A Hyderabad resident has sought the assistance of External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj alleging that her husband has been jailed in Saudi Arabia on false theft charges, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Alleging that her husband has been jailed by Saudi authorities on false allegations of theft, Salam Begum has requested EAM Sushma Swaraj to rescue her husband.&nbsp;

"My husband Syed Asif went to Saudi Arabia on 19 January 2016 through an agent here in Hyderabad. He was promised 1800 Saudi Riyal as salary but was paid only 1200 Saudi Riyal. He was working as a driver there," Begum was quoted as saying.

"Even after working for two years, my husband`s employer didn`t give him leave to come back to India. He was not allowed to come even when my mother-in-law expired. He then approached the Indian Embassy in Saudi and was returning to Hyderabad when he was arrested at the airport on charges of stealing 65,000 Saudi Riyal from his employer," she added.

A Hyderabad resident has sought the assistance of External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj alleging that her husband has been jailed in Saudi Arabia on false theft charges, reported news agency ANI.

A Hyderabad resident has sought the assistance of External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj alleging that her husband has been jailed in Saudi Arabia on false theft charges, reported news agency ANI. Alleging that her husband has been jailed by Saudi authorities on false allegations of theft, Salam Begum has requested EAM Sushma Swaraj to rescue her husband. "My husband Syed Asif went to Saudi Arabia on 19 January 2016 through an agent here in Hyderabad. He was promised 1800 Saudi Riyal as salary but was paid only 1200 Saudi Riyal. He was working as a driver there," Begum was quoted as saying. "Even after working for two years, my husband`s employer didn`t give him leave to come back to India. He was not allowed to come even when my mother-in-law expired. He then approached the Indian Embassy in Saudi and was returning to Hyderabad when he was arrested at the airport on charges of stealing 65,000 Saudi Riyal from his employer," she added.

Hyderabad woman seeks Sushma's help to rescue her husband from Saudi jail 

Air India has waived all charges for rescheduling and cancellation of tickets to and from Colombo till April 24 in the wake of terror attacks in<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/multiple-blasts-in-sri-lanka-churches-hit-during-easter-sunday-mass-212200&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwimwszAnOHhAhUI448KHU28BbQQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PX-D9UVTYbqGBnH0fLxte"> Sri Lanka</a> that has killed more than 160 people.

Besides, the airline has requested passengers to report well in advance to clear security at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.

"In view of the situation in #Srilanka #AirIndia has waived all charges for rescheduling/ cancellation of bookings on its flts (flights) to/ from Colombo for travel till April 24, 2019," the carrier said in a tweet.

Air India operates two daily flights to Colombo from the national capital while Air India Express flies a daily Chennai-Colombo flight, according to an official.

Over 160 people have died and more than 450 injured in a series of bomb blasts in Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Air India has waived all charges for rescheduling and cancellation of tickets to and from Colombo till April 24 in the wake of terror attacks in Sri Lanka that has killed more than 160 people.

Air India has waived all charges for rescheduling and cancellation of tickets to and from Colombo till April 24 in the wake of terror attacks in Sri Lanka that has killed more than 160 people. Besides, the airline has requested passengers to report well in advance to clear security at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. "In view of the situation in #Srilanka #AirIndia has waived all charges for rescheduling/ cancellation of bookings on its flts (flights) to/ from Colombo for travel till April 24, 2019," the carrier said in a tweet. Air India operates two daily flights to Colombo from the national capital while Air India Express flies a daily Chennai-Colombo flight, according to an official. Over 160 people have died and more than 450 injured in a series of bomb blasts in Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Air India waives cancellation charges for Colombo flight tickets

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Sunday took Apoorva, (wife of late Rohit Shekhar Tiwari), maid and the servant to an undisclosed location for interrogation in connection to the Rohit Shekhar's murder case.

Rohit Shekhar Tiwari was found dead on April 16 under mysterious circumstances.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police questioned Apoorva on April 20 in connection to the case.

The questioning took place at Rohit's residence in Defence Colony in South Delhi.

"There was tension between Rohit and his wife since the first day of marriage. It was a love marriage; Currently, Delhi crime branch is questioning the wife of Rohit Shekhar Tiwari," Rohit's mother Ujjwala Tiwari had told reporters then.

On Friday, the Delhi Police had registered a murder case in connection with the death of Rohit, who was the son of late Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister ND Tiwari.

The case was registered under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Rohit was declared brought dead to the Max Hospital in Saket on April 16. (ANI)&nbsp;

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Sunday took Apoorva, (wife of late Rohit Shekhar Tiwari), maid and the servant to an undisclosed location for interrogation in connection to the Rohit Shekhar's murder case.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Sunday took Apoorva, (wife of late Rohit Shekhar Tiwari), maid and the servant to an undisclosed location for interrogation in connection to the Rohit Shekhar's murder case. Rohit Shekhar Tiwari was found dead on April 16 under mysterious circumstances. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police questioned Apoorva on April 20 in connection to the case. The questioning took place at Rohit's residence in Defence Colony in South Delhi. "There was tension between Rohit and his wife since the first day of marriage. It was a love marriage; Currently, Delhi crime branch is questioning the wife of Rohit Shekhar Tiwari," Rohit's mother Ujjwala Tiwari had told reporters then. On Friday, the Delhi Police had registered a murder case in connection with the death of Rohit, who was the son of late Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister ND Tiwari. The case was registered under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Rohit was declared brought dead to the Max Hospital in Saket on April 16. (ANI)

Rohit Shekhar murder case: Wife, maid and servant taken to undisclosed location for interrogation

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday blamed the Congress for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-aap-left-democratic-front-extend-support-to-each-other-212134">unsuccessful alliance talks</a> between the two parties, saying they tried hard but the Congress 'backtracked'.

"We tried very hard to forge an alliance with the Congress. We were ready to accept their every demand for Haryana and Punjab, but still, they backtracked. We cannot do anything more, the talks of alliance with Congress are over. We know, this will help BJP, but we simply don't have any choice left," said AAP leader Gopal Rai at a press conference here.

Rai also said the Congress is trying to divide the votes of the opposition, which will help the BJP. However, he expressed hope that the voters of Delhi will not pay any heed to the Congress and hand over a complete washout to the party like it did in 2015 assembly elections.

"By dividing votes of the opposition, like in Uttar Pradesh and other states too, the Congress wants to benefit BJP. Despite our best intentions, Congress has gone back to its old ways and seeking to snatch some votes from us in Delhi. But, the voters have now realized their tricks and will ensure their total wipeout from Delhi," Rai said.

A day earlier, Delhi deputy chief minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia, signalled that the Congress'&nbsp;stance on seat-sharing was making the situation 'hopeless.'

Congress leader PC Chacko also had said that the alliance talks weren`t fruitful between the two parties.

After failing to convince the Congress to enter into an alliance, AAP will fight in Delhi on its own. However, it has entered into a coalition with Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) for elections in Haryana.

Both Delhi and Haryana will see voting in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 12. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday blamed the Congress for unsuccessful alliance talks between the two parties, saying they tried hard but the Congress 'backtracked'.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday blamed the Congress for unsuccessful alliance talks between the two parties, saying they tried hard but the Congress 'backtracked'. "We tried very hard to forge an alliance with the Congress. We were ready to accept their every demand for Haryana and Punjab, but still, they backtracked. We cannot do anything more, the talks of alliance with Congress are over. We know, this will help BJP, but we simply don't have any choice left," said AAP leader Gopal Rai at a press conference here. Rai also said the Congress is trying to divide the votes of the opposition, which will help the BJP. However, he expressed hope that the voters of Delhi will not pay any heed to the Congress and hand over a complete washout to the party like it did in 2015 assembly elections. "By dividing votes of the opposition, like in Uttar Pradesh and other states too, the Congress wants to benefit BJP. Despite our best intentions, Congress has gone back to its old ways and seeking to snatch some votes from us in Delhi. But, the voters have now realized their tricks and will ensure their total wipeout from Delhi," Rai said. A day earlier, Delhi deputy chief minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia, signalled that the Congress' stance on seat-sharing was making the situation 'hopeless.' Congress leader PC Chacko also had said that the alliance talks weren`t fruitful between the two parties. After failing to convince the Congress to enter into an alliance, AAP will fight in Delhi on its own. However, it has entered into a coalition with Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) for elections in Haryana. Both Delhi and Haryana will see voting in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 12. The counting of votes will begin on May 23.

AAP accuses Congress of 'backtracking' on alliance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Congress party was giving water to Pakistan, which was meant for India, and he promised to set up a separate ministry to address water-related issues.

"What is the Congress party's attitude towards water? The Congress party took a vote from you, but they kept giving the water of your share to Pakistan. You were thirsty and the Congress kept worrying about quenching Pakistan`s thirst," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally here.

"If the Congress had stopped the water from our share according to the Indus Waters Treaty flowing into Pakistan, then Rajasthan would not have had the water shortage. Now after so many years, our government has started working on a dam project to check the water going to Pakistan. In the coming time, you will get water of your right, not Pakistan," he said.

The Prime Minister announced that a separate ministry will be created for water if the BJP is voted to power after the ongoing elections.

"In the coming five years, we want to work in the field of water as we have done in the field of electricity. For water, we will create 'Jal Shakti Mantralay.' We will work towards giving water to drought-affected areas through technology including making use of seawater," he said.

Highlighting the success of BJP-led government, Prime Minister Modi said that his government emphasised on the skill, scale and speed in implementing welfare schemes.

"Our government not only started the schemes but also implemented them as well. Otherwise, we have seen such governments which started schemes but failed to implement these. Many schemes were pending for decades. This is why we emphasised on skill, scale and speed in our working culture," he said.

"Everyday 70,000 people are getting a free gas connection. Under Saubhagya scheme, around 50,000 houses are being electrified. Under the PM Awas Yojana, more than 11,000 houses are being constructed. Around 10,000 people are receiving treatment benefit under the Ayushman scheme," he said.

Modi also attacked Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in the state for not waiving farm debts as promised by them during the Assembly elections.

"Big people had been crying here saying the farmers` debts will be waived off within 10 days after coming to power. Have the debts been waived off here? But it is being said everywhere that the debt of farmers in Rajasthan was waived off," he said.

Speaking further about farmers, he said,&nbsp;"Farmers have lathicharged for urea. In the past five years, no problem of urea was there in any part of the country. But as soon as the Congress formed the government here, the batteries of middlemen were charged again.

"Rajasthan, where 25 Parliamentary seats are at stake, will go to polls in the fourth and fifth phase on April 29 and May 6 respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Congress party was giving water to Pakistan, which was meant for India, and he promised to set up a separate ministry to address water-related issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Congress party was giving water to Pakistan, which was meant for India, and he promised to set up a separate ministry to address water-related issues. "What is the Congress party's attitude towards water? The Congress party took a vote from you, but they kept giving the water of your share to Pakistan. You were thirsty and the Congress kept worrying about quenching Pakistan`s thirst," the Prime Minister said while addressing an election rally here. "If the Congress had stopped the water from our share according to the Indus Waters Treaty flowing into Pakistan, then Rajasthan would not have had the water shortage. Now after so many years, our government has started working on a dam project to check the water going to Pakistan. In the coming time, you will get water of your right, not Pakistan," he said. The Prime Minister announced that a separate ministry will be created for water if the BJP is voted to power after the ongoing elections. "In the coming five years, we want to work in the field of water as we have done in the field of electricity. For water, we will create 'Jal Shakti Mantralay.' We will work towards giving water to drought-affected areas through technology including making use of seawater," he said. Highlighting the success of BJP-led government, Prime Minister Modi said that his government emphasised on the skill, scale and speed in implementing welfare schemes. "Our government not only started the schemes but also implemented them as well. Otherwise, we have seen such governments which started schemes but failed to implement these. Many schemes were pending for decades. This is why we emphasised on skill, scale and speed in our working culture," he said. "Everyday 70,000 people are getting a free gas connection. Under Saubhagya scheme, around 50,000 houses are being electrified. Under the PM Awas Yojana, more than 11,000 houses are being constructed. Around 10,000 people are receiving treatment benefit under the Ayushman scheme," he said. Modi also attacked Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government in the state for not waiving farm debts as promised by them during the Assembly elections. "Big people had been crying here saying the farmers` debts will be waived off within 10 days after coming to power. Have the debts been waived off here? But it is being said everywhere that the debt of farmers in Rajasthan was waived off," he said. Speaking further about farmers, he said, "Farmers have lathicharged for urea. In the past five years, no problem of urea was there in any part of the country. But as soon as the Congress formed the government here, the batteries of middlemen were charged again. "Rajasthan, where 25 Parliamentary seats are at stake, will go to polls in the fourth and fifth phase on April 29 and May 6 respectively. The counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Congress was quenching Pakistan's thirst, will create separate ministry for water: PM Modi

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from Wayanad, T Vellappally, on Sunday asked Kerala Chief Electoral Officer to review Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination from the constituency.&nbsp;

Vellappally said that Rahul Gandhi, in his nomination, didn't mention that he possesses a passport of another country.

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Wayanad NDA candidate T Vellappally further writes "I request you to review the acceptance of nomination of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad constituency to check for validity &amp; reject the application." <a href="https://t.co/TllobUSFUn">https://t.co/TllobUSFUn</a>
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"It's understood that Rahul Gandhi is having a passport of a foreign country also. He didn't disclose this in the nomination filed or in the affidavit," Vellappally told reporters.&nbsp;

"I request you to review the acceptance of the nomination of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad constituency to check for validity and reject the application," he added.&nbsp;

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, filed nomination for Wayanad earlier this month.

Gandhi was accompanied by his sister and AICC in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi and senior Congress leaders including K C Venugopal and Mukul Wasnik. He submitted the papers before the District Collector AR Ajayakumar at the district headquarters in Wayanad.

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from Wayanad, T Vellappally, on Sunday asked Kerala Chief Electoral Officer to review Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination from the constituency.

National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate from Wayanad, T Vellappally, on Sunday asked Kerala Chief Electoral Officer to review Congress president Rahul Gandhi's nomination from the constituency. Vellappally said that Rahul Gandhi, in his nomination, didn't mention that he possesses a passport of another country. Wayanad NDA candidate T Vellappally further writes "I request you to review the acceptance of nomination of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad constituency to check for validity & reject the application." https://t.co/TllobUSFUn — ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2019 × "It's understood that Rahul Gandhi is having a passport of a foreign country also. He didn't disclose this in the nomination filed or in the affidavit," Vellappally told reporters. "I request you to review the acceptance of the nomination of Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad constituency to check for validity and reject the application," he added. Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat in Kerala in addition to his traditional stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, filed nomination for Wayanad earlier this month. Gandhi was accompanied by his sister and AICC in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi and senior Congress leaders including K C Venugopal and Mukul Wasnik. He submitted the papers before the District Collector AR Ajayakumar at the district headquarters in Wayanad.

Lok Sabha polls: NDA's Wayanad candidate demands review of Rahul Gandhi's nomination from constituency

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so.

Speaking to media here on Sunday, Priyanka while replying to whether she will be contesting from Varanasi, said, "If the Congress president asks me to contest, I will be happy to contest."

Earlier Priyanka Gandhi met the family members of Pulwama terror attack martyr VV Vasant Kumar in Makkamkunnu.

The Congress leader interacted with the family members of Kumar for quite some time who lost his life in Pulwama terror attack on February 24, in which 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives after a suicide bomber of Pak-based terror outfit JeM rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their convoy in south Kashmir.

Before meeting the martyr's family, Gandhi also expressed her condolences for the victims of serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, which took place earlier in the day. "People were celebrating a day of happiness, but now they are in immense grief. My condolences to all of them and support to all their families," she said.&nbsp;

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so. Speaking to media here on Sunday, Priyanka while replying to whether she will be contesting from Varanasi, said, "If the Congress president asks me to contest, I will be happy to contest." Earlier Priyanka Gandhi met the family members of Pulwama terror attack martyr VV Vasant Kumar in Makkamkunnu. The Congress leader interacted with the family members of Kumar for quite some time who lost his life in Pulwama terror attack on February 24, in which 40 CRPF jawans lost their lives after a suicide bomber of Pak-based terror outfit JeM rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their convoy in south Kashmir. Before meeting the martyr's family, Gandhi also expressed her condolences for the victims of serial bomb blasts in Sri Lanka, which took place earlier in the day. "People were celebrating a day of happiness, but now they are in immense grief. My condolences to all of them and support to all their families," she said.

Will contest from Varanasi if Rahul Gandhi asks me: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

One woman from Kerala, who was on a vacation in Sri Lanka, was among the people killed in the neighbouring island nation in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eighth-blast-hits-sri-lankan-capital-city-colombo-death-toll-crosses-160-212267">series of blasts </a>on Sunday.

According to a report, Razeena was holidaying in Sri Lanka along with her husband. Both hail&nbsp;from Kasaragod in Kerala and were staying at one of the three hotels in Colombo.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences over the death of 58-year-old Razeena.

A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 200 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners including one Chinese national.

More than 450 people have suffered injuries.&nbsp;

The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province.

Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported.

Following the blasts, Sri Lankan government imposed a nationwide curfew that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice", after a string of deadly blasts.

(With inputs from news agencies)

One woman from Kerala, who was on a vacation in Sri Lanka, was among the people killed in the neighbouring island nation in a series of blasts on Sunday. According to a report, Razeena was holidaying in Sri Lanka along with her husband.

One woman from Kerala, who was on a vacation in Sri Lanka, was among the people killed in the neighbouring island nation in a series of blasts on Sunday. According to a report, Razeena was holidaying in Sri Lanka along with her husband. Both hail from Kasaragod in Kerala and were staying at one of the three hotels in Colombo. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences over the death of 58-year-old Razeena. A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 200 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners including one Chinese national. More than 450 people have suffered injuries. The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported. St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province. Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported. Following the blasts, Sri Lankan government imposed a nationwide curfew that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice", after a string of deadly blasts. (With inputs from news agencies)

Woman from Kerala's Kasaragod killed in Sri Lanka blasts

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-multiple-blasts-seven-arrested-death-toll-passes-200-212339">Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200</a> 
 
Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trumps-solidarity-message-on-sri-lanka-blasts-goes-wrong-tweets-out-heartfelt-condolences-on-death-of-138-million-people-212299">Trump accidentally tweets condolences on death of '138 million people' in Sri Lanka</a> 
 
US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels in the island nation killed more than 160 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-contest-from-varanasi-if-rahul-gandhi-asks-me-says-priyanka-gandhi-212313">Will contest from Varanasi if Rahul Gandhi asks me, says Priyanka Gandhi</a>

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/these-blasts-are-grim-reminder-of-most-serious-challenge-to-humanity-pm-modi-to-sri-lankan-president-pm-212293">Sri Lanka blasts grim reminder of serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi</a> 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-supreme-court-extends-president-ashraf-ghanis-term-until-delayed-elections-212297">Afghan supreme court extends President Ashraf Ghani's term until delayed elections</a> 
 
Afghanistan's supreme court on Sunday said it had extended the term of President Ashraf Ghani until delayed elections take place - resolving, for now, the question of what would happen after his term expires on May 22. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200 Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday.

Sri Lanka multiple blasts: Seven arrested, death toll passes 200 Seven people were arrested and three police officers were killed during a raid on a house in Sri Lankan capital Colombo on Sunday. Trump accidentally tweets condolences on death of '138 million people' in Sri Lanka US President Donald Trump on Sunday offered "heartfelt condolences" to the people of Sri Lanka after a series of deadly explosions at churches and hotels in the island nation killed more than 160 people. Will contest from Varanasi if Rahul Gandhi asks me, says Priyanka Gandhi Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday said that she will contest the Lok Sabha election from Varanasi against Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the party president Rahul Gandhi asks her to do so. Sri Lanka blasts grim reminder of serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today. Afghan supreme court extends President Ashraf Ghani's term until delayed elections Afghanistan's supreme court on Sunday said it had extended the term of President Ashraf Ghani until delayed elections take place - resolving, for now, the question of what would happen after his term expires on May 22.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Claiming that officers sent by the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fully-within-rights-to-transfer-officials-during-polls-election-commission-tells-mamata-banerjee-208548&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiL9Kq7mOHhAhUIv48KHb2EB3oQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2fuPDz3ZHuYaGmZvo9m_5G">Election Commission</a> as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lok-sabha-polls-2019-mamata-banerjees-dominance-mayawatis-reluctance-is-advantage-bjp-209214&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi2zuLbl-HhAhXMPo8KHU1OA48QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PxWZl6lUovt7YvGVIhDem"> Mamata Banerjee</a> on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state.

The chief minister also alleged that the poll panel has deputed the two retired officers to run the government in Bengal.

"The officers are abusing and insulting the people of the state," she said, reacting to Special Observer Ajay V Nayak's observation that the situation in Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago.

The people have lost faith in the state police, and therefore, their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, a former chief electoral officer of Bihar, said on Saturday.

"The BJP is trying to run a parallel govt in the state," she said, adding, "Two retired officers have been sent to run the government, this is unconstitutional. They are trying to help the BJP."

Banerjee said that in 2016, assembly elections were held with the deployment of central forces in all the booths, but that did not deter her party from registering a resounding victory.

Alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' addresses were full of falsehood, the CM said that he spoke the language of the RSS on the radio over the last five years.

"The prime minister's position has a stature, I have never seen a person stoop so low," she said, addressing two election rallies in Nadia district.

Claiming that lakhs of migrant labourers lost their jobs due to demonetisation, she said, "You had done notebandi, people will do votebandi."

She alleged that labourers from Bengal were killed and subjected to violence in the then BJP-ruled Rajasthan and other places, leading to their mass return out of fear of persecution.

Banerjee accused the Modi government of depriving West Bengal in the last five years. "Every day, he is resorting to lies. They are seasonal birds, who come during elections only and vanish after the polls," she said.

Asserting that she faced several vilification bids throughout her political career, the CM said, "I don't care if someone calls me a thief".

Banerjee added that she has written 87 books and a number of songs, royalties from which are enough for her sustenance.

Neither the BJP nor the Congress will win the general elections. Instead, friendly regional parties will form the government at the Centre, she said.

"The BJP, the Congress and the CPI(M), who are all brothers in arms, will become mere signboards... After the elections," Banerjee said.&nbsp;

Claiming that officers sent by the Election Commission as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state.

Claiming that officers sent by the Election Commission as special observers are abusing and insulting the people of West Bengal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Sunday accused the BJP of trying to run a parallel government in the state. The chief minister also alleged that the poll panel has deputed the two retired officers to run the government in Bengal. "The officers are abusing and insulting the people of the state," she said, reacting to Special Observer Ajay V Nayak's observation that the situation in Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. The people have lost faith in the state police, and therefore, their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, a former chief electoral officer of Bihar, said on Saturday. "The BJP is trying to run a parallel govt in the state," she said, adding, "Two retired officers have been sent to run the government, this is unconstitutional. They are trying to help the BJP." Banerjee said that in 2016, assembly elections were held with the deployment of central forces in all the booths, but that did not deter her party from registering a resounding victory. Alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann ki Baat' addresses were full of falsehood, the CM said that he spoke the language of the RSS on the radio over the last five years. "The prime minister's position has a stature, I have never seen a person stoop so low," she said, addressing two election rallies in Nadia district. Claiming that lakhs of migrant labourers lost their jobs due to demonetisation, she said, "You had done notebandi, people will do votebandi." She alleged that labourers from Bengal were killed and subjected to violence in the then BJP-ruled Rajasthan and other places, leading to their mass return out of fear of persecution. Banerjee accused the Modi government of depriving West Bengal in the last five years. "Every day, he is resorting to lies. They are seasonal birds, who come during elections only and vanish after the polls," she said. Asserting that she faced several vilification bids throughout her political career, the CM said, "I don't care if someone calls me a thief". Banerjee added that she has written 87 books and a number of songs, royalties from which are enough for her sustenance. Neither the BJP nor the Congress will win the general elections. Instead, friendly regional parties will form the government at the Centre, she said. "The BJP, the Congress and the CPI(M), who are all brothers in arms, will become mere signboards... After the elections," Banerjee said.

Election Commision special observers abusing people of West Bengal: Mamata Banerjee

Campaigning for the third and final phase of polling in four Lok Sabha seats of Assam ended at 4 PM on Sunday.

Polling will be held in Kokrajhar (ST), Dhubri, Barpeta and Gauhati constituencies on Tuesday to decide the fate of 54 candidates, including nine women.

The ruling BJP concentrated on the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to develop Assam and the Northeastern region, including the inauguration of three bridges in the state.

The opposition Congress and other parties highlighted the BJP's attempt to bring in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and the alleged failure of the Modi government to fulfill the promises made before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Campaigning for the third phase was relatively low key though Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned for the BJP's Gauhati candidate Queen Oja on April 11. Most of the campaigning was done by state unit leaders.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP state president Ranjeet Dass, Assam

Pradesh Congress president Ripun Bora, leader of the opposition in the state assembly Debabrata Saikia participated in the campaign trail.

The highlight of the third phase campaign was the road shows by candidates of different parties.

State minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stole the show in most of the meetings and road shows with his dance moves on BJP's theme song 'Akou Ebar Modi Sarkar' (Modi Sarkar, once more), sung by popular Assamese singer Simanta Shekhar.

The campaign for this phase was mostly characterised by public rallies, roadside meetings and door-to-door visits.

There are two sitting MPs-AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal in Dhubri and independent Naba Sarania in Kokrajhar- besides state social welfare minister Pramila Rani Brahma of the BPF in Kokrajhar and Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque in the fray.

An electorate of 77,0622, including 38,15,335 men, 36,61,570 women and 157 of the third gender, will be eligible to exercise their franchise in 9,577 polling booths.&nbsp;

Campaigning for the third and final phase of polling in four Lok Sabha seats of Assam ended at 4 PM on Sunday. Polling will be held in Kokrajhar (ST), Dhubri, Barpeta and Gauhati constituencies on Tuesday to decide the fate of 54 candidates, including nine women.

Campaigning for the third and final phase of polling in four Lok Sabha seats of Assam ended at 4 PM on Sunday. Polling will be held in Kokrajhar (ST), Dhubri, Barpeta and Gauhati constituencies on Tuesday to decide the fate of 54 candidates, including nine women. The ruling BJP concentrated on the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to develop Assam and the Northeastern region, including the inauguration of three bridges in the state. The opposition Congress and other parties highlighted the BJP's attempt to bring in the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and the alleged failure of the Modi government to fulfill the promises made before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Campaigning for the third phase was relatively low key though Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned for the BJP's Gauhati candidate Queen Oja on April 11. Most of the campaigning was done by state unit leaders. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP state president Ranjeet Dass, Assam Pradesh Congress president Ripun Bora, leader of the opposition in the state assembly Debabrata Saikia participated in the campaign trail. The highlight of the third phase campaign was the road shows by candidates of different parties. State minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stole the show in most of the meetings and road shows with his dance moves on BJP's theme song 'Akou Ebar Modi Sarkar' (Modi Sarkar, once more), sung by popular Assamese singer Simanta Shekhar. The campaign for this phase was mostly characterised by public rallies, roadside meetings and door-to-door visits. There are two sitting MPs-AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal in Dhubri and independent Naba Sarania in Kokrajhar- besides state social welfare minister Pramila Rani Brahma of the BPF in Kokrajhar and Congress MLA Abdul Khaleque in the fray. An electorate of 77,0622, including 38,15,335 men, 36,61,570 women and 157 of the third gender, will be eligible to exercise their franchise in 9,577 polling booths.

Campaign ends for third phase polling in Assam

Four people, including a senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official, were Sunday arrested by the CBI for allegedly taking a bribe to the tune of Rs 27 lakh for clearing bills of an infrastructure firm, undertaking a highway project in Tamil Nadu.

The CBI's Anti-Corruption wing registered a case Saturday under relevant sections of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC against the General Manager (Tech) of NHAI, Madurai, who is a resident of Hyderabad and against three others.

The senior official had demanded Rs 27 lakhs on April 17 for clearing the bills pertaining to the ongoing work at NH 7 Madurai-Kanyakumari stretch of Tamil Nadu, a CBI release said.

All the four accused have been arrested, it said adding searches were conducted at six places including the office and residential premises of the accused at Hyderabad, Kadapa and Madurai.

The release further said the accused would be produced before a Special Court for CBI cases here.&nbsp;

Four people, including a senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official, were Sunday arrested by the CBI for allegedly taking a bribe to the tune of Rs 27 lakh for clearing bills of an infrastructure firm, undertaking a highway project in Tamil Nadu.

Four people, including a senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official, were Sunday arrested by the CBI for allegedly taking a bribe to the tune of Rs 27 lakh for clearing bills of an infrastructure firm, undertaking a highway project in Tamil Nadu. The CBI's Anti-Corruption wing registered a case Saturday under relevant sections of Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018 and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy) of IPC against the General Manager (Tech) of NHAI, Madurai, who is a resident of Hyderabad and against three others. The senior official had demanded Rs 27 lakhs on April 17 for clearing the bills pertaining to the ongoing work at NH 7 Madurai-Kanyakumari stretch of Tamil Nadu, a CBI release said. All the four accused have been arrested, it said adding searches were conducted at six places including the office and residential premises of the accused at Hyderabad, Kadapa and Madurai. The release further said the accused would be produced before a Special Court for CBI cases here.

National Highways Authority of India official, 3 others held by CBI in graft case

French major EDF, which has got the contract for building reactors for the Jaitapur nuclear power plant, has said India will have to provide a sovereign guarantee to two other state-run firms of France for providing financial assistance for the project.

The EDF, which will construct the country's largest nuclear power park comprising six atomic power reactors of 1,650-MW each in coastal Maharashtra, had submitted a techno-commercial offer to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) in December last year.

The NPCIL, a PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy, operates over 20 nuclear reactors in the country.&nbsp;

India is yet to respond to the techno-commercial offer, sources said.

Replying to a question on the financial aspect of the project, Vakis Ramany, Senior Vice President at EDF, in an e-mail interview to PTI, said the total cost of the project is "confidential and may not be disclosed" at this stage.

He said EDF would only act as the EPR technology provider and not be an investor itself but would facilitate financing discussions as much as possible.

"Capital contributions from NPCIL and lenders will secure financing. Under a French government export, credit scheme supported by two well-established French financial institutions, namely BPI France and SFIL, lenders and banks will provide a significant portion of the required loans. A sovereign guarantee from the Government of India should secure the whole package," Ramany said.

Both BPI France and SFIL are French government-owned financial institutions.&nbsp;

The loan is a major component of EDF and NPCIL negotiations. It will have an impact on the pricing of the project and tariff for the electricity generated from the plant.

Incidentally, while negotiating the Rafale fighter jet deal, France had given a 'Letter of Comfort' to India instead of sovereign guarantee, a move that was criticised by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India while auditing the aircraft deal.

Ramany also declined to divulge the tariff per unit. According to the initial negotiations carried out by Areva, which was later taken over by EDF, India is looking at a tariff of Rs 6.50 per/unit when the plant starts generating electricity.&nbsp;

"Our pricing assumptions are of a commercially confidential nature. The offer is currently under review. It would be premature at this stage to provide numbers. Our focus is to make sure that electricity generated remains competitive over decades," he said.&nbsp;

The six EPRs will be able to produce more than 75 terawatt (TWh) per year which is enough energy to power 70 million Indian households based on current energy consumption, he claimed.&nbsp;

In response to the concerns over clauses under the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act 2010, often cited as very stringent by foreign nuclear companies, Ramany said India should offer a level of protection equivalent to that in other countries.

"In 2016 India signed the international convention on nuclear civil liability, referred to as CSC. This has improved EDF's ability to define suitable contractual terms and gave confidence in carrying out discussions.&nbsp;

"Considering the way we operate in other countries, we need a liability regime that offers a level of protection equivalent to that in other countries. We are in a constructive process with the Indian administration," he said.

One of the reasons behind the delay in signing the General Framework Agreement (GFA) was non-completion of Flamanville 3 reactor in France, which has been the reference plant for the Jaitapur project.

Without an operating reference plant, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), the nuclear power watchdog in the country, will not give go-ahead to the project.

"Flamanville 3 is currently in the testing phase that will lead to the fuel loading in the fourth quarter of this year," he said.

The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant was envisaged under the Indo-French nuclear deal signed in 2008.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

French major EDF, which has got the contract for building reactors for the Jaitapur nuclear power plant, has said India will have to provide a sovereign guarantee to two other state-run firms of France for providing financial assistance for the project.

French major EDF, which has got the contract for building reactors for the Jaitapur nuclear power plant, has said India will have to provide a sovereign guarantee to two other state-run firms of France for providing financial assistance for the project. The EDF, which will construct the country's largest nuclear power park comprising six atomic power reactors of 1,650-MW each in coastal Maharashtra, had submitted a techno-commercial offer to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) in December last year. The NPCIL, a PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy, operates over 20 nuclear reactors in the country. India is yet to respond to the techno-commercial offer, sources said. Replying to a question on the financial aspect of the project, Vakis Ramany, Senior Vice President at EDF, in an e-mail interview to PTI, said the total cost of the project is "confidential and may not be disclosed" at this stage. He said EDF would only act as the EPR technology provider and not be an investor itself but would facilitate financing discussions as much as possible. "Capital contributions from NPCIL and lenders will secure financing. Under a French government export, credit scheme supported by two well-established French financial institutions, namely BPI France and SFIL, lenders and banks will provide a significant portion of the required loans. A sovereign guarantee from the Government of India should secure the whole package," Ramany said. Both BPI France and SFIL are French government-owned financial institutions. The loan is a major component of EDF and NPCIL negotiations. It will have an impact on the pricing of the project and tariff for the electricity generated from the plant. Incidentally, while negotiating the Rafale fighter jet deal, France had given a 'Letter of Comfort' to India instead of sovereign guarantee, a move that was criticised by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India while auditing the aircraft deal. Ramany also declined to divulge the tariff per unit. According to the initial negotiations carried out by Areva, which was later taken over by EDF, India is looking at a tariff of Rs 6.50 per/unit when the plant starts generating electricity. "Our pricing assumptions are of a commercially confidential nature. The offer is currently under review. It would be premature at this stage to provide numbers. Our focus is to make sure that electricity generated remains competitive over decades," he said. The six EPRs will be able to produce more than 75 terawatt (TWh) per year which is enough energy to power 70 million Indian households based on current energy consumption, he claimed. In response to the concerns over clauses under the Civil Liability Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act 2010, often cited as very stringent by foreign nuclear companies, Ramany said India should offer a level of protection equivalent to that in other countries. "In 2016 India signed the international convention on nuclear civil liability, referred to as CSC. This has improved EDF's ability to define suitable contractual terms and gave confidence in carrying out discussions. "Considering the way we operate in other countries, we need a liability regime that offers a level of protection equivalent to that in other countries. We are in a constructive process with the Indian administration," he said. One of the reasons behind the delay in signing the General Framework Agreement (GFA) was non-completion of Flamanville 3 reactor in France, which has been the reference plant for the Jaitapur project. Without an operating reference plant, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), the nuclear power watchdog in the country, will not give go-ahead to the project. "Flamanville 3 is currently in the testing phase that will lead to the fuel loading in the fourth quarter of this year," he said. The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant was envisaged under the Indo-French nuclear deal signed in 2008.

Sovereign guarantee from India needed for financial assistance to Jaitapur nuclear power plant: EDF

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eighth-blast-hits-sri-lankan-capital-city-colombo-death-toll-crosses-160-212267">series of blasts</a> that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported. He&nbsp;conveyed his condolences on behalf of all Indians and termed "as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts".

During the call, PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world.

A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 160 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners.

So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/leaders-condemn-serial-explosions-in-sri-lanka-that-killed-at-least-129-212230">condemned the attacks</a> on Twitter and said that&nbsp;India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.

"Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured."

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Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured.
— Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1119863044216172544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Indian foreign ministry also extended condolences to the families of victims.

"We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks," the foreign ministry&nbsp;said in the statement.

"We stand together with the people and Government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief," the statement added.

India also called for perpetrators of the attack and those who provide them support to be brought to justice expeditiously.

The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province.

Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo.&nbsp;

As per reports, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an emergency parliamentary session.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government also imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice".

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on series of blasts that hit the neighbour island today, news agency PTI reported. He conveyed his condolences on behalf of all Indians and termed "as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts". During the call, PM Modi pointed out that these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world. A series of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday, over 160 people have been reported dead so far, including 35 foreigners. So far no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Earlier in the day, PM Modi also condemned the attacks on Twitter and said that India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. "Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured." Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. — Chowkidar Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 21, 2019 × Indian foreign ministry also extended condolences to the families of victims. "We strongly condemn the serial blasts on multiple locations in Sri Lanka today morning in which many people have been killed and injured. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sri Lanka. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured in the attacks," the foreign ministry said in the statement. "We stand together with the people and Government of Sri Lanka in this hour of grief," the statement added. India also called for perpetrators of the attack and those who provide them support to be brought to justice expeditiously. The three hotels that were hit were the Shangri-La Colombo, Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo and the Cinnamon Grand Colombo in the capital city, news agency Reuters reported. St Anthony's Shrine, a Catholic Church in Kochcikade, Colombo, was one of the churches where a blast was reported on Sunday along with an explosion at St Sebastian's gothic-style Catholic church in Katuwapitiya, north of Colombo and an explosion that hit an evangelical church in Batticaloa in Eastern Province. Later in the day, the Sri Lankan police reported the seventh explosion, the fourth at a hotel near the national zoo, which is in an area near the capital Colombo, Reuters reported. The latest and the eighth in the series of Easter Day explosions occurred in the suburb of Orugodawatta in the north of the capital city Colombo. As per reports, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for an emergency parliamentary session. The Sri Lankan government also imposed a nationwide curfew Sunday that police said would go into effect immediately and would last "until further notice". (With inputs from agencies)

These blasts are grim reminder of most serious challenge to humanity: PM Modi to Sri Lankan President, PM

India on Sunday said that it was closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka, where six near simultaneous blasts hit three churches and three hotels on Easter Sunday leaving scores dead.

The blasts occurred at around 8.45 am (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches.

"Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers: +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789," the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted.

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Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1119832496101711872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In addition to the numbers given below, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainSL/status/1119834216190005248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Three churches - St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa - were targeted.

Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels, the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury.

"In addition to the numbers given, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176," the high commission tweeted.&nbsp;

India on Sunday said that it was closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka, where six near simultaneous blasts hit three churches and three hotels on Easter Sunday leaving scores dead.

India on Sunday said that it was closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka, where six near simultaneous blasts hit three churches and three hotels on Easter Sunday leaving scores dead. The blasts occurred at around 8.45 am (local time) as the Easter Sunday masses were in progress in churches. "Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers: +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789," the Indian High Commission in Colombo tweeted. Explosions have been reported in Colombo and Batticaloa today. We are closely monitoring the situation. Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers : +94777903082 +94112422788 +94112422789 — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 21, 2019 × In addition to the numbers given below, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176 — India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) April 21, 2019 × Three churches - St Anthony's Church in Colombo, St Sebastian's Church in the western coastal town of Negombo and another church in the eastern town of Batticaloa - were targeted. Three explosions were reported from the five-star hotels, the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury. "In addition to the numbers given, Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may also call the following numbers +94777902082 +94772234176," the high commission tweeted.

Indian mission in Lanka monitoring situation, issues helpline numbers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it had not returned Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

Addressing a poll rally at Patan in his home state Gujarat, he also took a jibe at NCP leader Sharad Pawar, saying if he is unaware of his next move, then how Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan can gauge what he will do.

Following the air strike at Balakot terror camp in Pakistan, there was a dogfight between Indian and Pakistani fighter planes on February 27 in which IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by the neighbouring country.

Before his jet was hit, the IAF pilot downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan. He was released on the night of March 1 by Pakistan.

Referring to it, Modi said after the pilot was caught, the opposition started seeking a reply from him over this.

"We conducted a press conference and warned Pakistan that if anything happened to our pilot, you will keep telling the world that Modi did this to you," he said.

"A senior American official said on the second day that Modi has kept ready 12 missiles and might attack and the situation will deteriorate. Pakistan announced to return the pilot on the second day, else it was going to be a "qatal ki raat'," Modi said.

"This was said by America, I have nothing to say about this now, I will speak about it when the time will come," he added.

Asserting his government's commitment towards national security, Modi said whether the prime minister's chair remains or not, he has decided that either he will be alive or terrorists will remain alive.

He also took a swipe at Pawar, who on Saturday said he was "terribly afraid" as to what Modi, who once called Pawar his mentor in politics, would do next.

"Sharad Pawar says I don't know what will Modi do. If he is unaware of what Modi will do tomorrow, how will Imran Khan know? Modi said.

The prime minister also appealed to people of Gujarat to make the BJP victorious on all 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state, where polling will be held on Tuesday.

"It is the duty of people of my home state to take care of the 'son of the soil', give all 26 seats in Gujarat to me," he said.

"My government will come back to power for sure, but if Gujarat doesn't give 26 seats (to BJP), the TV discussions on May 23 will be why it happened?" he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it had not returned Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Addressing a poll rally at Patan in his home state Gujarat, he also took a jibe at NCP leader Sharad Pawar, saying if he is unaware of his next move, then how Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan can gauge what he will do.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday said he had warned Pakistan of consequences if it had not returned Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Addressing a poll rally at Patan in his home state Gujarat, he also took a jibe at NCP leader Sharad Pawar, saying if he is unaware of his next move, then how Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan can gauge what he will do. Following the air strike at Balakot terror camp in Pakistan, there was a dogfight between Indian and Pakistani fighter planes on February 27 in which IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by the neighbouring country. Before his jet was hit, the IAF pilot downed an F-16 fighter of Pakistan. He was released on the night of March 1 by Pakistan. Referring to it, Modi said after the pilot was caught, the opposition started seeking a reply from him over this. "We conducted a press conference and warned Pakistan that if anything happened to our pilot, you will keep telling the world that Modi did this to you," he said. "A senior American official said on the second day that Modi has kept ready 12 missiles and might attack and the situation will deteriorate. Pakistan announced to return the pilot on the second day, else it was going to be a "qatal ki raat'," Modi said. "This was said by America, I have nothing to say about this now, I will speak about it when the time will come," he added. Asserting his government's commitment towards national security, Modi said whether the prime minister's chair remains or not, he has decided that either he will be alive or terrorists will remain alive. He also took a swipe at Pawar, who on Saturday said he was "terribly afraid" as to what Modi, who once called Pawar his mentor in politics, would do next. "Sharad Pawar says I don't know what will Modi do. If he is unaware of what Modi will do tomorrow, how will Imran Khan know? Modi said. The prime minister also appealed to people of Gujarat to make the BJP victorious on all 26 Lok Sabha seats in the state, where polling will be held on Tuesday. "It is the duty of people of my home state to take care of the 'son of the soil', give all 26 seats in Gujarat to me," he said. "My government will come back to power for sure, but if Gujarat doesn't give 26 seats (to BJP), the TV discussions on May 23 will be why it happened?" he said.

Had warned Pakistan of consequences if pilot not returned: PM Modi

An FIR has been registered at LT Marg Police Station against Mumbai Congress president Milind Deora for violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC), police said on Sunday.

This comes two days after the Maharashtra State Election had asked LT Marg police to file an FIR against Deora after his comments on the Jain community were found "false and religiously sensitive".

The EC looked into the matter after it received a complaint from a Shiv Sena leader. On April 4, Deora, while addressing an event at Zhaveri Bazar, had accused Shiv Sena of hurting religious sentiments of Jain followers.

The Mumbai Congress president urged the community to teach them a lesson by not voting for the party in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

"Shiv Sena has been against the minorities. A few years ago, the party insulted the Jain religion by cooking meat outside Jain temples during Paryushana festival. Remember, you have to teach them a lesson through your votes," he had said at an event.

The FIR has been registered under section 171 of Indian Penal Code (giving a false statement for elections) and section 125 of the Representation of People Act (RPA), 1951 ( promoting enmity between classes in connection with elections).

Speaking to ANI, Advocate Dharmendra Mishra, who is a complainant in the case, said,&nbsp;"We complained to Ashwin Kumar who is a collector and returning officer. By taking a Suo Motu action in the matter, he has proved that the MCC is not a toothless law."

"It does not matter how big politician you are, if you violate poll conduct then action will be taken against you. I have been registering complaints for the past four years in the cases of MCC violation. But for the first time, an action has been taken against a politician," he said.

Mishra further said that he has also a complaint against Congress as he has taken full advantage of his political legacy.

"A defamation case has been filed against Deora in the court, which is scheduled to be heard on Monday," he said.

"Jain people were targeted by Deora to take advantage in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. A private complaint has been filed by me under section 153 A of the RPA (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion," advocate Sunny Jain told ANI.

"I have an appeal to all politicians to not contest elections on religious sentiments but on their work and productivity," he said.

Paryushana, an annual event where Jain community observes fast for a period of eight days, is usually celebrated in August or September.

The Lok Sabha polls for 48 parliamentary seats in Maharashtra began on April 11. It has been staggered in four phases till April 29.

The results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

An FIR has been registered at LT Marg Police Station against Mumbai Congress president Milind Deora for violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC), police said on Sunday.

An FIR has been registered at LT Marg Police Station against Mumbai Congress president Milind Deora for violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC), police said on Sunday. This comes two days after the Maharashtra State Election had asked LT Marg police to file an FIR against Deora after his comments on the Jain community were found "false and religiously sensitive". The EC looked into the matter after it received a complaint from a Shiv Sena leader. On April 4, Deora, while addressing an event at Zhaveri Bazar, had accused Shiv Sena of hurting religious sentiments of Jain followers. The Mumbai Congress president urged the community to teach them a lesson by not voting for the party in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. "Shiv Sena has been against the minorities. A few years ago, the party insulted the Jain religion by cooking meat outside Jain temples during Paryushana festival. Remember, you have to teach them a lesson through your votes," he had said at an event. The FIR has been registered under section 171 of Indian Penal Code (giving a false statement for elections) and section 125 of the Representation of People Act (RPA), 1951 ( promoting enmity between classes in connection with elections). Speaking to ANI, Advocate Dharmendra Mishra, who is a complainant in the case, said, "We complained to Ashwin Kumar who is a collector and returning officer. By taking a Suo Motu action in the matter, he has proved that the MCC is not a toothless law." "It does not matter how big politician you are, if you violate poll conduct then action will be taken against you. I have been registering complaints for the past four years in the cases of MCC violation. But for the first time, an action has been taken against a politician," he said. Mishra further said that he has also a complaint against Congress as he has taken full advantage of his political legacy. "A defamation case has been filed against Deora in the court, which is scheduled to be heard on Monday," he said. "Jain people were targeted by Deora to take advantage in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. A private complaint has been filed by me under section 153 A of the RPA (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion," advocate Sunny Jain told ANI. "I have an appeal to all politicians to not contest elections on religious sentiments but on their work and productivity," he said. Paryushana, an annual event where Jain community observes fast for a period of eight days, is usually celebrated in August or September. The Lok Sabha polls for 48 parliamentary seats in Maharashtra began on April 11. It has been staggered in four phases till April 29. The results will be declared on May 23.

Maharashtra: FIR filed against Milind Deora for violating Model Code of Conduct

Supporters of Congress leader Raj Kumar Chauhan gathered outside the residence on party chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=rahul+gandhi">Rahul Gandhi</a> on Sunday to express dissent over the party's alleged denial of a ticket to Chauhan to contest in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/elections">Lok Sabha polls</a>.&nbsp;

The protests come after media reports suggested that Congress will give Chauhan's ticket to Delhi Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia to contest from North West Delhi.&nbsp;

However, Congress is yet to declare its candidates for the seven seats at stake in Delhi.&nbsp;

"Chauhan has gathered all the workers and was doing electioneering in full swing. They have informed voters that Chauhan will be contesting from their constituency. What will be done now? I do not understand why the party at the last minute has changed its decision," a protester told ANI.&nbsp;

"We will not going to work for any another candidate. We came to know that Rajesh Lilothia will be given his ticket. Lilothia does not stay here and has no connection with the place. We will only campaign for Chauhan and will not work for any other candidate," said another protester.

Delhi will go to polls on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Supporters of Congress leader Raj Kumar Chauhan gathered outside the residence on party chief Rahul Gandhi on Sunday to express dissent over the party's alleged denial of a ticket to Chauhan to contest in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.

Supporters of Congress leader Raj Kumar Chauhan gathered outside the residence on party chief Rahul Gandhi on Sunday to express dissent over the party's alleged denial of a ticket to Chauhan to contest in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The protests come after media reports suggested that Congress will give Chauhan's ticket to Delhi Congress working president Rajesh Lilothia to contest from North West Delhi. However, Congress is yet to declare its candidates for the seven seats at stake in Delhi. "Chauhan has gathered all the workers and was doing electioneering in full swing. They have informed voters that Chauhan will be contesting from their constituency. What will be done now? I do not understand why the party at the last minute has changed its decision," a protester told ANI. "We will not going to work for any another candidate. We came to know that Rajesh Lilothia will be given his ticket. Lilothia does not stay here and has no connection with the place. We will only campaign for Chauhan and will not work for any other candidate," said another protester. Delhi will go to polls on May 12, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Supporters of Raj Kumar Chauhan protest outside Rahul Gandhi's residence

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a man from Delhi in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India.

Mohammad Gufran, a resident of Amroha in western Uttar Pradesh (UP), formed a pro-ISIS module named Harkat Ul Harb-e-Islam, a spokesperson of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. He is the 13th accused to have been arrested in the case.

The man was one of the key conspirators in planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP, the official said. He was inspired by the ideology of the ISIS terror group which is a proscribed organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), he said.

Investigation revealed that he was instrumental in procurement of arms and ammunition and also explosives to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP, the official said. The man will be produced before the Patiala House court on Sunday, according to the NIA official.

The NIA has said that a man named Mufti Mohammed Suhail from Delhi was the ''Amir'' (local chief) of the pro-ISIS module which mobilised funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive materials to prepare improvised explosive devices with his other associates, the NIA official added.

The agency has so far seized a locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers besides recovering 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur.

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a man from Delhi in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India.

The National Investigation Agency on Saturday arrested a man from Delhi in connection with its probe against an ISIS-inspired group, which was allegedly planning suicide attacks and serial blasts, targeting politicians and government installations in Delhi and other parts of north India. Mohammad Gufran, a resident of Amroha in western Uttar Pradesh (UP), formed a pro-ISIS module named Harkat Ul Harb-e-Islam, a spokesperson of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) said. He is the 13th accused to have been arrested in the case. The man was one of the key conspirators in planning to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP, the official said. He was inspired by the ideology of the ISIS terror group which is a proscribed organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), he said. Investigation revealed that he was instrumental in procurement of arms and ammunition and also explosives to carry out terrorist attacks in Delhi NCR and UP, the official said. The man will be produced before the Patiala House court on Sunday, according to the NIA official. The NIA has said that a man named Mufti Mohammed Suhail from Delhi was the ''Amir'' (local chief) of the pro-ISIS module which mobilised funds and procured weapons, ammunition and explosive materials to prepare improvised explosive devices with his other associates, the NIA official added. The agency has so far seized a locally-made rocket launcher, material for suicide vests and 112 alarm clocks to be used as timers besides recovering 25 kg of explosive material -- Potassium Nitrate, Ammonium Nitrate and Sulphur.

Man behind ISIS-inspired module arrested by NIA in Delhi

As they explore ways to recover debt, lenders of Jet Airways are in favour of a resolution outside the insolvency law framework in case the ongoing bidding process fails to take off, sources said.

Running into debt of more than Rs 8,500 crore, Jet Airways has shut down operations temporarily after lenders decided against extending emergency funds for its survival.

SBI, the lead lender of the seven-member consortium of domestic banks that have extended loans to the airline, has started the bidding process for stake sale in the carrier and clarity about potential bidders would emerge next month.

While lenders are “reasonably hopeful” of a successful bidding process, sources said banks are working on a plan B in case things don’t progress as expected. If the bidding process fails, lenders would favour a resolution for the debt-ridden Jet Airways outside the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) framework, sources said.

Recovery on the basis of existing security and tangible assets would be a preferred option, they added. Under the Code, the National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT) approval is required for initiating the process, wherein the resolution would be market-linked and time-bound.

Outside the NCLT would be a better option as far as plan B is concerned, sources said, adding that then banks would realise better value from the aircraft and other tangible assets owned by Jet Airways. Four entities — Etihad Airways, TPG Capital, Indigo Partners and National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) — are learnt to have shown interest in picking up stake in Jet Airways.

The details of initial bidders are expected to be known on May 10. As they wait for the completion of the bidding process, the lenders are also looking at options to raise funds from the carrier’s available assets, including utilising Jet Airways’ 16 own planes.

On Friday, sources said that lenders have been proactive and cannot be blamed for the current situation at the airline. “They (lenders) have been actively engaging with the company for almost nine months ever since the airline started incurring cash losses and have been urging the management to come forward with a definite plan for resolution.”

“Unfortunately, the management and the promoter delayed in taking a decision leading to the present situation. The lenders continued to support the airline during this period,” one of the sources had said

As they explore ways to recover debt, lenders of Jet Airways are in favour of a resolution outside the insolvency law framework in case the ongoing bidding process fails to take off, sources said.

As they explore ways to recover debt, lenders of Jet Airways are in favour of a resolution outside the insolvency law framework in case the ongoing bidding process fails to take off, sources said. Running into debt of more than Rs 8,500 crore, Jet Airways has shut down operations temporarily after lenders decided against extending emergency funds for its survival. SBI, the lead lender of the seven-member consortium of domestic banks that have extended loans to the airline, has started the bidding process for stake sale in the carrier and clarity about potential bidders would emerge next month. While lenders are “reasonably hopeful” of a successful bidding process, sources said banks are working on a plan B in case things don’t progress as expected. If the bidding process fails, lenders would favour a resolution for the debt-ridden Jet Airways outside the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) framework, sources said. Recovery on the basis of existing security and tangible assets would be a preferred option, they added. Under the Code, the National Company Law Tribunal’s (NCLT) approval is required for initiating the process, wherein the resolution would be market-linked and time-bound. Outside the NCLT would be a better option as far as plan B is concerned, sources said, adding that then banks would realise better value from the aircraft and other tangible assets owned by Jet Airways. Four entities — Etihad Airways, TPG Capital, Indigo Partners and National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) — are learnt to have shown interest in picking up stake in Jet Airways. The details of initial bidders are expected to be known on May 10. As they wait for the completion of the bidding process, the lenders are also looking at options to raise funds from the carrier’s available assets, including utilising Jet Airways’ 16 own planes. On Friday, sources said that lenders have been proactive and cannot be blamed for the current situation at the airline. “They (lenders) have been actively engaging with the company for almost nine months ever since the airline started incurring cash losses and have been urging the management to come forward with a definite plan for resolution.” “Unfortunately, the management and the promoter delayed in taking a decision leading to the present situation. The lenders continued to support the airline during this period,” one of the sources had said

Jet Airways crisis: Lenders in favour of non-IBC resolution if bidding process fails

Tear my son's clothes if he does not deliver, says Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath as he campaigns for his son Nakul who is fighting his first elections from Chhindwara.

Invoking his 40-year-old association with the region, Nath says he has now entrusted the task to serve the people of Chhindwara to his son so that he can work for Madhya Pradesh.

"I am where I am because of the love and strength you gave me," Nath says.

"Nakul is not here today but he will serve you. I have given him the responsibility. Take him to task and tear his clothes if he does not deliver," the 72-year-old Congress leader told the locals.

He was speaking at an election rally on Saturday in Dhanora village which comes under the Amarwada assembly seat, about 65 kms from Chhindwara district headquarters.

"We will start a new journey and create history," he told the locals.

Nath has been the longest-serving Member of Parliament (MP) from this Lok Sabha constituency as he served for nine terms and he has now vacated the seat for his son.

The chief minister is also contesting bypoll in the Chhindwara assembly constituency as per the legal requirement of being a member of legislative assembly (MLA) for running the state government.

Nath says due to his efforts the district has a "distinct identity" when it comes to development.

He hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his promises of ensuring Rs 15 lakh in every Indian citizen's bank account, steps against blackmoney and the decision of demonetisation were just "gimmicks and frauds".

"They (Modi and Chouhan) scream we did this, we did that but tell me if they did anything for you?" Nath says, alleging that the two leaders misled the people.

"I want to tell Modiji that while there are no 'acche din' (good days) for the common man, his (Modi's) days are going to end soon," he says.

Modi "harassed" every section of society and under BJP government's watch, farmers in Madhya Pradesh were shot at and their livelihood was hit too, Nath alleged.

Hitting out at the previous BJP government in the state, he charged they "kicked the farmer in the stomach and pointed a gun at his chest".

The chief minister says his government in the state has shown its intent by delivering on the promises made before the 2018 assembly polls.

"As promised, we initiated waiver of loans of the farmers as soon as we took charge in Bhopal and till now I have done so for 22 lakh farmers. Thirty-eight lakh more farmers will be benefitted soon who have a loan of up to Rs 2 lakh," he says.

"We have done the loan waiver in 35-40 per cent cases and I promise it will be done in 100 per cent cases soon," he says.

Nath says the new Congress government in the state has also reduced the cost incurred by poor people to pay electricity bills.

Chhindwara will vote on April 29 along with the single bypoll for the constituency.

In the last general elections, the BJP had won 26 and the Congress secured three seats.

Tear my son's clothes if he does not deliver, says Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath as he campaigns for his son Nakul who is fighting his first elections from Chhindwara.

Tear my son's clothes if he does not deliver, says Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath as he campaigns for his son Nakul who is fighting his first elections from Chhindwara. Invoking his 40-year-old association with the region, Nath says he has now entrusted the task to serve the people of Chhindwara to his son so that he can work for Madhya Pradesh. "I am where I am because of the love and strength you gave me," Nath says. "Nakul is not here today but he will serve you. I have given him the responsibility. Take him to task and tear his clothes if he does not deliver," the 72-year-old Congress leader told the locals. He was speaking at an election rally on Saturday in Dhanora village which comes under the Amarwada assembly seat, about 65 kms from Chhindwara district headquarters. "We will start a new journey and create history," he told the locals. Nath has been the longest-serving Member of Parliament (MP) from this Lok Sabha constituency as he served for nine terms and he has now vacated the seat for his son. The chief minister is also contesting bypoll in the Chhindwara assembly constituency as per the legal requirement of being a member of legislative assembly (MLA) for running the state government. Nath says due to his efforts the district has a "distinct identity" when it comes to development. He hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his promises of ensuring Rs 15 lakh in every Indian citizen's bank account, steps against blackmoney and the decision of demonetisation were just "gimmicks and frauds". "They (Modi and Chouhan) scream we did this, we did that but tell me if they did anything for you?" Nath says, alleging that the two leaders misled the people. "I want to tell Modiji that while there are no 'acche din' (good days) for the common man, his (Modi's) days are going to end soon," he says. Modi "harassed" every section of society and under BJP government's watch, farmers in Madhya Pradesh were shot at and their livelihood was hit too, Nath alleged. Hitting out at the previous BJP government in the state, he charged they "kicked the farmer in the stomach and pointed a gun at his chest". The chief minister says his government in the state has shown its intent by delivering on the promises made before the 2018 assembly polls. "As promised, we initiated waiver of loans of the farmers as soon as we took charge in Bhopal and till now I have done so for 22 lakh farmers. Thirty-eight lakh more farmers will be benefitted soon who have a loan of up to Rs 2 lakh," he says. "We have done the loan waiver in 35-40 per cent cases and I promise it will be done in 100 per cent cases soon," he says. Nath says the new Congress government in the state has also reduced the cost incurred by poor people to pay electricity bills. Chhindwara will vote on April 29 along with the single bypoll for the constituency. In the last general elections, the BJP had won 26 and the Congress secured three seats.

Tear my son's clothes, take him to task if he does not deliver: Kamal Nath

Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday issued a notice to BJP Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

Earlier in the day, Thakur had said,&nbsp;"I will go to construct the Ram Temple. I have said it yesterday and I am not denying it that I had gone there. I have demolished Babri structure. He is my Ram ji and no one can stop me from making a grand Ram Temple. The nation is Ram, Ram is a nation."

The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that stood there.

On Saturday, the EC had issued a notice to Pragya for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct by her comments on former Mumbai ATS chief late Hemant Karkare.

Thakur had said earlier that Karkare lost his life because she had cursed him.

"I called Hemant Karkare and asked him to let me go if there is no evidence (against me). He (Karkare) said that he will bring evidence but will not leave me. I told him -- You will be ruined," Thakur had said.&nbsp;

Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday issued a notice to BJP Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

Bhopal District Election Officer on Sunday issued a notice to BJP Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Singh Thakur and sought explanation within a day for her remark on the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Earlier in the day, Thakur had said, "I will go to construct the Ram Temple. I have said it yesterday and I am not denying it that I had gone there. I have demolished Babri structure. He is my Ram ji and no one can stop me from making a grand Ram Temple. The nation is Ram, Ram is a nation." The Babri Masjid, built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1578 in Ayodhya, was on December 6, 1992, pulled down allegedly by a group of Hindu activists, claiming that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a Ram temple that stood there. On Saturday, the EC had issued a notice to Pragya for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct by her comments on former Mumbai ATS chief late Hemant Karkare. Thakur had said earlier that Karkare lost his life because she had cursed him. "I called Hemant Karkare and asked him to let me go if there is no evidence (against me). He (Karkare) said that he will bring evidence but will not leave me. I told him -- You will be ruined," Thakur had said.

Bhopal Election Officer issues notice to Pragya Thakur over her Babri Masjid remark

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'.

Modi, who was addressing a rally in&nbsp;Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader&nbsp;over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

"It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," Modi said.

The BJP had earlier claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes for the Lok Sabha elections by roping in famous Bangladeshi actors.

45-year-old Ferdous Ahmed, a Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for a TMC candidate at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

Another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul was also seen taking part in a political rally in West Bengal. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

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PM Modi addressing a rally at Buniadpur, West Bengal: Kya kabhi Hindustan mein aisa hua hai ki duniya ke kisi desh ke log aa karke Bharat mein chunaav prachar kare? Apne vote bank ke liye, tushtikaran ke liye, Didi kisi bhi hadd tak jaane ke liye tayar hai. <a href="https://t.co/0tE2ypJoHf">pic.twitter.com/0tE2ypJoHf</a>
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Modi also criticised Banerjee for seeking proof of the Balakot air strikes in Pakistan and asked her to, instead, collect evidence against those behind chit fund scams.&nbsp;

"Mamata Banerjee should seek proof against those behind chit fund scams, instead of asking for proof of the Balakot strike,".

Recalling the death of a BJP worker in Purulia, West Bengal, PM Modi assured justice to the party workers and people of the state.

"In Purulia, a BJP worker was murdered. I want to assure each West Bengal BJP worker and people of the state that justice will be done. Strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible, ".

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed.

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted Mamata Banerjee and said West Bengal chief minister has fooled people in the name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush'. Modi, who was addressing a rally in Buniadpur, South Dinajpur district attacked the TMC leader over the campaigning of Bangladeshi film star Ferdous Ahmed. "It is shameful that people from neighbouring country are campaigning for the TMC, which was done to appease the minority community," Modi said. The BJP had earlier claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes for the Lok Sabha elections by roping in famous Bangladeshi actors. 45-year-old Ferdous Ahmed, a Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for a TMC candidate at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border. Another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul was also seen taking part in a political rally in West Bengal. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. PM Modi addressing a rally at Buniadpur, West Bengal: Kya kabhi Hindustan mein aisa hua hai ki duniya ke kisi desh ke log aa karke Bharat mein chunaav prachar kare? Apne vote bank ke liye, tushtikaran ke liye, Didi kisi bhi hadd tak jaane ke liye tayar hai. pic.twitter.com/0tE2ypJoHf — ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2019 × Modi also criticised Banerjee for seeking proof of the Balakot air strikes in Pakistan and asked her to, instead, collect evidence against those behind chit fund scams. "Mamata Banerjee should seek proof against those behind chit fund scams, instead of asking for proof of the Balakot strike,". Recalling the death of a BJP worker in Purulia, West Bengal, PM Modi assured justice to the party workers and people of the state. "In Purulia, a BJP worker was murdered. I want to assure each West Bengal BJP worker and people of the state that justice will be done. Strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible, ". (With inputs from agencies)

Mamata fooled people in name of 'Maa, Mati and Manush': PM Modi in West Bengal

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the opposition`s claim that law and order situation was not conducive for holding polls in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/polls-in-tripura-east-deferrd-to-april-23-211398">Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency</a>, where the polling was deferred from April 18 to April 23.

In a letter to the Election Commission on Friday, the BJP stated that a "false picture is being portrayed by the Congress and CPI-M with a view to mislead the Commission by attributing false allegations against the BJP."

The party said that no complaints were lodged with the police or the EC after elections were held in one of the two Tripura parliamentary constituencies in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls.

"The CEO on April 11 made a public statement that our general reports from all the observers are that it has been free and fair broadly," the letter stated.

The BJP apprised the EC that 82.97 per cent of polling was recorded during the first phase of ongoing general elections when West Tripura constituency went to polls on April 11, thereby showing the highest level of enthusiasm among the voters of the state who voted without fear or intimidation, and central forces were adequately deployed.

Accusing the Congress and CPI-M of levelling such allegations, the party said, "Despite these attempts by opposition parties such as CPI-M and Congress to flare communal tensions, they have been unsuccessful. The ruling BJP government has successfully ensured a harmonious co-existence between all groups and communities."

"Therefore, these allegations of a breakdown of law and order against the BJP do not add up and do not fall in sync with the positive track record in governance and administration of the present dispensation," the letter further stated.

The party asserted that very few incidents of violence occurred and in no case, there was any loss of life.

"The BJP stands by its duty to serve the people of Tripura and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for the conduct of free and fair elections. We reiterate our stand that there is no prevailing law and order situation which will harm the conduct of free and fair polls in Tripura," the BJP said.

It further urged the EC to not be misled by a "campaign of lies and misinformation" run at the behest of CPI-M and Congress.

Polling was deferred in Tripura East Lok Sabha after the EC said "law and order prevailing in the constituency is not conducive to the holding of free and fair polls."

CPI-M Secretary General Sitaram Yechury on Friday had urged the election body to conduct re-polling at 464 booths in Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling took place on April 11.

"It is now established that there were large-scale irregularities. We hope EC will ensure that faith in our democracy is reaffirmed. The re-poll in 464 booths must be done as all voters should be able to exercise their franchise independently, exactly as it should be," Yechury had tweeted.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the opposition`s claim that law and order situation was not conducive for holding polls in Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling was deferred from April 18 to April 23.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the opposition`s claim that law and order situation was not conducive for holding polls in Tripura East Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling was deferred from April 18 to April 23. In a letter to the Election Commission on Friday, the BJP stated that a "false picture is being portrayed by the Congress and CPI-M with a view to mislead the Commission by attributing false allegations against the BJP." The party said that no complaints were lodged with the police or the EC after elections were held in one of the two Tripura parliamentary constituencies in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls. "The CEO on April 11 made a public statement that our general reports from all the observers are that it has been free and fair broadly," the letter stated. The BJP apprised the EC that 82.97 per cent of polling was recorded during the first phase of ongoing general elections when West Tripura constituency went to polls on April 11, thereby showing the highest level of enthusiasm among the voters of the state who voted without fear or intimidation, and central forces were adequately deployed. Accusing the Congress and CPI-M of levelling such allegations, the party said, "Despite these attempts by opposition parties such as CPI-M and Congress to flare communal tensions, they have been unsuccessful. The ruling BJP government has successfully ensured a harmonious co-existence between all groups and communities." "Therefore, these allegations of a breakdown of law and order against the BJP do not add up and do not fall in sync with the positive track record in governance and administration of the present dispensation," the letter further stated. The party asserted that very few incidents of violence occurred and in no case, there was any loss of life. "The BJP stands by its duty to serve the people of Tripura and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for the conduct of free and fair elections. We reiterate our stand that there is no prevailing law and order situation which will harm the conduct of free and fair polls in Tripura," the BJP said. It further urged the EC to not be misled by a "campaign of lies and misinformation" run at the behest of CPI-M and Congress. Polling was deferred in Tripura East Lok Sabha after the EC said "law and order prevailing in the constituency is not conducive to the holding of free and fair polls." CPI-M Secretary General Sitaram Yechury on Friday had urged the election body to conduct re-polling at 464 booths in Tripura West Lok Sabha constituency, where the polling took place on April 11. "It is now established that there were large-scale irregularities. We hope EC will ensure that faith in our democracy is reaffirmed. The re-poll in 464 booths must be done as all voters should be able to exercise their franchise independently, exactly as it should be," Yechury had tweeted.

BJP refutes opposition claim that situation not conducive for poll in Tripura East

Attacking Narendra Modi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Saturday said there has never been a "weaker government" and "weaker Prime minister" than the incumbent ones, as she sought to highlight the values and virtues of a true leader.

Campaigning in Wayanad from where her brother and party chief Rahul Gandhi is contesting besides his stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, she sought to know whether suppressing the voice of those who criticise the government's policies amounts to nationalism.

She also alleged that the BJP government had "betrayed" the faith of people, who voted it to power.

Making a strong pitch for her brother, the Congress' general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East took part in four election rallies in the constituency and met the farmers of Wayanad as thousands of people thronged the meetings.

Her children Miraya and Raihan were also with her.

Addressing a massive rally of farmers at Pulpally, she questioned the nationalism of those who refused to listen to thousands of farmers who had "marched barefoot" to Delhi to highlight their problems.

She said people deserve a Prime Minister who respects them and does not dismiss his own promises casually.

"Sisters and brothers of Wayanad, I have never seen a weaker government, than the government that has been in power for the last five years in India.

I have never seen a weaker Prime Minister than the Prime Minister of India today. My sisters and brothers, I think you deserve better. I think you deserve a government that speaks for you," Priyanka Gandhi said.

Continuing to attack Modi, the Congress leader claimed the prime minister, who cannot take out one day to visit even a single house in his constituency in five years, does not respect the people of the country.

"A Prime Minister who is afraid of questions, who is afraid to answer people when they ask him what he wants to do for them, who is afraid of criticism, who cannot tolerate dissent is not a strong Prime Minister," she said.

She said a government which suppresses its own people, that does not allow freedom of speech, or to practice own religion or culture, is not a strong government.

"Weakest of all is the government that divides you instead of uniting. That makes you afraid instead of filling you with courage. That makes you worried of speaking your views in public.

That's the weakest form of governance that could possibly exist," she said during a rally at Areekode.

She asked the voters of Wayanad to consider democracy and the vote as their weapons.

"When you see advertisements by the BJP which use words like you have been 'gifted' by certain policies or that the government is doing certain things as a favour to you, you must question it...Because, nothing a leader does, a politician does or a political party does for your benefit is not a favour but their duty," she said.

The government which does not have the "guts" to accept the power of its people, it is a weak government and it must be "taught a lesson", she said.

Narrating her experience when she went to Uttar Pradesh, she said she was asked by some women to make a promise, that is to construct a bridge across the river in their village.

"I got scared. I did not know how much it will cost, whether the government has sanctioned it or not. So I cannot make this promise.

And when I tell you that you must recognise your strength, you must understand, the fear that I felt in my heart, that making a wrong promise I cannot fulfil. It should be a fear that you instil in the hearts of politicians who come before you," Priyanka Gandhi said.

She said if a leader was a true nationalist, he does not spread hate, but spreads love and does not divide but unites.

Canvassing votes for Rahul Gandhi, she asked the voters to exercise their franchise carefully and use their vote to protect the country, democracy and their rights.

Attacking the NDA government, she wanted to know if "attempts" to destroy the constitution and weakening institutions that protect the rights of people was nationalism.

"They (BJP) attempt to divide you and talk about nationalism... When thousands of farmers marched barefoot from all corners of the country to your doorstep and you send them away without listening to their suffering..When people raise their voice in protest against you, when they criticise your policies...You jail them, beat them.. Is that nationalism?" she asked.

Referring to BJP leaders invoking Pakistan in their election speeches, the Congress leader said they never speak of what they were going to do for the people of the country.

Earlier at a rally in Manthawady, she said the saffron party, when it came to power, forgot who gave them the power.

"Five years ago, a government came to power that was voted with the majority. The people of our country, with all their wisdom, rested their faith upon them.

But from the moment it came to power, it began to betray the faith of the people," Priyanka Gandhi said.

She also found time to meet seven-year-old Naadan, a boy who was seen crying in a video which went viral as he was unable to see Rahul Gandhi when he visited the state earlier.

She gave him an autographed photo of the Congress chief.

Rahul Gandhi had earlier called and talked to Naadan over the phone after the video went viral.

"She will be visiting the house of CRPF jawan Vasanth Kumar, who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack in February, tomorrow," a senior party source said.&nbsp;

Attacking Narendra Modi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Saturday said there has never been a "weaker government" and "weaker Prime minister" than the incumbent ones, as she sought to highlight the values and virtues of a true leader.

Attacking Narendra Modi, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Saturday said there has never been a "weaker government" and "weaker Prime minister" than the incumbent ones, as she sought to highlight the values and virtues of a true leader. Campaigning in Wayanad from where her brother and party chief Rahul Gandhi is contesting besides his stronghold of Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, she sought to know whether suppressing the voice of those who criticise the government's policies amounts to nationalism. She also alleged that the BJP government had "betrayed" the faith of people, who voted it to power. Making a strong pitch for her brother, the Congress' general secretary in-charge of Uttar Pradesh East took part in four election rallies in the constituency and met the farmers of Wayanad as thousands of people thronged the meetings. Her children Miraya and Raihan were also with her. Addressing a massive rally of farmers at Pulpally, she questioned the nationalism of those who refused to listen to thousands of farmers who had "marched barefoot" to Delhi to highlight their problems. She said people deserve a Prime Minister who respects them and does not dismiss his own promises casually. "Sisters and brothers of Wayanad, I have never seen a weaker government, than the government that has been in power for the last five years in India. I have never seen a weaker Prime Minister than the Prime Minister of India today. My sisters and brothers, I think you deserve better. I think you deserve a government that speaks for you," Priyanka Gandhi said. Continuing to attack Modi, the Congress leader claimed the prime minister, who cannot take out one day to visit even a single house in his constituency in five years, does not respect the people of the country. "A Prime Minister who is afraid of questions, who is afraid to answer people when they ask him what he wants to do for them, who is afraid of criticism, who cannot tolerate dissent is not a strong Prime Minister," she said. She said a government which suppresses its own people, that does not allow freedom of speech, or to practice own religion or culture, is not a strong government. "Weakest of all is the government that divides you instead of uniting. That makes you afraid instead of filling you with courage. That makes you worried of speaking your views in public. That's the weakest form of governance that could possibly exist," she said during a rally at Areekode. She asked the voters of Wayanad to consider democracy and the vote as their weapons. "When you see advertisements by the BJP which use words like you have been 'gifted' by certain policies or that the government is doing certain things as a favour to you, you must question it...Because, nothing a leader does, a politician does or a political party does for your benefit is not a favour but their duty," she said. The government which does not have the "guts" to accept the power of its people, it is a weak government and it must be "taught a lesson", she said. Narrating her experience when she went to Uttar Pradesh, she said she was asked by some women to make a promise, that is to construct a bridge across the river in their village. "I got scared. I did not know how much it will cost, whether the government has sanctioned it or not. So I cannot make this promise. And when I tell you that you must recognise your strength, you must understand, the fear that I felt in my heart, that making a wrong promise I cannot fulfil. It should be a fear that you instil in the hearts of politicians who come before you," Priyanka Gandhi said. She said if a leader was a true nationalist, he does not spread hate, but spreads love and does not divide but unites. Canvassing votes for Rahul Gandhi, she asked the voters to exercise their franchise carefully and use their vote to protect the country, democracy and their rights. Attacking the NDA government, she wanted to know if "attempts" to destroy the constitution and weakening institutions that protect the rights of people was nationalism. "They (BJP) attempt to divide you and talk about nationalism... When thousands of farmers marched barefoot from all corners of the country to your doorstep and you send them away without listening to their suffering..When people raise their voice in protest against you, when they criticise your policies...You jail them, beat them.. Is that nationalism?" she asked. Referring to BJP leaders invoking Pakistan in their election speeches, the Congress leader said they never speak of what they were going to do for the people of the country. Earlier at a rally in Manthawady, she said the saffron party, when it came to power, forgot who gave them the power. "Five years ago, a government came to power that was voted with the majority. The people of our country, with all their wisdom, rested their faith upon them. But from the moment it came to power, it began to betray the faith of the people," Priyanka Gandhi said. She also found time to meet seven-year-old Naadan, a boy who was seen crying in a video which went viral as he was unable to see Rahul Gandhi when he visited the state earlier. She gave him an autographed photo of the Congress chief. Rahul Gandhi had earlier called and talked to Naadan over the phone after the video went viral. "She will be visiting the house of CRPF jawan Vasanth Kumar, who was killed in the Pulwama terror attack in February, tomorrow," a senior party source said.

There has never been a 'weaker government','weaker PM': Priyanka Gandhi

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling Trinamool Congress demanded his immediate removal, claiming that Nayak has allegiance to the RSS and the BJP and is acting as per their orders.

The people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and therefore their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, who is the former Bihar chief electoral officer, said.

The situation in Bihar has improved and less number of central forces are required there now, he told newsmen at the office of the West Bengal chief electoral officer here.

Nayak, a 1984-batch IAS officer, was recently given the responsibility to oversee the last five phases of polls in West Bengal.

"This situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. During that time in Bihar total deployment of central forces at the booths was required. Now it is required in West Bengal as the people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and are seeking deployment of central forces at all the booths," he told reporters.

"I cannot understand that if people in Bihar were able to bring in a change in the atmosphere and situation there, then why this is not happening in West Bengal," Nayak said in the presence of state Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab.

He said that in the third phase of polling on April 23, 324 companies of central forces would be deployed to cover more than 92 per cent of the polling booths in five Lok Sabha constituencies.

Balurghat, Malda North, Malda South, Jangipur and Murshidabad parliamentary constituencies will go to the polls on April 23.

Nayak, however, sounded hopeful that the state may require less central force by next Parliamentary elections.

"In terms of election management, things are improving in West Bengal. So I am sure by the time of next Parliamentary elections it will not require this kind of central force deployment. I am sure about that," Nayak said.

In the first phase on April 11, central forces were deployed in 51 per cent of the booths in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar seats and 194 companies covered 80 per cent of the booths in Raiganj, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the second phase on April 18.

In the first phase, there were reports of booth capturing, smashing of EVMs and intimidation. Similar incidents were reported in the second phase from Chopra in Darjeeling constituency and also from Islampur in Raiganj constituency. There were also reports of damage to the vehicle of sitting CPI-M MP Mohammed Salim at Raiganj.

Nayak said no negligence was found after scrutiny of the pollings in the first phase and there will be no repoll in the constituencies where voting was held on the day.

The special observer, however, did not dismiss chances of repolling in some booths where polling was held in the second phase.

TMC secretary general Subrata Bakshi wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora demanding the immediate removal of Nayak to ensure free and fair polls in the state.

"The Election Commission after two phases of polling had said, barring a few incidents the polling was peaceful. Nayak's comments are highly misplaced. He is acting in a partisan manner with pre-conceived notions to destabilise elections in the state and create a fear psychosis among voters," Bakshi said in the letter.

Nayak has political and organisational allegiance to the RSS and is connected to BJP leaders. His statements clearly indicate that he has acted as per instructions of his political bosses, he said.

"It is therefore requested to immediately recall him or cancel his appointment as a special observer in the state of West Bengal to ensure free and fair elections," Bakshi said.

The EC has appointed Vivek Dubey as the special police observer for the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal.

Meanwhile, the EC has transferred Malda district Superintendent of Police Arnab Ghosh and has brought in the commanding officer of the second battalion of state armed police Ajoy Prasad in his place.

Sources said Ghosh, who was reportedly close to the Trinamool Congress administration, was under the EC scanner.

The state BJP had urged the EC to remove Ghosh a few days ago.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

The Election Commission special observer, Ajay V Nayak Saturday said the situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago and had lead to the voters' demand for deployment of central forces in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. The ruling Trinamool Congress demanded his immediate removal, claiming that Nayak has allegiance to the RSS and the BJP and is acting as per their orders. The people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and therefore their demand for deployment of central forces at all polling booths has increased, Nayak, who is the former Bihar chief electoral officer, said. The situation in Bihar has improved and less number of central forces are required there now, he told newsmen at the office of the West Bengal chief electoral officer here. Nayak, a 1984-batch IAS officer, was recently given the responsibility to oversee the last five phases of polls in West Bengal. "This situation in West Bengal is similar to what it was in Bihar around 10 to 15 years ago. During that time in Bihar total deployment of central forces at the booths was required. Now it is required in West Bengal as the people of West Bengal have lost faith in the state police and are seeking deployment of central forces at all the booths," he told reporters. "I cannot understand that if people in Bihar were able to bring in a change in the atmosphere and situation there, then why this is not happening in West Bengal," Nayak said in the presence of state Chief Electoral Officer Ariz Aftab. He said that in the third phase of polling on April 23, 324 companies of central forces would be deployed to cover more than 92 per cent of the polling booths in five Lok Sabha constituencies. Balurghat, Malda North, Malda South, Jangipur and Murshidabad parliamentary constituencies will go to the polls on April 23. Nayak, however, sounded hopeful that the state may require less central force by next Parliamentary elections. "In terms of election management, things are improving in West Bengal. So I am sure by the time of next Parliamentary elections it will not require this kind of central force deployment. I am sure about that," Nayak said. In the first phase on April 11, central forces were deployed in 51 per cent of the booths in Alipurduar and Cooch Behar seats and 194 companies covered 80 per cent of the booths in Raiganj, Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri in the second phase on April 18. In the first phase, there were reports of booth capturing, smashing of EVMs and intimidation. Similar incidents were reported in the second phase from Chopra in Darjeeling constituency and also from Islampur in Raiganj constituency. There were also reports of damage to the vehicle of sitting CPI-M MP Mohammed Salim at Raiganj. Nayak said no negligence was found after scrutiny of the pollings in the first phase and there will be no repoll in the constituencies where voting was held on the day. The special observer, however, did not dismiss chances of repolling in some booths where polling was held in the second phase. TMC secretary general Subrata Bakshi wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora demanding the immediate removal of Nayak to ensure free and fair polls in the state. "The Election Commission after two phases of polling had said, barring a few incidents the polling was peaceful. Nayak's comments are highly misplaced. He is acting in a partisan manner with pre-conceived notions to destabilise elections in the state and create a fear psychosis among voters," Bakshi said in the letter. Nayak has political and organisational allegiance to the RSS and is connected to BJP leaders. His statements clearly indicate that he has acted as per instructions of his political bosses, he said. "It is therefore requested to immediately recall him or cancel his appointment as a special observer in the state of West Bengal to ensure free and fair elections," Bakshi said. The EC has appointed Vivek Dubey as the special police observer for the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the EC has transferred Malda district Superintendent of Police Arnab Ghosh and has brought in the commanding officer of the second battalion of state armed police Ajoy Prasad in his place. Sources said Ghosh, who was reportedly close to the Trinamool Congress administration, was under the EC scanner. The state BJP had urged the EC to remove Ghosh a few days ago.

Situation in Bengal like Bihar 15 years ago: Election Commission special observer; TMC demands his removal

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