Does A High Voter Turnout Mean Good News For BJP?

By Likha Veer | INNLIVE

ANALYSIS The Lok Sabha elections 2014 is almost half-way over, with 122 seats having gone to the polls across the country today. A feature of this election that makes this year's polls stand out is the unprecedented voter turnout. For the seats that have gone to polls till now, an average increase of 10% voter turnout has been reported. 

For the BJP this is a 'Narendra Modi wave'. Critics of the UPA suggest that such a high turnout will only be natural against the incumbent government that has been embroiled in many scams, blamed for high inflation and policy paralysis.

How BJP Duped EC With White Lotus, Varanasi On Polling?

By M H Ahssan | INNLIVE

EYE OPENER When the Election Commission finally filed an FIR against Narendra Modi on 30 April for waving a white lotus around while addressing a press conference, it wasn't like the BJP, its prime ministerial candidate and pretty much every party hadn't already been making the most of loopholes in its model code of conduct. 

The case that was finally lodged against Modi was under sections 126- 1(a) 126- 1(b) of the Representatives of People's Act for holding up the party symbol while addressing a press conference. He now faces a maximum punishment of up to 2 years in jail or could be let off with a rap on the knuckles and a fine. 

'European Union Passports on Sale' For Indian FDI Privilege

By Sishir Gupta | INNLIVE

SPECIAL REPORT “To be born English, is to win first place in the lottery of life”- Cecil Rhodes. These words spoken at the height of the British Empire; clearly emphasise how an individual’s nationality, defined one’s role and the opportunities available to him. Nationality was considered to be a sacred allegiance, a privilege, one that could never be changed or altered and could only be taken away by the government.

Today, however the concept of citizenship has evolved, it is considered more as a property of the individual holder, one with which he can choose to do as he please, to keep or surrender.

Focus On 'Indian Mujahedeen' Angle Of Chennai Twin Blasts

By Salim Sherwani | Chennai

A CLOSE LOOK As we file this column we have the news of twin blasts on the Bangalore- Guwahati Express train this morning, within minutes of its arrival at Chennai Central railway station. One woman passenger- a TCS employee - was killed and several others injured. One person has been detained by the Tamil Nadu Police for questioning. 

Delhi, Mumbai & Hyd Airports Locked In Row Over 'Hi-Dues'

By Kushal Acharya | INNLIVE

SPOTLIGHT A 400 crore legal battle may mar standing of these airports as showpieces of PPP model. The privately run Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad airports and the civil aviation ministry are locked in a legal battle over the payment of at least Rs.400 crore by the three airports that some say may mar their standing as showpieces of public private partnership (PPP), the model India has adopted to get private companies to build public infrastructure.

'This Time NaMo Will Not Become Prime Minister Of India?'

By Gaurav Sharma | INNLIVE

ANALYSIS At his Grand nomination gala at Varanasi, the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi all of a sudden chose to interact with the media. The BJP workers, flooded the holly city from across the country, had put up a great show making it impossible for the media to not give continuous break-free coverage. 

All the news channels, all of them gave a big coverage. In the midst of all of this Modi chose to interact with the media and he said, "it is for the first time that NDA has had a pre-poll alliance with almost 30 parties". Yes, a whopping 30! 

Maoists Trigger Landmine Blast Killed 8 Cops In Jharkhand

By Sucheta Dule | Ranchi

DEVELOPING STORY Eight persons - six polling officials and two policemen - were killed and seven others injured in a landmine blast when suspected Maoists blew up their vehicle in the district, a senior police officer said here. Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar said a landmine was triggered when they were returning from poll duty.

The blast occurred near Asnajore in Shikaripara Assembly segment while the polling officials were returning, Inspector General of Police, Anurag Gupta said. He said police reinforcement was rushed to the area for combing operations. 

Happy May Day: A Celebration Of Global Labour Movements

By Hansraj Malwekar | INNLIVE

International Labour Day (also known as May Day or International Workers' Day) celebrates the various labour and left-wing movements across the world. It is mostly observed by holding street marches and demonstrations by working class people and their labour unions. May 1 is a national holiday in more than 80 countries. It is also celebrated unofficially in many other countries.

Labour Day has its origins in the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest. The first May Day celebration in India was organised in Madras by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan on May 1, 1923. Some records say it was also the first time the red flag was used in India.