Election Commission Of India

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar gave a remark on the loss of the "bow and arrow" symbol of his ally Uddhav Thackeray faction. On February 17, Pawar advised Uddhav Thackeray to accept the new symbol, saying people will accept the new symbol. The remark came after the ECI ordered that the party name "Shiv Sena" and the party symbol "Bow and Arrow" for Eknath Shinde.

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren has been disqualified as MLA by the Election Commission of India, confirmed sources on August 26. The announcement came after a hearing in the Hemant Soren mine leasing case which was being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI. Notably, the BJP has accused Soren of extending himself a mining lease and sought his disqualification as an MLA.

Allahabad High Court directed the Parliament and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take proactive measures to "remove criminals from politics" and destroy the corrupt link between criminals, politicians, and bureaucrats. The remarks were made while refusing bail for BSP MP Atul Kumar Singh a.k.a. Atul Rai. The Lucknow police had charged Rai with aiding in the suicide of a girl and her witness outside the Supreme Court. 

The Election Commission of India is soon to announce the dates for the Presidential elections.  The ECI panel has organized a press conference at 3 pm, on June 9 to announce the schedule. Notably, President Ram Nath Kovind's term is due to end on July 24. The electoral college members will elect the new President of India. The last presidential elections were held on July 17, 2017.

According to the Election Commission of India, Bhartiya Janata Party is leading on 250 seats in Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, Samajwadi Party is leading on 111 seats, and Apan Dal with nine seats. Meanwhile, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's son Pankaj Singh is leading from the Noida constituency. The UP elections were held from February 10 to March 7 and results are all set to declare on March 10.