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"I enjoy seeing these memes. Shows their creativity, their talent. The biggest advantage of social media is that it allows the common man to express his creativity," says Modi.

PM Modi on memes

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-gautam-gambhir-richest-among-lok-sabha-candidates-in-delhi-213169&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjAso6Jn-jhAhVLqI8KHblqDXQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw32x_HeZbVEMD9LKhv7JBud">BJP</a> has replaced Raj from the North West Lok Sabha constituency with Punjabi Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans.

Raj, who had earlier said he would contest as an independent candidate if the party did not announce his candidature, said he will decide his future course of action after consulting his supporters.

"I will not contest as an independent candidate. They (BJP) are forcing me to leave the party but I have not taken a decision on quitting. I will consult my supporters from across the country," he said.

Talking about the possible reasons why he was denied a ticket, Raj said, "When there was bandh in 2018 on SC-ST amendment, I protested, that's why the party leadership seemed to be unhappy with me.

When there was no government recruitment happening, was I not supposed to raise the issue? I will continue to raise the issues of Dalits", he said.

In 2018, the Supreme Court had issued a slew of guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the Atrocities Act.

The court directed that public servants can only be arrested with the written permission of their appointing authority.

This was seen as a dilution of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which led to protests across the country.

The government later brought in an amendment to nullify the apex court's order.&nbsp;

Raj claimed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, three to four months ago, had told him that he would not be given a ticket.

"I am the best performer in the BJP's internal survey. Nobody talked to me on denial of ticket", he said.

''If I have faith in Modi and Shah, they should have told me that I would not be given the ticket. I have not resigned yet. Showing faith in Modi, we had merged our party with the BJP. Why am I being punished?" he asked.

On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, supporters of Raj and Hans had raised slogans at the Delhi BJP office on Pandit Pant Marg.

Raj, along with supporters, had reached the office after hearing about Hans being considered by the party for the North West Delhi seat.

The former Indian Revenue Service officer had merged his Indian Justice Party (IJP) with the BJP and contested the Lok Sabha election from North West Delhi in 2014.

Raj claimed Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had assured him of a ticket from North West Delhi.

He said he is in contact with senior party leaders Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley in this regard.

The BJP MP has often held views contrary to the party's stand, especially during the Sabarimala issue and 'Bharat Bandh' called by Dalit organisations last year.

Earlier this month, he was at the centre of controversy after being caught in a sting done on several MPs, including Raj, which purportedly showed lawmakers accepting the use of black money for contesting polls.

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law.

Upset over the refusal of ticket for the Lok Sabha polls, BJP sitting MP from North West Delhi Udit Raj Tuesday said the party might have decided to drop him for protesting against the apex court's order that nullified the stringent provisions of the Dalit protection law. The BJP has replaced Raj from the North West Lok Sabha constituency with Punjabi Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans. Raj, who had earlier said he would contest as an independent candidate if the party did not announce his candidature, said he will decide his future course of action after consulting his supporters. "I will not contest as an independent candidate. They (BJP) are forcing me to leave the party but I have not taken a decision on quitting. I will consult my supporters from across the country," he said. Talking about the possible reasons why he was denied a ticket, Raj said, "When there was bandh in 2018 on SC-ST amendment, I protested, that's why the party leadership seemed to be unhappy with me. When there was no government recruitment happening, was I not supposed to raise the issue? I will continue to raise the issues of Dalits", he said. In 2018, the Supreme Court had issued a slew of guidelines to protect public servants and private employees from arbitrary arrests under the Atrocities Act. The court directed that public servants can only be arrested with the written permission of their appointing authority. This was seen as a dilution of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which led to protests across the country. The government later brought in an amendment to nullify the apex court's order. Raj claimed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, three to four months ago, had told him that he would not be given a ticket. "I am the best performer in the BJP's internal survey. Nobody talked to me on denial of ticket", he said. ''If I have faith in Modi and Shah, they should have told me that I would not be given the ticket. I have not resigned yet. Showing faith in Modi, we had merged our party with the BJP. Why am I being punished?" he asked. On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, supporters of Raj and Hans had raised slogans at the Delhi BJP office on Pandit Pant Marg. Raj, along with supporters, had reached the office after hearing about Hans being considered by the party for the North West Delhi seat. The former Indian Revenue Service officer had merged his Indian Justice Party (IJP) with the BJP and contested the Lok Sabha election from North West Delhi in 2014. Raj claimed Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari had assured him of a ticket from North West Delhi. He said he is in contact with senior party leaders Nirmala Sitharaman and Arun Jaitley in this regard. The BJP MP has often held views contrary to the party's stand, especially during the Sabarimala issue and 'Bharat Bandh' called by Dalit organisations last year. Earlier this month, he was at the centre of controversy after being caught in a sting done on several MPs, including Raj, which purportedly showed lawmakers accepting the use of black money for contesting polls.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Might have been denied ticket as I protested against Supreme Court order on Dalit law says Udit Raj

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI, IB and Delhi Police chiefs to appear before it and meet in chambers the judges hearing a lawyer's claims of a larger conspiracy to frame CJI Ranjan Gogoi on allegations of sexual harassment.&nbsp;

The matter is being heard a three-judge special bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra.

The bench said it will meet the CBI and IB directors and the Delhi Police commissioner in "secret".

"It is not an enquiry. We are meeting these officers in secret. We don't want any evidence to be disclosed," the bench also comprising justices R F Nariman and Deepak Gupta said.

The matter relates to the independence of the judiciary in the country, the bench said.

Mishra has termed the entire episode as "very disturbing".

It directed that the officers will meet the judges in the chamber at 12:30 pm and the bench will reassemble to hear the matter again at 3 pm.

The lawyer, Utsav Singh Bains, has submitted a report in the Supreme Court regarding his claims that there was a conspiracy to frame the Chief Justice of India in a sexual harassment case. 
The court perused the report of the lawyer, which was filed in a sealed cover, about allegations that there are some who manage verdicts.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI, IB and Delhi Police chiefs to appear before it and meet in chambers the judges hearing a lawyer's claims of a larger conspiracy to frame CJI Ranjan Gogoi on allegations of sexual harassment.

The Supreme Court Wednesday directed the CBI, IB and Delhi Police chiefs to appear before it and meet in chambers the judges hearing a lawyer's claims of a larger conspiracy to frame CJI Ranjan Gogoi on allegations of sexual harassment. The matter is being heard a three-judge special bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra. The bench said it will meet the CBI and IB directors and the Delhi Police commissioner in "secret". "It is not an enquiry. We are meeting these officers in secret. We don't want any evidence to be disclosed," the bench also comprising justices R F Nariman and Deepak Gupta said. The matter relates to the independence of the judiciary in the country, the bench said. Mishra has termed the entire episode as "very disturbing". It directed that the officers will meet the judges in the chamber at 12:30 pm and the bench will reassemble to hear the matter again at 3 pm. The lawyer, Utsav Singh Bains, has submitted a report in the Supreme Court regarding his claims that there was a conspiracy to frame the Chief Justice of India in a sexual harassment case. The court perused the report of the lawyer, which was filed in a sealed cover, about allegations that there are some who manage verdicts.

Sexual harassment allegations against CJI: Supreme Court asks CBI, IB, Delhi Police chiefs to appear

Former Indian opener <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gautam-gambhir-the-new-bjp-lok-sabha-candidate-holds-roadshow-in-delhi-212847&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1t-PhmejhAhWj6nMBHV3DC-YQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw06HklgbCthk5Ck8wFg01eC">Gautam Gambhir</a> is the richest among all the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-sheila-dikshit-gautam-gambhir-vijender-singh-file-nominations-212991&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj1t-PhmejhAhWj6nMBHV3DC-YQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1egO5VJX1iiXEuFRKapdiT">candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi</a> with total assets worth Rs 147 crores.

The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.40 crores in the income tax returns filed for 2017-18.

His wife Natasha Gambhir declared an income of Rs 6.15 lakhs&nbsp;in the IT returns filed during the same period.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has a total of movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 24 crores, an increase of over Rs 4.33 crores from 2014, according to his poll affidavit.

He has shown an income of Rs 48.03 lakhs in the income tax return for 2017-18 while in the affidavit filed in 2014, he had declared an income of over Rs 85 lakhs.

BJP MP from South Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri has movable and immovable assets worth Rs 18 crore, an increase of close to Rs 3.5 crore in the last five years, according to his affidavit.

Bidhuri, his wife and dependent Himanshu have shown an income of over Rs 16.72 lakhs, Rs 3.09 lakhs and Rs 3.18 lakhs respectively in the IT returns filed in 2017-18.

The 57-year-old leader, who is pitted against debutants Vijender Singh from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha for the South Delhi seat, declared movable assets worth over Rs 1.37 crores while his wife has cash and jewellery worth over Rs 13.21 lakhs.&nbsp;

He has declared immovable assets worth Rs 11.80 crores while his wife has properties worth 4.57 crores.

He has shown liabilities of over Rs 20.38 lakhs.

Bidhuri completed his graduation from the Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and LLB from Chaudhary Charan Singh University from Meerut.

Congress candidate for South Delhi Vijender Singh has declared movable and immovable assets worth Rs 3.57 crores and Rs 5.05 crores respectively.

The former chief minister and Congress candidate Sheila Dikshit, who filed her nomination from the North-East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday, declared personal assets worth over Rs 4.92 crores.

According to an affidavit filed by Dikshit, the 81-year-old Congress veteran has an apartment in Nizamuddin area which has a market value of around Rs 1.88 crore.

Former Indian opener Gambhir (37) has declared immovable and movable assets worth over Rs 147 crores.

He has a criminal case of cheating pending against him.

He declared movable assets estimated to be worth over Rs 116 crores and immovable assets worth Rs 28 crores and liabilities nearly Rs 34.20 crores in his poll affidavit.

He completed his schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road and did his graduation from Delhi University's Hindu College.

Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans, who will be contesting from the North West Delhi, showed an income of nearly Rs 9.28 lakhs in the income tax returns filed in 2017-18.

In the 2013-14 financial year, he had declared an income of nearly Rs 22.64 lakhs.

He and his wife have declared movable assets worth Rs 1.44 crores and Rs 18.50 lakhs respectively. His immovable assets are worth Rs 11.48 crore.

He owns a Toyota Innova, Ford Endeavour and Maruti Gypsy. He has declared liabilities of over Rs 23.89 lakhs.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is the richest among all the candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi with total assets worth Rs 147 crores. The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is the richest among all the candidates in fray for the Lok Sabha elections in Delhi with total assets worth Rs 147 crores. The cricketer-turned-politician, who will be making his electoral debut from East Delhi, has shown an income of nearly Rs 12.40 crores in the income tax returns filed for 2017-18. His wife Natasha Gambhir declared an income of Rs 6.15 lakhs in the IT returns filed during the same period. Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari has a total of movable and immovable assets worth over Rs 24 crores, an increase of over Rs 4.33 crores from 2014, according to his poll affidavit. He has shown an income of Rs 48.03 lakhs in the income tax return for 2017-18 while in the affidavit filed in 2014, he had declared an income of over Rs 85 lakhs. BJP MP from South Delhi Ramesh Bidhuri has movable and immovable assets worth Rs 18 crore, an increase of close to Rs 3.5 crore in the last five years, according to his affidavit. Bidhuri, his wife and dependent Himanshu have shown an income of over Rs 16.72 lakhs, Rs 3.09 lakhs and Rs 3.18 lakhs respectively in the IT returns filed in 2017-18. The 57-year-old leader, who is pitted against debutants Vijender Singh from Congress and Aam Aadmi Party's Raghav Chadha for the South Delhi seat, declared movable assets worth over Rs 1.37 crores while his wife has cash and jewellery worth over Rs 13.21 lakhs. He has declared immovable assets worth Rs 11.80 crores while his wife has properties worth 4.57 crores. He has shown liabilities of over Rs 20.38 lakhs. Bidhuri completed his graduation from the Delhi University's Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and LLB from Chaudhary Charan Singh University from Meerut. Congress candidate for South Delhi Vijender Singh has declared movable and immovable assets worth Rs 3.57 crores and Rs 5.05 crores respectively. The former chief minister and Congress candidate Sheila Dikshit, who filed her nomination from the North-East Delhi Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday, declared personal assets worth over Rs 4.92 crores. According to an affidavit filed by Dikshit, the 81-year-old Congress veteran has an apartment in Nizamuddin area which has a market value of around Rs 1.88 crore. Former Indian opener Gambhir (37) has declared immovable and movable assets worth over Rs 147 crores. He has a criminal case of cheating pending against him. He declared movable assets estimated to be worth over Rs 116 crores and immovable assets worth Rs 28 crores and liabilities nearly Rs 34.20 crores in his poll affidavit. He completed his schooling from Modern School, Barakhamba Road and did his graduation from Delhi University's Hindu College. Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans, who will be contesting from the North West Delhi, showed an income of nearly Rs 9.28 lakhs in the income tax returns filed in 2017-18. In the 2013-14 financial year, he had declared an income of nearly Rs 22.64 lakhs. He and his wife have declared movable assets worth Rs 1.44 crores and Rs 18.50 lakhs respectively. His immovable assets are worth Rs 11.48 crore. He owns a Toyota Innova, Ford Endeavour and Maruti Gypsy. He has declared liabilities of over Rs 23.89 lakhs.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Gautam Gambhir richest among Lok Sabha candidates in Delhi

The third phase polls get underway today with as many as 116 constituencies whose fate will be decided by voters nationwide.

The electorate will vote in 13 states and 2 union territories are voting on 116 seats: Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura and Union Territories Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Odisha will also vote in the Assembly election in the segments that fall under the Lok Sabha seats that go to polls on Tuesday.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: 64% turnout till 7pm, West Bengal tops with 79%; polling closes

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a contempt notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the court's verdict in Rafale case. Gandhi had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a thief attributing his remark to the court's judgement.

In a criminal contempt case, when the court issues a notice, the person to whom the notice is served must appear in person unless exempted by the court itself. So far, the Supreme Court hasn't exempted Rahul Gandhi, so he will have to appear in person.

The Congress president had on April 10 claimed that the apex court has made it "clear" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "committed a theft". He had made the statement while interacting with reporters in Amethi after filing his nomination papers.

BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi had moved court against Rahul Gandhi's remark. "The words used and attributed by him to Supreme Court in the Rafale case has been made to appear something else. He is replacing his personal statement as Supreme Court's order and trying to create prejudice," Lekhi said in her petition.

The court asked the Congress president to explain his remark and in his reply yesterday, Gandhi said he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/regret-chowkidar-chor-hai-remark-against-pm-modi-in-rafale-deal-rahul-gandhi-in-response-to-supreme-court-notice-212506">"regrets" the remarks</a>. In his affidavit, the Congress president said the remark that the Supreme Court has agreed that PM Modi indulged in corruption in Rafale deal was "incorrectly attributed" to the court. Gandhi further said in the affidavit that he had made the statements in the heat of political campaigning which have been misused by his opponents.

"Rahul says he made wrong statements, he did not read the order. It was not clear to him and he holds SC in highest esteem. There is no apology from him in the affidavit. It only mentions the word regret," senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Lekhi, told the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi.

Rahul Gandhi's response is mere lip service, Rohatgi added.

Countering the argument, Gandhi's lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "For the last 18 months it (chowkidaar chor hai) is a political slogan and he (Rahul Gandhi) stands by it. If you want a political flog, then be it. There are 12 statements from the ruling party saying they got a clean chit from Supreme Court; even I can file contempt against such remarks."

He urged the top court to dismiss the plea, but CJI Gogoi issued contempt notice to Gandhi and posted the matter for further hearing on April 30.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a contempt notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the court's verdict in Rafale case. Gandhi had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a thief attributing his remark to the court's judgement.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a contempt notice to Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on the court's verdict in Rafale case. Gandhi had called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a thief attributing his remark to the court's judgement. In a criminal contempt case, when the court issues a notice, the person to whom the notice is served must appear in person unless exempted by the court itself. So far, the Supreme Court hasn't exempted Rahul Gandhi, so he will have to appear in person. The Congress president had on April 10 claimed that the apex court has made it "clear" that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "committed a theft". He had made the statement while interacting with reporters in Amethi after filing his nomination papers. BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi had moved court against Rahul Gandhi's remark. "The words used and attributed by him to Supreme Court in the Rafale case has been made to appear something else. He is replacing his personal statement as Supreme Court's order and trying to create prejudice," Lekhi said in her petition. The court asked the Congress president to explain his remark and in his reply yesterday, Gandhi said he "regrets" the remarks. In his affidavit, the Congress president said the remark that the Supreme Court has agreed that PM Modi indulged in corruption in Rafale deal was "incorrectly attributed" to the court. Gandhi further said in the affidavit that he had made the statements in the heat of political campaigning which have been misused by his opponents. "Rahul says he made wrong statements, he did not read the order. It was not clear to him and he holds SC in highest esteem. There is no apology from him in the affidavit. It only mentions the word regret," senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Lekhi, told the bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. Rahul Gandhi's response is mere lip service, Rohatgi added. Countering the argument, Gandhi's lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, "For the last 18 months it (chowkidaar chor hai) is a political slogan and he (Rahul Gandhi) stands by it. If you want a political flog, then be it. There are 12 statements from the ruling party saying they got a clean chit from Supreme Court; even I can file contempt against such remarks." He urged the top court to dismiss the plea, but CJI Gogoi issued contempt notice to Gandhi and posted the matter for further hearing on April 30.

Supreme Court issues contempt notice to Rahul Gandhi for attributing 'chowkidar chor hai' remark to its order

India will get additional supplies from other major oil producing countries to compensate for the loss of Iranian oil, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Tuesday.

The United States on Monday demanded that buyers of Iranian oil stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions, ending six months of waivers which had allowed Iran's eight biggest buyers, most of them in Asia, to continue to import limited volumes.

Pradhan said on Twitter that India has put in place a robust plan for adequate supply of crude oil to refineries.

"Indian refineries are fully prepared to meet the national demand for petrol, diesel and other petroleum products," he said.

India's Ministry of External Affairs also said in a statement, "The government will continue to work with partner nations, including with the US, to find all possible ways to protect India's energy and economic security interests."

Reuters had reported last week that Indian refiners are increasing their planned purchases from the nations of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mexico and the United States to hedge against loss of Iranian oil.

Refiners in India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and Iran's top oil client after China, had almost halved their Iranian oil purchases since November when petroleum sanctions went into effect. At the time, the United States granted waivers from sanctions, known as significant reduction exceptions (SRE), for six months to countries that purchased some amounts of Iranian crude, including India.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations could "more than make up" for any drop in Iranian oil supplies to global markets now that the waivers are ended.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, said on Monday it would coordinate with other oil producers to ensure an adequate crude supply and a balanced market.

India will get additional supplies from other major oil producing countries to compensate for the loss of Iranian oil, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Tuesday.

India will get additional supplies from other major oil producing countries to compensate for the loss of Iranian oil, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Tuesday. The United States on Monday demanded that buyers of Iranian oil stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions, ending six months of waivers which had allowed Iran's eight biggest buyers, most of them in Asia, to continue to import limited volumes. Pradhan said on Twitter that India has put in place a robust plan for adequate supply of crude oil to refineries. "Indian refineries are fully prepared to meet the national demand for petrol, diesel and other petroleum products," he said. India's Ministry of External Affairs also said in a statement, "The government will continue to work with partner nations, including with the US, to find all possible ways to protect India's energy and economic security interests." Reuters had reported last week that Indian refiners are increasing their planned purchases from the nations of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Mexico and the United States to hedge against loss of Iranian oil. Refiners in India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and Iran's top oil client after China, had almost halved their Iranian oil purchases since November when petroleum sanctions went into effect. At the time, the United States granted waivers from sanctions, known as significant reduction exceptions (SRE), for six months to countries that purchased some amounts of Iranian crude, including India. US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations could "more than make up" for any drop in Iranian oil supplies to global markets now that the waivers are ended. Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, said on Monday it would coordinate with other oil producers to ensure an adequate crude supply and a balanced market.

Govt to get extra oil from major producers to make up for Iran oil loss: Minister

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat.

The announcement was made by party patron and Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal today.

"It has been decided that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest from the Ferozepur seat and Harsimrat will contest from the Bathinda seat," Mr Badal said.

The SAD has announced its candidates from eight seats. As per an arrangement with its ally BJP, the Akali Dal contests on 10 seats while saffron party fields candidates from three out of 13 seats.

Sukhbir Badal, who is party chief, will be facing Akali rebel and Congress nominee Sher Singh Ghubaya from Ferozepur seat.

Sukhbir is currently a lawmaker from Jalalabad seat. He had last contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1999 from the Faridkot seat.

Harsimrat, who is a two-time MP, will be facing Congress nominee and lawmaker Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from the Bathinda seat.

Punjabi Ekta Party candidate and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira is also contesting from the Bathinda seat.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat.

The Shiromani Akali Dal has announced its decision to field party chief Sukhbir Singh Badal from the Ferozepur seat while his wife and Union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been again nominated from the Bathinda seat. The announcement was made by party patron and Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal today. "It has been decided that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal will contest from the Ferozepur seat and Harsimrat will contest from the Bathinda seat," Mr Badal said. The SAD has announced its candidates from eight seats. As per an arrangement with its ally BJP, the Akali Dal contests on 10 seats while saffron party fields candidates from three out of 13 seats. Sukhbir Badal, who is party chief, will be facing Akali rebel and Congress nominee Sher Singh Ghubaya from Ferozepur seat. Sukhbir is currently a lawmaker from Jalalabad seat. He had last contested the Lok Sabha polls in 1999 from the Faridkot seat. Harsimrat, who is a two-time MP, will be facing Congress nominee and lawmaker Amrinder Singh Raja Warring from the Bathinda seat. Punjabi Ekta Party candidate and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira is also contesting from the Bathinda seat.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Sukhbir Singh Badal fielded from Ferozepur, Harsimrat Kaur from Bathinda

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said opposition leaders seeking proof of the Balakot airstrike should have been strapped to rockets so that they could have "seen with their own eyes.

State BJP minister Pankaja Munde had also made a similar remark recently about sending Congress president Rahul Gandhi to another country with a bomb strapped to him.

"We should have strapped some of the sceptical opposition leaders to the rocket, so that they could have seen with their own eyes," Fadnavis said at a poll rally at Virar in adjoining Palghar district Monday.

The opposition keeps doubting this government's performance and even raises question mark over the armed forces and their courage, he said.

"What can we say about the opposition 'mahakhichadi' (grand mixture). They did not acknowledge the courage of our air force and raised doubts on Balakot air strike.

"Had there been an inkling about doubts from the opposition, we could have strapped their leaders to the rockets which were sent to Balakot to see the attack with their own eyes," Fadnavis said.

Munde, minister for women and child development, at a poll rally in Jalna district last week made similar comments against Gandhi.

"Whoever is raising such doubts on effectiveness of the air strike, I would like to say, Rahul Gandhi should be tied to a bomb and dropped to another country. I think only then they (opposition) will understand what we have done."&nbsp;

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said opposition leaders seeking proof of the Balakot airstrike should have been strapped to rockets so that they could have "seen with their own eyes.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said opposition leaders seeking proof of the Balakot airstrike should have been strapped to rockets so that they could have "seen with their own eyes. State BJP minister Pankaja Munde had also made a similar remark recently about sending Congress president Rahul Gandhi to another country with a bomb strapped to him. "We should have strapped some of the sceptical opposition leaders to the rocket, so that they could have seen with their own eyes," Fadnavis said at a poll rally at Virar in adjoining Palghar district Monday. The opposition keeps doubting this government's performance and even raises question mark over the armed forces and their courage, he said. "What can we say about the opposition 'mahakhichadi' (grand mixture). They did not acknowledge the courage of our air force and raised doubts on Balakot air strike. "Had there been an inkling about doubts from the opposition, we could have strapped their leaders to the rockets which were sent to Balakot to see the attack with their own eyes," Fadnavis said. Munde, minister for women and child development, at a poll rally in Jalna district last week made similar comments against Gandhi. "Whoever is raising such doubts on effectiveness of the air strike, I would like to say, Rahul Gandhi should be tied to a bomb and dropped to another country. I think only then they (opposition) will understand what we have done."

Strap 'sceptical' opposition leaders on rockets to Balakot: Fadnavis

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi.&nbsp;

Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency. He will hold a roadshow in Kashi on April 25 and file his nomination on April 26," Shah said.&nbsp;

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Amit Shah on reports Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may contest from Varanasi: There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wEBTCwo2M">pic.twitter.com/7wEBTCwo2M</a>
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On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shah said that India is a democratic nation and anyone can contest.&nbsp;

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"There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here," he added.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Shah said the party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur was framed in false cases by those who had coined the term "Hindu terror" and indulged in vote bank politics.

He defended her candidature and called it an "absolutely right decision".

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi. Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency.

BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday said that the Congress is confused with respect to its candidate from Varanasi. Shah said that BJP is clear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to contest from the constituency. He will hold a roadshow in Kashi on April 25 and file his nomination on April 26," Shah said. Amit Shah on reports Priyanka Gandhi Vadra may contest from Varanasi: There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/7wEBTCwo2M — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × On Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shah said that India is a democratic nation and anyone can contest. BJP President Amit Shah: Sukhbir Singh Badal, Nitish Kumar, Uddhav Thackeray and other NDA leaders will be present during nomination filing by PM Modi on April 26 https://t.co/05qXS3CWYV — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × "There is democracy in the country, anyone can contest. Congress is in confusion, not us. Our candidate has been declared, Narendra Modi will contest election from here," he added. Earlier in the day, Shah said the party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur was framed in false cases by those who had coined the term "Hindu terror" and indulged in vote bank politics. He defended her candidature and called it an "absolutely right decision".

Congress is in confusion, not us: Amit Shah on reports of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contesting from Varanasi 

Sri Lankan police have taken a Syrian national into custody for questioning over the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-bombings-death-toll-from-terror-attack-rises-to-310-40-people-arrested-212788">Easter Sunday attacks</a> on churches and hotels.

"The terrorist investigation division of the police arrested a Syrian national following the attacks for interrogation," a source said.&nbsp;

The Syrian national was detained following the interrogation of local suspects, the source added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So far no group has claimed responsibility for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-forgive-the-perpetrators-of-church-attack-says-head-priest-of-st-anthonys-church-to-wion-212804">Easter Sunday's suicide bomb</a> attacks on three churches and four luxury hotels that killed 310 people and wounded about 500 people.

Sri Lankans&nbsp;observed three minutes of silence early Tuesday to pay tribute to the victims.&nbsp;National flags were lowered and people bowed their heads as the silence began at 8:30 am.

The government has declared a full day of national mourning on Tuesday, with flags at all government institutions lowered to half mast, liquor shops ordered shut and radio stations and television channels expected to play sombre music.

Sri Lankan police have taken a Syrian national into custody for questioning over the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels. "The terrorist investigation division of the police arrested a Syrian national following the attacks for interrogation," a source said.

Sri Lankan police have taken a Syrian national into custody for questioning over the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and hotels. "The terrorist investigation division of the police arrested a Syrian national following the attacks for interrogation," a source said. The Syrian national was detained following the interrogation of local suspects, the source added. So far no group has claimed responsibility for Easter Sunday's suicide bomb attacks on three churches and four luxury hotels that killed 310 people and wounded about 500 people. Sri Lankans observed three minutes of silence early Tuesday to pay tribute to the victims. National flags were lowered and people bowed their heads as the silence began at 8:30 am. The government has declared a full day of national mourning on Tuesday, with flags at all government institutions lowered to half mast, liquor shops ordered shut and radio stations and television channels expected to play sombre music.

Sri Lanka detains Syrian national for questioning over attacks: Sources

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/6466-voter-turnout-in-phase-3-of-lok-sabha-polls-election-commission-213009">three phases, Tuesday</a> recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election.

The six assembly segments which went to poll in phase one on Tuesday recorded a turnout of 12.86 per cent. It was 39.37 per cent in 2014 in the corresponding segments, senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told reporters here.

While polling concluded in Anantnag district, voting in Kulgam district will be held on April 29. Pulwama and Shopian districts will go to polls on May 6.

The Election Commission has curtailed the polling duration for the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency by two hours following a request from the state police to this effect.&nbsp;

The voting will be held in south Kashmir areas from 7 am to 4 pm.&nbsp;

The Anantnag district has 5,29,256 electors, including 2,69,603 males, 2,57,540 females, 2,102 service electors and 11 transgender voters.&nbsp;

The EC has established 1,842 polling stations to facilitate smooth polling, the official said.&nbsp;

The Anantnag constituency has 13,97,272 registered voters, including 7,20,337 males, 6,72,879 females and 35 transgender persons.&nbsp;

There are 18 candidates in the fray for the seat including PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.&nbsp;

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in three phases, Tuesday recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election.

The voter turnout in south Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, where elections are being held in three phases, Tuesday recorded a massive dip as compared to the 2014 general election. The six assembly segments which went to poll in phase one on Tuesday recorded a turnout of 12.86 per cent. It was 39.37 per cent in 2014 in the corresponding segments, senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha told reporters here. While polling concluded in Anantnag district, voting in Kulgam district will be held on April 29. Pulwama and Shopian districts will go to polls on May 6. The Election Commission has curtailed the polling duration for the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency by two hours following a request from the state police to this effect. The voting will be held in south Kashmir areas from 7 am to 4 pm. The Anantnag district has 5,29,256 electors, including 2,69,603 males, 2,57,540 females, 2,102 service electors and 11 transgender voters. The EC has established 1,842 polling stations to facilitate smooth polling, the official said. The Anantnag constituency has 13,97,272 registered voters, including 7,20,337 males, 6,72,879 females and 35 transgender persons. There are 18 candidates in the fray for the seat including PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.

Major dip in voter turnout in J&K's Anantnag seat as compared to 2014 Lok Sabha polls

A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday, addressing top commanders of the Indian Navy.

The commanders will extensively deliberate on emerging challenges facing the country in the maritime domain at a three-day conference which began Monday.

In her address, Sitharaman touched upon various operational issues and said the primacy of the Carrier Battle Group (CBG) in maritime operations and its ability to shape the battlespace was very evident.

CBGs are the large formation of battleships, which comprise aircraft carrier, anti-submarine vessels, destroyers, frigates, submarines and tankers.&nbsp;

The defence minister also complimented the Navy for its quick transition from "exercise mode to battle mode" following the Pulwama attack.

Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarine Chakra, 60 ships and nearly 80 aircraft were put on operational deployment in the North Arabian sea in the wake of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama attack.

The naval assets were&nbsp;part of the theatre level operational readiness exercise (TROPEX 19) but were redeployed in North Arabian sea following the strain in Indo-Pak ties.

Sources said the commanders will explore ways to bolster the Navy's operational capabilities in the wake of China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

"A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity," Sitharaman said, in her address.

Navy officials said the commanders' conference is expected to fine-tune the force's strategy for responding to any possible threats and added it will discuss overall security challenges in the backdrop of the Pulwama attack and developments thereafter.&nbsp;

The conference is the apex forum within the Navy for interaction among the naval commanders.&nbsp;

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will review major operational, material, logistics, training, human resources and administrative issues at the conference.&nbsp;

Themes like the functional reorganisation of Indian Navy towards improving operational efficiency and optimal manning will form the core of discussions towards finalising long term road map for the force, the Navy said.&nbsp;

A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday, addressing top commanders of the Indian Navy.

A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Tuesday, addressing top commanders of the Indian Navy. The commanders will extensively deliberate on emerging challenges facing the country in the maritime domain at a three-day conference which began Monday. In her address, Sitharaman touched upon various operational issues and said the primacy of the Carrier Battle Group (CBG) in maritime operations and its ability to shape the battlespace was very evident. CBGs are the large formation of battleships, which comprise aircraft carrier, anti-submarine vessels, destroyers, frigates, submarines and tankers. The defence minister also complimented the Navy for its quick transition from "exercise mode to battle mode" following the Pulwama attack. Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, nuclear submarine Chakra, 60 ships and nearly 80 aircraft were put on operational deployment in the North Arabian sea in the wake of escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama attack. The naval assets were part of the theatre level operational readiness exercise (TROPEX 19) but were redeployed in North Arabian sea following the strain in Indo-Pak ties. Sources said the commanders will explore ways to bolster the Navy's operational capabilities in the wake of China's growing naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. "A strong Navy remains a necessary guarantor of India's security and prosperity," Sitharaman said, in her address. Navy officials said the commanders' conference is expected to fine-tune the force's strategy for responding to any possible threats and added it will discuss overall security challenges in the backdrop of the Pulwama attack and developments thereafter. The conference is the apex forum within the Navy for interaction among the naval commanders. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba will review major operational, material, logistics, training, human resources and administrative issues at the conference. Themes like the functional reorganisation of Indian Navy towards improving operational efficiency and optimal manning will form the core of discussions towards finalising long term road map for the force, the Navy said.

Strong navy guarantor of India's security and prosperity: Nirmala Sitharaman

Vijay Rupani, Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan among others cast their votes early as the third phase of polling got underway today morning.&nbsp;

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and wife Anjali cast their vote at a polling booth in Anil Gyan Mandir school in Rajkot while &nbsp;BJP President Amit Shah and his wife Sonal Shah cast their votes at a polling booth in Naranpura Sub-Zonal office in Ahmedabad.

Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote at a polling booth in Talcher in Odisha and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Bhubaneswar.

Vijay Rupani, Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan among others cast their votes early as the third phase of polling got underway today morning. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and wife Anjali cast their vote at a polling booth in Anil Gyan Mandir school in Rajkot while BJP President Amit Shah and his wife Sonal Shah cast their votes at a polling booth in Naranpura Sub-Zonal office in Ahmedabad.

Vijay Rupani, Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah, Dharmendra Pradhan among others cast their votes early as the third phase of polling got underway today morning. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and wife Anjali cast their vote at a polling booth in Anil Gyan Mandir school in Rajkot while BJP President Amit Shah and his wife Sonal Shah cast their votes at a polling booth in Naranpura Sub-Zonal office in Ahmedabad. Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cast his vote at a polling booth in Talcher in Odisha and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Bhubaneswar.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Vijay Rupani, Naveen Patnaik, Amit Shah cast their votes in phase 3    

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes.

The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a&nbsp;"freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister. The whole interview will be aired by ANI on Wednesday.&nbsp;

In what can aptly be called the "teases" of the full interview, PM Modi and Akshay Kumar can be seen cracking jokes and engaging in a humour-filled conversation.&nbsp;

The prime minister could be seen bursting into laughter to one of Kumar's jokes.&nbsp;

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Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign? You’ll get the answer tomorrow at 9am <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a>, in an informal and non-political conversation that I got the chance to do with <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji. Do watch! <a href="https://t.co/pczNar7k3A">pic.twitter.com/pczNar7k3A</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1120711801686110208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"You sleep only for 3.30 hours, how do you manage?" Akshay Kumar asks PM Modi to which the prime minister replied saying that even former US President Barack Obama once asked him the same and often enquires "if I have increased my sleeping hours".&nbsp;

Akshay Kumar also shared parts of the interview on his Twitter handle stating that he is "privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM".

"Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign," read Kumar's another tweet.&nbsp;

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While the whole country is talking elections and politics, here’s a breather. Privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> . Watch it at 9AM tomorrow via <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ANI</a> for some lesser known facts about him! <a href="https://t.co/Owji9xL9zn">pic.twitter.com/Owji9xL9zn</a>
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/1120701537821630464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Akshay Kumar. on Monday, had the world of news rife with speculations when he dropped hints of "getting into an unknown and uncharted territory".

"Doing something I have never done before. Excited and nervous both," he tweeted out yesterday.

He later clarified that his move has nothing to do with contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes. The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a "freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister.

In an informal video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar asked if he eats mangoes. The snippets of the "informal interview" for news agency ANI was shared online wherein the Bollywood actor engages in a "freewheeling" conversation with the Prime Minister. The whole interview will be aired by ANI on Wednesday. In what can aptly be called the "teases" of the full interview, PM Modi and Akshay Kumar can be seen cracking jokes and engaging in a humour-filled conversation. The prime minister could be seen bursting into laughter to one of Kumar's jokes. Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign? You’ll get the answer tomorrow at 9am @ANI, in an informal and non-political conversation that I got the chance to do with @narendramodi ji. Do watch! pic.twitter.com/pczNar7k3A — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 23, 2019 × "You sleep only for 3.30 hours, how do you manage?" Akshay Kumar asks PM Modi to which the prime minister replied saying that even former US President Barack Obama once asked him the same and often enquires "if I have increased my sleeping hours". Akshay Kumar also shared parts of the interview on his Twitter handle stating that he is "privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM". "Do you ever wonder whether PM Modi manages to laugh during the heat of the election campaign," read Kumar's another tweet. While the whole country is talking elections and politics, here’s a breather. Privileged to have done this candid and COMPLETELY NON POLITICAL freewheeling conversation with our PM @narendramodi . Watch it at 9AM tomorrow via @ANI for some lesser known facts about him! pic.twitter.com/Owji9xL9zn — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 23, 2019 × Akshay Kumar. on Monday, had the world of news rife with speculations when he dropped hints of "getting into an unknown and uncharted territory". "Doing something I have never done before. Excited and nervous both," he tweeted out yesterday. He later clarified that his move has nothing to do with contesting the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

'Obama asks the same,' says PM Modi when Akshay Kumar asked 'how do you sleep for just 3 hours?'

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab.&nbsp;

Bollywood actor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/will-sunny-deol-contest-election-from-gurdaspur-on-a-bjp-ticket-212822">Sunny Deol</a>, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur. Actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher will be contesting from Chandigarh.&nbsp;

Som Prakash will be contesting from Hoshiarpur.&nbsp;

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BJP releases 26th list of candidates for 3 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> seats in Chandigarh &amp; Punjab. Sunny Deol to contest from Gurdaspur, Som Prakash from Hoshiarpur, and Kirron Kher from Chandigarh. <a href="https://t.co/ca0C239gwO">pic.twitter.com/ca0C239gwO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120696235596439552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds on social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab.&nbsp;

Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab. Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday released its 26th list of candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Chandigarh and Punjab. Bollywood actor Sunny Deol, who officially joined the party earlier in the day, has been fielded from Gurdaspur. Actor-turned-politician Kirron Kher will be contesting from Chandigarh. Som Prakash will be contesting from Hoshiarpur. BJP releases 26th list of candidates for 3 #LokSabhaElections2019 seats in Chandigarh & Punjab. Sunny Deol to contest from Gurdaspur, Som Prakash from Hoshiarpur, and Kirron Kher from Chandigarh. pic.twitter.com/ca0C239gwO — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × On Friday, as Deol's photo with BJP chief Amit Shah started doing the rounds on social media, rumours were abuzz that the actor would be joining the party and contesting from one of the key constituencies of Punjab. Deol was inducted into the party by Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday at an event.

Lok Sabha polls: BJP fields Sunny Deol from Gurdaspur; Kirron Kher from Chandigarh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Voting underway for phase 3; Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah in fray</a>

PM Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad. Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/terrorists-power-is-ied-peoples-power-is-voter-id-says-pm-modi-after-casting-his-vote-212771">Weapon of terrorism is IED, strength of democracy is voter ID, says PM Modi after casting his vote</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-imposes-state-of-emergency-after-attacks-blamed-on-islamists-212724">Sri Lanka imposes state of emergency after attacks blamed on Islamists</a>

Sri Lanka on Tuesday imposed a state of emergency hours after the government blamed a local Islamist group for a series of suicide bomb blasts that killed at least 290 people, including dozens of foreigners.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-to-close-online-store-in-china-by-july-18-212735">Amazon to shut its online store in China by July 18</a>

Amazon announced last Thursday that it will shut its China online store by July 18 and will no longer operate a marketplace, nor provide seller services on Amazon.cn.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-says-robotaxis-with-no-human-drivers-coming-to-us-roads-next-year-212733">Tesla says robotaxis with no human drivers coming to US roads next year&nbsp;</a>

Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tesla Inc robotaxis with no human drivers would be available in some US markets next year, continuing a habit of bold pronouncements that have excited many investors while often missing deadlines.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Voting underway for phase 3; Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah in fray PM Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Voting underway for phase 3; Rahul Gandhi, Amit Shah in fray PM Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad. Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh. Weapon of terrorism is IED, strength of democracy is voter ID, says PM Modi after casting his vote Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep. Sri Lanka imposes state of emergency after attacks blamed on Islamists Sri Lanka on Tuesday imposed a state of emergency hours after the government blamed a local Islamist group for a series of suicide bomb blasts that killed at least 290 people, including dozens of foreigners. Amazon to shut its online store in China by July 18 Amazon announced last Thursday that it will shut its China online store by July 18 and will no longer operate a marketplace, nor provide seller services on Amazon.cn. Tesla says robotaxis with no human drivers coming to US roads next year Chief Executive Elon Musk said Tesla Inc robotaxis with no human drivers would be available in some US markets next year, continuing a habit of bold pronouncements that have excited many investors while often missing deadlines.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep.&nbsp; 
 
"For the first time, people born in the 21st century are voting. I congratulate them and invite them to vote. This is their century. They should vote to secure this century for their future. I hope they come in numbers to cast their votes," PM Modi said after casting his vote in Ranip in Ahmedabad, which comes under the ​Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency where BJP president Amit Shah is the BJP candidate.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi after casting his vote in Ahmedabad says, " The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/X0LBPI5qcu">pic.twitter.com/X0LBPI5qcu</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120526870049644544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Saying that he is fortunate to be part of democracy's biggest festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the voters should cast their franchise and chose a strong government for the country.

"The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID. I can say with surety that the voter ID is much much more powerful than an IED, so we should understand the strength of our voter IDs," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cast his vote in the third phase of Lok Sabha elections and appealed to first-time voters to cast their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother Heeraben in Ahmedabad before casting his vote. Modi sought his mother's blessings and then reached the polling booth in an open-top jeep. "For the first time, people born in the 21st century are voting. I congratulate them and invite them to vote. This is their century. They should vote to secure this century for their future. I hope they come in numbers to cast their votes," PM Modi said after casting his vote in Ranip in Ahmedabad, which comes under the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency where BJP president Amit Shah is the BJP candidate. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi after casting his vote in Ahmedabad says, " The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID." #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/X0LBPI5qcu — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × Saying that he is fortunate to be part of democracy's biggest festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the voters should cast their franchise and chose a strong government for the country. "The weapon of terrorism is IED, the strength of democracy is voter ID. I can say with surety that the voter ID is much much more powerful than an IED, so we should understand the strength of our voter IDs," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Weapon of terrorism is IED, strength of democracy is voter ID, says PM Modi after casting his vote

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh.&nbsp;

''Today third phase of polling is underway, I am fortunate that I also got the opportunity to fulfil my duty in my home state of Gujarat. Like you feel pure after a holy dip in Kumbh, one feels pure after casting vote in this festival of democracy,'' Modi said after casting his vote.&nbsp;

PM was accompanied by party president Amit Shah.

Earlier, Modi met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings.

Modi also met some people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning. Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi cast his vote at a polling booth in Ranip, Ahmedabad on Tuesday morning. Modi cast his vote at polling booth in Nishan Higher Secondary School in Ranip, Ahmedabad. Drawing an analogy between voting and Kumbh, Modi said him exercising his franchise is like taking a holy dip in Kumbh. ''Today third phase of polling is underway, I am fortunate that I also got the opportunity to fulfil my duty in my home state of Gujarat. Like you feel pure after a holy dip in Kumbh, one feels pure after casting vote in this festival of democracy,'' Modi said after casting his vote. PM was accompanied by party president Amit Shah. Earlier, Modi met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings. Modi also met some people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar. All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi casts his vote in Ahmedabad

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Northern Command visited forward areas to review the security situation and operational preparedness in eastern Ladakh on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Army Commander was accompanied by the Fire and Fury Corps commander.&nbsp;

“The Army Commander was briefed in detail by the General Officer Commanding Trishul Division about the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness in eastern Ladakh,” the Army said in a statement.

The Army has said that during his interaction with the troops, the Army Commander appreciated their hard work and dedication in their brave endeavour to safeguard the nation’s borders while operating in hostile terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Northern Command visited forward areas to review the security situation and operational preparedness in eastern Ladakh on Tuesday.

Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh, General Officer Commanding, Northern Command visited forward areas to review the security situation and operational preparedness in eastern Ladakh on Tuesday. The Army Commander was accompanied by the Fire and Fury Corps commander. “The Army Commander was briefed in detail by the General Officer Commanding Trishul Division about the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness in eastern Ladakh,” the Army said in a statement. The Army has said that during his interaction with the troops, the Army Commander appreciated their hard work and dedication in their brave endeavour to safeguard the nation’s borders while operating in hostile terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Army’s Northern Command chief visits forward areas in Ladakh

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-3-voting-on-april-23-212719">The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls</a> came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated.&nbsp;

Voting was held in 116 Lok Sabha seats. As many as 13&nbsp;states and 2 union territories went to polls today. Kerala, Gujarat and Goa were the three states where all constituencies were up for voting.&nbsp;

BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several union ministers were among the prominent candidates in the fray in the largest polling phase of the general elections.&nbsp;

Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were in a neck to neck competition for the top spot in voter turnout today.

Reports of EVM glitches and technical snags surfaced in isolated places across states like Odisha and Goa.&nbsp;

West Bengal, where polling was marred by violence in the previous phase, saw incidents of unrest. A man, standing in a queue to cast his vote, was killed in clashes that broke out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in state's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-phase-lok-sabha-polling-man-gets-killed-in-clashes-between-congress-tmc-workers-in-west-bengals-murshidabad-212880">Murshidabad</a>.&nbsp;

The overall polling percentage in the first two phases was recorded at 69.45 per cent and 69.43 per cent respectively.

&nbsp;<img alt="phase 3 lok sabha polls" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0bc0ee86-446d-4cc2-a967-4638c1f7c930" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Phase%203_1.jpg" />

In the first two phases, the election was held on 91 and 95 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively.&nbsp;

Election to 543 seats is being held in seven phases. The counting of votes will be on May 23.&nbsp;

The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated.

The third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha polls came to an end on Tuesday evening with 64.66 per cent of total overall voter turnout, the Election Commission stated. Voting was held in 116 Lok Sabha seats. As many as 13 states and 2 union territories went to polls today. Kerala, Gujarat and Goa were the three states where all constituencies were up for voting. BJP president Amit Shah, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and several union ministers were among the prominent candidates in the fray in the largest polling phase of the general elections. Assam, Tripura and West Bengal were in a neck to neck competition for the top spot in voter turnout today. Reports of EVM glitches and technical snags surfaced in isolated places across states like Odisha and Goa. West Bengal, where polling was marred by violence in the previous phase, saw incidents of unrest. A man, standing in a queue to cast his vote, was killed in clashes that broke out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in state's Murshidabad. The overall polling percentage in the first two phases was recorded at 69.45 per cent and 69.43 per cent respectively. In the first two phases, the election was held on 91 and 95 seats on April 11 and April 18 respectively. Election to 543 seats is being held in seven phases. The counting of votes will be on May 23.

64.66% voter turnout in phase 3 of Lok Sabha polls: Election Commission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings.

''Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother at her residence in Gandhinagar today. He will cast his vote in Ahmedabad, shortly,'' tweeted ANI.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> PM Narendra Modi meets his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and takes her blessings. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/uRGsGX0fcw">pic.twitter.com/uRGsGX0fcw</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120515925965512704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The prime minister will cast his vote in Ahmedabad shortly.

Earlier, Modi met people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar.&nbsp;

All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings. ''Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother at her residence in Gandhinagar today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and received her blessings. ''Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his mother at her residence in Gandhinagar today. He will cast his vote in Ahmedabad, shortly,'' tweeted ANI. #WATCH PM Narendra Modi meets his mother Heeraben Modi at her residence in Gandhinagar and takes her blessings. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/uRGsGX0fcw — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × The prime minister will cast his vote in Ahmedabad shortly. Earlier, Modi met people outside his mother's residence in Gandhinagar. All 26 constituencies in Gujarat including Gandhinagar, where BJP president Amit Shah is contesting, go to polls in the third phase of polling today.

PM Modi meets his mother ahead of casting vote in Ahmedabad 

Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.BJP has named Gambhir against three-time Gandhi Nagar MLA Arvind Singh Lovely of Congress and AAP's Atishi in East Delhi.

"Many people tweet on every issue but they do not come on the ground. BJP has given me the opportunity to implement my vision and thought," Gambhir told reporters after filing nomination.

"If AAP had worked in the last four-and-half years then they would not have been so desperate about the alliance (with the Congress)," he said.

Congress has fielded Dikshit to take on sitting MP Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi parliamentary seat.

When asked about the alliance with AAP, she said,&nbsp;"If any situation like this comes, then we will let you know."

Professional boxer Vijender Singh also filed nomination from the South Delhi seat.

"People love me because of boxing but I will also fulfil my responsibility of serving people as given by the Congress party," he said.

"I am looking at many problems in South Delhi and I hope we will fix this. Where is Modi wave? I am not seeing anything like this. People now know the real face (of Modi)," he added.

Singh is pitted against incumbent BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP's Raghav Chadha.BJP's Hans Raj Hans and Congress's Rajesh Lilothia also filed nomination in North West constituency.

Hans has replaced BJP's sitting MP Udit Raj.

"I have been a warrior since my childhood, I have to win. I am the son of a farm labourer, it is in my genes to work hard. I consider PM Modi as my hero," Hans said.

Earlier in the day, Congress'&nbsp;candidate Lovely also filed his nomination. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.

Three heavyweights including former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir and boxer Vijender Singh on Tuesday filed their nominations from their respective Lok Sabha seats.BJP has named Gambhir against three-time Gandhi Nagar MLA Arvind Singh Lovely of Congress and AAP's Atishi in East Delhi. "Many people tweet on every issue but they do not come on the ground. BJP has given me the opportunity to implement my vision and thought," Gambhir told reporters after filing nomination. "If AAP had worked in the last four-and-half years then they would not have been so desperate about the alliance (with the Congress)," he said. Congress has fielded Dikshit to take on sitting MP Manoj Tiwari from North East Delhi parliamentary seat. When asked about the alliance with AAP, she said, "If any situation like this comes, then we will let you know." Professional boxer Vijender Singh also filed nomination from the South Delhi seat. "People love me because of boxing but I will also fulfil my responsibility of serving people as given by the Congress party," he said. "I am looking at many problems in South Delhi and I hope we will fix this. Where is Modi wave? I am not seeing anything like this. People now know the real face (of Modi)," he added. Singh is pitted against incumbent BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri and AAP's Raghav Chadha.BJP's Hans Raj Hans and Congress's Rajesh Lilothia also filed nomination in North West constituency. Hans has replaced BJP's sitting MP Udit Raj. "I have been a warrior since my childhood, I have to win. I am the son of a farm labourer, it is in my genes to work hard. I consider PM Modi as my hero," Hans said. Earlier in the day, Congress' candidate Lovely also filed his nomination. Delhi, where seven Lok Sabha seats are at stake will go to poll on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Delhi: Sheila Dikshit, Gautam Gambhir, Vijender Singh file nominations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/response-in-first-2-phases-giving-sleepless-nights-to-opposition-parties-pm-modi-212841">Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday</a> launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. The Prime Minister was addressing a rally in Asansol.

"Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted.

PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming&nbsp;the prime minister of the nation&nbsp;by fighting on just a handful of seats.

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PM Narendra Modi in Asansol, West Bengal: Before 2014, Congress govt had made a record of corruption. Today TMC government is giving tough competition to the Congress. Corruption &amp; crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there <a href="https://t.co/lowpJPd3kY">pic.twitter.com/lowpJPd3kY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1120641309994377217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Didi, the seat of the prime minister is not available at any auction," he added.&nbsp;

He further said that the Congress government had made a record of corruption before 2014 and that the Trinamool Congress is giving a tough competition to the Congress.&nbsp;

"Corruption and crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there," the PM noted.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that the response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to opposition parties.&nbsp;

Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls.&nbsp;

Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stating that her party's state is such that people are not turning up for the rallies. The Prime Minister was addressing a rally in Asansol. "Today TMC's condition has become such that people are not turning up for their rallies, they are forced to call actors from abroad. I feel pity for you didi, look what the brave people of Bengal have done to you," the PM noted. PM Modi went on to say that the TMC chief is dreaming of becoming the prime minister of the nation by fighting on just a handful of seats. PM Narendra Modi in Asansol, West Bengal: Before 2014, Congress govt had made a record of corruption. Today TMC government is giving tough competition to the Congress. Corruption & crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there pic.twitter.com/lowpJPd3kY — ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019 × "Didi, the seat of the prime minister is not available at any auction," he added. He further said that the Congress government had made a record of corruption before 2014 and that the Trinamool Congress is giving a tough competition to the Congress. "Corruption and crime are non-stop in TMC rule. And 'Speed-breaker Didi' is also there," the PM noted. Earlier in the day, PM Modi said that the response in the first two phases of polling is giving sleepless nights to opposition parties. Addressing an election rally at Kendrapara in Odisha, Modi further said that 'Lahar' (wave) for BJP has become 'Lalkar' (challenge) for the Opposition after two phases of polls. Prime minister accused the Naveen Patnaik government of resorting to violence and added in Odisha, BJD will go and BJP will come to power after polls.

Corruption and crime are non-stop in Trinamool Congress' rule: PM Modi is Asansol

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-have-sought-a-report-on-why-intelligence-wasnt-shared-sri-lanka-pm-wickremesinghe-212958">I have sought report on why intelligence wasn't shared: Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe</a>

Two days after the terror attacks, Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe today addressed the media asserting that the bombings could have been prevented if intelligence was avaliable.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-sri-lanka-bombings-212899">Islamic State claims responsibility for Sri Lanka bombings</a>

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for coordinated bombings in Sri Lanka which killed 321 people and injured about 500 others, the group's AMAQ news agency said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/iran-has-suffered-from-terrorists-operating-from-pakistan-imran-khan-to-president-rouhani-212892">Iran has suffered from terrorists operating from Pakistan: Imran Khan to President Rouhani</a>

Pakistan PM Imran Khan who is on a two-day visit to Iran met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani with terror being the main focus between the two countries. The meeting came as &nbsp;Islamabad urged Tehran to act against militants behind killings in Pakistan's Baluchistan province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/more-than-50-feared-killed-in-landslide-at-myanmar-jade-mine-police-212896">More than 50 feared killed in landslide at Myanmar jade mine: Police</a>

More than 50 people are feared killed after a landslide in northern Myanmar engulfed jade miners while they were sleeping, local police said Tuesday, the latest deadly accident in a notoriously dangerous industry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-will-meet-vladimir-putin-on-thursday-in-russias-far-east-confirms-russia-212962">North Korea's Kim will meet Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Russia's Far East, confirms Russia</a>

Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin will meet in Russia's Far East on Thursday, the Kremlin said, as the North Korean leader looks to rebuild ties with an old ally amid a standoff with the United States.

&nbsp;

I have sought report on why intelligence wasn't shared: Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe Two days after the terror attacks, Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe today addressed the media asserting that the bombings could have been prevented if intelligence was avaliable.

I have sought report on why intelligence wasn't shared: Sri Lanka PM Wickremesinghe Two days after the terror attacks, Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe today addressed the media asserting that the bombings could have been prevented if intelligence was avaliable. Islamic State claims responsibility for Sri Lanka bombings Islamic State has claimed responsibility for coordinated bombings in Sri Lanka which killed 321 people and injured about 500 others, the group's AMAQ news agency said on Tuesday. Iran has suffered from terrorists operating from Pakistan: Imran Khan to President Rouhani Pakistan PM Imran Khan who is on a two-day visit to Iran met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani with terror being the main focus between the two countries. The meeting came as Islamabad urged Tehran to act against militants behind killings in Pakistan's Baluchistan province. More than 50 feared killed in landslide at Myanmar jade mine: Police More than 50 people are feared killed after a landslide in northern Myanmar engulfed jade miners while they were sleeping, local police said Tuesday, the latest deadly accident in a notoriously dangerous industry. North Korea's Kim will meet Vladimir Putin on Thursday in Russia's Far East, confirms Russia Kim Jong Un and President Vladimir Putin will meet in Russia's Far East on Thursday, the Kremlin said, as the North Korean leader looks to rebuild ties with an old ally amid a standoff with the United States.

The ED has summoned former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar next week in connection with a money laundering case related to a bank loan fraud, officials said.

They said while Chanda has been summoned for May 3, Deepak and his brother Rajiv have been asked to depose on April 30 before the investigating officer of the case and record their statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The summons were served to them last week, they added.

They are required to assist the IO in taking the probe forward, they said, adding the three have been asked to bring certain documents related to their personal and official finances.

They have been questioned in the past too at the Enforcement Directorate office in Mumbai after the central agency conducted raids in this case on March 1.

The searches were conducted at the premises of Chanda Kochhar, her family and Venugopal Dhoot of Videocon Group in Mumbai and Aurangabad.

The ED has registered a criminal case under the PMLA early this year against Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning of Rs 1,875-crore loans by ICICI Bank to the corporate group.

This ED action was based on a CBI FIR. The CBI has named all the three and Dhoot's companies - Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL).

The CBI also named Supreme Energy, a company founded by Dhoot, and NuPower Renewables, a company controlled by Deepak Kochhar, in the FIR.&nbsp;

The ED has summoned former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar next week in connection with a money laundering case related to a bank loan fraud, officials said.

The ED has summoned former ICICI Bank CEO Chanda Kochhar and her husband Deepak Kochhar next week in connection with a money laundering case related to a bank loan fraud, officials said. They said while Chanda has been summoned for May 3, Deepak and his brother Rajiv have been asked to depose on April 30 before the investigating officer of the case and record their statements under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The summons were served to them last week, they added. They are required to assist the IO in taking the probe forward, they said, adding the three have been asked to bring certain documents related to their personal and official finances. They have been questioned in the past too at the Enforcement Directorate office in Mumbai after the central agency conducted raids in this case on March 1. The searches were conducted at the premises of Chanda Kochhar, her family and Venugopal Dhoot of Videocon Group in Mumbai and Aurangabad. The ED has registered a criminal case under the PMLA early this year against Chanda Kochhar, Deepak Kochhar, Dhoot and others to probe alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in sanctioning of Rs 1,875-crore loans by ICICI Bank to the corporate group. This ED action was based on a CBI FIR. The CBI has named all the three and Dhoot's companies - Videocon International Electronics Ltd (VIEL) and Videocon Industries Limited (VIL). The CBI also named Supreme Energy, a company founded by Dhoot, and NuPower Renewables, a company controlled by Deepak Kochhar, in the FIR.

ICICI-Videocon case: Enforcement Directorate summons Chanda Kochhar, husband

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Weapon of terrorism is IED, strength of democracy is voter ID, says PM Modi after casting his vote

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