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Election Commission decision on Gujarat poll dates under cloud?

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Election Commission

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Election Commission of India’s (EC) reasons for its decision to defer announcement of Gujarat election dates have come under a cloud following information obtained under a right to information (RTI) query.

While the doubts over dependability of electronic voting machines (EVMs) refuse to die down despite EC’s stout defence, this has given rise further questions about the EC’s handling of elections.

On October 12, the EC announced dates for elections to Himachal Pradesh Assembly but withheld dates for Gujarat Assembly polls. Both state assemblies’ terms expire within two weeks of each other and this seemed unusual. The EC explained that announcement of Gujarat election dates was withheld so that the model code of conduct does not affect flood relief work necessitated by unprecedented rains in Gujarat.

The model code of conduct is intended to provide a level playing field to all candidates and bars the government from announcing new schemes to woo voters once the election dates are announced. It remains in force till polling is over.

The Indian Express (IE) has reported that replies to RTI queries show that model code of conduct was in force in Jammu and Kashmir when relief work was on following massive flooding in the state in 2014. The code of conduct did not come in the way of relief work. The September 2014 Jammu and Kashmir floods, in which over 300 died and thousands affected, were considered one of the worst to hit the state in decades. The EC, then headed by VS Sampath, had decided against delaying the polls and held it in five phases between 25 November and 20 December. The state recorded 65 per cent voter turnout, the highest in 25 years.

In October this year, replying to questions from reporters about reasons for withholding announcement of Gujarat poll dates, Chief Election Commissioner AK Joti had cited some office memorandums issued earlier to justify the delay in the announcement. He had said the EC had a statutory 21 days to carry out elections that can extend up to 45 days. He had also said that besides availability of central forces and festive season, the Gujarat government had told the Commission that several relief and rehabilitation works were on in the state following the July floods.

According to Joti, the Gujarat chief secretary had written to EC asking for additional time as the relief and rehabilitation for July floods had begun only in September and were yet to be completed. “They have suggested that the Model Code of Conduct should be imposed for a reasonable time, so that they do not face problems in carrying out relief and rehabilitation work,” Joti had said.

While the EC found merit in Gujarat’s request, records showed that the model code of conduct did not affect relief and rehabilitation work for J&K floods. According to the IE report, EC records for Jammu and Kashmir 2014 election show that there was no official request from the state chief secretary to delay announcement of election dates. On November 5, 2014, the EC wrote to the cabinet secretary, state chief secretary and state chief electoral officer, informing them that it had relaxed model code provisions and they could continue with relief and rehabilitation “as per approved schemes of the central/ state governments” and no prior approval from EC was required for this.

The state government was also allowed to give out ex-gratia payment and gratuitous relief directly to victims and families without approval from EC in this case.

The IE reported that it had filed a separate RTI application seeking copies of letters written by the Gujarat Chief Secretary requesting delay in announcement of polls on account of relief work. The EC acknowledged the receipt of two letters, on September 27 and October 2, but did not provide their copies on the ground that the file was “under submission”. The EC also said that it had not issued any reply to the Gujarat Chief Secretary in response to the two letters.

The delay in announcement of Gujarat election dates, in the name of flood relief work, was used by BJP government in Gujarat for announcing a number of sops right up to a day before the election dates were finally announced on Nov 1.

The BJP government effected a 50 percent hike in the incentive paid to Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), village-level women workers who are a key component in the implementation of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

For farmers, the Vijay Rupani-government said it would waive off 18 percent Goods and Service Tax (GST) charged on the purchase of equipment meant for drip or sprinkler irrigation.

The government raised the ceiling on the annual income of OBC, SC and ST beneficiaries for availing benefits of state-funded schemes and scholarships.

On 22 October, Modi inaugurated a Rs 650 crore roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro) ferry service that reduces travel time by six hours between Saurashtra and South Gujarat.

418 cases against Patidars filed during the reservation protests were withdrawn by the police, reported News18.

The EC decision to delay Gujarat election dates came in for severe criticism.

Congress leader P Chidambaram had criticised the EC saying that by not announcing the Gujarat poll schedule, it has “authorised” Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the dates at his last rally, after all “freebies” for the state were doled out. The Congress had also alleged that the government put “pressure” on the poll panel to “delay” the announcement of Gujarat Assembly poll schedule to enable the prime minister to act as a “false Santa Claus” and offer sops.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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NDA’s Mangal Milan meeting today to discuss Monsoon Session strategy, PM Modi likely to attend

The NDA Parliamentary Party will hold its ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting on Tuesday to discuss strategy for the remaining Monsoon Session, while the Centre has introduced the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.

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The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Parliamentary Party is scheduled to hold its ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting on Tuesday at the Parliament Library Building (PLB) to finalise the ruling alliance’s floor strategy for the remaining 10 days of the Monsoon Session.

According to a note circulated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Parliament, all NDA members of both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been requested to attend the meeting and reach the venue on time. The programme will begin at 9:30 am at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate in the meeting along with Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, and other NDA Members of Parliament.

‘Mangal Milan’ is NDA’s rebranded weekly strategy session

The ‘Mangal Milan’ meeting is described as the rebranded version of the NDA’s weekly parliamentary party strategy session. It is aimed at promoting constructive discussions and ensuring better coordination among alliance partners during the ongoing Parliament session.

The meeting comes as Parliament continues discussions on key legislative business and government proposals during the Monsoon Session.

Centre introduces Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026

Meanwhile, the Centre on Monday introduced the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.

Union Minister Rao Indrajit Singh introduced the Bill, which seeks to repeal and replace the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959, while retaining the institute’s status as an Institution of National Importance.

The proposed legislation aims to convert the existing society into an autonomous statutory body corporate and provide a modern statutory framework for the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI).

It also seeks to broaden the scope of Statistical Sciences by including fields such as theoretical and applied statistics, mathematics, economics, data science, computer science, other quantitative sciences, quantitative social sciences, and modern technologies including cryptology and related disciplines.

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Himanta Sarma visits Assam flood-hit areas, compensation process to begin after August 9

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited flood-hit areas in Nazira, Mahmora and Sonari and announced that damage assessment for compensation will begin from August 9.

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Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited flood-affected areas in the Nazira, Mahmora and Sonari Assembly constituencies to review the damage caused by the recent floods in Upper Assam. During the visit, he announced that government officials would begin a door-to-door assessment of permanently damaged properties from August 9, after which compensation would be provided to affected families.

This marked the Chief Minister’s second visit to the flood-hit districts of Charaideo and Sivasagar following the latest spell of flooding.

CM interacts with affected residents, reviews relief work

During the tour, Mr Sarma inspected flood-affected locations at Santak, Nepalikhuti and Sundarpukhuri in the Nazira constituency, Chomoni village in Mahmora, and Ward No. 8 of Sonari town. He interacted with residents, reviewed relief measures and assessed the impact of the floods on local communities.

To reach the flood-ravaged Nepalikhuti area of Bihubar under the Nazira constituency, the Chief Minister travelled by tractor. He later visited Shulal Kalita village in Sundarpukhuri, where he discussed the challenges faced by residents and reviewed ongoing relief operations.

Compensation survey to begin from August 9

Addressing flood-affected residents, Mr Sarma said officials would start visiting households from August 9 to assess permanent damage caused by the floods. He said the compensation process would begin after the assessment is completed.

The Chief Minister also announced that health camps would be organised in the affected areas and that the government would extend assistance to help farmers resume agricultural activities. Responding to local demands, he assured residents that steps would be taken to strengthen the Sundarpukhuri embankment.

CM meets bereaved families, promises long-term flood solution

During the visit, Mr Sarma met the family of Nirupama Duwara and her niece Nisha Duwara of Rajapul Duwara village in Nazira, who lost their lives after being swept away during the sudden floods on July 19. He expressed condolences and assured the family of the government’s support.

He also said the state government would work towards finding a permanent solution to recurring floods so that people do not have to face similar devastation in the future.

Financial assistance provided to families of flood victims

In Mahmora constituency, the Chief Minister travelled by boat to Chomoni village to meet stranded residents. At the Sri Sri Hari Namghar, he handed over one-time financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh each to the next of kin of 14 people who lost their lives in floods affecting the constituency since July 19. The total assistance distributed amounted to Rs. 56 lakh.

He also visited the Sri Sri Gobinda Namghar at Moran Gaon to review the condition of flood-affected residents.

Later, at Jaya Primary School in Ward No. 8 of Sonari town, Mr Sarma distributed textbooks and school uniforms to students affected by the floods. He also provided Rs. 5 lakh each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to the families of five people who died in the recent floods in the area.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Keshab Mahanta, Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika, Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Bora, along with local MLAs Taranga Gogoi, Mayur Borahgohain, Suruj Dihingia and Dharmeswar Konwar, accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit.

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IMD issues heavy rain alert across several states, red warning for Punjab’s Patiala

The IMD has issued red and orange weather alerts across several states, warning of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, lightning and gusty winds in multiple districts.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued district-wise weather warnings for several states on Tuesday, cautioning residents about thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall and gusty winds expected over the next two to three hours.

A red warning, indicating severe weather conditions requiring immediate action, has been issued for Patiala district in Punjab.

Orange warning for multiple states

The IMD has also issued orange warnings for several districts where thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, winds of 40-60 kmph and moderate to heavy rainfall of 5-15 mm per hour or more are very likely.

In Punjab, the orange warning covers Fatehgarh Sahib, Ludhiana, Sangrur and SAS Nagar.

In Uttar Pradesh, the alert has been issued for Amethi, Ayodhya, Barabanki, Fatehpur, Hardoi, Kanpur Dehat, Kanpur Nagar, Lucknow, Pratapgarh, Raebareli and Unnao.

The warning also extends to Kasaragod in Kerala; Dakshin Kannada, Shivamogga and Udupi in Karnataka; Bhind, Datia, Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur Kalan and Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh; Jiribam, Kamjong, Noney, Senapati and Tamenglong in Manipur; Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal; Longleng, Mokokchung, Mon and Wokha in Nagaland; Golaghat, Jorhat, Majuli and Sivasagar in Assam; Ambala, Faridabad, Gurugram, Kaithal and Kurukshetra in Haryana; and Bageshwar, Dehradun, Pithoragarh, Tehri Garhwal and Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand.

IMD advises residents to stay alert

The weather department has urged people living in the affected districts to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions as severe weather conditions may develop over the next few hours.

Separately, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Arunachal Pradesh on August 4 and 5, with Papum Pare likely to witness very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning on Tuesday. East Kameng is also expected to receive heavy rainfall, while several other districts remain under yellow and orange alerts.

In Uttar Pradesh, where the state has recorded below-normal monsoon rainfall so far this season, the IMD has predicted intense rainfall over the next four to five days, which could provide relief from humid conditions.

Meanwhile, heavy monsoon rains continued to affect Himachal Pradesh, where 109 roads remained blocked, six electricity distribution transformers were out of service and 30 water supply schemes were impacted, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre.

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