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West Bengal Records 15% Turnout by 9 AM Amid Complaints in All 7 Phase 5 Lok Sabha Seats

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West Bengal Records 15% Turnout by 9 AM Amid Complaints in All 7 Phase 5 Lok Sabha Seats

1. 15.35% polling recorded in West Bengal’s seven constituencies by 9 am.
2. The Election Commission of India (ECI) received 471 complaints regarding the polling process.
3. Isolated incidents of violence were reported during the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

Kolkata, May 20: Amid reports of isolated incidents of violence, a little over 15 per cent of polling was recorded until 9 am in the seven constituencies of West Bengal where polling is underway for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday.

According to an official from the Election Commission of India (ECI), “About 15.35 per cent polling was recorded till 9 am. A total of 471 complaints have been received so far.”

Political parties in West Bengal lodged complaints with the poll body about malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), agents being stopped from entering polling booths, and voters being threatened or prevented from casting their votes in different constituencies.

Polling is being held in Bangaon (15.19 per cent), Barrackpore (15.08 per cent), Howrah (15.2 per cent), Uluberia (17.25 per cent), Sreerampur (14.43 per cent), Hooghly (14.01 per cent), and Arambagh (16.38 per cent) Lok Sabha constituencies.

A clash between TMC and BJP workers broke out at Swarupnagar in the Bangaon Lok Sabha constituency, leaving four BJP workers injured. Union Minister and BJP Bangaon candidate Shantanu Thakur alleged that central forces were not being sent to places where trouble broke out.

“The police are not seen in places like Gayespur where our polling agent was beaten up by TMC workers. Central forces are not being sent to such places,” said Thakur, who later visited the injured party worker admitted to a hospital.

In Barrackpore, BJP candidate Arjun Singh faced “Go Back” slogans when he was visiting one of the polling booths.

At Liluah in Howrah, BJP candidate Rathin Chakraborty also faced protests from TMC workers while visiting polling booths.

In Hooghly, BJP candidate Locket Chatterjee took a dig at TMC star candidate Rachana Banerjee and warned of retaliation if her party agents were attacked.

“The Election Commission is ready, and we are also ready. Here, the TMC’s corruption is our main opponent. If our agents are attacked, there will be retaliation,” said Chatterjee.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission on Monday removed a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan from poll duty in the Uluberia Lok Sabha constituency following a complaint of molestation against him on Sunday, an official said.

Also Read: EC Removes BSF Personnel from Election Duty in Bengal After ‘Molestation’ Complaint in Uluberia

A woman alleged she was molested by two personnel of a central paramilitary force in the Uluberia constituency, and a police complaint was subsequently lodged.

As many as 1,25,23,702 voters, including 63,51,320 men, 61,72,034 women, and 348 belonging to the third gender, are eligible to exercise their franchise across 13,481 polling stations in West Bengal.

The polling process has been marked by a robust deployment of security forces to ensure a smooth and fair election.

However, the instances of violence and malfunctions reported highlight the challenges faced in conducting elections in a highly polarized environment.

As the day progresses, the ECI continues to monitor the situation closely, aiming to address any further issues promptly to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Manipur Police Detains 62 Individuals at Checkpoints, Seizes Arms Cache

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Manipur Police Detains 62 Individuals at Checkpoints, Seizes Arms Cache

1. Manipur police detained 62 individuals in a recent crackdown to maintain law and order.
2. 120 Nakas/Checkpoints deployed across Manipur’s landscape.
3. Significant areas covered to prevent security breaches.

Imphal, May 20: In a recent crackdown across various districts of Manipur, state police have detained 62 individuals, intensifying efforts to maintain law and order in both hill and valley regions.

A comprehensive deployment of 120 Nakas/Checkpoints has been implemented across Manipur’s diverse landscape, covering significant areas susceptible to security breaches.

Search operations and area domination initiatives, led by security forces, have been extensively conducted, particularly targeting fringe and vulnerable zones within hill and valley districts.

These efforts have yielded significant results, with authorities uncovering an arsenal of illicit weapons.

Also Read: EC Removes BSF Personnel from Election Duty in Bengal After ‘Molestation’ Complaint in Uluberia

On May 18, 2024, a notable seizure was made along the IT road in Kangpokpi district, where security personnel confiscated a 9mm Carbine Machine Gun along with a magazine, a 9mm Pistol, and a .22 Pistol, each accompanied by a magazine.

Additionally, seven live rounds of ammunition were recovered during the operation.

In tandem with these enforcement actions, meticulous attention has been paid to the movement of essential goods across key transportation arteries.

To this end, security forces have facilitated the transit of 103 vehicles along NH-37 and 243 vehicles along NH-2, ensuring the unimpeded flow of vital commodities.

Stringent security measures have been implemented across all vulnerable locations, with security convoys deployed to safeguard sensitive stretches and guarantee the safe passage of vehicles.

EC Removes BSF Personnel from Election Duty in Bengal After ‘Molestation’ Complaint in Uluberia

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EC Removes BSF Personnel from Election Duty in Bengal After ‘Molestation’ Complaint in Uluberia

1. The Election Commission of India (ECI) swiftly addressed a complaint of molestation against a BSF personnel in Uluberia.
2. The complaint, filed by a woman at Uluberia Police Station on Sunday evening, prompted immediate action.
3. Pending investigation, the BSF personnel was promptly removed from poll duty by the Election Commission.

Kolkata, May 20: The Election Commission of India (ECI) responded swiftly to a complaint of molestation against a BSF personnel in Uluberia Lok Sabha constituency, removing him from poll duty pending investigation.

A woman filed the complaint at Uluberia Police Station on Sunday evening.

“We have removed him from election duty. We are awaiting the police report. If found guilty, necessary action will be taken as per law,” stated a poll panel official.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar casts his first vote after acquiring Indian citizenship, expressing a desire for a strong India

Voting for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls commenced across seven parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal under tight security on Monday.

Over 57% of the polling stations have been designated as sensitive by the Election Commission, prompting the deployment of over 60,000 personnel of central forces, alongside approximately 30,000 policemen.

This deployment of security forces for the fifth phase exceeds that of any of the previous four phases in the state.

Akshay Kumar casts his first vote after acquiring Indian citizenship, expressing desire for a strong India

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Akshay Kumar casts his first vote after acquiring Indian citizenship, expressing desire for a strong India

1. Akshay Kumar, voting after regaining Indian citizenship, flaunted his inked finger during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
2. This marks his first vote since obtaining Indian citizenship in August 2023.
3. Kumar expressed happiness, emphasizing the importance of a developed and strong India.

Mumbai, May 20: Amidst ongoing polling for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, actor Akshay Kumar, voting for the first time since regaining his Indian citizenship, proudly displayed his inked finger and engaged with the media outside his designated polling booth.

Expressing his sentiments, Akshay Kumar shared his joy at casting his vote for the first time after his Indian citizenship acquisition in August 2023.

He emphasized the importance of a developed and robust India, stating, “I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what it deems is right… I think voter turnout will be good.”

Also Read: West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Phase 5: Key Contests and Constituencies

Having applied for Canadian citizenship in the 1990s amid a string of box office failures, Akshay Kumar redirected his focus to India as his career flourished.

He formally applied for Indian citizenship in 2019. In previous statements, the actor expressed his deep connection to India, affirming his commitment to renouncing his Canadian passport.

Joining Akshay Kumar in exercising their electoral rights were fellow actors Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, who also made early appearances at the polling booth. Additionally, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar were spotted casting their votes on Monday, May 20.

Akshay Kumar’s recent film venture, ‘Bade Miyan Chote Miyan,’ featuring Tiger Shroff, faced a disappointing reception at the box office.

Lok Sabha Elections Phase 5 LIVE Updates: 57% turnout recorded till 5 pm, polling underway in 49 seats

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Lok Sabha Elections Phase 5 LIVE Updates: 57% turnout recorded till 5 pm, polling underway in 49 seats

1. The fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections 2024 starts Monday at 7 am, spanning 49 constituencies.
2. This phase marks the smallest number of constituencies in the current election cycle.
3. Concurrently, voting will occur for 35 assembly constituencies of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

New Delhi, May 20: Voting for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 commences on Monday at 7 am, covering 49 constituencies across eight states and union territories, with 695 candidates vying for victory.

This phase features the smallest number of constituencies in this election cycle. Simultaneously, polling will be held for 35 assembly constituencies of the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

The states and union territories included in the 5th phase are Jharkhand (3), Odisha (5), Uttar Pradesh (14), Bihar (5), Maharashtra (13), West Bengal (7), Ladakh (1), and Jammu and Kashmir (1). With the closure of voting in these 49 constituencies, 428 seats out of the Lok Sabha’s 543 will have completed their polling process since the elections began on April 19.

Key contenders in this phase include Union Minister Smriti Irani, seeking re-election from Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi, Union Ministers Rajnath Singh (Lucknow) and Piyush Goyal (Mumbai North), Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (Rae Bareli), LJP’s Chirag Paswan (Hajipur), Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s son Shrikant Shinde (Kalyan), National Conference leader Omar Abdullah (Baramulla), and RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav’s daughter Rohini Acharya (Saran).

LIVE UPDATE

  • The overall voter turnout till 5 pm was 56.68% per cent, with West Bengal accounting for the highest turnout at 73 per cent, followed by Ladakh at 67.15 per cent and Jharkhand at 61.90 per cent. Maharashtra has recorded the lowest turnout so far at 48.66 per cent.

    Bihar: 52.35%
    Jammu and Kashmir: 54.21%
    Jharkhand: 61.90%
    Ladakh: 67.15%
    Maharashtra: 48.66%
    Odisha: 60.55%
    Uttar Pradesh: 55.80%
    West Bengal: 73%

  • The overall voter turnout till 3 pm was 47.53 per cent, with West Bengal accounting for the highest turnout at 62.72 per cent, followed by Ladakh at 61.26 per cent and Jharkhand at 53.90 per cent, according to the Election Commission. Maharashtra has recorded the lowest turnout so far at 38.77 per cent, the poll body said.

Other states like Bihar (45.33 per cent), Odisha (48.95 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (47.55 per cent), and Jammu and Kashmir (44.90 per cent) witnessed brisk polling till 3 pm

  • The voter turnout in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections stood at 36.73 per cent as of 1 pm, according to the Election Commission of India. While Ladakh recorded the highest turnout at 52.02 per cent, Maharashtra was the lowest at 27.27 per cent. The voter percentages in the other poll-bound states are as follows: West Bengal 48.41 per cent, Jharkhand 41.89 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 39.55 per cent, Odisha 35.31 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 34.79 per cent and Bihar 34.62 per cent.
  • During Phase 5 polling in West Bengal, clashes also probe out at Uluberia and Salkia in Howrah district. While the nephew of a BJP local leader was attacked in Uluberia, a CPIM party office was ransacked in Salkia
  • At Arambagh in Hooghly a local TMC leader was critically wounded when he was attacked with sharp weapons allegedly by the BJP. Around 25 km away in Khanakul another clash broke out between workers of the two rival parties in which a BJP panchayat leader was injured.
  • The voter turnout in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections stood at 23.66 per cent as of 11 am, according to the Election Commission of India. While West Bengal recorded the highest turnout at 32.70 per cent, Maharashtra was the lowest at 15.93 per cent. The voter percentages in the other poll-bound states are as follows: Ladakh 27.87 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 27.76 per cent, Jharkhand 26.18 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 21.37 per cent, Bihar 21.11 per cent and Odisha 21.07 per cent.
  • West Bengal BJP MP Locket Chatterjee on Monday accused Trinamool Congress of “blatant bullying” in Dhaniakhali village under the Hooghly Lok Sabha constituency, saying it “must stop” Her allegation comes as voting is currently underway for Hooghly and 13 other Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal in the fifth phase of the general elections.
  • BJP MP and candidate from Barrackpore, Arjun Singh engaged in an argument with a Trinamool Congress worker in North 24 Parganas. Arjun Singh has alleged that Trinamool Congress workers were not letting people come out of their houses to cast their votes for the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls. (https://x.com/ArjunsinghWB/status/1792415132649468262)
  • Till around 9 am, the overall voter turnout in the seven Lok Sabha seats – Arambagh, Bongaon, Hooghly, Barrackpore, Howrah, Uluberia and Serampore – was registered at 15.3%. While Uluberia with 17.2% registered the highest turnout, Hooghly with 14.0% recorded the lowest.
  • 10.28% voter turnout was recorded till 9 am, in the fifth phase of the elections.
    Bihar 8.86%
    Jammu & Kashmir 7.63%
    Jharkhand 11.68%
    Ladakh 10.51%
    Maharashtra 6.33%
    Odisha 6.87%
    West Bengal 15.35%

  • BSF trooper removed from poll duty after ‘molestation’ complaint (Read: https://northeastrising.in/ec-removes-bsf-personnel-from-election-duty-in-bengal-after-molestation-complaint-in-uluberia/)

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a roadshow in Puri, Odisha on Monday in support of Sambit Patra, the BJP candidate from the Lok Sabha constituency. Polling is currently underway in five Lok Sabha constituencies and 35 Assembly seats in Odisha.
  • BJP MP and candidate for Hooghly Lok Sabha, Locket Chatterjee said, although the overall situation in her constituency is under control, there were however, reports of threats at 2 to 3 places, while work was underway at a few locations where EVMs were not functioning. “I am here at Dhaniakhali and the situation is good… Voting is being done against corruption. We hope that the Election Commission will conduct a free and fair election,” she told ANI news agency.
  • 10 candidates are in the fray for the Kaushambi Lok Sabha seat of UP. Those in the race include INDIA bloc candidate Pushpendra Saroj contesting on SP symbol, sitting MP Vinod Sonkar of BJP, Shubh Narayan Gautam from BSP, Narendra Kumar of Apna Dal (Kamerawadi).
  • After casting his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai’s Juhu area, actor Akshay Kumar told reporters, “I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right…I think voter turnout will be good.”
  • BJP MP and candidate from Barrackpore, Arjun Singh, has accused his Trinamool Congress rival Partha Bhowmick of distributing money on Sunday night ahead of the fifth phase polling in West Bengal. He said that a complaint had already been made to the Election Commission against Bhowmick.
  • Industrialist Anil Ambani stands in a queue at a polling booth in Mumbai. In the fifth phase of polling in Maharashtra, voting will take place in Mumbai North, Mumbai North-West, Mumbai North-East, Mumbai North-Central, Mumbai South-Central, Mumbai South, Thane, Kalyan, Palghar, Dhule, Dindori, Nashik, and Bhiwandi.
  • States and their number of constituencies going to polls in 5th round of voting

Jharkhand: 3 of the 14 constituencies

Odisha: 5 of the 21 constituencies

Uttar Pradesh: 14 of the 80 constituencies

Bihar: 5 of the 40 constituencies

Maharashtra: 13 of the 48 constituencies

West Bengal: 7 of the 42 constituencies

Ladakh: 1 constituency

Jammu and Kashmir: 1 of the 5 constituencies

  • PM Modi urges voters of 49 seats across 8 states and UTs to vote in record numbers.

 

  • Mock polling begins at a polling booth in the Chhapra in the Saran Lok Sabha constituency. Polling will be held on 5 seats of Bihar today, as part of phase 5 of poll.
  • Poll preparations begin at a polling booth in Rourkela for the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections to be held today. Polling will be held on 5 Lok Sabha and 35 assembly seats in the second round of simultaneous elections in Odisha.
  •  Over 8.95 crore voters including 4.69 crore men and 4.26 crore women, and 5,409 third gender electors are eligible to vote in the fifth phase today. There are over 7.81 lakh registered 85+ years old, 24,792 voters above 100 years old, too

IMD Issues Severe Heat Warning for Northwest India, Monsoon Arrives in Andaman & Nicobar

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IMD Issues Severe Heat Warning for Northwest India, Monsoon Arrives in Andaman & Nicobar

1. IMD declares monsoon onset over the south Andaman Sea and Nicobar Islands.
2. Transition to monsoon season noted in the region.
3. Weather patterns changing, with implications for the upcoming season.

Weather Forecast, May 20: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has made significant announcements regarding the weather conditions in various parts of the country.

On one hand, the IMD has declared the onset of monsoon over the south Andaman Sea and the Nicobar Islands, indicating the transition to the monsoon season. Meanwhile, it has also issued warnings of ‘heat wave to severe heat wave’ conditions over northwest India.

According to the IMD bulletin, the monsoon has commenced over the mentioned regions, hinting at the imminent arrival of the monsoon season.

Additionally, a low-pressure area is expected to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal around May 22, with predictions of it developing into a Depression over central parts of the Bay of Bengal by May 24.

However, northwest India is bracing for intense heat conditions, with the IMD forecasting ‘heat wave to severe heat wave’ conditions over the next five days.

A red warning has been issued for northwest India, indicating the severity of the situation and the need for preventive measures to avert heat-related emergencies.

Also Read: West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Phase 5: Key Contests and Constituencies

Temperatures have soared above normal levels in several regions, with maximum temperatures ranging from 43-46°C in most places over Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.

The IMD emphasizes the importance of taking precautions, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, infants, and individuals with health conditions, to avoid heat-related illnesses.

The current heat spell is attributed to an anticyclone over northwest India, leading to the subsidence of hot air over the region.

Additionally, hot and humid weather is expected to prevail over certain areas, while warm night conditions are likely to persist in east Rajasthan.

On the other hand, the monsoon has already made its presence felt in some parts of the Maldives, South Bay of Bengal, Nicobar Islands, and South Andaman Sea.

A cyclonic circulation over south interior Tamil Nadu and a trough running from Madhya Maharashtra to south Tamil Nadu are also contributing to weather patterns.

Looking ahead, a low-pressure area is anticipated to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal, with the potential to intensify into a Depression over central parts of the Bay of Bengal.

While the exact track remains uncertain, preparations are underway to monitor and respond to changing weather conditions.

West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Phase 5: Key Contests and Constituencies

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West Bengal Lok Sabha Election Phase 5: Key Contests and Constituencies

1. Arambag, traditionally a Trinamool stronghold, fields newcomer Mitali Bag against BJP and CPM candidates.
2. Bangaon sees a key battle between BJP’s Shantanu Thakur and TMC’s Biswajit Das, focusing on the Matua vote.
3. Hooghly features a high-profile contest between BJP MP Locket Chatterjee and Trinamool’s Rachana Banerjee.

Kolkata, May 20: West Bengal will participate in the 5th phase of the Lok Sabha election 2024 on May 20, with seven crucial constituencies casting their votes: Arambag, Bangaon, Barrackpore, Howrah, Hooghly, Serampore, and Uluberia. This phase promises several intriguing battles, including that of BJP MP Locket Chatterjee.

Arambag: Trinamool’s Stronghold with Fresh Faces

Arambag has been a Trinamool Congress bastion since 2014, represented by Aparupa Poddar. However, this election sees Mitali Bag as the new candidate, marking her first Lok Sabha contest. She faces BJP’s Arup Kanti Digar and CPM’s Biplab Kumar Moitra.

Notably, in the 2019 elections, BJP’s Tapan Kumar Roy narrowly lost by just 1,000 votes, indicating a significant rise in BJP’s vote share in this constituency.

Bangaon: A Key Battle Over Citizenship Amendment Act

BJP’s strategy in Bangaon heavily relies on the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Shantanu Thakur, the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, is the BJP’s candidate, hoping to replicate his 2019 success where he won by a margin of 1 lakh votes against Trinamool’s Mamata Thakur.

This time, TMC has fielded Biswajit Das, a former BJP member who switched sides before the 2021 Assembly election. Bangaon, dominated by the Matua community, sees Shantanu Thakur, a descendant of Matua founder Harichand Thakur, as a significant contender.

Barrackpore: Arjun Singh’s Bid for a Second Term

Barrackpore’s sitting MP, BJP’s Arjun Singh, aims to secure his second term after defeating Trinamool veteran Dinesh Trivedi in 2019. Singh faces competition from Trinamool’s Partha Bhowmick and CPM’s Debdut Ghosh, making it a closely watched race.

Also Read: 65 Bangladeshi Nationals Seek Refuge in Mizoram, Receive Food and Shelter

Howrah: Prasun Banerjee’s Test Amid Rising BJP Support

Trinamool’s Prasun Banerjee, the Howrah MP since a 2013 bypoll, faces a tough battle against BJP’s Rathin Chakraborty and CPM’s Sabyasachi Chatterjee. In 2019, BJP’s vote share in Howrah surged by 25%, though Banerjee managed to retain his seat.

Hooghly: A Glamorous Contest

Hooghly’s election campaign garnered attention with Trinamool’s Rachana Banerjee, a popular actor and TV show host, entering the fray against BJP MP Locket Chatterjee, also a former actor. The CPM’s candidate is Monodip Ghosh. The contest is marked by its celebrity candidates and intense campaigning.

Serampore: A Family Feud on Display

Kalyan Banerjee of Trinamool, the Serampore MP since 2009, faces a unique challenge from BJP’s Kabir Shankar Bose, his former son-in-law. The campaign has been overshadowed by their personal history, with CPM’s Dipsita Dhar also in the race.

Uluberia: Sajda Ahmed’s Bid for Continuity

In Uluberia, Trinamool’s Sajda Ahmed seeks to retain her seat against BJP’s Arun Uday Pal Chaudhary and Congress’s Azahar Mollick. Known as a Trinamool stronghold, this constituency will test Ahmed’s continued popularity.

As these seven constituencies gear up for voting on May 20, each battle presents its own set of dynamics and key players.

From seasoned politicians and incumbent MPs to fresh faces and celebrity candidates, the outcomes in these seats will significantly influence the broader results of the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal.

65 Bangladeshi Nationals Seek Refuge in Mizoram, Receive Food and Shelter

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65 Bangladeshi Nationals Seek Refuge in Mizoram, Receive Food and Shelter

1. The community leaders in Vathuampui village have provided food and shelter for the group.
2. Several members of the group are reportedly sick after traveling through rough forest terrain.
3. The district administration is assessing their situation to provide necessary support.

Aizawl, May 20: Sixty-five individuals from the Bawm Tribe of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts have recently entered Mizoram, seeking refuge.

This group, comprising 24 males, 17 females, and 24 children (14 boys and 10 girls), is currently sheltered in Vathuampui village within Southern Mizoram’s Lawngtlai District.

Village community leaders have generously provided them with food and shelter.

Reports indicate that several members of this group are unwell, having endured a strenuous journey through rough forest terrain to reach Mizoram.

Their arrival adds to the growing number of refugees seeking safety in the state, which has already seen an influx of Myanmar nationals fleeing similar conflicts.

The district administration is actively assessing the situation to determine the needs and provide necessary aid. An anonymous source confirmed the demographic details of the group and highlighted the urgent health concerns among the refugees.

The exact nature of the illnesses remains unspecified, but the pressing need for medical assistance is clear.

The context of their flight involves ongoing clashes between the Bangladesh Army and the Kuki Chin National Army in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

This region has been a hotspot of ethnic and political conflict for years, causing several indigenous groups to seek asylum in neighboring countries like India.

The Kuki Chin National Army, an ethnic armed group, has been involved in confrontations with the Bangladesh military, prompting many from the Bawm Tribe and other indigenous communities to flee their homes.

Mizoram, with its historical ties and shared ethnic heritage with many of these refugees, has often been a refuge for those escaping violence in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Also Read: 49 Seats at Stake in Phase 5 of LS Polls: BJP Won 32 in 2019, Congress Only Rae Bareli

The state government and local communities have repeatedly shown solidarity, offering support and sanctuary to displaced individuals. However, this influx presents challenges, particularly regarding resources and healthcare.

The humanitarian response in Mizoram highlights the state’s commitment to aiding those in dire need, despite the additional burden on local resources.

The local administration’s swift action in assessing and addressing the immediate needs of the Bawm Tribe refugees underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation.

As the global community watches, the plight of the Bawm Tribe refugees in Mizoram sheds light on the broader issue of ethnic conflicts and displacement in South Asia.

It calls for a concerted effort from national and international bodies to address the root causes of such conflicts and to support the affected populations through sustainable solutions and humanitarian aid.

The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing assessments and responses aimed at providing the necessary support to these vulnerable communities.

49 Seats at Stake in Phase 5 of LS Polls: BJP Won 32 in 2019, Congress Only Rae Bareli

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49 Seats at Stake in Phase 5 of LS Polls: BJP Won 32 in 2019, Congress Only Rae Bareli

1. In the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday, 49 seats across 8 states and Union Territories will be contested.
2. By the end of this phase, polling will have concluded for 428 seats.
3. 115 seats will remain to be contested in the final two phases.

New Delhi, May 19: In the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Monday, 49 seats across 8 states and Union Territories will be up for grabs. By the end of this phase, polling will have concluded for 428 seats, leaving 115 seats to be contested in the remaining two phases.

Notably, Maharashtra will wrap up its polling with the last 13 seats, including all six in Mumbai, going to the polls.

In the 2019 elections, the parties now part of the Opposition INDIA bloc and the ruling NDA won six and 34 of these 49 seats, respectively.

The BJP alone secured 32 seats, while the Congress managed to win only one seat, Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh.

The remaining nine seats were claimed by regional parties: seven by the undivided Shiv Sena and two by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Analyzing vote shares from the 2019 elections, the NDA parties garnered 42.85% of the votes, compared to the 28.83% vote share of the INDIA bloc parties (excluding votes for the then-united Shiv Sena and NCP).

In the 2014 elections, the NDA won 29 of these seats, with the INDIA bloc parties securing 10, and the remaining 10 seats going to other parties.

Also Read: Singapore Observes a surge in COVID Cases; minister recommends mask-wearing | Get the details

The Candidates

On Monday, a total of 695 candidates are contesting. The BSP has the highest number of candidates at 46, followed by the BJP with 40, and the Congress with 18. Maharashtra, with its final 13 seats voting, has the most candidates in this phase at 264, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 144 candidates in 14 seats and West Bengal with 88 candidates in seven seats.

Among the 159 candidates facing criminal cases, Maharashtra leads with 62, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 29, and West Bengal with 21. Nashik in Maharashtra and Chatra in Jharkhand have the highest number of candidates with criminal cases, at 10 and 9 respectively. Among major parties, the BJP has the most candidates with criminal cases at 19 (48% of its nominees), followed by the Congress with eight (44%), and the BSP with eight (17%).

Party-Wise Candidates with Criminal Cases

  • BJP: 19 (48% of party candidates)
  • Congress: 8 (44%)
  • BSP: 8 (17%)
  • SP: 5 (50%)
  • VBA: 4 (40%)
  • Shiv Sena (UBT): 3 (38%)
  • TMC: 3 (43%)
  • Shiv Sena: 3 (50%)

Wealthiest Candidates

Of the 227 crorepati candidates, Maharashtra has the most at 87, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 53, and West Bengal with 20. Among the parties, the BJP has the highest number of crorepati candidates in this phase at 36 (90% of its candidates), followed by the BSP at 20 (43%) and the Congress at 15 (83%). Five of the 10 wealthiest candidates in this phase are from the BJP, including two of the top three.

Richest Candidates

  1. Anurag Sharma (BJP): Contesting from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh | Assets: Rs 202.08 crore
  2. Nilesh Bhagwan Sambare (Independent): Contesting from Bhiwandi, Maharashtra | Assets: Rs 116.1 crore
  3. Piyush Goyal (BJP): Contesting from Mumbai North, Maharashtra | Assets: Rs 110.95 crore

Youngest and Oldest Candidates

  • Youngest: Five candidates aged 25, including three from minor parties, one Independent, and one from the SP.
  • Oldest: Zunjar Mhasuji Avhad, an 82-year-old Bahujan Republican Socialist Party candidate contesting in Nashik, Maharashtra.

Key Battlegrounds in Phase 5

  • Maharashtra: 48 seats total (last 13 in Phase 5), with 9.14 crore electors and 12.87 lakh first-time voters.

Notable Contests

  1. Baramulla, J&K: Former CM Omar Abdullah (NC) vs. Sajad Gani Lone (People’s Conference) vs. Mir Mohammad Fayaz (PDP) | 2019 winner: NC
  2. Amethi, UP: Union Minister Smriti Irani (BJP) vs. Gandhi family aide Kishori Lal Sharma (Congress) | 2019 winner: BJP
  3. Rae Bareli, UP: Rahul Gandhi (Congress) vs. MLC Dinesh Pratap Singh (BJP) | 2019 winner: Congress
  4. Hooghly, West Bengal: Locket Chatterjee (BJP) vs. Rachna Banerjee (TMC) vs. Manadip Ghosh (CPM) | 2019 winner: BJP
  5. Mumbai North, Maharashtra: Union Minister Piyush Goyal (BJP) vs. Bhushan Patil (Congress) | 2019 winner: BJP

Singapore observes a surge in COVID cases; minister recommends mask-wearing | Get the details.

Northeast Rising
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Singapore observes a surge in COVID cases; minister recommends mask-wearing | Get the details.

1. Singapore sees a worrying surge in COVID-19 infections, with cases nearly doubling by May 11.
2. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung advises the public to resume wearing masks as a precaution.
3. Government closely monitors the situation amid rising hospitalizations and prepares for potential peaks in the coming weeks.

Singapore, May 19: The Singaporean government is closely monitoring a concerning surge in COVID-19 infections, with the estimated weekly case count nearly doubling in the week ending May 11.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has issued a recommendation for the public to resume wearing masks as a precautionary measure.

Singapore‘s Ministry of Health reported a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, with numbers jumping from 13,700 in the previous week to 25,900 in the week of May 5 to 11.

Concurrently, average daily COVID-19 hospitalizations surged from 181 to around 250 during the same period.

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To manage hospital bed capacity effectively, public hospitals have been directed to scale back non-urgent elective surgeries and transfer suitable patients to alternative care facilities.

Minister Ong Ye Kung predicts that the current wave of infections will likely peak within the next two to four weeks, indicating a timeframe between mid- to end-June.

In light of the escalating situation, Ong has urged individuals at higher risk of contracting the virus, including those aged 60 and above, individuals with underlying health conditions, and residents of aged care facilities, to consider receiving an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they haven’t been vaccinated within the past 12 months.

Regarding potential social restrictions, Ong clarified that there are no immediate plans for imposing such measures, as Singapore treats COVID-19 as an endemic disease.

He emphasized that resorting to additional measures would be a last resort, indicating the government’s preference for managing the situation within the framework of existing protocols.

Acknowledging Singapore’s status as a major transportation and communication hub, Ong conceded that the city-state is likely to experience waves of COVID-19 earlier than other locations.

As such, he stressed the importance of adapting to the reality that COVID-19 may become a recurring presence, with periodic waves anticipated on an annual basis.

In essence, the Singaporean government is bracing for the challenges posed by the evolving COVID-19 situation, urging vigilance, adherence to precautionary measures, and vaccination among the population to mitigate the impact of the current surge and future waves.

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