Assembly Elections 2022: Sidhu will be given super CM post, says Congress MP Ravneet Bittu

In a flip-flop, Congress party's sitting MLA from Sri Hargobindpur Balwinder Singh Laddi on Friday rejoined the BJP after parting ways with the saffron party last month.

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh welcomed Laddi into the party fold in Batala. BJP candidate from Batala Fatehjang Bajwa was also present.

Laddi along with Bajwa, who is the younger brother of senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, had first joined the BJP after quitting the Congress on December 28 in Delhi.

However, six days after joining the saffron party, Laddi had returned to Congress fold and rejoined Punjab's ruling outfit in the presence of AICC in-charge of Punjab affairs Harish Chaudhary and Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi.

Laddi was denied the Congress ticket for contesting from the Sri Hargobindpur assembly seat, which falls in the Gurdaspur district, and the party nominated Mandeep Singh in his place.

(PTI)

BJP president JP Nadda on Friday said his party was the only one that was faithful to its ideals and believed in "collectiveness", whereas opposition parties were family-run outfits.

Addressing a rally in Priol in poll-bound Goa, Nadda said the BJP was also a party that took its governance report card to the people.

"BJP is the only party which is faithful to its ideas and believes in collectiveness. Except for BJP, all parties have become family-run parties," he said.
 

BJP leader Uma Bharti on Friday alleged efforts were being made to influence the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls through rhetorics on the 'hijab' row in Karnataka as a part of a conspiracy and advised political parties to refrain from commenting on the issue.

About Uniform Civil Code, the former union minister said the first consultation on the matter will be held with all the constituents of the society.

"Only when it is discussed, we will move forward in that direction," Bharti said. 

The senior BJP leader said the 'hijab' row is gaining momentum at this point but no political party should speak on this issue.

"I have appealed to the leaders not to comment on this matter as their remarks were acting as petrol to fire. I also don't want to comment on this either. It's being done to influence the Uttar Pradesh elections. We should not fall prey to any such conspiracy," she told reporters.

While campaigning in favour of a BJP candidate in the Orai region, she took potshots at Samajwadi Party chief, saying, "Akhilesh (Yadav) says that Lord Krisha appears in his dreams to tell him that his party is coming to power."

"I see the people of Uttar Pradesh in my dreams who say that this time they will vote for BJP again so that there are no riots, houses are not captured and shops are not looted."

Likening Akhilesh Yadav to 'Gabbar' the infamous dacoit character of Bollywood flick 'Sholay', Bharati said, "There is a dialogue in Sholay that when a child cries, his mother tells him to shut up or else Gabbar will come."

"Similarly, the people of the state tell me in my dreams that this time they will not vote for the party of Gabbar, but for the party that governs well," she added.

PTI

He (Navjot Singh Sidhu) will be given Super CM post: Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu when asked about what post the Congress party will give to Navjot Singh Sidhu if voted to power in the ensuing Punjab elections.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb asserted on Friday that no other party was capable of challenging the BJP, which was set to emerge victorious in the assembly elections of five states.

Deb, during a programme here to mark the death anniversary of BJP forerunner Deendayal Upadhyaya, said speculation had been rife over poll results during the general election in 2019, but the party, led by Narendra Modi, made it to the hot seat, surprising many.

Elections to five states -- Punjab, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Uttarakhand -- are being held in phases, starting February 10.

"Yogiji (Uttar Pradesh CM) will be back with a bang as people of UP have gotten rid of Goondaraj and Mafiaraj. No party will be able to challenge the BJP in the five poll-bound states. The leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the might of the BJP are well established in the country, he said.

Highlighting the Modi government's welfare initiatives, the CM said, It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had released Rs. 20,000 crore for 11 crore farmers on January 1 when a section of them was on warpath. The move was aimed at paying respect to our annadatas (food providers).

The chief minister also took a dig at opposition CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar, who had recently criticised the state's health infrastructure, stating that he unaware of reality.

"Two days after he had criticised the health services at state-run GBP Hospital, an open heart surgery was successfully performed for the first time in the state's premier hospital. The four-time chief minister, who is now the opposition leader, should have known the reality before making an allegation," Deb maintained.

The chief minister also called upon the karyakartas to bridge the gap between the organisation and the people. We must pursue integral humanism scripted by BJP ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay. The party leaders and karyakartas should reach out to the grassroots level with Deen Dayal Upadhyay's message in mind  'serve the last man in the queue'." 

(PTI)

Claiming that the BJP has provided corruption-free governments both at the Centre and in Uttarakhand, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said credibility is its biggest strength and urged the voters to secure a second consecutive term for the party for the state's continued development.

Addressing rallies in Ghansali and Karnaprayag in the poll-bound state, Singh said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given two corruption-free governments at the Centre, one under the leadership of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the other under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The party has given clean governments in Uttarakhand too, he added.

"People can debate what our candidates have done and what they could have done, but none of them has the blot of corruption on his career. This is our biggest strength.... Our credibility is our biggest strength," Singh said.

(PTI)
 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday termed the governments formed before the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh "casteist", and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi works for everyone's welfare.

Addressing an election meeting in Bareilly's Aonla, Shah said that as BJP president in 2017 he had promised his party would end "gundaa raj' in Uttar Pradesh.

The Yogi Adityanath government has kept the promise, he claimed. "Mafias are not visible in Uttar Pradesh. Azam Khan, Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari are in jail," he said, warning if Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav becomes the chief minister, he would release them.

Training guns at the opposition parties, Shah said, "The previous governments of Uttar Pradesh were casteists. When the SP (Samajwadi Party) came (to power), work was done for one caste. When the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) was in power, then work was done for the other caste. Modiji did development for all and worked for all castes with the 'sabka saath, sabka vishvaas' (mantra)."

"When the SP or BSP was in power, mafia was ruling the roost in the state. Narendra Modiji and Yogiji have sent them to jail," he added.

At another election meeting in Tilhar of Shahjahanpur, Shah said the BJP has put an end to caste politics in Uttar Pradesh.

Shah said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has lost sleep after the first round of polling and the BJP has paved the way for getting 300-plus seats in Uttar Pradesh.

"Akhilesh Yadav asks what has been done in Uttar Pradesh. I want to tell him that the BJP has reinstated the rule of law and maintained law and order in the state. We have reduced all crimes and removed the rule of goons and mafia in the state," he added.

Accusing the Samajwadi Party of being a family-owned party, Shah said the youth of the state have no place in the SP, whereas in the BJP, anyone can become a leader.

"We have promised to double the income of every citizen in Uttar Pradesh. We will bring investments of Rs 10 lakh crore to the state to generate employment," he added.

Attacking the Congress, Shah said, "The Congress was in power for over 60 years but nothing was done for the poor. Nothing was done by the governments of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh. But Narendra Modi has distributed free gas cylinders to women and built free toilets for them," said Shah.

"The BJP will give free scooters to girl students joining higher education institutes in Uttar Pradesh and waive electricity bills of farmers," he said.

Hitting out at former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Shah said, "Earlier, our soldiers were beheaded in Jammu and Kashmir but 'Mauni Baba' Manmohan Singh remained quiet. But Modiji carried out a surgical strike and sent a clear message to the world."

Shah said the BJP also built memorials for freedom fighters to honour their sacrifices.

The home minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Suresh Khanna, Jitin Prasada and other senior leaders of the party.

Salona Kushwaha is the BJP's candidate from the Tilhar seat. 

(PTI)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released manifesto for the Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Arvind Kejriwal's party has promised 300 units of free electricity to every household, revised MSP of rice, wheat, sugarcane, and doubled of state budget in 5 years, among others

The public has given a message that the process of dismantling the BJP govt has started from the first phase itself. They (BJP) has lodged false cases against Azam Khan and sent him to jail. People are ready for a change in UP: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in UP's Rampur

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted a poll campaign in Bazpur, Udhampur Singh Nagar. "Double engine govt provided free ration, vaccines to people. Our govt launched several other schemes for people of different sectors and gave direct benefits to people," he said.

The 'Parivarwadi' people have realised that their boat has sunk & hence they have started blaming the EVM and the Election Commission. The truth is that the people of UP are not ready to accept them and their 'Gunda Raj': PM Modi at a public rally in Kasganj

We plan to restore mining in a sustainable and legal way in Goa soon after we are voted to power: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in Goa

"This time we will get a solid majority, and we will act immediately to make sure that we have a government in Goa," says Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Ahead of the Uttarakhand elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will address public meetings in Khatima, Haldwani, and Srinagar tomorrow, February 12. 

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has released a list of nine candidates for the sixth & seventh phases of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

"Our 'double engine' government works at double the speed of other governments. During Covid19, where was the brother-sister duo? Was 'Behenji' present amongst you all? Only BJP worked for people of the State", said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during an election rally in Budaun.

"See what has become of Congress...only the brother-sister duo is campaigning. Don't they have any other leaders left in the party? Today, their own leaders do not want to be with the party. Then, how can they give anything to you?", said PM Modi in Uttarakhand. 

"After 10th March, Dhami Ji's government will work aggressively to further develop the tourism sector in Uttarakhand. You (public) have to decide whether you want in power those who promote 'Paryatan' (tourism) or 'Palayan' (migration)", said PM Modi in Almora

Addressing a rally in UP's Bareilly,  Union Home Minister & BJP leader Amit Shah said, "CM Yogi Adityanath has finished mafia from western UP and Rohilkhand. There was a time when UP Police used to run away after seeing the mafia. Now mafia runs away after listening to Police siren". 

"Our government is working with the motto, 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas'. But the formula of those who oppose us is - 'Divide everyone, loot together'! The policy of the Congress in the whole country has been divide and loot together", PM Modi addresses rally in Almora, Uttarakhand. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a physical election rally in Uttarakhand's Almora.

"Rahul Gandhi says he's not scared. Who's scaring you? He speaks in Parliament & runs away, he doesn't have courage to listen to reply. His public rallies are source of entertainment. Congress needs no rivals, Rahul Gandhi alone does all that's needed", said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan campaigning Haridwar.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) destabilised a proper functioning govt in Punjab. Congress is going through a leadership crisis. They have a G-24 group in Delhi that openly shows disagreement. Even in Uttarakhand, who is Congress' leader?", CM Chouhan added.

"I asked the former CM & Samajwadi Party chief (Akhilesh Yadav) where has he done any development, he said he made the boundary walls of graveyards. If he could get votes with boundaries of graveyards, BJP is giving the treatment", said UP CM Yogi Adityanath, in Dadraul, Shahjahanpur

"They (Congress) talk about bikini/hijab, CAA/Rafale, but public never accepts them because they never talk about poor welfare. They only know how to gather votes with politics of appeasement...You can write down, Akhilesh (SP chief) will lose from his seat," said Union Min Anurag Thakur in Varanasi

Slamming RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary said,"A few dynastical people (RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary) don't cast their votes. Their opinions on democracy show very clearly. Such parties have lost earlier also, they will lose in future again".

During the door-to-door campaign, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met a groom and even requested him to cast vote in favour of BJP at the upcoming assembly elections in Uttarakhand, according to ANI. 

With almost 10 days ahead of the Punjab Assembly Elections, the infighting in the Congress party has exploded as now Navjot Sidhu's daughter has levelled serious charges against Charanjit Singh Channi. Speaking against party leader Rahul Gandhi who had described Channi as a 'poor' person, Rabia Kaur Sidhu said that 'a crorepati cannot be poor'. According to Sidhu, the CM's bank account at least comprises 133 crore rupees.

Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur campaigned for the candidates of his party, in Varanasi, ahead of the second phase of Uttar Pradesh Election 2022. "A few dynastical people (RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary) don't cast their votes. Their opinions on democracy show very clearly. Such parties have lost earlier also, they will lose in future again", Union Minister Anurag Thakur said.

Defence Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh will address election meetings in Ghansali, Karnaprayag, and Narendranagar Assembly constituencies in Uttarakhand on Friday, February 11.

Jailed gangster turned politician Mukhtar Ansari's son Abbas Ansari challenged Yogi Adityanath to file a nomination from Mau constituency amid ongoing Uttar Pradesh elections. The statement from Ansari whose father is an MLA from Mu came as he reached Samajwadi Party (SP) office in the District. While facing questions, Abbas said that after March 10, he will answer every query. 

In response to the question of joining SP, Mukhtar Ansari's son asked when did Yogi Adityanath join Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP)

"I am waiting for the day when yogi Ji gather some courage to file a nomination from Mau constituency," said Abbas Ansari amid ongoing UP elections. 

Mukhtar Ansari is known for being a dreaded gangster currently lodged in Banda jail in Uttar Pradesh. He was brought back from Punjab jail in April 2020. The action was initiated and the Uttar Pradesh police took Ansari's custody after a Supreme Court order. A convoy of six police vans, a Vajra vehicle accompanied Ansari in an ambulance covering a distance of 882 km spanning three states for over a 16-hour journey. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ajay Kumar Shukla on Thursday said that the first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls concluded peacefully with a 59.87 per cent voter turnout. Shukla informed that no untoward incident was reported in the state. Voting was held in 58 assembly seats spread across 11 districts in the western part of the state in the first phase of polls.

CEO Ajay Kumar Shukla was addressing a press conference in Lucknow when he said that the first phase of polls concluded peacefully in the state. “Elections have been concluded peacefully and no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere,” he said. However, he also informed that a large amount of cash and liquor were caught in the BJP-led state ahead of the polls. According to the CEO, a total of Rs 12.57 crore cash and 3.87 lakh litres of liquor was recovered from the eleven districts from the date of election announcement till the end of the campaign period.

"I went to Church, Masjid, Gurudwara, & recently visited Vaishno Devi because there is only one universal law... As long as I'm alive, I assure you that no one can cast an evil eye on Christianity," said Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu in Amritsar East

"Congress candidate Rizwan had taken permission for a door-to-door campaign but it was seen that a roadshow-like situation had emerged with people atop of the car with him. As per Sector Magistrate's complaint, a case has been registered," said  Akhilesh Bhadoria, SP City booking the leader for his campaign.

Miffed at the case, Rizwan said, "UP Dy CM Dinesh Sharma held a door-to-door meeting a few days ago. In Meerut, Amit Shah held door-to-door campaigns, why no FIR against them? Not our fault if people welcome us with unconditional love during door-to-door campaigns. BJP scared, which is why this politics."

Addressing a rally in Mapusa, PM Modi said, "Congress Govt didn't liberate Goa for 15 years after Independence. People of Goa kept fighting but Congress Govt didn't help. From the ramparts of Red Fort, India's first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru had said that he won't send forces for the liberation of Goa".

Dismissing his allegations, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "At least BJP and RSS did not liberate Goa. It happened during Congress govt only...PM Modi says he sold tea. He should accept that he became PM because of the Constitution made by Nehru and other leaders of that time".

"We'll give Goans land rights in 6 months after forming govt. We'll repair all the roads in the state. We'll give free treatment, education, electricity, water & due to these facilities every household will get benefit of Rs 2 lakh per year," said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Poriem, Goa

Total 2 transgenders, 93 women & 1209 men candidates in fray for 117 assembly constituencies. There are 24,740 polling stations in 14,684 polling locations. Around 2586 different surveillance teams to be working round the clock: State Chief Electoral Officer

Uttar Pradesh can become Kashmir, Kerala or Bengal if BJP is not voted back to power, State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said hours before the first round of elections in UP on Thursday, evoking sharp reactions from opposition leaders, including from the three states, as they alleged that it was an attempt to polarise people in the state.

Reacting strongly to the UP CM's comments, his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan said if the north Indian state develops like Kerala, people will enjoy the peace and better living conditions while Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a dig at Yogi Adityanath, saying UP "should be so lucky" as Kashmir's beauty, Bengal's culture and Kerala's education would do wonders for the place.

In a six-minute video message on Twitter, the UP chief minister said a vote for him will be a "guarantee of fear-free life", asserting that the time for a big decision has come.

"Beware! If you miss this time, the five-year effort will be washed away. And it will take no time for UP to become Kashmir, Kerala or Bengal. This vote will be your guarantee to a life without fear, Yogi Adityanath said in his appeal to voters.

While non-BJP political parties in West Bengal alleged that it was an "attempt to polarise people of his state" and will fail, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah attacked Yogi Aditynath, saying "he should be so lucky. J&K has less poverty, better human development indices, less crime & generally better standards of living than UP."

"What we lack is good governance over the last 3-4 years but that is a temporary phenomenon," Abdullah tweeted.

In an apparent response to Yogi Adityanath's remarks, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said India is beautiful in all its colours and "don't insult the spirit" of the country.

"There is strength in our Union. Our Union of Cultures. Our Union of Diversity. Our Union of Languages. Our Union of People. Our Union of States," Gandhi tweeted.

"From Kashmir to Kerala. From Gujarat to West Bengal. India is beautiful in all its colours. Don't insult the spirit of India," he said, without naming anyone.

Tharoor said,"UP will turn into Kashmir, Bengal or Kerala if BJP doesn't come to power, @myogiadityanath tells voters. UP should be so lucky!! Kashmir's beauty, Bengal's culture & Kerala's education would do wonders for the place.  UP's wonderful: pity about its Govt.

Responding to the UP Chief Minister's remarks, Vijayan tweeted "If UP turns into Kerala as @myogiadityanath fears, it will enjoy the best education, health services, social welfare, living standards and have a harmonious society in which people won't be murdered in the name of religion and caste. That's what the people of UP would want."

The Chief Minister also tweeted the same in Hindi and tagged his UP counterpart.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly V D Satheesan in Kerala also launched a scathing attack on Adityanath for his alleged disparaging comments against Kerala and urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to choose plurality, harmony, inclusive development to medieval bigotry.

"Dear #UP, vote to be like Kerala. Choose plurality, harmony, inclusive development to medieval bigotry. Keralites, Bengalis and Kashmiris are also proud Indians. #kerala #democracy #religiousharmony #UPElections2022," Satheesan, a Congress leader, tweeted.

Trinamool Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Sen said that Adityanath is desperately trying to divide people, "which is an old game of the BJP when it finds the going tough".

"The BJP has sensed defeat in the upcoming UP elections, which is why it is now trying to sow discord among people of the northern state by portraying amity and peace in West Bengal in a negative light.

"West Bengal will never become Adityanath's UP, instead UP will set an example of harmony and amity by dislodging him from power," the TMC leader said.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said Adityanath's comments were a "blatant attempt at polarising the peace-loving people of UP".

"We don't subscribe to Adityanath's vision of India, which is an affront on our mosaic of different faiths and religions. We oppose his idea of Hindu Rashtra," the CPI(M) central committee member said.

Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that Adityanath knows nothing about the eastern state and its secular traditions.

The state unit of the BJP, however, claimed that the UP Chief Minister was referring to the law and order situation in West Bengal.

"He referred to the law and order situation in West Bengal. The entire country knows how our party workers were killed, and women family members of our supporters raped by TMC goons during post-poll violence. The situation in UP is far better than in West Bengal," BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said.

(PTI)

A case of violation of model code of conduct was on Thursday registered against a candidate of Azad Samaj Party and 12 others in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. The FIR was registered at the Mirganj Police Station of Jaunpur.

Satya Prakash Gautam, a resident of Parianwa, is the Azad Samaj Party candidate from Machhlishahr assembly seat. On Wednesday, Gautam along with his supporters had taken out a rally and reached Mirganj from Machlishahar via Godhna. It is alleged that the candidate held rallies and raised slogans during door-to-door campaigning which is a clear violation of the model code of conduct, police said.

Chandan Kumar, Rohit  Chand, Hemant Kumar, Arjesh Kumar, Alok Chandra, Jitendra Gautam, Salam Ansari, Kariya Gautam, Atul Gautam, Chottelal Gautam and others have also been booked in the case.

Station House Officer, Mirganj Police Station, Suresh Kumar Singh said Gautam along with the others also violated COVID-19 protocols.

(PTI)

As the first phase of the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly concluded on Thursday, the voter turnout for the Jat-dominant belt of western Uttar Pradesh was recorded to be over 61%.

As per the Election Commission of India's Voter Turnout application, the total voter turnout for the first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections was 61.57% at the end of the session.  

The districts which recorded the highest voter turnout were Shamli with 69.42%, followed by Muzaffarnagar and Bulandsahar at 65.91% and 65.12% respectively. 
 

Voting for the first phase of UP Assembly elections has been completed successfully. Wherever we got complaints, EVMs and VVPATs were replaced immediately. There was no incident of violence: Ajay Kumar Shukla, Chief Electoral Officer, Uttar Pradesh.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday asserted that Bharatiya Janata Party will win more seats than in the 2017 polls. The Minister said that under the CM Yogi's rule, the state has been freed from goons and mafias. He stated that action against goons and mafias will continue.

"All round development taking place in Uttar Pradesh. There is no discrimination in providing benefits to the people. Five expressways, five Airports and nine metros have been built in the state. Today's voting confirmed that BJP will win elections," Anurag Thakur said.

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The voting has been concluded in the first phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. According to the Election Commission (EC), 60.01% of voter turnout was recorded.

Over one lakh personnel of the Uttar Pradesh police and home guards besides 800 companies of paramilitary were deployed for the first phase of assembly polls in western Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, according to officials.

As many as 623 candidates, including 73 women, are in the fray in the first phase with around 2.28 crore voters -- 1.24 crore men and 1.04 crore women, state Election Commission officials said.

According to a UP police statement, 800 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were received by the state for the first phase of polls. 

A CAPF company has an operational strength of around 70-80 personnel.

Of these, 724 companies were for booth duty, 15 companies for strong-room duty, five companies for EVM security, 26 companies for quick response at police stations, 20 companies for inter-state barrier duty, 66 companies for law and order duty, and nine companies were attached with flying squad team, it said.

A total of 796 companies of CAPF were deployed and the rest kept in reserve, it said.

"Similarly, in the first phase, duties of 9,464 inspectors/sub-inspectors of UP Police, 59,030 head constables and constables along with 27 companies of PAC, 48,136 home guards, 505 PRD jawans and 6,061 chowkidars were engaged in election duty," it stated.

In the first phase, voting was held under 241 police station areas in the 11 districts of Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Voting was held in 58 assembly seats at 10,833 polling stations and 25,880 polling centres, it said. 

The police said 12 assembly constituencies -- Khairagarh, Fatehabad, Agra South, Bah, Chhatra, Mathura, Sardhana, Meerut city, Chhaprauli, Baraut, Baghpat and Kairana  were categorized as "sensitive". 

Another 898 majras and localities were marked as "vulnerable", while 5,535 polling places were considered "critical", the police said.

In the first phase, according to the instructions of the EC, a total of 138 Pink Booths (women booths) were set up where 59 women inspectors/sub-inspectors and 261 women constables/head constables were deployed, it said.

From the day the model code of conduct came into force in 11 districts of the first phase, a total of 1,60,237 licensed weapons were deposited with the police, while 151 licensed weapons were seized, it said.

Also, 441 arms licenses were cancelled in view of the possibility of breach of peace during the election, the police said.

Preventive action under CrPC sections 107/116 was taken against 3,98,432 persons, the police added.

A total 1,783 illegal arms, 2,048 cartridges and 20 kg explosives were recovered, it said.

Till now, a total of Rs 12.45 crore had been caught during checking in the run up to polls, while illegal liquor worth Rs 7.83 crore and narcotics worth Rs 7.89 crore was also seized, according to the police. 

(PTI)

Addressing a press conference in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, "The voting in Kairana today assures BJP's victory. In the next phases covering Kairana to Kashi, west to east, this wave will get stronger. Under the leadership of Modi Ji and Yogi Ji, BJP will win more than 300 seats and return to power."

From Nahid Hasan, Azam Khan to Mukhtar Ansari, Samajwadi Party has either given a ticket or extended support to big criminals. If they couldn't do it themselves, they got their alliance to do it: Union Minister Anurag Thakur, in Varanasi

In the first phase of the ongoing Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, a voter turnout of 57.79% was reported till 5 pm on Thursday, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Only BJP can claim that we did what we promised. Expressways, roads of UP are not just roads, but a Ganga of development... Now people have to decide whom they are going to support in this election: BJP national president JP Nadda at a public meeting in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday appealed to people to use the power of a vote for the better future of the state.

"My dear sisters and brothers of western Uttar Pradesh, use the power of votes for your issues and for building a better future of the state," Vadra tweeted in Hindi.

Addressing a gathering in Bijnor, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "This election is to save the Constitution and democracy. Did corruption end during the Yogi government? Truth is double engine government means double corruption."

'Gunda' is a small word to describe the Samajwadi Party. I want to say that they are protectors of terrorists. They have given protection to terrorists and corrupt... 200 riots happened during Akhilesh Yadav's government but not a single riot happened in our govt: BJP chief JP Nadda

Talk about the zest to vote, a groom reached Char Khamba polling station in the Sadar assembly seat in Bulandshahr to cast his vote before taking his marriage procession on Thursday. Balram reached the polling station in a motorcycle after performing the Ghudchadhi ceremony'.

The first phase of polling, which started at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, is being held in 58 assembly seats spread across 11 districts in the western part of Uttar Pradesh.

Balram said he felt necessary to exercise his franchise.  After casting his vote, his marriage procession left from his house for Loni.

The Char Khamba polling station is a model polling booth built on DM Colony Road. The booth was decorated with balloons and voters were welcomed with drum beats.

Meanwhile, at booth 421 of Anupshahr area in the district, people had to wait for hours in queue before they were able to cast their votes due to technical glitch in electronic voting machines (EVM).

Besides residents of Nagla Kheda and Nagla Bhud villages of Dibai area raised slogans of no voting if there is no development in the region. Some angry villagers boycotted voting due to non-construction of roads and bridges, which caused a stir among the police and administrative officers. However, the villagers later agreed to vote after persuasion by the district officials.

In the seven assembly seats of the district, 21.62 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 11 am, officials said.

(PTI)

Uttar Pradesh witnesses 48.24% voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly elections till 3 pm. 

Uttar Pradesh witnesses 35.03% voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly elections till 3 pm. 

Lambasting Jayant Chaudhary for not voting, JP Nadda said, "Today, a leader (RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary) did not cast his vote. It shows their dynastic arrogance. The power of democracy gives answers to such people". 

"More than 700 temples and dhams have been renovated by my govt. We have also started the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. They (previous govts) imposed curfew, but we take out Kanwar Yatra," said UP CM Yogi Adityanath at a rally in Bijnor.

"Only BJP has remained a national party, all other parties have become parties of dynasties, 'parivar-vaad', regionalism...Indian National Congress has neither remained national nor Indian, it has become a brother-sister party, " says BJP chief JP Nadda in Biswan

In a development that is set to invite the wrath of BJP, the SP-led alliance has decided to give a poll ticket to don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. As per sources, he will contest from Mau on the symbol of the OP Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party. Currently languishing in the Banda jail, Mukhtar Ansari is a 5-time MLA from the Mau constituency and faces more than 50 criminal cases not just in UP but other states as well.

BJP has stepped up its UP election campaign with PM Modi set to address a physical rally in Patiyali, Kasganj tomorrow. Moreover, he will also address a virtual rally for the constituencies of Bareilly, Hathras, Firozabad, Etah and Farrukhabad. 

The Congress party released a list of 33 candidates for the UP polls. This includes seats in the 6th and 7th phases. 

"If UP turns into Kerala as Yogi Adityanath fears, it will enjoy the best education, health services, social welfare, living standards and have a harmonious society in which people won't be murdered in the name of religion and caste. That's what the people of UP would want," taunted Pinarayi Vijayan.

35.03% voter turnout recorded till 1pm in the first phase of UP elections

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds a road show in Rampur. She said, "Vote on issues of unemployment, inflation, crimes against women and Dalits, poverty. Think and vote. Cast your vote for someone who is working to resolve these issues".

"There is SP-RLD wave in entire UP, especially in Mant. I've visited polling booths since morning. Voters are coming out in large numbers & voting for SP-RLD. The local MLA is an 8-time MLA, he made Mant the most backward tehsil of Mathura...Competition is very easy," said SP-RLD candidate from Mant Sanjay Lathar

"Earlier, this area used to be called the crime capital. Today, there is law and order and development, mafia raj has ended," said Balyan.

Union MoS Ajay Mishra's on - Ashish Mishra gets bail from Allahabad High Court in Lakhimpur Kheri case. The constituency goes to polls on February 23.

Amid concerns of him not casting his vote, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary said, "My vote is in Mathura. My wife has already voted, I will try to vote.

He added, "I appeal everyone to vote for change. Yogi is requesting that up should not become kerala. Kerala is much ahead of up, it has 100% literacy".

"They think of themselves are very powerful. But we are on the path of progress. People will vote in our favour".

Wooing Muslim women in Uttar Pradesh, PM Modi on Thursday, touted that Muslim women had praised his govt for abolishing the Triple talaq.

"Every sector has opened for women today. Muslim sisters know our good intentions. We made law against triple talaq and Muslim sisters free now. Muslim women praised bjp govt," said PM Modi.

Lashing out at Opposition, he added, "Those dealing in vote banks were worried that even their sisters were supporting modi. They could not digest the support Muslim women were giving to Modi. They want muslim women to be behind. But we are with all Muslim women and  yogi's govt important to secure and protect muslim women".

Backing the 'double-engine' govt in UP, PM Modi said, "BJP is necessary so that PMAY scheme reaches the people; Farmers can continue to get money under DBT; poor can get free ration during the pandemic, hence BJP is necessary for UP," at a Saharanpur.

He added, "Some constituencies in western UP are voting for the 1st phase. I'm glad that on such winter mornings, people are going to vote in huge numbers. BJP's 'ghoshna patra' is a resolution for welfare".

As per data released by the Election Commission, the overall turnout for the 58 seats that have gone to the polls today is 20.03% as of 11 am. Among all constituencies, the seats of Etmadpur (29%) and Ghaziabad (7.37%) have witnessed the highest and lowest voter turnout respectively. 

Here is the district-wise turnout: 

1. Agra- 20.42%

2. Aligarh- 17.91%

3. Baghpat- 22.24%

4. Bulandshahr- 21.63%

5. Gautam Buddha Nagar- 18.43%

6. Ghaziabad- 17.26%

7. Hapur- 22.78%

8. Mathura- 20.39%

9. Meerut- 18.92%

10. Muzaffarnagar- 22.56%

11. Shamli- 22.84%

Addressing a rally in Saharanpur, UP CM Yogi Adityanath saying, "Double engine govt works well. The entire Saharanpur belt has been uplifted. Saharanpur will get a university in the name of native goddess here. They had declared Saharanpur a dark zone

he added, "We gave electricity for 24 hours. Now pipes used here instead of a handpump. The vaccine saved lives. Double engine govt gave double vaccine and double ration".

Saharanpur is scheduled for polling in phase-2 on February 14

Jewar's BJP candidate Dhirendra Singh speaks to Republic as Uttar Pradesh goes to polls; talks about upcoming infra projects in Jewar such as 'Asia's largest airport, film city, medical institute' among others under Yogi government

"Pehle matdaan, uske baad bahu, uske baad sab kaam," says Ankur Balyan, a bridegroom who had come to cast his vote at a polling booth in Muzaffarnagar ahead of his wedding today.

"How responsible is it for Jayant Chaudhary to not go out and vote because he has an election rally? What message is he sending? Has he already abandoned the idea of winning? Why should people come out and even consider the RLD when he isn’t serious about casting his vote?" asks Amit Malviya

Ankur Balyan, a bridegroom came to cast his vote at a polling booth in Muzaffarnagar ahead of his wedding today.

Senior citizen voters arrive at a polling booth in Ghaziabad, to exercise their franchise, in the first phase of polling of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections

"Complaints of EVM malfunction from few polling stations were addressed immediately&polling resumed. Police, paramilitary forces deployed at all polling stations. To attract more voters,we've established Pink polling booths for women&selfie points at polling centres," said Meerut DM

"Everything is in people's hands but we're confident that they'll support us. It was challenging as BJP & state machinery's focus was on Kairana. Our rival here isn't the local candidate but entire BJP & its machinery," said Iqra Hasan

Speaking to Republic TV, she added, "'Exodus not an issue in Kairana, BJP wants to do polarisation"

Republic reporting #LIVE from Mathura outside the polling centres as phase 1 of the assembly polls is underway in Uttar Pradesh

There is no challenge for me. Mandir was never a political issue for us, it was the other parties who wanted to make this an issue': BJP Noida MLA Pankaj Singh speaks to Republic  

"I am confident BJP will win with full majority. We have done lots of development in UP and people will vote for BJP. Farmers' protests will not impact Western UP," said General VK Singh ahead of casting vote 

BJP MP Bhola Singh casts vote in Bulandshah

Speaking to Republic TV, Bhola Singh said, "There is no competition. The way in 2017 our minister anil sharma won with more than 51 thousand more votes. This time it will be doubled and win is sure. 

"Youth is excited, the way women are provided safety, people were saved during covid, Ganga express. This is our win. Today the alliance is of sp and lok dal," he said

He added,"in 2019, bjp and lok dal were in alliance. Again bjp will win all 7 seats this time and bjp govt will be formed". 

"From 2012 to 2017 the goondaraj during sp govt. Today girls are safe, govt has made up free of gundaraj. Now priyanka gandhi said that we will forgive farmers loans in two days. I want to ask here first to fulfill the promises you made to rajasthan," he said.
 

"New Slogan of New UP: Let development be an ideology!", tweets Akhilesh Yadav

"I appeal to the voters to give your invaluable vote by pressing the lotus button for the development of the state," posted Union Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia on Koo

"Not NOTA, vote in the election for the farmers' issues," posted Rakesh Tikait on Koo

7.95% voter turnout recorded till 9:30am in the first phase of UP elections

People queue up at the polling booths in Muzaffarnagar, Sardhana, Mathura, Jewar as they await their turn to cast vote in the first phase of UP polls

UP Minister Sandeep Singh casts his vote at a polling booth in Aligarh

Union Minister & BJP leader SP Singh Baghel, who is contesting against Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav from Mainpuri's Karhal, casts his vote in Agra

Union Minister SP Singh Baghel, who is contesting against Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav from Mainpuri's Karhal, says "Karhal has decided to defeat Akhilesh Yadav to end 'goonda raj".

'Positive changes and developments have been brought in Noida in the past 5 years. When SP-BSP-Cong support Pakistan & China, then what can they say to the people of the country?,' says Pankaj Singh, BJP candidate from Noida seat. 

"It shows your faith in Democracy. His vote doesn't matter because everyone knows BJP will win the elections," says UP Minister Shrikant Sharma on RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary not casting his vote

In a big development, sources told Republic TV that RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary will not cast his vote in the UP election today. This is reportedly owing to the fact that he is busy in campaigning. 

All EVMs in the Khedka booth of Baghpat have been stopped working since the last 30 minutes. All voters have lined up and crowded the site. 

As per data released by the Election Commission, the overall turnout for the 58 seats that have gone to the polls today is 7.93% as of 9 am. The constituencies in the Baghpat district witnessed the highest turnout of 8.93%. On the other hand, the seats in the Ghaziabad district have recorded the lowest turnout of 7.37% until now.

Accusing the BJP government at the Centre and in UP for ignoring problems such as poverty, unemployment, inflation, lack of sanitation and so forth, BSP supremo Mayawati urged people to vote for her party. She stressed, "It is time to decide whether the coming five years in UP will be full of sorrow and helplessness for you as before or you will be able to save yourself".

Moreover, she opined, "BSP is a movement of social change and economic emancipation, whose goal is to liberate the poor, laborers, farmers, small traders and other toiling society from the helpless and slave-like life and make them proper partners in power, which BJP, SP and Congress are not capable of."

People queue up at Jain Inter College in Baghpat as they cast their votes for the first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Election.

As the Uttar Pradesh election got underway, BJP's poll candidate Sangeet Som stoked a row by dubbing his opponents as supporters of Pakistan's founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This was seen as a reference to SP Akhilesh Yadav's claim during a public rally on October 31, 2021, that Jinnah fought for India's independence. The two-time MLA is contesting from Sardhana where polling is taking place on Thursday.

Sangeet Som remarked, "We have done development works worth Rs.2000 crore in the Sardhana constituency. The people have seen the hooliganism, terror and appeasement of the parties who are contesting the election against us. The people of Uttar Pradesh do not want to see that again. On one hand, the supporters of Sardar are fighting whereas supporters of Jinnah are fighting on the other side."

In a big claim, Samajwadi Party alleged that the police machinery is preventing polling agents from entering booth number 353 and 354 of the Etmadpur seat. It urged the Agra District Magistrate to take cognizance of the matter and ensure impartial voting. 

"My dear sisters and brothers of western Uttar Pradesh, use the power of votes for your issues and for building a better future for the state," tweets Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She also told Congress workers tobe proud tweeting, "we are fighting with on all seats after 30 years".

"After the elections of 5 states, the Modi government will increase the GDP rapidly. Yes, the price of gas (G), diesel (D) , petrol (P) !  There is only one way out. Defeat BJP, get rid of inflation," tweets Congress Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala
 

Samajwadi Party's official handle tweets: "Give a befitting reply to the communal forces by voting for the protection of the constitution, security of democracy and mutual brotherhood. Your every vote will strengthen democracy. Vote for the SP-RLD alliance candidates for the prosperous future and prosperity of Uttar Pradesh."

As polling begins, SP releases helpline numbers. Urges voters to call if any issues while voting

"Officials abusing women voters at Anupshahr-67, the assembly of Bulandshahr district", tweets SP

"A long queue at booth number 82 of Kithor-46 assembly seat of Meerut, but the officials are not starting the voting," tweets SP

"Free the country from all fear-  Come out, vote!," tweets Gandhi scion - Rahul Gandhi as 58 seats are up for grabs in UP Phase-1 polls

As polling gets underway, Republic TV #LIVE at Noida

"129 Company Force of CAPF deployed on all booths", informs  Vikash Kumar, SP City Agra

"Model polling booths established, & paramilitary forces deployed & videography being done at all polling booths," says Suhas LY, DM, Gautam Budh Nagar

"Polling process has started at all booths. Some complaints regarding EVMs received from some random booths, we are replacing those machines and resolving their matter. Peaceful polling underway, no law & order situation anywhere," says Jasjit Kaur, Shamli DM

Zikra, a first-time voter, casts her vote at a polling booth in Kairana. She says, "It is important to exercise your voting right. I feel good after casting my vote."

Republic TV is #LIVE at Kairana polling booth

UP Minister and BJP candidate from Mathura, Shrikant Sharma offers prayers at Govardhan Temple 

Speaking to Republic TV, BJP's SP Singh Baghel says, "From Ghaziabad to Ghazipur, people have supported me. Akhilesh Yadav is not a challenge"

UP CM Yogi Adityanath urges people to vote for BJP in Phase-1 elections 

 BJP's Shrikant Sharma speaks to Republic TV, says "Our Party's point is cultural nationalism. Borders are safe right now and we have done a lot of welfare of poor people".

"All communities will vote for us. There's no point talking about 2013 riots, it's only the BJP who is raking up the issue," said RLD leader Ahmed Hameed to Republic TV

PM Modi urges people to cast votes in UP Phase-1 elections  

Polling begins on 58 seats in Phase-1 of UP Elections 

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and BJP chief JP Nadda urge citizens to cast their votes as UP polls phase-1 commences.  

BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar, BJP minister Shrikant Sharma, BJP leaders Sangeet Som, Baby Rani Maurya cast their votes

The battle for Uttar Pradesh begins with polling scheduled to take place in 58 Assembly seats spread across 11 districts in the Western UP. Campaigning in the constituencies going to vote in the first round of the seven-phase election in the politically crucial state ended on Tuesday evening. The polling will start at 7 AM in these constituencies according to the guidelines of the Election Commission to ensure COVID-safe polls. The voting will end at 6 PM.

The districts where the elections will be held are Shamli, Hapur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura and Agra. The first phase will cover the Jat-dominated belt of Western UP from where farmers had participated actively in the stir against the Centre's three agri laws in the national capital. As many as 623 candidates are in the fray in the first phase and around 2.27 crore people are eligible to vote in this phase.

In 2017, the BJP bagged 53 of the 58 seats, while the Samajwadi Party and the BSP had got two seats each. One seat had gone to the Rashtriya Lok Dal.

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.