Maharashtra, Jharkhand Election Live Updates: 'Infiltrators grabbing land of tribals in J'khand', says BJP's Chouhan

At a rally in Nandurbar, Maharashtra, Rahul Gandhi responded to critics who say he shows a “red book with blank pages,” stating, “They have never read the Constitution.” He further emphasized, “Our Constitution contains the soul of India and the principles envisaged by national icons.” Gandhi also criticized the BJP and RSS, accusing them of insulting tribals by referring to them as “vanvasi” instead of “Adivasi.”

Addressing a public rally, Union home minister Amit Shah says, "Rahul Gandhi's party, Congress, wants to bring back Article 370 (in J&K). Kashmir belongs to India and no one can snatch it from us. When Congress was in power, terrorist attacks from Pakistan were frequent. When PM Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister he eliminated terrorism by surgical strike and airstrike...
Jharkhand has suffered naxalism. They have left no stone unturned in destroying Jharkhand. PM Modi has made Jharkhand free from Naxalism...The polling has been done for the first phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections. JMM-Congress have been wiped out in the first phase."

Addressing a public rally, Union home minister Amit Shah says, "...I want to tell the infiltrators that CM Hemant Soren's government is going to end, your time will also come to an end. The BJP will throw you out of Jharkhand. Those who have encroached on the land of tribals, we will bring a law against them."

Amit Shah said: The JMM government’s focus is solely on bringing infiltrators into the state. These infiltrators come to Jharkhand, marry our daughters in their second, third, or fourth marriages, and seize their land. People of Jharkhand, make a government of the lotus (BJP) here, and we promise you, not even a bird will be able to fly here.

First phase polling indicates BJP will form government in Jharkhand with absolulte majority, the UP CM said.

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday expressed confidence that his party's candidates would secure victory in both the Aurangabad Central and Aurangabad East constituencies, and that they would push for Maratha reservation in the Maharashtra Assembly.

Speaking to ANI, Owaisi outlined that, as part of their strategy, AIMIM is contesting 16 seats in the upcoming elections.

"Our candidates will win both the seats in Aurangabad. The biggest issue for the people here is access to drinking water. Many of the poor lack proper housing, and there are significant problems with roads and drainage. Another key issue is Maratha reservation. If our candidates win, they will go to the Maharashtra Assembly and demand Maratha reservation," Owaisi stated.

Notably, former AIMIM MP Imtiaz Jaleel is contesting from the Aurangabad East seat, while Naseer Siddiqui is standing for election in Aurangabad Central.

On Sunday, Asaduddin Owaisi campaigned for Jaleel in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly Aurangabad).

In the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, AIMIM won the Malegaon Central and Dhule seats after contesting 44 constituencies. This time, the party is standing in only 16 seats.

Earlier, following the nomination of Waris Pathan as the AIMIM candidate for Bhiwandi West, Pathan had revealed that the party was initially interested in joining forces with the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance. However, despite several attempts, the alliance did not engage with AIMIM.

Speaking to the media about the Maha Vikas Aghadi, Waris Pathan said, "We had proposed the idea, and our Maharashtra President had even written a letter suggesting that we should come together to defeat the BJP. But perhaps they were not interested, as they did not reach out to us. We are a political party, and contesting elections is essential for strengthening democracy."

Naresh Meena, independent candidate for Deoli Uniara assembly constituency by-polls in Tonk district, after he allegedly physically assaulted SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling booth yesterday.

After Independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly slapped Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Amit Chaudhary at a polling station in the village, major disturbance was reported in Deoli-Uniara assembly constituency.

Ajmer Range Inspector-General of Police (IG) Om Prakash confirmed that 60 people have been arrested in connection with the incident. The altercation occurred at a polling booth in Deoli-Uniara, located in the Tonk district of Rajasthan. The official added that the situation escalated with incidents of stone-pelting and arson in Samravata village later that night, where several vehicles were set on fire and damaged.

"There was significant unrest, including stone-pelting and arson in Samravata village late last night, when police attempted to arrest Naresh Meena, the Independent candidate for the Deoli-Uniara by-poll, after he allegedly physically assaulted SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling station," Om Prakash told ANI. "Several vehicles were set ablaze and vandalised. So far, 60 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence."

Brijendra Singh Bhati, Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) for Tonk, stated that the police were assessing the extent of the damage and had already made several arrests. He confirmed that efforts were underway to locate Naresh Meena.

"We are evaluating the losses and have made some arrests," said Additional SP Bhati. "We are actively searching for Naresh Meena and will provide further details later."

In the aftermath of the incident, Naresh Meena took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), assuring his followers that he was unharmed and would provide more information about his future actions soon.

Assam chief minister and BJP Jharkhand co-incharge Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp critique of the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), accusing the party, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, of deliberately keeping the state trapped in poverty. Sarma, who is also in charge of BJP’s affairs in Jharkhand, stated that the party’s election manifesto was the result of extensive consultation and preparation over several months, and that financial constraints would not pose a problem, given the state's abundant natural resources.

"Our election manifesto was not prepared in haste. We spent four to five months engaging with the people of Jharkhand, studying governance models in BJP-led states, and carefully drafting our proposals," Sarma said. "Funding will not be an issue for us, as Jharkhand is rich in natural resources. While the JMM seems intent on keeping the state mired in poverty, we firmly believe that Jharkhand has the potential to become the most prosperous state in India."

The first phase of Jharkhand's Assembly elections, which began on Wednesday, saw a voter turnout of 64.86% by 5 pm across the 43 constituencies, surpassing the 63.9% turnout recorded in the 2019 Assembly elections, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The ECI reported that polling for the 43 constituencies in Phase I concluded with a strong and impressive voter turnout. The election process was characterised by a festive atmosphere and enthusiastic participation from voters across all districts, including areas with significant tribal populations and those affected by Left Wing Extremism. Voters from diverse groups, including first-time voters, the elderly, women, persons with disabilities (PwD), and tribals, were seen casting their votes across the 15 districts that went to the polls, undeterred by threats or calls for a boycott.

BJP leader and Union minister Piyush Goyal has accused the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) of engaging in divisive politics, while suggesting that the ruling Mahayuti alliance is set to secure a resounding victory in the forthcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Campaigning for BJP candidate Archana Patil Chakurkar in Latur on Wednesday, Goyal remarked, "After enduring the divisive politics of Sharad Pawar and the Congress, it is now clear that the Mahayuti will triumph. Reports indicate that the alliance will register a significant win, leading to the formation of a strong and stable government in Maharashtra."

Goyal further pointed out that in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the margin between the MVA and Mahayuti was only two lakh votes, a result the MVA achieved by promoting a fabricated narrative.

"You can only deceive people with your false narratives once," Goyal asserted. "Sharad Pawar was in power at the Centre for 10 years but failed to deliver for farmers or the Maratha community. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Mahayuti, the 'double-engine' government has benefited farmers. The Deshmukh family is perpetuating a politics of lies and dynastic rule in Latur."

Archana Patil Chakurkar, the daughter-in-law of former Lok Sabha Speaker and Congress leader Shivraj Patil, is contesting against Congress MLA Amit Deshmukh, son of the late former Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, in Latur.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the MVA won 30 out of 48 seats, while Mahayuti secured just 17.

Earlier on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at a rally in the Chalisgaon area of Jalgaon district, expressed confidence that the Mahayuti alliance would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.

Karnataka’s rural development minister, Priyank Kharge, strongly criticised Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday for his remarks against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who had accused the senior leader of engaging in "vote bank politics." Priyank Kharge stated that the UP CM should focus on winning elections based on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s achievements rather than attempting to "sow seeds of hatred" for political gain.

"Try winning the elections on PM Modi's 'achievements' instead of trying to sow seeds of hatred in society for political benefit," the Congress leader wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Adityanath’s comments were made during an election rally in Achalpur, Maharashtra, where he referenced an incident from the time of Hyderabad's Nizam, in which Mallikarjun Kharge’s family was reportedly attacked by the Razakars. The UP CM claimed the family members of the Congress leader were victims of the violence perpetrated by the Razakars.

Adityanath’s remarks were in response to Kharge’s criticism of the UP CM’s earlier statement, “batenge to katenge,” ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Kharge had also indirectly criticised Adityanath, noting that some political leaders, who once posed as religious ascetics, had now risen to political prominence, with some even becoming chief ministers.

In response, Priyank Kharge defended his father, Mallikarjun Kharge, explaining that it was the Razakars, not the entire Muslim community, who were responsible for the violence. He emphasised that Mallikarjun Kharge had never exploited this tragic episode for political advantage, nor had he allowed hatred to define him.

"In 1948, the Razakars, a paramilitary force under Hyderabad's Nizam, set fire to Shri Mallikarjun Kharge’s home, resulting in the deaths of his mother and sister. He narrowly escaped with his life and went on to become a nine-time MLA. Despite this tragedy, he never used it for political gain, never played the victim card, and never allowed hatred to define his journey. The Razakars were responsible for the violence—not the entire Muslim community. Every community has its wrongdoers," Priyank Kharge wrote on X.

On Wednesday, Union health minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda accused the Congress party of supporting "urban Naxal" forces in India and alleged that Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had aligned with them. Speaking at a professional meet in Mumbai, Nadda remarked, "Congress is promoting urban Naxal forces in the country, and Uddhav Thackeray, the son of the revered Hindu Hriday Samrat, Balasaheb Thackeray, has joined hands with them."

Nadda also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, criticizing his "Mohabbat Ki Dukaan" (Shop of Love) for fueling division in the country. "Rahul Gandhi's 'Mohabbat Ki Dukaan' is selling the goods of division," Nadda said, urging the public to rally behind the BJP in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20. "Such divisive ideologies need to be confronted. We must stand united to strengthen the nation. For a healthy nation, we need a strong dose of political medicine, and that will come on November 20," he added.

Emphasizing the BJP's broader goals, Nadda stated that the party’s vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes beyond just seeking power. "The BJP and PM Modi are not merely focused on gaining power. Our goal is to transform India's political culture," he explained. "For too long, politics was marred by vote-bank tactics, nepotism, corruption, and dynastic rule. Under PM Modi, the focus has shifted to development, accountability, and transparency—driven by performance and pro-poor governance. This cultural shift is reshaping Indian politics and raising new expectations from all parties, including the opposition, which is now compelled to address accountability in their agendas."

Nadda further highlighted that the Modi government has prioritized inclusive growth, aiming to empower the underprivileged and ensure financial and social equality through its policies.

The first phase of Jharkhand's assembly elections, which kickstarted on Wednesday, recorded 64.86 per cent voter turnout at 5 pm across the 43 assembly constituencies, surpassing 63.9 per cent voting in the 2019 assembly elections, said the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Voting which commenced at 7 am today, was held peacefully without any incidents of violence and surpassed 63.9 per cent voting in these 43 ACs in the 2019 Assembly Elections.

The Election Commission said that the polling for 43 ACs in phase I of the Jharkhand Assembly elections concluded peacefully today with an impressive turnout of voters.

Polling was marked by a festive mood and enthusiastic participation across all districts, with large tribal populations, including areas affected by Left Wing Extremism. (ANI)

The Election Commission has ordered "immediate suspension" of a Rajasthan cadre IPS officer for leaving the constituencies in Jharkhand where he was deployed as a police observer without prior authorisation. Sources in the office of Rajasthan chief electoral officer said the poll authority has directed the state government to "immediately suspend" Kishan Sahai Meena and file a chargesheet against him for dereliction of duty.

"Kishan Sahai Meena, IPS (2004 batch), shall bc placed under immediate suspension for dereliction of duty and demonstrating negligence in fulfilling the obligations expected of an election official...," the poll authority told the Rajasthan chief secretary on Wednesday.

He was deployed as a police observer for Sisai, Gumla and Bishunpur seats in Gumla district of Jharkhand. (PTI)

Over 900 voters in a village in Jharkhand's Chatra district boycotted the Assembly election on Wednesday for allegedly not getting justice in a "murder case", an official said. The incident happened in Navratanpur village under the jurisdiction of Pratapur block, nearly 170 km from the state capital Ranchi.

"No vote was cast at booth 201 located at Upgraded Middle School in Navratanpur till the concluding time of polling of 4 pm," Chatra District Election Officer (DEO) Ramesh Gholap said.

As many as 913 voters including 459 women were registered with the booth.

The villagers claimed that one Ranjit Kumar Yadav of the village was "murdered" two months ago but the accused were not arrested yet.Yadav was found hanging from a tree.

Chatra's Deputy Superintendent of Police Sandeep Suman rejected the villagers' claim saying that the man had died by suicide. (PTI)

The by-election voting for four Bihar Assembly seats was conducted smoothly on Wednesday, recording an average voter turnout of 52.84 per cent.

Among the constituencies, Belaganj in Gaya district saw the highest turnout with 56.21 per cent, followed by Ramgarh at 54.02 per cent, Imamganj (SC) at 51.01 per cent, and Tarari at 50.10 per cent.

According to a statement from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar, a total of 38 candidates, including 5 women, contested these four seats, representing an electorate of over 1.2 million registered voters.

A total of two candidates contested on the tickets of BSP, three candidates on the RJD tickets, two candidates of BJP and one each of HAMS, JD(U) and CPI-ML.

Amid the ongoing political row over a 'routine check' of Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's luggage by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the bags and helicopter of Mahayuti leaders, including Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde were also checked on Wednesday as part of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's bags and helicopter were checked and he asserted "such measures are essential to ensure free and fair elections" and urged everyone to 'respect the law and support efforts to uphold the integrity of our democracy'.

"Today, while on my way for election campaigning, the Election Commission conducted a routine check of my bags and helicopter. I fully cooperated and believe that such measures are essential to ensure free and fair elections. Let us all respect the law and support efforts to uphold the integrity of our democracy," Ajit Pawar posted on X. (ANI)