Daily wrap: Oppn leaders meet EC over VVPAT; MLA shot dead in Arunachal

Oppn leaders meet, move EC seeking VVPAT verification with EVMs

The leaders of 22 opposition parties have demanded that the Election Commission of India randomly verify VVPAT slips of 05 polling stations randomly ahead of taking up counting of votes on May 23. And in case of a discrepancy the leaders would want the ECI to count all the VVPAT slips at all polling stations of that Assembly segment. This was stated in a memorandum submitted by them when they met the election commission on Tuesday to ask it to ensure transparency and fairness in the counting process by verifying EVM results with VVPATs.

Also read: Poll panel questionable actions a serious dent on credibility of institution

Poll panel dismisses talk of EVM tampering; calls it baseless

In the backdrop of videos, in the social media, showing EVMs being transported without any security, the Election Commission of India has asserted that all polled EVMs are safe and that all allegations to the contrary are “frivolous” and “baseless.” “Polled EVMs and VVPATs were sealed properly in front of political parties candidates in videography. CCTV cameras are installed. CPAF security is there. Candidates are allowed to have watch on strong room at a time and at a point one representative of each candidate 24 ×7. The allegations are baseless,” the Election Commission said.

Also read: SC dismisses plea against appointing observers for Lok Sabha elections

Rafale deal: Anil Ambani to withdraw defamation suits against Cong, Herald

Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group has decided to withdraw the ₹5,000-crore civil defamation suits filed in an Ahmedabad court against Congress leaders and National Herald newspaper over their statements and an article on the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal. “We have intimated the defendants that we are going to withdraw the suits against them,” the complainant’s lawyer, Rasesh Parikh said.

Rajiv’s death anniversary: Did time of demise affect Congress poll prospects?

The assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi at Sriperumbudur in Chennai on May 21, 1991, impacted the election process only partially as nearly half the electorate in the country had already voted. Polling was held in the second phase after a delay of a few days post-assassination, and therefore it could be said that the Congress derived only partial benefit from any sympathy wave.

Also read: PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi pays homage to Rajiv Gandhi

Congress takes to yagna in Dravidian heartland for electoral triumph

Days after the ruling party in the state, the All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), conducted several yagnas in temples, praying for rains in the state, it’s now the turn of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee. But the party has turned to prayers for a different reason. Starting on Tuesday (May 21), the party is conducting a three-day homam and yagnas in Kamarajar Arangam, Chennai, for securing victory in the Lok Sabha election, which, in turn, would lead to the installation of a Congress-led government at the Centre. The rituals come close on the heels of the exit polls, which have predicted a return of the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.

Also read: Why hesitate to declare DMK is with Cong? AIADMK asks Stalin

Ahead of Assembly poll results, Arunachal Pradesh MLA shot dead

Suspected NSCN (IM) militants on Tuesday morning allegedly gunned down MLA Tirong Aboh and at least 10 others in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district, the police said. Tirong Aboh, a sitting MLA from Khonsa West constituency, was seeking a re-election from the seat on National People’s Party (NPP) ticket. The Conrad Sangma-led NPP is an ally of the BJP in northeastern states.

Also read: Arunachal Pradesh repolling: 500 masked men ‘attack’ polling team, steal EVMs

Most challenging World Cup, says Virat Kohli before team leaves for England

India skipper Virat Kohli on Tuesday (May 21) said the upcoming World Cup will be the most challenging of all the three he has played so far. As the Indian cricket team is set to leave for the United Kingdom on Wednesday (May 22) with sights on regaining the most coveted trophy in international cricket — the World Cup — India skipper Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri addressed the media in in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Pranab Mukherjee expresses concern over reports of EVM tampering

In the midst of allegations and counter-allegations over the controversy surrounding the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), former president Pranab Mukherjee, in a statement, has expressed concerns over reports of EVMs being tampered with. He also has emphasised that it is the responsibility of the poll panel to end all speculations about the possible misuse of the voting machines. The statement issued by the former president said, “People’s mandate is sacrosanct.” “Onus of ensuring institutional integrity lies with the EC,” the statement added. Safety of EVMs is the responsibility of the poll panel.

Also read: SC dismisses PIL seeking 100 pc matching of VVPAT slips with EVMs

Also read: The controversy behind EVMs, VVPATs — explained

Madhya Pradesh to reopen 12-year-old murder case against Pragya Thakur

The Madhya Pradesh government is planning to reopen an old murder case against BJP candidate Pragya Singh Thakur, a day after exit polls predicted a victory for her from Bhopal Lok Sabha constituency.

Also read: Malegaon blast case: Pragya, two other accused exempted from court appearance

Vivek Oberoi apologises for derogatory meme on Aishwarya

After facing sharp criticism from various quarters for tweeting a derogatory meme on actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi on Tuesday (May 21) apologised on Twitter for the same and deleted the offensive tweet, which through a meme had compared the personal life of Bachchan with poll results.

₹25 cr offered for MLAs, says Kamal Nath

On Monday, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath said his government was ready for a floor test. Adding to which on Tuesday, he said, “I have complete trust on the MLAs of Congress party. At least 10 MLAs have told me now that they are getting phone calls where they are being offered money & posts.” In a recent interview with India Today channel, he added that, ₹10 cr to ₹25 cr was offered for MLAs.

Also read: K’taka Cong leader Roshan Baig appeals to Muslims to join hands with BJP

Modi confident of his second term

Nearly, with a few hours left for Lok Sabha 2019 election results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be so confident of getting a second term. According to sources, his officials have already scheduled an episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat on 2 June. Unlike the previous term, the Prime Minister will address the nation on the first Sunday of every month. However, a senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai pointed out in a tweet that Modi reportedly wanted to be sworn in on 26 May and has also planned to address the nation via radio on the same day.