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AIMIM chief <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/asaduddin-owaisi-dismisses-allegations-of-goondaism-confident-of-the-fourth-term-from-hyderabad-207923&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwioztS4o97hAhU48HMBHfhuDQIQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1js5mU-6vDlhumHTHpAuSj">Asaduddin Owaisi</a> said on Friday that only one month is left for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become an ex-Prime Minister.

He slammed PM Modi and BJP for fielding Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur as Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal.

"Insha Allah only one month is left and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to become ex-Prime Minister," said Owaisi while addressing a public rally at Aurangabad on Friday.

"At every place Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his useless speeches has been reiterating that security issue has been resolved, terrorism has been controlled, but I ask the PM, BJP and NDA - which also includes Shiv Sena - why have they given a ticket to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur who allegedly planted a bomb near a mosque in Malegaon killing 6 innocent people and injuring hundreds," said Owaisi.

"Is this the proof of fight against terrorism? To give party ticket to someone who has charges of terrorism against her?" asked Owaisi.

Pragya Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in Malegaon blast case. Six people were killed and a dozen others were injured after a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra`s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Owaisi further slammed the Prime Minister for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-take-back-my-statement-and-apologise-for-it-sadhvi-pragya-on-her-remark-on-hemant-karkare-211889&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiq5pfMo97hAhUe6XMBHf5HD8EQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mILc2ScvbI3nd04n2I0hb">Sadhvi`s controversial statements</a> on former Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare.

"How will the PM ask for votes from the people of Mumbai after Sadhvi Pragya said that Hemant Karkare died because of her curse.

Karkare laid down his life fighting the demon Ajmal Kasab and other terrorists from Pakistan. He has not seen who is Hindu and who is Muslim but laid down his life for Hindustan," said Owaisi adding that the "Prime Minister should now break his silence".

In a controversial remark, Sadhvi Pragya had said: "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."

Karkare was killed along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in November 2008.BJP was quick to distance itself from Sadhvi Pragya`s statement. The party has fielded her to contest Lok Sabha election against Congress leader Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Friday that only one month is left for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become an ex-Prime Minister. He slammed PM Modi and BJP for fielding Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur as Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Friday that only one month is left for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become an ex-Prime Minister. He slammed PM Modi and BJP for fielding Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur as Lok Sabha candidate from Bhopal. "Insha Allah only one month is left and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to become ex-Prime Minister," said Owaisi while addressing a public rally at Aurangabad on Friday. "At every place Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his useless speeches has been reiterating that security issue has been resolved, terrorism has been controlled, but I ask the PM, BJP and NDA - which also includes Shiv Sena - why have they given a ticket to Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur who allegedly planted a bomb near a mosque in Malegaon killing 6 innocent people and injuring hundreds," said Owaisi. "Is this the proof of fight against terrorism? To give party ticket to someone who has charges of terrorism against her?" asked Owaisi. Pragya Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in Malegaon blast case. Six people were killed and a dozen others were injured after a bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra`s Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Owaisi further slammed the Prime Minister for Sadhvi`s controversial statements on former Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare. "How will the PM ask for votes from the people of Mumbai after Sadhvi Pragya said that Hemant Karkare died because of her curse. Karkare laid down his life fighting the demon Ajmal Kasab and other terrorists from Pakistan. He has not seen who is Hindu and who is Muslim but laid down his life for Hindustan," said Owaisi adding that the "Prime Minister should now break his silence". In a controversial remark, Sadhvi Pragya had said: "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." Karkare was killed along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in November 2008.BJP was quick to distance itself from Sadhvi Pragya`s statement. The party has fielded her to contest Lok Sabha election against Congress leader Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

After a month, PM Modi will become ex-PM: Asaduddin Owaisi

Congress candidate from North Goa Lok Sabha seat, Girish Chodankar, has claimed that there was no sympathy wave for the ruling BJP after the death of four-time chief minister Manohar Parrikar.

He also said the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party's move of joining hands with the Congress has improved his party's poll prospects in the state.

Chodankar is contesting against BJP candidate and Union minister Shripad Naik.

"Contrary to the expectations of the BJP leaders, there is no sympathy wave for the party after <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/life-and-times-of-manohar-parrikar-203926&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwizzrGPqN7hAhUMTI8KHfINDowQFggGMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3U-7jr0_PBc1aH7vzBatl8">Parrikar's</a> death," Chodankar told PTI on Friday during his campaign trail.

There is a small section of BJP workers, who are still carrying the sympathy plank in the election, but not the entire party, he said.

"A small percentage of voters might get carried away with the feeling of sympathy. But by and large, there is no such trend among the voters, who are determined to get Congress elected to power," Chodankar, who is also the head of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), said.

Parrikar died on March 17 this year after a year-long battle with a pancreatic ailment.

Chodankar said MGP's support has boosted the poll prospects of Congress's both the Lok Sabha candidates in Goa. 
MGP's relations with the BJP soured after its leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sudin Dhavalikar was dropped from the cabinet last month.

Goa Chief Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/whatever-i-am-today-is-all-due-manohar-parrikar-new-goa-cm-pramod-sawant-204194&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiNm5vEqN7hAhVBiXAKHbqjDqUQFggbMAg&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0H23QLqskUv041uaHG6Pok">Pramod Sawant</a> had said he had to drop Dhavalikar from the cabinet as he "failed" to adhere to the common minimum programme of the coalition government.

The MGP, which won three assembly seats in the 2017 polls, was one of the key allies in the BJP-led government in the state.

"MGP joining hands with us is a big boost to our prospects. MGP workers are aggressively campaigning in various assembly constituencies in support of me and also our South Goa Parliamentary seat candidate Francis Sardinha," he said.

When asked whether Congress was eyeing a long-term association with the MGP, Chodankar said it was up to the latter.

"But we have always been saying that the parties which are against the BJP should come together, provided they have a common agenda to protect Goa and the Goan identity," he said.

The Congress leader said that he has been receiving tremendous support from the people belonging to mining, tourism and other sectors, who have "determined to defeat the BJP".

Election to the two Lok Sabha seats and three assembly bypolls in the state will be held on April 23.

Congress candidate from North Goa Lok Sabha seat, Girish Chodankar, has claimed that there was no sympathy wave for the ruling BJP after the death of four-time chief minister Manohar Parrikar.

Congress candidate from North Goa Lok Sabha seat, Girish Chodankar, has claimed that there was no sympathy wave for the ruling BJP after the death of four-time chief minister Manohar Parrikar. He also said the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party's move of joining hands with the Congress has improved his party's poll prospects in the state. Chodankar is contesting against BJP candidate and Union minister Shripad Naik. "Contrary to the expectations of the BJP leaders, there is no sympathy wave for the party after Parrikar's death," Chodankar told PTI on Friday during his campaign trail. There is a small section of BJP workers, who are still carrying the sympathy plank in the election, but not the entire party, he said. "A small percentage of voters might get carried away with the feeling of sympathy. But by and large, there is no such trend among the voters, who are determined to get Congress elected to power," Chodankar, who is also the head of Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC), said. Parrikar died on March 17 this year after a year-long battle with a pancreatic ailment. Chodankar said MGP's support has boosted the poll prospects of Congress's both the Lok Sabha candidates in Goa. MGP's relations with the BJP soured after its leader and Deputy Chief Minister Sudin Dhavalikar was dropped from the cabinet last month. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said he had to drop Dhavalikar from the cabinet as he "failed" to adhere to the common minimum programme of the coalition government. The MGP, which won three assembly seats in the 2017 polls, was one of the key allies in the BJP-led government in the state. "MGP joining hands with us is a big boost to our prospects. MGP workers are aggressively campaigning in various assembly constituencies in support of me and also our South Goa Parliamentary seat candidate Francis Sardinha," he said. When asked whether Congress was eyeing a long-term association with the MGP, Chodankar said it was up to the latter. "But we have always been saying that the parties which are against the BJP should come together, provided they have a common agenda to protect Goa and the Goan identity," he said. The Congress leader said that he has been receiving tremendous support from the people belonging to mining, tourism and other sectors, who have "determined to defeat the BJP". Election to the two Lok Sabha seats and three assembly bypolls in the state will be held on April 23.

No sympathy wave for BJP after Parrikar's death: Congress leader

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country.

Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror".

Attacking further he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror".

PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics.

PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls.

"... The trends of the first two phases of elections have left them rattled. They no more have the audacity to demand proofs of the valiant cross-border operations conducted by our armed forces," the prime minister said.

He said that "lies" were being spread about his government that its introduction of five per cent quota for the unreserved categories was a step in the direction of doing away with reservations.

"Beware of such lies," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti".

Prime Minister Modi on Saturday targetted the Congress party of preaching vote bank politics more than the national interest of the country. Claiming that the UPA government was following the "vote bhakti" politics, PM Modi said, "The country has witnessed two types of politics of 'vote bhakti' and of "desh bhakti". The former was on display after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, when the then government did not go after Pakistan for abetting terror". Attacking further he said that the then government chose to derail the investigations in many terror cases and came up with the theory of "Hindu terror". PM Modi said his government responded to the Uri terror attack with surgical strikes and Pulwama by air strikes, demonstrating "desh bhakti" politics. PM Modi who was addressing an election rally in Araria, Bihar, further said that the opposition party and its allies were rattled by the trends that have emerged from the first two phases of the Lok Sabha polls. "... The trends of the first two phases of elections have left them rattled. They no more have the audacity to demand proofs of the valiant cross-border operations conducted by our armed forces," the prime minister said. He said that "lies" were being spread about his government that its introduction of five per cent quota for the unreserved categories was a step in the direction of doing away with reservations. "Beware of such lies," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress placed vote bank politics above national interest: PM Modi

The 1984<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/bhopal-gas-tragedy-survivor-recalls-deadly-night-of-1984-181233&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj6yajfnN7hAhWD7XMBHd9QDaYQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0etMfj4aUZqsuMiHCVal_B"> Bhopal gas tragedy which killed thousands of people</a> is among the world's "major industrial accidents" of the 20th century, a UN report has said, warning that 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases each year.

The report released by the UN labour agency International Labour Organization (ILO) said in 1984, at least 30 tons of methyl isocyanate gas, which was released from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in the Madhya Pradesh capital, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhopal-gas-tragedy-34-years-after-incident-survivors-continue-to-fight-for-proper-rehabilitation-181022&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj6yajfnN7hAhWD7XMBHd9QDaYQFggHMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Ih3TY4m_vvtElvGptMXUT">affected more than 600,000 workers and nearby inhabitants</a>.

"The Government figures estimate that there have been 15,000 deaths as a result of the disaster over the years. Toxic material remains and thousands of survivors and their descendants have suffered from respiratory diseases and from damage to internal organs and immune systems," it said.

The report titled 'The Safety and Health at the Heart of the Future of Work - Building on 100 years of experience' said the Bhopal disaster was among the world's "major industrial accidents after 1919".

Among the other nine major industrial disasters after 1919 listed in the report are the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters as well as the Rana Plaza building collapse.

In the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986, one of four nuclear reactors at the Chernobyl power station in Ukraine exploded, releasing at least 100 times more radiation than the atom bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

The explosion killed 31 people immediately and thousands of people in the aftermath.

"The number of casualties in the region increases every year due to long term effects including a sharp increase in thyroid cancer," the report said.

Following a major 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami which struck north-eastern Japan in March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear power plants experienced equipment failures which caused a series of explosions, fires and radiation releases, causing injuries to plant workers and emergency responders, it said.

In one of the worst industrial disasters in Bangladesh, the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka collapsed in April 2013. The building, which housed five garment factories, killed at least 1,132 people and injured more than 2,500.

According to recent estimates released by the ILO, each year 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases (of which 2.4 million are disease-related).

An additional 374 million workers suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents. It is estimated that lost work days globally represent almost four per cent of the world's GDP, and in some countries, this rises to six per cent or more.

The report attributes stress, excessively-long working hours and disease to worker casualty every year, underlining ILO's message that no paid work should threaten a worker's wellbeing, safety or life.

The agency also identified several new or existing occupational risks of growing concern, that affect women more than men.

These include modern working practices overall, world population growth, increased digital connectivity and climate change, which are believed to account for losses of almost four per cent of the global economy.

"The world of work has changed, we're working differently, we're working longer hours, we're using more technology," ILO's Manal Azzi told UN News.

"The report says 36 per cent of workers are working excessive long hours, meaning more than 48 hours per week," she said.

Noting that "people are increasingly asked to produce more and more, they have no time to rest," Azzi highlighted that women are particularly at risk because they tend to be the primary carer for children or parents and lack the time to exercise.

"Not only do you work when you're at your office but then you're working at home as well," Azzi said, adding that "so it's a lot of sedentary work and that affects cardiovascular diseases as well".

The greatest proportion of work-related deaths&nbsp;86 per cent&nbsp;come from disease, according to the ILO, with some 6,500 people a day dying from occupational diseases, compared to 1,000 from fatal occupational accidents.

The greatest causes of mortality are circulatory diseases (31 per cent), work-related cancers (26 per cent) and respiratory diseases (17 per cent).

"As well as the economic cost we must recognise the immeasurable human suffering such illnesses and accidents cause. These are all-the-more tragic because they are largely preventable," Azzi said.

Launched during the ILO's centenary year&nbsp;and ahead of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, the report underlines the life-saving value of promoting prevention, to save lives and encourage healthy working environments.

"Serious consideration should also be given to the recommendation of the ILO's Global Commission on the Future of Work, that occupational safety and health be recognised as a fundamental principle and right at work," Azzi said.

The report said that new risks may emerge whereas other risks may be on the rise.

"While the road ahead presents many new challenges to safety and health at work, it is important for governments, employers and workers, and other stakeholders to seize the opportunities to create a safe and healthy future of work for all," it said.

Since 1919, the ILO has adopted more than 40 international labour standards promoting occupational health and safety.

The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy which killed thousands of people is among the world's "major industrial accidents" of the 20th century, a UN report has said, warning that 2.

The 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy which killed thousands of people is among the world's "major industrial accidents" of the 20th century, a UN report has said, warning that 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases each year. The report released by the UN labour agency International Labour Organization (ILO) said in 1984, at least 30 tons of methyl isocyanate gas, which was released from the Union Carbide pesticide plant in the Madhya Pradesh capital, affected more than 600,000 workers and nearby inhabitants. "The Government figures estimate that there have been 15,000 deaths as a result of the disaster over the years. Toxic material remains and thousands of survivors and their descendants have suffered from respiratory diseases and from damage to internal organs and immune systems," it said. The report titled 'The Safety and Health at the Heart of the Future of Work - Building on 100 years of experience' said the Bhopal disaster was among the world's "major industrial accidents after 1919". Among the other nine major industrial disasters after 1919 listed in the report are the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters as well as the Rana Plaza building collapse. In the Chernobyl disaster in April 1986, one of four nuclear reactors at the Chernobyl power station in Ukraine exploded, releasing at least 100 times more radiation than the atom bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. The explosion killed 31 people immediately and thousands of people in the aftermath. "The number of casualties in the region increases every year due to long term effects including a sharp increase in thyroid cancer," the report said. Following a major 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami which struck north-eastern Japan in March 2011, the Fukushima nuclear power plants experienced equipment failures which caused a series of explosions, fires and radiation releases, causing injuries to plant workers and emergency responders, it said. In one of the worst industrial disasters in Bangladesh, the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka collapsed in April 2013. The building, which housed five garment factories, killed at least 1,132 people and injured more than 2,500. According to recent estimates released by the ILO, each year 2.78 million workers die from occupational accidents and work-related diseases (of which 2.4 million are disease-related). An additional 374 million workers suffer from non-fatal occupational accidents. It is estimated that lost work days globally represent almost four per cent of the world's GDP, and in some countries, this rises to six per cent or more. The report attributes stress, excessively-long working hours and disease to worker casualty every year, underlining ILO's message that no paid work should threaten a worker's wellbeing, safety or life. The agency also identified several new or existing occupational risks of growing concern, that affect women more than men. These include modern working practices overall, world population growth, increased digital connectivity and climate change, which are believed to account for losses of almost four per cent of the global economy. "The world of work has changed, we're working differently, we're working longer hours, we're using more technology," ILO's Manal Azzi told UN News. "The report says 36 per cent of workers are working excessive long hours, meaning more than 48 hours per week," she said. Noting that "people are increasingly asked to produce more and more, they have no time to rest," Azzi highlighted that women are particularly at risk because they tend to be the primary carer for children or parents and lack the time to exercise. "Not only do you work when you're at your office but then you're working at home as well," Azzi said, adding that "so it's a lot of sedentary work and that affects cardiovascular diseases as well". The greatest proportion of work-related deaths 86 per cent come from disease, according to the ILO, with some 6,500 people a day dying from occupational diseases, compared to 1,000 from fatal occupational accidents. The greatest causes of mortality are circulatory diseases (31 per cent), work-related cancers (26 per cent) and respiratory diseases (17 per cent). "As well as the economic cost we must recognise the immeasurable human suffering such illnesses and accidents cause. These are all-the-more tragic because they are largely preventable," Azzi said. Launched during the ILO's centenary year and ahead of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28, the report underlines the life-saving value of promoting prevention, to save lives and encourage healthy working environments. "Serious consideration should also be given to the recommendation of the ILO's Global Commission on the Future of Work, that occupational safety and health be recognised as a fundamental principle and right at work," Azzi said. The report said that new risks may emerge whereas other risks may be on the rise. "While the road ahead presents many new challenges to safety and health at work, it is important for governments, employers and workers, and other stakeholders to seize the opportunities to create a safe and healthy future of work for all," it said. Since 1919, the ILO has adopted more than 40 international labour standards promoting occupational health and safety.

Bhopal gas tragedy among world's 'major industrial accidents' of 20th century: UN report

Bihar is expecting "lies and jumlas" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rally in Araria Lok Sabha constituency, RJD leader and former deputy chief minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-best-equipped-to-lead-alliance-against-bjp-tejashwi-yadav-191672&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjjuImhn97hAhWBRY8KHTDaBnkQFggaMAc&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw07f8SlRSX9F7tM8KbHErIX"> Tejashwi Yadav</a> said on Saturday.

Hours before the PM's rally at Forbesganj town in favour of NDA candidates in the state, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/after-stalin-tejashwi-yadav-backs-rahul-gandhi-as-pm-194883&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjjuImhn97hAhWBRY8KHTDaBnkQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1V7QeB8vG7pYnyxab2JoA1">Tejashwi Yadav</a>, also the leader of opposition in the Bihar assembly, said Modi will portray himself as the son of the extremely backwards.

"PM @narendramodi ji is coming to Bihar today. He would portray himself as the son of extremely backwards. Will make an abortive bid to create polarisation," he tweeted.

"Bihar is expecting 'lies and jumlas' from him (PM Modi). Hope that the PM would give account of his 2014 promises such as giving special status, special package to Bihar, and also about giving free education and medicine #BiharRejectsModi," Tejashwi Yadav said.

The RJD leader's tweet comes two days after he had termed Modi as a "fake backward", who did nothing for OBCs.

The remark had drawn a sharp reaction from the BJP, with national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav terming it as "arrogant, graceless and childish" made on the advice of Congress president Rahul Gandhi.

Tejashwi Yadav on Monday also asked the PM to name any project in Bihar, for which he had laid the foundation and inaugurated.

Modi would address a public meeting near the highway that was constructed by the UPA government, he said, adding, the Manmohan Singh-led government sanctioned projects worth Rs 1.44 lakh crore for Bihar, "while you (PM) merely indulged in rhetoric".

Taking a swipe at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for not releasing its manifesto, he said, "Nitish jee is so much scared of PM Modi that they (JDU leaders) have not released their manifesto so far."

BJP has fielded Pradeep Singh from the Araria constituency, which would go to polls along with four other constituencies of Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Madhepura and Khagaria in third phase on April 23

Bihar is expecting "lies and jumlas" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rally in Araria Lok Sabha constituency, RJD leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav said on Saturday.

Bihar is expecting "lies and jumlas" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rally in Araria Lok Sabha constituency, RJD leader and former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav said on Saturday. Hours before the PM's rally at Forbesganj town in favour of NDA candidates in the state, Tejashwi Yadav, also the leader of opposition in the Bihar assembly, said Modi will portray himself as the son of the extremely backwards. "PM @narendramodi ji is coming to Bihar today. He would portray himself as the son of extremely backwards. Will make an abortive bid to create polarisation," he tweeted. "Bihar is expecting 'lies and jumlas' from him (PM Modi). Hope that the PM would give account of his 2014 promises such as giving special status, special package to Bihar, and also about giving free education and medicine #BiharRejectsModi," Tejashwi Yadav said. The RJD leader's tweet comes two days after he had termed Modi as a "fake backward", who did nothing for OBCs. The remark had drawn a sharp reaction from the BJP, with national general secretary Bhupendra Yadav terming it as "arrogant, graceless and childish" made on the advice of Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Tejashwi Yadav on Monday also asked the PM to name any project in Bihar, for which he had laid the foundation and inaugurated. Modi would address a public meeting near the highway that was constructed by the UPA government, he said, adding, the Manmohan Singh-led government sanctioned projects worth Rs 1.44 lakh crore for Bihar, "while you (PM) merely indulged in rhetoric". Taking a swipe at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for not releasing its manifesto, he said, "Nitish jee is so much scared of PM Modi that they (JDU leaders) have not released their manifesto so far." BJP has fielded Pradeep Singh from the Araria constituency, which would go to polls along with four other constituencies of Jhanjharpur, Supaul, Madhepura and Khagaria in third phase on April 23

Bihar expecting lies and jumlas in PM rally: Tejashwi Yadav

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party&nbsp;refused to have tie-up anywhere else.

Accusing the Congress of playing "spoilsport" in alliance talks and "being unfair" by not giving them any seat in Punjab and asking for too many seats in Delhi, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said their party has closed all the negotiations now.

"We are strong in Delhi, while Congress is nowhere close. In Haryana, they denied, even when we offered them seven seats. There is no hope left for a coalition with Congress. We have also closed all the negotiations now. There is no question of seat-sharing with Congress in Delhi," he said.

"The Congress doesn`t have a single seat in Delhi, but they are demanding three seats from us. In Punjab, we have 4 MPs and 20 MLAs, yet they are not giving us any seats to contest from the state," said Manish Sisodia.

He further added that the Congress first proposed 6:3:1 seat sharing formula to the AAP in Haryana where six seats would be for Congress, three for Janayak Janata Party and one seat for AAP. "Our decision to form an alliance with the Congress was to stop the Modi-Shah duo," he said.

Senior party leader Sanjay Singh said they have agreed to all the seat-sharing arrangements that the Congress proposed but even then the grand old party backtracked.

"After discussions with our alliance partner in Haryana JJP we agreed to it but the Congress refused and said they can't give more than two seats to the JJP and proposed 7:2:1 formula," said Singh, who was negotiating with the Congress.

JJP chief Dushyant Chautala even agreed to that but then the Congress backtracked again on Friday night, saying there is no possibility of formation of any alliance anywhere except Delhi, he said.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia further targetted the Congress by saying&nbsp;that giving three seats to the party in the national capital would mean "giving three seats to the BJP".

Elections in Delhi will be held on May 12 in the sixth phase for all the seven seats.&nbsp;

The counting of votes will begin on May 23.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party refused to have tie-up anywhere else.

Ending days of speculation over the alliance with Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party clarified on Saturday that an alliance with the former was not possible in the national capital as the party refused to have tie-up anywhere else. Accusing the Congress of playing "spoilsport" in alliance talks and "being unfair" by not giving them any seat in Punjab and asking for too many seats in Delhi, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said their party has closed all the negotiations now. "We are strong in Delhi, while Congress is nowhere close. In Haryana, they denied, even when we offered them seven seats. There is no hope left for a coalition with Congress. We have also closed all the negotiations now. There is no question of seat-sharing with Congress in Delhi," he said. "The Congress doesn`t have a single seat in Delhi, but they are demanding three seats from us. In Punjab, we have 4 MPs and 20 MLAs, yet they are not giving us any seats to contest from the state," said Manish Sisodia. He further added that the Congress first proposed 6:3:1 seat sharing formula to the AAP in Haryana where six seats would be for Congress, three for Janayak Janata Party and one seat for AAP. "Our decision to form an alliance with the Congress was to stop the Modi-Shah duo," he said. Senior party leader Sanjay Singh said they have agreed to all the seat-sharing arrangements that the Congress proposed but even then the grand old party backtracked. "After discussions with our alliance partner in Haryana JJP we agreed to it but the Congress refused and said they can't give more than two seats to the JJP and proposed 7:2:1 formula," said Singh, who was negotiating with the Congress. JJP chief Dushyant Chautala even agreed to that but then the Congress backtracked again on Friday night, saying there is no possibility of formation of any alliance anywhere except Delhi, he said. Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia further targetted the Congress by saying that giving three seats to the party in the national capital would mean "giving three seats to the BJP". Elections in Delhi will be held on May 12 in the sixth phase for all the seven seats. The counting of votes will begin on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

No hope left for alliance with Congress now: Manish Sisodia

In a bid to become world`s first 100 per cent green energy metro rail network, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-to-inaugurate-delhi-metros-green-line-today--146631&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjnisXrx9vhAhWP8HMBHc5LDYMQFggfMAk&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw266_YjQpDQmVT6vwubY-BI">DMRC</a>) started its operations through the support of solar energy on Violet line in between the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium metro station to Central Secretariat station.

"To mark the beginning of this new arrangement, DMRC`s Managing Director, Dr Mangu Singh travelled in a Metro powered by solar energy along with Manu Srivastava, Chairperson, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar, Upendra Tripathi, Director General, International Solar Alliance and other senior officials," said DMRC.

The DMRC has received 27 megawatts (MW) solar power from Madhya Pradesh`s Rewa Solar Power Project, which will gradually increase it to 99 MW.

The rail corporation has a plan to run all its operations with the help of solar energy by 2021.

"On average, DMRC would be given 345 million units (MU) of power from Rewa every year. We are likely to start receiving 99 MW solar energy from the 750 MW park in Rewa from May 2019," DMRC officials said.

On Wednesday, the Union Minister of State for Power and Coal, Piyush Goyal presided over the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) between DMRC and Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company (MPPMC) with Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited.

"During Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s leadership and with the cooperation of all chief ministers of various states in the last three years, renewable energy has seen a growth of over 370 per cent.

As compared to 2,600 MW of installed solar power capacity in 2014, today in India, there is a total of 12,200 MW of installed solar power capacity and the country would achieve the 20,000MW solar power capacity target five years ahead of schedule by the end of 2017," the Union Minister noted.

In a bid to become world`s first 100 per cent green energy metro rail network, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) started its operations through the support of solar energy on Violet line in between the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium metro station to Central Secretariat station.

In a bid to become world`s first 100 per cent green energy metro rail network, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) started its operations through the support of solar energy on Violet line in between the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium metro station to Central Secretariat station. "To mark the beginning of this new arrangement, DMRC`s Managing Director, Dr Mangu Singh travelled in a Metro powered by solar energy along with Manu Srivastava, Chairperson, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar, Upendra Tripathi, Director General, International Solar Alliance and other senior officials," said DMRC. The DMRC has received 27 megawatts (MW) solar power from Madhya Pradesh`s Rewa Solar Power Project, which will gradually increase it to 99 MW. The rail corporation has a plan to run all its operations with the help of solar energy by 2021. "On average, DMRC would be given 345 million units (MU) of power from Rewa every year. We are likely to start receiving 99 MW solar energy from the 750 MW park in Rewa from May 2019," DMRC officials said. On Wednesday, the Union Minister of State for Power and Coal, Piyush Goyal presided over the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) between DMRC and Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company (MPPMC) with Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited. "During Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s leadership and with the cooperation of all chief ministers of various states in the last three years, renewable energy has seen a growth of over 370 per cent. As compared to 2,600 MW of installed solar power capacity in 2014, today in India, there is a total of 12,200 MW of installed solar power capacity and the country would achieve the 20,000MW solar power capacity target five years ahead of schedule by the end of 2017," the Union Minister noted.

In a first, Delhi Metro runs on solar power; gets 27 MW power from Rewa project

In a bid to become world`s first 100 per cent green energy metro rail network, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-to-inaugurate-delhi-metros-green-line-today--146631&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjnisXrx9vhAhWP8HMBHc5LDYMQFggfMAk&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw266_YjQpDQmVT6vwubY-BI">DMRC</a>) started its operations through the support of solar energy on Violet line in between the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium metro station to Central Secretariat station. "To mark the beginning of this new arrangement, DMRC`s Managing Director, Dr Mangu Singh travelled in a Metro powered by solar energy along with Manu Srivastava, Chairperson, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar, Upendra Tripathi, Director General, International Solar Alliance and other senior officials," said DMRC.The DMRC has received 27 megawatts (MW) solar power from Madhya Pradesh`s Rewa Solar Power Project, which will gradually increase it to 99 MW. The rail corporation has a plan to run all its operations with the help of solar energy by 2021."On average, DMRC would be given 345 million units (MU) of power from Rewa every year. We are likely to start receiving 99 MW solar energy from the 750 MW park in Rewa from May 2019," DMRC officials said. On Wednesday, the Union Minister of State for Power and Coal, Piyush Goyal presided over the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) between DMRC and Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company (MPPMC) with Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited. "During Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s leadership and with the cooperation of all chief ministers of various states in the last three years, renewable energy has seen a growth of over 370 per cent. As compared to 2,600 MW of installed solar power capacity in 2014, today in India, there is a total of 12,200 MW of installed solar power capacity and the country would achieve the 20,000MW solar power capacity target five years ahead of schedule by the end of 2017," the Union Minister noted.

In a bid to become world`s first 100 per cent green energy metro rail network, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) started its operations through the support of solar energy on Violet line in between the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium metro station to Central Secretariat station. "To mark the beginning of this new arrangement, DMRC`s Managing Director, Dr Mangu Singh travelled in a Metro powered by solar energy along with Manu Srivastava, Chairperson, Rewa Ultra Mega Solar, Upendra Tripathi, Director General, International Solar Alliance and other senior officials," said DMRC.The DMRC has received 27 megawatts (MW) solar power from Madhya Pradesh`s Rewa Solar Power Project, which will gradually increase it to 99 MW. The rail corporation has a plan to run all its operations with the help of solar energy by 2021."On average, DMRC would be given 345 million units (MU) of power from Rewa every year. We are likely to start receiving 99 MW solar energy from the 750 MW park in Rewa from May 2019," DMRC officials said. On Wednesday, the Union Minister of State for Power and Coal, Piyush Goyal presided over the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) between DMRC and Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company (MPPMC) with Rewa Ultra Mega Solar Limited. "During Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s leadership and with the cooperation of all chief ministers of various states in the last three years, renewable energy has seen a growth of over 370 per cent. As compared to 2,600 MW of installed solar power capacity in 2014, today in India, there is a total of 12,200 MW of installed solar power capacity and the country would achieve the 20,000MW solar power capacity target five years ahead of schedule by the end of 2017," the Union Minister noted.

BJP’s <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-karnataka-to-witness-neck-to-neck-contests-211263&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjsqKqsv9vhAhUZVH0KHf0iA78QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1OVn8A8aWb-KyAOP3SHHtS">Karnataka</a> unit on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission over alleged “mass indiscriminate deletion of voters’ names from the voters list” in the state. The party alleged that some officials are working as agents of ruling coalition government of JD(S) and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-elections-an-existential-battle-for-congress-134207&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjsqKqsv9vhAhUZVH0KHf0iA78QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VsShbFYn1aJRF3wYC9arf">Congress</a>.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/karnataka-election-results-if-bjp-wins-congs-alternate-front-pitch-for-2019-falls-flat-136994&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjsqKqsv9vhAhUZVH0KHf0iA78QFggKMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1T-WH9K-J7UKbUxuvXL7mU">BJP</a> said: “The officials have purposefully and deliberately deleted names without any reason, just to render undue official favour to the ruling coalition party.” Claiming that names have been deleted despite people residing on the same address, the Bharatiya Janata Party in its letter demanded strict action against erring officials: “This is nothing but dereliction of duty by the concerned officials. If strict action is not taken against such biased officials, we can’t expect fair and free election from the Election Commission.”

The letter further stated that such deletions were reported to the Election Commission during the Vidhan Sabha elections too but no action was taken. “Even though during the last Vidhan Sabha election also such deletion has taken place and the same was reported to the Commission, the Election Commission has not taken any stringent action against such officials. This is the only reason which has boosted the concerned biased officials to further work as agents of ruling coalition party to further delete the names of voters,” the letter read.

BJP stated that the party will go to court to redress the issue: “We are definitely going to the court to redress the illegality committed by the erring officials. In the places where mass deletion has taken place, repolling by giving an opportunity to the voters whose names have been illegally deleted is inevitable. Therefore, this Commission’s interference is warranted.”

BJP’s Karnataka unit on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission over alleged “mass indiscriminate deletion of voters’ names from the voters list” in the state.

BJP’s Karnataka unit on Thursday wrote to the Election Commission over alleged “mass indiscriminate deletion of voters’ names from the voters list” in the state. The party alleged that some officials are working as agents of ruling coalition government of JD(S) and Congress. In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer, the BJP said: “The officials have purposefully and deliberately deleted names without any reason, just to render undue official favour to the ruling coalition party.” Claiming that names have been deleted despite people residing on the same address, the Bharatiya Janata Party in its letter demanded strict action against erring officials: “This is nothing but dereliction of duty by the concerned officials. If strict action is not taken against such biased officials, we can’t expect fair and free election from the Election Commission.” The letter further stated that such deletions were reported to the Election Commission during the Vidhan Sabha elections too but no action was taken. “Even though during the last Vidhan Sabha election also such deletion has taken place and the same was reported to the Commission, the Election Commission has not taken any stringent action against such officials. This is the only reason which has boosted the concerned biased officials to further work as agents of ruling coalition party to further delete the names of voters,” the letter read. BJP stated that the party will go to court to redress the issue: “We are definitely going to the court to redress the illegality committed by the erring officials. In the places where mass deletion has taken place, repolling by giving an opportunity to the voters whose names have been illegally deleted is inevitable. Therefore, this Commission’s interference is warranted.”

Lok Sabha elections 2019: BJP alleges mass deletion of voters’ names from list in Karnataka, writes to EC

Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday quit the party after nearly a decade. This came minutes after she removed her designation as the party's official spokesperson from her official Twitter handle. Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010, and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013.

Sources also told WION that Chaturvedi was also upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections. She had also quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning.

This comes a few days after veteran Congress leader Tom Vadakkan left the party and joined BJP. Vadakkan was associated with Congress for a long time and remained part and parcel of the communication department.

Vadakkan said he joined the BJP because he was "deeply hurt" over Congress's stand post-Pulwama terror strike, and that his decision was "not about ideology but patriotism".

Earlier this week, Chaturvedi had lashed out at Congress in public for reinstating party workers who were accused of misbehaving with her in September, 2018.

In a tweet on Wednesday, she accused the Congress of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the party.

Chaturvedi, who was also the Congress's communications department convener, said it is unfortunate and saddening that those who threatened her have got away without even "a rap on their knuckles".

The Uttar Pradesh Congress had suspended some workers for misbehaving with Chaturvedi during a press conference in Mathura.

But, on Monday, the party issued a communication in which it rescinded all actions taken earlier against such workers who "misbehaved" with her.

The action of rescinding the suspension, party leaders claimed, was taken on the recommendations of Congress general secretary for West Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday quit the party after nearly a decade. This came minutes after she removed her designation as the party's official spokesperson from her official Twitter handle.

Congress leader Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday quit the party after nearly a decade. This came minutes after she removed her designation as the party's official spokesperson from her official Twitter handle. Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010, and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013. Sources also told WION that Chaturvedi was also upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections. She had also quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. This comes a few days after veteran Congress leader Tom Vadakkan left the party and joined BJP. Vadakkan was associated with Congress for a long time and remained part and parcel of the communication department. Vadakkan said he joined the BJP because he was "deeply hurt" over Congress's stand post-Pulwama terror strike, and that his decision was "not about ideology but patriotism". Earlier this week, Chaturvedi had lashed out at Congress in public for reinstating party workers who were accused of misbehaving with her in September, 2018. In a tweet on Wednesday, she accused the Congress of giving preference to "lumpen goons" over those who had given their "sweat and blood" to the party. Chaturvedi, who was also the Congress's communications department convener, said it is unfortunate and saddening that those who threatened her have got away without even "a rap on their knuckles". The Uttar Pradesh Congress had suspended some workers for misbehaving with Chaturvedi during a press conference in Mathura. But, on Monday, the party issued a communication in which it rescinded all actions taken earlier against such workers who "misbehaved" with her. The action of rescinding the suspension, party leaders claimed, was taken on the recommendations of Congress general secretary for West Uttar Pradesh Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Priyanka Chaturvedi resigns from Congress after lashing out at party over 'goons'

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police.

An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him.

However, ruling party leaders said they have nothing to do with the incident, which they termed as a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The man, identified as Tarun Gajjar, a resident of Kadi town of Mehsana district, suffered injuries after he was thrashed by Congress workers, Patel supporters and others at the rally venue, around 130km from here.

He is currently undergoing treatment as he was badly thrashed by people at the rally, said police inspector of Wadhwan, H R Jethi.

Gajjar said he is not associated with any political party and slapped the Patidar quota leader due to personal reasons.

As soon as Hardik Patel started his speech at Baldana village under Wadhwan taluka, Gajjar suddenly came on the stage and slapped him.

The incident was captured in cameras of news channels covering the event in the district, around 130km from here.

Congress candidate for the Surendranagar Lok Sabha seat, Soma Patel, was present on the dais when Patel was slapped.

Gajjar appeared angry and was seen saying something to Patel after slapping him.

Gajjar was overpowered by Congress workers, Hardik Patel supporters and others present at the rally, who also beat him up.

The police intervened and freed Gajjar and took him to a safer place in their vehicle, said Jethi.

In a video of the incident, Gajjar can be seen being mercilessly thrashed by both women and men, who also tore his clothes, before policemen intervened and took him away.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Following the incident, Patel lodged a complaint with the police.

"Since Gajjar was brutally thrashed by people, he was referred to a hospital in Limbdi town. It is still unclear why he slapped Hardik.

"The Congress leader claimed he does not know Gajjar. We have taken Hardik's written complaint and started our investigation, but not yet filed an FIR," said Jethi, adding the police were yet to question the attacker.

Talking to the media, Patel claimed the BJP had sent Gajjar to attack him.

"The BJP is trying to harm me. Many people were hired by the BJP to attack me. I do not know why that person did this.

"Even I requested the locals, who were beating him, to let him go and forgive him. I am sure that he was BJP's man. This was an attempt to kill me. I could have been killed if he was carrying a gun today," said Patel.

He said Congress president Rahul Gandhi had called him to inquire about his well-being.

BJP leader from the Saurashtra region, Raju Dhruv, refuted Patel's claim that Gajjar was sent by the ruling party to attack him.

"The BJP has nothing to do with this incident. We do not believe in such low-level politics. The truth is that people have now realised that Hardik had only used the Patidar community to satisfy his political ambitions.

"This is a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy," said Dhruv.

Talking to the media from his hospital bed, Gajjar said he has been planning to attack Patel since the last three-and-a-half years due to personal reasons.

"I am not associated with any political party. I am angry with Hardik since the last three-and-a-half years because my wife and my child had suffered because of him (during the quota agitation of August 2015).

"I was planning to attack him since then," said Gajjar, who is in his mid-30s.

Gajjar said he had tried to attack the 25-year-old politician, who joined the Congress last month, in the past too.

"I first planned to attack Hardik during his rally in Kalol on April 13, but he did not come there. Then, I had planned to attack him at a rally in Balisana on April 17.

"But, I failed at that time. Finally, I got a success today. I am not against the Patidar community. I am against Hardik," said Gajjar.

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police. An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him.

Congress leader Hardik Patel was slapped by a man Friday when he was addressing a poll rally in a village in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, said police. An angry Patel blamed the BJP for the incident and said this was an attempt to kill him. However, ruling party leaders said they have nothing to do with the incident, which they termed as a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The man, identified as Tarun Gajjar, a resident of Kadi town of Mehsana district, suffered injuries after he was thrashed by Congress workers, Patel supporters and others at the rally venue, around 130km from here. He is currently undergoing treatment as he was badly thrashed by people at the rally, said police inspector of Wadhwan, H R Jethi. Gajjar said he is not associated with any political party and slapped the Patidar quota leader due to personal reasons. As soon as Hardik Patel started his speech at Baldana village under Wadhwan taluka, Gajjar suddenly came on the stage and slapped him. The incident was captured in cameras of news channels covering the event in the district, around 130km from here. Congress candidate for the Surendranagar Lok Sabha seat, Soma Patel, was present on the dais when Patel was slapped. Gajjar appeared angry and was seen saying something to Patel after slapping him. Gajjar was overpowered by Congress workers, Hardik Patel supporters and others present at the rally, who also beat him up. The police intervened and freed Gajjar and took him to a safer place in their vehicle, said Jethi. In a video of the incident, Gajjar can be seen being mercilessly thrashed by both women and men, who also tore his clothes, before policemen intervened and took him away. Following the incident, Patel lodged a complaint with the police. "Since Gajjar was brutally thrashed by people, he was referred to a hospital in Limbdi town. It is still unclear why he slapped Hardik. "The Congress leader claimed he does not know Gajjar. We have taken Hardik's written complaint and started our investigation, but not yet filed an FIR," said Jethi, adding the police were yet to question the attacker. Talking to the media, Patel claimed the BJP had sent Gajjar to attack him. "The BJP is trying to harm me. Many people were hired by the BJP to attack me. I do not know why that person did this. "Even I requested the locals, who were beating him, to let him go and forgive him. I am sure that he was BJP's man. This was an attempt to kill me. I could have been killed if he was carrying a gun today," said Patel. He said Congress president Rahul Gandhi had called him to inquire about his well-being. BJP leader from the Saurashtra region, Raju Dhruv, refuted Patel's claim that Gajjar was sent by the ruling party to attack him. "The BJP has nothing to do with this incident. We do not believe in such low-level politics. The truth is that people have now realised that Hardik had only used the Patidar community to satisfy his political ambitions. "This is a staged drama by the Congress to gain sympathy," said Dhruv. Talking to the media from his hospital bed, Gajjar said he has been planning to attack Patel since the last three-and-a-half years due to personal reasons. "I am not associated with any political party. I am angry with Hardik since the last three-and-a-half years because my wife and my child had suffered because of him (during the quota agitation of August 2015). "I was planning to attack him since then," said Gajjar, who is in his mid-30s. Gajjar said he had tried to attack the 25-year-old politician, who joined the Congress last month, in the past too. "I first planned to attack Hardik during his rally in Kalol on April 13, but he did not come there. Then, I had planned to attack him at a rally in Balisana on April 17. "But, I failed at that time. Finally, I got a success today. I am not against the Patidar community. I am against Hardik," said Gajjar.

Hardik Patel slapped by man at poll rally in Gujarat

China said Friday it was bracing to hold a Wuhan-style next summit with India this year despite India's reported decision to boycott Beijing's prestigious 2nd <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-emphasise-on-high-quality-development-at-second-belt-and-road-forum-foreign-minister-wang-yi-201950">Belt and Road Forum </a>to be held here next week to protest its sovereignty concerns over the $60 billion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-cpec-intensified-pakistans-economic-risks-208789">China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a>.&nbsp;

Addressing a media conference here ahead of the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) being held from April 25-27 to showcase China's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made an impassioned appeal to India to shed its opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as it no way "undermined" basic position on the Kashmir dispute.

Wang said so far 37 heads of state and governments had confirmed their participation in the BRF. Representatives from over 150 countries and 90 international organisations' close to 5000 participants have confirmed their participation. Leaders of Pakistan and Nepal are among the countries from the neighbourhood who would take part in the BRF meeting being held here from April 25-27.

India has already signalled to boycott the BRF as it did in 2017 to highlight its objections over the CPEC. The CPEC which has been officially designated as a flagship project of the BRI has become a stumbling block for India to take part in it as the controversial project is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India has already protested to China over the CPEC violating its sovereignty and boycotted the first BRF held in 2017. Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri told Chinese state-run Global Times last month that "above all, connectivity initiatives must be pursued in a manner that respects the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of nations. No country can participate in an initiative that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Answering a question whether India's reported decision to boycott the BRF would undermine the new momentum generated by last year's informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Wang said the two leaders had a very successful meeting at Wuhan. "Particularly they have established mutual trust between the leadership and they jointly planned for the future of improvement and strengthening of China-India relations.

"After the Wuhan summit, we see all areas or progress between the two countries and we have the bright prospect for this relationship. We are now preparing for the next summit of our leaders," he said without specifying any timeline. Xi plans to visit India for the 2nd such summit after the general elections, currently underway, are over.

Wang said China and India were two major countries, besides being neighbours. "It is natural for us to have differences. This is only natural. I remember Prime Minister Modi mentioned many times that we cannot escalate our differences into disputes. Indian side wants to put our difference at the proper level and it would not for it to interfere in the development of our relations," he said.

"I believe this is in the fundamental interest of the people of the two countries and that is what China is happy to see," he said. "One of our differences is how to look at the BRI. The Indian side has its concerns. We understand that and that is why we have stated clearly on many occasions that the BRI including the CPEC is only an economic initiative and it does not target any third country and has nothing to do with the sovereign and territorial disputes left from history between any two countries," he said.

The BRI is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. "India has its basic position on these disputes. Our cooperation will not undermine any party's position on those issues," Wang said, apparently suggesting that it would not alter even Pakistan's position on the disputed status of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

China for its part has been maintaining that Kashmir dispute is left over from history and it should be resolved between India and Pakistan. "Now we are trying to achieve common prosperity through the cooperation under the BRI. Those issues left over from history must be separated from our efforts in this area.

"I think such cooperation will not undermine your basic position on sovereignty and territorial integrity and at the same time provide you with more opportunities of development and help India in your modernisation endeavour. I believe this is a good option and good choice for India," Wang said.

China said Friday it was bracing to hold a Wuhan-style next summit with India this year despite India's reported decision to boycott Beijing's prestigious 2nd Belt and Road Forum to be held here next week to protest its sovereignty concerns over the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China said Friday it was bracing to hold a Wuhan-style next summit with India this year despite India's reported decision to boycott Beijing's prestigious 2nd Belt and Road Forum to be held here next week to protest its sovereignty concerns over the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Addressing a media conference here ahead of the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) being held from April 25-27 to showcase China's trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made an impassioned appeal to India to shed its opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as it no way "undermined" basic position on the Kashmir dispute. Wang said so far 37 heads of state and governments had confirmed their participation in the BRF. Representatives from over 150 countries and 90 international organisations' close to 5000 participants have confirmed their participation. Leaders of Pakistan and Nepal are among the countries from the neighbourhood who would take part in the BRF meeting being held here from April 25-27. India has already signalled to boycott the BRF as it did in 2017 to highlight its objections over the CPEC. The CPEC which has been officially designated as a flagship project of the BRI has become a stumbling block for India to take part in it as the controversial project is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has already protested to China over the CPEC violating its sovereignty and boycotted the first BRF held in 2017. Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri told Chinese state-run Global Times last month that "above all, connectivity initiatives must be pursued in a manner that respects the sovereignty, equality and territorial integrity of nations. No country can participate in an initiative that ignores its core concerns on sovereignty and territorial integrity". Answering a question whether India's reported decision to boycott the BRF would undermine the new momentum generated by last year's informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Wang said the two leaders had a very successful meeting at Wuhan. "Particularly they have established mutual trust between the leadership and they jointly planned for the future of improvement and strengthening of China-India relations. "After the Wuhan summit, we see all areas or progress between the two countries and we have the bright prospect for this relationship. We are now preparing for the next summit of our leaders," he said without specifying any timeline. Xi plans to visit India for the 2nd such summit after the general elections, currently underway, are over. Wang said China and India were two major countries, besides being neighbours. "It is natural for us to have differences. This is only natural. I remember Prime Minister Modi mentioned many times that we cannot escalate our differences into disputes. Indian side wants to put our difference at the proper level and it would not for it to interfere in the development of our relations," he said. "I believe this is in the fundamental interest of the people of the two countries and that is what China is happy to see," he said. "One of our differences is how to look at the BRI. The Indian side has its concerns. We understand that and that is why we have stated clearly on many occasions that the BRI including the CPEC is only an economic initiative and it does not target any third country and has nothing to do with the sovereign and territorial disputes left from history between any two countries," he said. The BRI is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. "India has its basic position on these disputes. Our cooperation will not undermine any party's position on those issues," Wang said, apparently suggesting that it would not alter even Pakistan's position on the disputed status of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). China for its part has been maintaining that Kashmir dispute is left over from history and it should be resolved between India and Pakistan. "Now we are trying to achieve common prosperity through the cooperation under the BRI. Those issues left over from history must be separated from our efforts in this area. "I think such cooperation will not undermine your basic position on sovereignty and territorial integrity and at the same time provide you with more opportunities of development and help India in your modernisation endeavour. I believe this is a good option and good choice for India," Wang said.

China gears up for Wuhan-style summit with India despite India's planned boycott of Belt and Road Forum: Chinese FM

BJP president Amit Shah said Friday that his party would abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after getting a majority in both houses of Parliament.

Speaking at a poll rally at Dharampur in Gujarat's Valsad district, he also said the main issue in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections was national security.

"We have already said in our manifesto that we will repeal Article 370 once we get majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha so that Kashmir becomes integral part of India permanently," said Shah.

At present, the BJP does not enjoy a majority in the Upper House of Parliament.

Shah was here to campaign for Dr K C Patel, BJP MP and candidate from Valsad. All 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will go to the polls on April 23.

"This fight is not just about development. There is no doubt development took place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The issue this time is national security and only Modi and the BJP can provide that," he said.

"Only Modi can make India a superpower," he added.

Referring to the air strike carried out by the Air Force on a terrorist training camp inside Pakistan after the Pulwama attack, Shah alleged that when the entire country was celebrating, the Congress was mourning.

"We can understand why Pakistan was upset. But why Rahul Gandhi's party was grieving when terrorists were killed?" he asked.

BJP president Amit Shah said Friday that his party would abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after getting a majority in both houses of Parliament.

BJP president Amit Shah said Friday that his party would abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution which gives a special status to Jammu and Kashmir after getting a majority in both houses of Parliament. Speaking at a poll rally at Dharampur in Gujarat's Valsad district, he also said the main issue in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections was national security. "We have already said in our manifesto that we will repeal Article 370 once we get majority in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha so that Kashmir becomes integral part of India permanently," said Shah. At present, the BJP does not enjoy a majority in the Upper House of Parliament. Shah was here to campaign for Dr K C Patel, BJP MP and candidate from Valsad. All 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will go to the polls on April 23. "This fight is not just about development. There is no doubt development took place under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The issue this time is national security and only Modi and the BJP can provide that," he said. "Only Modi can make India a superpower," he added. Referring to the air strike carried out by the Air Force on a terrorist training camp inside Pakistan after the Pulwama attack, Shah alleged that when the entire country was celebrating, the Congress was mourning. "We can understand why Pakistan was upset. But why Rahul Gandhi's party was grieving when terrorists were killed?" he asked.

Will scrap Article 370 once BJP gets majority in Parliament: Amit Shah

Industrialist Ratan N Tata met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur on April 17, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.

The meeting, which RSS functionaries say a courtesy call, lasted two hours at the organisation`s headquarters, the report added.

This is Tata`s second visit to the RSS headquarters. Tata first visited the RSS headquarters on December 28, 2016.

The industrialist arrived in Nagpur on Tuesday and left the city after meeting the RSS chief on Wednesday.

The confidential meeting came at a time when Lok Sabha elections are underway in India.&nbsp;

Several industrialists have extended support to various political parties and organisations.

Congress leader Milind Deora on Thursday tweeted a montage video in which Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, extended support to Deora in his fight against Shiv Sena`s Arvind Sawant for South Mumbai parliamentary constituency.

"Having represented South Mumbai for 10 years, I believe, Milind has in-depth knowledge of social, economic and cultural ecosystem of the South Bombay constituency," Ambani is seen saying in the video clip. &nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Industrialist Ratan N Tata met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur on April 17, news agency ANI reported quoting sources. The meeting, which RSS functionaries say a courtesy call, lasted two hours at the organisation`s headquarters, the report added.

Industrialist Ratan N Tata met RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur on April 17, news agency ANI reported quoting sources. The meeting, which RSS functionaries say a courtesy call, lasted two hours at the organisation`s headquarters, the report added. This is Tata`s second visit to the RSS headquarters. Tata first visited the RSS headquarters on December 28, 2016. The industrialist arrived in Nagpur on Tuesday and left the city after meeting the RSS chief on Wednesday. The confidential meeting came at a time when Lok Sabha elections are underway in India. Several industrialists have extended support to various political parties and organisations. Congress leader Milind Deora on Thursday tweeted a montage video in which Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, extended support to Deora in his fight against Shiv Sena`s Arvind Sawant for South Mumbai parliamentary constituency. "Having represented South Mumbai for 10 years, I believe, Milind has in-depth knowledge of social, economic and cultural ecosystem of the South Bombay constituency," Ambani is seen saying in the video clip. (With inputs from ANI)

Ratan Tata meets RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in Nagpur

Former prime minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday said that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics.

If Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be by his side, he was quoted as saying.

"I announced three years back that I will not contest elections. There are circumstances now in which I have been forced to contest. There is nothing to hide. I have no ambition of anything but what I always said is that I am not going to retire from active politics," Gowda was quoted as saying on his decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls.

Deve Gowda is contesting from Karnataka`s Tumkur parliamentary constituency against GS Basvaraj of BJP.

When asked if he wants to retire like Advani, he replied with an emphatic `no`, adding, "I want to save my party and the office building."&nbsp;

Commenting on his commitment towards the Congress, he said: "Madam Sonia Gandhi has taken the decision to support Deve Gowda even though we are a small party. Now it is my responsibility to move forward with Congress, though I do agree in some states there is no question of any coalition. But in Tamil Nadu, there is a coalition between Congress and DMK and with Sharad Pawar`s party in Maharashtra."

Responding to accusations of saving the family rather than the party, the JD(S) chief said: "Several leaders who worked with me collectively, have left. Some people are in Congress, some in BJP. I was able to keep the party intact but suffered. I have not allowed my family members to become president of the party."&nbsp;

Former prime minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday said that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics. If Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be by his side, he was quoted as saying.

Former prime minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda on Thursday said that unlike BJP veteran LK Advani, he is not going to retire from active politics. If Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister of the country, he will be by his side, he was quoted as saying. "I announced three years back that I will not contest elections. There are circumstances now in which I have been forced to contest. There is nothing to hide. I have no ambition of anything but what I always said is that I am not going to retire from active politics," Gowda was quoted as saying on his decision to contest the Lok Sabha polls. Deve Gowda is contesting from Karnataka`s Tumkur parliamentary constituency against GS Basvaraj of BJP. When asked if he wants to retire like Advani, he replied with an emphatic `no`, adding, "I want to save my party and the office building." Commenting on his commitment towards the Congress, he said: "Madam Sonia Gandhi has taken the decision to support Deve Gowda even though we are a small party. Now it is my responsibility to move forward with Congress, though I do agree in some states there is no question of any coalition. But in Tamil Nadu, there is a coalition between Congress and DMK and with Sharad Pawar`s party in Maharashtra." Responding to accusations of saving the family rather than the party, the JD(S) chief said: "Several leaders who worked with me collectively, have left. Some people are in Congress, some in BJP. I was able to keep the party intact but suffered. I have not allowed my family members to become president of the party."

Not going to retire from active politics, says Deve Gowda 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-muellers-decision-on-obstruction-helped-save-us-president-donald-trump-211649">How Mueller's decision on obstruction helped save US President Donald Trump</a>

The US Attorney General decided that President Donald Trump did not obstruct a probe into whether his campaign colluded with Russia, but some legal experts said prosecutors laid out a wealth of evidence to the contrary and that they intended to leave that determination to Congress.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uber-lands-1-billion-from-softbank-toyota-for-self-driving-unit-211646">Uber lands $1 billion from SoftBank, Toyota for self-driving unit</a>

Uber's autonomous vehicle unit has raised $1 billion from a consortium of investors including SoftBank Group Corp, giving the company a much-needed funding boost for its pricey self-driving ambitions on the eve of its public stock offering.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-in-major-cabinet-reshuffle-portfolios-of-several-ministers-changed-211652">In major cabinet reshuffle, portfolios of several ministers changed in Pakistan</a>

Announcing his first major cabinet reshuffle after taking office, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday brought in five new aides and changed the portfolios of four ministers, including that of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who has now been assigned Science and Technology ministry.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-unflattering-detail-mueller-report-reveals-trump-actions-to-impede-inquiry-211647">In unflattering detail, Mueller report reveals Trump actions to impede inquiry</a>

Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on his inquiry into Russia's role in the 2016 US election described in extensive and sometimes unflattering detail how&nbsp;President Donald Trump&nbsp;tried to impede the probe, raising questions about whether he committed the crime of obstruction of justice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-finds-no-conspiracy-but-extensive-trump-russia-contacts-211659">Mueller finds no conspiracy, but extensive Trump-Russia contacts</a>

Special Counsel Robert Mueller may not have found evidence of a criminal conspiracy between&nbsp;Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia, but his report details extensive contacts between the campaign and Russian operatives who sought to influence the election. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

How Mueller's decision on obstruction helped save US President Donald Trump The US Attorney General decided that President Donald Trump did not obstruct a probe into whether his campaign colluded with Russia, but some legal experts said prosecutors laid out a wealth of evidence to the contrary and that they intended to leave that determination to Congress.

How Mueller's decision on obstruction helped save US President Donald Trump The US Attorney General decided that President Donald Trump did not obstruct a probe into whether his campaign colluded with Russia, but some legal experts said prosecutors laid out a wealth of evidence to the contrary and that they intended to leave that determination to Congress. Uber lands $1 billion from SoftBank, Toyota for self-driving unit Uber's autonomous vehicle unit has raised $1 billion from a consortium of investors including SoftBank Group Corp, giving the company a much-needed funding boost for its pricey self-driving ambitions on the eve of its public stock offering. In major cabinet reshuffle, portfolios of several ministers changed in Pakistan Announcing his first major cabinet reshuffle after taking office, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday brought in five new aides and changed the portfolios of four ministers, including that of Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, who has now been assigned Science and Technology ministry. In unflattering detail, Mueller report reveals Trump actions to impede inquiry Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on his inquiry into Russia's role in the 2016 US election described in extensive and sometimes unflattering detail how President Donald Trump tried to impede the probe, raising questions about whether he committed the crime of obstruction of justice. Mueller finds no conspiracy, but extensive Trump-Russia contacts Special Counsel Robert Mueller may not have found evidence of a criminal conspiracy between Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia, but his report details extensive contacts between the campaign and Russian operatives who sought to influence the election.

News brief: Big stories of the day

An Indian has been extradited to the US from Singapore to face charges of his involvement in a multi-million dollar India-based call centre scam that targeted Americans.

Hitesh Madhubhai Patel, 42, of Ahmedabad is scheduled to be arraigned Friday before a US magistrate judge in federal court in Houston.

The indictment, which was unsealed in October 2016, charged Patel and 60 other individuals and entities with general conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.

The US Justice Department said that the massive India-based telephone impersonation fraud and money laundering conspiracy defrauded thousands of US residents out of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department's Criminal Division said Patel operated a call centre that allegedly preyed upon vulnerable US citizens as part of a massive fraud scheme.

"This extradition once again demonstrates the Department's unwavering commitment to disrupt and dismantle the India-based call centre scam industry and to work with our foreign partners to hold accountable those who perpetrate schemes that defraud our citizens," he said.

US Attorney Ryan Patrick of the Southern District of Texas said large complex international cases like these often take years to bring in foreign-based defendants, applauding America's global partners in helping bring this case closer to a conclusion".

The Justice Department said that Singapore authorities apprehended Patel at the request of the US following a provisional arrest warrant in September last year after he flew from India to Singapore.

The Singaporean Minister for Law issued a warrant on March 25, 2019, for Patel to be delivered into the custody of the United States.

The indictment alleges that Patel operated the HGlobal call centre conglomerate and participated in a complex fraudulent scheme involving a network of call centres based in Ahmedabad.

Using information obtained from data brokers and other sources, India-based conspirators allegedly called potential victims while impersonating officials from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

According to the indictment, the call centre conspirators then threatened victims with arrest, imprisonment, fines or deportation if they did not pay taxes or penalties to the government.

When victims agreed to pay, the call centres used a network of US-based conspirators to quickly liquidate and launder the extorted funds through the use of stored value cards or via wire transfers.

As alleged in the indictment, the stored value cards were often registered by the scammers using misappropriated personal identifying information of thousands of identity theft victims, and conspirators collected the wire transfers by using fake names and fraudulent identifications.

The call centre conspirators also defrauded victims through other schemes, including via offering fake short-term loans or grants.

The indictment alleges that the conspirators would then request a good-faith deposit to show the victims' ability to pay back the loan or a fee to process the grant. The victims of the alleged scam never received any money after making the requested payment.

A total of 24 domestic defendants associated with this transnational criminal scheme have previously been convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment of up to 20 years in the Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona and Northern District of Georgia.

The defendants were also ordered to pay millions of dollars in victim restitution and money judgments and to forfeit seized assets.

Some defendants were ordered to be deported based on their illegal immigration status, with another defendant having his US citizenship revoked due to a separate conviction for immigration fraud. The remaining India-based defendants have yet to be arraigned in this case.

Executive Associate Director Derek Benner of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) said Patel's extradition should serve as a strong deterrent to anyone considering taking part in similar scams and hoped it provides a sense of justice for the victims as well.

Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Russell George said since 2013, the IRS impersonation scam has been on a relentless path, claiming more than 15,000 victims who have collectively suffered over USD 75 million in losses.

"TIGTA's investigations, often conducted with other Federal agencies, have identified 140 scammers, including Patel, who have preyed upon taxpayers.

"Today's extradition and arraignment are proof that TIGTA and its law enforcement partners will be equally relentless in rooting out individuals who fraudulently identify themselves as IRS employees in order to extort money from taxpayers," George said.

Special Agent in Charge David Green of DHS-OIG Houston, Texas Field Office said the owners, managers and employees of overseas call centres who target US residents should know that the US pursuit of justice for victims of their scams does not stop at the water's edge.

"We will continue to work with our international partners to identify these fraudsters, track them down and hold them accountable for their crimes," Green said.

An Indian has been extradited to the US from Singapore to face charges of his involvement in a multi-million dollar India-based call centre scam that targeted Americans.

An Indian has been extradited to the US from Singapore to face charges of his involvement in a multi-million dollar India-based call centre scam that targeted Americans. Hitesh Madhubhai Patel, 42, of Ahmedabad is scheduled to be arraigned Friday before a US magistrate judge in federal court in Houston. The indictment, which was unsealed in October 2016, charged Patel and 60 other individuals and entities with general conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. The US Justice Department said that the massive India-based telephone impersonation fraud and money laundering conspiracy defrauded thousands of US residents out of hundreds of millions of dollars. Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department's Criminal Division said Patel operated a call centre that allegedly preyed upon vulnerable US citizens as part of a massive fraud scheme. "This extradition once again demonstrates the Department's unwavering commitment to disrupt and dismantle the India-based call centre scam industry and to work with our foreign partners to hold accountable those who perpetrate schemes that defraud our citizens," he said. US Attorney Ryan Patrick of the Southern District of Texas said large complex international cases like these often take years to bring in foreign-based defendants, applauding America's global partners in helping bring this case closer to a conclusion". The Justice Department said that Singapore authorities apprehended Patel at the request of the US following a provisional arrest warrant in September last year after he flew from India to Singapore. The Singaporean Minister for Law issued a warrant on March 25, 2019, for Patel to be delivered into the custody of the United States. The indictment alleges that Patel operated the HGlobal call centre conglomerate and participated in a complex fraudulent scheme involving a network of call centres based in Ahmedabad. Using information obtained from data brokers and other sources, India-based conspirators allegedly called potential victims while impersonating officials from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or US Citizenship and Immigration Services. According to the indictment, the call centre conspirators then threatened victims with arrest, imprisonment, fines or deportation if they did not pay taxes or penalties to the government. When victims agreed to pay, the call centres used a network of US-based conspirators to quickly liquidate and launder the extorted funds through the use of stored value cards or via wire transfers. As alleged in the indictment, the stored value cards were often registered by the scammers using misappropriated personal identifying information of thousands of identity theft victims, and conspirators collected the wire transfers by using fake names and fraudulent identifications. The call centre conspirators also defrauded victims through other schemes, including via offering fake short-term loans or grants. The indictment alleges that the conspirators would then request a good-faith deposit to show the victims' ability to pay back the loan or a fee to process the grant. The victims of the alleged scam never received any money after making the requested payment. A total of 24 domestic defendants associated with this transnational criminal scheme have previously been convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment of up to 20 years in the Southern District of Texas, District of Arizona and Northern District of Georgia. The defendants were also ordered to pay millions of dollars in victim restitution and money judgments and to forfeit seized assets. Some defendants were ordered to be deported based on their illegal immigration status, with another defendant having his US citizenship revoked due to a separate conviction for immigration fraud. The remaining India-based defendants have yet to be arraigned in this case. Executive Associate Director Derek Benner of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) said Patel's extradition should serve as a strong deterrent to anyone considering taking part in similar scams and hoped it provides a sense of justice for the victims as well. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Russell George said since 2013, the IRS impersonation scam has been on a relentless path, claiming more than 15,000 victims who have collectively suffered over USD 75 million in losses. "TIGTA's investigations, often conducted with other Federal agencies, have identified 140 scammers, including Patel, who have preyed upon taxpayers. "Today's extradition and arraignment are proof that TIGTA and its law enforcement partners will be equally relentless in rooting out individuals who fraudulently identify themselves as IRS employees in order to extort money from taxpayers," George said. Special Agent in Charge David Green of DHS-OIG Houston, Texas Field Office said the owners, managers and employees of overseas call centres who target US residents should know that the US pursuit of justice for victims of their scams does not stop at the water's edge. "We will continue to work with our international partners to identify these fraudsters, track them down and hold them accountable for their crimes," Green said.

Indian extradited to US from Singapore for multi-million dollar call centre scam

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said.

Hardik Patel had to later travel by road to Lunawada, around 100km from Ahmedabad, to address an election rally.

The 25-year-old, who led the Patidar reservation stir in Gujarat since 2015 and joined the Congress last month, has emerged as a star campaigner for the opposition party, criss- crossing the state in a helicopter to address poll rallies.

His helicopter ride to Lunawada to address an election rally for Congress’s Panchmahal Lok Sabha candidate Vechatbhai Khant got into trouble after a farmer, Vinay Patel, went back on his permission to allow the chopper to land on his private field, the official said.

Vinay Patel sounded upset with Hardik Patel, saying he is “playing politics on the bodies of those who died” during the Patidar reservation agitation.

“Hardik was to attend an election rally at 5 pm Thursday at Lunawada and two days ago permission was granted for his helicopter to land at a private land.

“But the owner of the private land on which the temporary helipad was to be constructed for the chopper to land declined (permission) at the last moment,” said resident additional collector R R Thakkar.

Since the permission to land his helicopter was cancelled, Hardik Patel travelled to the town by road to address the rally, Thakkar said.

Vinay Patel claimed permission for the helicopter’s landing was sought from district authorities here by a local Congress leader without his knowledge.

“On April 16, local Congress leader Suresh Patel had sought permission (from authorities) for a helipad without my knowledge. When I learnt that he was given permission, I raised objection after which action was taken,” he said.

“I know Hardik, the Patidar leader from our community, and I know who he is. I object to him putting foot on my land because he is doing politics on the dead bodies of 14 Patidar youths (killed during the quota agitation),” he said.&nbsp;

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said.

Congress leader Hardik Patel had to cancel his helicopter ride to Lunawada in Mahisagar district of Gujarat Thursday at the last moment after the farmer on whose field the chopper was to land did not give his nod for its use as a helipad, an official said. Hardik Patel had to later travel by road to Lunawada, around 100km from Ahmedabad, to address an election rally. The 25-year-old, who led the Patidar reservation stir in Gujarat since 2015 and joined the Congress last month, has emerged as a star campaigner for the opposition party, criss- crossing the state in a helicopter to address poll rallies. His helicopter ride to Lunawada to address an election rally for Congress’s Panchmahal Lok Sabha candidate Vechatbhai Khant got into trouble after a farmer, Vinay Patel, went back on his permission to allow the chopper to land on his private field, the official said. Vinay Patel sounded upset with Hardik Patel, saying he is “playing politics on the bodies of those who died” during the Patidar reservation agitation. “Hardik was to attend an election rally at 5 pm Thursday at Lunawada and two days ago permission was granted for his helicopter to land at a private land. “But the owner of the private land on which the temporary helipad was to be constructed for the chopper to land declined (permission) at the last moment,” said resident additional collector R R Thakkar. Since the permission to land his helicopter was cancelled, Hardik Patel travelled to the town by road to address the rally, Thakkar said. Vinay Patel claimed permission for the helicopter’s landing was sought from district authorities here by a local Congress leader without his knowledge. “On April 16, local Congress leader Suresh Patel had sought permission (from authorities) for a helipad without my knowledge. When I learnt that he was given permission, I raised objection after which action was taken,” he said. “I know Hardik, the Patidar leader from our community, and I know who he is. I object to him putting foot on my land because he is doing politics on the dead bodies of 14 Patidar youths (killed during the quota agitation),” he said.

‘Playing politics on bodies’: Farmer refuses to let Hardik Patel’s chopper land on his farm

Once bitter rivals&nbsp;SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati are scheduled to share the stage at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

Preparations are underway for the rally at Christian Field to send out a message to our political opponents that the alliance against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh shares a strong bond, an SP party leader was quoted as saying.

Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters.

The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP.

Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded&nbsp;by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has confirmed the SP founder's presence at the Mainpuri rally, the report added.

SP's Sadar MLA, Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav, who is looking after the preparations, said Mulayam Singh Yadav will reach the venue by noon.

Mayawati has already asked workers of both the BSP and the SP to shun their differences and work for the victory of the alliance in the state.

Once bitter rivals SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati are scheduled to share the stage at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

Once bitter rivals SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati are scheduled to share the stage at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday. Preparations are underway for the rally at Christian Field to send out a message to our political opponents that the alliance against the BJP in Uttar Pradesh shares a strong bond, an SP party leader was quoted as saying. Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati have been bitter rivals since 1995 when SP cadres allegedly attacked the state guest house where the BSP chief had been camping with her supporters. The SP patriarch, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri was conspicuous by his absence at the three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra due to his antipathy to his party's alliance with the BSP. Reports suggest that Mulayam Singh Yadav was not too keen on attending Friday's rally as well but was persuaded by his son and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav who has confirmed the SP founder's presence at the Mainpuri rally, the report added. SP's Sadar MLA, Raj Kumar alias Raju Yadav, who is looking after the preparations, said Mulayam Singh Yadav will reach the venue by noon. Mayawati has already asked workers of both the BSP and the SP to shun their differences and work for the victory of the alliance in the state.

Once arch-rivals, Mulayam, Mayawati to share stage in Uttar Pradesh rally

Bharatiya Janata Party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur apologised for her statement made earlier in the day against 26/11 attack martyr Hemant Karkare. She said that it was her "personal pain"

While taking back her statement, Sadhvi Pragya said, "I felt that the enemies of the country were being benefited from it."&nbsp;

"Therefore I take back my statement and apologise for it, it was my personal pain."

"Hemant Karkare died from the bullets of terrorists from the enemy country, he is certainly a martyr," she added.

Addressing BJP workers in Bhopal on Thursday, Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya had said that she "cursed" him for torturing her.

"He tortured me and subjected me to harsh abuse which was unbearable. I told him he will be destroyed. A little over a month later 'sutak' (ritual observed after the death of a family member) was going to start...Just over a month later, he was shot dead by terrorists and the inauspicious period ended," PTI reported Sadhvi Pragya as saying.

Karkare was killed along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in November 2008.

Out on bail, Pragya has been discharged by a court on charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the 2008 case but is still facing trial under other criminal provisions, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Meanwhile, BJP in its official statement over the remark, said, "BJP considers him a martyr. This is Sadhvi Pragya's personal statement which she might have given because of the mental &amp; physical torture she had faced." 
&nbsp;

Bharatiya Janata Party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur apologised for her statement made earlier in the day against 26/11 attack martyr Hemant Karkare.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur apologised for her statement made earlier in the day against 26/11 attack martyr Hemant Karkare. She said that it was her "personal pain" While taking back her statement, Sadhvi Pragya said, "I felt that the enemies of the country were being benefited from it." "Therefore I take back my statement and apologise for it, it was my personal pain." "Hemant Karkare died from the bullets of terrorists from the enemy country, he is certainly a martyr," she added. Addressing BJP workers in Bhopal on Thursday, Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya had said that she "cursed" him for torturing her. "He tortured me and subjected me to harsh abuse which was unbearable. I told him he will be destroyed. A little over a month later 'sutak' (ritual observed after the death of a family member) was going to start...Just over a month later, he was shot dead by terrorists and the inauspicious period ended," PTI reported Sadhvi Pragya as saying. Karkare was killed along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai in November 2008. Out on bail, Pragya has been discharged by a court on charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in the 2008 case but is still facing trial under other criminal provisions, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Meanwhile, BJP in its official statement over the remark, said, "BJP considers him a martyr. This is Sadhvi Pragya's personal statement which she might have given because of the mental & physical torture she had faced."

I take back my statement and apologise for it: Sadhvi Pragya on her remark on Hemant Karkare

The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday appealed to around 500 Indians to leave Tripoli "immediately," as the situation continues to deteriorate in Libya.

The Indian civilians continue to remain in the Libyan capital, despite massive evacuations and a travel ban which is in place, according to Swaraj.

"Even after massive evacuation from Libya and the travel ban, there are over 500 Indian nationals in Tripoli. The situation in Tripoli is deteriorating fast. Presently, flights are operational. Please, ask your relatives and friends to leave Tripoli immediately. We will not be able to evacuate them later," she tweeted.

Efforts to evacuate all Indians have been underway ever since tensions rose in Tripoli on April 4, when Khalifa Haftar announced an attack on the Libyan capital to capture the region from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA).

India already removed its entire contingent of peacekeeping forces comprising of 15 CRPF personnel on April 6 from Tripoli, a move which was followed by countries like the United States and Nepal.

More than 200 people have lost their lives and 913 have been wounded ever since clashes erupted in the region as Haftar's Libyan National Army advanced towards Tripoli.

Libya has been largely divided into two factions ever since the death of its dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

The LNA-backed parliament controls the east of Libya, while the UN-backed interim GNA governs Libya's western region from Tripoli.

Most of the international community has urged for a peaceful resolution to the intense fighting which has ensued in the African nation.

The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday appealed to around 500 Indians to leave Tripoli "immediately," as the situation continues to deteriorate in Libya.

The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday appealed to around 500 Indians to leave Tripoli "immediately," as the situation continues to deteriorate in Libya. The Indian civilians continue to remain in the Libyan capital, despite massive evacuations and a travel ban which is in place, according to Swaraj. "Even after massive evacuation from Libya and the travel ban, there are over 500 Indian nationals in Tripoli. The situation in Tripoli is deteriorating fast. Presently, flights are operational. Please, ask your relatives and friends to leave Tripoli immediately. We will not be able to evacuate them later," she tweeted. Efforts to evacuate all Indians have been underway ever since tensions rose in Tripoli on April 4, when Khalifa Haftar announced an attack on the Libyan capital to capture the region from the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA). India already removed its entire contingent of peacekeeping forces comprising of 15 CRPF personnel on April 6 from Tripoli, a move which was followed by countries like the United States and Nepal. More than 200 people have lost their lives and 913 have been wounded ever since clashes erupted in the region as Haftar's Libyan National Army advanced towards Tripoli. Libya has been largely divided into two factions ever since the death of its dictator Muammar Gaddafi. The LNA-backed parliament controls the east of Libya, while the UN-backed interim GNA governs Libya's western region from Tripoli. Most of the international community has urged for a peaceful resolution to the intense fighting which has ensued in the African nation.

Libya crisis: Sushma Swaraj asks Indians stranded in Tripoli to leave immediately

Ex-Congress spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-not-true-that-i-quit-congress-after-being-denied-lok-sabha-ticket-says-priyanka-chaturvedi-after-joining-shiv-sena-211788">Priyanka Chaturvedi who joined Shiv Sena </a>on Thursday told Zee News that it was not just one incident but a series of incidents which affected her family resulting in her ultimate decision to leave the party.

Priyanka Chaturvedi said the reinduction&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766">Congress workers into the party</a> who misbehaved with her&nbsp;deeply hurt her self-respect which led her to leave the party and "start again" from the place where she began her political journey in 2008.

"I started my political career in 2008 because the 26/11 attacks changed my outlook towards Mumbai. I quit my job to serve the people, but the focus got lost in all these years," Priyanka Chaturvedi said, adding,"I have quit a national-level political party and thought process to join a political party which has worked for Maharashtra, formed governments here and behaved responsibly."

When asked about Congress party president Rahul Gandhi's reaction after she decided to quit, the former Congress spokesperson said she felt alone in her fight.

"An organisation doesn't depend on one person, it moves forward with the coming together of people with similar ideologies. Whatever happened in Mathura, was condemnable and the culprits were suspended. But I was disappointed when their suspension was revoked."

"I also brought the issue to the notice of the party, but the expected decision was not taken. So I made up my mind that my fight for women should continue, and ensure that women are not silenced."

She said her fight will continue with clear goals aimed at women, youth and child welfare.

"I joined Congress without any expectation, and to serve people. I had a clear goal that I will work for women, youth and children. And I plan to continue my fight now as a Shiv Sena member," she said while laying out her plans for the new party.

"Together, we will work towards bringing change in Mumbai, Maharashtra and the entire country," she said.

Ex-Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi who joined Shiv Sena on Thursday told Zee News that it was not just one incident but a series of incidents which affected her family resulting in her ultimate decision to leave the party.

Ex-Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi who joined Shiv Sena on Thursday told Zee News that it was not just one incident but a series of incidents which affected her family resulting in her ultimate decision to leave the party. Priyanka Chaturvedi said the reinduction of Congress workers into the party who misbehaved with her deeply hurt her self-respect which led her to leave the party and "start again" from the place where she began her political journey in 2008. "I started my political career in 2008 because the 26/11 attacks changed my outlook towards Mumbai. I quit my job to serve the people, but the focus got lost in all these years," Priyanka Chaturvedi said, adding,"I have quit a national-level political party and thought process to join a political party which has worked for Maharashtra, formed governments here and behaved responsibly." When asked about Congress party president Rahul Gandhi's reaction after she decided to quit, the former Congress spokesperson said she felt alone in her fight. "An organisation doesn't depend on one person, it moves forward with the coming together of people with similar ideologies. Whatever happened in Mathura, was condemnable and the culprits were suspended. But I was disappointed when their suspension was revoked." "I also brought the issue to the notice of the party, but the expected decision was not taken. So I made up my mind that my fight for women should continue, and ensure that women are not silenced." She said her fight will continue with clear goals aimed at women, youth and child welfare. "I joined Congress without any expectation, and to serve people. I had a clear goal that I will work for women, youth and children. And I plan to continue my fight now as a Shiv Sena member," she said while laying out her plans for the new party. "Together, we will work towards bringing change in Mumbai, Maharashtra and the entire country," she said.

I plan to continue my fight as Shiv Sena member: Priyanka Chaturvedi

The trouble at Jet Airways NSE -31.46 % is expected to spill over on to the balance sheets and revenues of leading hotel chains and in-flight catering companies that are on the growing list of vendors to which the airline owes money.

Jet Airways' wings fold impacted Hospitality sector

Civil Aviation Secretary Pradeep Singh Kharola briefed media following cessation of the Jet Airways flights. Watch full video to know more.

Civil aviation secretary brief media over Jet Airways crisis

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/general-elections-2019-voters-politicians-celebrities-queue-up-to-vote-in-second-phase-211518">95 Lok Sabha constituencies </a>across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states.

Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said.

Polling was held for 95 Lok Sabha seats in 11 states, with Tamil Nadu voting in 38 of its 39 constituencies, and the union territory of Puducherry.

While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, the poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants.

Overall voter turnout was recorded at 68.48%

Assam - 77.43% 
Bihar - 62.05% 
Jammu and Kashmir - 45.64% 
Karnataka - 68.52% 
Maharashtra - 62.27% 
Manipur - 81.09% 
Odisha - 65.75% 
Tamil Nadu - 71.87% 
Uttar Pradesh - 62.05% 
West Bengal - 77.28% 
Chhattisgarh - 73.57% 
Puducherry - 78.17%

Referring to the issue of 'glitches in EVMs, deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain said, a total of 1,000 ballot units, 769 control units 2,766 paper trail machines were replaced.

For 543 seats, Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting will take place on May 23.

(With inputs from agencies)

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in 95 Lok Sabha constituencies across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states.

A turnout of 68.44 per cent was recorded in 95 Lok Sabha constituencies across 11 states and a Union Territory on Thursday in the second phase of polling which was marred by stray incidents of violence in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir and EVM glitches in seven states. Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said. Barring sporadic incidents of violence, the polling went off peacefully, Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said. Polling was held for 95 Lok Sabha seats in 11 states, with Tamil Nadu voting in 38 of its 39 constituencies, and the union territory of Puducherry. While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, the poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants. Overall voter turnout was recorded at 68.48% Assam - 77.43% Bihar - 62.05% Jammu and Kashmir - 45.64% Karnataka - 68.52% Maharashtra - 62.27% Manipur - 81.09% Odisha - 65.75% Tamil Nadu - 71.87% Uttar Pradesh - 62.05% West Bengal - 77.28% Chhattisgarh - 73.57% Puducherry - 78.17% Referring to the issue of 'glitches in EVMs, deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain said, a total of 1,000 ballot units, 769 control units 2,766 paper trail machines were replaced. For 543 seats, Lok Sabha polls are being conducted in seven phases: April 11, April 18, April 23, April 29, May 6, May 12 and May 19. Counting will take place on May 23. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Jammu and Kashmir sees lowest turnout with 46%, Manipur tops with 81.09% in phase 2

Embattled liquor tycoon<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-high-court-rejects-vijay-mallyas-appeal-against-the-extradition-order-208774"> Vijay Mallya </a>once again used social media to reiterate his offer to pay back the debt owed to public sector banks in India, targeting this time the State Bank of India (SBI) for allegedly wasting Indian taxpayers' money on expensive legal fees in the UK.

Days after a UK High Court judge refused to dismiss an interim order freezing nearly 260,000 pounds in one of his London bank accounts, the 63-year-old issued a string of statements on Twitter to allege that the SBI led a consortium of PSU banks were wrongly going after him in the UK courts.

"SBI Lawyers in UK making presentations on their accomplishments against me. Indian Taxpayers cost. Despite a full recovery in India confirmed by the Prime Minister himself,"&nbsp;he tweeted on Friday.

His statements were illustrated with a series of document screenshots showing TLT LLP, the banks' law firm, hailing its victory in the 1.142 billion pounds worldwide freezing order judgment in their favour last May.

"SBI UK Lawyers in self-promotion at Indian public cost. SBI must answer,"&nbsp;reads Mallya's tweet.

In his characteristic style, the media was once again at the receiving end of the former Kingfisher Airlines boss' social media comments.

He noted, "Whilst media love sensational headlines, why doesn't anybody ask the PSU State Bank of India under RTI [Right to Information] on how much they are spending on legal fees trying to recover money from me in the UK when I have offered 100 per cent payback in India.

"To substantiate my point, assets belonging to me in the UK were sold and the costs of sale were almost 50 per cent of value. The remaining assets yet to be sold won't cover legal costs. So what's this all about"&nbsp;To enrich UK Lawyers? SBI please answer."

On Thursday, Mallya had made another reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview from last month, in which he had claimed that the government had recovered assets worth Rs 14,000 crores related to the now-defunct airline's loan defaults.&nbsp;

Mallya is wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to an alleged Rs 9,000 crores.

The series of statements follow a ruling by Master David Cook, a judge in the Queen's Bench Division of the Royal Courts of Justice in London, earlier this week which went against Mallya. Master Cook ruled that an interim debt order in favour of SBI and other banks seeking access to funds in Mallya's ICICI UK bank account "should remain in force".&nbsp;

However, the application to make it final has been adjourned until after the hearing of Mallya's pending bankruptcy petition, expected by the end of this year.

The funds held in the account "258,559.79 pounds"&nbsp;will meanwhile remain frozen as part of the worldwide freezing order in favour of the Indian banks last year.

Mallya's lawyers had argued for the dismissal of the interim order on a number of grounds, including a claim that it was a "deliberate ploy"&nbsp;to prevent Mallya "reasonable"&nbsp;court-sanctioned living expenses.&nbsp;

However, the judge rejected the assertion and noted that the Indian banks are within their rights to discover the true extent of Mallya's assets in order to recover the estimated 1.142 billion pounds owed to them, arising from proceedings in the Bangalore Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) against Kingfisher Airlines and others.&nbsp;

The DRT case was registered in the UK under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933 and went in favour of the Indian banks in an appeal in May 2018.

The banks "SBI, Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu &amp; Kashmir Bank, Punjab &amp; Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd"&nbsp;have since also filed a bankruptcy petition against Mallya, which is being challenged by the former Kingfisher Airlines boss and is expected to come up for hearing around December this year.

TLT LLP, the law firm acting for the Indian banks, has been pursuing a series of court orders in the UK courts as part of efforts to enforce last year's High Court judgment in favour of the banks.

Meanwhile, Mallya remains on bail after his extradition was signed off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid in February and is seeking leave to appeal against that order in the UK High Court. An oral hearing on his appeal renewal application is expected in the coming weeks. 
&nbsp;

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya once again used social media to reiterate his offer to pay back the debt owed to public sector banks in India, targeting this time the State Bank of India (SBI) for allegedly wasting Indian taxpayers' money on expensive legal fees in the UK.

Embattled liquor tycoon Vijay Mallya once again used social media to reiterate his offer to pay back the debt owed to public sector banks in India, targeting this time the State Bank of India (SBI) for allegedly wasting Indian taxpayers' money on expensive legal fees in the UK. Days after a UK High Court judge refused to dismiss an interim order freezing nearly 260,000 pounds in one of his London bank accounts, the 63-year-old issued a string of statements on Twitter to allege that the SBI led a consortium of PSU banks were wrongly going after him in the UK courts. "SBI Lawyers in UK making presentations on their accomplishments against me. Indian Taxpayers cost. Despite a full recovery in India confirmed by the Prime Minister himself," he tweeted on Friday. His statements were illustrated with a series of document screenshots showing TLT LLP, the banks' law firm, hailing its victory in the 1.142 billion pounds worldwide freezing order judgment in their favour last May. "SBI UK Lawyers in self-promotion at Indian public cost. SBI must answer," reads Mallya's tweet. In his characteristic style, the media was once again at the receiving end of the former Kingfisher Airlines boss' social media comments. He noted, "Whilst media love sensational headlines, why doesn't anybody ask the PSU State Bank of India under RTI [Right to Information] on how much they are spending on legal fees trying to recover money from me in the UK when I have offered 100 per cent payback in India. "To substantiate my point, assets belonging to me in the UK were sold and the costs of sale were almost 50 per cent of value. The remaining assets yet to be sold won't cover legal costs. So what's this all about" To enrich UK Lawyers? SBI please answer." On Thursday, Mallya had made another reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interview from last month, in which he had claimed that the government had recovered assets worth Rs 14,000 crores related to the now-defunct airline's loan defaults. Mallya is wanted in India on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to an alleged Rs 9,000 crores. The series of statements follow a ruling by Master David Cook, a judge in the Queen's Bench Division of the Royal Courts of Justice in London, earlier this week which went against Mallya. Master Cook ruled that an interim debt order in favour of SBI and other banks seeking access to funds in Mallya's ICICI UK bank account "should remain in force". However, the application to make it final has been adjourned until after the hearing of Mallya's pending bankruptcy petition, expected by the end of this year. The funds held in the account "258,559.79 pounds" will meanwhile remain frozen as part of the worldwide freezing order in favour of the Indian banks last year. Mallya's lawyers had argued for the dismissal of the interim order on a number of grounds, including a claim that it was a "deliberate ploy" to prevent Mallya "reasonable" court-sanctioned living expenses. However, the judge rejected the assertion and noted that the Indian banks are within their rights to discover the true extent of Mallya's assets in order to recover the estimated 1.142 billion pounds owed to them, arising from proceedings in the Bangalore Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) against Kingfisher Airlines and others. The DRT case was registered in the UK under the Foreign Judgments (Reciprocal Enforcement) Act 1933 and went in favour of the Indian banks in an appeal in May 2018. The banks "SBI, Bank of Baroda, Corporation Bank, Federal Bank Ltd, IDBI Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of Mysore, UCO Bank, United Bank of India and JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Co. Pvt Ltd" have since also filed a bankruptcy petition against Mallya, which is being challenged by the former Kingfisher Airlines boss and is expected to come up for hearing around December this year. TLT LLP, the law firm acting for the Indian banks, has been pursuing a series of court orders in the UK courts as part of efforts to enforce last year's High Court judgment in favour of the banks. Meanwhile, Mallya remains on bail after his extradition was signed off by UK home secretary Sajid Javid in February and is seeking leave to appeal against that order in the UK High Court. An oral hearing on his appeal renewal application is expected in the coming weeks.

Vijay Mallya accuses SBI of wasting Indian taxpayers' money on UK legal fees

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Vijay Mallya accuses SBI of wasting Indian taxpayers' money on UK legal fees