Indian Elections, world's largest democracy

[Aupmanyav]

India goes to a 7 phase poll starting April 19 to June 1 when 970 million people are eligible to vote for 543 parliamentary seats.
Tomorrow's exercise will cover 102 seats in 21 states.

 

[Aupmanyav]

There is an app from Election Commission of India which tells us the percentage of people who have voted in the election in each constituency and in each state. They give out 2-hour revisions. Helps the politically aware of what is happening in individual constituencies.

https://www.eci.gov.in/voter-turnout-app

https://www.eci.gov.in/

As for law and order, the news channels give prompt information.

indian elections 2024 - Google Search

23% vote in Kathua constituency in Jammu & Kashmir till 11 am. Hindu majority with 10% Muslims. High voting in W. Bengal constituencies - 35% where there is a keen contest between Narendra Modi' BJP and TMC's chief minister Mamta Bannerjee. Stone throwing has been reported in Cooch Behar.

 

[Vinayaka]

There is an app from Election Commission of India which tells us the percentage of people who have voted in the election in each constituency and in each state. They give out 2-hour revisions. Helps the politically aware of what is happening in individual constituencies.

https://www.eci.gov.in/voter-turnout-app

https://www.eci.gov.in/

As for law and order, the news channels give prompt information.

indian elections 2024 - Google Search

23% vote in Kathua constituency in Jammu & Kashmir till 11 am. Hindu majority with 10% Muslims. High voting in W. Bengal constituencies - 35% where there is a keen contest between Narendra Modi' BJP and TMC's chief minister Mamta Bannerjee. Stone throwing has been reported in Cooch Behar.

In Mauritius, the sale of alcohol was banned on election day. That probably stopped those silly Hindus who came as indentured labour from throwing stones.

May India choose the right people so the growth can continue.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Here in India, alcohol is clandestinely provided free after voting and throwing stones as a reward. Officially, liquor sale is banned on election day.
However, the first phase passed of comparatively safely except for the death of a security person in an IED blast in Chhattisgarh.
Overall, 63% voting. just about the normal. Highest 80% in Tripura and lowest 48% in Bihar. Bihar low voting may hurt BJP.
Second phase poll on April 26 involving 13 states.

 

[Stevicus]

I came across this story in my newsfeed this morning:

Outrage in India after state-run TV channel changes logo color to orange

The new saffron logo has sparked outrage among opposition political parties which claim it was an attempt at “saffronising” the country and its important institutions.

The saffron colour has been associated with the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) which has adopted it as its official colour, using it in party flags, banners, scarfs and attire. The colour also holds religious significance among Hindus.

Another part of the article which struck me was this:

According to the World Press Freedom Index released in May last year, India’s ranking dropped to 150 out of 180 nations, from its last-year ranking of 142.

Has press freedom deteriorated that badly? A controlled and/or crooked media are the bane of any democracy.

On the other hand, if the people have internet access and the ability to find views and news from other sources/countries, then I don't suppose it could be that controlled.

 

[Aupmanyav]

Indian General Election, Phase II today, 13 states, 88 constituencies.

The Indian Supreme Court rejected all appeals against the way elections are held in India:
1. Voting by Electronic Voting Machines.
2. 100% check on paper slips vis-a-vis what Electronic Voting Machines show. At the moment 5% are checked as sample.
3. Voting by ballot papers.

It issued two directions and has suggested bar-coding on Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail slips (VVPAT).
Read about directions here: Supreme Court Rejects Pleas Seeking 100% EVM-VVPAT Cross Verification, Issues Directions To Seal Symbol Loading Unit

 

[Aupmanyav]

Outrage in India after state-run TV channel changes logo color to orange

Another part of the article which struck me was this:
Has press freedom deteriorated that badly? A controlled and/or crooked media are the bane of any democracy.
On the other hand, if the people have internet access and the ability to find views and news from other sources/countries, then I don't suppose it could be that controlled.

There is no outrage. Color change is not new. When the first color logo was accepted it was orange and blue.

The story of Doordarshan’s iconic logo, now in controversy over its colour

When did DD's 'Eye' start out, and with what colour? Was it ever saffron earlier?

indianexpress.com

Sure, in olden days, there were no fake videos, misinformation by AI/Robot generated articles and posts. A scrutiny is necessary. Foreign governments have meddled even in US elections (if you are from US). We have the same problem here with internet reaching 820 million (of the 1,428 million) people). All social media sites are open, strictures are put on some material which the government considers harmful. If any one differs then the person/organization can approach the courts.