National

Guaranteeing Complete Enrollment and Simplified Voting: ECI

Published

2 years ago

March 20, 2025

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on Thursday that its primary goals include achieving 100% enrollment of eligible citizens, facilitating ease of voting, and ensuring a positive voting experience. This declaration was made as the ECI showcased its initiatives following Gyanesh Kumar’s recent appointment as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

The commission outlined steps it has implemented to enhance election processes, stating that it has positioned its entire election framework, down to the Booth Level Officers (BLO), to actively promote voter participation and create a welcoming atmosphere at polling stations. The involvement of political parties as key stakeholders at the grassroots level was emphasized.

The ECI underscored the idea that the nearly 100 crore voters form the foundation of democracy and mentioned that technical discussions between UIDAI and its experts are set to commence shortly. Although voters are restricted to their designated polling booths, the Commission aims to eliminate duplicate entries in the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers nationwide within three months, addressing a longstanding issue. Continuous updates to the voter list will be reinforced in close collaboration with birth and death registries.

During discussions with political parties, the ECI clarified that any alterations to the draft electoral list must follow the appeals process established under the Representation of People Act, 1950. Without such appeals, the list created by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) stands valid. The ECI noted that as of January 6 to 10, only 89 first appeals and one second appeal were filed after the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise.

Measures will be taken to ensure that no polling station accommodates more than 1,200 voters and that they are located within 2 km of the electorate. Basic facilities (AMF) will be provided even in the most remote rural polling stations. To combat urban disinterest and enhance voter engagement, polling stations will also be set up within high-rise buildings and residential complexes.

In a significant move toward the sustainable capacity building of nearly 1 crore election personnel, a conference for Chief Election Officers (CEOs) from all States and Union Territories was held in New Delhi on March 4 and 5, marking the first time District Election Officers (DEOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) participated collectively.

This conference aimed to invigorate the entire election infrastructure, establishing a clear mapping of 28 stakeholders along with their responsibilities based on constitutional frameworks, electoral laws, and ECI guidelines. The ECI stated that electoral handbooks and manuals would be updated to reflect the latest changes.

Furthermore, to ensure comprehensive participation from political parties in all election-related processes, Kumar directed that regular all-party meetings and interactions be conducted by the 36 CEOs, 788 DEOs, and 4,123 EROs. These meetings are expected to address and resolve issues raised by political parties at the grassroots level, completing this initiative nationwide by March 31.

The ECI has also called for suggestions from all political parties on any electoral matters, with a submission deadline of April 30. Additionally, parties are invited to schedule meetings with the Commission in Delhi at their convenience.

National

Marriage Turns into Alleged Fraud as Woman Flees with Jewellery

Published

1 day ago

October 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chandigarh: A woman who allegedly posed as a PCS officer and married an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in Punjab reportedly fled with gold and silver jewellery and other valuables just a few months after the wedding.

AAP Joint Secretary Amarinder Singh Mandofal has alleged that he was cheated by the woman, identified as Manwinder Kaur. The two got married in February 2026 after Kaur’s family introduced her to Amarinder as a PCS officer.

According to Amarinder’s complaint, the woman was also presented as unmarried. However, he later allegedly discovered that she had been married earlier and had a son aged around 18. He also claimed that she had provided false information about her age.

The woman allegedly left the house with gold and silver jewellery and other valuable items a few months after the marriage. Amarinder said he became suspicious and later gathered information about her past.

Based on his complaint, police have registered a case against six people, including Kaur, on charges of cheating and forgery.

The FIR names her brother Tarlochan Singh, mother Varinderjit Kaur, cousin Narinder Singh Goldy, sister-in-law Rupinder Kaur, and former village sarpanch Surinder Singh Rana as co-accused.

Police said all the accused are residents of Sur Singh village under the Bhikhiwind police station limits in Tarn Taran district.

The wedding had been attended by several prominent AAP leaders and public representatives, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh.

Videos and pictures from the wedding celebrations have also gone viral on social media.

Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and the background of the accused.

National

Man Dies by Suicide after Jumping from 43rd Floor

Published

4 days ago

October 4, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: A man died by suicide after jumping from the 43rd floor of the Supernova Tower in Noida on Saturday.

The incident took place at the Supernova complex in Sector 94. A video shows the man standing near the railing before jumping. Another person tried to stop him but could not prevent the incident.

Police identified the deceased as Sambhav Jain, a resident of Manesar, Haryana. He had reportedly checked into an Airbnb in the building on Friday and was scheduled to leave on Saturday.

Police said Jain had called his father several times before the incident. His family has been informed.

The police and forensic teams inspected the spot and collected evidence. CCTV footage is also being checked as part of the investigation.

Police said Jain was reportedly under severe financial stress. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

The investigation is underway.

National

Captain Smit Machchhar Shares Ordeal with PM Modi

Published

5 days ago

October 3, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage after he helped prevent a major air disaster.

Captain Machchhar was seriously injured after his co-pilot allegedly stabbed him during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The Boeing 737 MAX reportedly lost nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the co-pilot. A second pair of pilots then took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. More than 170 passengers and crew were on board.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Captain Machchhar told PM Modi that he was badly injured and had collapsed in the cockpit. He realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and that he had to act.

“I could not let all those people die,” he told the Prime Minister.

Captain Machchhar said his 17 years of flying experience helped him understand what was happening to the aircraft. He managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers and crew came to his help.

He also said he was chanting the Hanuman Chalisa while fighting the pain and fear.

PM Modi praised the captain’s courage, patience and presence of mind. He said Captain Machchhar’s actions helped save many lives and called his effort a “monumental task.”

Captain Machchhar, who is from Gujarat, has more than 9,750 flying hours and has served as a captain for 11 years.