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History: The Golden Date of Indian Democracy: October 25, 1951

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Vikrant

October 25, 1951, marks a significant milestone in the history of Indian democracy. On this day, the electoral process began in independent India, with the first vote cast in Chini, Himachal Pradesh. This election process lasted until February 21, 1952, spanning nearly four months, and elevated India into the ranks of democratic nations worldwide.

Establishment of the Election Commission

Within just two years of gaining independence, India established the Election Commission. In March 1950, Sukumar Sen was appointed as the first Chief Election Commissioner. Sen played a crucial role in various aspects of the electoral process, including voter registration, the designation of party symbols, and the selection of qualified officials to ensure free and fair elections.

  • Voter Registration: Implementing systems to register eligible voters.
  • Party Symbols: Determining symbols for various political parties to aid voter recognition.
  • Qualified Personnel: Selecting competent officials to conduct elections, ensuring transparency and integrity.

Voter Participation and Infrastructure

The first elections were conducted for 497 Lok Sabha seats and 3,283 seats in state assemblies, with a staggering 173,212,343 registered voters across the country. To facilitate this vast electoral undertaking, a total of 224,000 polling stations were established, and 620 million ballots were printed. Additionally, around 2 million iron ballot boxes were created, utilizing 8,200 tons of steel. For preparing the electoral rolls, 16,500 individuals were contracted for six months.

  • Registered Voters: A total of 173,212,343 registered voters participated in the elections.
  • Polling Stations: Approximately 224,000 polling stations were established across the country to facilitate voting.
  • Ballots and Boxes: The election saw the printing of 620 million ballots and the creation of around 2 million iron ballot boxes, requiring 8,200 tons of steel.
  • Electoral Rolls: To prepare the voter lists, 16,500 individuals were employed on a six-month contract, underscoring the logistical efforts needed to conduct such a vast election.

Political Landscape and Candidates

The elections saw the participation of approximately 1,874 candidates from 53 political parties, including 14 national parties. Prominent among these were the Indian National Congress, the Communist Party of India, the Socialist Party, the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party, and the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha.

  • Indian National Congress (INC): A dominant force in Indian politics.
  • Communist Party of India (CPI): The second-largest party, which garnered significant attention.
  • Other notable parties included the Socialist Party, Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party, and the Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha.

Conduct of the Elections

India’s first general elections were completed in 68 phases. A remarkable 105.9 million voters cast their votes, making history in the democratic landscape. Interestingly, about 85% of these voters were uneducated, which underscores the challenge of conducting elections in a diverse nation. The Indian National Congress won a majority, securing 364 seats, while the Communist Party of India emerged as the second-largest party with 16 seats.

Financial Aspects

The cost of conducting the first general elections was approximately ₹10.5 crore, translating to a per-voter expenditure of 60 paise. In stark contrast, the cost per voter surged to around ₹72 in the 2019 elections, highlighting the increasing financial requirements of conducting elections in India.

The first general elections in India set a precedent for the world’s largest democracy, showcasing the commitment to democratic principles despite the challenges of a nascent nation. The journey from October 25, 1951, to the present day illustrates India’s evolving democratic landscape, reflecting the resilience and determination of its people to uphold the values of democracy. As we commemorate this golden date, it is essential to recognize the significance of free and fair elections in shaping the future of India.

Hussainabad Assembly Election Set to Be a Major Political Showdown

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Sanjay Pandey

Palamu: The upcoming assembly election in Hussainabad, part of Jharkhand’s Palamu division, is shaping up to be a highly contested and unpredictable political battle. With a rich history of fluctuating loyalties and outcomes, Hussainabad has become a focal point for various political parties as they gear up for the election scheduled for next month. The constituency’s dynamics, marked by changing allegiances and evolving voter demographics, promise to make this election particularly engaging.

Historically, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has struggled to establish a stronghold in Hussainabad. The party first won the seat in 1990, but the constituency has predominantly been influenced by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Before the formation of Jharkhand in 2000, the RJD had a significant presence, maintaining control over the region. However, following Jharkhand’s establishment, the RJD faced a series of setbacks, particularly after 2009 when it began losing ground.

The turning point came in 2014 when the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) unexpectedly won the Hussainabad, seat, disrupting the longstanding political order. In the subsequent elections from 2005 to 2019, Kamlesh Kumar Singh, initially representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), secured victories in both 2005 and 2019, reinforcing the constituency’s reputation for political unpredictability. Now, Kamlesh Singh is contesting the 2024 elections as a BJP candidate, marking a significant shift in his political trajectory.

The current political landscape in Hussainabad, is further complicated by internal dissent within the BJP Local leaders and party workers have expressed dissatisfaction with Kamlesh Singh’s nomination, leading to the emergence of independent candidates such as Vinod Singh and Colonel Sanjay Singh. Their candidacies indicate a fracturing of traditional party loyalties and a potential shift in voter sentiment, adding a layer of intrigue to the electoral contest.

The competition is intensifying as various political factions prepare to field their candidates. The RJD has announced Sanjay Kumar Singh Yadav and Kamlesh Singh from BJP. The participation of independent candidates such as Vinod Singh and colonel Sanjay Singh suggests a diversification of options for voters, which could impact the election outcome significantly. There is talk of former MLA Kushwaha Shiv Pujan mehta also contesting the elections.

To understand the electoral dynamics in Hussainabad, it is essential to examine the constituency’s demographic makeup. The Rajput community has historically played a pivotal role in determining election outcomes, followed closely by Dalit voters. Additionally, a substantial Muslim population contributes to the electoral calculus, alongside the Koiri community and other smaller caste groups. This diverse electorate will influence party strategies as candidates seek to garner support from various segments of the population.

Analyzing previous election results highlights the competitiveness of Hussainabad. In the 2019 assembly elections, Kamlesh Kumar Singh received 41,293 votes as an NCP candidate, while RJD’s Sanjay Kumar Singh Yadav garnered 31,444 votes. The BSP’s Sher Ali and AJSU’s Kushwaha Shivpujan Mehta received 28,877 and 15,544 votes, respectively. These results illustrate a tight race, underscoring the potential for any candidate to secure victory, particularly with Singh’s switch to the BJP now altering the electoral landscape.

Kamlesh Singh’s transition to the BJP indicates a broader trend of shifting political allegiances in Hussainabad, which could redefine the power dynamics in the constituency. As parties recalibrate their strategies, the involvement of both established and independent candidates suggests a growing desire among voters for new options and representation.

As the election date approaches, Hussainabad, stands at a crossroads, with historical precedents and evolving political landscapes intertwining to create a highly charged environment. The outcome of this election will not only shape local governance but also serve as an indicator of broader political trends in Jharkhand.

In summary, the Hussainabad assembly election is poised to be one of the most compelling contests in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. With a rich tapestry of candidates from various parties and the emergence of independent challengers, the political stakes are high. The residents of Hussainabad, will play a crucial role in determining the future of this diverse constituency, making it a focal point of interest for political analysts and citizens alike.

Ensure Raids on Locations Suspected of Drug Trafficking: K. Ravi Kumar

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Ranchi EW Correspondent : The Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar emphasized the importance of creating a level playing field for all candidates in the upcoming assembly elections by strictly adhering to the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India. He expressed concern over the possibility of attempts to influence voters through the circulation of illegal money and urged all enforcement agencies to take comprehensive action to prevent the flow of illegal funds and materials.

Speaking at the review meeting with senior officials from various enforcement agencies on Monday at the Election House, CEO K Ravi Kumar instructed the Forest Department to intensify checks at all checkposts to curb the transportation of illegal materials. He also directed the Income Tax Department to conduct raids at potential locations where illegal money might be stored or circulated and take strict action against such activities.

Further,  CEO called for enforcement agencies to target and raid places involved in the trafficking of narcotics and ensure a complete halt to such activities. Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Neha Arora, Assistant Chief Electoral Officer Dev Das Datta, along with senior officials from various enforcement agencies.

District Election Officer Reviews Various Departments

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Palamu EW Correspondent : District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Shashi Ranjan held a meeting with various departmental heads, BDOs, and COs to review election-related matters. During the meeting, he instructed all concerned officials to review their ISR (Inspection Status Report) and ensure the proper distance between booths as per the ISR guidelines. He also emphasized maintaining basic amenities at all polling booths. Ranjan further urged that if there were any issues related to the ISR, they should be raised immediately for timely resolution. He called for better coordination among BDOs, COs, and concerned police officers. In the meeting, assembly-wise election officers and assistant election officers provided details on various aspects of the ISR, as per the district map.

Instructions to Ensure Basic Amenities at All Polling Booths 

In today’s meeting, the District Election Officer directed all BDOs and COs to ensure that essential amenities such as ramps, drinking water, and toilets are available at all polling stations. He also encouraged officials to visit villages and motivate residents to vote on November 13. Additionally, he instructed the strict checking of suspicious vehicles at all inter-district checkpoints. Before the election, the voter lists must be published at all booths to inform voters of their serial numbers. He also directed that the distribution of voter information slips should begin five days before the election. SP Rishma Rameshan, Deputy Development Commissioner, three SDOs, and other officials were present at the meeting.

Aadhaar aTool for Empowerment and Inclusion:  Akhilesh Kumar Gupta

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Sanjay Kumar Pandey

Ranchi EW News: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Regional Office, Ranchi, organized a state-level workshop titled “Maximizing Impact through Aadhaar” at Shri Krishna Institute of Public Administration, Ranchi, to promote the use of Aadhaar in Jharkhand. Chief guest Ajoy Kumar Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary of Health, Medical Education, and Family Welfare, Jharkhand, highlighted the importance of Aadhaar from birth. He emphasized how Aadhaar has facilitated financial and social inclusion for the beneficiaries over the past decade. He also appreciated the efforts of the Regional Office in collaboration with various government departments of Jharkhand for their role in Aadhaar enrolment and updates. Representing UIDAI Headquarters, New Delhi, Amod Kumar, IAS, Deputy Director General, presented the various innovative steps taken by states to maximize Aadhaar’s benefits. He explained how Aadhaar helps deliver social security programs under Sections 7 and 4(4)(B)(ii) of the Aadhaar Act, directly reaching the intended beneficiaries. Vipra Bhal, IAS, Secretary of Information Technology and e-Governance, Jharkhand, praised the UIDAI Regional Office for regularly holding District-Level Aadhaar Monitoring Committee (DLAMC) meetings, which have helped Jharkhand improve its Aadhaar saturation rate to match the national average. Speaking on the occasion, Akhilesh Kumar Gupta, ITS, Deputy Director General of UIDAI, Regional Office Ranchi, emphasized Aadhaar’s significance as a tool for empowerment and inclusion. He noted that Aadhaar, initiated in 2009, provides a unique, verifiable identity to every individual, ensuring even the most marginalized have access to government services, scholarships, subsidies, and benefits. Gupta highlighted that the last decade focused on providing digital identities, while this decade will be about leveraging these identities for further benefits. He also assured continued support from UIDAI in improving the ‘Ease of Living’ in Jharkhand. In the technical session, Devendra Kumar, IRPS, Director of the DBT Mission, Cabinet Secretariat, shared his experiences on how Aadhaar has enabled Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), eliminating middlemen and fake beneficiaries, and saving significant government revenue. The workshop saw participation from representatives of all 24 districts of Jharkhand, along with departments like the Postal Department, Railways, Jharkhand Education Project Council, State-Level Bankers’ Committee, India Post Payment Bank, Coal India, National Payments Corporation of India, and many others.

Renowned Industrialist Ratan Tata Passes Away, Nation Mourns Loss of Visionary Leader

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Ranchi EW News: Renowned 86 year old industrialist Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He was admitted following a sudden deterioration in his health, including a significant drop in blood pressure, and was later shifted to the intensive care unit. Tata’s demise has sent shockwaves across the country, mourning the loss of a distinguished figure known for his leadership in the Tata Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates.

Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, Ratan Naval Tata was the adopted son of Naval Tata, the younger brother of J.R.D. Tata, the founder of Tata Group. Educated at Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai and later at the prestigious Bishop Cotton School in Jamshedpur, Tata pursued architecture at Cornell University in the United States. His career at Tata Group began in 1962, where he ascended through various leadership roles to eventually become Chairman in 1991.

Under his stewardship, Tata Group underwent significant transformations, successfully revitalizing core businesses like Tata Steel and Tata Motors and expanding into international markets. His strategic acquisitions, including Jaguar Land Rover from Ford Motor Company, underscored his visionary leadership. Beyond business, Tata was widely respected for his commitment to social responsibility, notably through initiatives supported by Tata Trusts, India’s leading philanthropic organization.

Ratan Tata’s legacy extends beyond business acumen; his profound impact on Indian industry and society has earned him global recognition as a humanitarian and visionary leader. He has been honored with numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, and the Legion of Honour for exceptional services to France. Recognized as one of the world’s greatest leaders by Fortune magazine, Tata leaves behind an indelible mark on global business and philanthropy. The nation mourns the loss of a titan whose leadership and philanthropic efforts reshaped industries and touched countless lives across India and beyond. (Shreya Tripathi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth Over ₹80,000 Crore in Jharkhand

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Sanjay Kumar Pandey

Ranchi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several projects worth over ₹80,000 crore in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. These projects aim to benefit around 63,000 tribal villages in 550 districts through the launch of the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan. Additionally, the Prime Minister inaugurated 40 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and laid the foundation for 25 new ones. Under the PM-JANMAN initiative, several other projects were also inaugurated and commenced. While addressing the gathering, Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for being a part of Jharkhand’s development journey. He recalled his recent visit to Jamshedpur, where he inaugurated numerous developmental projects worth hundreds of crores. Referring to today’s projects, PM Modi highlighted the government’s focus on the empowerment and welfare of tribal communities, affirming that these ₹80,000 crore projects reflect the government’s prioritization of the tribal society. On the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, the Prime Minister emphasized that Gandhi’s vision of India’s progress was intrinsically linked to the development of tribal communities. Launching the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan, PM Modi announced that it aims to uplift nearly 63,000 tribal-dominated villages across 550 districts, benefiting over 5 crore tribal people nationwide. He reiterated that the initiative would significantly improve the socio-economic conditions of these villages, including those in Jharkhand. Expressing his joy, PM Narendra Modi noted that the launch of the Dharti Aaba campaign from the land of Bhagwan Birsa Munda was significant. He also remembered the commencement of the PM-JANMAN scheme on Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary last year and announced that India will celebrate the first anniversary of the scheme on November 15, 2024. He added that the scheme is helping to bring development to the most backward tribal areas of the country. Highlighting the progress made under the PM-JANMAN initiative in its first year, the Prime Minister shared that more than 950 remote villages in Jharkhand now have access to piped water. Additionally, 35 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been approved in the state. PM Modi also focused on efforts to improve mobile connectivity in remote tribal regions, ensuring that tribal communities benefit from equal opportunities for progress. Regarding the educational opportunities for tribal youth, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of building Eklavya residential schools. He announced the inauguration of 40 such schools today and laid the foundation for 25 more, stressing that these schools should be equipped with modern facilities and high-quality education. The government, he said, has nearly doubled the budget for each school to ensure this. PM Narendra Modi expressed confidence that tribal youth, when given the right education and opportunities, would thrive and contribute significantly to the nation’s growth.The event was also attended by Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar and Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, among others.

As part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the holistic development of tribal communities across the nation, the Prime Minister launched the Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan, with a total outlay of over ₹80,000 crore. The initiative aims to cover approximately 63,000 villages in 549 districts across 30 states and union territories, benefiting more than 5 crore tribal people. It seeks to address critical gaps in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihood through 25 activities implemented by 17 ministries and departments of the Government of India. To boost educational infrastructure for tribal communities, PM Modi inaugurated 40 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and laid the foundation for 25 more, with a combined investment exceeding ₹2,800 crore. Under the PM-JANMAN initiative, projects worth over ₹1,360 crore were inaugurated, including more than 1,380 kilometers of roads, 120 anganwadi centers, 250 multipurpose centers, and 10 hostels for schools. The Prime Minister also unveiled key achievements, including electrification of 3,000 villages, the establishment of 275 mobile medical units, 500 operational anganwadi centers, 250 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and the provision of piped water to over 5,550 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG) villages.

Approval of ₹6.73 Crore for Renovation and Redevelopment of Pahari Mandir

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Sanjay Kumar Pandey

Ranchi EW News: The Pahari Mandir, a revered site in Ranchi, has received administrative approval for a renovation and redevelopment project amounting to ₹6.73 crore (₹673.067 lakh). The project, approved by the Deputy Commissioner of Ranchi Rahul Kumar Sinha, based on a departmental letter, will be carried out in two phases. ₹424.543 lakh has been allocated for the renovation and redevelopment work of the temple, while ₹248.524 lakh has been designated for the construction of guard walls and boundary walls. The execution of this project will be overseen by the Executive Engineer of NREP-1, Ranchi, appointed as the implementing agency. The implementation will follow the technical estimates approved by the Chief Engineer of the Jharkhand Police Housing Corporation Ltd., Ranchi. The project is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2026, with tenders to be invited as per the approved estimate. The implementing agency has been directed to issue tenders within seven days of project approval and finalize them within five days of receipt. In case of any difficulties during the tender process, immediate reporting to the concerned authorities is required. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of adhering to the quality standards and ensuring compliance with departmental rules. The agency is also responsible for ensuring barrier-free access for the differently-abled and that no work deviates from the original temple structure. Photographic documentation of the construction at different stages—beginning, mid-phase, and completion—along with geographical coordinates, will be maintained and submitted to the concerned authorities. Additionally, the agency must ensure that the work takes place on public land and that no similar work has been conducted on the site in the last five years. The implementing agency is required to submit monthly progress reports, both physical and financial, to the District Tourism and Culture Office. The project will strictly follow all financial and administrative guidelines issued by various state departments, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the process.

Union Agriculture Minister Announces Support for Farmers in Palamu

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Sanjay Kumar Pandey

Palamu: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced a significant move to boost agriculture in the Palamu region of Jharkhand. Speaking virtually from Medininagar on Saturday, he laid the foundation stone for the Executive Hostel Block and Training Block at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) in Hyderabad. During the event, Shri Chouhan emphasized that Palamu is well-suited for the cultivation of Arhar (pigeon pea). However, due to inadequate prices, its cultivation has decreased. He announced that the government would purchase the entire Arhar crop from the region to encourage farmers. He further proposed sending a team to study ways to increase production and develop better seeds for pulses like Arhar, chickpeas, and lentils, all of which hold great potential in the area. Highlighting the importance of proper terminology, union Minister cautioned against using unnecessary short forms, suggesting that terms should convey clear meanings. He added that the government is committed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of doubling farmers’ incomes while ensuring food security for India’s 1.4 billion people. Agriculture, he said, remains the backbone of the economy, and the government’s responsibility is to ensure both livelihoods and food security. The Union Minister also stressed the need for diversifying agriculture, adding value to products, and promoting natural farming. Acknowledging the adverse effects of fertilizers, he emphasized the importance of including natural farming techniques in training programs. He also mentioned the focus on providing training to agricultural scientists, university faculty members, FPOs, unemployed youth, and input dealers to modernize agriculture. Union Minister Shri Chouhan praised the high placement rates of agricultural startups and stressed the need for adapting training programs to meet contemporary and future needs. He urged for detailed and advanced planning for training, integrating future research into the curriculum to anticipate the evolving demands of agriculture. Speaking about the new infrastructure, he lauded the incorporation of green building concepts, but emphasized that the true essence of the facility lies in the quality of training provided, which will shape the future of Indian agriculture. He announced his future visit to the campus for further discussions. Union Minister Shri Chouhan also shared his observations from his recent visit to Netarhat, where pear and potato farming is prominent. He urged efforts to enhance production and improve farming methods to benefit the region’s agricultural output.

The announcement comes as a major boost to Palamu farmers, offering them government support and a clear path to improved production and livelihoods.

Internet Disruption in Jharkhand: A Deep Wound

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Shreya Tripathi

Ranchi EW News: Jharkhand has been severely impacted by a recent internet shutdown enforced due to the CGLE exams, dealing a serious blow to the state’s economy. From 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM on September 21 and 22, the shutdown has severely affected the state’s commerce, education, and other activities. Industrial Impact: Several industries in the state have faced production halts due to the internet disruption. Online payments, e-commerce, and other digital services have come to a complete standstill. Small businesses, heavily reliant on online sales and marketing, have also suffered significant losses. Education Setback: Students and educators have faced considerable difficulties accessing online classes and study materials. This issue is more pronounced in areas with already weak internet connectivity. Government Response: The government has apologized for the inconvenience caused by this disruption and emphasized the necessity of this step for the successful conduct of examinations. However, efforts must also be made to mitigate the negative impact on the state’s economy. The Way Forward: Alternative Arrangements: The government should consider alternative arrangements to manage such situations in the future, ensuring minimal economic impact alongside exam conduct. Compensation: Consideration should be given to compensating affected industries and businesses. Enhancing Digital Infrastructure: There is a critical need to strengthen the state’s digital infrastructure to prevent such issues in the future. Support for Small Businesses: Assistance should be provided to small businesses to migrate to online platforms and engage in digital marketing. The internet shutdown in Jharkhand underscores the vital role of the internet in the digital age. The government should take decisive steps to prevent such incidents in the future and provide relief to affected individuals and businesses.

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