to be the focus of the new  government. On the other hand, Pushpa Negi, a school teacher, says she voted for  better infrastructure and more job creation.  Virendra Chandra Gairola, a retired registrar of the Medical Council of India, expressed concerns over national security but said he admires Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conducting  surgical strikes in September. Gairola also praises former chief minister of Uttarakhand BC Khanduri, saying the BJP leader has a clean image.

However, retired government employee Arun Thapliyal wants a new face as chief minister.

Uttarakhand elections: Six illiterate candidates, 40 percent undergraduates

According to a report in The Times of India , six candidates contesting elections in Uttarakhand are illiterate, while 40 percent of all contestants have admitted to have not completed Class XII. This is particularly relevant since neighbouring state of Haryana had recently passed a law mandating only those with a “minimum qualification” will be eligible to contest Panchayat polls.

The myth of Gangotri

It’s considered in Uttarakhand that whichever party wins the Gangotri seat (Uttarkashi District) will go on to form government. It was Vijaypal Sajwan who from Gangotri in 2002, and the Congress that formed the state’s first government. In 2007, Gopal Singh Rawat won this seat, and BJP formed a government. In 2012, Congress relcaimed the seat and power in the hill state both. It goes without saying that it’s a seat whose outcome will be keenly watched by all parties.

Satpal Maharaj at a polling booth

Elderly voters in Uttarakhand enthusiastically casting their vote

People are preferring candidates over parties

The early trend we’re witnessing this year is that Uttarakhand citizens are preferring to cast their votes for individual candidates instead of party-based affiliations. This is an interesting trend, especially considering there were a large number of candidates who defected between Congress and BJP ahead of the polls.

Furthermore, UKD, a regional political party which was at the forefront of statehood for Uttarakhand, is clearly struggling to remain relevant today. It’s evidence that identity politics have been overshadowed, though the entire demand for a separate state was based on the issue of identity hurt.

Modi: The electoral face of BJP in Uttarakhand

The BJP has made Modi as its electoral face in Uttarakhand.

Congress too has played a gamble by making Harish Rawat its face of elections. Congress’s chances are hinged upon Rawat. However, people are not happy with both the parties.

The rebel candidates of Congress are in a dire situation while BJP is also not in a comfortable situation. There is a high possibility of reversals in electoral fortunes.

Polling percentages till 11 am: At a glance 

Haridwar – 29 percent 

Tehri – 22 percent 

Dehradun – 23 percent

Saharanpur – 30 percent

Almora – 24 percent

14 percent voter turnout 

Till about 10 am on Wednesday, a 14 percent voter turnout was recorded.

Shanties demolished 

In Dehradun, shanties situated within 200 metres of Nehru Colony’s election centre were demolished. Shops within the radius of 200 metres were also shut down.

Polling percentages till 10 am: A quick glance 

Laksar – 22 percent 
Bhagwanpur – 14 percent 
Pauri – 5.69 percent 
Almora – 6.5 percent 
Chamoli – 5.35 percent 
Purola – 6.55 percent 
Raipur – 5 percent 
Sahaspur – 7.5 percent 
Rishikesh – 5 percent 
Mussoorie – 7 percent 
Cantt – 7 percent 
Nainital – 7.71 percent 
Haridwar – 8.91 percent 
Tehri – 6 percent 
Doiwala – 5 percent

Peaceful voting reported in all seats 

Peaceful voting is reported from all the 69 seats in Uttarakhand and voting percent is reaching up to 15 percent in most of the seats. 

Senior BJP leader and former CM Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and Pranav Pandaya from Haridwar Shanti Kunj, have voted in Uttarakhand appealed people to come out and cast their vote.

Vote percentage expected to increase 

Vote percentage expected to increase this time in 10 seats of Dehradun district. In 2012 it was 67.16 percent. 

Election Representatives of 5 countries are in state to see the polling process. Delegation includes 13 members from Russia, Egypt, Namibia, Krygyzstan and Bangadesh.

BJP has given ticket to 13 former congress leaders including Former minister Yashpal Arya and his son.

Plain areas of Uttarakhand comprises of Haridwar District with 11 assembly seats, Dehradun with 10 seats, UdhamsinghNagar  with 9 seats and Nainital District with 6 seats.

Total 36 out of 70 seats in these 4 districts. Nine hill districts contain 34 seats

Harish Rawat leaves his house to cast his vote 

Harish Rawat has reached at ITI ground to cast his vote in Dehradun. 

Uttrakhand CM Harish Rawat leaves his home to cast vote – #UttarakhandElection2017 pic.twitter.com/7OGXGizTNc

— Supriya Bhardwaj (@Supriya23bh) February 15, 2017

Satpal Maharaj casts his vote

Long queues, 14 percent voter turn out till 10 am 

Outside a polling booth at Mahuwallah, a Muslim dominated area in Dehradun, there are long queues. 

14 percent polling percentage till 10 am. 

Long queue outside a polling booth at Mahuwallah, a Muslim dominated area in Dehradun #UttarakhandElection2017 pic.twitter.com/etxO2FVTcv

— Chetan Chauhan (@chetanecostani) February 15, 2017

Saurabh Bahuguna, Vijay Bahuguna’s son casts vote 

#UttarakhandElection2017 #Sitarganj@BJP4UK प्रत्याशी सौरभ बहुगुणा ने किया वोट
वार्ड नंबर 9 में पत्नी संग किया मतदान pic.twitter.com/ZKGFibiFbY

— News18 Uttarakhand (@News18_UK) February 15, 2017

Pranav Pandya casts vote 

#UttarakhandElection2017 #haridwar
शांतिकुंज प्रमुख डॉ प्रणव पंड्या ने किया वोट
सप्तऋषि स्थित पोलिंग बूथ पर डाला वोट @DrPranavPandya pic.twitter.com/AUNHz18f7z

— News18 Uttarakhand (@News18_UK) February 15, 2017

Harak Singh Rawat won by a narrow margin last time 

Interestingly, the man who played a key role in instigating the crisis, Harak Singh Rawat, had himself won from Rudraprayag constituency by a margin of just 1,326 votes.  In fact, in 2007 and 2002 too, the BJP and Congress only managed to barely cross the half way mark.

Narrow margin of victories in Uttarakhand 

The phenomena of narrow margin of victories is significant in the case of Uttarakhand: the 2012 election results had resulted in a hung Assembly. While the Congress won by 32 seats, arch rival BJP registered victories in 31 seats.

If just four or five seats had gone in favour of either parties, one may have not witnessed the political instability that the state faced in early months of 2016. 

Read more

Congress-BJP locked in straight contests on most seats

On most of the seats ruling Congress and BJP are locked in straight contests but rebel candidates of both parties who have entered the fray as independents may play a crucial role in upsetting the calculations of the official nominees of their respective parties.

12 former Congress MLAs contesting as BJP candidates and two former BJP MLAs travelling in Congress boat have made these elections interesting. Chief Minister Harish Rawat who is seeking a second stint in office is contesting from two seats, Haridwar (rural) and Kichha in Udhamsingh Nagar district.

BJP heavyweight Satpal Maharaj is contesting from Chaubatakhal whereas Uttarakhand BJP president Ajay Bhatt is battling it out in Ranikhet.

Making corruption its main poll plank BJP has asked people to vote for change whereas Congress is seeking a second term in power to carry out unfinished development work.

103-year-old Purnadevi casts her vote 

#UttarakhandElection2017
टिहरी विधानसभा में 103 वर्षीय पूर्णादेवी तोपवाल ने किया मतदान@BJP4UK @ukpccd @INCIndia @UttarakhandCEO pic.twitter.com/XmLstgYzfs

— News18 Uttarakhand (@News18_UK) February 15, 2017

Bhagat Singh Koshiyari casts vote 

विकसित, समृद्ध और खुशहाल उत्तराखंड के लिए मतदान करें।मैंने मतदान कर लिया है आप भी अपने मत का प्रयोग करें ! #UttarakhandElection2017 pic.twitter.com/9lv06CNhrC

— Bhagat Singh Koshyari (@BSKoshyari) February 15, 2017

Sahaspur seat 

The Sahaspur seat in Dehradun district is the largest constituency in terms of voters.

The Congress state president Kishore Upadhyay’s political future is at stake in the Sahaspur seat. 

It is multi-pronged fight in Sahaspur. Congress rebel and independent candidate Aryendra Sharma, CPM candidate Shiv Prasad Devli and BJP Candidate Sahdeo Pundir along with Congress president Upadhayay are fighting here.

Women queue up 

Women queued up in large numbers to cast their vote. The poll rate increasing, the first one hour shows up to 10 percent voter turn out across the state.  

​

Some rural areas showed 40 percent voter turn out 

Polling in some rural stations in Dehradun close to 40% in two hours #UttarakhandElection2017 @htTweets

— Chetan Chauhan (@chetanecostani) February 15, 2017

Ramdev urges people in Uttarakhand to vote 

#JagranVideo:सभी लोगों को करना चाहिए अपने मत का प्रयोग : स्वामी रामदेव@yogrishiramdev#UttarakhandElection2017 pic.twitter.com/5SapWpzotg

— Dainik Jagran (@JagranNews) February 15, 2017

#UttarakhandElection2017: Polling underway at booth no 8 in Srinagar;BSP's Ganesh Prasad,BJP's Dr DS Rawat &INC's Ganesh Godiyal contesting. pic.twitter.com/vEhDMom5Rp

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2017

#UttarakhandElection2017: Chief Electoral Officer Radha Raturi casts her vote at Government Girls Inter College in Dehradun's Kishanpur. pic.twitter.com/z4IYoNzdXk

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2017

Indira Hridyesh casts vote

Cabinet minister and Congress candidate from Haldwani, Indira Hridyesh has cast her vote with her family in Haldwani.  

#UttarakhandElection: Cong's Indira Hridayesh casts her vote at booth no 17 in Haldwani;She's contesting agnst BSP's SAhmad&BJP's JPSRautela pic.twitter.com/T6UhqI2Six

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2017

Ramesh Pokhriyal casts vote 

Uttarakhand’s former chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal with his daughter Aarushi voted at the Hathi Badkala polling station. 

6 percent voter turnout in Uttarakhand till 9 am

A six percent voter turn out was recorded in the first hour of the polling. Namita Singh, Firstpost correspondent from Uttarakhand reports that in Haridwar and Chamoli districts it is 5 percent and in Champawat it is 6 percent. 

There are reports of boycotting the election in the Uttarkashi district.

Special Police Observer appointed for Chakrata constituency of Dehradun District 

For the first time, a Special Police Observer has been appointed for the Chakrata constituency of Dehradun District.

Rebels key to the formation of government in the state from both parties, Congress and BJP are giving a tough time to the official party candidates in over two dozen seats.

No single issue dominates in the Uttarakhand election
 
Land, forests, water, education, employment, migration and disasters are not dominant issues in this election.
 
Both parties — BJP and Congress — presented their manifestos and other parties set forth their opinions on issues of the state but could not find any resonance with the people. Leaders of both the parties questioned the permanent capital issue again. More than a dozen members of Congress and a large number of his supporters to into the party and dedicated leaders and sitting BJP MLAs showed massive resentment in being denied tickets.
 
There is discontentment with demonetisation, President’s Rule in the state last year seem to be the more pertinent issues. According to the trends, BJP and the Congress will not have an absolute majority.

Scenes at the polling stations 

Polling agents of political parties have set their benches and chairs near the polling booths. Its  clear sunny sky in Dehradun. Weather is 20-25 degree Celsius.
Electoral Officers are in.  In some areas, few  people are reported to be seen in the small queue, mostly men.

Polling booths have been decorated  with balloons and charts made by school children in Rishikesh, appealing people to vote, for the first time. The Election Commission and the education department joined hands for this unique initiative.

Total number of voters: 75,12,559. Almost 46 percent are youth.  97,000 service voters.

Independent candidates who have potential to put up a good show in different constituencies

While voters show their enthusiasm at different polling booths, all eyes are on the independent candidates who have become major source of trouble for both the camps — Congress and BJP in different constituencies.

An independent candidate Om Gopal Rawat, who has revolted against his party BJP and joined the fray in Narendra Nagar constituency, is giving tough fight to BJP nominee Subodh Uniyal.

Aryendra Sharma, who has revolted against Congress party’s leadership after being denied ticket, is contesting as an independent against Congress party’s state president Kishore Upadhyay in Sahaspur assembly seat.
 
 

Dinesh Dhanai, who is a minister in Harish Rawat government, is again in the fray as an independent candidate in Tehri assembly constituency. He had won Tehri seat as an independent candidate in 2012 and supported the Congress party.
 
 

Pritam Singh Panwar, who is also a part of Congress government, is again contesting as an independent candidate from Dhanolti seat. In 2012, he won from Yamkeshwar seat as an independent candidate and supported Congress in the state.

Another prominent face among independent candidates is Diwakar Bhatt who is trying his luck to enter the state assembly from Devprayag seat.   
Aasha Nautiyal, former MLA, is contesting as an independent candidate from Kedarnath against BJP nominee Shaila Rani Rawat, who left congress and joined BJP recently. Nautiyal was denied ticket by BJP.

Prominent faces vote in Uttarakhand

“Pahle Raja Pet Paida hota tha, Ab Vote se paida hota hai (Earlier rulers were born of womb but now born of votes so please vote, no matter how busy you are)”

Baba Ramdev said at a polling booth in Haridwar while appealing voters to participate in polling. He added voters should select candidates who is honest in his intention and clear in his policies.

BJP candidate Yateeshwaranand,  who is BJP’s nominee against chief minister Harish Rawat in Haridwar (rural), also cast his vote.

BJP leader BC Khanduri has reached at polling booth to cast his vote in Pauri.  Uttarakhand Chief electoral officer Radha Raturi cast her vote in Dehradun.

Uttarakhand: Impossible to guess who will win 

Political experts watching the election in the hill-state closely aren’t sure about who will win. In Uttarakhand, wins and losses occur with the thinnest of margins. It’s difficult to predict anything. 

Problems reported in some EVMs

Within an hour of beginning of the polling process in the state, there are reports of problems in EVMs in Kotdwar and Mussoorie.

BJP heavyweight Harak Singh Rawat is contesting from Kotdwar assembly seat while Ganesh Joshi is BJP’s nominee from Mussoorie seat.

There is tight security in all sensitive polling booths in the state.

#UttarakhandElection2017-Ppl queue up to cast their votes at polling booths 54 & 55 in Bajpur;BSP's Ramavatar,BJP's Yashpal Arya contesting. pic.twitter.com/y3SVJoZ3i2

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2017

Firstpost Hindi discusses the Uttarakhand Election

Karnprayag voting deferred to 9 March

The death of one BSP candidate in Karnprayag has deferred the polling in this constituency.

The voting for Karnaprayag seat will take place on 9 March, says poll panel.

BSP candidate Kuldeep Singh Kanwasi was killed and two others were injured when their car fell into a gorge in Chamoli district on Sunday.

BSP is making the fight triangular 

In Uttarakhand, 75,13, 547 voters are deciding the fate for 628 candidates on 69 seats. Battle lines are drawn mainly between BJP and congress but BSP is making the fight triangular at some places. Rebels in both the parties are still giving sleepless nights to party leaders.

BJP rebels are making it difficult in Kedarnath, Narendra nagar, Rishikesh, Yamunotri and Khanpur while Congress rebels are giving tough fight at Sahaspur, Raipur, Jwalapur, Rudraprayag, Devprayag and Yamkeshwar seats. Independent 262 candidates including rebels are no way legging behind causing a big trouble to party nominees.

Narendra Modi’s rallies and road shows by Rahul Gandhi were main attractions for voters. Modi has targeted CM Rawat for corruption in state while Harish Rawat has held BJP responsible for political instability.

Harish Rawat and sting videos 

In a recent development, one more sting video of CM Harish Rawat has surfaced on Tuesday evening, the eve of polling day.

In the video, Dan Singh Bhandari, a former BJP MLA from Bhimtal now with congress, was seen accusing the CM for not paying Rs 3 crores, of the total deal of Rs 7 crores in lieu of joining the Congress to save his government.

The video was telecasted by a regional channel. Congress demanded election commission to ban this video immediately.

Haridwar’s importance 

Haridwar, a religious attraction all over the country, and a Hindu bastion, has been the hub of BJP since the state has come into shape. BJP three-time MLA and former Minister Madan Kaushik is in fight with a seer Brahmaswaroop Brahamchaari from Congress.

Fielding a Godman against BJP candidate is a clear indication to share the votes of Sadhu community in Haridwar that has around 1.45 lakh voters. Sadhus are visibly divided as some of them are annoyed with CM Harish Rawat for not checking the mining in the riverbed of Ganga while a large portion of them is swinging between both the parties.

Being disappointed with all the politician they are looking towards a sadhu this time. Bramhswaroop Brahamchaari, runs a trust in Haridwar and considered to
be the close to Gandhi Family.

Ajay Bhatt casts his vote 

#UttarakhandElection2017 #Ranikhait
अजय भटट ने डाला वोट
सरस्वती केन्द्र विद्यालय में डाला वोट @BJP4UP pic.twitter.com/zQ9dfFfAJY

— News18 Uttarakhand (@News18_UK) February 15, 2017

BJP’s election strategy

Seeing the trend in Goa, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, BJP chose to send out negative messaging. BJP’s election strategy to take political stalwarts in the Opposition lightly could prove costly. From the distribution of tickets to making election strategy, the centre has been quite involved.

#UttarakhandElection2017 People show their inked finger after casting their vote at a polling booth in Dehradun. pic.twitter.com/pQao6tlOv2

— ANI (@ANI) February 15, 2017

BJP emerged stronger during campaign

Leading up to election day, BJP emerged stronger than Congress in the campaigns. However, excessive campaigning can also prove to be harmful. BJP remained successful in keeping the external environment strong, under currents are in favour of Congress. 

Voters of Uttarakhand lined up at a Polling station in Dehradun #UttarakhandElection2017 @TV9Telugu pic.twitter.com/HTzlKBHKpi

— 𝐌𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐚 𝐊𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐫 (@Mahatma_Kodiyar) February 15, 2017

Polling begins 

Polling began in Uttarakhand’s 69 assembly constituencies in which about 628 candidates are trying their luck to enter the state assembly.

Chief Minister Harish Rawat is present at Bijapur guest house in Dehradun. While former Chief Minister and BJP’s prominent face BC Khanduri is in Pauri to cast his vote, another former chief minister and BJP leader Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank reached Dehradun from Haridwar to participate in the polling. As per the report, state’s finance minister Indira Hridyesh, who is Congress party’s nominee from Haldwani seat, will cast her vote at a polling booth in Haldwani around 9 am.

BJP’s state president Ajay Bhatt, who is contesting election from Ranikhet, cast his vote at Sarswati School at Ranikhet.   

In its control room, BJP has deployed five leaders, who are from Uttarakhand’s five LS seats, to coordinate with every assembly constituency on polling the day. One LS seat accommodates 14 assembly constituencies in its areas concerned. BJP is keeping a close eye on such constituencies in which the party’s (BJP) rebels are giving trouble to its official nominees.

The control room, which is set up on the party’s state office premises in Rajpur road area, became active early morning. The teams, deployed in the control room, are in touch with party leaders in different constituency to collect feedback about early voting trends.

Key issues, at a quick glance 

Harish Rawat vs Narendra Modi

In the Uttarakhand Election, the election is a battle between Harish Rawat and Narendra Modi. There are almost no issues in the states, in effect. 

BJP is hoping to win, despite Harish Rawat’s popularity in the state. BJP had won all five Uttarakhand seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. 

Smaller parties like BSP, SP could become king makers.

200 transgenders registered as voters 

Among all the hullabaloos during Uttarakhand elections, an independent candidate from Raipur constituency in Dehradun, is the Centre of
attraction of voters. A transgender is in the fray with BJP and Congress candidates. Rajni Rawat, who is talk of the town because of her unique, multi-shaded campaign, is a transgender with interesting political history.

Around 200 transgenders are registered as voters in Dehradun but not the cause to dampen the Rajni’s political aspirations. Surprisingly, she received 44000 votes in 2008 mayoral polls in Dehradun that was her political debut also. Later she was able in fetching 46,689 votes in 2013 mayoral polls and stood third.

Declaring her assets 1,17,33000 with liabilities around 27,50, 654, Rajni has shown her illiterate in her nomination papers.

High profile transgenders have been the show stopper of her campaign,as Shabnam ‘Mausi’ Bano who served as MLA in Madhya Pradesh from 1998 to 2003, was in Dehradun to campaign in her favor. There is the news of another transgender and mayor of Gorakhpur from 1998 to 2003, Asha Devi has sent a team of workers to help Rajni in election.
 

Rajni says that she is a social worker and will devote her all life in welfare of poor and downtrodden.

Uttarakhand: Acc to Haridwar SSP Krishna Kumar case lodged for holding road show beyond campaigning time and use of loudspeakers after 10 pm pic.twitter.com/RKDm59msGr

— ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2017

Uttarakhand political campaigns end; state gears up for polls 

Campaign is over to woo the voters now, Uttarakhand has geared up for polling on coming Wednesday. Total number of voters in the state is 7512559 in which 35,78,995 are women.

Total candidates in fray are 637, but a BSP candidate was lost in an unfortunate accident on Monday, number of candidates going for poll will be less. 52 women candidates are trying their luck in this election.

Dharampur and Ranipur seats have maximum number of candidates as 19 in each, Congress and BJP have 70 candidates fighting on all the seats in the state while BSP was to fight on 69. CPM and CPI have 5 candidates and SP has shrunk to only 21 candidates in the fight. Most interestingly, there are 262 candidates who are contesting independently.

Dharampur is on top with the maximum number of voters that is 1,83,419 while Purola has lowest with 67153 voters. Total 10,853 booths have been formed to make polling easier.

Narendra Modi in Pithoragarh strikes an emotional chord 

Addressing his last rally in Uttarakhand, PM Modi has tried to strike an emotional chord with Pithoragarh where majority of people are in Army and other security forces. Starting from OROP and surgical strike, he went on announcing many schemes for betterment of Army personnel. Major part of his speech was about his government’s concern for Army.

He said, “this is the abode of God and land of warriors”. Benefitting retired army personnel, by increasing the allowance given at the time of marriage of his daughter, manifold, PM Modi announced special skill development programs for soldiers before the retirement. He ascertained the job for soldiers getting retired at young age. Compensation for injuries received during the war, was decided on the percent amount of injury. It used to be the bone of contention between fauji and government. We abolished this rule and created the categories 50 percent, 50-75 percent and 75-100 percent to provide them complete medical care.

He boasted of enhancing the capacities of Defense Minister by multiplying his privileged fund. He alleged congress government for lacking vision and planning. Many big projects are deprived of execution, despite availability of fund. He mentioned Pancheshwar, and Tapovan hydel projects that can be the candid source of employment, has been halted for long. “Namami Gange” a Ganga cleaning project by NDA, is victim of same lack of vision in Chief ministers of states, Ganga flows through. Mountains being the abode of God along with abundance of water and medicinal plants are the true power of this state, he repeated.

Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow in Haridwar 

Replying to BJP’s star studded campaign in Uttarakhand, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi started his 75-kilometre road show and nukkad sabha in
Haridwar on Sunday. 

To connect with voters in all the constituencies in the district, he started his road show from Bhagwanpur to end on Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. It has proceeded Bhagwanpur to Jhabreda, Roorkee and Haridwar to cover all the constituencies. A huge crowd was part of this show.

People thronged on the streets to see the Rahul Gandhi. Participation of 5000 bikers and 150 drummers were expected. State president Kishore Upadhyay was present with Rahul. “I asked CM Harish Rawat to put pressure on corrupt people and take action against them,” Rahul Gandhi said during his campaign.

Jab tak poora kaam na kar loon, tab tak na main chain se baithunga aur na luteron ko baithney doonga: PM Modi in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/CyYfmfA8hM

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

Over Rs 5 lakh recovered in Haridwar

Haridwar (Uttarakhand): Rs 5 lakh 66 thousand (in Rs 2000 notes) recovered from stepney of a car in Kankhal during checking. Driver arrested

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

In the rally of the prime minister in Srinagar Garhwal, where he promised development and jobs creation, people here are hopeful about betterment in basic facilities. Srinagar Garhwal, which is the gateway to Char dham in Uttarakhand and not very far of state’s capital Dehradun, is have same stories to tell.

Resident of Srinagar, Milan pundhir complains about lack of employment, medical facilities and poor road conditions. Shortage of electricity is a major concern and he doesn’t want a corrupt government. He requests to the people to select candidates with clean images.

Being asked about coming government in the state, Ashish Chamoli replied he will vote only for development. There is the requirement of basic amenities as road, electricity, education and medical facilities. Our chief minister should be focused on development otherwise no one can stop this state from further downfall.

Dehradun: Elated at the presence of a large number of women in the election rally at Srinagar Garhwal, Prime Minister Modi has promised a solar domestic spinning wheel to the women in hills. He assured a big increase in their income.

Modi started the rally by slogans of Jai Badri Vishal and Jai Kedarnath in Srinagar.

Comparing Uttarakhand with Jharkhand and Sikkim, he pointed towards the need of growth in tourism. He said that tourism, plants in Uttarakhand that have medicinal properties, environmental advantages, and water, are the strength of the state.

He promised employment and check on migration through enhancing religious and adventure tourism. Being the centre of yoga, Haridwar and Rishikesh are the destinations of people worldwide. There will be no need to go out of villages for employment.

He also mentioned the enhancing railways network in the hills and ongoing work in pancheshwar project to draw maximum employment. As natural beauty in Uttarakhand is no lesser than any other place, so he invited Bollywood to shoot the films here.

Mobile apps to help voters

Election Commission in Uttarakhand has launched three mobile apps to facilitate the voters on the upcoming polling day. These apps are to help, voters, candidates and people in polling duty.

The first one is Voter Mitra App. With the help of this app, a voter can find his name in the voter list and locate the polling booth. It can give information about candidates in his constituency and their profile. It also provides details about method of casting the votes.

The second is Candidate Mitra App. It is meant for the candidates and supposed to provide information about model code of conduct, details of expenditures in the elections and its return filing. Voter list, list of polling booths and important telephone numbers are other features of this app.

The third and last one is E-duty Mitra to help the people in election duty, it tells about polling process and help to reach the booth where he is employed. It informs about facilities provided in polling booths.

Assets of candidates

As per the report of Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), out of the 637 candidates analyzed, 200 are crorepatis in Uttarakhand. 52 out of the 70 candidates from Congress, 48 out of the 70 candidates from BJP, 19 out of 69 in BSP have declared assets more than Rs 1 crore. The average of assets per candidate contesting in the Uttarakhand assembly elections 2017 is Rs 1.57 crores.

Among the major parties, the average per candidate for 70 BJP candidates is Rs 4.20 crores, 70 Congress candidates have average assets of Rs 3.08 crores and 69 BSP candidates have average assets worth Rs 1.55 crores.

There are no candidates have declared zero assets in his self-sworn affidavits.

Rahul Gandhi’s roadshow in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand-Rahul Gandhi holds a road show in Haridwar says I asked CM Harish Rawat to put pressure on corrupt ppl&take actions against them pic.twitter.com/qU7Otf2Boq

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

To register a complaint against violation of model code of conduct, the Election Commission has formed a control room in Dehradun collectrate.

Office has employed 20 members, providing 24×7 facility, but office doesn’t seem the subject of interest for candidates and the voters.

There are the frequent reports of violation of model code of conduct in the state but no complaint is registered.

Maximum complaints are against Ganesh Joshi, BJP candidate from Mussoorie constituency who has been charged with pasting the posters and arranging people meetings on unauthorized land.

Spending over the expenditure limit is also a cause of concern in the state.

Congress didn't even note difficulties our ex-servicemen faced. They made a joke out of OROP, it was implemented once we assumed office: PM pic.twitter.com/ipDKWJfkC9

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

EC identifies 803 snowfall-affected booths

Dehradun: Election Commission has identified 803 snowfall-affected polling booths in the state. More than 200 roads are expected to be blocked due to snowfall on polling day. Chief electoral office is providing special facilities to polling officers for smooth polling process. Chief electoral officer Radha Raturi has informed that earlier, there were around 500 booths, identified as snowfall-affected but now it has increased to 803. We need large amount of sleeping bags, shoes, and jackets to facilitate the people associated with polling process in these areas.

ITBP and AIM has given the responsibility of distribution in affected areas. GMVM, NIM and SSB will also help in polling process. Uttarakashi district is on the top in the list, having maximum number of snowfall-affected polling booth while Champawat stood last. As per the information of election commission, 35 constituencies in 11 districts are snow affected.

Oppn hasn’t come to senses after demonetisation: Modi

Some still haven't come to senses after #DeMonetisation,they can say things, call me names but I don't mind I will fight & work for poor: PM pic.twitter.com/rrGb0bmuBk

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

After surgical strikes, our own people began asking for proof: Modi

#SurgicalStrike be baad Pakistan bole usse pehle hamare logon ne bolna chalu kardia ke Modi Ji saboot kya hai?: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/r2ugVfg1jX

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

We want Uttarakhand to be connected with the entire country with all-weather roads. We have allotted Rs. 12,000 crore for Char Dham: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/brIWv1Ownj

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

12 March ko aaj jo sarkaar hai wo bhootpurva ban jayegi, jo nateejey aayenge wo abhootpurva ho jayenge: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/rWGs4wsXnZ

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

Uttarakhand mein bhi Samajwadi Party aur Congress, parde ke peeche aapke sath khel khel rahe hain: PM Modi in Srinagar, Uttarakhand pic.twitter.com/hg6LSSwsD4

— ANI (@ANI) February 12, 2017

In Haldwani, disenchantment regarding facilities, government is high

Indira Hridyesh, a Cabinet minister in Harish Rawat government, is contesting the upcoming polls from the  Haldwani  Assembly  seat. She will be up against BJP’s Jogendra  Rautela, and may find it tough to convince people about her candidacy.

Sanjay Singh Rajput, owner of a clothing shop in Patel Chowk, wants a party that can focus on  checking migration and provide  employment to the youth. He demands better medical facilities and  education, because the people are fed up of exploitation by private schools.

Mukesh Gupta, another trader from Rampur Road, stresses upon widening of roads, saying Haldwani is the entrance of the Kumaon region and that narrow  roads are creating traffic problems. There is also a need of a ring road that may result in  better transportation. This apart, water scarcity is also a big problem.

Prem Belwal is a social worker. He too has asked for better drinking water facilities, while  Guljeet Singh, an industrialist from Bhutia Padav, says  the long pending issue of the Jamrani dam, should be solved.

The absence of qualified  doctors at government hospitals of the region is also a major concern for the people in  Haldwani.

Smriti Irani promises air ambulence services

Union minister Smiriti Irani, while addressing a public meeting in Chaubattakhal in favour of BJP candidate Satpal Maharaj, lashed out at the Congress government of Harish Rawat for not focusing on development work in the state. There are no policies for betterment of the poor, she said. “When BJP comes to power, we will start an air ambulence service in the hilly areas to ferry the infirm to hospitals,” she said.

Why are parties silent on protecting the Ganga

Narendra Modi held two rallies in Uttarakhand in the last two days — at Haridwar and Rudrapur — but didn’t say a single word about the Ganges. The reason for this may possibly be the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has rapped the Centre for not doing enough to clean the river.

The NGT has prohibited camping at the river’s banks in Rishikesh and also banned use of plastic from Gaumukh to Haridwar last December. The Uttarakhand high court also banned construction activity within 200 meters of all rivers  in the state.

The  National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) admitted to treating just  1,000 out of the total 3,000 million litres sewerage flowing  directly into the Ganga. Many hotels and industries along the river don’t  have sewerage treatment plants (STPs).

However, a long-pending demand of a complete ban on mining along the Ganges  is nowhere on the parties’ agendas. During election campaigns,  politician are keeping mum over the issue of protecting the Ganga.

PM Modi rehashes same old topics for fresh speech

Speaking at a rally in Rudrapur on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeated the same topics that he’s always spoken of:  Orop, surgical strikes, demonetisation. Just like he had done on Friday, during a rally in Haridwar, he again reminded of the need for a BJP government in the state, to ensure the double engine of state and Centre working together.

Sparing businessmen, he blamed bureaucracy and politicians for  corruption in the country and promised to use recovered black money for  development of the poor. He assured employment, medicine and housing  if his party forms a government in the state.

Uttarakhand wants development: Dharmendra Pradhan

Humne kaha Atal ji ne banaya hai,modi ji sawaarengey: Dharmendra Pradhan

— ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2017

Top BJP bigwigs to campaign in Uttarakhand

Many star campaigners of the BJP and prominent faces from Bollywood will be in Uttarakhand over the next three days, to address various places of the state. Smiriti Irani  will attend meetings in GuptKashi, Chabattakhal, Roorkee and  Narendranagar; Hema Malini will be in Sult, Dwarahaat, Bhimtal and  Manglore;  and Yogi Adityanath is expected to be in Joshimath,  Rishikesh and Yamkeshwar.

Virbhadra Singh joins anti-BJP voices in Uttarakhand

Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh addressed the media in Dehradun on Friday.  Virbhadra, another Congress leader who has had arguments with the BJP-ruled central government, said he understands the problems faced by Uttarakhand as he faces the same issues in his state as well. He said both states needed ‘green bonus’. He also criticised the Centre over its policies ignoring Congress-ruled states, saying a central government shouldn’t be so partial.

Congress hits back at Modi’s claims

Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks about the 2013 cloudburst and floods in Uttarakhand, the Congress hit back at Modi. Surendra Agarwal, media advisor to chief minister Harish  Rawat,  said Modi is rallying for those who were running the government during the disaster, a clear reference to the fact that then chief minister Vijay Bahuguna has since joined the BJP.

Modi leaves no stone unturned in battleground Uttarakhand

Prime Minister Narendra Modi summed up all the work done by the BJP government at the Centre in the last two years. Addressing a rally at Haridwar,  Modi said the downfall of Uttarakhand over the last five years has been on account of Harish Rawat’s Congress government. He said the only way to pull the state up is by electing a BJP government, to ensure the double engine of BJP at both Centre and state will result in development.

Attacking Rawat, Modi also raised environmental issues and mentioned different schemes initiated by the Centre, including the ‘Char Dham route’ and one-rank-one-pension in favour of the people of Uttarakhand. He also brought up surgical strikes carried out by his government in September, a sensitive issue in a state with a large proportion of former and serving army personnel.

Preparations in full swing for 15 February

The Election Commission is gearing up for Assembly elections in Uttarakhand on 15 February. Deputy election commissioner of India Sandip Saksena was in Dehradun this week to review poll preparations. He asked officers to keep tight vigil in the state’s plains, specially Dehradun and Haridwar, and to focus on the flow of illegal liquor. State tansport secretary CS Napalchyal also said that about 9,000 vehicles will be acquired for polling. Connetivity issues are also to be resolved at polling centres.

Modi urges Uttarakhand to give BJP a chance

मुझे गरीबों के लिए घर बनाना है, नौजवानों को रोजगार देना है, किसानों के खेत तक पानी पहुँचाना है, मैं देशहित के लिए निर्णय लेता रहा हूँ: पीएम pic.twitter.com/extc9aIMwa

— BJP (@BJP4India) February 10, 2017

Congress govt officials were holidaying when state was hit by floods

Jab Uttarakhand mein Kedarnath ki ghatna hui thi, tab Congress ne neta videshon mein mauj kar rahe the, desh bhool nahi sakta hai: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/KlmvogNDcX

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2017

Centre monitored situation regarding earthquake

When the earthquake came a few days ago, the PMO was closely monitoring the situation. Teams were immediately dispatched to the state: PM

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2017

Modi blasts Congress over 2013 cloudburst

“When floods hit this state in 2013, I was chief minister of Gujarat. I came here with relief material, and was told that the survivors of the floods didn’t want the central aid given to them. They said give us the relief material brought with him by the Gujarat chief minister,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

Those questioning surgical strikes are insulting the nation

“Despite the army chief announcing surgical strikes, the opposition parties are not convinced. They should know they are insulting the army, and the country itself,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

Modi brings up surgical strikes in ‘fauji’ state Uttarakhand

“My government carried out surgical strikes. It was a momentous occasion and was remarked throughout the world. But they (opposition parties) are still not convinced. Even media reports saying there were trucks full of dead bodies being carried out in Pakistan weren’t enough to persuade them,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

Modi blasts Harish Rawat over Orop in Uttarakhand

OROP के लिए कभी उन्होंने (हरीश रावत) दिल्ली सरकार के सामने अपना प्रस्ताव नहीं रखा: पीएम @narendramodi https://t.co/zgFYZcpeJq #PMInDevbhoomi

— BJP (@BJP4India) February 10, 2017

My govt gave you Orop

“I had promised one-rank-one-pension (Orop). It was an issue that’s been around for 40 years, and services personnel were tired of repeated promises and no action on part of the Congress government. But within three years, I can tell you that I have brought about Orop,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

Modi rues corrupt state government

The corruption of the Government in Uttarakhand is well known and even then the party leadership is not bothered: PM Modi

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2017

PM Modi urges Uttarakhand to vote for a BJP government

“The last five years have been very bad for Uttarakhand. A small vehicle cannot extricate itself from the mess the state finds itself in. You need two engines to do this; a small engine here in the state, and a big engine in Delhi. The BJP alone can do this,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

I will fulfil Vajpayee’s dream for Uttarakhand

“Statehood was promised by Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Uttarakhand. It’s upto me to fulfil the dream he saw for this state,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

Next five years crucial for Uttarakhand: Modi

“When a person is between 16 and 21 years of age, they take the most important decisions of their lives. These decisions will define the rest of their lives. The state of Uttarakhand is 16-years-old today. The next five years are crucial,” says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haridwar.

Haridwar is Harish Rawat’s constituency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi choosing Haridwar to hold his rally is significant. Not only is it a place with great religious significance for Hindus, but it’s also one of the two constituencies where chief minister Harish Rawat is contesting from. By going there, Modi is expected to throw down the gauntlet to Rawat on his own turf.

Haridwar synonymous with ‘Devbhoomi’

Whenever someone talks about ‘devbhoomi’, anybody living anywhere in India – from Kashmir to Kanyakumari – s/he will be reminded of Haridwar, of its mountains, its greenery, its religious and spiritual significance.

PM Modi begins speech

Happening now- the Prime Minister speaking at a rally in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. https://t.co/SwlnNH3NKM

— narendramodi_in (@narendramodi_in) February 10, 2017

Modi’s hectic schedule

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been visiting several parts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in recent weeks. On Friday, he addressed a rally in Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh, that goes to polls on Saturday. From Bijnor he came directly to Haridwar to address his rally.

A day after Rahul Gandhi’s Uttarakhand rally

The prime minister’s Haridwar rally comes just a day after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited Sitarganj and taunted the BJP and Modi over their remarks in Parliament regarding former PM Manmohan Singh.

Watch live stream of PM Modi’s speech on his official YouTube page

Modi to address rally in Haridwar

पीएम श्री नरेन्द्र मोदी 10 फरवरी 2017 को उत्तर प्रदेश के बिजनौर और उत्तराखंड के हरिद्वार में चुनावी जन सभाओं को संबोधित करेंगे। pic.twitter.com/SHL5kybvJd

— BJP (@BJP4India) February 9, 2017