YSRCP leaders urge SEC to ensure peaceful conduct of ZPTC election in Pulivendula
The YSRCP leaders highlighted a series of incidents, including the attack on Mr. Ramesh Yadav and party leader Velpula Ramu allegedly by 30 TDP men armed with sticks. They alleged that the victims were chased, dragged out of their vehicles, and assaulted near Nallagondavaripalli, and the police deliberately remained mute spectators.
The TDP was creating fear among the voters and misusing power to disrupt the election, going by the manner in which bindover cases were being booked against the YSRCP leaders and arrests made on false grounds, the YSRCP alleged, requesting the SEC to take stern action and ensure free and fair local body elections in Pulivendula and across the State.
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First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
US proposes disarmament roadmap for Hezbollah by year-end, triggering Cabinet split in Beirut
The US has presented Lebanon with a proposal for disarming Hezbollah by the end of the year, along with ending Israel's military operations in the country and the withdrawal of its troops from five positions in south Lebanon, according to a copy of a Lebanese cabinet agenda read more Men carry Hezbollah flags while riding on two wheelers, at the entrance of Beirut's southern suburbs, in Lebanon, on November 27, 2024. Reuters File The United States has presented Lebanon with a proposal for disarming Hezbollah by the end of the year, along with ending Israel's military operations in the country and the withdrawal of its troops from five positions in south Lebanon, according to a copy of a Lebanese cabinet agenda reviewed by Reuters. The plan, submitted by US President Donald Trump's envoy to the region, Tom Barrack, and being discussed at a Lebanese cabinet meeting on Thursday, sets out the most detailed steps yet for disarming the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which has rejected mounting calls to disarm since last year's devastating war with Israel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said following the cabinet meeting on Thursday that the cabinet approved only the objectives of Barrack's plan but did not discuss it in full. 'We did not delve into the details or components of the US proposal. Our discussion and decision were limited to its objectives,' Morcos said. The objectives of the US proposal would include phasing out the armed presence of non-state actors including Hezbollah, deploying Lebanese forces to key border and internal areas, ensuring Israel's withdrawal from the five positions, resolving prisoner issues through indirect talks, and permanently demarcating Lebanon's borders with Israel and Syria. The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Israeli prime minister's office declined to comment, while the defence ministry did not immediately respond. Hezbollah had no immediate comment on the proposal, but three political sources told Reuters that ministers from the Iran-backed group and their Muslim Shi'ite allies withdrew from Thursday's cabinet meeting in protest at discussions of the proposal. Israel dealt major blows to Hezbollah in an offensive last year, the climax of a conflict that began in October 2023 when the Lebanese group opened fire at Israeli positions at the frontier, declaring support for its militant Palestinian ally Hamas at the start of the Gaza war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The U.S. proposal aims to 'extend and stabilise' a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel brokered in November. 'The urgency of this proposal is underscored by the increasing number of complaints regarding Israeli violations of the current ceasefire, including airstrikes and cross-border operations, which risk triggering a collapse of the fragile status quo,' it said. Phase 1 of the plan would require the Beirut government to issue a decree within 15 days committing to Hezbollah's full disarmament by December 31, 2025. In this phase, Israel would also cease ground, air and sea military operations. Phase 2 would require Lebanon to begin implementing the disarmament plan within 60 days, with the government approving 'a detailed (Lebanese army) deployment plan to support the plan to bring all arms under the authority of the state'. This plan will specify disarmament targets. During Phase 2, Israel would begin withdrawing from positions it holds in south Lebanon and Lebanese prisoners held by Israel would be released in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During Phase 3, within 90 days, Israel will withdraw from the final two of the five points it holds, and funding will be secured to initiate rubble removal in Lebanon and infrastructure rehabilitation in preparation for reconstruction. In Phase 4, within 120 days, Hezbollah's remaining heavy weapons must be dismantled, including missiles and drones. In Phase 4, the United States, Saudi Arabia, France, Qatar and other friendly states will organise an economic conference to support the Lebanese economy and reconstruction and to 'implement President Trump's vision for the return of Lebanon as a prosperous and viable country'.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
SEC: VVPAT not suited to multi-member ward format
Pune: State election commissioner Dinesh Waghmare on Thursday clarified that Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines cannot be used in the upcoming civic elections due to technical and structural limitations of the current electoral framework. Speaking to TOI after a review meeting at the divisional commissioner's office, he said, "VVPATs are designed for a single-member electoral system. Municipal corporation, councils, and panchayat elections are conducted under a multi-member ward system. These machines are not compatible with such a format." His comments came a day after the opposition demanded VVPAT be used to enhance transparency in the polls. The opposition suggested that if VVPATs were not feasible, the EC should revert to traditional ballot papers. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Waghmare ruled out both options. "Apart from the mismatch in system design, logistical hurdles such as a large number of candidates per ward make VVPAT deployment unworkable. There is no proposal to return to ballot papers. The elections will be held using EVMs," he said. The SEC has initiated pre-election reviews across all divisions with municipal polls likely after Diwali. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perfectly Timed Photos You Won't Believe Are Real Read More Undo The commission has sought additional EVMs from the Election Commission of India and the Madhya Pradesh Election Commission. "They will be available before the elections," Waghmare said. He also assessed the election preparedness of all five districts in the Pune division and instructed officials to ensure comprehensive planning for free, fair, and peaceful polls. "Priority must be given to voter lists, polling stations, EVMs and voter awareness," he said. The meeting was attended by SEC secretary Suresh Kakani, divisional commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar, district collectors, and municipal commissioners. Waghmare noted that this is the first time that elections to over 650 local bodies in the state will be held simultaneously. "Voters' lists prepared by the Election Commission of India will be used and must be divided meticulously—ward-wise and centre-wise—to ensure accuracy and improve turnout," he said. More polling stations will be needed due to the multi-member format, but consolidation is possible as per SEC norms. "Booths must be accessible and equipped for all voters, including those with disabilities," Waghmare added. Districts have been directed to assess availability of returning officers, assistant returning officers, and polling personnel, and ensure all infrastructure is ready. Kakani emphasized the early verification and security of EVMs. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Data, traffic accumulated by Elon Musk's Starlink will be stored in India: Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani
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