asd
Home Blog Page 103

Northeast Lok Sabha Election 2024: Phase 1 Polling, Constituencies, and Candidates – Explained


1. Lok Sabha elections in India profoundly impact the country’s political trajectory and leadership for the upcoming term.
2. Spanning from April 19 to June 1, the elections are divided into seven phases, ensuring a comprehensive democratic process.
3. With each phase, the elections mark a crucial moment in India’s democratic journey, reflecting the will and aspirations of its diverse population.


Northeast India, April 18: The Lok Sabha elections in India are a monumental event, shaping the political landscape and determining the country’s leadership for the next term.

Scheduled in seven phases, beginning on April 19 and concluding on June 1, the elections are poised to be a crucial moment in India’s democratic journey.

Overview of the First Phase

The first phase of voting, set to commence on April 19 at 7 am, covers 21 states and Union Territories. Among these, the Northeast region holds significant importance, with several key constituencies participating in the electoral process. The counting of votes is slated for June 4, adding to the anticipation surrounding this electoral event.

Northeast Schedule for the First Phase

In the Northeast, the first phase encompasses constituencies from various states:

  • Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh East and Arunachal Pradesh West
  • Assam: Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Kaziranga, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur
  • Manipur: Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur
  • Meghalaya: Shillong and Tura
  • Mizoram: Mizoram
  • Nagaland: Nagaland
  • Sikkim: Sikkim
  • Tripura: Tripura West

Key Constituencies in the First Phase

Several constituencies in the Northeast hold significance due to their electoral dynamics and political landscape. In Assam, constituencies like Dibrugarh, Sonitpur, and Jorhat are focal points of attention. Similarly, Manipur’s Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur constituencies draw considerable interest from political observers.


Also Read: Activists Voice Concerns Over Ongoing Illegal Sugar Exports to Bangladesh from Meghalaya

Key Candidates in the First Phase

The first phase witnesses the participation of key candidates representing various political parties. Notable candidates include:

  • Gaurav Gogoi, contesting from Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, representing the Congress party.
  • Sarbananda Sonowal, former Chief Minister of Assam, and incumbent MP from Dibrugarh Lok Sabha seat, representing the BJP.
  • Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Congress candidate for Inner Manipur Lok Sabha Constituency.
  • Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, BJP candidate for Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat.

Election Manifestos of BJP and Congress

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (Congress) have released their respective election manifestos, outlining their vision and promises for the nation:

BJP’s Election Manifesto:

  • Highlights ‘One Nation, One Election’ and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.
  • Promises the continuation of the free ration scheme and coverage of every senior citizen under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
  • Focuses on empowerment schemes for women and the poor, along with infrastructure development initiatives.
  • Proposes sending a manned mission to the moon and establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Congress’ Election Manifesto:

  • Proposes ‘Nyay Patra,’ promising Rs 1,00,000 annual cash transfer to India’s poorest families.
  • Advocates amending election laws to combine electronic voting machines (EVMs) with the transparency of ballot papers.
  • Pledges to repeal laws impeding personal freedoms and ensures a transparent and inclusive electoral process.

The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024 sets the stage for a momentous electoral journey, with the Northeast region playing a crucial role in shaping the political landscape.

As voters exercise their democratic rights, the electoral process unfolds, paving the way for a new chapter in India’s democratic journey.

Activist voices concerns over ongoing illegal sugar exports to Bangladesh from Meghalaya


1. Social activist Nilberth Ch Marak calls on the Election Commission of India to address illegal sugar exports from Meghalaya to Bangladesh.
2. Concerns were raised following an accident involving two trucks carrying over 30 MT of sugar on NH-62 near Karongre in South Garo Hills.
3. Marak urges authorities to investigate and take action against those involved in the illegal sugar trade.


Shillong, April 18: Social activist Nilberth Ch Marak has urged the Election Commission of India to report on the ongoing problem of illegal sugar exports from Meghalaya to Bangladesh.

Illegal sugar trade came to light after an accident involving two trucks weighing more than 30 metric tonnes (MT) on a bridge on NH-62 near Karongre in South Garo Hills. The area where the bridge is located is in the West Garo Hills area of ​​Dalu Police Station.

Since Bangladesh is not a famous sugar producer, prices are quite high in the country. While a kilo of sugar costs only around Rs 40-45 in India, the price of a kilo of sugar in neighbouring Bangladesh is more than Rs 110.


Also Read: NH-29 Closure for Restoration: Traffic Diversion Implemented from April 22 in Nagaland

But while Bangladesh may not want to have too many, it means the outcome is more than one. country.

According to information on the internet, the price per kilogram in Bangladesh is around 110 rupees, in Pakistan the price per kilogram is around 155 rupees, in Sri Lanka the price per kilogram is around 200 rupees and in Nepal the price is around 100 rupees per kilogram.

A senior BSF official aware of the issue said: “Most of the products like sugar, onions and other goods including cattle are brought into the state for local consumption but are sent further into Bangladesh which allows trucks to transport sweets and sugar”.

Restricting onions We ship to Bangladesh without shipping because it has double the benefits.

NH-29 Closure for Restoration: Traffic Diversion Implemented from April 22 in Nagaland


1. NH-29, connecting Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland, to undergo restoration from April 22 to May 11, 2024.
2. Closure affects the 4-lane road (PKG-I) section from Ch. 123.840 to Ch. 129 for rock removal and safety enhancements.
3. Traffic diversion via 7th Mile Jn – Pimla – Mhainamtsi Jharnapani and vice versa during daily closure from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM.


Kohima, April 18: The National Highway 29, linking Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland, will undergo restoration works starting from April 22, 2024, to May 11, 2024.

This closure affects the 4-lane road (PKG-I) section from Ch. 123.840 to Ch. 129. The restoration aims to remove overhanging rocks and enhance safety measures ahead of the monsoon season.

To facilitate these safety enhancements, the highway will be closed daily from 4:00 AM to 7:00 AM. All traffic, including light and heavy vehicles, will be diverted through 7th Mile Jn – Pimla – Mhainamtsi Jharnapani during this period.


Also Read: Assam’s Raj Bhavan Celebrates Rongali Bihu with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria

Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and adjust their travel schedules to minimize inconvenience.

Assam’s Raj Bhavan Celebrates Rongali Bihu with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria


1. Assam’s Raj Bhavan marks Rongali Bihu celebration with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria.
2. Vibrant “Bihu husori” captivates attendees with lively dhol, pepa, and gagana performances.
3. Bihua Bihuwati and others charm the event with traditional Bihu festivities.


Guwahati, April 18: The Raj Bhavan of Assam today celebrated Rongali Bihu in the presence of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at his premises in the Raj Bhavan. A peppy “Bihu husori” with a mesmerizing dhol, pepa, and gagana prepared by Bihua Bihuwati and other participants was the highlight of the program.

On this occasion, Shri Kataria said that he is very happy that the healthy tradition of celebrating the Rongali Bihu festival has started in Raj Bhavan, Assam.

He believes that the Bihu party will help them demonstrate the rich culture of Assam and how it helps to strengthen the bond between the workers and their family members.

They are also able to make their children aware of the rich art, culture and heritage of the state also says that Rongali Bihu is a traditional and cultural festival of Luck and love.


Also Read: Arunachal: BJP leaders accused of violating election code, complaint filed

It marks the arrival of the Assamese New Year. It instils new hope and energy in the minds of people of all ages.

Kataria also emphasized that Bihu inspires everyone to connect with nature and promotes a sense of brotherhood.

He also asked all those present to cherish Bihu’s inherent connection with nature and work accordingly to protect and preserve mother nature.

Commissioner and Governor S.S. Secretary Meenakshi Sundaram, secretary to Governor Swapna Dutta Deka, Kabita Deka and other officers and staff of Raj Bhavan were also present there on the auspicious occasion.

Arunachal: BJP leaders accused of violating election code, complaint filed


1. The Peoples Party of Arunachal has lodged a complaint alleging BJP leaders violated the Model Code of Conduct.
2. Accusations target BJP worker Nakmin Perme and Tapir Gao, BJP MP Candidate, for campaigning in Ngopok Village.
3. Alleged actions occurred in violation of campaign restrictions within 48 hours of polling, prompting a formal complaint.


Itanagar, April 18: The Peoples Party of Arunachal has filed a complaint against BJP leaders, alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Arunachal Pradesh.

The complaint accuses BJP worker Nakmin Perme and Tapir Gao, the BJP MP Candidate for Eastern Parliament, of campaigning for BJP MLA candidate Lombo Tayeng and themselves in Ngopok Village on April 17, 2024, at approximately 6:45 PM.

According to the complaint, this activity breaches section 126 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, which prohibits campaigning within the constituency 48 hours before the conclusion of the poll date.


Also Read: Former UK Prime Minister raises concerns about Manipur violence during House of Lords session

Additionally, it alleges a violation of an order issued by the District Magistrate of East Siang District on April 16, 2024, which prohibited all campaigning activities under section 144 Cr. P.C within the jurisdiction of East Siang District.

The Peoples Party of Arunachal has urged authorities to register an FIR against Tapir Gao, Nakmin Perme, and Lombo Tayeng.

Former UK Prime Minister raises concerns about Manipur violence during House of Lords session


1. David Cameron, former UK Prime Minister and current British Foreign Secretary, addressed the House of Lords, highlighting the religious conflict in Manipur.
2. Cameron acknowledged the religious dimension of the strife when asked about religious freedom in India.
3. He emphasized the importance of addressing religious aspects in conflicts and indicated raising concerns with the Indian government when necessary.


Imphal, April 18: Former UK Prime Minister and current British Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, recently addressed the House of Lords, focusing on the religious conflict in Manipur, India.

Responding to inquiries regarding the status of religious freedom in India, Cameron acknowledged the religious dimension of the strife.

He emphasized that while some conflicts in Manipur stem from communal, tribal, or ethnic factors, many also have a significant religious component.

Cameron highlighted instances where the UK government has raised concerns about religious intolerance with the Indian authorities and stressed the importance of continuing such discussions.

He referred to a report by David Campanale that documented the destruction of churches in Manipur, affecting both valley dwellers and hill tribes.

During the session, Lord Singh of Wimbledon expressed concerns about religious intolerance in India, citing past incidents such as the Ayodhya riots and the persecution of Christians and Sikhs.


Also Read: Assam’s Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over 8.6 Million Voters to Determine Outcome Across 5 Constituencies

He advocated for prioritizing religious freedom in the Commonwealth Charter, a sentiment with which Cameron concurred.

Later in the discussion, Lord Purvis of Tweed raised questions about the terms of the UK-India trade deal, particularly regarding media, data, and telecommunications.

He underscored the importance of mutual openness in addressing human rights issues and stressed the need for transparency and accountability in any trade agreement between the two countries.

Assam’s Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over 8.6 Million Voters to Determine Outcome Across 5 Constituencies


1. Election preparations are underway in Assam for Lok Sabha Election-2024, overseen by the Chief Electoral Officer.
2. Election Observers have been appointed to ensure law and order and expenditure monitoring.
3. Live monitoring and webcasting are implemented in polling stations for real-time oversight by authorities.


Guwahati, April 18: Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024 in Assam, with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) ensuring arrangements for a fair, safe, and peaceful polling process. Election Observers have been appointed to monitor law and order and expenditure.

Live monitoring and webcasting have been set up in all polling stations, with 92 model polling stations, 11 managed by persons with disabilities (PwD), and 752 managed by females. Webcasting will cover all 5509 polling stations, enabling real-time monitoring by the Election Commission of India and local authorities.

Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) are provided at all polling stations, including drinking water, furniture, waiting sheds, toilets, lighting, creche facilities, ramps for PwD voters, and voter facilitation posters.

Special arrangements such as transport facilities, wheelchairs, and assistance from volunteers are available for PwD and elderly voters.


Also Read: Clashes Erupt in Bengal’s Murshidabad During Ram Navami Procession, Multiple Injuries Reported

Various IT applications, including the Saksham app for PwD voters, Voter Helpline App, KYCECI App, cVIGIL app, and Election Helpline number 1950, are accessible to voters for assistance.

A total of 40,004 Polling and Presiding officers will be deployed, along with 10,001 Ballot Units (BUs), 10,001 Control Units (CUs), and 10,001 VVPATs. Micro-observers will oversee critical polling stations, with mock polls beginning 90 minutes before the official start.

In Phase 1, 35 candidates are contesting across 5 High Priority Constituencies (HPCs): Kaziranga, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, and Jorhat.

The total electorate stands at 8,647,869, comprising 4,282,887 male voters, 4,364,859 female voters, and 123 third-gender voters.

The option of a postal ballot facility is extended to senior citizens above 85 years, PwDs, and persons employed in essential services to ensure inclusive participation.

Extensive awareness campaigns under SVEEP, featuring State icons Deepjyoti Keot, Siddhartha Sarma, PwD icon Rakesh Banik, and SHGs of ASRLM, have been conducted to encourage voter turnout. Polling will commence at 7 am and conclude at 5 pm.

Chief Electoral Officer Anurag Goel urges all eligible voters to exercise their franchise in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024.

Clashes Erupt in Bengal’s Murshidabad During Ram Navami Procession, Multiple Injuries Reported


1. Violence erupted during a Ram Navami procession in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district.
2. Stones were thrown at the procession from rooftops, leading to injuries.
3. Police had to resort to lathicharge and tear gas shells to control the situation.


Kolkata, April 18: Clashes erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district during a Ram Navami procession, resulting in several injuries. The incident occurred in the Shaktipur area during a Hindu festival procession, with videos showing individuals hurling stones from rooftops.

Police Intervention and Injury Reports

Police resorted to lathi charges and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The situation was eventually brought under control, with injured individuals transported to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in Behrampore.

Allegations and Political Response

The BJP’s Bengal unit alleged that the procession was attacked and shops vandalized. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari accused the Mamata Banerjee-led government of colluding with miscreants and using tear gas against Ram devotees.

Berhampore MP and Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited the region, encountering protests from BJP workers demanding answers regarding the alleged attack on Hindus.

Political Tensions and Prior Warnings

The incident follows Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s warning of potential riots during Ram Navami in Murshidabad. Her concerns stem from the recent removal of the Deputy Inspector General of Police over perceived lapses in supervision.


Also Read: PM Modi Criticizes Congress for Neglecting Northeast, Labels Policy as ‘Loot East’

Banerjee accused the Election Commission of facilitating potential violence by changing police officers at the BJP’s behest. She reiterated these concerns, alleging orchestrated attempts to incite riots.

Historical Context

The clashes echo last year’s Ram Navami violence, indicative of the ongoing political tensions between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in Bengal. These incidents underscore the volatile nature of religious festivals amidst heightened political competition.

PM Modi Criticizes Congress for Neglecting Northeast, Labels Policy as ‘Loot East’


1. Modi criticizes Congress for ‘Loot East Policy’ neglecting Tripura and Northeast.
2. Urges support for development-focused voting in Tripura during Lok Sabha elections.
3. Stresses the need to break from past neglect for a brighter future under BJP leadership.


Agartala, April 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lambasted the erstwhile Congress government for its neglect of Tripura and the broader Northeast region, accusing them of pursuing a singular policy: the ‘Loot East Policy’.

Speaking at a massive election rally in Agartala, Modi underscored the importance of voting for development in Tripura during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Encouraging support for BJP candidates, including Biplab Kumar Deb and Kriti Singh Debbarma, Modi emphasized that every vote for the BJP-NDA alliance would bolster “Modi ki Guarantee!”

Modi highlighted the rampant corruption under the previous CPIM and Congress regimes, alleging that Tripura had become a breeding ground for malfeasance. He criticized the leftist parties for fostering corruption while presenting themselves as rivals on the surface but sharing the same ideology behind closed doors.

Asserting BJP’s commitment to Tripura’s development, Modi outlined the shift from the Congress’s ‘Loot East’ policy to the current ‘Act East’ approach. Under the BJP’s leadership, initiatives like the HIRA+ Model (Highway, Internetway, Railway, and Airways) aim to propel Tripura’s progress.


Also Read: Election Commission Urges Bengal Governor to Avoid Cooch Behar Visit on Voting Day

Modi underscored the ongoing construction of a four-lane highway in Tripura, emphasizing the government’s focus on infrastructure development. He announced plans to construct 3 crore new houses nationwide, with Tripura poised to benefit significantly.

The Prime Minister also emphasized efforts to enhance connectivity in the Northeast, citing initiatives such as free gas connections for over 3 lakh women and the establishment of Eklavya Model Schools to educate children from tribal communities.

Modi urged voters to support the BJP-NDA alliance, promising a future of progress and prosperity for Tripura under the leadership of his government.

Election Commission Urges Bengal Governor to Avoid Cooch Behar Visit on Voting Day


1. Election Commission advises Bengal Governor against Cooch Behar visit during Lok Sabha polls.
2. Scheduled tour deemed a violation of Model Code of Conduct.
3. Prohibition extends to any local program organized for the governor during voting period.


Kolkata, April 17: The Election Commission has advised West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose to cancel his scheduled visit to Cooch Behar on April 18 and 19, coinciding with the first phase of Lok Sabha elections in the constituency.

According to the Election Commission, the proposed tour violates the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which prohibits any local program organized for the governor during this time. Additionally, the commission noted that the district administration and police force will be fully occupied with election management during April 18 and 19.

The advice comes amidst heightened sensitivity surrounding election-related activities, with the MCC aiming to ensure fair and impartial conduct throughout the electoral process.

It underscores the importance of maintaining neutrality and avoiding any actions that could be perceived as influencing the electoral outcome.


Also Read: ZPM Decides to Contest Lok Sabha Elections Independently, Announces CM Lalduhawma

While the governor’s visit may have been intended for various purposes, including engagement with local communities or assessing development projects, the Election Commission’s directive prioritizes adherence to electoral guidelines to uphold the integrity of the democratic process.

Given the significance of the Lok Sabha elections and the critical role of election officials and law enforcement agencies in ensuring a smooth voting process, it is essential to minimize any potential disruptions or distractions during this period.

By advising against the governor’s visit to Cooch Behar on voting days, the Election Commission seeks to uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and impartiality in the conduct of elections, thereby safeguarding the democratic rights of all citizens.

- Advertisement -