India Hot Topics

India: Millions vote in state elections amid pandemic challenges

Published

6 years ago

October 29, 2020

India

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Cricket

Anushka Sharma Cheers as Smriti Mandhana’s RCB Makes History with Second WPL Title!

Published

4 months ago

February 6, 2026

Digital Post

Anushka Sharma hails RCB: Powerful Historic WPL Triumph

The air was thick with expectancy, the stadium buzzed with electricity, and everyone’s attention was focused on the emerging drama. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) final, which pitted Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Delhi Capitals (DC), promised to be a spectacular spectacle. We had no idea it would provide so much more – a nail-biting match culminating in a historic victory that sent shockwaves of joy around the cricketing globe, and no one was more excited than Bollywood diva Anushka Sharma. Her exuberant exclamation of “History repeated!” wonderfully captured the enthusiasm surrounding RCB’s stunning win, their second consecutive WPL title.

A Season of Resilience and Redemption

The Journey to the Final

RCB’s path through the WPL season was one of resilience, strategic brilliance, and unwavering commitment. Smriti Mandhana’s dynamic leadership led to continual growth, with the team learning from each setback and emerging stronger. Their route to the final was not without challenges, but each one strengthened their resolve, transforming them into a strong force eager to triumph.

Mandhana’s Masterclass in Leadership

Smriti Mandhana, known for her graceful batting, shone as a captain throughout the season. Her cool demeanour under pressure, clever tactical selections, and ability to motivate her teammates all contributed to RCB’s win. She led from the front, both with the bat and as captain, exemplifying the spirit of true leadership.

The Grand Finale: A Battle for Supremacy

DC’s Strong Start

The final against the Delhi Capitals was a match worthy of the occasion. DC, a powerhouse squad, started strong, scoring a tough total that tested RCB’s batting lineup. The early overs were tense, with both sides trading blows as they battled for dominance in the high-stakes match.

RCB’s Clinical Chase

However, the RCB chase was nothing short of clinical. The batsmen showed steel nerves, forming key partnerships and patiently chipping away at the objective. Each run was greeted with enthusiasm, and each boundary elicited tremendous ovation, as the momentum changed in RCB’s favour.

Anushka Sharma’s Elation: A True Fan’s Delight

Beyond The Boundary Ropes

Anushka Sharma, a loud and avid supporter of RCB – and, in fact, of all things cricket, given her husband Virat Kohli’s involvement with the men’s squad – has always been interested in the team’s success. Her presence, though virtual this time, was palpable. Her social media was buzzing with enthusiasm as she tracked every ball, wicket, and run.

“History Repeated!” – A Resounding Declaration

Upon RCB’s momentous victory, Anushka’s joy knew no bounds. Her initial reaction, “History repeated!”, was more than just a congratulatory statement; it was a genuine recognition of the team’s amazing feat. It struck a chord with fans, bringing back memories of RCB’s previous WPL victory and emphasising the squad’s consistent excellence under Smriti Mandhana. This victory was more than simply a single win; it was a declaration of purpose, confirming their place as the dominant force in women’s cricket.

The Impact of Victory

Inspiring a New Generation

RCB’s straight WPL wins are more than simply trophies; they serve as a source of motivation for a generation of ambitious female cricket players. These achievements highlight the incredible skill, devotion, and professionalism of women’s cricket, inspiring young girls to pursue their aspirations in the sport. The WPL’s visibility and success are critical in building a strong ecosystem for women’s cricket around the world.

Solidifying RCB’s Legacy

This second WPL triumph cements RCB’s legacy in the expanding world of women’s franchise cricket. It demonstrates their dedication to excellence, strategic team development, and developing top people. The team has not only won silverware, but it has also won hearts, resulting in a devoted and ever-growing fan base.

A Celebration of Teamwork and Tenacity

Every Player’s Contribution

The success was due to the combined efforts of all RCB players. From crucial bowling breakthroughs to critical runs scored by batters and great fielding exploits, each individual contribution is woven together to create a winning tapestry. It emphasised the value of teamwork, with each player playing an important role in achieving a common objective.

The Power of WPL

The WPL continues to grow in stature and popularity, giving an important platform for female cricketers to demonstrate their abilities on a worldwide scale. Matches such as the final between RCB and DC help to captivate fans and demonstrate the league’s tremendous competitiveness. The continued success of teams such as RCB only adds to the league’s allure and long-term viability.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future

Maintaining Momentum

As RCB basks in the joy of winning back-to-back WPL titles, the issue now is to maintain that momentum. The cricket world will be looking to see how they evolve, innovate, and defend their championship status in the coming seasons. The benchmark has been established, and expectations are higher than ever.

The Expanding Reach of Women’s Cricket

The WPL’s success, fuelled by compelling finals and celebrity endorsements such as Anushka Sharma’s, demonstrates the growing reach and attraction of women’s cricket. It demonstrates the quality, passion, and rising fans that this format continues to attract, implying an even brighter future for the sport.

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