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In response to requests from multiple political parties, the <keyword id="19895782" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="election-commission" source="keywords">Election Commission</keyword> (EC) has decided to postpone upcoming by-elections in <keyword id="19894922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh" source="keywords">Uttar Pradesh</keyword>, Kerala, and Punjab. Originally scheduled for November 13, the polls will now take place on November 20. This rescheduling aims to accommodate local festivities and boost voter turnout. The EC’s decision follows appeals from parties like the <keyword id="19895371" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="congress" source="keywords">Congress</keyword> (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and <keyword id="19984283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rashtriya-lok-dal" source="keywords">Rashtriya Lok Dal</keyword> (RLD), which expressed concerns over potential low turnout due to regional celebrations during the original polling date. The Congress highlighted that in Kerala's 56-Palakkad Assembly Constituency, many residents will participate in the Kalpathi Ratholsavam festival, a major event set to run from November 13 to 15. Similarly, representatives from the BJP, BSP, and RLD raised concerns in Uttar Pradesh, where people begin travelling several days in advance for <keyword id="22124352" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kartik-purnima" source="keywords">Kartik Purnima</keyword>, an important festival observed in the state. In Punjab, the Congress pointed out that celebrations for the 555th Prakash Parv of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji are scheduled for November 15, with religious observances starting on November 13. These festivals are expected to draw significant portions of the electorate, particularly in rural areas. The EC has previously demonstrated flexibility to prioritise voter participation by adjusting poll dates to avoid clashes with religious or cultural events. In recent years, polling dates were modified for various elections, including the <keyword id="23790298" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="punjab-state-elections" source="keywords">Punjab State Elections</keyword> 2022 during the Shri Guru Ravidas Jayanti, and the <keyword id="23790297" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh-assembly-elections" source="keywords">Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections</keyword> 2012 for <keyword id="23790296" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="barawafat" source="keywords">Barawafat</keyword>. Similar changes were made in Manipur, Mizoram, and Rajasthan to respect community schedules and increase voter convenience. With this adjustment, one assembly constituency in Kerala, four in Punjab, and nine in Uttar Pradesh will now hold their by-polls on November 20, while the dates for vote counting and final poll completion remain set for November 23 and 25, respectively. (With inputs from agencies)

By-polls in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Punjab rescheduled due to clash with religious festivals — check new dates here

Senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister <keyword id="6355042" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Devendra-Fadnavis" source="Orion">Devendra Fadnavis</keyword> will take decisions on <keyword id="549985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="seat-sharing" source="Orion">seat-sharing</keyword> and <keyword id="22753690" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="negotiations-with-allies" source="Orion">negotiations with allies</keyword> for the upcoming assembly polls in the state, a party leader has said. The move aims to prevent undesired delays by streamlining preparations for the assembly elections due in a few months, BJP's Mumbai unit chief <keyword id="6367689" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ashish-Shelar" source="Orion">Ashish Shelar</keyword> told reporters on Sunday. "The core committee (of the state unit) has met in Mumbai to delegate all decision-making powers concerning seat-sharing and the selection of assembly constituencies to Fadnavis," he said. Party observer and Union minister Bhupender Yadav, BJP national secretary Vinod Tawde, Union minister and Mumbai North MP Piyush Goyal also attended the meeting. Of the 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra, the BJP won 104 in 2019. Shelar confirmed finalisation of the "formula for winning, besides the planning and seat-sharing arrangements with the allies". "Fadnavis has been granted full authority in this regard," he said. The BJP-led Mahayuti, also comprising Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and the NCP headed by Ajit Pawar, won only 17 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state in the recent parliamentary polls. The BJP's tally came down to 9 from 23 five years ago. The Maha Vikas Aghadi, consisting of the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP), bagged 30 seats. Shelar said, "We have decided to save time by streamlining the planning, discussions, and decision-making processes with all the NDA constituents to finalise the candidates. Once this is done, we can begin preparations for the assembly polls. The list of candidates will be released at the appropriate time." After the BJP's Lok Sabha tally came down to 9 in Maharashtra, Fadnavis had offered to quit the deputy CM's post to enable him to focus on party work ahead of assembly elections. Later, after a party meeting where state BJP legislators passed a resolution reposing faith in him, Fadnavis said he would continue to work.

Maharashtra polls: Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis to decide on seat-sharing, negotiations with allies

New Delhi [India], June 4 (ANI): The mammoth exercise to count votes polled for the Lok Sabha seats in the 2024 elections will begin at 8 am on Tuesday, with trends and results following shortly thereafter. Results of the <keyword id="6372146" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Assembly-elections" source="Orion">Assembly elections</keyword> in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh were held simultaneously with voting for the 543-member Lok Sabha. Results of 175 Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and 147 Assembly constituencies in Odisha and results of bypolls in 25 Assembly constituencies will also be declared today. Here're the LIVE results: <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Infographic"><cdata><![CDATA[]]></cdata></div> Strict security has been put in place for the smooth conduct of counting of votes for over 8,000 candidates in this general elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will seek a third consecutive term in government, while the Congress-led opposition aims to unseat them. Most <keyword id="43771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="exit-polls" source="Orion">exit polls</keyword> have predicted a return of PM Modi to power, a development which will make him the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to secure a third successive term in power, Meanwhile, a delegation of Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc leaders met with the Election Commission of India urging it to ensure that postal ballots are counted and their results declared before the outcome of the EVMs is announced. Earlier, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had said that a "very robust system" has been put in place. "There are around 10.5 lakh booths. Each booth will have 14 tables. There are observers and micro-observers. Nearly, 70-80 lakh people are involved in the process," he said. The national capital is all set to witness the battle. With tight security arrangements in place, Delhi is well-prepared to watch the results of the 2024 <keyword id="19923279" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha-Elections" source="keywords">Lok Sabha elections</keyword>. Around 70 companies of the security forces will be deployed at all seven counting centres across the national capital as part of the elaborate security arrangements made by the Delhi Police for today. Delhi traffic police issued a fresh advisory ahead of the counting of votes scheduled for Tuesday, listing key roads where traffic restrictions and diversions will start from 5 am onwards to ensure smooth vehicular movement. Prime Minister Modi's hometown, Gujarat, is also preparing for the vote-counting day as security forces rehearse and perform drills for the effortless conduct of D-day. Exit polls have predicted the return of the BJP to power. Various exit polls have given the BJP more than 64 seats in Uttar Pradesh. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is poised for a hat-trick win in Lok Sabha polls with a massive majority. Exit polls were predicted on Saturday and indicated that the ruling party at the Centre would improve its performance in several states ruled by other parties. A few exit polls predicted that the BJP-led NDA could reach the goal of "400 paar" stated by BJP leaders in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. The exit polls predicted that the ruling BJP-led NDA is poised to improve its performance over its 2019 record when it won 352 seats. Two polls predicted the BJP would also improve its numbers from the 303 seats it won in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In the 2019 elections, NDA wrested 353 seats, of which the BJP won 303 alone. The Opposition's UPA got only 93 seats of which the Congress got 52. The Lok Sabha elections were conducted in seven phases- on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting trends and results, as per data entered by RO/ARO for AC/PC will be available on the ECI website as well as on the Voter Helpline App, both iOS and Android Mobile Apps, according to the ECI. The Voter Helpline App can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple Play Store. Users can use the available filter to find out the winning/leading or trailing candidate details, along with the constituency-wise or State-wise results from the Voter Helpline App. The local display of the trends and results by the CEOs/ROs/DEOs may also be done through the Digital Display Panels, it said.

Lok Sabha elections 2024 results: Mammoth vote-counting exercise set to begin at 8 am, amid high security

The <keyword id="23052276" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jammu-and-Kashmir-Assembly" source="keywords">Jammu and Kashmir Assembly</keyword> turned into a stormy scene on Wednesday as '<keyword id="19971030" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="jai-shri-ram" source="keywords">Jai Shri Ram</keyword>' chants reverberated through the halls, sparking intense clashes over a resolution seeking dialogue with the Centre to restore the special status of the erstwhile state. The resolution was moved to initiate discussions between the central government and elected representatives in Jammu and <keyword id="19896255" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kashmir" source="keywords">Kashmir</keyword>, a proposal that drew a furious response from <keyword id="20450486" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP-members" source="keywords">BJP members</keyword> who accused the Speaker of bias and lambasted the ruling National Conference (NC) government. In a session marked by vociferous protests and uproarious disruptions, <keyword id="19894848" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bjp" source="keywords">BJP</keyword> members stormed the well of the House, tearing up copies of the resolution. As chants of "Jai Shri Ram," "August 5 Zindabad," "Vande Mataram," and "Anti-national Agenda Nahi Chalega" filled the air, the session became unmanageable. Shouts of "Anti-Jammu Agenda Nahi Chalega," "Pakistani Agenda Nahin Chalega," and "Speaker Hai Hai" underscored the BJP's strong objections, as the Speaker struggled to keep order. The opposition's objections led to multiple pauses in the proceedings, ultimately resulting in the Speaker adjourning the House for the day, leaving the resolution’s future in question. The conflict grew sharper with statements from BJP leaders who claimed the Speaker had acted with partiality. <keyword id="21045920" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sunil-Sharma" source="keywords">Sunil Sharma</keyword>, Leader of the Opposition, asserted, "We have reports that you (Speaker) called a meeting of ministers yesterday and drafted the resolution yourself." Another BJP MLA, Sham Lal Sharma, went further, claiming the resolution had been prepared "in collusion with the Speaker in a guest house." "The mandate (of the Assembly polls) was in favor of abrogation of Article 370 because we (BJP) got 26 percent votes against NC's 23 percent," Sham Lal Sharma argued, framing the election results as support for the Centre’s 2019 decision to revoke Article 370. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary defended the resolution, emphasizing the need to restore special status. In presenting the resolution, Choudhary declared, "This Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal." The resolution also called for the Government of India to initiate a dialogue with the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir for the restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees and to devise constitutional mechanisms to achieve these ends. "This Assembly emphasises that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," the document added. As the fallout continues, the resolution has stirred deep-seated <keyword id="21391765" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="political-tensions" source="keywords">political tensions</keyword>, exposing rifts within the Assembly and drawing the spotlight back on the long-running debate over Article 370. With the adjournment, the next steps in the contentious issue remain uncertain, though it is clear that passions on both sides are far from subsiding. (With inputs from agencies)

BJP members chant “Jai Shri Ram”, tear documents in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over special status resolution

<keyword id="19895371" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Congress" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Congress" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Congress">Congress</keyword> candidate and Olympic wrestler <keyword id="19895499" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vinesh-Phogat" source="keywords">Vinesh Phogat</keyword> has emerged victorious in the fiercely contested <keyword id="23069853" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Julana" source="keywords">Julana</keyword> Assembly seat in <keyword id="19904807" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Haryana" source="keywords">Haryana</keyword>’s <keyword id="19958795" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jind-district" source="keywords">Jind district</keyword>. According to the Election Commission, Phogat secured her maiden political win over <keyword id="19894848" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="BJP" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="BJP" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="BJP">BJP</keyword> rival Yogesh Kumar by a margin of around 6,000 votes. Early trends indicated Phogat’s lead over Kumar, which progressively widened as the day progressed, culminating in a decisive victory after 15 rounds of vote counting. Polling for the assembly elections in Haryana took place on October 5, with vote counting commencing at 8 AM today. Phogat totaled 65,080 votes, capturing the attention of both supporters and political analysts who lauded her successful transition from a celebrated wrestler to a formidable political figure. Notably, Phogat’s win brings the Julana seat back into Congress’s hands after 19 years. Bajrang Punia, a fellow wrestler and Congress leader who joined the party alongside Phogat, took to social media to express his support and pride. On platform X, he wrote, “Many congratulations to the country's daughter Vinesh Phogat for her victory. This fight was not just for one Julana seat, it was not just with 3-4 other candidates, it was not just a fight between parties. This fight was against the strongest oppressive forces in the country. And Vinesh emerged victorious.” As Congress celebrated Phogat’s success, the party raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in the Election Commission’s real-time data display. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera stated, “There is a mismatch in the actual number of rounds counted and the number of rounds being shown on the television through the Election Commission data. The EC data is lagging behind; they are still showing fourth or fifth-round data while 11 rounds have been counted. Our General Secretary Communications has tweeted to the Election Commission asking – are [they] trying to put pressure on the local administration by delaying the display and uploading of data. In J&amp;K you are getting live data with every round counted but in Haryana, it is not so.” Congress leader Jairam Ramesh echoed these concerns, questioning the accuracy of the election data displayed. He remarked, “Like the Lok Sabha elections, in Haryana, we are again witnessing a slowing down of uploading up-to-date trends on the ECI website. Is the BJP trying to build pressure on the administration by sharing outdated and misleading trends?” Vinesh Phogat’s win in Julana marks a significant political debut, as she navigates a new arena beyond the wrestling mat. The victory represents not only a win for Congress in Haryana but also an influential addition to the party’s roster as it seeks to counter BJP’s influence in the state. As the results solidify, Phogat’s supporters are celebrating the historic nature of her triumph and its broader implications for Haryana’s political landscape. This story underscores the shifting dynamics within Haryana’s political scene, with Phogat’s victory exemplifying Congress’s strategic push to appeal to voters through candidates who resonate on a personal level with constituents. The state now waits to see how Phogat will leverage her influence both within her party and her constituency in the coming years. (With inputs from agencies)

From disqualified in Olympics to gold in Haryana: Vinesh Phogat wins big in Julana, ending BJP's 19-year streak

Amaravati, Sons of at least six former Chief Ministers of <keyword id="19896313" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="andhra-pradesh" source="keywords">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> will be in the fray for May 13 simultaneous polls to the Andhra Pradesh <keyword id="19906943" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="assembly" source="keywords">Assembly</keyword> and Lok Sabha while daughters of two former Chief Ministers are also likely to join the race. Leading the list of high-profile candidates is the Chief Minister and <keyword id="20270569" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ysr" source="keywords">YSR</keyword> <keyword id="19895371" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="congress" source="keywords">Congress</keyword> Party (YSRCP) President Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The son of the former Chief Minister of erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh late Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy will be seeking re-election from the Pulivendula constituency in YSR family's home district Kadapa. Pulivendula has been considered a pocket borough of the YSR family since 1978. Jagan Mohan Reddy will be seeking re-election from here for a third consecutive term. His sister and state Congress Chief Y. S. Sharmila is likely to enter the fray from the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency to challenge the sitting MP and cousin Y. S. Avinash Reddy. Kadapa has also been the stronghold of the YSR family since 1989. Children of another former Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder N. T. Rama Rao will also be testing their political fortunes. Interestingly, like YSR, the children of <keyword id="20237138" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ntr" source="keywords">NTR</keyword> will also be contesting on tickets of different parties. NTR's son and popular actor N. Balakrishna will be looking for a hat-trick as MLA from the Hindupur constituency. NTR himself was elected from Hindupur in 1985, 1989 and 1994. His elder son N. Harikrishna was also elected from here in the by-poll held in 1996 following the death of the thespian. NTR's daughter D. <keyword id="21049483" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="purandeswari" source="keywords">Purandeswari</keyword>, who is president of the state BJP, is also likely to contest for Parliament. A former union minister, Purandeswari had quit Congress to join the BJP in 2014 after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. TDP and BJP are contesting the polls in alliance with the Jana Sena Party of popular actor <keyword id="20009920" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pawan-kalyan" source="keywords">Pawan Kalyan</keyword>. Former Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu's son <keyword id="19925616" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nara-lokesh" source="keywords">Nara Lokesh</keyword> will again test his political fortunes from the Mangalagiri Assembly seat. He had unsuccessfully contested the same seat in 2019. Another former Chief Minister <keyword id="21049485" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nadendla-bhaskar" source="keywords">Nadendla Bhaskar</keyword> Rao's son <keyword id="21049484" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nadendla-manohar" source="keywords">Nadendla Manohar</keyword> is contesting for Assembly from Tenali on a Jana Sena ticket. Chairman of Jana Sena's Political Affairs Committee, Manohar was elected to the Assembly of the united Andhra Pradesh from Tenail in 2004 and 2009 on the Congress ticket. He had served as the last Speaker of the united Andhra Pradesh Assembly. Earlier, Bhaskar Rao was elected from Tenali on Congress ticket in 1989. Former Chief Minister Kotla Vijayabhaskar Reddy's son Kotla Jayasurya Prakash Reddy will be contesting for Assembly from Dhone constituency. He will take on Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath Reddy of YSRCP. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy was elected from Dhone on Congress ticket in 1994. Jayasurya Prakash Reddy's wife K. Sujatha Reddy was also elected from the constituency on the Congress ticket in 2004. Former Chief Minister N. Janardhan Reddy's son N. Ramkumar Reddy will be testing his political fortunes from Venkatagiri Assembly constituency on YSRCP ticket. He is making his electoral debut. Janardhan Reddy contested on the Congress ticket from Venkatagiri in 1989. His wife N. Rajyalakshmi had also been elected twice from here in 1999 and 2004.

Next-gen enters poll arena: Sons of 6 ex-CMs in fray in Andhra

Amaravati (<keyword id="20058008" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="andhra" source="keywords">Andhra</keyword> Pradesh) [India], March 12 (ANI): In the run-up to the elections for the state assembly and Lok Sabha, the Telugu Desam Party (<keyword id="19910623" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tdp" source="keywords">TDP</keyword>), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Jana Sena Party (JSP) sealed a seat-sharing pact in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. TDP chief and former Andhra Chief Minister <keyword id="20138505" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="n-chandrababu-naidu" source="keywords">N Chandrababu Naidu</keyword> announced that his party has 'forged a formidable seat-sharing formula' among its alliance partners. "In Amaravati today, the BJP, TDP and JSP forged a formidable seat-sharing formula. With this significant step, the people of Andhra Pradesh now stand on the threshold of reclaiming our state and paving the way for a brighter future. I humbly call upon my people of Andhra Pradesh to shower their blessings upon this alliance, and grant us a historic mandate to serve them," Naidu said in a post on X. "Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword>, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and the Jana Sena Party (JSP) have decided to contest the ensuing Lok Sabha and <keyword id="20088504" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vidhan-sabha" source="keywords">Vidhan Sabha</keyword> elections in Andhra Pradesh together," a joint statement of the parties said. According to the statement, the BJP will contest from six seats, the TDP from 17 seats, and the JSP from two seats for the parliamentary elections. According to the statement, the BJP will contest from six seats, the TDP from 17 seats and the JSP from two seats for the parliamentary elections. In the assembly elections, the BJP will contest from 10 seats, the TDP from 144 seats and the JSP from 21 seats, as per the statement. The seat-sharing was finalised at a meeting held at Amaravati today following the meeting between the three parties in Delhi, where an alliance was formalised. Union Minister <keyword id="20923739" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gajendra-singh-shekawat" source="keywords">Gajendra Singh Shekawat</keyword>, BJP National Vice President Baijayant Panda, TDP National President N Chandrababu Naidu and JSP President <keyword id="20009920" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pawan-kalyan" source="keywords">Pawan Kalyan</keyword> participated in the meeting, the statement said. The statement further said that the names of the seats will be announced subsequently by the respective parties. The TDP, which was part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance until 2018, expressed interest in reviving the alliance after suffering a crushing defeat in the 2019 elections. The state has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats. Elections for Lok Sabha polls are expected to be held in April-May. (ANI)

Pawan Kalyan's Janasena, TDP, BJP forge 'seat-sharing formula' for assembly, LS polls

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Benjamin Chadwick — a dual citizen of France and the UK — voted in two national elections this year.</li><li>He writes that in both nations, there's been a shift away from moderate politics toward extremes.</li></ul>I was born and raised in England, but this June marked 10 years since I moved to Paris.I came to France on a student exchange in 2012 and met my now partner. We moved to Paris together in 2014. When the British people voted to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/eu-referendum-reasons-and-analysis-on-a-brexit-vote-2016-6">leave the European Union</a> in 2016, I decided I wanted to live in France long-term.I planned to apply for French citizenship as soon as I could. I didn't know exactly how the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/brexit-and-boris-johnson-explained-2019-9">Brexit vote</a> would impact me at the time, but I wanted to secure my right to vote in French elections or perhaps move elsewhere in the EU later in life.It took me another three years to meet the residency requirements for citizenship. In the meantime, I began paying closer attention to politics in France. As I wasn't yet a citizen, I couldn't vote in 2017's presidential election, leaving me feeling powerless. But I was relieved about the result.For much of its history, French politics has been dominated by two parties, representing the left and right. But in 2017, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39130072">neither historic party made it to the second round</a>. Emmanuel Macron <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/03/emmanuel-macron-french-presidential-candidate-grassroots-movement">ran with a centrist campaign</a>, while Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, campaigned on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/04/french-presidential-election-how-the-candidates-compare">anti-immigration and nationalist ideals</a>. Her brand of populism had succeeded in the previous year with Trump's election — but failed in France, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/emmanuel-macron-wins-french-presidential-election-in-landslide-marine-le-pen-2017-5">Macron defeated her</a>, becoming France's President.By the time the 2024 elections came around in France and the UK, I was a citizen of both countries and eager to exercise my vote. In the UK, I wanted to remove the unpopular governing party, the Conservatives, from office. In France, I wanted to keep Le Pen's party out.In recent years, I've watched moderate ideals lose out to reactionary politics again and again, from Trump to Brexit to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/mapped-europe-far-right-government-power-politics-eu-italy-finalnd-hungary-parties-elections-polling/">success of hard-right parties in Europe</a> and elsewhere. Britain looked to be moving in the opposite direction with a projected victory for the center-left Labour Party, which made me feel optimistic, but France looked to be heading into reactionary territory.Political disagreements are a normal part of any healthy democracy. But increasingly, these disagreements are about our fundamental values and even the nature of truth itself. With a big election still to come this year in the US, I'm concerned about this move toward the extremes.<h2 id="86ebff10-5fe7-40c0-8b40-c666fa355f56">Politics in France and the UK has been turbulent in recent years</h2>My first national French elections as a voter were in 2022 when the National Rally continued its seemingly unstoppable rise — Le Pen came <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/french-presidential-election-results-2022-macron-wins-rcna25555">closer than ever</a> to the French presidency.Le Pen became leader of France's right-wing populist "National Front" party in 2011 and renamed it "National Rally" in 2018. Despite the rebrand, the party continues to focus on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.france24.com/en/france/20240620-how-france-s-far-right-changed-the-debate-on-immigration">drastically reducing migration</a>. France has seen major social unrest in recent years, including protests against <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/08/nuit-debout-protesters-occupy-french-cities-in-a-revolutionary-call-for-change">labor</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-50971439">pension</a> reforms, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.france24.com/en/20191116-a-year-of-insurgency-how-yellow-vests-left-indelible-mark-on-french-politics">rising fuel costs, and the cost of living</a>. Le Pen has capitalized on a mistrust of mainstream politics, gaining popularity in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/apr/21/counryside-marine-le-pen-forgotten-france-presidential-election-2017">rural</a> areas where some of these <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/21/how-hi-vis-yellow-vest-became-symbol-of-protest-beyond-france-gilets-jaunes">protest movements</a> have been popular.Across the Channel, the political landscape was no less chaotic. The Brexit vote was a seismic shock, and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uk-brexit-deal-startups-limbo-financial-services-data-2020-12">deal with the EU</a> was only reached years later after Boris Johnson, whom Donald Trump rather unflatteringly labeled "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jul/23/trump-boris-johnson-britain-trump-uk-prime-minister">Britain Trump</a>," came to power in 2019.Johnson's center-right Conservative party had been in power since 2010 and remained so until the July 2024 election. Revelations of<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/partygate-sue-gray-report-details-2022-5"> lockdown-era parties</a> in Johnson's offices forced his resignation in 2022, and life for many Britons kept getting worse under his successors, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.As in many other countries, wages were failing to keep up with a sharp rise in the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-of-living-crisis-uk-people-turn-to-tiktok-2022-11">cost of living</a>. Years of budget cuts meant public services were <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/30/uk-public-services-policy-institute-for-government-report">crumbling</a>. Yet despite bold promises, I feel the government <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/65647308">failed to address</a> this and seemed more eager to stoke hatred <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/08/stop-the-boats-sunaks-anti-asylum-slogan-echoes-australia-harsh-policy">against migrants</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-68229785">other minorities</a>.One of Rishi Sunak's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-64164339">often repeated pledges</a>, both while in office and campaigning for the 2024 election, was his mission to "stop the boats," referencing the illegal immigrants arriving in Britain via small-craft vessels.Back in France, Macron still held the presidency. He initially ran on a centrist platform in 2017, aiming to find <a target="_blank" href="https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/emmanuel-macrons-la-republique-en-marche-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-french-presidents-groundbreaking-new-party-ahead-of-the-elections-a3563256.html">common ground</a> between the left and right blocs. However, during his seven years in office, he's been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2024/01/12/new-french-cabinet-reflects-macron-s-electorate-shift-to-the-right_6426251_5.html">accused of</a> veering to the right, appointing ministers who deny police <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/10/14/french-ministers-denial-police-abuses-against-migrants-flies-face-facts">brutality</a> toward migrants, and positioning himself <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/france-war-on-woke-laboratoire-de-la-republique/">against "wokism."</a>On June 9, a historic <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/european-union-parliament-election-far-right-nationalist-parties-2024-6">European Parliament election</a> took place, with Le Pen's far-right National Rally netting a record 31.4% of French votes, more than twice as many as Macron's centrist alliance. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/le-pens-party-trounces-macrons-eu-vote-exit-polls-2024-06-09/">Claiming the country needed "clarification,"</a> Macron called for a national parliamentary election on June 30 and July 7. Even <a target="_blank" href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2024/06/17/how-macron-threw-his-supporters-into-a-panic-by-calling-snap-elections_6675018_5.html">his own allies</a> didn't understand.In the lead-up to the UK election on July 4, opinion polls <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-election-final-mega-polls-predict-total-tory-annihilation-labour-win/">predicted</a> a huge majority for the center-left Labour Party. In France, I feared the National Rally would capitalize on their European victory and take control of the Assembly. As an immigrant, I didn't want to be ruled by a party that routinely demonizes migrants.<h2 id="59a6f7d6-73eb-4e8f-b47a-503a385d4dc3">The elections have made me concerned about extremism and division in both countries</h2>In the end, Labour did secure a historic majority in the UK, but only with a tiny increase in vote share. Meanwhile, Reform UK, a party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage that campaigned on "freezing" immigration, reneging on net zero climate goals, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/nigel-farage-manifesto-you-dont-have-to/">banning "transgender ideology"</a> in schools, netted more than 14% of the vote. This made them the third-largest party in terms of vote share. I was concerned that so many people were willing to vote for such a reactionary party.On top of this, one of Labour's first challenges in power was to deal with widespread <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/arrests-violence-riots-uk-far-right-wing-protests-immigration-2024-8">anti-immigration riots</a> targeting people of color. The protests that spread across the UK this summer were brought about by online disinformation about a stabbing where three young girls were killed.In France, the National Rally failed to get the majority many feared. A "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.lemonde.fr/en/politics/article/2024/07/07/french-elections-far-right-s-rise-blocked-by-republican-front_6676995_5.html">republican front</a>", consisting of other parties joining together to counter the far-right threat, worked better than expected, making the National Rally the third-largest group in terms of seats. But they still wound up with a much bigger voice in parliament than before and were by far the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/france-left-wing-marine-le-pen-far-right-national-rally-jordan-bardella-seats-new-popular-front/">largest party in terms of vote share</a>.I feel that France and the UK are dealing with many of the same problems: political polarization, the scapegoating of migrants, and an increasing focus on culture wars.<h2 id="c3bc22d1-7f74-40d0-a217-dc97700fc623">I'm worried history will repeat itself when the US elections come around</h2>This summer's events on both sides of the Channel have shown that as people grow disillusioned with the status quo, the extremes are becoming increasingly attractive.The National Rally continues to progress. I fear this year's vote has merely delayed their arrival in government, rather than preventing it. In the UK, this summer's far-right riots show that even when progressives win at the ballot box, the extremes are never far away.European eyes are now looking across the Atlantic.Donald Trump has been <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/27/magazine/trump-rallies-rhetoric.html">embracing conspiracy theories and referencing an "invasion" of migrants "conquering" the USA</a> in his 2024 campaign. His victory could have serious consequences for Americans, especially <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2024/trump-harris-abortion/">women</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/05/10/trump-promises-rollback-on-trans-rights-heres-what-hes-said/?sh=51549ef4dae0">minorities</a>.In Europe, observers like me are worried about what his leadership would mean for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-signal-us-stop-ukraine-election-russia-volodymyr-zelenskyy-vladimir-putin/">foreign policy</a> in today's turbulent world. Trump's victory would galvanize European politicians like Le Pen and Farage and their supporters. Populist politics may not have won their national elections, but the most powerful nation in the world and its leader are behind them, normalizing their rhetoric.But if he loses, I'm still anxious about what will happen next, given the January 6 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/five-things-we-learned-about-the-insurrection-in-2022-2023-1">capitol riots</a> in 2021.Kamala Harris has reenergized the presidential race and given hope to those who oppose Trump. But even if she wins, the deep divisions in American society won't go away — they haven't in the UK or France.

Voting in the UK and French elections taught me a concerning lesson that Americans should heed when heading to the polls

In a significant <keyword id="20359239" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="political-development" source="keywords">political development</keyword>, <keyword id="19969165" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Atishi" source="keywords">Atishi</keyword> is poised to become the next Chief Minister of Delhi, following the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal. The <keyword id="19935664" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Aam-Aadmi-Party" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Aam Aadmi Party" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Aam Aadmi Party">Aam Aadmi Party</keyword> (AAP) convened a legislative meeting earlier today, where all MLAs unanimously accepted Kejriwal's proposal to nominate Atishi for the top post. <h2>Who is Atishi?</h2>Atishi Marlena, widely known as Atishi, is a prominent figure within the AAP and currently holds multiple key portfolios in the <keyword id="19925995" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Delhi-government" source="keywords">Delhi government</keyword>. A Rhodes scholar, she has long been a key architect of AAP’s <keyword id="20374249" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="education-reforms" source="keywords">education reforms</keyword> in Delhi, which transformed the public schooling system and gained national attention. Her work has earned her recognition as a progressive leader committed to enhancing education, governance, and <keyword id="20228723" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="public-welfare" source="keywords">public welfare</keyword>. Atishi has served as a Delhi MLA, representing the Kalkaji constituency, and has been an essential part of the Kejriwal-led government. She took on many responsibilities when Kejriwal was jailed in connection with the excise policy case, and her reputation for efficiency and dedication helped solidify her as a strong contender for the chief ministerial position. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113312516" title="Supreme Court grants bail to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Liquor scam case" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Kejriwal’s resignation and resultant suspense</h2>The sequence of events leading to Atishi's ascension began with Arvind Kejriwal's sudden announcement that he would resign as Delhi’s Chief Minister. On September 13, 2024, Kejriwal was released from Tihar Jail, where he was lodged for his alleged involvement in the Delhi liquor policy scam. Following his release, Kejriwal took to the public platform to declare that he would step down, pending a “certificate of honesty” from the people of Delhi. In a political gambit that stunned many, Kejriwal pushed for advancing the polls to November 2024, ahead of the originally scheduled February 2025 elections. His rationale was that only a fresh mandate from the people, whom he asked to consider his honesty as the deciding factor, would validate his return to power. Until then, he vowed not to reassume the office of Chief Minister. "I didn't resign (after arrest in excise policy case) because I respect democracy and the Constitution is supreme for me," Kejriwal had said earlier. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113364559" title="Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announces resignation, demands Delhi elections in November" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Kejriwal’s resignation prompted a flurry of activity within AAP, as speculation mounted about who would succeed him. The party’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and other senior leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Gopal Rai, held several rounds of discussions. Names floated for the role included Atishi, Gopal Rai, Kailash Gahlot, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and even Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal. Some sources hinted that a surprise candidate from a minority community could also emerge. However, Atishi was always seen as the frontrunner. She holds a majority of the key portfolios in the Delhi government and was handpicked by Kejriwal to unfurl the national flag on August 15 while he was in jail — a symbolic gesture that hinted at her growing political stature within the party. <h2>Atishi’s nomination and the path ahead</h2>The AAP legislative meeting, held at Kejriwal’s residence earlier today, saw Atishi’s nomination as the new Chief Minister of Delhi. The decision was unanimously accepted by all AAP MLAs, with Kejriwal personally proposing her name. Once Kejriwal officially tenders his resignation later today, Atishi will likely meet Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to stake her claim for the CM’s office. It is expected that Atishi will not take the oath of office immediately, as the process involves proving majority on the floor of the Delhi Assembly and appointing a new council of ministers. Sources suggest that the swearing-in ceremony may take place closer to the next Assembly session. Atishi’s rise to the Chief Ministerial post comes at a time of political turbulence for AAP. Kejriwal’s resignation, driven by his desire to restore his public image following his incarceration, has put the party in a precarious position. The opposition <keyword id="14666" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bjp" source="Orion">BJP</keyword> has termed Kejriwal’s resignation a "PR stunt" aimed at deflecting attention from the corruption charges. Atishi, with her track record of governance and public service, represents a fresh face for AAP, one that can potentially rejuvenate the party’s image. She will need to navigate a host of challenges, including the corruption allegations surrounding Kejriwal and the upcoming elections. Whether she will be able to maintain the party’s grip on Delhi or lead it to a new electoral victory remains to be seen. (With inputs from agencies)

You Searched For "assembly polls" and got 9 results

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Voting in the UK and French elections taught me a concerning lesson that Americans should heed when heading to the polls

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Atishi set to become Delhi's new Chief Minister as Arvind Kejriwal steps down months before the assembly elections

BI India Bureau

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