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India: Millions vote in state elections amid pandemic challenges

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4 years ago

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India: Millions vote in state elections amid pandemic challenges

India’s first key elections during the coronavirus pandemic has begun in the eastern state of Bihar, with physical distancing regulations and temperature checks outside election booths.

Voters will elect the 243-member Bihar legislative assembly in three phases, starting Wednesday, with results to be declared on November 10.

Holding safe elections has been a challenge for India’s Election Commission as the virus continues to spread. The country has recorded nearly eight million COVID-19 cases and more than 120,000 deaths.

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Most voters were wearing masks and officials provided gloves as they cast their ballot in one of India’s poorest states, home to 125 million people, as it holds the world’s biggest election since the pandemic erupted.

Bihar has an electoral roll of more than 72 million voters, which is more than the population of France or Britain. The last elections in 2015 saw a turnout of about 58 percent.

More than 60 countries around the world have been postponing local and national elections, according to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

The Election Commission has limited door-to-door campaigning groups to three people and asked district administrations to enforce physical distancing and limit crowds at campaign rallies.

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But days into the staggered elections, most rules were flouted as candidates competed to pull the biggest crowds, raising fears of a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Three-time chief minister Nitish Kumar of the Janata Dal (United) is seeking re-election at the head of an alliance that includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Its main rival is another alliance of the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal, the Indian National Congress and two left parties.

The poll is the first in India since Modi imposed a strict coronavirus lockdown in late March that led to millions of poor migrant workers, many from Bihar, losing their jobs. Some had to walk for days or weeks to get back home.

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Opinion polls indicate disquiet with the incumbent regime, particularly Nitish Kumar, who has been in power for most of the past 15 years, over perceptions he has not done enough to lift the state out of poverty.

Kumar’s unpopularity has been further exacerbated by the lockdown, with hundreds of thousands of workers who returned home from other states still unable to find work in Bihar.

“There’s been a lack of any development over the last 15 years under this [state] chief minister,” Mohan Guruswamy from the Centre for Policy Alternatives think-tank told AFP news agency.

Unemployment and the cost of living have been significant election issues, and the national government is also striving to keep the prices of onions – a key ingredient in Indian cuisine – in check amid a shortage after heavy rains damaged crops.

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New Delhi wants to be seen as doing everything within its power to control the price of the staple, a sensitive subject across South Asia, where shortages can trigger widespread discontent with political ramifications.

The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal has promised to support unemployed youth and create thousands of new state government jobs.

Bihar’s ruling alliance has banked heavily on Modi, who remains popular in the state. He has held several rallies and promised to expedite development projects if the alliance is returned to power.

Releasing the BJP’s poll manifesto last week, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also vowed that “everyone in Bihar will get a vaccine for free” if voters back the coalition.

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Also Read : BECA DONE, FIGHTERS AND ARMED DRONES NEXT AS INDIA TURNS THE US POSITIVE

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Tabu reveals she’ll make her Dune: Prophecy entry as Sister Francesca in this episode; fans say ‘Queen is coming’

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2 days ago

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January 10, 2025

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Tabu reveals she’ll make her Dune: Prophecy entry as Sister Francesca in this episode; fans say ‘Queen is coming’

Tabu plays Sister Francesca in Dune: Prophecy, a prequel spin-off of Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic franchise. It’s streaming in India on JioCinema.

Fans of Tabu have been waiting for her grand debut in Dune: Prophecy, the prequel spin-off show of Denis Villeneuve’s blockbuster sci-fi epic franchise. The actor has finally announced when her fans can expect her to enter the weekly episodic show. (Also Read: When Tabu said talking about her marriage was ‘boring’, didn’t understand why being single was a big deal)

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Tabu announces arrival

Tabu took to her Instagram handle on Wednesday evening and shared a picture of her as Sister Francesca, the role she plays in Dune: Prophecy. She looked both menacing and regal in a black attire.

matched with a veil over her head and kohl-rimmed eyes staring at someone sideways. Tabu wrote in the caption, “Prepare for a new Sister to show her strength. The #DuneProphecy episode featuring Tabu premieres December 15 on @streamonmax and December 16 in India on @officialjiocinema.”

Internet reacts

The official Instagram handle of Dune: Prophecy commented on Tabu’s post, “Your potential in the Order is endless.” The internet couldn’t keep calm at both Tabu’s look in the show and the episode in which they’ll finally get a glimpse of her in the series.

An Instagram user commented, “(red heart and fire emojis) fab cant wait.” Another wrote, “I can’t wait to whistle when you make your grand entry as Sister Francesca! (heart eyes, red heart and, take a bow emojis).” “I know she will simply come and kill it and that’s just A FACT,” read a third comment.

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Many Instagram users hailed her as the “queen,” with one of them declaring, “Queen is coming.” However, some users were left disappointed that their favourite actor would enter the show so late. One of them commented, “wait? on episode 5??? seriously?” Another one echoed the sentiment and pointed out, “2nd last ep that means.” Dune: Prophecy, which premiered in India on November 18, will have seven episodes. The finale will be dropped on December 30.

Set 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), Dune: Prophecy follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.

Tabu has revealed that she will make her highly anticipated entry as Sister Francesca in Dune: Prophecy in the upcoming episode, sending her fans into a frenzy. Known for her brilliant and impactful roles in both Bollywood and international films, Tabu’s casting in the Dune prequel series has been one of the most exciting announcements for fans of the franchise.

Sister Francesca, a new character in the Dune universe, is expected to bring her own unique intensity to the story. Tabu’s strong acting skills and presence on screen have already raised expectations for her performance, with fans eagerly awaiting her debut. The announcement has led to a surge of excitement on social media, with many declaring, “Queen is coming,” as they anticipate the actress’s powerful role in the series.

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Dune: Prophecy delves into the intricate universe of Dune, and Tabu’s involvement only adds to the growing anticipation. With her stellar reputation, Tabu is sure to leave a lasting impact on the series, and fans can’t wait to see her bring Sister Francesca to life.

Sister Francesca is a new character in the Dune universe, and Tabu’s portrayal promises to be captivating.

#Tabu #DuneProphecy #SisterFrancesca #QueenIsComing #DuneSeries #FansExcited #NewRole

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Tabu reveals she’ll make her Dune: Prophecy entry as Sister Francesca in this episode; fans say ‘Queen is coming’
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