Indian Polls

Kolkata, May 14 (PTI) BJP and TMC supporters Tuesday fought pitched battles on the streets of Kolkata during a massive roadshow by Amit Shah, who escaped unhurt but was forced to cut short the jamboree and had to be escorted to safety by police.

Parts of the city plunged into a welter of violence as his convoy was attacked with stones by alleged TMC supporters from inside the hostel of Vidyasagar College, triggering a clash between supporters of the two parties, officials said.

Panaji, May 14 (PTI) The Election Commission of India Tuesday turned down a request by the Goa government for relaxation in model code of conduct, in force since March 10 for Lok Sabha polls, in the South district for pre-monsoon works.

State Chief Electoral Officer Kunal informed Goa Chief Secretary Parimal Rai that the model code of conduct would be relaxed only after the entire election process was over.

While polls to the state's two Lok Sabha seats were over on April 23, bypoll to the Panaji Assembly seat, in North Goa district, is slated for May 19.

Canning/Kolkata, May 13 (PTI) The slugfest between BJP and Trinamool Congress in West Bengal turned acrimonius Monday ahead of the ultimate phase of Lok Sabha polls over BJP president Amit Shah's "Kangal Bangla" remark and TMC leader Derek O'Brien hitting back calling him "puke-worthy" and a "low-life".

Shah had been denied permission to land his chopper and hold a meeting at Baruipur under Jadavpur constituency during the day forcing him to call off his programme.

Tuticorin(TN), May 14 (PTI) Raids were carried out at a hotel, where DMK Chief M K Stalin is scheduled to stay near here Tuesday, following reports of alleged money distribution to voters in the Ottapidaram assembly constituency, district officials said.

Election Commission's flying squad searched cars of DMK functionaries apart from hotel rooms during the raid, which continued for one hour, they said.

The Ottapidaram consituency in-charge K N Nehru was also staying in the same hotel.

New Delhi, May 12; GANASHAKTI:  CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has written to the Election Commission against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly violating the poll code by sharing operational details of a "sensitive" defence mission in a television interview to influence voters.

Aravakurichi(TN), May 13 (PTI) Makkal Needhi Maiyam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan has stoked a possible controversy, saying free India's first "terrorist was a Hindu," referring to Nathuram Godse who killed Mahatma Gandhi.

Addressing an election campaign here last night, the actor-politician said he was one of those "proud Indians" who desires an India with equality and where the "three colours" in the tricolour, an obvious reference to different faiths, "remained intact."

Lucknow, May 12 (PTI) Over 54 per cent polling was reported till 6 pm in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, an official said...

"In Azamgarh, a presiding officer was removed following complaints by SP workers, and a report has been sought from the district magistrate," state Chief Electoral Officer L Venkateshwarlu said.

The officer said there were complaints about electronic voting machines (EVMs) and VVPAT devices, and the machines were replaced.

New Delhi, May 12 (PTI) The Election Commission Sunday "censured" Union minister and BJP leader Giriraj Singh for his communal remarks.

The commission also condemned his statement and asked him to be careful with his utterances during the enforcement of the model code period.

New Delhi, May 12 (PTI) The Election Commission on Sunday appointed 2008 batch IAS officer Mukta Arya as the new District Magistrate and District Election Officer for Bankura in West Bengal, removing Uma Shankar from the post.

The transfer followed complaints against DM-cum-DEO Shankar after a clash between TMC and BJP workers on Sunday.

Arya has been asked to join her new assignment immediately, as per an order of the Election Commission.

"The new officer should join before commencement of scrutiny tomorrow," the EC order said.

New Delhi, May 12 (PTI) As Delhi voted on Sunday, more than 1200 VVPAT machines facing glitches were changed across the city delaying the polling process, officials from Delhi Election Commission said.

An Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) comprises of three parts - the Control Unit (CU), the Ballot Unit (BU) and the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine.