Gujarat Assembly

Gujarat Assembly polls live: Polling ends, 4 hurt in firing by BJP legislator’s bodyguard, MLA detained

News

Dec 172012

Ballotting closed on Monday evening in the second and final phase of the Gujarat assembly elections.

An average 55 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 3 PM in the second phase of Gujarat Assembly elections.

Around 1.98 crore voters will decide the fate of 820 candidates, contesting in the second phase of the election.

Meanwhile, the bodyguard of a BJP candidate and sitting MLA opened fire after some stones were pelted at the leader by some people in Tarsang village, resulting in the injury to four of them.

Jetha Bharwad, the MLA from Sahera in Panchmahal district and seeking a re-election, was later detained, DGP Chittranjan Singh said.

According to Panchmahal SP Sachin Badshah, “When Bharwad reached Tarsang village, suddenly some stone were pelted on him. His commando retaliated and opened 8-10 rounds of fire in which four people were injured, though they all are out of danger now,” he said.

Tarsang village is around 165 km from here.

Police detained Bharwad while he was still undergoing treatment for head injuries at a private hospital in Godhra town of Panchmahal.

“At present, Jetha Bharwad is under detention and further probe is underway to ascertain who exactly fired, Bharwad or his commando,” said Singh.

Meanwhile Congress candidate Takhatsingh Solanki, who is pitted against Bharwad from Sahera, claimed that Bharwad came to the village for bogus voting and that he staged the stone pelting.

“It was pre-planned by Jetha Bharwad so that he can terrorise the voters of my village and resort to bogus voting.

Otherwise he has no business to enter in my village at the time of voting,” Solanki claimed.

-Elections in the second phase are being held in 95 of the 182 constituencies. Counting of votes will be taken up on December 20.

-Of an estimated 19.8 million voters, 10.3 million are male and 9.5 million female.

-There are a total of 820 candidates in the fray including 49 women.

-The BJP is contesting all 95 seats, the Congress 92 and the Gujarat Parivartan Party (GPP) of former BJP chief minister Keshubhai Patel 84.

-Veteran BJP leader L K Advani exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Shahpur area here. Earlier in the day, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley and Chief Minister Narendra Modi cast their vote.

-Modi, who is contesting from Maninagar Assembly constituency, is locked in a direct contest with Congress candidate Shweta Bhatt, wife of suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt.

-A new entrant, Shweta is testing political waters for the first time.

-The constituencies where polling started include 17 in Ahmedabad city, 40 constituencies in five districts-Vadodara, Dahod, Panchmahal, Kheda and Anand-of central Gujarat, 32 seats in five districts -Patan, Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Gandhinagar and Banaskantha-of north Gujarat, and six seats in Kutch district.

Also in the fray are 84 candidates of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and 284 Independents.

Phase II: Gujarat Assembly Elections 2012

A woman gestures after casting her vote in Gujarat.

About 1.98 crore are eligible to vote in the second phase for which 820 candidates are in the fray. Chief Minister Narendra Modi is contesting from Maninagar in Ahmedabad.

Headlines Today editors and correspondents report from ground zero to give every single detail about the crucial state elections. Full Coverage of Gujarat Assembly Elections 2012

Kartikeya Sharma @kartikeya_197515:10 (IST): Sabarmati river front pic.twitter.com/P5cOHP0s

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi14:30 (IST): LK Advani joins @narendramodi and Arun Jaitley at BJP HQ in ahmedabad. #GujaratElections

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi13:35 (IST): 38% turnout upto 1.00 pm in 2nd phase of #GujaratElections.

Rahul Kanwal @rahulkanwal13:25 (IST): Headlines Today-ORG post poll projections for #GujaratElections start at 5 PM. Cutting edge analysis with @virsanghvi @MalikAshok @GVLNRAO

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi12:50 (IST): BJP MLA Jetha Bharwad shot by rivals in shehra constituency in Panchmahal. BJP accuses Congress of goonda giri. #GujaratElections

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi12:10 (IST): I have cast my vote. 🙂 #GujaratElections pic.twitter.com/9RtKlIxc

12:00 (IST) The Gujarat Congress filed a complaint against Chief Minister Narendra Modi accusing him of violating model of conduct.

In his complaint to the EC, Congress’s legal cell chairman Vijay Kinara accused Modi of using a long convoy when he visited Ranip, which is not his own constituency, to cast his vote earlier in the day during the second phase of polling.

Kinara also alleged that Modi addressed people and flashed victory sign, which he claimed was illegal. He demanded action against the chief minister.

Kartikeya Sharma @kartikeya_197511:50 (IST): Bun maska pic.twitter.com/W1HMIR7r

Kartikeya Sharma @kartikeya_197511:40 (IST): Chunavi chaai pic.twitter.com/9p4nOBPM

Kartikeya Sharma @kartikeya_197511:30 (IST): chaai and bun maska break. Very nice.

11:00 (IST): Congress is aiming to stage a comeback after being out of power for 22 years in the state. Speaking to Headlines Today, Congress leader Shanker Sinh Vaghela said that Congress is confident of winning Gujarat polls with two-third majority.

Kartikeya Sharma @kartikeya_197510:40 (IST): Modi says that high voter turnout means that BJP is in

Kartikeya Sharma @kartikeya_197510:35 (IST): Modi says that he will be voted back to power. Sure of a hat-trick

GAURAV C. SAWANT @gauravcsawant10:30 (IST): After casting his ballot @narendramodi: voter turn out will be even greater than phase I & will benefit BJP. (Cong says no. Advantage Cong)

Kartikeya Sharma @kartikeya_197510:20 (IST): Slight chill in the air in Ahemdabad. It is welcome.

10:15 (IST): Modi, who casted his ballot in Ranip (Ahmedabad), addressed his supporters after polling. Here are the highlights of Modi’s speech:

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi shows the victory sign to his supporters as he reaches to cast his ballot at Ranip.

Our victory would be as grand as big voter turn-out in polls.
People of Gujarat will vote BJP to power for third consecutive time.
Voter trun-out in 2nd phase will surpass the 1st phase of polling.

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi10:10 (IST): On the day of polling @narendramodi wears a saffron kurta.He may’ve stopped talking of hindutva but he’ll never cease to be a hindutva icon.

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi10:00 (IST): People went crazy the moment @narendramodi arrived. The huge smile on his face, his candour charmed the crowd that turned out at Ranip.

10:00 (IST): Narendra Modi is seeking 3rd term as Gujarat chief minister, contesting polls from Maninagar.

9:45 (IST): Suspended Gujarat IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s wife Shweta Bhatt, who is pitted against Modi by Congress, after casting her ballot said that she is absolutely positive as she is fighting for the society.

9:30 (IST): Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi reaches Ranip to cast his vote amid much fanfare.

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi9:26(IST): ‘I have no expectations,’ says Jagruti Pandya, widow of slain BJP leader Haren Pandya. Pandya fighting her first elections.

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi9:25 (IST): JAGRUTI PANDYA, widow of slain Haren Pandya has been fielded by Gujarat Parivartan Party from ellisbridge.

Phase II: Gujarat Assembly Elections

Voters stand in a queue to cast their vote at a polling station in Gujarat.

Mosiqi Acharya @Mosiqi9:20 (IST): At Ranip in Ahmedabad where @narendramodi will cast his vote at 9.30am. #GujaratElections

Kartikeya Sharma @kartikeya_19758:40 (IST): Went to a temple with Vaghela. he says it is make or break for Congress.

Voting for second phase of Gujarat Assembly polls today, Modi in fray

News

Dec 162012

Kristen Stewart feels snubbed by Golden Globes

Stewart reportedly feels disrespected that she wasn’t nominated for a Golden Globe award.

Celebs paint the town pink!

A bevy of celebrities put on their running shoes for Pinkathon, a race for breast cancer awareness.

Salman-Sonakshi pump up mush in new Dabangg 2 song

Chulbul Pandey and Rajjo romance in the latest song of Dabangg 2.

Casablanca piano fetches over $ 600,000

The piano used for the song As Times Goes By in the classic 1942 film was sold to an unidentified buyer.

Kareena, Rani at cold war?

Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji have started avoiding each other at public events.

Esha Deol wishes luck to Katrina for Dhoom 3

“I wish Katrina lives up to the expectations that comes with the Dhoom tag,” said Esha.

Pop star Kelly Clarkson gets engaged

Kelly got engaged to her boyfriend Brandon Blackstock. She shared her joy with her fans on Twitter.

Sonam goes Santa Claus way!

Sonam Kapoor will auction some of her clothes online for charity this Christmas.

Shah Rukh gets BrandLaureate Legendary Award

The actor has received the award for his contribution to the Hindi film industry.

After wedding gown Sarah Burton’s eyes on maternity wear for Kate

Sarah hopes that she will design maternity wear for Kate.

Ranveer’s new leaner and meaner look

In Dec issue of Men’s Health Ranveer has shown how one can stretch the limits of human body.

Priyanka promotes In My City

PC played DJ in various clubs in Mumbai to promote her single.

2012 styles that made our heads turn

Every year fashion offers up the good, the bad and the ugly.

Check out Sanjay Dutt’s look in Zanjeer

The actor will be seen in short hair and a stylish beard for his role as Sher Khan in Zanjeer.

Ekta Kapoor accused of insulting senior citizen

She is being accused on a micro-blogging site for misbehaving with a senior citizen.

Salman’s treat to Dabangg cops!

Policemen, who have been appreciated for meritorious services will watch Dabangg 2 with Salman.

Preview: Meet the love birds Akaash Vani

Pyaar Ka Punchnama producer Abhishek Pathak and director Luv Ranjan are back with another comedy.

It’s a baby boy for supermodel Marisa Miller

Marisa and her husband Griffin Guess welcomed a baby boy.

Being Dabangg: In conversation with Salman, Sonakshi

Salman, Sonakshi get candid about Dabangg and more.

Film on Mary Kom is challeging for Priyanka

“There is a lot of training going on for it. I hope I can pull it off,” PC said.

Arbaaz, Neha, Chitrangada on board airport Metro line

All three travelled in the shut Metro line while shooting for a commercial.

Be a Santa for needy this Christmas!

How about becoming Santa for the underprivileged this festive season?

Talaash enters Rs.100 crore club

The film has made it to the Rs. 100 crore club. The film has raked in Rs.131.78 crore worldwide.

Movie review: Red Dawn

Hollywood often needs a new enemy nation to keep the action gimmick going.

Arjun plays Chitrangada’s boss in Inkaar

The trailer of Sudhir Mishra’s film on sexual harassment at work place, Inkaar, is out.

She’s married! Vidya Balan is now Mrs Siddharth Roy Kapur

‘Kahaani’ and ‘Dirty Picture’ star Vidya Balan married in Bandra.

US prisoner plotted to kill Justin Bieber

The man was angry at Bieber because he didn’t respond to any of his letters.

First Look: Meet David aka Neil Nitin Mukesh!

The trailer of David is out. Directed by Bejoy Nambiar, the film stars Neil Nitin Mukesh.

Arjun-Parineeti to go ‘Jhalla Wallah’ this New Year

The two will set the stage on fire with their performances on December 31, 2012.

Sonam’s friends go gaga over Farhan

Sonam received many calls from her friends, when she changed picture on her BBM to that of Farhan.

Midnight’s Children cleared without cuts

Deepa Mehta’s film has been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification and without any cuts.

Behind the scenes of Fevicol Se song from Dabangg 2

Take a look at what went into the making of Kareena’s latest item song- Fevicol se from Dabangg 2.

Sonakshi excited to taste ‘Namak’ with Shahid

Sonakshi says viewers should look forward to a lot of dance in Namak.

Making of a ‘Dabangg’ commercial

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan was spotted shooting for an aerated drink commercial.

Rekha at Vidya’s mehendi

Rekha was the only Bollywood celebrity, who was seen at Vidya’s mehendi ceremony on Dec 12.

Who will win Golden Globe Awards?

Daniel Day-Lewis, Helen Mirren and Robert De Niro are among the strong contenders.

Lindsay Lohan headed back to jail again

Lohan was not in court, but will have to appear before the bench Jan 15.

When the clock struck 12.12 on 12.12.12

India Today surfers captured their historic 12.12.12 moment. Here’s a look.

Ek Tha Tiger most searched movie

According to Google Zeitgeist, Ek Tha Tiger was followed by Rowdy Rathore.

Oscars: Nominations for Best Song are….

Adele’s Skyfall makes the list, while The Black Keys’ Baddest Man Alive are also among the favourites.

Avatar was my idea: James Cameron

James Cameron has fired back at an artist who accused him of stealing the plot.

Britney Spears highest earning female musician

Though she didn’t release any album this year, Spears managed to earn an estimated $58 million.

Why is Veena Malik losing sleep?

Veena said she was losing sleep owing to her packed schedule.

Guns N’ Roses dedicate concert to Pt Ravi Shankar

Pt Ravi Shankar is also called the Godfather of world music.

Anne Hathaway devastated by wardrobe malfunction

She was climbing out of her car when she accidentally exposed her private parts.

Vidya-Siddharth’s pre-wedding bash

Vidya and Siddharth made their first-ever public appearance at their pre-wedding bash.

Pt. Ravi Shankar to receive lifetime Grammy

He would receive the award posthumous on Feb 10 at the 55th Grammy Awards ceremony in LA.

A film on angry birds now!

Rovio Entertainment has confirmed that a big screen adaptation for the game is officially in development.

SOS vs JTHJ after effects: SRK snaps ties with Eros

SRK and Eros have worked together in Ra.One and Om Shanti Om.

Pt Ravi Shankar’s influence on Beatles

Pt Ravi Shankar taught sitar to Beatles’ George Harrison.

Lisa Ray turns good samaritan!

Lisa Ray is all set to put her extravagant wedding saree under the hammer for charity.

Rajinikanth, the boss of entertainment

Some visuals from Rajinikanth’s movies like Endhiran, Chandramukhi.

WH Survey: Look great naked!

Are you body confident? Take the exclusive body-image survey and be surprised!

Get a makeover like Kareena this winter

In a first-of-its-kind contest winners will get their favourite Kareena look through a makeover.

A tribute to Pandit Ravi Shankar

The legendary sitar maestro passed away in San Diego, US, on December 12, 2012.

Bollywood mourns Pandit Ravi Shankar’s death

Bollywood celebrities took to twitter and expressed their grief over his demise.

Jennifer Aniston fuels pregnancy rumours

Aniston has fuelled rumours that she is pregnant, after she was seen wearing an oversized coat.

Vidya Balan’s mehendi pics

Vidya-Siddharth wedding to be held on Dec 14.

Aamir, Kareena, Rani celebrate Talaash success

Aamir, Kareena and Rani partied along with family and friends to celebrate the success of Talaash.

Ritu Beri: ‘First idiot’ of Indian fashion!

Ritu Beri calls herself “the first idiot” who got up and followed her dreams in the world of fashion.

First phase of Gujarat polls today, BJP rebel Keshubhai in fray

News

Dec 122012

Almost 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.The polling will take place in 48 constituencies in 7 districts of Saurashtra, on 35 seats in five districts of southern Gujarat and on four in Ahmedabad District.

Gujarat voters

1.81 crore Gujarat voters will decide the fate of 846 candidates in Gujarat Assembly polls.

Fourth-eight seats in Surendranagar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Amreli and Bhavnagar are considered very crucial and decisive as political observers are watching keenly on how former Chief Minister and ‘bete noir’ of Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Keshubhai Patel factor plays out in the region.

On Thursday, voters will also decide the fate of many state political big-wigs who are contesting elections like Keshubhai Patel, Assembly Speaker Ganpat Vasava, Gujarat BJP president R C Faldu, state Congress president Arjun Modhwadia and Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil.

Gujarat voters

For first phase, BJP has fielded candidates on all 87 seats going to the poll, whereas Congress is contesting on 84 and GPP on 83.

State ministers like Vajubhai Vala, Vasuben Trivedi, Narottam Patel, Mangubhai Patel, Purshottam Solanki, Kiritsinh Rana, Dilip Sanghani, Kanubhai Bhalala, Mohan Kundaria and Ranjit Gilitvala will also be awaiting their fate following tomorrow’s voting.

For this phase, BJP has fielded candidates on all 87 seats going to the poll, whereas Congress is contesting on 84 and GPP on 83.

Apart from these three major parties, there are total 26 political parties and 383 independents in the fray, which include BJP rebel and sitting MLA Kanubhai Kalsaria, who has formed a new forum – Sadbhavna Manch – and fielded six candidates.

Thursday’s voting will also decide if Leuva Patel, a politically powerful sub-community of Patidars will be swayed by the appeals and behind the curtain efforts to vote against the Modi government, on the plank of alleged injustice meted out to their leader Keshubhai Patel.

Out of total 1,81,77,953 voters there are 95,75,278 male, 86,02,557 female and 118 other voters are likely to exercise their franchise.

Among the 846 candidates, 46 female candidates too are in the fray and in the first phase of elections there are 9 such Assembly constituencies where more than one woman candidate is contesting this time.

Forty sitting MLAs from BJP and 16 from Congress are also contesting to retain representation in the state Assembly.

In the last ditch efforts to woo the voters going to the poll in the first phase, both the major political parties had used their maximum strengths with Congress bringing UPA chairperson and party president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Sinh and Rahul Gandhi for the campaigning.

While BJP, apart from its star campaigner Narendra Modi, brought L K Advani, Navjotsingh Siddhu, Paresh Rawal and Smriti Irani. At the same time, Modi also increased the public meetings through 3D holographic projection technology to reach to the maximum number of voters.

This phase will also see important contests on Visavadar where Keshubhai Patel is pitted against BJP’s Kanu Bhalala. In Kutiyana, son of ‘God Mother’ Santokhben Jadeja and NCP candidate Kandhal is contesting against Karsan Dula Odedara.

In another interesting contest, Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil is facing Rs 400 crore fishing contract scam tainted minister Purshottam Solanki.

Fate of three Congress MPs, Vithhal Radadia (Dhoraji), Kunvarji Bavalia (Botad) and Somabhai Patel (Limbadi), will be sealed tomorrow as they are also contesting this Assembly elections.

Voting of the second phase will take place on December 17 for the remaining 95 Assembly seats and counting will be held on December 20.