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Boosting Voter Turnout in Urban Areas: Election Commission’s Priority

With the state assembly elections looming, the Election Commission is working towards improving the voter turnout in urban areas, which saw a dismal performance in the previous election, through targeted efforts and strategies.

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Boosting Voter Turnout in Urban Areas: Election Commission's Priority

Bengaluru: As the assembly elections in the state are approaching, the Election Commission has paid special attention to increasing the percentage of voting in the booths, especially in the urban areas, where the turnout was low in the last election.

The state has more than 57,300 polling booths. Although there have been increases in the voting percentage in the state over the last few years, it has been observed to decrease in the urban areas.

In the last decade, the voting percentage in the state has been more than 70 percent, while in urban areas, especially in cities like Bangalore, it has been less than 50 percent.

State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena said that out of the total polling stations in the state, low voting was observed in 9,000 polling stations. In this regard, 73 assembly constituencies have been identified and our team will visit these constituencies and hold talks with the people. Listen to people’s problems and work will be done to solve those problems, he said.

A lot of people stay in big apartments in Bangalore. Delivering voter slips to such people is a challenging task. This could be one of the reasons why voters do not come to polling booths. This time, we thought of reaching out to such people with the help of Resident Welfare Associations or Apartment Associations. We are ready to deliver voter slips to 100 percent voters. He said that he is hoping to attract more voters this time.

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Nitin Gadkari Faints at Maharashtra Election Rally

Union minister Nitin Gadkari collapsed while addressing an election rally in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district.

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Nitin Gadkari Faints at Maharashtra Election Rally
Photo Credit: PTI

Union minister Nitin Gadkari encountered a health scare on Wednesday during his campaign trail in eastern Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district. The incident unfolded at an election rally in Pusad, falling under the Yavatmal-Washim Lok Sabha constituency, where the BJP leader was addressing the crowd.

Amidst his speech, Gadkari suddenly fainted, prompting swift action from the security personnel present at the event. They immediately rushed to his aid, carrying him off-stage to provide medical attention.

The unexpected episode caused concern among the attendees, but Gadkari managed to regain consciousness after a few minutes. Remarkably, he displayed resilience and determination by returning to the stage to complete his speech, demonstrating his commitment to his political duties.

Following the incident, Gadkari reassured the public about his well-being through a post on social media platform X. He attributed the fainting spell to the intense heat experienced during the rally in Pusad, Maharashtra. Despite the momentary discomfort, he emphasized that he had fully recovered and was prepared to proceed with his scheduled engagements, including the subsequent rally in Warud.

The incident serves as a reminder of the physical demands and challenges faced by political leaders during the rigorous election campaigns, particularly in regions with extreme weather conditions. Gadkari’s ability to swiftly bounce back from the health setback showcases his resilience and dedication to serving his constituents.

In conclusion, while the incident may have caused a momentary disruption, Nitin Gadkari’s prompt recovery underscores his unwavering commitment to his responsibilities as a leader. As the election season progresses, his resilience and determination continue to resonate with supporters and observers alike, solidifying his position as a prominent figure in Indian politics.

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Jailed Pro-Khalistan Leader Amritpal to Contest Lok Sabha Polls

Pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, presently in Dibrugarh jail, may contest Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib, claims his lawyer.

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Jailed Pro-Khalistan Leader Amritpal to Contest Lok Sabha Polls
(File photo:indiatoday)

Pro-Khalistan leader Amritpal Singh, currently incarcerated in Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act, might make a significant political move by entering the electoral arena. His lawyer, Rajdev Singh Khalsa, disclosed that during a recent meeting at the central jail, he proposed that Singh consider contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Khadoor Sahib. This suggestion, Khalsa believes, could serve as a referendum on Singh’s arrest by the AAP-led Mann government.

Khalsa shared insights from his conversation with Singh, stating, “He expressed his willingness to participate in these polls.” Plans are underway to initiate the nomination process once formal proceedings commence.

The decision, however, seems to lack familial consensus. Tarseem Singh, Amritpal Singh’s father, expressed surprise regarding the prospect of his son’s electoral bid. “We haven’t discussed this matter, and we’re not inclined towards him entering the political fray. Only after our meeting with him can we offer a more definitive stance,” he remarked.

In a separate development, speculation surrounds Balkaur Singh, the father of the late Sidhu Moosewala, contemplating an independent candidacy in the Bathinda constituency. Although no official statement has been issued by Balkaur or his family, insider sources suggest his potential entry into the electoral race.

Should Balkaur opt to contest, he would challenge incumbent Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP and former Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, alongside candidates from the Congress, AAP, and BJP. Initially approached by the Congress, Balkaur expressed reluctance to pursue a political career.

Notably, Sidhu Moosewala’s previous foray into politics during the 2022 assembly elections saw him represent the Congress in Mansa, where he faced defeat at the hands of AAP’s Vijay Singla.

The looming Lok Sabha elections promise to be a battleground of ideologies and aspirations, with potential contenders like Amritpal Singh and Balkaur Singh poised to make waves in Punjab’s political landscape. As the electoral drama unfolds, all eyes are set on the unfolding narratives and their implications for the region’s socio-political dynamics. Stay tuned for further updates.

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Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP Over Caste Census Opposition

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pledges to push for a caste census, emphasizing justice for 90% of the population, amidst BJP criticism.

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Rahul Gandhi Slams BJP Over Caste Census Opposition

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stirred controversy as he pledged to prioritize a caste census, highlighting the need for justice for the majority of India’s populace. His remarks, made during the ‘Samajik Nyay Sammelan,’ garnered significant attention and sparked a heated debate with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Gandhi vehemently defended his stance, asserting that his motive is rooted in securing fairness for the marginalized sections of society. He emphasized that his call for a caste census is not driven by political gain but by a genuine commitment to rectify long-standing injustices.

The proposal for a caste census has been met with resistance from the BJP, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party members expressing concerns over potential repercussions, including wealth redistribution. However, Gandhi remained undeterred, emphasizing that the census is essential to understanding and addressing systemic inequalities.

One of the key criticisms leveled against Gandhi and the Congress party is the accusation of advocating for the redistribution of wealth. However, Gandhi clarified that the focus is on social-economic caste enumeration rather than wealth redistribution, as outlined in the party’s manifesto.

Gandhi’s insistence on a caste census has reignited discussions surrounding social justice and economic disparities in India. He highlighted the lack of representation of marginalized communities in various sectors, including media, judiciary, and corporate entities.

Moreover, Gandhi criticized the BJP’s approach to addressing the concerns of Dalits, OBCs, and tribals, accusing them of attempting to divert attention from pressing issues. He underscored the importance of inclusivity and representation in governance and decision-making processes.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi’s advocacy for a caste census reflects a broader quest for social equity and justice in India. Despite facing opposition from political adversaries, Gandhi remains steadfast in his commitment to championing the rights of the marginalized sections of society. The debate surrounding the caste census serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in addressing deep-rooted inequalities and the challenges of navigating political landscapes in pursuit of social change.

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