Action against misinformation, zero tolerance for hate speeches: Know everything CEC warned about
New Delhi: Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar announced today the commencement of the world's largest democratic exercise with the declaration of the 2024 general election schedule for 543 Lok Sabha seats. The election will be conducted in seven phases, starting from April 19, with the results set to be announced on June 4.
In addition to the Lok Sabha polls, simultaneous elections will be held for assemblies in four states: Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Notably absent from the list is Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under President's Rule since 2018.
Alongside the general elections, by-elections will be conducted for 26 assembly seats across multiple states, including Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
Addressing concerns about misinformation on social media platforms, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar issued a stern warning, urging political parties to ensure responsible behavior on social media by verifying information before amplifying it. He emphasized that fake news would be dealt with severely under existing laws, citing Section 79(3)(B) of the IT Act, which empowers nodal officers in each state to remove unlawful content.
Furthermore, Kumar emphasized the need for a campaign based on issues, stressing a zero-tolerance policy for hate speeches and speeches based on caste or religious lines. He also cautioned against personal attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining decorum during the electoral process.
In an effort to curb the spread of misinformation, the commission has enlisted 2,100 advisors to monitor these issues closely, with strict action promised against any violations.
Additionally, voters above the age of 85 years and persons with disabilities, with at least 40 percent disability, will have the option to vote from home. Kumar revealed that approximately 82 lakh voters fall into this category.
The announcement of the election schedule follows the recent resignation of Election Commissioner Arun Goel, leaving the three-member Commission with only the Chief Election Commissioner. Subsequently, a committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi appointed two retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Gyanesh Kumar, as Election Commissioners. They were sworn in the next day, completing the Commission's roster.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
