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Don’t use children in election campaigns: EC warns political parties ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha election

The ECI today issued an order which cited political leaders and candidates should not use children for campaign activities in any manner.

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Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission on Monday advised political parties to refrain using children in any form whatsoever during their campaigning, including the distribution of flyers and pamphlets and sloganeering.

In a letter sent to political parties, the poll panel expressed its zero tolerance for parties and candidates using children in any way throughout the election process.

The poll watchdog said politicians and candidates should not in any way use children for campaign activities, such as carrying a child in a car or holding one in their arms during rallies.

The Election Commission said in a statement that the prohibition extends to the use of children to create the semblance of a political campaign in any manner including use through poem, songs, spoken words, display of insignia of political party or candidate, will be tolrated.

The ECI cited a case of Chetan Ramlal Bhutada vs State of Maharashtra and Others, the Bombay High Court issued an order in August 2014 that stated political parties had to make sure minors were not involved in election-related activities. The ECI cited this order as well as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, while issueing this guideline.

On the other hand, it also said, a straightforward fact that if a child is with their parent or guardian when they are near a political figure who is not engaged in any election campaigning by the political party will not be seen as a breach of the rules.

The chief electoral commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, has repeatedly underlined the importance of political parties as the primary stakeholders in the electoral commission and urged them to actively participate in preserving democratic norms, particularly in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, this instruction came one month after the ECI instructed political parties to treat individuals with disabilities with respect during their campaigns. The poll body gave parties instructions in December 2023 not to use phrases that are disparaging or ableist when referring to individuals with impairments.

India News

Government set to table One Nation, One Election bill in Lok Sabha on December 16

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Parliament Winter Session: Lok Sabha speaker warns opposition, No-Confidence motion against Rajya Sabha Chairman

The stage is set for a major legislative push by the central government as two bills related to the ambitious “One Nation, One Election” initiative are scheduled for introduction in the Lok Sabha on Monday, December 16.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is expected to present The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, marking a significant step towards implementing simultaneous Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections.

On Thursday, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its nod to the constitutional amendment bill that seeks to align elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. This decision underscores the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s commitment to its long-standing agenda of electoral synchronization, aimed at reducing the frequency of polls and associated costs.

The Cabinet also approved a supplementary bill to amend specific provisions related to three Union territories with legislative assemblies—Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. This aligns their governance framework with the overarching constitutional amendments proposed under the “One Nation, One Election” initiative.

The constitutional amendment bill aims to streamline the electoral calendar by establishing a legal framework for conducting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections simultaneously. However, the government has, for now, opted to exclude local body polls, such as those for municipalities and panchayats, from this framework. A high-level committee chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind had earlier suggested a phased approach to include local elections in the future.

The concept of “One Nation, One Election” has been a focal point in political discourse, with proponents arguing it will enhance governance by reducing electoral disruptions and fostering policy stability. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the logistical and constitutional challenges of synchronizing diverse electoral cycles across India’s federal structure.

This legislative development will undoubtedly dominate parliamentary discussions as political parties prepare to deliberate on the feasibility and implications of reshaping India’s electoral landscape.

The introduction of these bills is expected to spark robust debate, with the government emphasizing the potential benefits of reduced administrative burdens and streamlined governance, while opposition parties scrutinize its impact on India’s democratic fabric.

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Entertainment

Pushpa 2 The Rule continues strong box office run on day 9, collects Rs 758.93 crore

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Allu Arjun Pushpa The Rule

Sukumar’s highly anticipated film Pushpa 2: The Rule, featuring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, remains a force at the box office, even nine days post-release. The action-packed sequel has struck a chord with audiences, achieving remarkable earnings on its second Friday.

According to reports, Pushpa 2: The Rule garnered 32.63 crore on its second Friday in India, bringing its domestic collection to Rs 758.93 crore net within nine days. During its first week, the movie earned a staggering Rs 725.8 crore, with Rs 10.65 crore coming from its premiere and Rs 164.25 crore collected on the opening day.

Despite a slight drop to Rs 93.8 crore on its first Friday, the film rebounded over the weekend, raking in Rs 119.25 crore on Saturday and Rs 141.05 crore on Sunday. Throughout the week, the collection remained steady, adding Rs 64.45 crore on Monday, Rs 51.55 crore on Tuesday, Rs 43.35 crore on Wednesday, and Rs 37.45 crore on Thursday.

Incident at Hyderabad theatre premiere

The excitement surrounding Pushpa 2: The Rule took a tragic turn during its premiere at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, where Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and the team joined fans to celebrate the release. Overwhelming crowds led to a stampede-like situation, resulting in the death of one fan and critical injuries to another.

Following the incident, police arrested Allu Arjun, alleging negligence for failing to inform authorities about the gathering. However, a leaked document suggested the theatre management had alerted the police beforehand, requesting adequate security measures.

The Telangana High Court granted interim bail to Arjun for four weeks after the Nampally Court had initially ordered a 14-day judicial remand. The incident has sparked outrage across the industry, with several celebrities, including Varun Dhawan, Nani, Rashmika Mandanna, and Vivek Oberoi, voicing their support for the actor.

Steady success despite challenges

While the controversy has added a somber note to the film’s journey, Pushpa 2: The Rule continues to perform exceptionally well, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Fans are expected to continue flocking to theatres, keeping the film’s momentum alive in the coming weeks.

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BJP leader LK Advani, 97, hospitalized again due to health concerns

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Lal Krishna Advani, a towering figure in Indian politics and one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been admitted to Apollo Hospital in Delhi after his health deteriorated late last night. The 97-year-old veteran leader has been grappling with persistent health issues, marking this as his fourth hospital visit since July.

According to sources, Mr. Advani has been undergoing treatment intermittently at both Apollo Hospital and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi over the past few months. His hospitalization comes as he continues to face age-related ailments that require specialized medical attention.

BJP spokesperson K Krishna Sagar Rao expressed concern and extended wishes for Mr. Advani’s recovery. “I pray for a good, healthy recovery for our tallest leader, Shri LK Advani, as he is admitted into Apollo Hospital, Delhi,” Mr. Rao wrote on X, formerly Twitter.


Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, then part of undivided India, LK Advani’s political journey began during the tumultuous era of pre-Independence India. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1942 and later became instrumental in shaping the BJP into a national political force.

Known for his political acumen and ideological commitment, Mr. Advani served as the longest-tenured National President of the BJP. He played a central role in the BJP’s rise, particularly through his leadership during the Ayodhya movement in the 1990s, which redefined the party’s trajectory.

During the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, Mr. Advani held significant positions, including Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, from 1999 to 2004. His leadership was marked by decisive policymaking and efforts to bolster India’s internal security.

In March this year, Mr. Advani was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, by President Droupadi Murmu. The award recognized his immense contributions to Indian politics and his role in shaping the modern political landscape of the country.

As news of his hospitalization spread, prayers and well-wishes poured in from party leaders, colleagues, and admirers. Many credit Mr. Advani for laying the foundation of the BJP’s political philosophy and for his unwavering dedication to the nation.

While Mr. Advani remains under medical observation, his resilience continues to inspire generations of leaders. Updates on his health are being closely monitored, with hopes for his speedy recovery.


LK Advani’s journey in Indian politics spans over seven decades, reflecting a life dedicated to public service, ideological conviction, and national progress. His influence on the BJP and the broader political spectrum of India remains unparalleled, making him one of the most revered figures in contemporary Indian history.

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