Assembly elections 2022 roundup: Voter turnout touches a record, AAP promises big and drugs-for-vote is still a thing

Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer has submitted a report on drug seizures, in the run up to Assembly Elections 2022. (Representational Image. Photo by Ninetyseven Imagery from Pexels)

Western UP’s Kairana saw a record voter turnout in the first phase of elections

Kairana constituency in Shamli district saw 75.12% voter turnout, which has been the highest in the first phase of elections and much higher than the constituency’s otherwise average of 60%.  

Why is it important?

Kairana was at the centre of the previous assembly election, when BJP leaders claimed that Hindus had been forced out of this constituency. SP’s candidate Nahid Hassan had won in 2017 with a wide margin. This time, when the MLA was on his way to complete the filing of his nomination papers, he was arrested under the Gunda Act. His sister Iqra Choudhary then tried to file her nomination as an SP candidate, which was rejected by the EC. She later registered as an independent candidate but later seems to have withdrawn that application. SP has retained Hassan as its candidate and BJP has Mriganka Singh, who had contested against Hassan in the 2017 election.

Read also: Stuck registrations, delayed possession: 'Homebuyer' candidate in the fray

 Manipur elections postponed to February 28 and March 5

The Election Commission recently announced that it has moved polling for both phases for the state from February 27 and March 3, to February 28 and March 5.

Why is it important?

Since February 27 falls on a Sunday, Christian organisations had been asking for the election date to be postponed. The community has a large vote share in 20 seats that have been reserved for Scheduled Tribes and its leaders had said that, if the dates weren’t moved, many would abstain from casting their ballot. In all Manipur has 60 Assembly seats. 

AAP chief makes big promises in Goa

AAP’s chief Arvind Kejriwal has said that, if his party forms the government in the state, it will give Goans land rights within six months. He has also promised free water and electricity.

Why is it important?

Land ownership has been a contentious issue in the state for a while. A large part of the state’s land is protected because of its coastline and forests, and there is a growing sentiment among locals that outsiders buying up land is raising realty prices, making home unaffordable for long-time residents. In 2013, under the former CM Manohar Parrikar, the state assembly had passed a resolution seeking special status for the state under Article 371. He had said that this was done to protect land rights of locals. Even the TMC-Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP) alliance has promised land rights to the people in this election. 

Read also: The ten big fights to follow in Goa

Punjab Electoral Officer submits record of drugs seized to HC

The state’s Chief Electoral Office has said that nearly 4,000 kg of drugs, worth over Rs 300 crore has been seized since January 8, from when the poll code has been in effect. It was replying to a suo motu plea initiated by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Why is it important?

The High Court has initiated its plea since “drugs for vote” deals seemed to have become routine in the state around the time of elections. One of the judges had quoted a former election commissioner, to say that around 55 kg of heroin and 430 kg of poppy husk had been recovered in one month alone around the time of 2012 Assembly elections. During elections there have been news reports of drugs being home delivered. The state has been dealing with a massive drug problem for years, with political parties blaming each other for fostering the trade and profiting from it.