Assembly Polls 2022 highlights: Punjab logs 70% voter turnout for 117-member Assembly

The voter turnout for Punjab's multi-cornered contest for the 117-member Assembly seats was approximately 70%. Meanwhile, in 59 assembly constituencies in the third phase of the elections in Uttar Pradesh the turnout was over 57% till 5pm.

Punjab logs 70% voter turnout for 117-member Assembly

The overall voter turnout in Punjab on Sunday in a single-phase, multi-cornered contest for the 117-memberAssemblyseats was approximately 70 per cent, election officials said.

Sixty-three per cent of over 2.14 crore voters in Punjab turned out till 5 pmamid minor skirmishes and snags in EVMs.

Lakshmi does not ride bicycle or elephant, visits people on lotus: Rajnath Singh

Goddess Lakshmi does not visit people on a bicycle or an elephant but goes around sitting in a lotus, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said here on Sunday, seeking to link peoples’ prosperity and state’s development with the BJP’s poll symbol. Addressing an election rally in Jagdishpur, Singh said only the BJP is the true well-wisher of the poor and the weak.

"Goddess Lakshmi never goes to anyone's house riding a cycle or an elephant or on (someone's) hand. Goddess Lakshmi visits people only sitting on a lotus,” said Singh.

“The PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana are the indicators of goddess Lakshmi's arrival," he added.

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Arvind Kejriwal has anti-nation mindset: Delhi BJP

The Delhi BJP on Sunday attacked Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, saying he has an "anti-nation mindset", and accused him of "buying votes" by taking money from Khalistanis.

Kejriwal has been under attack from both the Congress and the BJP who have questioned him over former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and poet Kumar Vishwas's accusations of he supporting separatists in Punjab, where voting forassemblypolls was held on Sunday. (PTI)

No threat to NDA even if Sena, others form third front as people are happy under Modi govt: Athawale

Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Sunday asserted that even if the Shiv Sena, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and other parties come together to form a third front at the national level, there is no threat to the NDA as people are happy under the Narendra Modi-led government. He also expressed confidence that the BJP will win the 2024 national elections and the ongoing Assembly polls in five states. (PTI)

Oppn parties fighting for second position in UP, No change in SP since 2017: Adityanath

With rivals equating the Lakhimpur Kheri incident to the Jallianwala massacre to target the BJP, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday asserted that the law is taking its own course in the matter and the Opposition's attempt to derive political mileage in the polls will not succeed.

In a free-wheeling interview with PTI on board a helicopter in the course of the campaign, Adityanath claimed the other parties were only fighting the polls for the second spot and said he was not at all worried about his own election from Gorakhpur Urban seat.

Uttar Pradesh saw a voting turnout of 57.44% and Punjab's voting turnout of 63.44% till 5 pm.

Parivarvadi not concerned about mother Ganga; double-engine govt delivered water in every house, says PM in UP

"The 'parivarvadi'were not concerned with mother Ganga groaning from pollution, nor were there any concerns about mothers, daughters and sisters of poor, backward families. This is a double-engine government which is engaged in delivering water to every house today," says PM Modi in UP

'These nepotistic parties don't get time from filling their treasury after coming to power,' said PM Modi in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh

'BJP government is the government of the poor,' says PM Modi

"A few days ago, the poor, dalits, backwards of UP were abused and applauded for getting votes in Punjab. But the extreme familyists here did not oppose him even for the sake of appearances," PM Modi

"The video of a party president is insulting the UP police, in what language these constables of ours, is being seen from house to house today. Those abuses made from the stage, those threats were not just for the UP police. He was an attempt to increase the courage of those rioters, dabangs and mafia friends of his," said PM Modi in UP

BJP has brought UP out of the darkness of Riot-curfew, ransom: PM Modi

"Riot-curfew, ransom, this made the lives of traders and businessmen in crisis round the clock. The BJP government has brought UP out of this darkness," says PM Modi in Unnao

"In the government of these glorified familyists, the accused of heinous crimes and the mafia were part of the cabinet. Then the mafia ran the government. He also gave direct orders to the administration - neither the account nor the ledger, what the mafia and goons would say is right," Modi in Unnao

"They don't want the benefit of UP people, they just want to be in power," says PM Modi in Unnao

Watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi live in Unnao

"Even after getting defeated in the first two phases, whenever these people (Samajwadi Party leaders) sleep, they watch dreams of coming into power. They were defeated in 2017, they will be defeated in 2022. People in UP will bring Yogi back,"Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Unnao

'Yogi changed names of everything, now he is named Baba bulldozer,' says Akhilesh

"BJP leaders are now learning abcd, I want to tell them, "agar Kaka chale gaye toh Baba bhi chale jaenge" (if black farm laws were taken back, Yogi Ji will also go back)... He changed names of everything,now he has been named Baba bulldozer,"SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Punjab poll turnout overtakes UP despite starting one hour later, at 49.81% against 48.81%

'Pehle matdaan, phir jal paan' (First polling, then food)

"Modi has come and done a great speech—don't sleep off thinking this. Get up early, go and vote to ensure BJP's victory," says Modi, concluding his speech.

Opposition parties give respect to terrorists, hit out at Indian Army

"They call terrorists like Osama with honorifics like 'ji' but disrespect our own army and police," Modi said.

Yogi's achievements outstrip those of SP, BSP

"What Yogi has done over the past five years, the SP and BSP, combined, have not done as much in the 10 years before that," says Modi.

SAD members cast their votes in Punjab

They only lit their houses, says Modi of Samajwadi Party

"SP did not provide electricity despite several promises... Think back, how many hours a day did you get power supply for every day? I remember clearly, in those days, if there was uninterrupted power supply, it was big news," says Modi

BJP has worked for the poor, only 'double-engine' can ensure development, says Modi

"Will they (SP) let me work for people, will they let me work for development, will they let me take up good works? No! So, should you vote for such people?" says Modi.

Modi hits out at Samajwadi Party

"They are poisonous... they are those who, for power, fight within the family. 'Gor parivarvadhi' (family entrenched in nepotism) only interested in exploiting people," says Modi.

Yogi claims SP man convicted of terrorist acts is campaigning for the 'red caps'

"The Father of one of the terrorists convicted by Ahmedabad court in bomb blast cases holds a position in Samajwadi Party and is campaigning for them. Akhilesh Yadav has not given a statement on it. I want to ask him why he has so much sympathy for terrorists?" says UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

PM Modi addresses gathering in Hardoi of Uttar Pradesh

Charanjit Singh Channi casts his vote

Symbol is missing from EVM at booth number 38 in Vidhan Sabha 194 of Farrukhabad, claims Samajwadi Party

However, Sukhbir Singh Badal says 'there is a strong SAD-BSP wave' in Punjab

"There is a strong SAD-BSP wave in the state, you'll see exceptional results soon," says Sukhbir Singh Badal, President, Shiromani Akali Dal.

(ANI)

Mann confident of AAP majority in Punjab polls

"Today, the people of Punjab are voting for truth. We will get a majority in this election," says Bhagwant Mann, AAP's CM candidate.

(ANI)

Capt Amarinder Singh certain of victory

"I am certain of winning Patiala. I think we will win the elections...They (Congress) live in a different world & will be wiped out in Punjab," saidCapt Amarinder Singh, Punjab Lok Congress founder, at Patiala.

(ANI)

Will be competing with Akhilesh on victory margin: Shivpal Yadav

The Samajwadi Party candidate from Jaswant Nagar, Shivpal Yadav, on Sunday said that their party was sure to win the Uttar Pradesh elections with a thumping majority and the only real fight was between him and his nephew, the CM-face Akhilesh Yadav, on who will win with a higher margin.

Voter turnout spikes in both states: Punjab records 17.7%, UP 21.18% till 11 am

Akhilesh Yadav casts his vote

"BJP is going to be eliminated. Farmers of UP won't forgive them. We've hit a century in first two phases and even in this phase, the SP and alliance would be ahead of everyone else," said SP chief and party's candidate from Karhal, Akhilesh Yadav, after voting in Jaswantnagar.

(ANI)

Punjab CM's brother says he was ignored by Congress high command

"I was working in the constituency. I had winnability - not me, but their survey, says this. Still, I was ignored by the high command. I had to contest as people told me to. I hope I pass," said Manohar Singh, Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi's brother, who is contesting as an independent candidate.

(ANI)

Kanpur mayor booked for breach of secrecy

An FIR was lodged against Kanpur mayor Pramila Pandey for an alleged breach of secrecy during voting at Hudson School polling station, Kanpur'sdistrict magistrate said. She had shared pictures from inside the polling booth showing the EVM.

'We have to vote carefully,' says Sidhu

Rebel Congress MP claims Amarinder Singh will win Patiala seat

"Capt Amarinder Singh (Punjab Lok Congress leader and ex-CM) will win from Patiala Assembly constituency. Change should be brought keeping in mind the future of youth. Votes should be cast based on who can bring peace&economic stability to the state," said Preneet Kaur, rebel Congress MP.

(ANI)

Uttar Pradesh records 8.15% polling till 9 am, Punjab 4.8% in the first hour

Etah, Kannauj and Mainpuri recorded the highest voter turnout in Uttar Pradesh, with 10.11%, 10.16% and 11.03%, respectively. In Punjab, Malerkotla recorded 8.01% voter turnout, Faterhgar Sahib 6.94%, till 9 am.

Manish Tewari casts his vote

Jakhar seeks 'befitting reply' to those trying to 'divide' the state

"Iam confident that the voters of Punjab will give a befitting reply to those dreaming of dividing and ruling in Punjab," says Jakhar.

(ANI)

Sunil Jakhar casts his vote in Punjab

Congress leader Sunil Jakhar casts his vote in Panjkosi of Abohar assembly constituency in Fazilka district.

Malvika Sood, Congress' Moga candidate in Punjab, casts her vote

Malvika Sood, Congress' candidate from Moga casther vote at the Govt Girls Senior Secondary School. She said, "As a citizen and daughter of Moga, it's my duty to take Moga city forward. I'll visit booths and meet people, they are waiting for me to visit them."

(ANI)

Battle for UP: Akhilesh, Baghel can't vote for themselves

Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav and Union Minister S P Singh Baghel are fiercely contesting the Karhal Assembly seat in Mainpuri, but they will not be casting a vote for themselves in their constituency on Sunday. Akhilesh is a registered voter in Jaswant Nagar in Etawah district, from where his uncle Shivpal Yadav is contesting the polls. He will cast his vote there.

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PSP leader Shivpal Singh Yadav claims SP alliance will win 300 votes

Punjab's model polling station set for electoral exercise

SP's Mulayam Singh Yadav casts his vote

Polling begins in Punjab

Mock polling under way in Punjab, poll exercise to begin at 8 am

Mock polling underway at booth numbers 158 to 161 at Govt Girls Senior Secondary School in Moga.

(ANI)

Voting begins in UP

Voting begins for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections.59 assembly seats across 16 districts of the state will be voting today.

Fates of SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, contesting from Karhal and his challenger andBJP candidate Union minister SP Singh Baghel will be sealed today.

BJP's agenda to make UP proud state once again: Amit Shah

Taking a dig at Jawaharlal Nehru, Shah said it took a Modi government to complete an irrigation project whose foundation stone was laid by the country’s first prime minister.

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As Punjab goes to vote, will AAP be the gamechanger?

Just before the finish line, the AAP, with all its impressive poll campaign and a palpable undercurrent in its favour, finds itself between a rock and a hard place in a bitter contest for the 117 assembly seats in Punjab that votes on Sunday.

From a bipolar contest that Punjab saw for a long time, this election, for the first time, witnesses a tough contest between five political parties in poll fray. This throws open the possibility of split votes and a likely hung assembly on March 10. The clamor for change has been palpable with AAP having an edge, especially in the Malwa region which accounts for the majority of seats.

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BJP faces litmus test in third phase of UP polls

In UP, voting will be held for 59 Assembly constituencies spread across 16 districts.

As many as 627 candidates are in the fray in this phase, in which over 2.15 crore people are eligible to vote.

Districts where polling will be held are Hathras, Firozabad, Etah, Kasganj, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Etawah, Auraiya, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba.

The Karhal assembly seat, from where Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is contesting, will also go to the polls in the third phase on Sunday.

The BJP has fielded Union minister S P Singh Baghel from the seat.

Polling on Sunday will also seal the fate of the Samajwadi Party chief's uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav, who is contesting from his traditional Jaswantnagar seat.