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US President Donald&nbsp;Trump on Saturday sent his sympathies to the families of the victims of a San Diego-area synagogue shooting, saying it appeared to be a hate crime and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it."

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ask-sbi-to-release-one-months-salary-to-jet-airways-staff-national-aviators-guild-to-pm-modi-214028">Ask SBI to release one month's salary to Jet Airways staff: National Aviator's Guild to PM Modi</a>

The National Aviator's Guild (NAG), which represents pilots of the grounded carrier Jet Airways, Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "direct" the airline's lender State Bank of India to release one month's salary of all the employees.

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San Diego-area synagogue shooting appears to be hate crime, says Trump as gunman identified US President Donald Trump on Saturday sent his sympathies to the families of the victims of a San Diego-area synagogue shooting, saying it appeared to be a hate crime and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it.

San Diego-area synagogue shooting appears to be hate crime, says Trump as gunman identified US President Donald Trump on Saturday sent his sympathies to the families of the victims of a San Diego-area synagogue shooting, saying it appeared to be a hate crime and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it." Islamic State says its fighters behind police clashes in Sri Lanka The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for three men who blew themselves up in clashes with Sri Lankan police, the militant group said in a statement. Messi fires Barcelona to eighth La Liga title in 11 years Lionel Messi clinched an eighth La Liga title for Barcelona in 11 seasons on Saturday as he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win at home to Levante. The Argentine star struck his league-leading 34th goal of the campaign after coming off the bench for the second half to help Barca wrap up the title with three games remaining. Ask SBI to release one month's salary to Jet Airways staff: National Aviator's Guild to PM Modi The National Aviator's Guild (NAG), which represents pilots of the grounded carrier Jet Airways, Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "direct" the airline's lender State Bank of India to release one month's salary of all the employees. US envoy, Ghani push 'intra-Afghan' talks The United States and Afghanistan stressed the need for "intra-Afghan dialogue" when US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani held talks on Saturday, a palace statement said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-may-not-get-even-50-seats-modi-213853">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Saturday slammed the Congress party, questioning if the party and its leaders are capable of removing terrorism and Naxalism from the country.&nbsp;

While addressing a rally in Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, the prime minister said that the Congress party has said that it will "reduce the presence of armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir. It wants to repeal sedition law too. Can people with such mentality remove terrorism and Naxalism?" he enquired.&nbsp;

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PM Modi in Sitapur: Congress is saying that they will reduce presence of armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Congress wants to repeal sedition law too. Can people with such mentality remove terrorism and naxalism? <a href="https://t.co/SfDyMvzRe5">pic.twitter.com/SfDyMvzRe5</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1122073860717694976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi also addressed a rally in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh wherein he slammed the Congress and blamed it for showing scant regard for Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.&nbsp;

"They (opposition) want a government at the Centre which is 'majboor' (helpless) not 'majboot' (strong) as it used to do before 2014," he said.

The prime minister, earlier in the day, slammed the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh, saying the tie-up of "opportunists" wants a helpless government because.

PM Modi addressed election rallies in Kannauj, a Samajwadi Party stronghold, Hardoi and Sitapur, a day after filing his nomination from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat for a second term.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the Congress party, questioning if the party and its leaders are capable of removing terrorism and Naxalism from the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday slammed the Congress party, questioning if the party and its leaders are capable of removing terrorism and Naxalism from the country. While addressing a rally in Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, the prime minister said that the Congress party has said that it will "reduce the presence of armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir. It wants to repeal sedition law too. Can people with such mentality remove terrorism and Naxalism?" he enquired. PM Modi in Sitapur: Congress is saying that they will reduce presence of armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Congress wants to repeal sedition law too. Can people with such mentality remove terrorism and naxalism? pic.twitter.com/SfDyMvzRe5 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 27, 2019 × PM Modi also addressed a rally in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh wherein he slammed the Congress and blamed it for showing scant regard for Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. "They (opposition) want a government at the Centre which is 'majboor' (helpless) not 'majboot' (strong) as it used to do before 2014," he said. The prime minister, earlier in the day, slammed the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh, saying the tie-up of "opportunists" wants a helpless government because. PM Modi addressed election rallies in Kannauj, a Samajwadi Party stronghold, Hardoi and Sitapur, a day after filing his nomination from the Varanasi Lok Sabha seat for a second term.

Is Congress capable of removing terrorism, Naxalism from country? PM Modi asks

Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy Sunday met AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal here to discuss political developments in the state, amid coalition worries and dissidence within alliance partner Congress surfacing again.

The leaders reportedly discussed the threat by rebel Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi to quit the party along with legislators close to him, recently concluded Lok Sabha polls in the state and preparations for the May 19 by-polls to Chincholi and Kundgol assembly segments, sources said.

They are also said to have discussed the strategy to be adapted to pacify the disgruntled MLAs, who may pose a threat to the coalition government.

Kumaraswamy had on Thursday taken stock of the situation with his deputy G Parameshwara and senior Minister D K Shivakumar.

In another development, Yeshwanthpura Congress legislator S T Somashekara has reportedly convened a meeting of "like-minded" MLAs on April 30 to seek their suggestions to find a solution to the present political situation in the state.

The scheduled meeting has irked some Congressmen, with party MLC G Raghu Achar slamming Somashekar and asking him to discuss any issues he may have with the party leadership.

However, an MLA close to Somashekar, not willing to speak in detail, said they would discuss some issues faced by MLAs under the coalition government and also long-pending development work.

Somashekar, also chairman of the Bangalore Development Authority, had said in January that Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah should again be made chief minister and that development work had come to a grinding halt.

His comments had irked Kumaraswamy, who had even threatened to step down.

Reacting to a question about the meeting called by Somashekar, Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao said he was not aware of it and would gather information.

The meeting might have been called with good intentions, he said.

"A meeting of MLAs close to him (Somashekar) might have been called to strengthen the party. Ours is not a Hitler-like party or one which follows that style of politics... There is independence to hold such meetings in the interest of the party," he said.

Speculation about the longevity of the coalition government has again come to the fore as the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls drew to a close Tuesday, with state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa predicting its collapse after the May 23 election results.

There are talks within political circles that any adverse results for the coalition in the Lok Sabha polls, which they fought in the alliance, despite resentment among the grass root workers and leaders of both the parties, would have its implications on the longevity of the government.

Adding to this was the threat by Jarkiholi, who has been hobnobbing with the BJP for some time now, that he along with other MLAs would resign from the Congress soon in bulk, which has caused fear among the ruling coalition leaders as it would trigger the "number game" in the assembly.

Speaking to reporters after meeting with Venugopal, Rao expressed confidence about "good results" in both the Lok Sabha polls and assembly by-election in two constituencies.

"We will win more than 20 seats (of total 28) in the Lok Sabha polls," he said.

He said though the media was talking about a Modi wave, there was an "undercurrent" in favour of the Congress.

The Congress has fielded Subash Rathod from Chincholi and widow of former Minister C S Shivalli- Kusumavathi from Kundgol for the May 19 by-polls.

The Janata Dal (Secular) is supporting Congress candidates in both the constituencies.

The BJP has named Avinash Jadhav from Chincholi and Chkkangoudra Siddangouda Ishwargoud from Kundgol.

The by-poll to Chincholi was necessitated as Umesh Jadhav, Avinash's father, quit as Congress MLA and joined the BJP to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Gulbarga, while the Kundgol fell vacant following the death of MLA and Minister C S Shivalli.

Monday is the last date for filing nominations for the May 19 by-polls, for which results will be declared on May 23, along with the Lok Sabha poll results.&nbsp;

Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy Sunday met AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal here to discuss political developments in the state, amid coalition worries and dissidence within alliance partner Congress surfacing again.

Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy Sunday met AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal here to discuss political developments in the state, amid coalition worries and dissidence within alliance partner Congress surfacing again. The leaders reportedly discussed the threat by rebel Congress MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi to quit the party along with legislators close to him, recently concluded Lok Sabha polls in the state and preparations for the May 19 by-polls to Chincholi and Kundgol assembly segments, sources said. They are also said to have discussed the strategy to be adapted to pacify the disgruntled MLAs, who may pose a threat to the coalition government. Kumaraswamy had on Thursday taken stock of the situation with his deputy G Parameshwara and senior Minister D K Shivakumar. In another development, Yeshwanthpura Congress legislator S T Somashekara has reportedly convened a meeting of "like-minded" MLAs on April 30 to seek their suggestions to find a solution to the present political situation in the state. The scheduled meeting has irked some Congressmen, with party MLC G Raghu Achar slamming Somashekar and asking him to discuss any issues he may have with the party leadership. However, an MLA close to Somashekar, not willing to speak in detail, said they would discuss some issues faced by MLAs under the coalition government and also long-pending development work. Somashekar, also chairman of the Bangalore Development Authority, had said in January that Congress Legislature Party leader Siddaramaiah should again be made chief minister and that development work had come to a grinding halt. His comments had irked Kumaraswamy, who had even threatened to step down. Reacting to a question about the meeting called by Somashekar, Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao said he was not aware of it and would gather information. The meeting might have been called with good intentions, he said. "A meeting of MLAs close to him (Somashekar) might have been called to strengthen the party. Ours is not a Hitler-like party or one which follows that style of politics... There is independence to hold such meetings in the interest of the party," he said. Speculation about the longevity of the coalition government has again come to the fore as the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls drew to a close Tuesday, with state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa predicting its collapse after the May 23 election results. There are talks within political circles that any adverse results for the coalition in the Lok Sabha polls, which they fought in the alliance, despite resentment among the grass root workers and leaders of both the parties, would have its implications on the longevity of the government. Adding to this was the threat by Jarkiholi, who has been hobnobbing with the BJP for some time now, that he along with other MLAs would resign from the Congress soon in bulk, which has caused fear among the ruling coalition leaders as it would trigger the "number game" in the assembly. Speaking to reporters after meeting with Venugopal, Rao expressed confidence about "good results" in both the Lok Sabha polls and assembly by-election in two constituencies. "We will win more than 20 seats (of total 28) in the Lok Sabha polls," he said. He said though the media was talking about a Modi wave, there was an "undercurrent" in favour of the Congress. The Congress has fielded Subash Rathod from Chincholi and widow of former Minister C S Shivalli- Kusumavathi from Kundgol for the May 19 by-polls. The Janata Dal (Secular) is supporting Congress candidates in both the constituencies. The BJP has named Avinash Jadhav from Chincholi and Chkkangoudra Siddangouda Ishwargoud from Kundgol. The by-poll to Chincholi was necessitated as Umesh Jadhav, Avinash's father, quit as Congress MLA and joined the BJP to contest the Lok Sabha polls from Gulbarga, while the Kundgol fell vacant following the death of MLA and Minister C S Shivalli. Monday is the last date for filing nominations for the May 19 by-polls, for which results will be declared on May 23, along with the Lok Sabha poll results.

Kumaraswamy discusses Karnataka political developments with AICC general secretary

The National Aviator's Guild (NAG), which represents pilots of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-employee-commits-suicide-214024">grounded carrier Jet Airways</a>, Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "direct" the airline's lender State Bank of India to release one month's salary of all the employees.

In a late evening e-mail to the prime minister, the guild also sought government's directive to "stop de-registration" of the airline's aircraft, which are now being leased by other domestic carriers.

"We urge you to direct SBI to release a month's salary to all employees on an urgent and humane basis. We don't want to see a repeat of the human tragedy which unfolded post the Kingfisher Airlines demise," said NAG president Karan Chopra in the e-mail.

Thousands of employees of Kingfisher lost over eight months' salary after the airline went bust in October 2012.

The guild also sought to expedite the binding bid date for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-shares-halt-three-day-slide-zoom-nearly-10-212907">Jet Airways stake</a> to "preserve" enterprise value of the airline.

It also urged the government to ascertain if there was a "premeditated conspiracy" to delay bid declaration or any other "illegal move" was afoot to allow those who have bid as individual entities to team up as a consortium now.

On Friday, Jet Airways chief executive Vinay Dube had said there was no commitment on the part of stakeholders on paying salaries.

The airline has not paid March salaries to its over 20,000 employees. Jet ceased operations on April 17.

The airline suspended operations after the SBI-led consortium of lenders rejected its demand of Rs 983 crore lifeline to help carry out operations and pay salaries.&nbsp;

The National Aviator's Guild (NAG), which represents pilots of the grounded carrier Jet Airways, Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "direct" the airline's lender State Bank of India to release one month's salary of all the employees.

The National Aviator's Guild (NAG), which represents pilots of the grounded carrier Jet Airways, Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "direct" the airline's lender State Bank of India to release one month's salary of all the employees. In a late evening e-mail to the prime minister, the guild also sought government's directive to "stop de-registration" of the airline's aircraft, which are now being leased by other domestic carriers. "We urge you to direct SBI to release a month's salary to all employees on an urgent and humane basis. We don't want to see a repeat of the human tragedy which unfolded post the Kingfisher Airlines demise," said NAG president Karan Chopra in the e-mail. Thousands of employees of Kingfisher lost over eight months' salary after the airline went bust in October 2012. The guild also sought to expedite the binding bid date for the Jet Airways stake to "preserve" enterprise value of the airline. It also urged the government to ascertain if there was a "premeditated conspiracy" to delay bid declaration or any other "illegal move" was afoot to allow those who have bid as individual entities to team up as a consortium now. On Friday, Jet Airways chief executive Vinay Dube had said there was no commitment on the part of stakeholders on paying salaries. The airline has not paid March salaries to its over 20,000 employees. Jet ceased operations on April 17. The airline suspended operations after the SBI-led consortium of lenders rejected its demand of Rs 983 crore lifeline to help carry out operations and pay salaries.

Ask SBI to release one month's salary to Jet Airways staff: National Aviator's Guild to PM Modi

It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP'&nbsp;was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday.

"I am happy that Priyanka Vadra is counting the number of times I came to Amethi. Probably she is counting mine because she is unable to tell the public where the missing MP was for 15 years. I request her to provide that information too," Smriti said while talking to ANI.

She also questioned Congress'&nbsp;method of showing love for the nation. "Yasin Malik is charged with the murder of Air Force officials. Yet the statement given by PC Chacko yesterday supporting him should be condemned either by Priyanka or Rahul Gandhi. I want to ask Priyanka Vadra are these your ways of showing nationalism," she said.

Congress spokesperson PC Chacko on Saturday told reporters in New Delhi that "If Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused, can contest an election, and the way Delhi is asking him (Yasin Malik) at gunpoint to surrender, anyone with self-respect will react the way Yasin Malik did."

She also said that Priyanka should take a closer look at the acts of Congress before she gives statements on nationalism. Irani, who lost to Rahul Gandhi in the last Lok Sabha from Amethi, is again facing him here. Amethi will go to polls on May 6. The results will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP' was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday.

It is a matter of happiness that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the number of days I have visited Amethi as he is unable to tell the public where the 'missing MP' was for 15 years, said Union Minister Smriti Irani here on Sunday. "I am happy that Priyanka Vadra is counting the number of times I came to Amethi. Probably she is counting mine because she is unable to tell the public where the missing MP was for 15 years. I request her to provide that information too," Smriti said while talking to ANI. She also questioned Congress' method of showing love for the nation. "Yasin Malik is charged with the murder of Air Force officials. Yet the statement given by PC Chacko yesterday supporting him should be condemned either by Priyanka or Rahul Gandhi. I want to ask Priyanka Vadra are these your ways of showing nationalism," she said. Congress spokesperson PC Chacko on Saturday told reporters in New Delhi that "If Pragya Singh Thakur, an accused, can contest an election, and the way Delhi is asking him (Yasin Malik) at gunpoint to surrender, anyone with self-respect will react the way Yasin Malik did." She also said that Priyanka should take a closer look at the acts of Congress before she gives statements on nationalism. Irani, who lost to Rahul Gandhi in the last Lok Sabha from Amethi, is again facing him here. Amethi will go to polls on May 6. The results will be announced on May 23.

Happy that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is counting the days I spent in Amethi: Smriti Irani

Accusing the BJP of doling out money to buy votes in the general election, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Sunday said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies.

Banerjee also demanded that Modi's candidature from Varanasi be cancelled, claiming that he has written "does not know" on many counts in his affidavit.

Addressing back-to-back rallies in East Midnapore, she said, "We will ask the Election Commission (EC) to keep an account of the spendings in the prime minister's public meetings. If the EC can seek details of expenditure from others, why not from him?"

The chief minister also alleged that the saffron party is doling out thousands of rupees to lure people to its rallies, while also buying votes.

Taking her diatribe against the prime minister to his homefront, she claimed that "all throughout his life, Modi never respected his mother or his wife".

"You shy away from giving your wife her due respect, what respect will you give to the people?" the CM said.

Maintaining that she has seen Modi's affidavit in his nomination papers, Banerjee said, "The PM has written that he does not know about his wife's movable and immovable assets. I don't like making such comments, but the level he has stooped to forced me to speak out," the TMC boss said.

She urged the Election Commission to carry out an investigation into the spendings of Modi's "colourful rally" in the holy town of Varanasi before filing his nomination.

"This election is not (a test) for Mamata Banerjee, but for you (Modi). It is time for you to answer what you have done in five years," she said, insisting that the prime minister was busy touring the world during his tenure.

Maintaining that Modi is worse than Muhammed bin Tughlaq, the 14th-century sultan of Delhi known for his whims, she said that the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency notes in November 2016 caused immense hardship to people, be it a housewife, farmer, worker or a small businessman.

Banerjee, whose aversion to communism and everything associated with it including the colour red is well-known, for once sought refuge in Karl Marx to deride the BJP.

Drawing from Marx's famous statement "religion is the opium of the masses", she said, "The BJP is using religion as opium to divert the attention of people from the non-performance of its government at the Centre.

She, however, did not mince her words when it came to targeting the Left parties in the state.

"Those who wore red shirts earlier are now donning saffron kurtas in West Bengal," the TMC chief said, indicating that many BJP workers in the state are former CPI(M) cadres.

The CM also iterated that Modi will ensure that there was no further election in the country if re-elected to power.

She charged the poll panel with "doing the bidding of the BJP".

Banerjee, whose party was accused of unleashing a reign of terror during the panchayat polls, insisted that it was her partymen who were killed during the elections in 2018.

"In Bengal, there is a democratically elected dispensation, but the BJP is trying to run a parallel government here. A retired officer is dictating terms to the serving officers, this is unconstitutional," she said, referring to the two special observers appointed by the EC to oversee polls in West Bengal.&nbsp;

Accusing the BJP of doling out money to buy votes in the general election, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Sunday said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies.

Accusing the BJP of doling out money to buy votes in the general election, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee Sunday said her party will request the poll panel to seek an account of expenditure at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies. Banerjee also demanded that Modi's candidature from Varanasi be cancelled, claiming that he has written "does not know" on many counts in his affidavit. Addressing back-to-back rallies in East Midnapore, she said, "We will ask the Election Commission (EC) to keep an account of the spendings in the prime minister's public meetings. If the EC can seek details of expenditure from others, why not from him?" The chief minister also alleged that the saffron party is doling out thousands of rupees to lure people to its rallies, while also buying votes. Taking her diatribe against the prime minister to his homefront, she claimed that "all throughout his life, Modi never respected his mother or his wife". "You shy away from giving your wife her due respect, what respect will you give to the people?" the CM said. Maintaining that she has seen Modi's affidavit in his nomination papers, Banerjee said, "The PM has written that he does not know about his wife's movable and immovable assets. I don't like making such comments, but the level he has stooped to forced me to speak out," the TMC boss said. She urged the Election Commission to carry out an investigation into the spendings of Modi's "colourful rally" in the holy town of Varanasi before filing his nomination. "This election is not (a test) for Mamata Banerjee, but for you (Modi). It is time for you to answer what you have done in five years," she said, insisting that the prime minister was busy touring the world during his tenure. Maintaining that Modi is worse than Muhammed bin Tughlaq, the 14th-century sultan of Delhi known for his whims, she said that the sudden demonetisation of high-value currency notes in November 2016 caused immense hardship to people, be it a housewife, farmer, worker or a small businessman. Banerjee, whose aversion to communism and everything associated with it including the colour red is well-known, for once sought refuge in Karl Marx to deride the BJP. Drawing from Marx's famous statement "religion is the opium of the masses", she said, "The BJP is using religion as opium to divert the attention of people from the non-performance of its government at the Centre. She, however, did not mince her words when it came to targeting the Left parties in the state. "Those who wore red shirts earlier are now donning saffron kurtas in West Bengal," the TMC chief said, indicating that many BJP workers in the state are former CPI(M) cadres. The CM also iterated that Modi will ensure that there was no further election in the country if re-elected to power. She charged the poll panel with "doing the bidding of the BJP". Banerjee, whose party was accused of unleashing a reign of terror during the panchayat polls, insisted that it was her partymen who were killed during the elections in 2018. "In Bengal, there is a democratically elected dispensation, but the BJP is trying to run a parallel government here. A retired officer is dictating terms to the serving officers, this is unconstitutional," she said, referring to the two special observers appointed by the EC to oversee polls in West Bengal.

Will ask Election Commission to seek expenditure details of PM Modi's rallies: Mamata Banerjee

A 43-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-shares-halt-three-day-slide-zoom-nearly-10-212907">Jet Airways</a> employee who was suffering from cancer allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the roof of his apartment on Saturday.

The deceased, identified as Shailesh Kumar Singh, had been with Jet Airways for 20 years. Suffering from cancer for the last three years, he had been on leave without pay for some months.

The deceased was living with his family in his Nalasopara East apartment.

The residents of the area had called police and fire brigade officials when&nbsp;Singh climbed up to the roof of his apartment and tried jumping from there.&nbsp;

But before police could find a way to rescue him, he jumped off the roof.

Police have sent the dead body for the post-mortem examination and further investigation in the incident is on.

Jet Airways has been going through an extreme financial crisis. On April 17, the airlines suspended all its operations in view of the financial crisis.

A 43-year-old Jet Airways employee who was suffering from cancer allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the roof of his apartment on Saturday. The deceased, identified as Shailesh Kumar Singh, had been with Jet Airways for 20 years.

A 43-year-old Jet Airways employee who was suffering from cancer allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the roof of his apartment on Saturday. The deceased, identified as Shailesh Kumar Singh, had been with Jet Airways for 20 years. Suffering from cancer for the last three years, he had been on leave without pay for some months. The deceased was living with his family in his Nalasopara East apartment. The residents of the area had called police and fire brigade officials when Singh climbed up to the roof of his apartment and tried jumping from there. But before police could find a way to rescue him, he jumped off the roof. Police have sent the dead body for the post-mortem examination and further investigation in the incident is on. Jet Airways has been going through an extreme financial crisis. On April 17, the airlines suspended all its operations in view of the financial crisis.

Jet Airways employee commits suicide

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-can-someone-kill-in-the-name-of-god-wonders-sri-lankan-cardinal-214113">How can someone kill in the name of God, wonders Sri Lankan Cardinal</a>

Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader Sunday said God is the reflection of love and kindness and wondered how someone can kill in the name of God as he referred to the Islamist militants who claimed the massive Easter Sunday bombings were on behalf of the Almighty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/manual-counting-of-votes-kills-270-in-indonesia-after-general-polls-214135">Manual counting of votes kills 270 in Indonesia after general polls</a>

Ten days after Indonesia held the world's biggest single-day elections, more than 270 election staff have died, mostly of fatigue-related illnesses caused by long hours of work counting millions of ballot papers by hand, an official said on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/johnson-johnson-rejects-report-by-rajasthan-government-on-presence-of-formaldehyde-in-baby-shampoo-214079">Johnson &amp; Johnson rejects report by Rajasthan government on presence of formaldehyde in baby shampoo</a>

Johnson &amp; Johnson has strongly rejected findings of a Rajasthan government laboratory showing the presence of "harmful" chemicals in the US-based company's baby shampoo, a popular product in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/father-two-brothers-of-sri-lanka-suicide-bombings-mastermind-killed-in-gun-battle-214078">Father, two brothers of Sri Lanka suicide bombings mastermind killed in gun battle</a>

The father and two brothers of the suspected mastermind of Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings were killed when security forces stormed their safe house two days ago, police sources and a relative of the suicide bombers told Reuters on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-take-to-hong-kong-streets-to-protest-new-extradition-laws-214082">Thousands take to Hong Kong streets to protest new extradition laws</a>

Thousands of people marched on Hong Kong's parliament on Sunday to demand the scrapping of proposed extradition rules that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial - a move which some fear puts the city's core freedoms at risk.

How can someone kill in the name of God, wonders Sri Lankan Cardinal Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader Sunday said God is the reflection of love and kindness and wondered how someone can kill in the name of God as he referred to the Islamist militants who claimed the massive Easter Sunday bombings were on behalf of the Almighty.

How can someone kill in the name of God, wonders Sri Lankan Cardinal Sri Lanka's Roman Catholic leader Sunday said God is the reflection of love and kindness and wondered how someone can kill in the name of God as he referred to the Islamist militants who claimed the massive Easter Sunday bombings were on behalf of the Almighty. Manual counting of votes kills 270 in Indonesia after general polls Ten days after Indonesia held the world's biggest single-day elections, more than 270 election staff have died, mostly of fatigue-related illnesses caused by long hours of work counting millions of ballot papers by hand, an official said on Sunday. Johnson & Johnson rejects report by Rajasthan government on presence of formaldehyde in baby shampoo Johnson & Johnson has strongly rejected findings of a Rajasthan government laboratory showing the presence of "harmful" chemicals in the US-based company's baby shampoo, a popular product in India. Father, two brothers of Sri Lanka suicide bombings mastermind killed in gun battle The father and two brothers of the suspected mastermind of Sri Lanka's Easter Sunday bombings were killed when security forces stormed their safe house two days ago, police sources and a relative of the suicide bombers told Reuters on Sunday. Thousands take to Hong Kong streets to protest new extradition laws Thousands of people marched on Hong Kong's parliament on Sunday to demand the scrapping of proposed extradition rules that would allow people to be sent to mainland China for trial - a move which some fear puts the city's core freedoms at risk.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Sunday trashed AAP's allegations that opposition MLAs were offered money and plum posts to switch over to the Congress, saying the Arvind Kejriwal-led party was frustrated over its failure in garnering support in the state and indulging in gimmickry.

He asked why would the Congress buy opposition MLAs when it already has a majority in the state assembly.

"It's a case of sheer frustration over AAP's complete failure to mop up support and keep the party intact in Punjab," he said.

"AAP has completely lost its narrative in Punjab and was reduced to indulging in all kinds of gimmickry and fabrications in a desperate bid to retain some semblance of being a serious party," he added.

The chief minister said hurling false accusations at the Congress was not going to help the AAP regain lost ground.

Aam Aadmi Party's state unit president and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann had earlier alleged that the Congress had been offering up to Rs 10 crore and plum posts to AAP MLAs in the state to make them switch over to the Congress before the polling for the 13 LS seats in Punjab.

Meanwhile, Singh on Sunday welcomed former MLA Vijay Kumar Sathi back into the party fold, claiming the influx into the Punjab Congress was a sign of the growing disenchantment within other parties active in the state's political arena.

Sathi had quit the party's primary membership in January 2015, along with several others in support of former MP Jagmeet Singh Brar.

A former Janata Dal MLA from Bagha Purana, Sathi said he would work hard for the success of the Congress in parliamentary polls, and thereafter.

Singh said he was happy to have Sathi back in the Congress and was confident the party would benefit from his experience.

The polling for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab will be held in the seventh and final phase on May 19.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Sunday trashed AAP's allegations that opposition MLAs were offered money and plum posts to switch over to the Congress, saying the Arvind Kejriwal-led party was frustrated over its failure in garnering support in the state and indulging in gimmickry.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Sunday trashed AAP's allegations that opposition MLAs were offered money and plum posts to switch over to the Congress, saying the Arvind Kejriwal-led party was frustrated over its failure in garnering support in the state and indulging in gimmickry. He asked why would the Congress buy opposition MLAs when it already has a majority in the state assembly. "It's a case of sheer frustration over AAP's complete failure to mop up support and keep the party intact in Punjab," he said. "AAP has completely lost its narrative in Punjab and was reduced to indulging in all kinds of gimmickry and fabrications in a desperate bid to retain some semblance of being a serious party," he added. The chief minister said hurling false accusations at the Congress was not going to help the AAP regain lost ground. Aam Aadmi Party's state unit president and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann had earlier alleged that the Congress had been offering up to Rs 10 crore and plum posts to AAP MLAs in the state to make them switch over to the Congress before the polling for the 13 LS seats in Punjab. Meanwhile, Singh on Sunday welcomed former MLA Vijay Kumar Sathi back into the party fold, claiming the influx into the Punjab Congress was a sign of the growing disenchantment within other parties active in the state's political arena. Sathi had quit the party's primary membership in January 2015, along with several others in support of former MP Jagmeet Singh Brar. A former Janata Dal MLA from Bagha Purana, Sathi said he would work hard for the success of the Congress in parliamentary polls, and thereafter. Singh said he was happy to have Sathi back in the Congress and was confident the party would benefit from his experience. The polling for the 13 Lok Sabha seats in Punjab will be held in the seventh and final phase on May 19.

'We already have majority', Amarinder Singh on AAP allegations of 'buying MLAs'

With four Uttar Pradesh ministers fighting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls and standing "bright chances" to win their seats, the Adityanath government may have to undertake its first Cabinet reshuffle soon after the elections are over.

The four state ministers in the poll fray include Rita Bahuguna Joshi from Allahabad, S P Singh Baghel from Agra, Satyadev Pachauri from Kanpur and Mukut Bihari from Ambedkarnagar parliamentary constituencies.&nbsp;

"The names of ministers were zeroed in on for fielding, seeing their track record, utility and effectiveness in respective areas, dedication towards the party, communication with party workers and their overall performance, the names of ministers were zeroed in on," state BJP spokesperson Hero Bajpai told PTI.

"They all stand bright chances of winning their respective seats," he added.

Asked by PTI recently if any Cabinet reshuffle is on cards, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said, "First let the elections get over."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The whole election process will be completed by May 27 after counting of votes on May 23, said an Election Commission official.&nbsp;

Among the four state ministers fielded so far in the ongoing polls, the name of Cooperative Minister Mukut Bihari figured in the BJP latest poll list.

Bihari has been fielded from Ambedkarnagar parliamentary constituency which goes to polls on May 12 in the sixth phase.&nbsp;

The BJP had earlier named Minister for Animal Husbandry, Minor Irrigation and Fisheries Baghel in its first list as its candidate for the reserved Lok Sabha seat of Agra.&nbsp; 
Agra had gone to polls on April 18 in the second phase of elections.&nbsp;

Two others, Minister for Women, Family, Mother and Child Welfare Department Joshi and Minister for Khadi Village Industries, Sericulture, Textile, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Export Promotion departments Pachauri have been fielded from Allahabad and Kanpur Lok Sabha seats.

Joshi, who is presently also the tourism minister in the UP Cabinet had contested the 2014 General Elections from Lucknow parliamentary constituency on a Congress ticket and lost to the BJP's Rajnath Singh.

Voting in Kanpur will be held on April 29, while Allahabad goes to polls on May 12. 
&nbsp;

With four Uttar Pradesh ministers fighting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls and standing "bright chances" to win their seats, the Adityanath government may have to undertake its first Cabinet reshuffle soon after the elections are over.

With four Uttar Pradesh ministers fighting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls and standing "bright chances" to win their seats, the Adityanath government may have to undertake its first Cabinet reshuffle soon after the elections are over. The four state ministers in the poll fray include Rita Bahuguna Joshi from Allahabad, S P Singh Baghel from Agra, Satyadev Pachauri from Kanpur and Mukut Bihari from Ambedkarnagar parliamentary constituencies. "The names of ministers were zeroed in on for fielding, seeing their track record, utility and effectiveness in respective areas, dedication towards the party, communication with party workers and their overall performance, the names of ministers were zeroed in on," state BJP spokesperson Hero Bajpai told PTI. "They all stand bright chances of winning their respective seats," he added. Asked by PTI recently if any Cabinet reshuffle is on cards, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had said, "First let the elections get over." The whole election process will be completed by May 27 after counting of votes on May 23, said an Election Commission official. Among the four state ministers fielded so far in the ongoing polls, the name of Cooperative Minister Mukut Bihari figured in the BJP latest poll list. Bihari has been fielded from Ambedkarnagar parliamentary constituency which goes to polls on May 12 in the sixth phase. The BJP had earlier named Minister for Animal Husbandry, Minor Irrigation and Fisheries Baghel in its first list as its candidate for the reserved Lok Sabha seat of Agra. Agra had gone to polls on April 18 in the second phase of elections. Two others, Minister for Women, Family, Mother and Child Welfare Department Joshi and Minister for Khadi Village Industries, Sericulture, Textile, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Export Promotion departments Pachauri have been fielded from Allahabad and Kanpur Lok Sabha seats. Joshi, who is presently also the tourism minister in the UP Cabinet had contested the 2014 General Elections from Lucknow parliamentary constituency on a Congress ticket and lost to the BJP's Rajnath Singh. Voting in Kanpur will be held on April 29, while Allahabad goes to polls on May 12.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet may undergo reshuffle soon after general polls

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son, a member of erstwhile Jaipur royal family and two Union ministers are among 115 candidates whose fate will be decided in polling on 13 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan on Monday.

The polling will take place amid tight security arrangements from 7 am to 6 pm on Monday in 13 of total 25 constituencies - Tonk-Sawaimadhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran, according to chief electoral officer Anand Kumar.

Jodhpur became one of the most talked about seats in the Congress-ruled state where Gehlot did massive campaigning for his son Vaibhav, pitted against sitting MP and Union minister of state Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.&nbsp;

The Jodhpur constituency, which has been represented by Gehlot for five times since 1980, has become a prestige issue for him who conducted more than 90 rallies, public meetings, road shows in the constituency during the campaigning period which ended Saturday evening.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah also held public meetings and road shows in Jodhpur to ensure the victory of party candidate Shekhawat.&nbsp;

In Barmer seat, former external affairs minister Jaswant Singh Manvendra is contesting the election on Congress ticket against BJP's Kailash Chaudhary.&nbsp; 
The seat is spread over entire Barmer and half of Jaisalmer district. It was once held by Manvendra's father and he is banking on the support of Rajputs, associated castes and minority.&nbsp;

Former BJP MLA and ex Jaipur royal family member Diya Kumari is making debut in the Lok Sabha election as a BJP candidate from Rajsamand while Union minister of state P P Chaudhary is in the fray from Pali.

The Tonk-Sawaimadhopur seat will see a contest between former Union Minister and Congress candidate Namonarain Meena and BJP MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria.

Industrialist and Congress candidate Riju Jhunjhunwala and BJP's Bhagirath Chaudhary will fight to win Ajmer seat.

This seat in 2009 was won by Sachin Pilot, who is now the state Congress chief and Rajasthan's deputy chief minister.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

About 2.57 crore people are eligible to vote at 28, 182 polling stations in the 13 constituencies where elaborate security arrangements have been made.

Meanwhile, Udaipur based Narayan Seva Sansthan has provided wheelchairs to authorities for the convenience of differently abled voters.

"We have given 150 wheelchairs for the convenience of Divyang voters on the election day. Our volunteers will be deployed specifically to help of Divyang, pregnant women, elderly voters at booths," Prashant Agarwal, president of the organisation said.

Remaining 12 constituencies - Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhuju, and Sikar, Jaipur rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa and Nagaur - will go to polls on May 6.&nbsp;

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son, a member of erstwhile Jaipur royal family and two Union ministers are among 115 candidates whose fate will be decided in polling on 13 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan on Monday.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's son, a member of erstwhile Jaipur royal family and two Union ministers are among 115 candidates whose fate will be decided in polling on 13 Lok Sabha seats in Rajasthan on Monday. The polling will take place amid tight security arrangements from 7 am to 6 pm on Monday in 13 of total 25 constituencies - Tonk-Sawaimadhopur, Ajmer, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Jalore, Udaipur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Bhilwara, Kota and Jhalawar-Baran, according to chief electoral officer Anand Kumar. Jodhpur became one of the most talked about seats in the Congress-ruled state where Gehlot did massive campaigning for his son Vaibhav, pitted against sitting MP and Union minister of state Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The Jodhpur constituency, which has been represented by Gehlot for five times since 1980, has become a prestige issue for him who conducted more than 90 rallies, public meetings, road shows in the constituency during the campaigning period which ended Saturday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah also held public meetings and road shows in Jodhpur to ensure the victory of party candidate Shekhawat. In Barmer seat, former external affairs minister Jaswant Singh Manvendra is contesting the election on Congress ticket against BJP's Kailash Chaudhary. The seat is spread over entire Barmer and half of Jaisalmer district. It was once held by Manvendra's father and he is banking on the support of Rajputs, associated castes and minority. Former BJP MLA and ex Jaipur royal family member Diya Kumari is making debut in the Lok Sabha election as a BJP candidate from Rajsamand while Union minister of state P P Chaudhary is in the fray from Pali. The Tonk-Sawaimadhopur seat will see a contest between former Union Minister and Congress candidate Namonarain Meena and BJP MP Sukhbir Singh Jaunapuria. Industrialist and Congress candidate Riju Jhunjhunwala and BJP's Bhagirath Chaudhary will fight to win Ajmer seat. This seat in 2009 was won by Sachin Pilot, who is now the state Congress chief and Rajasthan's deputy chief minister. About 2.57 crore people are eligible to vote at 28, 182 polling stations in the 13 constituencies where elaborate security arrangements have been made. Meanwhile, Udaipur based Narayan Seva Sansthan has provided wheelchairs to authorities for the convenience of differently abled voters. "We have given 150 wheelchairs for the convenience of Divyang voters on the election day. Our volunteers will be deployed specifically to help of Divyang, pregnant women, elderly voters at booths," Prashant Agarwal, president of the organisation said. Remaining 12 constituencies - Sriganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhuju, and Sikar, Jaipur rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa and Nagaur - will go to polls on May 6.

13 of 25 seats in Rajasthan to go to polls on Monday, 115 candidates in the fray 

Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday arrested two terrorists that carried out an attack on a police post in Srinagar's Chanpora on April 26.

The terrorists were arrested in Budgam's Wathora.

In the incident, a policeman was critically injured and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for the treatment.

Security forces had launched searches in the area to nab the terrorists.&nbsp;

Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday arrested two terrorists that carried out an attack on a police post in Srinagar's Chanpora on April 26. The terrorists were arrested in Budgam's Wathora.

Jammu and Kashmir police on Sunday arrested two terrorists that carried out an attack on a police post in Srinagar's Chanpora on April 26. The terrorists were arrested in Budgam's Wathora. In the incident, a policeman was critically injured and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for the treatment. Security forces had launched searches in the area to nab the terrorists.

Jammu and Kashmir: Police arrest two terrorists for attacking police post in Srinagar

BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan asserted on Sunday that the ruling NDA is on track to retain power at the Centre, helped by the "Modi factor" and the appeal of the issue of nationalism, while the Opposition has become a picture of "disunity" in a key state like Bihar.

The Lok Janshakti Party leader said the 2019 general election stands out from many elections he has seen in his over five-decade long career for the centrality of the issue of nationalism in this poll with people supporting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for development as well as national security.

In an interview to PTI, the Dalit leader said the momentum in the NDA's favour is increasing in every phase of polling and that the "wave has now become a tsunami".

Three phases of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections have been held so far, with the Hindi-heartland states being the key battleground in the remaining phases.

Paswan claimed there has been no contest so far in Bihar, seen as a key state to the NDA's fortunes. Giving seat-wise figures to support his claim, Paswan said opposition parties like the Congress and the RJD have been working at cross-purposes while "united" NDA partners -- BJP, JD(U) and LJP -- have got better of them in most seats.

"Our vote is increasing in every phase. The Modi factor was recently at work in the prime minister's massive road shows in Varanasi and Jharkhand. More people are joining us. On the other hand, opposition parties have not been able to unite either in Delhi or here in Bihar. People wonder what is the point of even voting for them as they don't know what these parties will do," he said.

The NDA may win over 35 seats of the total 40 in Bihar, he said. It had won 31 in 2014.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi and RJD's Tejashwai Yadav have often avoided campaigning for candidates of the other party, Paswan said and added that they held their first joint rally in Samastipur only this Friday.

"I am confident that the NDA will repeat the scale of victory it had achieved the last time. It will form the government under Modi's leadership," he said. 
The NDA had won 336 seats in 543-member Lok Sabha in 2014, with the BJP getting its maiden majority by winning 282 seats on its own.

Paswan said issues like terrorism and nationalism may have emerged as central issues in the poll but Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has also received people's support on the plank of development.

From subsidised food to LPG cylinders, toilets, homes and health insurance, the government is working to provide the masses with all essentials of life, he said, adding that people have been backing the NDA for these measures as well.

But it is the emotive issue of nationalism and action against Pakistan-based terrorists that has been a central theme of the NDA's campaign, something that the opposition has criticised, accusing the ruling dispensation of using them to divert people's attention from issues like jobs and economy.

The LJP leader dismissed the opposition criticism, saying "all is fair in love and war". He also hit back at the opposition parties and alleged a "sinister campaign" over the issue among Muslims.

"The big issue here is that we target terrorists, we say terrorism should be finished, but they (Opposition) whisper in Muslims' ears that we want to finish them. As if, Muslims are terrorists," he said.

Paswan referred to the response from people when NDA leaders in their campaign speeches invoke the issue of nationalism, saying all such references have received wide support from the masses.

The Modi factor and the nationalism issue have helped the NDA cover up localised factors like choice of candidates among others, he said.

Paswan claimed that a section of even Yadavs, seen as a solid vote bank of Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have supported NDA nominees in seats where opposition candidates enjoyed little connect with them.

Yadavs have long been part of "power politics" and they are in no mood to give votes to candidates of parties Vikassheel Insaan Party or Hindustani Awam Morcha as they have little resonance on the ground, he said. Both these parties are also part of the opposition alliance.

The 72-year-old leader is not fighting the poll this time with his younger brother Pashupati Kumar Paras contesting from Hajipur, a seat Paswan has traditionally represented in Lok Sabha. The senior leader's son Chirag and another brother Ramchandra Paswan, both MPs, are also in the fray. The LJP had won six seats in 2014.&nbsp;

BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan asserted on Sunday that the ruling NDA is on track to retain power at the Centre, helped by the "Modi factor" and the appeal of the issue of nationalism, while the Opposition has become a picture of "disunity" in a key state like Bihar.

BJP ally and Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan asserted on Sunday that the ruling NDA is on track to retain power at the Centre, helped by the "Modi factor" and the appeal of the issue of nationalism, while the Opposition has become a picture of "disunity" in a key state like Bihar. The Lok Janshakti Party leader said the 2019 general election stands out from many elections he has seen in his over five-decade long career for the centrality of the issue of nationalism in this poll with people supporting the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for development as well as national security. In an interview to PTI, the Dalit leader said the momentum in the NDA's favour is increasing in every phase of polling and that the "wave has now become a tsunami". Three phases of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections have been held so far, with the Hindi-heartland states being the key battleground in the remaining phases. Paswan claimed there has been no contest so far in Bihar, seen as a key state to the NDA's fortunes. Giving seat-wise figures to support his claim, Paswan said opposition parties like the Congress and the RJD have been working at cross-purposes while "united" NDA partners -- BJP, JD(U) and LJP -- have got better of them in most seats. "Our vote is increasing in every phase. The Modi factor was recently at work in the prime minister's massive road shows in Varanasi and Jharkhand. More people are joining us. On the other hand, opposition parties have not been able to unite either in Delhi or here in Bihar. People wonder what is the point of even voting for them as they don't know what these parties will do," he said. The NDA may win over 35 seats of the total 40 in Bihar, he said. It had won 31 in 2014. Congress president Rahul Gandhi and RJD's Tejashwai Yadav have often avoided campaigning for candidates of the other party, Paswan said and added that they held their first joint rally in Samastipur only this Friday. "I am confident that the NDA will repeat the scale of victory it had achieved the last time. It will form the government under Modi's leadership," he said. The NDA had won 336 seats in 543-member Lok Sabha in 2014, with the BJP getting its maiden majority by winning 282 seats on its own. Paswan said issues like terrorism and nationalism may have emerged as central issues in the poll but Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has also received people's support on the plank of development. From subsidised food to LPG cylinders, toilets, homes and health insurance, the government is working to provide the masses with all essentials of life, he said, adding that people have been backing the NDA for these measures as well. But it is the emotive issue of nationalism and action against Pakistan-based terrorists that has been a central theme of the NDA's campaign, something that the opposition has criticised, accusing the ruling dispensation of using them to divert people's attention from issues like jobs and economy. The LJP leader dismissed the opposition criticism, saying "all is fair in love and war". He also hit back at the opposition parties and alleged a "sinister campaign" over the issue among Muslims. "The big issue here is that we target terrorists, we say terrorism should be finished, but they (Opposition) whisper in Muslims' ears that we want to finish them. As if, Muslims are terrorists," he said. Paswan referred to the response from people when NDA leaders in their campaign speeches invoke the issue of nationalism, saying all such references have received wide support from the masses. The Modi factor and the nationalism issue have helped the NDA cover up localised factors like choice of candidates among others, he said. Paswan claimed that a section of even Yadavs, seen as a solid vote bank of Lalu Prasad's Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), have supported NDA nominees in seats where opposition candidates enjoyed little connect with them. Yadavs have long been part of "power politics" and they are in no mood to give votes to candidates of parties Vikassheel Insaan Party or Hindustani Awam Morcha as they have little resonance on the ground, he said. Both these parties are also part of the opposition alliance. The 72-year-old leader is not fighting the poll this time with his younger brother Pashupati Kumar Paras contesting from Hajipur, a seat Paswan has traditionally represented in Lok Sabha. The senior leader's son Chirag and another brother Ramchandra Paswan, both MPs, are also in the fray. The LJP had won six seats in 2014.

NDA is gaining momentum in every phase, set to repeat its 2014 win: Ram Vilas Paswan

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala Sunday rejected allegations of bogus voting at various polling booths in the Kasargod Lok Sabha constituency during elections on April 23 and welcomed any probe into the charges.

There is no need for the CPI(M) to resort to bogus voting for winning the elections in Kerala, senior CPI-M leader and state Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac told reporters here.

He said secretaries of CPI(M)'s Kasargod and Kannur districts have already rejected the allegations.

Those who were not satisfied with their clarifications can approach the Election Commission, which has established mechanisms to examine such allegations, Issac, also the central committee member of the CPI(M), said.

The CPI(M) is ready to face any probe into the allegations, he said.

His statement comes a day after Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena sought a report from officers in Kasargod and Kannur districts collectors over claims of bogus voting.

Local TV channels in the state had aired visuals of some people casting their votes twice at two polling booths in Kasaragod constituency.

On Saturday, Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala had lashed out at the ruling LDF alleging that the CPI(M) has resorted to bogus voting, fearing defeat in elections.

He said the Left was trying to manipulate the public mandate and the Congress would initiate legal proceedings against the bogus voting.

Polling was held for all 20 Lok Sabha seats in the state on April 23.&nbsp;

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala Sunday rejected allegations of bogus voting at various polling booths in the Kasargod Lok Sabha constituency during elections on April 23 and welcomed any probe into the charges.

The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala Sunday rejected allegations of bogus voting at various polling booths in the Kasargod Lok Sabha constituency during elections on April 23 and welcomed any probe into the charges. There is no need for the CPI(M) to resort to bogus voting for winning the elections in Kerala, senior CPI-M leader and state Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac told reporters here. He said secretaries of CPI(M)'s Kasargod and Kannur districts have already rejected the allegations. Those who were not satisfied with their clarifications can approach the Election Commission, which has established mechanisms to examine such allegations, Issac, also the central committee member of the CPI(M), said. The CPI(M) is ready to face any probe into the allegations, he said. His statement comes a day after Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Teeka Ram Meena sought a report from officers in Kasargod and Kannur districts collectors over claims of bogus voting. Local TV channels in the state had aired visuals of some people casting their votes twice at two polling booths in Kasaragod constituency. On Saturday, Congress Leader Ramesh Chennithala had lashed out at the ruling LDF alleging that the CPI(M) has resorted to bogus voting, fearing defeat in elections. He said the Left was trying to manipulate the public mandate and the Congress would initiate legal proceedings against the bogus voting. Polling was held for all 20 Lok Sabha seats in the state on April 23.

Kerala: CPI(M) rejects bogus voting charges, welcomes probe

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday affirmed in a public meeting at Sitamarhi that it is the Modi government which has truly secured the borders of the country and made national security as its foremost priority.

"The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," Shah contended.

"In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted.

"Sam Pitroda issued a statement that such retaliation is unwarranted but is it a fair question by the opposition," Amit Shah asked the public.

"One thing is clear that if Pakistan fires a bullet, we'll surely bomb them," he affirmed.

"Omar Abdullah said that Kashmir should have a different Prime Minister. It is very unfair and this shows their design that they want Kashmir to not be part of the nation. Till the date, BJP workers are alive, we will make sure that Kashmir is an integral part of India," Shah said.

"In every corner of the country, people are not chanting the name of Prime Minister Modi without any reason. They are chanting PM Modi's name because he works for the poor with honesty and purpose. He has never taken a holiday since he became Gujrat's chief minister. He works 18 hours a day and takes tough decisions with sensitivity for the people," he said.

"8 crore households have got toilets, 2.5 crore houses have been made for the poor and 2.35 crore people have got electricity for the first time in their houses. Under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, 50 crore people have got the facility of getting upto Rs 5 Lakh for treatment of serious diseases, free of cost," he added.

"In the times of RJD and Congress rule, people were deprived of basic healthcare facilities. It is the BJP government which has taken credible steps towards alleviation of these problems," Shah lamented.

The BJP President then elaborated the steps taken by the central and state government for the development of Bihar.

"PM Modi has done a lot for the development of Bihar. The NDA government under Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi have freed Bihar from the lawlessness under the jungle raj of RJD rule," he said.

"Rahul Gandhi keeps asking PM Modi that what has been done in five years. In reality, Rahul Baba has no right to ask this as he did precious little for Bihar when his government was there. In the 13th Finance Commission under the UPA rule, Bihar got Rs 1.93 lakh crore. When PM Modi came in power, the NDA government gave above Rs 6.06 lakh crore to Bihar. What right does UPA have to question us?" Shah questioned.

"The NDA government brought in 133 development schemes for the people of the country. We brought dignity for the backward and oppressed classes of the country. We also heard the plight of economically backward classes in the forward classes by giving them 10% reservation without affecting other classes," he said.

He specifically cited road and railway construction in North Bihar and of the inclusion of Sitamarhi in the Ramayan Circuit by the NDA government which includes a road to Nepal that was built from here.

Shah talked about other development work done in Bihar and urged the public to vote for NDA and not the propagators of jungle raj.

Three phases of the general election are over in Bihar while four phases remain on April 29, May 6, 12 and 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday affirmed in a public meeting at Sitamarhi that it is the Modi government which has truly secured the borders of the country and made national security as its foremost priority.

BJP President Amit Shah on Saturday affirmed in a public meeting at Sitamarhi that it is the Modi government which has truly secured the borders of the country and made national security as its foremost priority. "The Prime Minister has taken effective steps to secure the borders of the country. In the regime of UPA-I and II, enemy forces used to run havoc in the country but no action was taken on that front," Shah contended. "In the recent past, our 40 security personnel lost their lives in the Pulwama attack by Pakistan-aided terrorism. Due to the decisive nature of PM Modi, our brave Indian Air Force (IAF) troops retaliated and entered enemy territory to debase their terror camps. India is only the third country after Israel and the United States of America (USA) to have retaliated to terrorism in this brave manner," Shah asserted. "Sam Pitroda issued a statement that such retaliation is unwarranted but is it a fair question by the opposition," Amit Shah asked the public. "One thing is clear that if Pakistan fires a bullet, we'll surely bomb them," he affirmed. "Omar Abdullah said that Kashmir should have a different Prime Minister. It is very unfair and this shows their design that they want Kashmir to not be part of the nation. Till the date, BJP workers are alive, we will make sure that Kashmir is an integral part of India," Shah said. "In every corner of the country, people are not chanting the name of Prime Minister Modi without any reason. They are chanting PM Modi's name because he works for the poor with honesty and purpose. He has never taken a holiday since he became Gujrat's chief minister. He works 18 hours a day and takes tough decisions with sensitivity for the people," he said. "8 crore households have got toilets, 2.5 crore houses have been made for the poor and 2.35 crore people have got electricity for the first time in their houses. Under Ayushman Bharat Yojana, 50 crore people have got the facility of getting upto Rs 5 Lakh for treatment of serious diseases, free of cost," he added. "In the times of RJD and Congress rule, people were deprived of basic healthcare facilities. It is the BJP government which has taken credible steps towards alleviation of these problems," Shah lamented. The BJP President then elaborated the steps taken by the central and state government for the development of Bihar. "PM Modi has done a lot for the development of Bihar. The NDA government under Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi have freed Bihar from the lawlessness under the jungle raj of RJD rule," he said. "Rahul Gandhi keeps asking PM Modi that what has been done in five years. In reality, Rahul Baba has no right to ask this as he did precious little for Bihar when his government was there. In the 13th Finance Commission under the UPA rule, Bihar got Rs 1.93 lakh crore. When PM Modi came in power, the NDA government gave above Rs 6.06 lakh crore to Bihar. What right does UPA have to question us?" Shah questioned. "The NDA government brought in 133 development schemes for the people of the country. We brought dignity for the backward and oppressed classes of the country. We also heard the plight of economically backward classes in the forward classes by giving them 10% reservation without affecting other classes," he said. He specifically cited road and railway construction in North Bihar and of the inclusion of Sitamarhi in the Ramayan Circuit by the NDA government which includes a road to Nepal that was built from here. Shah talked about other development work done in Bihar and urged the public to vote for NDA and not the propagators of jungle raj. Three phases of the general election are over in Bihar while four phases remain on April 29, May 6, 12 and 19. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

If Pakistan fires a bullet, we will surely bomb them: Amit Shah

Union minister Subhash Bhamre, and Congress leaders Milind Deora and Urmila Matondkar are among the 323 candidates whose fate would be decided in the fourth and final phase of polling in Maharashtra across 17 Lok Sabha seats on Monday.

Altogether 3.11 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise across the 17 seats of Mumbai metropolitan region and parts of northern and western Maharashtra.

The constituencies up for grabs are - Nandurbar, Dhule, Dindori, Nashik (North Maharashtra), Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai-North, Mumbai-North West, Mumbai-North Central, Mumbai-North East, Mumbai-South and Mumbai-South Central in the Mumbai region, Maval and Shirur in Pune district, and Shirdi in Ahmednagar district.

There are 65 critical booths in suburban Mumbai where the polling process will be monitored through web-casting, an election official said.

People will not be allowed to take their mobile phones inside the polling booths, he said.

A total of 33,314 polling stations are set up across the 17 constituencies.

Out of 3,11,92,823 eligible voters, 1,66,31,707 are men, 1,45,59,698 women and 1,418 members of the third gender.

In the 2014 general polls, the BJP won eight out of these 17 seats and its ally Shiv Sena bagged nine.

The BJP last year also won the bypoll to Palghar Lok Sabha seat, where sitting MP Rajendra Gavit is contesting on Shiv Sena's ticket this time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in Nandurbar, Dindori and Mumbai and tried to woo the rural as well as cosmopolitan voters by highlighting infrastructural and developmental work done under his rule.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who campaigned in Shirdi, tried to project his party's proposed minimum guarantee scheme 'NYAY' as a game changer for the poor.

Bhamre is BJP's nominee from Dhule, while Deora and Matondkar are contesting on Congress' ticket from Mumbai-South and Mumbai-North seats, respectively.

Deora is pitted against sitting Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant while Matondkar is taking on BJP veteran and parliamentarian Gopal Shetty.

The other prominent candidates include Congress' Priya Dutt from Mumbai-North Central seat and NCP chief Sharad Pawar's grandnephew Parth Pawar, who is entering the electoral politics from Maval seat.

In Mumbai-North East seat, where sitting BJP MP Kirit Somaiya has been denied a ticket, the main contest is between the party nominee Manoj Kotak and NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil.

Saffron allies BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting three seats each out of total six in Mumbai.

The Congress nominees are in the fray in five of these seats while the NCP has fielded its candidate in one seat.

In Nashik, sitting Sena MP Hemant Godse is in the fray against Sameer Bhujbal, nephew of NCP stalwart Chhagan Bhujbal who is battling money laundering charges.

Maharashtra sends 48 MPs to Lok Sabha, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh which has 80 parliamentary seats.

Polling for the previous three phases in Maharashtra was held on April 11 (seven seats), April 18 (10 seats) and April 23 (14 seats).

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Mumbai, in view of the recent serial blasts in Sri Lanka.

Over 40,400 security personnel have been deployed in the metropolis for the smooth conduct of the polls, according to a statement issued by Mumbai Police.

Anti-terror measures have also been put in place with personnel from Force One, Quick Response Teams, Assault Teams and Anti-Terrorism Cell being deployed in Mumbai.

Over 17,000 officers and staff members of the Mumbai Police have registered to cast their votes through postal ballots.&nbsp;

Union minister Subhash Bhamre, and Congress leaders Milind Deora and Urmila Matondkar are among the 323 candidates whose fate would be decided in the fourth and final phase of polling in Maharashtra across 17 Lok Sabha seats on Monday.

Union minister Subhash Bhamre, and Congress leaders Milind Deora and Urmila Matondkar are among the 323 candidates whose fate would be decided in the fourth and final phase of polling in Maharashtra across 17 Lok Sabha seats on Monday. Altogether 3.11 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise across the 17 seats of Mumbai metropolitan region and parts of northern and western Maharashtra. The constituencies up for grabs are - Nandurbar, Dhule, Dindori, Nashik (North Maharashtra), Palghar, Bhiwandi, Kalyan, Thane, Mumbai-North, Mumbai-North West, Mumbai-North Central, Mumbai-North East, Mumbai-South and Mumbai-South Central in the Mumbai region, Maval and Shirur in Pune district, and Shirdi in Ahmednagar district. There are 65 critical booths in suburban Mumbai where the polling process will be monitored through web-casting, an election official said. People will not be allowed to take their mobile phones inside the polling booths, he said. A total of 33,314 polling stations are set up across the 17 constituencies. Out of 3,11,92,823 eligible voters, 1,66,31,707 are men, 1,45,59,698 women and 1,418 members of the third gender. In the 2014 general polls, the BJP won eight out of these 17 seats and its ally Shiv Sena bagged nine. The BJP last year also won the bypoll to Palghar Lok Sabha seat, where sitting MP Rajendra Gavit is contesting on Shiv Sena's ticket this time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed rallies in Nandurbar, Dindori and Mumbai and tried to woo the rural as well as cosmopolitan voters by highlighting infrastructural and developmental work done under his rule. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who campaigned in Shirdi, tried to project his party's proposed minimum guarantee scheme 'NYAY' as a game changer for the poor. Bhamre is BJP's nominee from Dhule, while Deora and Matondkar are contesting on Congress' ticket from Mumbai-South and Mumbai-North seats, respectively. Deora is pitted against sitting Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant while Matondkar is taking on BJP veteran and parliamentarian Gopal Shetty. The other prominent candidates include Congress' Priya Dutt from Mumbai-North Central seat and NCP chief Sharad Pawar's grandnephew Parth Pawar, who is entering the electoral politics from Maval seat. In Mumbai-North East seat, where sitting BJP MP Kirit Somaiya has been denied a ticket, the main contest is between the party nominee Manoj Kotak and NCP's Sanjay Dina Patil. Saffron allies BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting three seats each out of total six in Mumbai. The Congress nominees are in the fray in five of these seats while the NCP has fielded its candidate in one seat. In Nashik, sitting Sena MP Hemant Godse is in the fray against Sameer Bhujbal, nephew of NCP stalwart Chhagan Bhujbal who is battling money laundering charges. Maharashtra sends 48 MPs to Lok Sabha, the second highest after Uttar Pradesh which has 80 parliamentary seats. Polling for the previous three phases in Maharashtra was held on April 11 (seven seats), April 18 (10 seats) and April 23 (14 seats). Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Mumbai, in view of the recent serial blasts in Sri Lanka. Over 40,400 security personnel have been deployed in the metropolis for the smooth conduct of the polls, according to a statement issued by Mumbai Police. Anti-terror measures have also been put in place with personnel from Force One, Quick Response Teams, Assault Teams and Anti-Terrorism Cell being deployed in Mumbai. Over 17,000 officers and staff members of the Mumbai Police have registered to cast their votes through postal ballots.

Maharashtra: Polling in 17 seats in fourth phase on Monday

Pre-monsoon rainfall from March to April, a phenomenon critical to agriculture in some parts of the country, has recorded 27 per cent deficiency, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD recorded 43.3 millimetres of rainfall across the country from March 1 to April 24 as against the normal precipitation of 59.6 millimetres. This was 27 per cent less of the Long Period Average (LPA).

The highest deficiency of 38 per cent was recorded in the northwest India division of the IMD, which comprises states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh.

This was followed by the Southern peninsula division comprising all five states of South India and the Union Territory of Puducherry, Goa and coastal Maharashtra, where the deficiency recorded was 31 per cent, the IMD said.

East and northeast India division recorded 23 per cent deficiency.&nbsp;

The Central India division is the only one to have recorded more five per cent rainfall than the normal.

Pre-monsoon showers, thunderstorms and lightning have killed more than 50 people in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan this month.

Several parts of India receive pre-monsoon rainfall which is critical for those regions. The phenomenon, which is usually from March to May end, is vital as it helps in bringing the temperatures down.

The situation also appears to be grim as large parts of the country have been witnessing heating and there has not been any major relief since April 17, said Mahesh Palawat, Vice President (Meteorology and Climate Change), Skymet.&nbsp;

One of the reasons for a pre-monsoon rainfall is excessive heating from March to June which several parts of the country witnessed. The moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal aids in the creation of thunderstorms, Mritunjay Mohapatra, Additional Director General of the IMD said.

"Pre-monsoon rainfall is important for horticulture crops in some parts of the country. In states like Odisha, ploughing is done in the pre-monsoon season," he said.

Laxman Singh Rathore, former Director General of the IMD, said in parts of northeast India and the Western Ghats, pre-monsoon rainfall is critical for plantation of crops.

There will be "moisture stress" in case of a deficit, he said.

Crops like sugarcane and cotton, planted in central India, survive on irrigation, but also require a supplement of pre-monsoon rains, Rathore added.

"In the forested regions of Himalayas, pre-monsoon rainfall is necessary for plantations like apples. Due to moisture, pre-monsoon rainfall also helps in minimising the occurrence of forest fires," he said.

Pre-monsoon rainfall from March to April, a phenomenon critical to agriculture in some parts of the country, has recorded 27 per cent deficiency, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Pre-monsoon rainfall from March to April, a phenomenon critical to agriculture in some parts of the country, has recorded 27 per cent deficiency, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The IMD recorded 43.3 millimetres of rainfall across the country from March 1 to April 24 as against the normal precipitation of 59.6 millimetres. This was 27 per cent less of the Long Period Average (LPA). The highest deficiency of 38 per cent was recorded in the northwest India division of the IMD, which comprises states of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh. This was followed by the Southern peninsula division comprising all five states of South India and the Union Territory of Puducherry, Goa and coastal Maharashtra, where the deficiency recorded was 31 per cent, the IMD said. East and northeast India division recorded 23 per cent deficiency. The Central India division is the only one to have recorded more five per cent rainfall than the normal. Pre-monsoon showers, thunderstorms and lightning have killed more than 50 people in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan this month. Several parts of India receive pre-monsoon rainfall which is critical for those regions. The phenomenon, which is usually from March to May end, is vital as it helps in bringing the temperatures down. The situation also appears to be grim as large parts of the country have been witnessing heating and there has not been any major relief since April 17, said Mahesh Palawat, Vice President (Meteorology and Climate Change), Skymet. One of the reasons for a pre-monsoon rainfall is excessive heating from March to June which several parts of the country witnessed. The moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal aids in the creation of thunderstorms, Mritunjay Mohapatra, Additional Director General of the IMD said. "Pre-monsoon rainfall is important for horticulture crops in some parts of the country. In states like Odisha, ploughing is done in the pre-monsoon season," he said. Laxman Singh Rathore, former Director General of the IMD, said in parts of northeast India and the Western Ghats, pre-monsoon rainfall is critical for plantation of crops. There will be "moisture stress" in case of a deficit, he said. Crops like sugarcane and cotton, planted in central India, survive on irrigation, but also require a supplement of pre-monsoon rains, Rathore added. "In the forested regions of Himalayas, pre-monsoon rainfall is necessary for plantations like apples. Due to moisture, pre-monsoon rainfall also helps in minimising the occurrence of forest fires," he said.

As temperatures rise, pre-monsoon rainfall records 27% dip: IMD

Johnson &amp; Johnson has strongly rejected findings of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-rights-body-asks-states-to-stop-sale-of-johnsons-baby-shampoo-214002">Rajasthan government laboratory showing the presence of "harmful" chemicals</a> in the US-based company's baby shampoo, a popular product in India.

Based on the report of the Drug Testing Laboratory in Jaipur, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories asking them to stop the sale of Johnson &amp; Johnson's (J&amp;J) baby shampoo and remove it from the stocks.

The NCPCR said the test report found the presence of formaldehyde in J&amp;J's baby shampoo.

The company, in a statement, said it has not received any direction to stop the sale of its shampoo and that it was not accepting the interim results of the laboratory tests which were based on "unknown and unspecified" methods.

India is a major market for J&amp;J globally, and its share in the country's Rs 4,000-crore baby care market is nearly three-fourths.

"We will await the results and conclusions of the re-testing process at the Central Drugs Laboratory. We are not aware of any directions from NCPCR. It must be noted that any such directions, under the law, can only be issued under certain prescribed conditions," the company said.

J&amp;J said it is in full compliance with current Indian regulatory requirements and standards for manufacturing and testing of all its products.&nbsp;

"We have confirmed to the Indian authorities that we do not add Formaldehyde as an ingredient in our shampoo nor does Johnson's baby shampoo contain any ingredient that can release formaldehyde over time. Our products are safe to use and conform to all applicable standard under the D&amp;C (Drugs and Cosmetics) Act and D&amp;C rules," it said.

"We unequivocally maintain that our products are safe, and our assurance process is amongst the most rigorous in the world, meeting or exceeding the safety standards in every country where our products are sold," the company added.

Officials said NCPCR has powers to recommend action, but it was for the state governments and union territories to take a call on the implementation of the recommendation by the apex child rights body.

The NCPCR had sought sample test reports of J&amp;J's baby shampoo and talcum powder from authorities of five states -- Andhra Pradesh (south), Jharkhand (east), Rajasthan (west), Madhya Pradesh (central) and Assam (North East) -- after reports of presence of asbestos and carcinogenic substance in them emerged.

The order by the NCPCR around a week back was issued after test reports of the baby shampoo came from Rajasthan. However, it is yet to receive test reports from the other four states.

The NCPCR has asked the Drug Control Officer of Rajasthan to send the test report of the talcum powder at the earliest, officials at the child rights body said.

In December last year, India's drug regulator ordered laboratory testing of J&amp;J's baby powder following international media reports it may contain cancer-causing asbestos. Months later, test reports showed that the talcum powder did not contain asbestos.&nbsp;

Johnson & Johnson has strongly rejected findings of a Rajasthan government laboratory showing the presence of "harmful" chemicals in the US-based company's baby shampoo, a popular product in India.

Johnson & Johnson has strongly rejected findings of a Rajasthan government laboratory showing the presence of "harmful" chemicals in the US-based company's baby shampoo, a popular product in India. Based on the report of the Drug Testing Laboratory in Jaipur, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has written to the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories asking them to stop the sale of Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) baby shampoo and remove it from the stocks. The NCPCR said the test report found the presence of formaldehyde in J&J's baby shampoo. The company, in a statement, said it has not received any direction to stop the sale of its shampoo and that it was not accepting the interim results of the laboratory tests which were based on "unknown and unspecified" methods. India is a major market for J&J globally, and its share in the country's Rs 4,000-crore baby care market is nearly three-fourths. "We will await the results and conclusions of the re-testing process at the Central Drugs Laboratory. We are not aware of any directions from NCPCR. It must be noted that any such directions, under the law, can only be issued under certain prescribed conditions," the company said. J&J said it is in full compliance with current Indian regulatory requirements and standards for manufacturing and testing of all its products. "We have confirmed to the Indian authorities that we do not add Formaldehyde as an ingredient in our shampoo nor does Johnson's baby shampoo contain any ingredient that can release formaldehyde over time. Our products are safe to use and conform to all applicable standard under the D&C (Drugs and Cosmetics) Act and D&C rules," it said. "We unequivocally maintain that our products are safe, and our assurance process is amongst the most rigorous in the world, meeting or exceeding the safety standards in every country where our products are sold," the company added. Officials said NCPCR has powers to recommend action, but it was for the state governments and union territories to take a call on the implementation of the recommendation by the apex child rights body. The NCPCR had sought sample test reports of J&J's baby shampoo and talcum powder from authorities of five states -- Andhra Pradesh (south), Jharkhand (east), Rajasthan (west), Madhya Pradesh (central) and Assam (North East) -- after reports of presence of asbestos and carcinogenic substance in them emerged. The order by the NCPCR around a week back was issued after test reports of the baby shampoo came from Rajasthan. However, it is yet to receive test reports from the other four states. The NCPCR has asked the Drug Control Officer of Rajasthan to send the test report of the talcum powder at the earliest, officials at the child rights body said. In December last year, India's drug regulator ordered laboratory testing of J&J's baby powder following international media reports it may contain cancer-causing asbestos. Months later, test reports showed that the talcum powder did not contain asbestos.

Johnson & Johnson rejects report by Rajasthan government on presence of formaldehyde in baby shampoo

Former cricketer and BJP's candidate from East Delhi constituency, Gautam Gambhir downplayed the allegations levelled by AAP against him and slammed them for their negative politics.

When asked about the allegations made by AAP's Atishi Marlena on his name figuring twice in electoral rolls, Gambhir retorted, "When a party has no vision and has not done anything in the last four and a half years, they stoop to these levels of allegations. There is a great difference between the thinking of BJP and AAP. We do positive politics."

He added, "We will do everything according to the rules."

"We will make promises which are achievable. Many people have said that they will make Delhi into Paris or London. In reality, we will develop Delhi in such a way that people will be happy to live in such a city with a robust infrastructure. Our greatest challenge will be to achieve our honest promises," he added.

On being asked about the development of East Delhi, Gambhir said, "Not only East Delhi, but the entire Delhi's development will be our priority. We will make it the best constituency."

Gambhir expressed confidence in Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

"We need a decisive leader who could take tough steps. If you see our steps after Uri attack or Pulwama attack, we have responded in a strong and decisive way. Today our country needs good leadership for the development and progress of the nation and our PM Modi is one such leader."

"Our PM's vision is for the development of the country and we would always like to join a party which follows such vision. He knows the strength of the country and knows how to take strong decisions," he signed off.

Delhi goes to poll on May 12 in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha Elections. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.&nbsp;

Former cricketer and BJP's candidate from East Delhi constituency, Gautam Gambhir downplayed the allegations levelled by AAP against him and slammed them for their negative politics.

Former cricketer and BJP's candidate from East Delhi constituency, Gautam Gambhir downplayed the allegations levelled by AAP against him and slammed them for their negative politics. When asked about the allegations made by AAP's Atishi Marlena on his name figuring twice in electoral rolls, Gambhir retorted, "When a party has no vision and has not done anything in the last four and a half years, they stoop to these levels of allegations. There is a great difference between the thinking of BJP and AAP. We do positive politics." He added, "We will do everything according to the rules." "We will make promises which are achievable. Many people have said that they will make Delhi into Paris or London. In reality, we will develop Delhi in such a way that people will be happy to live in such a city with a robust infrastructure. Our greatest challenge will be to achieve our honest promises," he added. On being asked about the development of East Delhi, Gambhir said, "Not only East Delhi, but the entire Delhi's development will be our priority. We will make it the best constituency." Gambhir expressed confidence in Prime Minister Modi's leadership. "We need a decisive leader who could take tough steps. If you see our steps after Uri attack or Pulwama attack, we have responded in a strong and decisive way. Today our country needs good leadership for the development and progress of the nation and our PM Modi is one such leader." "Our PM's vision is for the development of the country and we would always like to join a party which follows such vision. He knows the strength of the country and knows how to take strong decisions," he signed off. Delhi goes to poll on May 12 in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha Elections. The counting of votes will be done on May 23.

Gambhir downplays AAP's allegations, says 'I believe in positive politics'

In probably the first, the UAE government has given a birth certificate to a nine-month-old girl who was born to an Indian Hindu father and a Muslim mother, setting aside the country's marriage rules for expatriates during the Year of Tolerance, according to a media report.

As per the marriage rules for expatriates in UAE, a Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman but a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man.

Sharjah-based expat Kiran Babu and Sanam Saboo Siddique, who got married in Kerala in 2016, faced an unusual situation when their daughter was born in July 2018, the Khaleej Times reported.

"I have an Abu Dhabi visa. I get my insurance coverage there and got my wife admitted to Medeor 24X7 Hospital in the emirate. But after the baby's delivery, the birth certificate was rejected as I am a Hindu," Babu said.

"I then applied for a no-objection certificate through the court. The trial went on for four months but my case was rejected," he added.

Babu said that since his daughter had no legal documents, he pinned his hopes on the amnesty period.&nbsp;

The UAE has declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance to highlight UAE as an exemplary example of a tolerant nation, bridging the communication gap between different cultures and build an environment where people accept each other as they are.

"Those days were stressful and the amnesty was a window of hope. The Indian Embassy helped with the provision of an out pass. But the baby was denied immigration clearance as there was no data or registration number to prove her birth," he said.

Babu said that Indian Embassy counsellor M. Rajamurugan supported them throughout the process.&nbsp;

"The judicial department made my case an exception. I was told that from now on, in such cases, we have to put together a request letter, get it approved by the chief justice, and take it to the health authority for the issuance of a birth certificate," he said.

Babu again went to court and, this time, his case was approved.&nbsp;

The couple was given the birth certificate of their daughter Anamta Aceline Kiran on April 14, a day before the Hindu festival of Vishu.

"I am told that this is the first case where the rule has been amended," he said.&nbsp;

Rajamurugan said the ground-breaking ruling from the court will serve as a precedent for future cases.&nbsp;

In probably the first, the UAE government has given a birth certificate to a nine-month-old girl who was born to an Indian Hindu father and a Muslim mother, setting aside the country's marriage rules for expatriates during the Year of Tolerance, according to a media report.

In probably the first, the UAE government has given a birth certificate to a nine-month-old girl who was born to an Indian Hindu father and a Muslim mother, setting aside the country's marriage rules for expatriates during the Year of Tolerance, according to a media report. As per the marriage rules for expatriates in UAE, a Muslim man can marry a non-Muslim woman but a Muslim woman cannot marry a non-Muslim man. Sharjah-based expat Kiran Babu and Sanam Saboo Siddique, who got married in Kerala in 2016, faced an unusual situation when their daughter was born in July 2018, the Khaleej Times reported. "I have an Abu Dhabi visa. I get my insurance coverage there and got my wife admitted to Medeor 24X7 Hospital in the emirate. But after the baby's delivery, the birth certificate was rejected as I am a Hindu," Babu said. "I then applied for a no-objection certificate through the court. The trial went on for four months but my case was rejected," he added. Babu said that since his daughter had no legal documents, he pinned his hopes on the amnesty period. The UAE has declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance to highlight UAE as an exemplary example of a tolerant nation, bridging the communication gap between different cultures and build an environment where people accept each other as they are. "Those days were stressful and the amnesty was a window of hope. The Indian Embassy helped with the provision of an out pass. But the baby was denied immigration clearance as there was no data or registration number to prove her birth," he said. Babu said that Indian Embassy counsellor M. Rajamurugan supported them throughout the process. "The judicial department made my case an exception. I was told that from now on, in such cases, we have to put together a request letter, get it approved by the chief justice, and take it to the health authority for the issuance of a birth certificate," he said. Babu again went to court and, this time, his case was approved. The couple was given the birth certificate of their daughter Anamta Aceline Kiran on April 14, a day before the Hindu festival of Vishu. "I am told that this is the first case where the rule has been amended," he said. Rajamurugan said the ground-breaking ruling from the court will serve as a precedent for future cases.

UAE gives birth certificate to girl born to Hindu father and Muslim mother

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Friday approached Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal for "due legal action" against three of its MLAs for alleged anti-party activities in the backdrop of them siding with rival leader and AMMK chief T T V Dhinakaran.

DMK quickly condemned the move, terming it as an action taken by the AIADMK as it feared the government would lose its majority as it was 'facing a drubbing' in the bypolls to the 18 assembly seats.

The party said it would move a no-confidence motion against the Speaker if he did not act dispassionately in the matter.

Chief Government Whip S Rajendran submitted a petition to the Speaker, seeking action against MLAs A Prabu (Kallakurichi), E Rathinasabapathy (Aranthangi) and V T Kalaiselvan (Vriddhachalam).

The move has sparked speculation about another round of disqualification of the ruling party legislators after Dhanapal had stripped 18 pro-Dhinakaran AIADMK MLAs of their assembly membership in September 2017 under the anti-defection law.

The 18 were disqualified for revolting against Chief Minister K Palaniswami in August 2017, after he merged the faction led by him with the group headed by the rebel leader O Panneerselvam, now the state deputy chief minister.

"I have submitted a petition with the speaker against Prabu, Rathinasabapathy and Kalaiselvan for indulging in anti-party activities and have sought due legal action," Rajendran told reporters here.

Asked if the "legal action" meant disqualifying the three, he said the speaker should decide on that.

The whip said he has attached "photo proof" of the "anti-party" activities of the MLAs. These include "holding positions" and records of events they had participated, apparently related to the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam. However, he did not elaborate.

A similar complaint of anti-party activities was given against the three earlier as well, but more proof was attached on Friday, Rajendran said.

Asked if the ruling party's move was prompted by any "fear of defeat" in the polls, Lok Sabha as well as assembly by-elections to 22 constituencies, he shot back saying the AIADMK will all the seats.

Thirty-eight Lok Sabha seats and 18 assembly segments went to polls on April 18 while bypoll to elect another four MLAs is slated for May 19. The results of all would be announced on May 23.

The outcome of the assembly bypolls could have a bearing on the continuance of the two-year-old Palaniswami government and the AIADMK would need to win at least ten of them to be in the comfort zone.

In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly with 22 vacancies, the AIADMK has a strength of 113, excluding the speaker. The simple majority in the full House is 117.

The principal opposition DMK along with its allies, including Congress, has 97 MLAs.

Incidentally, two MLAs of AIADMK allies, designated as party members in the assembly records as they contested on its symbol, have shown signs of stress with the ruling party.

Legislator S Karunaas, leader of Mukkulathor Puli Padai, has been anti-government for some time, while Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi MLA M Thamimun Ansari, a strident critic of the BJP, backed the DMK-led alliance in the Lok Sabha polls after AIADMK struck a poll pact with the saffron party.

Meanwhile, DMK president M K Stalin said his party would move a no-confidence motion against Dhanapal if he failed to act dispassionately in this matter.

In a statement, he 'condemned' the ruling AIADMK for seeking action against its MLAs as the results of the bypolls to 22 seats will be declared on May 23.

The party had resorted to the move since it was "facing a drubbing" in the bypolls and was fearing the government could lose the majority, he said in a statement.

"The Speaker (post) is apolitical... Various Supreme Court court verdicts have said that the Speaker's actions should be dispassionate. The Speaker should not take any action in this matter under the anti-defection law."

"In case the Speaker fails to act in a dispassionate manner, the DMK will move a no-confidence motion against him," Stalin added.

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Friday approached Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal for "due legal action" against three of its MLAs for alleged anti-party activities in the backdrop of them siding with rival leader and AMMK chief T T V Dhinakaran.

The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu Friday approached Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal for "due legal action" against three of its MLAs for alleged anti-party activities in the backdrop of them siding with rival leader and AMMK chief T T V Dhinakaran. DMK quickly condemned the move, terming it as an action taken by the AIADMK as it feared the government would lose its majority as it was 'facing a drubbing' in the bypolls to the 18 assembly seats. The party said it would move a no-confidence motion against the Speaker if he did not act dispassionately in the matter. Chief Government Whip S Rajendran submitted a petition to the Speaker, seeking action against MLAs A Prabu (Kallakurichi), E Rathinasabapathy (Aranthangi) and V T Kalaiselvan (Vriddhachalam). The move has sparked speculation about another round of disqualification of the ruling party legislators after Dhanapal had stripped 18 pro-Dhinakaran AIADMK MLAs of their assembly membership in September 2017 under the anti-defection law. The 18 were disqualified for revolting against Chief Minister K Palaniswami in August 2017, after he merged the faction led by him with the group headed by the rebel leader O Panneerselvam, now the state deputy chief minister. "I have submitted a petition with the speaker against Prabu, Rathinasabapathy and Kalaiselvan for indulging in anti-party activities and have sought due legal action," Rajendran told reporters here. Asked if the "legal action" meant disqualifying the three, he said the speaker should decide on that. The whip said he has attached "photo proof" of the "anti-party" activities of the MLAs. These include "holding positions" and records of events they had participated, apparently related to the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam. However, he did not elaborate. A similar complaint of anti-party activities was given against the three earlier as well, but more proof was attached on Friday, Rajendran said. Asked if the ruling party's move was prompted by any "fear of defeat" in the polls, Lok Sabha as well as assembly by-elections to 22 constituencies, he shot back saying the AIADMK will all the seats. Thirty-eight Lok Sabha seats and 18 assembly segments went to polls on April 18 while bypoll to elect another four MLAs is slated for May 19. The results of all would be announced on May 23. The outcome of the assembly bypolls could have a bearing on the continuance of the two-year-old Palaniswami government and the AIADMK would need to win at least ten of them to be in the comfort zone. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly with 22 vacancies, the AIADMK has a strength of 113, excluding the speaker. The simple majority in the full House is 117. The principal opposition DMK along with its allies, including Congress, has 97 MLAs. Incidentally, two MLAs of AIADMK allies, designated as party members in the assembly records as they contested on its symbol, have shown signs of stress with the ruling party. Legislator S Karunaas, leader of Mukkulathor Puli Padai, has been anti-government for some time, while Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi MLA M Thamimun Ansari, a strident critic of the BJP, backed the DMK-led alliance in the Lok Sabha polls after AIADMK struck a poll pact with the saffron party. Meanwhile, DMK president M K Stalin said his party would move a no-confidence motion against Dhanapal if he failed to act dispassionately in this matter. In a statement, he 'condemned' the ruling AIADMK for seeking action against its MLAs as the results of the bypolls to 22 seats will be declared on May 23. The party had resorted to the move since it was "facing a drubbing" in the bypolls and was fearing the government could lose the majority, he said in a statement. "The Speaker (post) is apolitical... Various Supreme Court court verdicts have said that the Speaker's actions should be dispassionate. The Speaker should not take any action in this matter under the anti-defection law." "In case the Speaker fails to act in a dispassionate manner, the DMK will move a no-confidence motion against him," Stalin added.

AIADMK seeks action against 3 pro-TTV MLAs for 'anti-party'

Taking suo motu cognisance of suicides of 18 students who had reportedly failed in the intermediate results in March this year, NHRC issued a notice to the chief secretary on Friday.

More than 3 lakh students reportedly failed in the intermediate exams conducted by the Board of Intermediate Education (BIE) in the state leading to protests by students and parents.

The aggrieved students allege large-scale discrepancies in the examination process.

Asking for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks, the NHRC has also asked for action against the guilty and relief to the aggrieved students and their parents.

Terming the content of the news reports very serious in nature, the NHRC notice said, "Issue of serious lapse on part of the authorities amounts to the violation of human rights. Thorough probe into the matter is required not only to punish the guilty but to ensure that such sorrowful incidents do not recur in future."

The State Education Ministry, the Board and the government initially dismissed the allegations but later gave in to the growing protests with the students also approaching the High Court.

The role of a private company, Globarena Technologies, which was given the contract to process the result, has also come under the scanner.

Protesters are also asking why the government agency, Centre for Good Governance, was not entrusted with the task.

More than 10 lakh students appeared for the class 12 exam in February 2018, of which around 3.5 lakh failed.

Students appearing for admission entrance tests are also running short of time. Conducting supplementary examination for these many students is also proving to be a humongous task for the board.&nbsp;

Taking suo motu cognisance of suicides of 18 students who had reportedly failed in the intermediate results in March this year, NHRC issued a notice to the chief secretary on Friday.

Taking suo motu cognisance of suicides of 18 students who had reportedly failed in the intermediate results in March this year, NHRC issued a notice to the chief secretary on Friday. More than 3 lakh students reportedly failed in the intermediate exams conducted by the Board of Intermediate Education (BIE) in the state leading to protests by students and parents. The aggrieved students allege large-scale discrepancies in the examination process. Asking for a detailed report in the matter within 4 weeks, the NHRC has also asked for action against the guilty and relief to the aggrieved students and their parents. Terming the content of the news reports very serious in nature, the NHRC notice said, "Issue of serious lapse on part of the authorities amounts to the violation of human rights. Thorough probe into the matter is required not only to punish the guilty but to ensure that such sorrowful incidents do not recur in future." The State Education Ministry, the Board and the government initially dismissed the allegations but later gave in to the growing protests with the students also approaching the High Court. The role of a private company, Globarena Technologies, which was given the contract to process the result, has also come under the scanner. Protesters are also asking why the government agency, Centre for Good Governance, was not entrusted with the task. More than 10 lakh students appeared for the class 12 exam in February 2018, of which around 3.5 lakh failed. Students appearing for admission entrance tests are also running short of time. Conducting supplementary examination for these many students is also proving to be a humongous task for the board.

NHRC issues notice to Telangana over 18 student suicides

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/poll-scam-money-used-for-naamdars-campaign-pm-modi-targets-rahul-gandhi-213678&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4kYrc0e_hAhWKinAKHV5kBvUQFjAEegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw00WwceawnX5XDEzIFNFi8z">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> Friday claimed that the Congress won't get even 50 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

He addressed a rally at BKC ground here with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray ahead of April 29 polling for six seats in Mumbai and 11 seats elsewhere in Maharashtra.

"This election is not to find an alternative but to be decisive, to empower the poor and end terrorism. All opinion polls and surveys are unanimous in their finding that the BJP led NDA will return to power. The only point of discussion is the number of seats," Modi said.

"They (Opposition) are wondering why first-time voters and those who were born at the end of the 20th century are supporting Modi. It is because Modi is giving expression to their (new generation's) aspirations. They are looking forward to 2047 when India will celebrate its centenary of independence, but some people are stuck in the 20th century. They can't understand what the youth want," he said.

"Confusion is the other name of the Congress. If 2014 saw the worst performance of the Congress, in 2019 the party is going to create another record of contesting the least number of seats," the prime minister said.

"The situation for Congress is such that it remains to be seen whether it crosses the 50 mark," he said.

Congress governments neglected the police force and turned it into a "punching bag", he said, adding that had it not been for the alertness of Mumbai Police, who paid a heavy price including martyrdom, the city would have paid a greater price due to terror activities.

Modi's praise for police comes after BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur's controversial statement about slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare.

"The Congress' attitude has been to change chief ministers and home ministers following terror attacks; we have changed that culture," he said.

Seeking to woo the middle class and Mumbai's working classes, Modi said fisherfolk, dabbawallahs (tiffin carriers), and drivers of "kali-pili" (black and yellow) taxies who ensure that Mumbai's speed never slackens need to be commended.

"It is because of the middle class and genuine taxpayers that this government has been able to work on infrastructure upgradation, Ayushman Bharat medical (insurance) scheme, and housing for all by 2022," he said.

The Congress manifesto has no mention of the middle class and some Congress leaders describe the middle class as selfish and greedy, the prime minister alleged.

"Telephone bills were once a huge part of expenses of the middle class. Due to efforts of our government, calling is almost free now and data is also among the cheapest in the world," Modi said.

The government works with 'Mumbai first' agenda, he said, mentioning bullet train project and promising that in the next few years, Mumbai will have 275 km of the metro network.

"During our rule, corruption has been dealt with severely, some people are in jail and some on bail. After the elections, they will be sent to jail. We have increased the number of taxpayers, not the taxes.

We have also increased the income tax (exemption) limit up to Rs five lakh. Today the middle class is saving more," the prime minister said.

Unlike in 2014, the price rise was not an election issue this time, Modi pointed out, saying that "inflation has been controlled at 4 per cent". "Development is high and inflation is low. This is a healthy condition," he added.

His government did a good job of financial management of the country while the Congress was concerned with its own finances and that of "one family", Modi said.

Referring to the Mumbai terror attacks, he also said that "terrorists now know that he (Modi) will find them even from hell and kill them if they attempt any such attack".

"I am Shivaji's `mavla' (soldier)," Modi said, invoking the Maratha warrior king. "Terrorists know that I will enter their homes and kill them," he added. 
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who addressed the rally earlier, said this was the third time he and Modi were campaigning together, while Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his ally, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had not come together.

"Rahul Gandhi doesn't feel the need to come here and Pawar doesn't want to share&nbsp;dais with him," Thackeray said.

Sena was with the Modi because only he can deal firmly with Pakistan, Uddhav said, adding that the Sena-BJP alliance was based on "a common maximum programme" of Ram temple, the abolition of Article 370 and development.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the opposition as "bears and wolves" who have taken along a "parrot" to defeat "the lion and the tiger".&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday claimed that the Congress won't get even 50 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He addressed a rally at BKC ground here with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray ahead of April 29 polling for six seats in Mumbai and 11 seats elsewhere in Maharashtra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday claimed that the Congress won't get even 50 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He addressed a rally at BKC ground here with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray ahead of April 29 polling for six seats in Mumbai and 11 seats elsewhere in Maharashtra. "This election is not to find an alternative but to be decisive, to empower the poor and end terrorism. All opinion polls and surveys are unanimous in their finding that the BJP led NDA will return to power. The only point of discussion is the number of seats," Modi said. "They (Opposition) are wondering why first-time voters and those who were born at the end of the 20th century are supporting Modi. It is because Modi is giving expression to their (new generation's) aspirations. They are looking forward to 2047 when India will celebrate its centenary of independence, but some people are stuck in the 20th century. They can't understand what the youth want," he said. "Confusion is the other name of the Congress. If 2014 saw the worst performance of the Congress, in 2019 the party is going to create another record of contesting the least number of seats," the prime minister said. "The situation for Congress is such that it remains to be seen whether it crosses the 50 mark," he said. Congress governments neglected the police force and turned it into a "punching bag", he said, adding that had it not been for the alertness of Mumbai Police, who paid a heavy price including martyrdom, the city would have paid a greater price due to terror activities. Modi's praise for police comes after BJP candidate and Malegaon blast accused Pragya Thakur's controversial statement about slain IPS officer Hemant Karkare. "The Congress' attitude has been to change chief ministers and home ministers following terror attacks; we have changed that culture," he said. Seeking to woo the middle class and Mumbai's working classes, Modi said fisherfolk, dabbawallahs (tiffin carriers), and drivers of "kali-pili" (black and yellow) taxies who ensure that Mumbai's speed never slackens need to be commended. "It is because of the middle class and genuine taxpayers that this government has been able to work on infrastructure upgradation, Ayushman Bharat medical (insurance) scheme, and housing for all by 2022," he said. The Congress manifesto has no mention of the middle class and some Congress leaders describe the middle class as selfish and greedy, the prime minister alleged. "Telephone bills were once a huge part of expenses of the middle class. Due to efforts of our government, calling is almost free now and data is also among the cheapest in the world," Modi said. The government works with 'Mumbai first' agenda, he said, mentioning bullet train project and promising that in the next few years, Mumbai will have 275 km of the metro network. "During our rule, corruption has been dealt with severely, some people are in jail and some on bail. After the elections, they will be sent to jail. We have increased the number of taxpayers, not the taxes. We have also increased the income tax (exemption) limit up to Rs five lakh. Today the middle class is saving more," the prime minister said. Unlike in 2014, the price rise was not an election issue this time, Modi pointed out, saying that "inflation has been controlled at 4 per cent". "Development is high and inflation is low. This is a healthy condition," he added. His government did a good job of financial management of the country while the Congress was concerned with its own finances and that of "one family", Modi said. Referring to the Mumbai terror attacks, he also said that "terrorists now know that he (Modi) will find them even from hell and kill them if they attempt any such attack". "I am Shivaji's `mavla' (soldier)," Modi said, invoking the Maratha warrior king. "Terrorists know that I will enter their homes and kill them," he added. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who addressed the rally earlier, said this was the third time he and Modi were campaigning together, while Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his ally, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had not come together. "Rahul Gandhi doesn't feel the need to come here and Pawar doesn't want to share dais with him," Thackeray said. Sena was with the Modi because only he can deal firmly with Pakistan, Uddhav said, adding that the Sena-BJP alliance was based on "a common maximum programme" of Ram temple, the abolition of Article 370 and development. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis described the opposition as "bears and wolves" who have taken along a "parrot" to defeat "the lion and the tiger".

Congress may not get even 50 seats: PM Modi

Peter Mukerjea, an accused in Sheena Bora murder case, on Saturday filed a bail plea in Bombay High Court.

A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court had earlier rejected his bail plea. Mukerjea`s High Court plea mentioned that the CBI does not have evidence against him and cites medical conditions for seeking bail.

On April 4, a Special CBI court rejected the bail plea filed by Peter Mukerjea.

"We were seeking bail on the medical grounds. We argued in the court that after the bypass surgery, sending him back to the jail would be dangerous as he would be prone to infections," Advocate Shivkant Shivade had told ANI over the phone.

Special CBI Judge JC Jagdale did not accept the arguments and turned down the plea. On March 17, Mukherjea&nbsp;was admitted to the JJ Hospital after he complained of chest pain.

Peter, who is currently lodged in Authur Road jail, is accused of<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sheena-bora-murder-case-accused-peter-mukerjea-hospitalised-203834&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiUkIvEze_hAhWYiXAKHZGRDnEQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0HhXD-AOSOtewZcqRGGkc4"> murdering his daughter Sheena Bora</a> over a financial dispute in 2012.

The crime came to the fore three years later, in 2015, for which Peter was charged for conspiracy.

Peter`s wife Indrani is the prime accused in the case and is currently lodged in Mumbai`s Byculla jail. The trial, in this case, is underway at the special CBI court.&nbsp;

Peter Mukerjea, an accused in Sheena Bora murder case, on Saturday filed a bail plea in Bombay High Court. A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court had earlier rejected his bail plea.

Peter Mukerjea, an accused in Sheena Bora murder case, on Saturday filed a bail plea in Bombay High Court. A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court had earlier rejected his bail plea. Mukerjea`s High Court plea mentioned that the CBI does not have evidence against him and cites medical conditions for seeking bail. On April 4, a Special CBI court rejected the bail plea filed by Peter Mukerjea. "We were seeking bail on the medical grounds. We argued in the court that after the bypass surgery, sending him back to the jail would be dangerous as he would be prone to infections," Advocate Shivkant Shivade had told ANI over the phone. Special CBI Judge JC Jagdale did not accept the arguments and turned down the plea. On March 17, Mukherjea was admitted to the JJ Hospital after he complained of chest pain. Peter, who is currently lodged in Authur Road jail, is accused of murdering his daughter Sheena Bora over a financial dispute in 2012. The crime came to the fore three years later, in 2015, for which Peter was charged for conspiracy. Peter`s wife Indrani is the prime accused in the case and is currently lodged in Mumbai`s Byculla jail. The trial, in this case, is underway at the special CBI court.

Sheena Bora case: Peter Mukerjea files bail plea in Bombay High Court

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections/politicians/mamata-banerjee">Mamata Banerjee</a>, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a recent interview claimed that he has many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-have-many-friends-in-opposition-mamata-banerjee-sends-kurtas-sweets-to-me-pm-narendra-modi-to-akshay-kumar-213161">"good friends" in the Opposition including Mamata</a> Banerjee, who sent personally-selected kurtas and sweets to him.

"Two products from West Bengal are famous across the world. One is sweets made of cottage cheese and another is the 'kurta'. But till date, Mamata ji has not sent these two to us or anyone else. If she wants to gift them, she sends it to only one person. So you can understand that she knows the size of a kurta. Earlier, we used to raise questions if the size of his chest is 56 inches or not," Babbar said here in a press conference.

"Mamata didi saal me aaj bhi mujhe ek-do kurte wo khud select karne jati hain (Even today Mamata didi herself selects one-two Kurtas for me in the year). She sends one-two Kurtas for me. Even Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sends sweets to me three-four times in a year especially from Dhaka. When Mamata didi got to know this, then she also started sending sweets for me one or two times in a year," the Prime Minister had said in an interview with actor Akshay Kumar.

Interestingly, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-bengals-culture-says-mamata-in-veiled-response-to-pms-remark-on-receiving-sweets-from-her-213285">Mamata </a>has mostly been critical about Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government and has openly opposed their various initiatives including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation.

Last week, Mamata had accused Prime Minister Modi of causing hardships to the people through demonetisation and said the electorate in West Bengal will pay back by not casting a "single vote" for him.&nbsp;

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta.

Taking a jibe at West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who the Prime Minister claimed gifted him kurtas and sweets, senior Congress leader Raj Babbar wondered how the Trinamool Congress leader knew the size of Modi`s kurta. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in a recent interview claimed that he has many "good friends" in the Opposition including Mamata Banerjee, who sent personally-selected kurtas and sweets to him. "Two products from West Bengal are famous across the world. One is sweets made of cottage cheese and another is the 'kurta'. But till date, Mamata ji has not sent these two to us or anyone else. If she wants to gift them, she sends it to only one person. So you can understand that she knows the size of a kurta. Earlier, we used to raise questions if the size of his chest is 56 inches or not," Babbar said here in a press conference. "Mamata didi saal me aaj bhi mujhe ek-do kurte wo khud select karne jati hain (Even today Mamata didi herself selects one-two Kurtas for me in the year). She sends one-two Kurtas for me. Even Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sends sweets to me three-four times in a year especially from Dhaka. When Mamata didi got to know this, then she also started sending sweets for me one or two times in a year," the Prime Minister had said in an interview with actor Akshay Kumar. Interestingly, Mamata has mostly been critical about Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government and has openly opposed their various initiatives including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation. Last week, Mamata had accused Prime Minister Modi of causing hardships to the people through demonetisation and said the electorate in West Bengal will pay back by not casting a "single vote" for him.

Raj Babbar takes jibe at Mamata Banerjee, asks how did she know PM Modi's kurta size

Police Saturday lodged a formal complaint against Gautam Gambhir, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gautam-gambhirs-nomination-from-east-delhi-accepted-by-returning-officer-213265">BJP's East Delhi Lok Sabha seat candidate</a>, for allegedly holding a public meeting in Jangpura without prior permission from authorities, officials said.

The complaint was lodged after East Delhi Returning Officer K Mahesh asked police to take action against the cricketer-turned-politician for allegedly violating rules.

"We have initiated action against Gautam Gambhir under sections 28/110 of the Delhi Police Act," Chinmoy Biswal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), said.

Police have registered a "kalandra", which is a formal complaint lodged by police in a non-cognisable offence under the act which gives special power to the force, another officer said.

Gambhir did not seek prior permission to hold a public meeting in Janpura on April 25, officials said.

However, Delhi BJP spokesperson Harish Khurana claimed that permission was taken for Gambhir's event and it continued somewhat longer than the scheduled duration.

The party's legal department will take appropriate steps in the matter, Khurana said.

The&nbsp;Bharatiya Janata Party has pitted Gambhir against AAP's Atishi and senior Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely from the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency.

Gambhir is making his electoral debut from the seat and has been under attack from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over allegations that he had <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/delhi-aap-rival-atishi-alleges-gautam-gambhir-holds-2-voter-ids-court-hearing-on-may-1-213712">double entries in voters list</a>.&nbsp;

Reacting to the developments, AAP's Atishi tweeted, "First, Discrepancies in nomination papers. Then, Criminal offence of having 2 voter IDs. Now, FIR for illegal rally (sic),"&nbsp;

"My question to Gautam Gambhir: When you don't know the rules, why play the game? (sic)&nbsp;she said on Twitter.

Atishi Thursday had filed a criminal complaint against Gambhir for allegedly enrolling as a voter in more than one constituency in violation of the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

Police Saturday lodged a formal complaint against Gautam Gambhir, BJP's East Delhi Lok Sabha seat candidate, for allegedly holding a public meeting in Jangpura without prior permission from authorities, officials said.

Police Saturday lodged a formal complaint against Gautam Gambhir, BJP's East Delhi Lok Sabha seat candidate, for allegedly holding a public meeting in Jangpura without prior permission from authorities, officials said. The complaint was lodged after East Delhi Returning Officer K Mahesh asked police to take action against the cricketer-turned-politician for allegedly violating rules. "We have initiated action against Gautam Gambhir under sections 28/110 of the Delhi Police Act," Chinmoy Biswal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast), said. Police have registered a "kalandra", which is a formal complaint lodged by police in a non-cognisable offence under the act which gives special power to the force, another officer said. Gambhir did not seek prior permission to hold a public meeting in Janpura on April 25, officials said. However, Delhi BJP spokesperson Harish Khurana claimed that permission was taken for Gambhir's event and it continued somewhat longer than the scheduled duration. The party's legal department will take appropriate steps in the matter, Khurana said. The Bharatiya Janata Party has pitted Gambhir against AAP's Atishi and senior Congress leader Arvinder Singh Lovely from the East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency. Gambhir is making his electoral debut from the seat and has been under attack from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over allegations that he had double entries in voters list. Reacting to the developments, AAP's Atishi tweeted, "First, Discrepancies in nomination papers. Then, Criminal offence of having 2 voter IDs. Now, FIR for illegal rally (sic)," "My question to Gautam Gambhir: When you don't know the rules, why play the game? (sic) she said on Twitter. Atishi Thursday had filed a criminal complaint against Gambhir for allegedly enrolling as a voter in more than one constituency in violation of the Representation of the People Act (RPA).

Complaint lodged against Gautam Gambhir for holding public meeting without permission

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