Assembly Elections 2022: 'Will send Lakhimpur culprit to jail,' says SP chief Akhilesh

Punjab's chief electoral officer S Karuna Raju on Wednesday held a review meeting with returning officers for the February 20 Assembly elections and directed them to ensure proper arrangements at polling stations following the poll panel's instructions.

The chief electoral officer directed officials to ensure the availability of masks, gloves, PPE kits, soaps, thermometers, and sanitisers at every polling station, according to an official release.

He also asked the returning officers to ensure that web cameras are working in all polling booths.

Raju asked the returning officers to identify five to 10 volunteers for facilitating persons with disability and elderly people at polling booths. He asked them to install selfie points at all the polling booths.

He also directed officers to accord a warm welcome to first-time voters and also give them certificates or flowers. For the elderly and persons with disabilities, a pick-and-drop facility should be ensured, the CEO said.  

The Punjab chief electoral officer also instructed officers to use eco-friendly materials such as paper cups, paper plates and eco-friendly plastic flexes during the polls.

Raju asked the returning officer to take special care of women staff and provide them drop facility in case their work gets over late evening.

The CEO asked the officials to ensure all the EVM carrying vehicles are equipped with GPS.

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Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for sharing stage with Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni, whose son is a key accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Addressing an election campaign in Kanpur, which goes to polls on February 20, the Congress general secretary and its Uttar Pradesh in-charge slammed the BJP-led Centre and the state government for releasing Ashish Mishra, the minister's son, on bail.

Mishra, the accused in the October 3, 2021 violence in Lakhimpur Kheri, wherein eight people -- four farmers, two BJP workers and a journalist -- were killed, walked out of jail on Tuesday.
(PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that the state is moving towards a new horizon of progress under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime. 

Addressing a public rally at Hamirpur, Adityanath said, "The BJP government has taken the state to the pinnacle of progress, entrepreneurship and self-reliance by building good roads. In Hamirpur, the widening of road from Rath to Chikasi, Rath to Panwari and Hamirpur-Rath-Majhgawan has become the basis of prosperity and employment of the people. New Uttar Pradesh is moving towards a new horizon of progress!" 

Hailing the double-engine government, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said, "Good roads open the 'gate of prosperity' of the state. BJP government of double engine has brought development from door to door by the connecting village to village with the main roads. Widening other main roads including the bypass in Hamirpur has become synonymous with easy traffic for the residents of the district."
 

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday condemned the state government over grant of bail to union minister Ajay Mishra's son in the Lakhimpur case, saying he would ensure that the culprit and his protectors go to prison when he comes to power. 

"The minister's son who trampled farmers has got bail from court. The government did not pursue the case as it should have been. 

SP assures you all that our government is coming and when it does, the case will be pursued in such a manner that not only the one who took the life of farmers will go to jail but also those patronizing them," Akhilesh said addressing an election meeting here.

Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra is accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident which had left eight people, including four farmers, dead.

(PTI)

We've decided that Bhagidari Parivartan Morcha will support candidates of the Peace Party, wherever they'll contest elections (in the state). Similarly, Peace Party will support the candidates of Bhagidari Parivartan Morcha wherever they'll contest from: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi

"Samajwadi Party and its alliance have made a century in the 1st and 2nd phases of UP Assembly polls. If we get the support of Kannauj, BJP will be left behind so much so that till the 7th phase, no one but ghosts will go to their booths," SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Tirwa, Kannauj.

He added, "We're alerting you, outsiders may spread rumours. I've heard that few people have come to Kannauj after leaving their uniforms. This double engine govt has just doubled corruption & injustice. Why are they not running their bulldozers in Lakhimpur?"

"Under PM Modi's leadership, BJP contesting independently along with its 2 allies. For years, we contested only on 22 seats. I have come to tell Hindu and Sikh brothers and sisters that it's the beginning. In the next 5 years, we'll bring BJP's Lotus in every household: HM Amit Shah in Ferozepore, Punjab

When a guest like Narendra Modi comes to Punjab, should he not be welcomed? Instead of welcoming, Punjab CM blocked his route. Akali Dal and AAP were silent. I'd like to tell all three of them - how will people who can't secure the route of PM, secure Punjab, secure the nation?: Home Minister Amit Shah in Punjab

Rahul Gandhi and Punjab CM have insulted the people of UP, Priyanka Ji laughed. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee calls UP public goons and Akhilesh Yadav welcomes her with big bouquets. Have Congress and SP taken the responsibility to insult UP?: Union Minister Anurag Thakur in Lucknow

Addressing a mega rally in Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur, PM Modi said, "BJP in Uttar Pradesh means control over Dangaraj, Mafiaraj, Gundaraj... and freedom to celebrate all the festivals. Having BJP in UP means protection of daughters, women from 'manchalon' (eve teasers). BJP in UP means Centre's schemes being implemented at double speed."

Samajwadi Party's name is Samajwadi but the work is 'tamanchawadi' and the thought process is 'parivaarvadi'. They only developed their family and let the rest go to hell, established pistol factories to destroy the lives of youth: UP CM Yogi Adityanath in Mahoba, UP

We must have to stop Samajwadi Party and BJP from coming to power in UP. BJP government has been busy implementing its casteist and capitalist policies and the narrow-minded agenda of RSS. There has an environment of hatred and tension in the name of religion: BSP chief Mayawati in Lucknow

Under SP, "Katte (pistols) bante they Katte chalte they"...but under BJP, Brahmos missile will be made...Not only 'Goli (gunshot) but Gola will also be manufactured in UP: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Malihabad, Lucknow

With 4 days left for the polls, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi stirred a row by exhorting people to not let "Bhaiyas" from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Delhi enter the state. Addressing a gathering alongside Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, he was heard saying, "Priyanka Gandhi is Punjaban. She is the daughter-in-law of Punjab. 'Bhaiyas' from UP, Bihar and Delhi want to come and rule Punjab. We will not let them win." Vadra too came in for criticism for not objecting to the disparaging remark about 'Bhaiyas' despite hailing from UP, which too is witnessing elections at present. 

In a massive allegation ahead of Punjab Assembly Elections, poet and former AAP leader Kumar Vishwas accused party chief Arvind Kejriwal of supporting separatists in Punjab, In a statement, Vishwas claimed that Kejriwal had told him that he will be either CM (of Punjab) or first PM of an independent nation (Khalistan). Kumar Vishwas who was once the party's significant leader was shunted out of the party's key post in 2018. 

Addressing a rally in Pathankot, PM Modi lashed out at BJP and AAP. He said, "Wherever BJP established itself, the remote control family (Congress) from Delhi was wiped out. Wherever there is peace, appeasement has been given a farewell, the same farewell has to be given in Punjab also". 

He added, "If Congress is original, AAP is its xerox...One looted Punjab while the other one is involved in scam after scam in Delhi. Despite being 'Ek hi thali ke chatte batte' they (AAP and Congress) are playing 'noora kushti' (fixed fight) in Punjab, pretending to be against each other."

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal will engage in a series of poll-related programmes in Jalandhar today. 

Punjab Women Commission chairperson Manisha Gulati's car was attacked in Chandigarh last night. She had joined BJP on Monday and levelled allegations against CM Charanjit Singh Channi for harassing her. As per sources, masked bike-borne persons pelted stones at her car in Chandigarh during her visit to a temple. A complaint has been registered with the Chandigarh Police. 

BJP to release the manifesto for Punjab Assembly polls today in Chandigarh. As per sources, the manifesto will be released by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri at 4 pm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a rally in Pathankot at 10 am today. BJP has fielded its state president Ashwani Sharma from here. 

In a shocking development on Tuesday, Union Minister SP Singh Baghel's convoy was attacked when he was on the way to Karhal to campaign for the Uttar Pradesh election. Serving as the Minister of State for Law and Justice, the Agra Lok Sabha MP is BJP's candidate from the Karhal seat from where Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is in the poll fray. Confirming the incident, the Mainpuri Police revealed that an FIR has been registered in this regard and assured that the accused persons will be arrested very soon. 

Recalling the incident, Baghel told the media, "Today during the election campaign, when I was coming to Karhal via Attikullapur (village), suddenly some people came out of the fields and while saying Akhilesh Bhaiya Zindabad, they attacked our convoy with sticks, sticks and bars". He added, "One person said that he is Uma Kant Yadav, said that you are fighting elections against our leader. He further said that today the Minister should not be spared and then attacked. When security from my convoy got out of the car, they (attackers) ran. Then one of them fired at the cars of the convoy". 

Lok Sabha MP Manish Tewari who has himself differed with the Congress line on many occasions in the past disagreed with Ashwani Kumar for quitting Congress. He questioned, "Is internal democracy in political parties not a battle worth fighting for irrespective of the odds"? Moreover, he hinted that the senior advocate wanted to secure a Rajya Sabha berth for himself in the coming months. 

ECI has requested the Governor of Punjab to take action against Punjab State Information Commissioner Anumit Singh Sodhi after complaints of violation of powers by him for running an election campaign in favour of his father Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi: CEO, Punjab

Addressing a poll rally in Rajpura for the Punjab election, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi explained the rationale for seeking the resignation of Captain Amarinder Singh. He opined, "Channi Ji meets poor people, hugs them, helps them. Have you seen Amarinder Singh Ji hug a poor person? I have never seen it. The day I understood that Amarinder Singh Ji was linked to BJP, Congress removed him. I told him 'Solve electricity issue in Punjab', he says 'We have contracts with these companies'. Don't you have a contract with Punjab's people? I asked Channi Ji to solve the same electricity issue, he did it immediately".

Addressing a massive poll rally for the UP elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at SP and Akhilesh Yadav. He said, "Akhilesh (SP chief) asks what have we done, if someone has yellow-coloured glasses, they'll see everything in yellow only... guns and bullets used to be made under Akhilesh's government, now instead of 'goli', 'gole' are made, to fire upon Pakistan". He added, "Holi is on 18th (March), counting is on 10th, bring BJP government to power on 10th, free gas cylinders will reach your house on 18th. No farmer will have to pay electricity bills for the next 5 years".

Former MLA Nadeem Javed will contest as a Congress candidate from Jaunpur Assembly constituency for the Uttar Pradesh election in place of district president Faisal Tabrez Hassan. 

In a massive blow to Congress which is battling infighting in multiple states, senior leader and former Union Law Minister Ashwani Kumar resigned from the party. Addressing a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday, Kumar stressed that he can further national causes only outside the party fold. Highlighting his association with the party that lasted for over 4 decades, he expressed a desire to actively pursue public causes inspired by the idea of transformative leadership. 

Addressing a press conference, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal assured that his party will work with the Centre to ensure the security of Punjab. He said, "BJP and Congress got into dirty politics over the PM's security. I want to assure every Punjabi that we'll take responsibility for public safety if AAP is voted to power. We'll not indulge in any kind of politics on national, internal security". 

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal claimed that his party will emerge victorious in Amritsar East where Punjab Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu and SAD secretary general Bikram Singh Majithia are in the poll fray. He remarked, "A common lady will defeat two big stalwarts this time. In our survey, both the giants are losing. Jeevan Jyot is winning." 

Addressing a press conference, Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party chief Om Prakash Rajbhar revealed that he was attacked during the filing of the nomination of party candidate Arvind Rajbhar from Varanasi's Shivpur constituency on Monday. He claimed, "Yogi Ji wants to get me killed. Goons of BJP and Yogi were sent there in black coats". Therefore, he demanded the EC to provide security to Arvind Rajbhar and him. 

Top BJP leaders will campaign in Punjab even today. For instance, BJP president JP Nadda will address public rallies at Maur, Balluana and Jalalabad at 12 pm, 2.30 pm and 4.15 pm. On the other hand, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shall speak at a rally in Faridkot at 11 am followed by public meetings in Muktsar Sahib and Dera Bassi. 

Amid ongoing Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Samajwadi Party wrote a letter to the Election Commission on Monday demanding the transfer of IG, Lucknow Range, Laxmi Singh for allegedly forcing people to vote for her husband, who is contesting on a BJP ticket. As per an official statement from the SP's state president Naresh Uttam Patel in the letter complained that Laxmi was "pressurizing to vote in favor of BJP candidate, which is affecting the election". Her husband, Rajeshwar Singh, a former Enforcement Directorate officer, is contesting from Lucknow's Sarojini Nagar assembly constituency. 

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will campaign for the party's Punjab president Navjot Singh Sidhu at 4 pm today. Sidhu is contesting from Amritsar East against SAD general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia. 

Uttar Pradesh:

Republic P-MARQ Opinion poll predicts that the NDA is likely to emerge as the single largest alliance once again in Uttar Pradesh with 249-269 seats in the 2022 Assembly polls. However, the saffron will suffer a major seat loss as Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party and its allies may win 113-133 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party's seat share is likely to reduce further as the Republic P-MARQ Opinion Poll suggests only 9-17 seats for Mayawati's party. On the other hand, Congress may get 3-9 seats.

Uttarakhand:

Republic P-MARQ Opinion poll predicts that BJP is likely to retain power with the party projected to win 34-40 seats in the 70-member Assembly. On the other hand, Congress is likely to see major gains. The grand old party is projected to win 27-33 seats, while debutant AAP can win 0-2 seats. The other parties and independents are likely to win 1-3 seats.

Punjab:

Republic P-MARQ Opinion poll predicts that Punjab may witness a hung assembly as Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party might win 49-55 seats, just short of the majority mark. The ruling Congress is predicted to win 43-49 seats while Shiromani Akali Dal can get 15-21 seats. BJP, who is fighting polls in alliance with Captain Amarinder Singh's Punjab Lok Congress and SAD (Sanyukt), can win 1-3 seats.

Goa: 

Republic P-MARQ Opinion poll predicts the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to win 15-19 in the 40-member House. On the other hand, Indian National Congress, which was the single largest party in the 2017 assembly elections, is likely to get 10-14. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which went black in the last polls might win 5-9 seats. Debutant Trinamool Congress along with its ally MGP can get 1-5 seats. The majority mark is 21.

Manipur: 

Republic P-MARQ Opinion poll predicts that BJP is likely to stay ahead in the race as the poll shows the saffron party bagging the most 29-35 seats out of 60 seats followed by the Indian National Congress winning 13-19 seats. The National People’s Party (NPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF) remain behind INC with 4-10 and 2-6 seats respectively.

As Uttarakhand recorded a voter turnout of over 62.5%, senior Congress leader Harish Rawat expressed confidence that the people of the state have voted for change. In a video message to the voters on Monday, he thanked them for participating in the election process with great fervour despite the COVID-19 restrictions. Moreover, he claimed that the people had shown maturity in rejecting the promises made by BJP. 

The former CM opined, "I also want to thank all of you as the voters have shown maturity despite allurement. It seems that the voter has voted for change, that too a better change. His decision is now locked in the EVM. We will wait till the counting process."

Elections are scheduled in 5 states- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab. The ruling BJP in Uttar Pradesh under CM Yogi Adityanath faces a resurging Akhilesh Yadav, in Uttarakhand it faces a strong Congress under ex-CM Harish Rawat, in Goa, Pramod Sawant faces a tricorner fight with Congress, TMC and AAP in the fray and Manipur CM Biren Singh faces a beleaguered Congress. However, in Punjab, it is the ruling Congress, which is now heavily embroiled in infighting, faces a rising AAP, Akali Dal-BSP and an unlikely combination of BJP-Amarinder Singh, apart from the farm union political leaders. Results for all elections will be declared on March 10.