The seven-phase Lok Sabha elections officially begun on 11 April. Polling for the first phase took place in 91 parliamentary constituencies spread across 20 states. The final results will be announced on 23 May. Catch all the updates on the Lok Sabha 2019 elections here.
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Adityanath, Mayawati Respond to EC Notice on Model Code Violation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati on Friday, 12 April, responded to the show cause notices issued by the Election Commission for prima facie violating the model code of conduct by invoking religious feelings.
Election Commission Examining PM's Balakot Air Strike Remarks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks asking first-time voters to dedicate their vote to those who carried out the Balakot air strike continue to be under the examination of the Election Commission to ascertain whether they violate its directive to political parties against using the armed forces in their campaign, sources said on Friday, 12 April.
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Gets Clean Chit in Model Code Violation Complaint
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been given a clean chit in a case of violation of the model code of conduct that was reported to the district election office.
An oral complaint was made by a Congress spokesperson to the district election officer stating that Fadnavis was using his official residence Varsha to conduct political meetings after the code of conduct came into force (on 10 March).
The model code of conduct lays down that government residences cannot be used for political purposes.
"We conducted an investigation into the complaint, but we did not find any substantial proof. We were informed that the CM meets a lot of visitors at this residence everyday, but that does not amount to any violation," Shivaji Jondhale, Mumbai city collector and election officer, said.
An official from the election department said that even if such a meeting took place, it is very difficult to prove the same as there are no records.
Over 62% Polling in Telangana; Low Voter Turnout in Hyderabad
Telangana recorded 62.69 percent in the 11 April polling across 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, where former Union minister Renuka Chowdhury and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi are among prominent candidates in the fray.
Khammam recorded the highest percentage at 75.28, while Hyderabad, from where Owaisi is seeking re-election,registered 44.75 per cent, an official release in Hyderabad said on Friday, 12 April.