11 years ago
Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath to NDTV:
- Counting for four major states will be done on Sunday. Counting for Mizoram will be done on Monday
- We have made all arrangements for commencement of counting from 8 am in the morning
- Almost by lunchtime, the results will be out as to who is going to form the government
- We organized a special summary revision where our staff went to each and every house
- In Madhya Pradesh, huge number of voters could get enrolled
- Distribution of voter ID slip by commission staff was done 3-4 days before the polls
- These are the factors for high turnout of voters
- On Poll code violations:
- Model code seeks to address two major areas:
1) Party in power- state and central governments
2) Political parties, their candidates and party workers
- With regard to political parties...shows the effectiveness of our machinery to book each and every violation. It doesn't really mean that the number of complaints have increased
- Nobody wants his standing to be affected by the notice of the commission
- Seized cash and liquor was worth Rs53 cr in the last 5 elections
- People move in to the villages at night and distribute money. Cannot put an observer in every village during election
- There should be some regulation, where that limit should be the parliament should decide
- None of these limits should be unauthorized and unchecked
Modi's concluding remarks
na mujhe rukna hai, na thakna hai, sirf aapke sapnon ko poora karna hain
Aaj aapmne mujhe jeet liya hain, aane waale paanch saal mujhe aapko jeetna hai...
na mujhe rukna hai, na thakna hai, sirf aapke sapnon ko poora karna hain
Aaj aapmne mujhe jeet liya hain, aane waale paanch saal mujhe aapko jeetna hai...
Modi: By serving Gujarat, I serve India
- For a party to win back-to-back is big, but this is a hat-trick-- and some people cannot believe it. I pity them
- You have given me a mandate, I do not need a certificate from anyone else
- With your permission, I will visit Delhi for a day on the Dec 27 (people chant PM, PM...)
- By serving Gujarat, I serve India
Modi's dig at pollsters, analysts
- The party is like our mother, without the party we are nothing
- I do not want to criticise anyone, but I heard what pundits across India had to say on TV
- They have not been able to digest this victory. I don't know what will happen to them tonight
- I ask you to pray for them so that they get a good night's sleep
- If you add up Congress seats in Gujarat and Himachal, we will still be in majority; a win is a win
- Even if we had 93 seats, a BJP govt would have been formed. But political pundists wanted today to forget this simple arithmetic
Narendra Modi dedicates his victory to the people
- For me the people are a form of god, and today I want something from you. You have given me power, now I seek your blessings
- This is not Narendra Modi's victory, this is the victory of 6 crore people of Gujarat
- This is a win for all those people across the country who want India to prosper
- Is chunaav mein ek taraf lakhon logon ka paseena hain aur doosri taraf paisa hain. Maine kaha tha paseena jeet jayega aur paise harega
Modi: I wanted to win this game with Delhi, you made me win
- They said govt employees are upset, but when postal ballots were counted, the numbers were astounding
- Main khel Dilli se jeetna chata tha, aaj who kehl janata ne mujhe jita diya
- If I have faltered anywhere in all these years, I apologise
- I will not let up, I dedicate the next five years to the people
Modi on Good governance
- Urge people to pressurize parties for good governance and development:
- People will forget about what happened, they will rise from everything if they see development.
- It is the support of people which take me down the right path , make right decisions
- I have just one dream - My Gujarat!
Narendra Modi addresses supporters, BJP workers
- I thank my Gujarati brethren
- These results prove that the people of this country can differentiate between good and bad
- And when they get an opportunity to decide, then they rise to the occasion with an eye to the future
- BJP had a simple slogan - ek mat Gujarat. Political pundits could not understand what it meant, it wasn't spicy
- But people understood what we meant and they carried the 'lotus' and the slogan home
- Political pundits can discuss Modi all they want, but today's hero is the 6-crore strong electorate of Gujarat
- They used to say Good economics doesn't make good politics - In Gujarat, people have shown that good economics and good governance can be shown, they support it
- Voters in Gujarat have risen above communal and caste considerations
- They make government's accountable by re-electing political parties
- This futuristic thought can come only from a mature electorate - I congratulate the voters of Gujarat
Modi addresses party workers, supporters in Ahmedabad
I thank all those who voted for us & promise those who have not voted for us that we will work harder to get your vote next time!
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2012
It's a victory of Gujarat's model of Sarvasparshi (all pervasive), Sarvasamaveshak (inclusive) & Sarvangi (holistic) Vikas!
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2012
Gujarat has written a new chapter with a new language in the annals of Indian politics - one that rewards unity, harmony &Vikas!
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2012
I would like to thank the 6 crore people of Gujarat & the Almighty for giving us an opportunity to serve the people in the years to come.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2012
News Update
Narendra Modi arrives at the BJP office in Ahmedabad
Narendra Modi arrives at the BJP office in Ahmedabad
Narendra Modi visits rival Keshubhai Patel, feeds him sweets After striding into power for a third time, Narendra Modi decided to visit a political rival, Keshubhai Patel. The chief minister fed Mr Patel sweets, and asked after his health.
After a thumping win, Narendra Modi seeks his mother's blessings
Going to meet Shri Keshubhai Patel in Gandhinagar.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2012
Going to meet my Mother to seek her blessings on this memorable day.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2012
Congress wins Himachal Pradesh
Results 68 (half-way mark 34)
Results 68 (half-way mark 34)
- Congress: 36
- BJP: 26
- Others: 6
BJP's Arun Jaitley on the party's big Gujarat win
- All sections voted for Narendra Modi, it was a vote for his leadership and development
- Gujarat has changed since 2002; muslims are not averse to Narendra Modi
- Mr Modi has grown as a leader
- Congress ran a very strange sort of campaign, marketed by brand ambassadors and not political leader
Manish Tiwari, Information & Broadcasting Minister
- Gujarat and Himachal both were run by BJP, but now one state has been won back by the Congress
- One thing is that BJP has been brought down,
- There were 12-13 places, where Rahul Gandhi held rallies. There the Congress has won.
- Congress situation in Gujarat has undoubtedly improved.
Gujarat Results
BJP has won 99 seats and leads in 23, a gain of 5 from 2007. Congress has won 41 and leads in 15, a loss of 6 seats. Others have won 4 seats
BJP has won 99 seats and leads in 23, a gain of 5 from 2007. Congress has won 41 and leads in 15, a loss of 6 seats. Others have won 4 seats
LK Advani on Election results
Gujarat results are satisfying and I wish we did better in Himachal Pradesh
Gujarat results are satisfying and I wish we did better in Himachal Pradesh
Narendra Modi, man on top For a good part of the last decade, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has been surrounded in controversy over the post-Godhra riots in 2002. Through this photo feature, we take a look at the life of a politician who is seen by many as a future Prime Minister of India.
Union Minister Kapil Sibal
We must congratulate Narendra Modi for atleast achieving 2D results by his 3D campaign
We are very concerned that Arjun (Modhwadia) and Shakti(sinh Gohil) lost
We must congratulate Narendra Modi for atleast achieving 2D results by his 3D campaign
We are very concerned that Arjun (Modhwadia) and Shakti(sinh Gohil) lost
Nitin Gadkari on Narendra Modi's third term
- Gujarat voted for development, Modi's leadership
- Cong tried to lay communal card but failed
- Gujarat will continue to flourish under the leadership of Narendra Modi
BJP's Prakash Javadekar
- Any one goes out of the BJP, his charisma doesn't remain the same . Keshubhai was also in the BJP, look what happened.
- Modi is a leader of the party. At all-India level he has become a craze, because he epitomises good governance.
News Update
Major setback for Congress: State president Arjun Modhwadia loses to BJP's Babu Bokhiriya in Porbandar
Major setback for Congress: State president Arjun Modhwadia loses to BJP's Babu Bokhiriya in Porbandar
Pankaj Modi, Narendra Modi's brother: I am very happy that he is going to be the Chief Minister again. When Narendra bhai left home he was only 16, we never thought he will reach such heights. He shall become PM of the country. His mother's blessings are always with him.
News Update
Chief Minister Narendra Modi wins Maninagar constituency by 86,373 votes, reports PTI
Chief Minister Narendra Modi wins Maninagar constituency by 86,373 votes, reports PTI
News Update
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister PK Dhumal concedes defeat, says he will congratulate Virbhadra Singh and Congress soon.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister PK Dhumal concedes defeat, says he will congratulate Virbhadra Singh and Congress soon.
News Update
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa phones Narendra Modi, congratulates him for assembly election results.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa phones Narendra Modi, congratulates him for assembly election results.
P Chidambaram to NDTV
- We are not thinking in terms of 2014 now.
- That is a good 16 months again
- Those in the BJP who are thinking of 2014 will probably reign in their imagination
- I congratulate the PCC in Gujarat; they had their limitations but they have done their best
- We expected to win in Himachal, people of the state were ready for a change
Gujarat Results
Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly, Shaktisinh Gohil (Congress) loses from Bhavnagar Rural constituency. He was defeated by BJP's Purshottam Solanki.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister and Gujarat Parivartan Party chief Keshubhai Patel wins from Visavadar
Leader of the Opposition in the Gujarat Assembly, Shaktisinh Gohil (Congress) loses from Bhavnagar Rural constituency. He was defeated by BJP's Purshottam Solanki.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister and Gujarat Parivartan Party chief Keshubhai Patel wins from Visavadar
Salam Khurshid on election results
- We have won Himachal Pradesh
- We have lost Gujarat but it wasn't an easy win for Modi.
- It was close fight We are in the right direction, we will have go back to drawing board.
- One election doesn't make him the Prime Ministerial candidate
Narendra Modi looks set to get his hat-trick as Chief Minister of Gujarat. What is being watched keenly is whether he will be able to match his 2007 tally of 117 seats.
Gujarat Results
BJP's Amit Shah wins from Naranpura; his party's Praful Patel loses from Himatnagar
BJP's Amit Shah wins from Naranpura; his party's Praful Patel loses from Himatnagar
BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad responds to P Chidambaram
If that is the consolation prize for Chidambaram, good luck to him. Come on Mr Chidambaram, you are a senior lead of Congress party and Finance Minister of India, at least be gracious in 'decimation' of Congress since 1995 continuously in Gujarat and third continuous victory of Narenda bhai and the BJP in Gujarat inspite of not only a very strong but also vicious campaign against him.
If that is the consolation prize for Chidambaram, good luck to him. Come on Mr Chidambaram, you are a senior lead of Congress party and Finance Minister of India, at least be gracious in 'decimation' of Congress since 1995 continuously in Gujarat and third continuous victory of Narenda bhai and the BJP in Gujarat inspite of not only a very strong but also vicious campaign against him.
Congress is a winner in Gujarat, says Finance Minister Chidambaram
The Congress today said that though Narendra Modi has won the state for a third time, it has succeeded in containing him.
The BJP is poised to win 115 of the 182 seats in the state, marginally smaller than the 117 seats it won in the last election in 2007.
"The Congress is a winner in Gujarat , we have be able to contain BJP and Modi to under 117 seats," said Finance Minister P Chidambaram.
The Congress today said that though Narendra Modi has won the state for a third time, it has succeeded in containing him.
The BJP is poised to win 115 of the 182 seats in the state, marginally smaller than the 117 seats it won in the last election in 2007.
"The Congress is a winner in Gujarat , we have be able to contain BJP and Modi to under 117 seats," said Finance Minister P Chidambaram.
BJP's Balbir Punj
Mr Narendra Modi was always a very important factor (in BJP's national politics) and he will have even more say now, even if the Congress continues to demonise him.
Mr Narendra Modi was always a very important factor (in BJP's national politics) and he will have even more say now, even if the Congress continues to demonise him.
Gujarat Results
Narendra Modi wins from Maninagar; beats Shweta Bhatt of the Congress
Narendra Modi wins from Maninagar; beats Shweta Bhatt of the Congress
Breaking News
Narendra Modi set for a third term in Gujarat; Congress set to win Himachal Pradesh
Narendra Modi set for a third term in Gujarat; Congress set to win Himachal Pradesh
Celebrations at BJP office in Ahmedabad; supporters holding up posters saying, 'This is a trailer, see film in 2014'
In Gujarat, projections based on leads at 10.20 am show Narendra Modi racking up about 111 seats in Gujarat, lower than the 117 he managed in 2007 and a result that would disappoint the chief minister, whose political career and next steps have reportedly been hinged on a big win in Gujarat.
Inspite of atmospherics, there have been no communal riots in Gujarat in the last 10 years, says BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman
Abhishek Manu Singhvi to NDTV
A win for Narendra Modi will not give Modi national acceptability, but will make him unstoppable within BJP.
A win for Narendra Modi will not give Modi national acceptability, but will make him unstoppable within BJP.
State Congress chief Arjun Modhwadia is trailing his BJP rival in Porbandar, while Gordhan Zadafia, general secretary of Gujarat Parivartan Party is also behind his BJP rival in Gondal.
Himachal Pradesh : Leads 61/68
Congress: 37
BJP: 19
Congress: 37
BJP: 19
For those of you just joining us -
The BJP's early morning cheer, is fading. In Gujarat, Narendra Modi might not do as well as widely predicted and in Himachal, the Congress has caught up and got ahead after a slow start. The BJP rules both states.
The BJP's early morning cheer, is fading. In Gujarat, Narendra Modi might not do as well as widely predicted and in Himachal, the Congress has caught up and got ahead after a slow start. The BJP rules both states.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister PK Dhumal to NDTV
We are confident that we will win and create history
Whatever the people decide, we will submit to that... it is always right...
We are confident that we will win and create history
Whatever the people decide, we will submit to that... it is always right...
NDTV's Rohit Bhan reports from Ahmedabad
Narendra Modi is expected at the BJP headquarters post noon
Narendra Modi is expected at the BJP headquarters post noon
Projections based on leads at 9.20 am show Mr Modi racking up about 105 seats, lower than the 117 he managed in 2007 and a result that would disappoint the chief minister.
Himachal Pradesh Leads: 20/68
BJP: 13
Congress: 6
BJP: 13
Congress: 6
Gujarat Leads: 109/182
BJP: 69
Congress+: 35
BJP: 69
Congress+: 35
Gujarat Leads: 46/182
BJP: 32
Congress: 12
Others (GPP): 2
Narendra Modi leads in Maninagar.
BJP: 32
Congress: 12
Others (GPP): 2
Narendra Modi leads in Maninagar.
Early leads in Himachal Pradesh put BJP ahead; the party is leading in all 5 seats for which leads are in...
Congress ahead of the BJP in Northern Gujarat - Early leads (7 seats) show Congress leading in 4 seats and BJP in 3. All 4 seats are gains for the Congress...
Himachal Pradesh: Leads 3/68
BJP: 2
Congress+ 1
BJP: 2
Congress+ 1
Gujarat Leads 10/182
BJP: 7 Congress+ 3
BJP: 7 Congress+ 3
News Update
Counting begins, first leads in
BJP leads in Mangrol in Saurashtra
Counting begins, first leads in
BJP leads in Mangrol in Saurashtra
"No need of looking behind, FORWARD! We want infinite energy, infinite courage, infinite patience..." bit.ly/xYiTiB #vivekananda150
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 20, 2012
Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh election results expected by 2 pm: Poll panel chief Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath noted the record voter turnout in both states and said "this time we took a conscious decision that except in very rare cases, we should get a complaint from aggrieved party...In that too, we heard the party, got the tape...because it is not our intention to curb legitimate election campaigning."
News Update
Counting of postal ballots begins in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh
Counting of postal ballots begins in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh
BJP's Anurag Thakur predicts comfortable wins for his party
- The kind of work we have done in the last 5 years it has benefitted every section of society
- I am expecting good results; confident that we will create history
- People are more aware now, they know if they elect a good government, they will be governed better.
- Why get into the numbers, we have waited for 45 days, let us wait for 4 hours
- I think we will get a very comfortable majority
- Gujarat govt is there for past 15 years, they have done well
- Everyone is talking about Gujarat
- When you talk about 140 seats, I don't think that is going to happen
NDTV's Rohit Bhan reports from Ahmedabad
The Gujarat Chief Minister is at home. Narendra Modi is sticking to his morning routine - early morning yoga session, followed by reading newspapers and checking websites & mail.
Modi was reportedly surfing http://www.ndtv.com/
The Gujarat Chief Minister is at home. Narendra Modi is sticking to his morning routine - early morning yoga session, followed by reading newspapers and checking websites & mail.
Modi was reportedly surfing http://www.ndtv.com/
Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath to NDTV
- We have had record turnout in both Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh
- This time we took a conscious decision that except in very rare cases we should get a complaint from aggrieved party
- In that too we heard the party, got the tape... because it is not our intention to curb legitimate election campaigning
- First thirty minutes are for counting of postal ballots, only then counting of EVMs will be taken up
- You could expect most of the results between 12 and 2 pm.
BJP leader Dinesh Dasa to NDTV: A higher voter turnout will benefit Narendra Modi and the BJP
Congress tries to take back Himachal Pradesh; BJP eyes a 2-0Himachal Pradesh will get a new Assembly today; votes for its 68 seats will be counted. The November 4 elections in this hill state were seen as a close contest between the Congress, led by Virbhadra Singh, a man eager to resurrect his political career and the BJP, which is fighting hard to retain control. A party needs 35 seats to form government in Himachal Pradesh.
Gujarat election results today, will Narendra Modi do a hat-trick?Narendra Modi's political future is expected to be decided today, when votes will be counted for the 182 constituencies that saw a record 70 per cent voting in the two-phase Gujarat elections. A party needs 92 seats to form government in Gujarat.
Meanwhile, another exit poll says that BJP is likely to get 140 as against the 117 seats it had won in the 2007 Assembly polls in Gujarat as the party is expected to get 46 per cent of the total vote share. The poll projected Congress to get 40 seats, 19 short of the 59 it won in 2007.
Exit polls universally forecast a sweeping, third term win for Chief Minister Narendra Modi
Gujarat Elections: Around 70 per cent voting in second phase Around 70 per cent voting was recorded in second phase of voting in Gujarat today, Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath told reporters in New Delhi.
69 per cent turnout in second phase, Narendra Modi eyes hat-trick
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, in saffron kurta and surrounded by hundreds of cheering supporters, said this morning that that the final phase of polling could see voter turnout "even bigger" than the record turnout of 70.75 per cent in the first phase of the Gujarat elections four days ago. It wasn't higher at 69 per cent, but enough to set an overall record for the state.
Conventional wisdom has it that people turn out to vote in greater numbers when they want a change. The ruling BJP believes a high voter turnout will mean a hat-trick for Narendra Modi, the man who had emphatically won the last two elections in 2002 and 2007.
Mr Modi, after voting in Ahmedabad this morning said, "I am thankful to all the voters. In these elections, people of Gujarat will make hat-trick by making the BJP win again. I am committed to 6 crore people of Gujarat and I live for them. What I am doing is for Gujarat and this is also service to the nation. Gujarat is also part of India."
Apart from Narendra Modi, who is contesting from Maninagar, which has already handed him whopping wins twice, big names like controversial BJP candidate Amit Shah, Jaynarayan Vyas, Anandiben Patel and Nitin Patel were in the fray today.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, in saffron kurta and surrounded by hundreds of cheering supporters, said this morning that that the final phase of polling could see voter turnout "even bigger" than the record turnout of 70.75 per cent in the first phase of the Gujarat elections four days ago. It wasn't higher at 69 per cent, but enough to set an overall record for the state.
Conventional wisdom has it that people turn out to vote in greater numbers when they want a change. The ruling BJP believes a high voter turnout will mean a hat-trick for Narendra Modi, the man who had emphatically won the last two elections in 2002 and 2007.
Mr Modi, after voting in Ahmedabad this morning said, "I am thankful to all the voters. In these elections, people of Gujarat will make hat-trick by making the BJP win again. I am committed to 6 crore people of Gujarat and I live for them. What I am doing is for Gujarat and this is also service to the nation. Gujarat is also part of India."
Apart from Narendra Modi, who is contesting from Maninagar, which has already handed him whopping wins twice, big names like controversial BJP candidate Amit Shah, Jaynarayan Vyas, Anandiben Patel and Nitin Patel were in the fray today.
News Update
About 69% voting recorded in the second phase
About 69% voting recorded in the second phase
Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley casting his vote in Ahmedabad.
Congress complains about Modi's remark on Sonia Gandhi's mental balanceThe Congress has filed a complaint with the Election Commission, objecting to a remark made against its president, Sonia Gandhi, by BJP leader Narendra Modi, who is looking for a third term as chief minister of Gujarat.
An average 21 per cent voting was recorded in the first three hours of Phase 2
"Around 20-21 per cent voting has been recorded across 95 Assembly constituencies till 11 AM, where brisk polling is underway in second phase," a state Election Commission
official told PTI
"Around 20-21 per cent voting has been recorded across 95 Assembly constituencies till 11 AM, where brisk polling is underway in second phase," a state Election Commission
official told PTI
Gujarat votes in second phase, Narendra Modi eyes hat-trickThe second and final round of polling has begun in Gujarat. The polling began in 95 constituencies in North and Central Gujarat and Kutch amid tight security.
Former Gujarat chief Minister and Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela casts his vote in Gandhinagar.
21 percent voting has been registered in Gujarat till 11am
Cast my vote in Ahmedabad.Looking at overwhelming support of people of Guj, am confident we are heading for a hat-trick nm4.in/12jhYP8
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 17, 2012
About 6.7 percent voting has been registered in the fist hour of the phase 2 of Gujarat elections
Speaking to the media after casting his vote, Narendra Modi said the elections were fought on the planks of development and growth. "The youth of this state has shouldered the burden of these elections. The people of Gujarat will ensure the BJP wins again, the crowds and its mood is an indication," he said.
A shot of the crowds at the Nishan school in Ranip area which falls in the Sabarmati constituency. Narendra Modi cast his vote here.
Narendra Modi has cast his vote and stepped out of the polling station, flanked by hundreds of his supporters. Dressed in a saffron kurta, Mr Modi's car is not able to move because of the large media contingent and crowds.
Narendra Modi, has arrived to cast his vote at Ranip polling station in Ahmedabad. Hundreds of supporters were seen waiting at the polling station since early morning.
Shweta Bhatt, the Congress candidate contesting against Narendra Modi from Maninagar is seen here with her husband former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt casting her vote.
Jagruti Pandya, the widow of the slain BJP leader Haren Pandya also stepped out this morning to cast her vote. She is contesting the elections on a ticket from the Gujarat Parivartan Party which is founded by former chief minister of Gujarat Keshubhai Patel.
Jagruti Pandya, the widow of the slain BJP leader Haren Pandya also stepped out this morning to cast her vote. She is contesting the elections on a ticket from the Gujarat Parivartan Party which is founded by former chief minister of Gujarat Keshubhai Patel.
Former minister Amit Shah, a close aide of Narendra Modi and an accused in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case is seen here casting his vote. He is contesting from the Naranpura constituency in Ahmedabad.
Polling has begun in the phase two of Gujarat elections. After the impressive 70.75 per cent voting for the 87 seats in the first phase on December 13, today's polling has attained much more significance.
Moditva: Lessons for India?We The People analyses if the Gujarat elections will give Narendra Modi a bigger political stage in Delhi and whether the political space for Gujarati Muslims is shrinking.
Gujarat elections phase 2: the big players95 seats will go to polls today, the second and last phase of Gujarat Assembly elections in which 1.98 crore voters will decide the fate of 820 candidates.
Gujarat elections: Voting for second phase today95 seats will go to polls today in the 2nd and last phase of the Assembly elections in which 1.98 cr voters will decide the fate of 820 candidates including Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking his third term.
Gujarat polls: The tribal factorGujarat, the most urbanised state in India, also has one of the highest tribal populations. As the state gears up for the 2nd phase of polls, the BJP is fighting hard to regain its hold on the seats in the eastern region which is predominantly tribal. This time, though, the challenge is tougher as it faces a more confident Congress.
Election officials with Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) at a distribution centre before moving to their respective polling stations ahead of the second phase of polling in Gujarat on Monday.
Rahul Gandhi slams Narendra Modi for 'politics of anger'; says turn to 'love'In a veiled attack on the Gujarat Chief Minister, Mr Gandhi accused him of practising "politics of anger", saying it was time people switch to the power of "love", preached by the Mahatma, to ensure the state's progress.
Truth vs Hype: Narendra Modi - The grand illusion?There may be general consensus that the Assembly poll in Gujarat is a no-contest, but the jury is still out on whether to credit Mr Modi's performance as Chief Minister, or credit his massive propaganda machine, which his critics say has vastly inflated his rather limited successes and tried to sanitize the taint of the riots.
Will address 7 public meetings today. Looking forward to connecting with people across 53 places of Gujarat through 3D nm4.in/TbqnNW
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 14, 2012
Rahul Gandhi, my father wasn't PM; still people love me: ModiNarendra Modi's election speech in Palanpur today had many taunts for Rahul Gandhi. "Rahul baba, if you come for a rally then do your homework," he said.
53 per cent voting till 3 pm: High turnout expected in Somnath, where 50 per cent of the electorate had voted by 1 pm. Navsari polled 48.20 per cent till 1 pm, Jalalpore 45.95 per cent and Manavadar 47 per cent.
Keshubhai Patel gets notice for violating poll code: Gujarat Parivartan Party chief Keshubhai Patel was issued a notice by the Election Commission for going to cast his vote in Rajkot with a pilot car trailing him. Mr Patel arrived in Rajkot by helicopter from Visavadar and drove straight to the Saraswati Shishu Mandir polling booth. The commission ticked him off for taking a pilot car along.
Modi's Sir Creek comments could go before poll panel: Salman Khurshid
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said Narendra Modi's remarks on the Sir Creek issue in the midst of the Gujarat electioins could be taken up with the Election Commission. "If you can't raise (the cap on subsidised) gas cylinders from six to nine, can you raise such an issue of international relations? It should be taken up with the Election Commission," said Khurshid.
External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid said Narendra Modi's remarks on the Sir Creek issue in the midst of the Gujarat electioins could be taken up with the Election Commission. "If you can't raise (the cap on subsidised) gas cylinders from six to nine, can you raise such an issue of international relations? It should be taken up with the Election Commission," said Khurshid.
Modi says PM's office hiding facts on Sir Creek
- In the Pakistani delegation coming to India on December 15 are leaders from Sindh. They will be here for final talks on Sir Creek.
- The Prime Minister's Office is hiding this. It's an attempt to betray Gujarat.
- I didn't want to make this a political issue before the Gujarat elections. I was forced to as the meeting is on 15th.
Manmohan Singh fooling people on Sir Creek, alleges Modi
- I raised the Sir Creek issue with PM in the chief ministers' meeting. He gave no answers.
- When Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari came to the Ajmer dargah in April, he raised the Sir Creek issue during lunch with the PM.
- Sir Creek was discussed again during the Aman Ki Asha meeting.
Govt on a sly deal with Pakistan on Sir Creek, alleges Modi
- The government is keeping people in the dark.
- The government was doing a deal on the sly with Pakistan, which would have put Gujarat in danger. I wrote to the PM.
- Sir Creek protects India from Pakistan. If Pakistan gets Sir Creek, India and Gujarat will be in danger.
- 100 years ago, Kutch principality had an understanding with Sindh that only 10 per cent of the area would go to Sindh and 90 per cent to Kutch. Now like Kashmir, Pakistan is asking for Kutch.
- I wrote to PM saying I was busy with the elections but had been forced to write this letter. In his reply, the PM gave no answers.
- Why is the PM not acting in national interest? Can the PM assure us not an inch will be given to Pakistan?
Narendra Modi: "Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi said lakhs are jobless in Gujarat. The Centre's own report says unemployment is the minimum in Gujarat."
Modi says Rahul Gandhi doesn't know geography or history. "In Palanpur today, Rahul said Modi supplies water contaminated with fluoride. During the Congress rule, the youth used to look like old men. We built damns and lakes because of which the water levels increased. Rahul baba, if you come for a rally, then do your homework," he said.
Narendra Modi targets Rahul Gandhi: "The Congress cannot stand any leader beyond the Gandhis. The Congress is upset that the people of Gujarat take the name of Narendra Modi. Rahul Gandhi, my father was not the PM. He was not even a sarpanch. Still people love me."
Narendra Modi on voter turnout: "I'm told it's a record voter turnout. This shows the BJP isn't fighting this election, but you are fighting it."
Sonia Gandhi campaigned only for rich candidates, says Modi
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi campaigned at Sidhpur and launched a fresh attack on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul.
On Sonia: "I was surprised that the Congress had arranged her campaigning only in the constituencies of rich candidates. Sonia Gandhi didn't campaign for poor candidates."
On Rahul Gandhi: "Today, Rahul baba is in Palanpur (near Sidhpur). Rahul baba, when you are on the helicopter, do see this large crowd."
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi campaigned at Sidhpur and launched a fresh attack on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul.
On Sonia: "I was surprised that the Congress had arranged her campaigning only in the constituencies of rich candidates. Sonia Gandhi didn't campaign for poor candidates."
On Rahul Gandhi: "Today, Rahul baba is in Palanpur (near Sidhpur). Rahul baba, when you are on the helicopter, do see this large crowd."
Gujarat Congress chief Arjun Modhwadia predicts a BJP rout in the elections. He says the Congres's way of working is popular among the people and the party will form the next government in the state.
Do you have a message for Chief Minister Narendra Modi? What is the one thing you would want him to do differently in Gujarat? To share your views, click here.
After the morning lull, polling picks up. Around 38 per cent votes cast till 1 pm. An hour ago, it was just 20 per cent.
Slow polling in most seats. Additional Election Officer (Gujarat) Ashok Manek says around 20 per cent votes cast till noon - marginally up from 18 per cent recorded till 11 am.
I look up to Gandhiji for direction, says Rahul GandhiCongress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi tells an election rally in Palanpur that he sticks to Mahatma Gandhi's thumb rule in politics - of listening to every voice and being accountable towards every individual. Mr Gandhi was campaigning for the second phase of voting on December 17.
Congress leader Ahmed Patel says people are fed up with the Narendra Modi government and will bring the Congress to power this time; dismisses cricketer Irfan Pathan's campaign with Mr Modi as the BJP's electoral tactic.
Modi brings change to hometown, which says it wants him in DelhiIn the Gujarat Chief Minister's hometown of Vadnagar, the choice between Narendra Modi and Rahul Gandhi is a foregone conclusion. (Read: Who is Narendra Modi?)
Voting picks pace. Around 18 per cent votes cast till 11 am.
Heavy rush of voters in Sanand town, where the Tata's Nano plant is located
Voters queue up at a polling station in Rajkot
Narendra Modi 2012: Different situation, different strategy2012 will, in a way, establish what connects Narendra Modi to six crore Gujaratis. If he wins again, it clearly establishes that even without a polarised vote, he can win on a campaign revolving around development and the Modi vs Delhi sultanate theme.
BJP will get thumping majority, says Vajubhai ValaGujarat Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala says the BJP will ride on Narendra Modi's development work and win at least 150 seats.
A vote is the foundation of a strong and vibrant democracy. I urge you all to exercise your franchise.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 13, 2012
Will get majority and decimate BJP: Keshubhai PatelKeshubhai Patel casts his vote in Rajkot, says his Gujarat Parivartan Party will get majority and put the BJP on the mat.
Six per cent votes cast in the first hour of polling.
Congress leader Manish Tewari attacks Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks against the Prime Minister over Sir Creek. "Narendra Modi has a shoot and scoot approach. He is digressing from the problems of Gujarat," he said. On cricketer Irfan Pathan attending Modi's election rally on Wednesday, he said: "In a democracy, people have the right to do as they wish."
Gujarat elections: Heavyweights in first phase of voting
Among the top leaders in the fray today are Gujarat Parivartan Party chief and Narendra Modi's rival Keshubhai Patel, Assembly Speaker Ganpat Vasava, Gujarat BJP president RC Faldu, state Congress president Arjun Modhwadia and Leader of the Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil. (See photos)
Among the top leaders in the fray today are Gujarat Parivartan Party chief and Narendra Modi's rival Keshubhai Patel, Assembly Speaker Ganpat Vasava, Gujarat BJP president RC Faldu, state Congress president Arjun Modhwadia and Leader of the Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil. (See photos)
Gujarat Forest Minister Mangubhai Patel had to wait for almost 45 minutes to cast his vote as electronic voting machines malfunctioned in Navsari.
Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Narendra Modi to campaign in North Gujarat today.
Gujarat polls: Voting in first phase begins, all eyes on crucial Saurashtra regionAlmost half of Gujarat would exercise their franchise on Thursday for 87 seats in the first phase of the 182-member Gujarat Assembly elections where 1.81 crore voters will decide the fate of 846 candidates.
