Blasts heard in Sanaa as Saudi-led coalition warns civilians to evacuate; Houthis vow retaliation

China's counter-surveillance industry booms amid heightened espionage fears | Gravitas

Saudi Arabia strikes Yemen oil sites as Houthi missiles target Riyadh; 'limited fire' breaks out at Aramco

Navratri 2026: 9 days, 9 forms of Goddess Durga and 9 colours- Check the complete list

Trump accuses Houthis of driving up oil prices before US midterms, warns of consequences

New Delhi rejects Beijing’s claims and remarks on Ladakh location naming exercise

Russian woman and Bihar boy's love story goes viral after she reaches India to marry him

US Midterms 2026: In Alaska, cost-of-living anxiety meets strangest ballot in high-stakes Senate race

CMs Vijay-Naidu meet in Vijayawada, discuss water sharing, river-linking

'Don't ever mess with nature!': Trump’s tiger attack post triggers social media backlash as victim's family issues heartbreaking tribute

OpenAI employee arrested by FBI after allegedly hiding recording device in office

1,500 drones illuminate Mumbai sky as Cordelia Cruises unveils second ship, Cordelia Sky

Ranabaali: Vijay Deverakonda, Rashmika Mandanna film gets U/A certificate with zero cuts

Delhi Police arrest Cockroach Janta Party's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde in Jantar Mantar case, to be produced before court

Pope Leo XIV diagnosed with lung cancer after surgery, Vatican says 'successful surgery and recovering'

Pakistan to chair UN-backed global Borrowers’ Platform as its own debt burden mounts, triggers sarcastic reactions on social media

Robot gropes girl, makes thrusting movements in bizarre crime in Germany

France accuses Musk of ‘online harassment’ of European leaders, warns of poll interference

MI5 chief warns Russia is UK’s ‘aggressor number one’ as Iran and AI threats grow

'Turn approver, resign, we'll forgive you': Rahul Gandhi claims receiving messages from CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Trump reconsidering calling off Nidal Hasan's execution livestream. Here's why

‘My president, I mean my husband’: Trump's new press secretary Katie Zacharia's first briefing goes off the rails in 14 minutes

‘How many people did she illegally bring from Somalia?’ Trump targets Ilhan Omar, questions her net worth

Marco Rubio to visit India next week, focus on energy cooperation and strategic ties

Is the AI chip boom already over? Global semiconductor stocks slide as investors question unbridled spending

L Murugan resigns as Union Minister, expresses wish to return to grassroots

'Ouch!!! That must hurt': Kangana Ranaut hails Kamal Haasan's sharp reply to Elon Musk over Starlink row

Girl 'dead' for 8 hours wakes up at her own funeral, dad insists she wasn't breathing

Sidhu Moose Wala’s younger brother wins hearts by recreating late singer’s signature move at Toronto Hologram Show

UK school ditches technology, shifts from screen to pen and paper for learning

New OTT releases this week (October 12-18, 2026): Sacrifice, Koffee with Karan S9, Roadies Rebirth- 6 titles coming on Netflix, JioHotstar and more

Anupam Kher joins Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana as Jatayu, new poster unveiled

Measles kills again: 6 dead in Pennsylvania as America faces its worst outbreak in decades | Gravitas

Ken Paxton's Dubai night out with two US fugitives sparks political storm as Texas Senate race tightens

Cornell University suspends fraternity parties over 2024 gang rape allegations

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-never-agreed-to-testify-on-mueller-report-says-trump-211835">I never agreed to testify on Mueller report, says Trump</a>

President Doanld Trump today slammed the Mueller report calling it "fabricated" and asserting that it was written by "18 angry democrat Trump haters".

"I never agreed to testify, it was not necessary for me to respond to statements made in the “report” about me," the US president tweeted, adding,"this was an illegally started hoax that never should have happened."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-trade-in-california-almonds-through-loc-route-funded-terror-in-jk-211806">How trade in California almonds through LoC route funded terror in J&amp;K</a>

India on Thursday had suspended trade with Pakistan at the Line of Control (LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-iconic-leader-mulayam-singh-to-contest-his-last-election-at-mainpuri-211794">India’s iconic leader Mulayam Singh to contest his last election at Mainpuri</a>

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/postmortem-report-reveals-nd-tiwaris-son-died-of-unnatural-death-police-211818">Postmortem report reveals ND Tiwari's son died 'unnatural' death: Police</a>

Three days after Rohit Shekhar Tiwari, son of former Uttarakhand chief minister ND Tiwari, was "brought dead" to a Delhi hospital, postmortem report revealed that he died of "unnatural" death, police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-vladivostok-could-be-possible-host-city-for-putin-kim-summit-211814">Russia's Vladivostok could be possible host city for Putin-Kim summit</a>

Due to security reasons, Russian authorities could not reveal the name of the venue where President Vladimir Putin will hold the upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

I never agreed to testify on Mueller report, says Trump President Doanld Trump today slammed the Mueller report calling it "fabricated" and asserting that it was written by "18 angry democrat Trump haters".

I never agreed to testify on Mueller report, says Trump President Doanld Trump today slammed the Mueller report calling it "fabricated" and asserting that it was written by "18 angry democrat Trump haters". "I never agreed to testify, it was not necessary for me to respond to statements made in the “report” about me," the US president tweeted, adding,"this was an illegally started hoax that never should have happened." How trade in California almonds through LoC route funded terror in J&K India on Thursday had suspended trade with Pakistan at the Line of Control (LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade. India’s iconic leader Mulayam Singh to contest his last election at Mainpuri Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections. Postmortem report reveals ND Tiwari's son died 'unnatural' death: Police Three days after Rohit Shekhar Tiwari, son of former Uttarakhand chief minister ND Tiwari, was "brought dead" to a Delhi hospital, postmortem report revealed that he died of "unnatural" death, police said. Russia's Vladivostok could be possible host city for Putin-Kim summit Due to security reasons, Russian authorities could not reveal the name of the venue where President Vladimir Putin will hold the upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress' Randeep Surjewala, in-charge of communications, wished well to party's former 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</a> and said that her "exit was a reflection" on his leadership.

"Every time a party member leaves, it's a matter of pain for us. People look for career progression. We wish all of them well, including Priyanka Chaturvedi."

"I must frankly and on record concede, yes, it's a reflection on my leadership," Surjewala added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
R Surjewala, In-charge of Communications, Congress: Every time a party member leaves, it's a matter of pain for us. Ppl look for career progression.We wish all of them well,including Priyanka Chaturvedi...I must frankly &amp; on record concede, yes, it's a reflection on my leadership <a href="https://t.co/K0Cia4wbns">pic.twitter.com/K0Cia4wbns</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1119202189476540417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Hours after quitting Congress party as its national spokesperson, Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai.

She quit the Congress party after nearly a decade.&nbsp;

During the conference, Chaturvedi expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that her primary reason for quitting the party was inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past.

Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013.

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.

Congress' Randeep Surjewala, in-charge of communications, wished well to party's former spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi and said that her "exit was a reflection" on his leadership.

Congress' Randeep Surjewala, in-charge of communications, wished well to party's former spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi and said that her "exit was a reflection" on his leadership. "Every time a party member leaves, it's a matter of pain for us. People look for career progression. We wish all of them well, including Priyanka Chaturvedi." "I must frankly and on record concede, yes, it's a reflection on my leadership," Surjewala added. R Surjewala, In-charge of Communications, Congress: Every time a party member leaves, it's a matter of pain for us. Ppl look for career progression.We wish all of them well,including Priyanka Chaturvedi...I must frankly & on record concede, yes, it's a reflection on my leadership pic.twitter.com/K0Cia4wbns — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2019 × Hours after quitting Congress party as its national spokesperson, Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai. She quit the Congress party after nearly a decade. During the conference, Chaturvedi expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that her primary reason for quitting the party was inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past. Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013. 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.

I must concede, Priyanka Chaturvedi's exit reflection on my leadership: Randeep Surjewala

Indian police service (IPS) association&nbsp;on Friday condemned the remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party's&nbsp;Bhopal Lok Sabha seat candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur against Anti-terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare who died in 26/11 attacks.

"Ashok Chakra awardee late Sri Hemant Karkare, IPS made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists. Those of us in uniform condemn the insulting statement made by a candidate and demand that sacrifices of all our martyrs be respected."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ashok Chakra awardee late Sri Hemant Karkare, IPS made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists. Those of us in uniform condemn the insulting statement made by a candidate and demand that sacrifices of all our martyrs be respected.
— IPS Association (@IPS_Association) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPS_Association/status/1119183454846050304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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,"&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Office has received a complaint against Sadhvi Pragya for her comments on Karkare, PTI reported.

Meanwhile, BJP released&nbsp;an official statement over the remarks in which it said, "she might have given (curse) because of the mental and&nbsp;physical torture she had faced."

"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," the official statement read.

As her remarks sparked strong reactions from various leaders, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal slammed Sadhvi Pragya saying that her comments were "disgraceful".

"Disgraceful comments by BJP's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Thakur on 26/11 martyr Hemant Karkare ji need to be condemned in strongest terms. BJP is showing its true colours and it must be shown its place now," Kejriwal tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian police service (IPS) association on Friday condemned the remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party's Bhopal Lok Sabha seat candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur against Anti-terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare who died in 26/11 attacks.

Indian police service (IPS) association on Friday condemned the remarks made by Bharatiya Janata Party's Bhopal Lok Sabha seat candidate Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur against Anti-terrorism Squad chief Hemant Karkare who died in 26/11 attacks. "Ashok Chakra awardee late Sri Hemant Karkare, IPS made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists. Those of us in uniform condemn the insulting statement made by a candidate and demand that sacrifices of all our martyrs be respected." Ashok Chakra awardee late Sri Hemant Karkare, IPS made the supreme sacrifice fighting terrorists. Those of us in uniform condemn the insulting statement made by a candidate and demand that sacrifices of all our martyrs be respected. — IPS Association (@IPS_Association) April 19, 2019 × 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. Madhya Pradesh Chief Electoral Office has received a complaint against Sadhvi Pragya for her comments on Karkare, PTI reported. Meanwhile, BJP released an official statement over the remarks in which it said, "she might have given (curse) because of the mental and physical torture she had faced." "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," the official statement read. As her remarks sparked strong reactions from various leaders, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal slammed Sadhvi Pragya saying that her comments were "disgraceful". "Disgraceful comments by BJP's Bhopal Lok Sabha candidate Pragya Thakur on 26/11 martyr Hemant Karkare ji need to be condemned in strongest terms. BJP is showing its true colours and it must be shown its place now," Kejriwal tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

IPS association condemns Sadhvi Pragya's remark on 26/11 martyr Hemant Karkare

Three days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-up-uttarakhand-cm-nd-tiwaris-son-rohit-shekhar-tiwari-passes-away-210949">Rohit Shekhar Tiwari</a>, son of former Uttarakhand chief minister ND Tiwari, was "brought dead"&nbsp;to a Delhi hospital, postmortem report revealed that he&nbsp;died of "unnatural" death, police said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPDATE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPDATE</a> Delhi Police: Postmortem report of late ND Tiwari's son Rohit Shekhar Tiwari reveals 'unnatural death'. Case registered under section 302 of the IPC (murder case) against unknown persons. <a href="https://t.co/RI3AMT7KW1">https://t.co/RI3AMT7KW1</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1119186913221644288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Following the report, Delhi police have registered murder case under section 302 of the IPC (murder case) against unknown persons.

The case has now been transferred to the Crime Branch.

Earlier in the day, Forensic and Crime Branch teams searched his house in Defence Colony to ascertain the cause of his death.

Rohit Tiwari was declared brought dead to the Max hospital in Saket on April 16th.

His mother Ujjala Tiwari had told media persons, "His death is natural, I have no suspicion but I will reveal later what circumstances led to his death."

Rohit used to reside in his Delhi's Defence Colony home, from where he was reportedly brought to the hospital on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Rohit Shekhar Tiwari was the biological son of Congress leader ND Tiwari and Ujjwala Sharma, who Tiwari married in 2014. Tiwari died last year.&nbsp;

Rohit&nbsp;fought a court case to prove himself as the son of late Congress leader ND Tiwari. The veteran politician had accepted Rohit as his son in 2016 after a long legal battle which had even reached the Supreme Court before reconciliation.

In January 2017, Rohit Shekhar had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

(With inputs from agencies)

Three days after Rohit Shekhar Tiwari, son of former Uttarakhand chief minister ND Tiwari, was "brought dead" to a Delhi hospital, postmortem report revealed that he died of "unnatural" death, police said.

Three days after Rohit Shekhar Tiwari, son of former Uttarakhand chief minister ND Tiwari, was "brought dead" to a Delhi hospital, postmortem report revealed that he died of "unnatural" death, police said. #UPDATE Delhi Police: Postmortem report of late ND Tiwari's son Rohit Shekhar Tiwari reveals 'unnatural death'. Case registered under section 302 of the IPC (murder case) against unknown persons. https://t.co/RI3AMT7KW1 — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2019 × Following the report, Delhi police have registered murder case under section 302 of the IPC (murder case) against unknown persons. The case has now been transferred to the Crime Branch. Earlier in the day, Forensic and Crime Branch teams searched his house in Defence Colony to ascertain the cause of his death. Rohit Tiwari was declared brought dead to the Max hospital in Saket on April 16th. His mother Ujjala Tiwari had told media persons, "His death is natural, I have no suspicion but I will reveal later what circumstances led to his death." Rohit used to reside in his Delhi's Defence Colony home, from where he was reportedly brought to the hospital on Tuesday. Rohit Shekhar Tiwari was the biological son of Congress leader ND Tiwari and Ujjwala Sharma, who Tiwari married in 2014. Tiwari died last year. Rohit fought a court case to prove himself as the son of late Congress leader ND Tiwari. The veteran politician had accepted Rohit as his son in 2016 after a long legal battle which had even reached the Supreme Court before reconciliation. In January 2017, Rohit Shekhar had joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). (With inputs from agencies)

Postmortem report reveals ND Tiwari's son died 'unnatural' death: Police

India on Thursday had suspended trade with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-suspends-loc-trade-with-pakistan-says-route-being-misused-211563">Pakistan at the Line of Control</a>(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade.&nbsp;

What India found was that almonds produced in California were being traded through the LoC and later used to fuel terror in the state by providing hawala money.

The national investigating agency(NIA) was able to find out modus operandi of dubious hawala transactions for terror financing.&nbsp;

Terror groups, identifying themselves as Pakistani trade firms, used to hand over the money to terrorist organizations on the Indian side through the hawala route. Some of the Pakistani firms had a close association with terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen.

Pakistani traders under invoiced products like California almonds which they received.&nbsp;

On receipt of the consignment, a trader on the Indian side sold the California almonds at the prevailing market price and made extra and undue profit to the extent of under-invoicing.&nbsp;

The extra money generated was handed over by the trader to terrorist organizations in the Valley to fuel anti-India operations.

Basically, Rs 1,200 per kg almonds were under invoiced to Rs 200. On the Indian side, almonds were sold at Rs 1,200, thus getting a profit of Rs 1,000 and addition Rs 1,000 from terror groups from Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has already chargesheeted businessman Zahoo Ahmed Watali who was the president of LoC traders association. He was found to be funnelling money to terrorists, separatists and subversive elements in the Valley.&nbsp;

Other than funding terror, the trade route had become a channel of funnelling drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar and heroine and supply of arms to support terrorists in the Valley.&nbsp;

Upto 66.5 kg heroin was seized from a Valley-based consignee and the drugs came through the LoC trade. A large cache that was concealed in a consignment of bananas was seized from across the LoC from a driver from Kulgam in the Valley.

The route had become a way to pump fake currency notes - Rs 57 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh&nbsp;and Rs 7.5 lakh&nbsp;- &nbsp;fake currency notes were&nbsp;seized at different time.

Trade was allowed through two Trade Facilitation Centres (TFCs) at Salamabad in Uri, part of the Baramulla district and at Chakkan-da-Bagh in the Poonch district.&nbsp;

The cross-LoC trade was started in 2008 as part of Confidence Building Measures by India and Pakistan for trade between Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) for 21 agreed items on barter system.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-suspends-cross-loc-trade-with-pakistan-in-jammu-and-kashmir-211807/embed" width="560"></iframe></div>

India on Thursday had suspended trade with Pakistan at the Line of Control(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade.

India on Thursday had suspended trade with Pakistan at the Line of Control(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade. What India found was that almonds produced in California were being traded through the LoC and later used to fuel terror in the state by providing hawala money. The national investigating agency(NIA) was able to find out modus operandi of dubious hawala transactions for terror financing. Terror groups, identifying themselves as Pakistani trade firms, used to hand over the money to terrorist organizations on the Indian side through the hawala route. Some of the Pakistani firms had a close association with terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistani traders under invoiced products like California almonds which they received. On receipt of the consignment, a trader on the Indian side sold the California almonds at the prevailing market price and made extra and undue profit to the extent of under-invoicing. The extra money generated was handed over by the trader to terrorist organizations in the Valley to fuel anti-India operations. Basically, Rs 1,200 per kg almonds were under invoiced to Rs 200. On the Indian side, almonds were sold at Rs 1,200, thus getting a profit of Rs 1,000 and addition Rs 1,000 from terror groups from Pakistan. The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has already chargesheeted businessman Zahoo Ahmed Watali who was the president of LoC traders association. He was found to be funnelling money to terrorists, separatists and subversive elements in the Valley. Other than funding terror, the trade route had become a channel of funnelling drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar and heroine and supply of arms to support terrorists in the Valley. Upto 66.5 kg heroin was seized from a Valley-based consignee and the drugs came through the LoC trade. A large cache that was concealed in a consignment of bananas was seized from across the LoC from a driver from Kulgam in the Valley. The route had become a way to pump fake currency notes - Rs 57 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh - fake currency notes were seized at different time. Trade was allowed through two Trade Facilitation Centres (TFCs) at Salamabad in Uri, part of the Baramulla district and at Chakkan-da-Bagh in the Poonch district. The cross-LoC trade was started in 2008 as part of Confidence Building Measures by India and Pakistan for trade between Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) for 21 agreed items on barter system.

How trade in California almonds through LoC route funded terror in J&K

Congress president <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-nyay-to-undo-the-anyay-of-narendra-modi-govt-rahul-gandhi-209114&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDiu20_9vhAhVMv48KHc-IDGcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0OBhYm2S8hoQBMMlAFOdjc">Rahul Gandhi </a>Friday said his party's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-will-do-nyay-to-governments-of-the-great-mgr-asks-pm-modi-in-tamil-nadu-210024&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiDiu20_9vhAhVMv48KHc-IDGcQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw35HDg1-OkF1few_h-N9NIO">'Nyay'</a> scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government.

Addressing a poll rally in Gujarat, Gandhi repeated his "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman if thief) jibe to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged he has given Rs 30,000 crore to businessman Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

"We have promised to give Rs 72,000 crore (a year) to poor people under the Nyay scheme which will change the economic condition of the poor in the country," he said.

Gandhi said the scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) - a key feature of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls - was devised after consultations within the party.

"I had called all the economists of the Congress party and asked them what is the amount that we can give to the poor people of the country.

"They came up with the figure of Rs 72,000," he said, adding Modi had in 2014 made a false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to people, but the Congress will definitely give Rs 3.60 lakh (estimated cost of `Nyay').

The Congress chief attacked the Modi government over its 2016 note-ban exercise.

"One fine day, Narendra Modi announced that notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 have been scrapped as they do not help me create more black money. So I will introduce a new note of Rs 2,000 as through it we can make more black money," Gandhi said, mocking the demonetisation move.

"They&nbsp;introduced Gabbar Singh Tax. Both the steps were big blows to our economy," he said, criticising the BJP- led government over its implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST).

"Common people had stopped purchasing goods after demonetisation due to cash crunch, so Indian companies producing goods were closed down. Hence, the unemployment rate is highest at 45 per cent in the country now," Gandhi said.

"However, our Nyay scheme will revive the economy and create more jobs. Money that will go to people under the Nyay scheme will help people purchase things, our companies will be revived and people will get a job," he said.

Gandhi said the Modi government is working for a few rich industrialists.

"This government works for rich industrialists only. Do common people require chowkidar? Chowkidar is not required in front of the house of farmers.&nbsp; 
This is Anil Ambani's chowkidar," Gandhi, said targeting Modi.

"The chowkidar gave Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani. Chowkidar chors hai," the Congress said, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal with France.

Anil Ambani has rejected Gandhi's allegations and emphasised that the government had no role in the Rafale- manufacturer French company Dassault picking up his company as a local partner.

"Under the new crop insurance scheme, the government has given districts and states to a few rich industrialists. Modi has given the entire Kashmir to Anil Ambani," he said.

Gandhi said if his party comes to power, it will bring a law to ensure farmers do not go to jail if they default on the payment of loans.

He said the Congress governments, after coming to power, waived loans of farmers in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.

"Narendra Modi does not have money to waive farmer loans, but they have money to waive loans taken by big industrialists," Gandhi said.

He was addressing the poll rally at Bajipura in Bardoli district from where Congress candidate Tushar Chaudhary is fighting polls.

The Congress chief had addressed two rallies Thursday in Gujarat - one in Vanthli in Junagadh district and the other at Bhuj in Kutch district.

Speaking to reporters Thursday night, Gandhi had said an undercurrent in favour of the Congress was evident in the entire country and Modi is losing the 2019 elections.

All the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will vote in a single phase on

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said his party's 'Nyay' scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi Friday said his party's 'Nyay' scheme will help in revival of the economy and create jobs in the country which has been badly affected by demonetisation and GST decisions of the Narendra Modi government. Addressing a poll rally in Gujarat, Gandhi repeated his "chowkidar chor hai" (the watchman if thief) jibe to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged he has given Rs 30,000 crore to businessman Anil Ambani in the Rafale fighter jet deal. "We have promised to give Rs 72,000 crore (a year) to poor people under the Nyay scheme which will change the economic condition of the poor in the country," he said. Gandhi said the scheme, Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) - a key feature of the Congress manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls - was devised after consultations within the party. "I had called all the economists of the Congress party and asked them what is the amount that we can give to the poor people of the country. "They came up with the figure of Rs 72,000," he said, adding Modi had in 2014 made a false promise of giving Rs 15 lakh to people, but the Congress will definitely give Rs 3.60 lakh (estimated cost of `Nyay'). The Congress chief attacked the Modi government over its 2016 note-ban exercise. "One fine day, Narendra Modi announced that notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 have been scrapped as they do not help me create more black money. So I will introduce a new note of Rs 2,000 as through it we can make more black money," Gandhi said, mocking the demonetisation move. "They introduced Gabbar Singh Tax. Both the steps were big blows to our economy," he said, criticising the BJP- led government over its implementation of the Good and Services Tax (GST). "Common people had stopped purchasing goods after demonetisation due to cash crunch, so Indian companies producing goods were closed down. Hence, the unemployment rate is highest at 45 per cent in the country now," Gandhi said. "However, our Nyay scheme will revive the economy and create more jobs. Money that will go to people under the Nyay scheme will help people purchase things, our companies will be revived and people will get a job," he said. Gandhi said the Modi government is working for a few rich industrialists. "This government works for rich industrialists only. Do common people require chowkidar? Chowkidar is not required in front of the house of farmers. This is Anil Ambani's chowkidar," Gandhi, said targeting Modi. "The chowkidar gave Rs 30,000 crore to Ambani. Chowkidar chors hai," the Congress said, alleging corruption in the Rafale deal with France. Anil Ambani has rejected Gandhi's allegations and emphasised that the government had no role in the Rafale- manufacturer French company Dassault picking up his company as a local partner. "Under the new crop insurance scheme, the government has given districts and states to a few rich industrialists. Modi has given the entire Kashmir to Anil Ambani," he said. Gandhi said if his party comes to power, it will bring a law to ensure farmers do not go to jail if they default on the payment of loans. He said the Congress governments, after coming to power, waived loans of farmers in states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. "Narendra Modi does not have money to waive farmer loans, but they have money to waive loans taken by big industrialists," Gandhi said. He was addressing the poll rally at Bajipura in Bardoli district from where Congress candidate Tushar Chaudhary is fighting polls. The Congress chief had addressed two rallies Thursday in Gujarat - one in Vanthli in Junagadh district and the other at Bhuj in Kutch district. Speaking to reporters Thursday night, Gandhi had said an undercurrent in favour of the Congress was evident in the entire country and Modi is losing the 2019 elections. All the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat will vote in a single phase on

'Nyay' will revive economy, create jobs, says Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat rally

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-hints-at-her-prime-ministerial-ambition-207845">arch-rival Mayawati</a>, who has allied with the SP&nbsp;as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.&nbsp;

Once bitter enemies, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati shared the stage today after 24 years at the historic Mainpuri rally. Both leaders who were at loggerheads for decades, held a joint rally today in India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha.&nbsp;

During the rally, Mulayam Singh announced his plan to retire saying he is contesting his last election. Mulayam Singh has been a leader who influenced millions in India's most populated state which has sent several top politicians to parliament including many prime ministers.

It took more than 25 years for both the SP and BSP to join hands once again to stop the BJP juggernaut. In 1995, the then party chiefs - Mulayam and Kanshi Ram - &nbsp;had contested the state assembly elections together and formed the government in the state.

However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati were unable to see eye-to-eye ever since their alliance came to a sordid end. The SP-BSP alliance of 1993 broke up due to differences between the two leaders.

However, speaking at a historic rally with Mayawati at his side, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav said at Mainpuri that he is happy to share the stage with Mayawati. He said he is grateful for all the support offered by the BSP chief. He appealed to the people of Mainpuri to elect him with a historic mandate.

The bitterness between the two iconic leaders of Indian politics, however, was not so easy to set aside. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting the parliamentary elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri, had stayed away due to health issues from three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra.

Mayawati bashed the BJP manifesto but also called Congress’s ‘Nyay’ scheme promised in their manifesto an illusion. Appealing to her backward caste voters, Mayawati said: “Mulayam Singh is the real backward leader, not a fake like Narendra Modi.”&nbsp;

Mulayam is known for his outreach among the backward voters of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;Even during the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP candidate had failed to have an impact in this parliamentary seat. For several elections, BJP didn’t even field their candidates from Mainpuri.&nbsp;

However, Mulayam Singh surprised everyone&nbsp;prior to the general elections this year when he controversially said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. While his comments were greeted with loud cheers by members of the governing BJP, it left those in his own party scrambling for explanation.

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections.

Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh will be contesting his last election this year. The 79-year-old leader announced his intention at a rally with his arch-rival Mayawati, who has allied with the SP as part of the Mahagathbandhan in the general elections. Once bitter enemies, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati shared the stage today after 24 years at the historic Mainpuri rally. Both leaders who were at loggerheads for decades, held a joint rally today in India's biggest state Uttar Pradesh which sends 80 MPs to the Lok Sabha. During the rally, Mulayam Singh announced his plan to retire saying he is contesting his last election. Mulayam Singh has been a leader who influenced millions in India's most populated state which has sent several top politicians to parliament including many prime ministers. It took more than 25 years for both the SP and BSP to join hands once again to stop the BJP juggernaut. In 1995, the then party chiefs - Mulayam and Kanshi Ram - had contested the state assembly elections together and formed the government in the state. However, Mulayam Singh Yadav and Mayawati were unable to see eye-to-eye ever since their alliance came to a sordid end. The SP-BSP alliance of 1993 broke up due to differences between the two leaders. However, speaking at a historic rally with Mayawati at his side, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav said at Mainpuri that he is happy to share the stage with Mayawati. He said he is grateful for all the support offered by the BSP chief. He appealed to the people of Mainpuri to elect him with a historic mandate. The bitterness between the two iconic leaders of Indian politics, however, was not so easy to set aside. Mulayam Singh Yadav, who is contesting the parliamentary elections from the party bastion of Mainpuri, had stayed away due to health issues from three joint rallies held earlier in Deoband, Badaun and Agra. Mayawati bashed the BJP manifesto but also called Congress’s ‘Nyay’ scheme promised in their manifesto an illusion. Appealing to her backward caste voters, Mayawati said: “Mulayam Singh is the real backward leader, not a fake like Narendra Modi.” Mulayam is known for his outreach among the backward voters of Uttar Pradesh. Even during the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP candidate had failed to have an impact in this parliamentary seat. For several elections, BJP didn’t even field their candidates from Mainpuri. However, Mulayam Singh surprised everyone prior to the general elections this year when he controversially said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should emerge victorious in the 2019 general elections. While his comments were greeted with loud cheers by members of the governing BJP, it left those in his own party scrambling for explanation.

India’s iconic leader Mulayam Singh to contest his last election at Mainpuri

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mayawati-has-always-supported-our-party-in-times-of-need-mulayam-singh-yadav-211764">SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP</a>, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together.

The jibe from BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain came as BSP supremo Mayawati and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav shared stage after many years of bitter rivalry.

Though the SP and the BSP had come together last year and the former's president Akhilesh Yadav has often been seen together with Mayawati, this is the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav joined them.

"This is a proof of storm in Modi's support. Both SP and BSP have been rendered powerless by it and have come together to survive. People in Uttar Pradesh and country are with Modi," Hussain told reporters.

In a swipe at Mayawati, he said she came to respect those whom she blamed for her life's biggest insult.

At the press conference, Hussain also took aim at the Congress after its spokesperson <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766">Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena</a>, saying the opposition party has become a "sinking ship".

Opposition parties are in such a poor shape than nobody knows which leader is supporting whom, said the BJP leader after Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, who is its candidate in Patna Sahib seat, campaigned for his wife and Samajwadi Party nominee in Lucknow Poonam Sinha.

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together.

The BJP on Friday took a dig at the SP-BSP grand alliance in the UP, saying a "storm" in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the general election has forced opposition leaders to come together. The jibe from BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain came as BSP supremo Mayawati and SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav shared stage after many years of bitter rivalry. Though the SP and the BSP had come together last year and the former's president Akhilesh Yadav has often been seen together with Mayawati, this is the first time that Mulayam Singh Yadav joined them. "This is a proof of storm in Modi's support. Both SP and BSP have been rendered powerless by it and have come together to survive. People in Uttar Pradesh and country are with Modi," Hussain told reporters. In a swipe at Mayawati, he said she came to respect those whom she blamed for her life's biggest insult. At the press conference, Hussain also took aim at the Congress after its spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena, saying the opposition party has become a "sinking ship". Opposition parties are in such a poor shape than nobody knows which leader is supporting whom, said the BJP leader after Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha, who is its candidate in Patna Sahib seat, campaigned for his wife and Samajwadi Party nominee in Lucknow Poonam Sinha.

SP-BSP joint rally proof of storm in Modi's support in Lok Sabha polls: BJP

Former Congress spokesperson<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-joins-shiv-sena-hours-after-quitting-congress-211766"> Priyanka Chaturvedi&nbsp;joined Shiv Sena</a> on Friday in presence of party&nbsp;president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-resigns-from-congress-after-lashing-out-at-party-over-goons-211701">Priyanka Chaturvedi</a> formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai. During the conference, she expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for&nbsp;the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that it is not why she quit the party.

"Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket," Priyanka Chaturvedi said.

She said that the primary reason behind her resignation is inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past.

Earlier, after quitting all posts in the party, Chaturvedi sent her resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders.

"In the last few weeks, certain things have convinced me that my services are not valued in the organisation and that I have reached the end of the road. At the same time I also feel that more time that I spend in the organisation will be at the cost of my own self-respect and dignity," Chaturvedi said in her resignation letter.

Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Chaturvedi in Shiv Sena saying that the party workers have got a "good sister" in her.

Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013.

She quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. Sources said that she was upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

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.

Former Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena on Friday in presence of party president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday. Priyanka Chaturvedi formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai.

Former Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi joined Shiv Sena on Friday in presence of party president Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders on Friday. Priyanka Chaturvedi formerly joined Shiv Sena in a press conference held in Mumbai. During the conference, she expressed her slight disappointment for being overlooked for the Lok Sabha seat but insisted that it is not why she quit the party. "Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket," Priyanka Chaturvedi said. She said that the primary reason behind her resignation is inaction against some party workers who misbehaved with her in the past. Earlier, after quitting all posts in the party, Chaturvedi sent her resignation to Congress President Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders. "In the last few weeks, certain things have convinced me that my services are not valued in the organisation and that I have reached the end of the road. At the same time I also feel that more time that I spend in the organisation will be at the cost of my own self-respect and dignity," Chaturvedi said in her resignation letter. Uddhav Thackeray welcomed Chaturvedi in Shiv Sena saying that the party workers have got a "good sister" in her. Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013. She quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. Sources said that she was upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections. 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.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Not true that I quit Congress after being denied Lok Sabha ticket, says Priyanka Chaturvedi after joining Shiv Sena

Karnataka unit of BJP Thursday wrote to Election Commission over alleged "mass indiscriminate deletion of voters` names from the voters' list" in the state, reported news agency ANI.

The party accused some election officials of working as agents of the ruling coalition government of JD(S) and Congress, the report added.

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 a 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."&nbsp;

Karnataka unit of BJP Thursday wrote to Election Commission over alleged "mass indiscriminate deletion of voters` names from the voters' list" in the state, reported news agency ANI.

Karnataka unit of BJP Thursday wrote to Election Commission over alleged "mass indiscriminate deletion of voters` names from the voters' list" in the state, reported news agency ANI. The party accused some election officials of working as agents of the ruling coalition government of JD(S) and Congress, the report added. 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 a 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."

Karnataka: BJP alleges mass deletion of voters' names, writes to Election Commission

Ending decades-long rivalry with SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday said, "Mulayam is real and he belongs to the backward class from his birth".

Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri, she also said that Yadav&nbsp;had&nbsp;brought together people from different communities under the SP banner.

"Isme koi sandeh nahi hai ki inhone (Mulayam) SP ke banner ke tale UP mein sabhi samaj ke logon ko apni party mein joda hai. Ye PM Modi ki tarah nakli veh farzi pichde varg ke nahi hain, Mulayam ji asli hain. Janam-jaat pichde varg ke hain (There is no doubt that Mulayam Singh has brought together many people under the banner of his Samajwadi Party. Mulayamji is the real leader of the backward classes, unlike PM Modi.)," she said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mayawati in Mainpuri: Isme koi sandeh nahi hai ki inhone (Mulayam) SP ke banner ke tale UP mein sabhi samaj ke logon ko apni party mein joda hai. Ye PM Modi ki tarah nakli veh farzi pichde varg ke nahi hain, Mulayam ji asli hain. janam-jaat pichde varg ke hain. <a href="https://t.co/6bv3DDesdY">pic.twitter.com/6bv3DDesdY</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1119147975433805825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Praising Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav said he respects her as she has always supported their party in times of need.

"Aaj Mayawati ji ayi hain, unka hum swagat karte hain, aadar karte hain. Mayawati ji ka bahot samman karna hamesha, kyun ki samay jab bhi aya hai to Maywati ji ne hamara sath diya hai. Hume khushi hai ki hamare samarthan ke liye wo ayi hain (We welcome Mayawatiji, we respect her. Mayawatiji should always be respected because she has stood with us in times of need. I am happy that she has come to support us)", Yadav said.

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati on Friday&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-25-years-mayawati-mulayam-singh-yadav-share-stage-at-mainpuri-rally-211745">shared the dais at a joint rally</a> of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri.

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ending decades-long rivalry with SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday said, "Mulayam is real and he belongs to the backward class from his birth".

Ending decades-long rivalry with SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, BSP chief Mayawati on Friday said, "Mulayam is real and he belongs to the backward class from his birth". Addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri, she also said that Yadav had brought together people from different communities under the SP banner. "Isme koi sandeh nahi hai ki inhone (Mulayam) SP ke banner ke tale UP mein sabhi samaj ke logon ko apni party mein joda hai. Ye PM Modi ki tarah nakli veh farzi pichde varg ke nahi hain, Mulayam ji asli hain. Janam-jaat pichde varg ke hain (There is no doubt that Mulayam Singh has brought together many people under the banner of his Samajwadi Party. Mulayamji is the real leader of the backward classes, unlike PM Modi.)," she said. Mayawati in Mainpuri: Isme koi sandeh nahi hai ki inhone (Mulayam) SP ke banner ke tale UP mein sabhi samaj ke logon ko apni party mein joda hai. Ye PM Modi ki tarah nakli veh farzi pichde varg ke nahi hain, Mulayam ji asli hain. janam-jaat pichde varg ke hain. pic.twitter.com/6bv3DDesdY — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 19, 2019 × Praising Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav said he respects her as she has always supported their party in times of need. "Aaj Mayawati ji ayi hain, unka hum swagat karte hain, aadar karte hain. Mayawati ji ka bahot samman karna hamesha, kyun ki samay jab bhi aya hai to Maywati ji ne hamara sath diya hai. Hume khushi hai ki hamare samarthan ke liye wo ayi hain (We welcome Mayawatiji, we respect her. Mayawatiji should always be respected because she has stood with us in times of need. I am happy that she has come to support us)", Yadav said. At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati on Friday shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Mayawati has always supported our party in times of need: Mulayam Singh Yadav

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Friday said that he is ready to contest the Assembly elections whenever it's announced.

''Whenever it is announced I am ready. I will decide after May 23,'' said Rajinikanth on asked whether he will contest state polls if AIADMK falls short of a majority after assembly bypolls.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Rajinikanth on being asked if he will contest state polls if AIADMK falls short of majority after assembly bypolls: Whenever it is announced I am ready. I will decide after May 23 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/mjfR10xeRg">pic.twitter.com/mjfR10xeRg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1119163017030017024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The actor was responding to a question as to whether he will contest the assembly elections in case the AIADMK-BJP alliance government fails to get a majority and assembly gets dissolved after May 23 when results of the Lok Sabha elections along with assembly byelections will be declared.&nbsp;

When asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi will return to power, he said, "we will know on May 23".

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Friday said that he is ready to contest the Assembly elections whenever it's announced. ''Whenever it is announced I am ready.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Friday said that he is ready to contest the Assembly elections whenever it's announced. ''Whenever it is announced I am ready. I will decide after May 23,'' said Rajinikanth on asked whether he will contest state polls if AIADMK falls short of a majority after assembly bypolls. Rajinikanth on being asked if he will contest state polls if AIADMK falls short of majority after assembly bypolls: Whenever it is announced I am ready. I will decide after May 23 #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/mjfR10xeRg — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2019 × The actor was responding to a question as to whether he will contest the assembly elections in case the AIADMK-BJP alliance government fails to get a majority and assembly gets dissolved after May 23 when results of the Lok Sabha elections along with assembly byelections will be declared. When asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi will return to power, he said, "we will know on May 23".

'I am ready,' says Rajinikanth on contesting Tamil Nadu Assembly polls

Hours after quitting Congress party as its national spokesperson, Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai.

She <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/priyanka-chaturvedi-resigns-from-congress-after-lashing-out-at-party-over-goons-211701">quit the Congress</a> party after nearly a decade.&nbsp;

Chaturvedi's resignation from Congress came minutes after she removed her designation as the party's official spokesperson from her official Twitter handle.&nbsp;

After joining Shiv Sena she said had taken the decision after a lot of thought.&nbsp;

''I know I will be held accountable for my past statements and my views but I would like to say that I have taken the decision of joining Shiv Sena taken after a lot of thought,'' she added.&nbsp;

Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I am absolutely overwhelmed and grateful with the love and support I have got across board from the nation in the past 3 days. 
I consider myself blessed with this immense outpouring of support. Thank you to all who have been a part of this journey. <a href="https://t.co/WhUYYlwHLj">pic.twitter.com/WhUYYlwHLj</a>
— Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankac19/status/1119130478626271232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

She quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. Sources said that she was upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections.&nbsp;

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.

Hours after quitting Congress party as its national spokesperson, Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai.

Hours after quitting Congress party as its national spokesperson, Priyanka Chaturvedi on Friday joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party chief Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai. She quit the Congress party after nearly a decade. Chaturvedi's resignation from Congress came minutes after she removed her designation as the party's official spokesperson from her official Twitter handle. After joining Shiv Sena she said had taken the decision after a lot of thought. ''I know I will be held accountable for my past statements and my views but I would like to say that I have taken the decision of joining Shiv Sena taken after a lot of thought,'' she added. Chaturvedi had joined the Congress in 2010 and was made the party's spokesperson in 2013. I am absolutely overwhelmed and grateful with the love and support I have got across board from the nation in the past 3 days. I consider myself blessed with this immense outpouring of support. Thank you to all who have been a part of this journey. pic.twitter.com/WhUYYlwHLj — Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) April 19, 2019 × She quit the party's official WhatsApp media group on Friday morning. Sources said that she was upset for not being nominated from Mumbai for the Lok Sabha elections. 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.

Priyanka Chaturvedi joins Shiv Sena hours after quitting Congress 

AIIMS resident doctors have threatened to stop work if the administration does not act on rising cases of theft on the campus, saying patient care cannot be delivered in an unsafe and uncooperative environment.

The doctors have also alleged lack of redressal of complaints.

In a letter to the AIIMS administration, the Resident Doctors' Association has demanded implementation of enhanced security for all duty rooms of doctors and immediate monetary compensation, "as promised" for all lost items along with efficient follow up of complaints.

They have also sought transfer of the AIIMS chowki-in-charge with immediate effect.

In the letter, the doctors said that many valuables and gadgets, including laptops, mobile phones and personal belongings, and even vehicles of resident doctors have been stolen from duty rooms, changing rooms and campus when they are at work.

The attitude of the AIIMS security has been "extremely callous" in this regard while the behaviour of the Chief Security Officer and AIIMS police chowki in-charge has been "uncooperative", they alleged.

"There have been reports of complaint for FIRs are not being registered. Police staff scolded a female resident for not taking care of her belonging when she went to lodge an FIR for her lost laptop. Residents are made to run from pillar to post for registering complaints," the RDA said in the letter. 
They alleged there is always a delay and no follow-up of complaints lodged earlier.

The RDA alleged that in many cases, no action has been initiated despite they providing CCTV footage of culprits and that many residents have not even received compensation for items lost many years ago despite assurance by the security officer.

"Residents of AIIMS are extremely distressed by these recurrent thefts and unprofessional behaviour of the chowki in-charge. In case of non-fulfilment of these demands, the RDA and AIIMS residents will consider stopping work as patient care cannot be delivered in an unsafe and non-cooperative environment," the letter stated.&nbsp; 
NNNN&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

AIIMS resident doctors have threatened to stop work if the administration does not act on rising cases of theft on the campus, saying patient care cannot be delivered in an unsafe and uncooperative environment.

AIIMS resident doctors have threatened to stop work if the administration does not act on rising cases of theft on the campus, saying patient care cannot be delivered in an unsafe and uncooperative environment. The doctors have also alleged lack of redressal of complaints. In a letter to the AIIMS administration, the Resident Doctors' Association has demanded implementation of enhanced security for all duty rooms of doctors and immediate monetary compensation, "as promised" for all lost items along with efficient follow up of complaints. They have also sought transfer of the AIIMS chowki-in-charge with immediate effect. In the letter, the doctors said that many valuables and gadgets, including laptops, mobile phones and personal belongings, and even vehicles of resident doctors have been stolen from duty rooms, changing rooms and campus when they are at work. The attitude of the AIIMS security has been "extremely callous" in this regard while the behaviour of the Chief Security Officer and AIIMS police chowki in-charge has been "uncooperative", they alleged. "There have been reports of complaint for FIRs are not being registered. Police staff scolded a female resident for not taking care of her belonging when she went to lodge an FIR for her lost laptop. Residents are made to run from pillar to post for registering complaints," the RDA said in the letter. They alleged there is always a delay and no follow-up of complaints lodged earlier. The RDA alleged that in many cases, no action has been initiated despite they providing CCTV footage of culprits and that many residents have not even received compensation for items lost many years ago despite assurance by the security officer. "Residents of AIIMS are extremely distressed by these recurrent thefts and unprofessional behaviour of the chowki in-charge. In case of non-fulfilment of these demands, the RDA and AIIMS residents will consider stopping work as patient care cannot be delivered in an unsafe and non-cooperative environment," the letter stated. NNNN

AIIMS doctors threaten to stop work if administration fails to act on theft complaints

Five people, including a woman and two girls, were killed when a wild elephant strayed into human habitation in different villages of Odisha's Angul district, officials said Friday.

The tusker entered Sandha village from a forest late on Thursday night and trampled to death three members of a family, who were sleeping in the verandah of their house.

A man and his two-year-old daughter were among those killed in the first incident.

The family was staying in Sandha village since the man was working in a brick kiln in the locality.

A woman was also killed by the jumbo in the same village while she was asleep in the verandah of her house.

The tusker then proceeded to Santhapada village where it crushed to death a 70-year-old man, the official said.

Angry over the incidents, residents of the two villages staged a road blockade on Friday morning demanding adequate compensation to the family of the deceased.

The blockade was lifted after financial assistance was provided to the families of the deceased.

Steps were being taken for payment of ex-gratia as per rules, he said.

Efforts were on to drive away the wild elephant into the forest, a forest official said.&nbsp;

Five people, including a woman and two girls, were killed when a wild elephant strayed into human habitation in different villages of Odisha's Angul district, officials said Friday.

Five people, including a woman and two girls, were killed when a wild elephant strayed into human habitation in different villages of Odisha's Angul district, officials said Friday. The tusker entered Sandha village from a forest late on Thursday night and trampled to death three members of a family, who were sleeping in the verandah of their house. A man and his two-year-old daughter were among those killed in the first incident. The family was staying in Sandha village since the man was working in a brick kiln in the locality. A woman was also killed by the jumbo in the same village while she was asleep in the verandah of her house. The tusker then proceeded to Santhapada village where it crushed to death a 70-year-old man, the official said. Angry over the incidents, residents of the two villages staged a road blockade on Friday morning demanding adequate compensation to the family of the deceased. The blockade was lifted after financial assistance was provided to the families of the deceased. Steps were being taken for payment of ex-gratia as per rules, he said. Efforts were on to drive away the wild elephant into the forest, a forest official said.

Wild elephant tramples 5 people to death in Odisha

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday.

At loggerheads for decades, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati today shared the dais at a joint rally of the SP-BSP-RLD alliance in the Samajwadi Party citadel of Mainpuri on Friday. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

After 25 years, Mayawati, Mulayam Singh Yadav share stage at Mainpuri rally

Rubbishing opposition charge that democracy was under threat in BJP rule, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the Congress was making such remarks as it has shrunk to a "fringe party" from a mainstream party and has no chance in future elections.

The union HRD minister also exuded confidence that the BJP will, on its own, win more seats than in 2014 and the NDA will get a two-thirds majority in polls.

After two phases of polls, the BJP is very certain of its landslide victory. "We will improve our tally of 2014 and will cross 300 mark on our own and NDA will have two-thirds majority. We are receiving people's support in all states across the country and the opposition is completely nervous, they are facing imminent defeat and therefore they are reacting the way they are"&nbsp;he said.

Oopposition parties were complaining against EVM machines which shows their fear of defeat, he said.

"They know they are going to be defeated so from today only they are preparing ground and finding some excuses for their defeat. This is what Congress and opposition is all about. We are very confident that people are responding to Modi's leadership and they want Modi to be PM again"&nbsp;he said.

CM Gehlot has said in his public rallies that democracy and the Constitution are under "threat" under Modi rule and elections may not happen if he comes to power again.

Accusing Congress leaders of hurling abuses and making casteist remarks, Javadekar demanded the Election Commission take notice of such comments.

"In Rajasthan also, CM Ashok Gehlot is making casteist remarks against the President of the county. The Election Commission must take notice of it because never in the history, the president of India has been brought in the election discussion. It was Congress which brought him and specifying his caste is not only unethical but illegal also",&nbsp;he said.

When asked whether the BJP will file a complaint, the minister said the party's state unit has forwarded all relevant clippings to the party's legal cell in New Delhi.

Javadekar said the BJP (and its alliance party RLP which is contesting on one seat of Nagaur) will win all the seats in the state.&nbsp;

Rajasthan has 25 Lok Sabha seats and the BJP is contesting on 24 seats and has given one seat to RLP headed by MLA Hanuman Beniwal, who himself is contesting as RLP candidate on Nagaur seat.&nbsp;

Rubbishing opposition charge that democracy was under threat in BJP rule, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the Congress was making such remarks as it has shrunk to a "fringe party" from a mainstream party and has no chance in future elections.

Rubbishing opposition charge that democracy was under threat in BJP rule, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Friday said the Congress was making such remarks as it has shrunk to a "fringe party" from a mainstream party and has no chance in future elections. The union HRD minister also exuded confidence that the BJP will, on its own, win more seats than in 2014 and the NDA will get a two-thirds majority in polls. After two phases of polls, the BJP is very certain of its landslide victory. "We will improve our tally of 2014 and will cross 300 mark on our own and NDA will have two-thirds majority. We are receiving people's support in all states across the country and the opposition is completely nervous, they are facing imminent defeat and therefore they are reacting the way they are" he said. Oopposition parties were complaining against EVM machines which shows their fear of defeat, he said. "They know they are going to be defeated so from today only they are preparing ground and finding some excuses for their defeat. This is what Congress and opposition is all about. We are very confident that people are responding to Modi's leadership and they want Modi to be PM again" he said. CM Gehlot has said in his public rallies that democracy and the Constitution are under "threat" under Modi rule and elections may not happen if he comes to power again. Accusing Congress leaders of hurling abuses and making casteist remarks, Javadekar demanded the Election Commission take notice of such comments. "In Rajasthan also, CM Ashok Gehlot is making casteist remarks against the President of the county. The Election Commission must take notice of it because never in the history, the president of India has been brought in the election discussion. It was Congress which brought him and specifying his caste is not only unethical but illegal also", he said. When asked whether the BJP will file a complaint, the minister said the party's state unit has forwarded all relevant clippings to the party's legal cell in New Delhi. Javadekar said the BJP (and its alliance party RLP which is contesting on one seat of Nagaur) will win all the seats in the state. Rajasthan has 25 Lok Sabha seats and the BJP is contesting on 24 seats and has given one seat to RLP headed by MLA Hanuman Beniwal, who himself is contesting as RLP candidate on Nagaur seat.

Congress has become a fringe party, siding with tukde tukde gang: Javadekar

The second phase polls get underway today with as many as 97 constituencies whose fate will be decided by voters nationwide.

Polling is being held in 38 seats in Tamil Nadu, 14 seats in Karnataka, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipura, Tripura and Puducherry.  
Elections are also being held in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: Second phase polling concludes, West Bengal records highest turnout at 76% despite violence

Tension prevailed in the first hours of voting in North Dinajpur’s Chopra, which falls under Darjeeling constituency.

Locals allege that bike-borne youths prevented them several times from casting their votes. The womenfolk of the village claim that they were attacked by these miscreants. They allege that a lack of presence of Central force jawans led to this situation.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Tension prevails in Chopra, West Bengal. Locals claim they were prevented by miscreants from casting their votes. Locals put up a blockade on NH-31, police resort to to lathicharge, fire tear gas shells to disperse agitators <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaEelctions2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaEelctions2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dna</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ZeeNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZeeNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://t.co/7WWfS8BC8v">pic.twitter.com/7WWfS8BC8v</a>
— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_zeenews) <a href="https://twitter.com/pooja_zeenews/status/1118760241980686336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“Since morning, we tried to go to the polling booth to cast our votes. Each time we were prevented from casting our votes. These miscreants attacked the women of the village. They beat us up and scared us so that we go back home without casting our votes. The booth has been manned by the state police officials. There is no central force jawan. Had they been deployed, we could have been able to cast our vote,” said an agitating local.

The tension increased manifolds after the agitating locals put up a road blockade on the National Highway – 31. Police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse agitating locals.

Meanwhile, a huge contingent of state police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed at the spot to prevent any further agitation or a road blockade.

Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office has sought a report from the district magistrate of North Dinajpur regarding the incident.&nbsp;

Tension prevailed in the first hours of voting in North Dinajpur’s Chopra, which falls under Darjeeling constituency. Locals allege that bike-borne youths prevented them several times from casting their votes.

Tension prevailed in the first hours of voting in North Dinajpur’s Chopra, which falls under Darjeeling constituency. Locals allege that bike-borne youths prevented them several times from casting their votes. The womenfolk of the village claim that they were attacked by these miscreants. They allege that a lack of presence of Central force jawans led to this situation. Tension prevails in Chopra, West Bengal. Locals claim they were prevented by miscreants from casting their votes. Locals put up a blockade on NH-31, police resort to to lathicharge, fire tear gas shells to disperse agitators #LokSabhaEelctions2019 @dna @ZeeNews @WIONews pic.twitter.com/7WWfS8BC8v — Pooja Mehta (@pooja_zeenews) April 18, 2019 × “Since morning, we tried to go to the polling booth to cast our votes. Each time we were prevented from casting our votes. These miscreants attacked the women of the village. They beat us up and scared us so that we go back home without casting our votes. The booth has been manned by the state police officials. There is no central force jawan. Had they been deployed, we could have been able to cast our vote,” said an agitating local. The tension increased manifolds after the agitating locals put up a road blockade on the National Highway – 31. Police resorted to a lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse agitating locals. Meanwhile, a huge contingent of state police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed at the spot to prevent any further agitation or a road blockade. Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office has sought a report from the district magistrate of North Dinajpur regarding the incident.

Tension prevails in West Bengal’s Chopra amid voting; RAF deployed

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency.

"TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged.

She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School.

In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth.

A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards.

"While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar.

Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections.

The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India.

Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections.

On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively.

There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today.

Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency.

Violence marred the second phase of elections held in West Bengal's Raiganj on Thursday as BJP`s Raiganj Parliamentary constituency candidate Debasree Chaudhuri alleged that TMC workers tried to capture a polling booth in the constituency. Meanwhile, police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear-gas to clear the blockade at Chopra which falls under Darjeeling parliamentary constituency. "TMC workers were trying to capture booth. They were campaigning among Muslims there. This isn`t election campaign," Debasree alleged. She also claimed that TMC workers tried to capture booth at Raiganj Coronation High School. In Chopra, security personnel lobbed tear gas shells and resorted to lathi charge on locals as they blocked NH-34 in protest after unknown miscreants allegedly prevented them from casting their votes at Digirpar polling booth. A local, Sujit Kumar, said that people were stopped by few miscreants from reaching their respective polling booths and the unscrupulous elements allegedly also snatched their EPIC cards or voter I-cards. "While voters were on their way to polling booths some persons have beaten them and snatched their EPIC card and make them run away. We want peace," said Kumar. Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly campaigned for TMC`s Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal in the ongoing elections. The government subsequently blacklisted Ahmed from campaigning, cancelled his business visa and asked him to leave India. Polling is underway at three constituencies in West Bengal, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling, and Raiganj today in the second phase of general elections. On April 11, Coochbehar and Alipurduar went to the polls. While in phase 3 on April 23, 5 Lok Sabha constituencies will go for polls, 8 Lok Sabha seats in phase 4 on April 29, while 7, 8 and 9 parliamentary constituencies will vote on May 6, May 12 and May 19, respectively. There are 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal.95 parliamentary constituencies spread across 11 states and a Union Territory will go to polls today. Polling is being held in Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam (5), Bihar (5), Chhattisgarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (2), Karnataka (14), Maharashtra (10), Manipur (1), Odisha (5), Tamil Nadu (38), Uttar Pradesh (8), West Bengal (3), and a single parliamentary seat of Puducherry.

West Bengal: Violence mars polling at Raiganj, Chopra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his government managed to contain terrorism to only "two and a half" districts in Jammu and Kashmir and that no bomb blast took place elsewhere in the country in last five years.

Modi was speaking at an election rally at Amreli in Gujarat.

On Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement of trying to approach India after the Balakot air strike, Modi said the leader "had to make a public plea to us to pick up the phone".

Hitting out at the previous Congress-led governments in the country, he said had the Sardar Sarovar project been completed 40 years ago, Gujarat would have been much better.

He also thanked the people of Gujarat for the 'grooming' he received in the state.&nbsp;

''What I learnt in Gujarat helped me during Doklam standoff with China in 2017,'' Modis said.&nbsp;

Modi also said that Sardar Patel's statue was intended to disrespect Nehru.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his government managed to contain terrorism to only "two and a half" districts in Jammu and Kashmir and that no bomb blast took place elsewhere in the country in last five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his government managed to contain terrorism to only "two and a half" districts in Jammu and Kashmir and that no bomb blast took place elsewhere in the country in last five years. Modi was speaking at an election rally at Amreli in Gujarat. On Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement of trying to approach India after the Balakot air strike, Modi said the leader "had to make a public plea to us to pick up the phone". Hitting out at the previous Congress-led governments in the country, he said had the Sardar Sarovar project been completed 40 years ago, Gujarat would have been much better. He also thanked the people of Gujarat for the 'grooming' he received in the state. ''What I learnt in Gujarat helped me during Doklam standoff with China in 2017,'' Modis said. Modi also said that Sardar Patel's statue was intended to disrespect Nehru.

Terrorism contained to two and half districts in J&K: PM Modi In Gujarat 

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">Mathura</a>, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance.

"Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts. SP-BSP are only engaged in fighting with each other. There is a huge Modi wave here," Hema Malini said after casting her vote in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-2-hours-of-polling-assam-leads-in-voter-turnout-211376">second phase of Lok Sabha elections</a> on Thursday.

Mathura is one of the significant Lok Sabha seats out of 80 constituencies from the Hindi heartland of India. A Bharatiya Janata Party candidate won from here four times between 1991 and 1999, but the charm was broken by Congress's Manvendra Singh who swept the seat in 2004.

In 2009, the Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary won the Lok Sabha elections from here. The party had fought the election here in an alliance with the BJP.

In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini from the seat who registered a landslide win from the constituency, defeating Chaudhary by over three lakh votes. BSP's Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi trailed, finishing in the third spot.

This time around Malini, who is confident of seizing another term from the seat, is pitted against RLD's Kunwar Narendra Singh and Congress's Mahesh Pathak. And she depends on the Modi wave.

In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one's 'karma' is what matters. And almost all voters agree that PM Modi did well to retaliate against Pulwama terror attack.

Mathura has a sizeable but influential Jat community. The farmers aren't too happy and the general impression is that Hema Malini has not done much for rural areas, where Jats (4.5 lakh) heavily outnumber others. The BJP is trying to project Hema Malini as a Jat owing to her marriage with Bollywoood icon Dharmendra, who has also campaigned for her, but locals here think all this has little meaning.

"The government increased the wheat procurement price. But the cost of fertilizer too went up. Everything else relating to farming is under the GST. Diesel cost too is raised. There are more issues, but no one is ready to hear us," says Jagpal Singh, a farmer from Phenchari village. The locals say that Hema Malini has support base only in the city, not in rural areas which she ignored in the last five years.

The Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is part of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh and comprises five assembly segments - Chhata, Mant, Goverdhan, Mathura and Baldev. Muslims form the second most important vote bank here.

For Congress, it looks like Mathura has offered a tough field to plough. The party has not been able to win elections from here since Manvendra Singh's victory in 2004.

The RLD is fighting this year's polls in an alliance with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. It must be noted that both BSP and SP has had a poor report card in Mathura. The only time when an RLD candidate won from the seat was when the party was in an alliance with the BJP.

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from Mathura, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance. "Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts.

Hema Malini, the BJP candidate from Mathura, has expressed confidence that she will win the electoral battle against the SP-BSP alliance. "Development in Mathura is all due to my efforts. SP-BSP are only engaged in fighting with each other. There is a huge Modi wave here," Hema Malini said after casting her vote in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday. Mathura is one of the significant Lok Sabha seats out of 80 constituencies from the Hindi heartland of India. A Bharatiya Janata Party candidate won from here four times between 1991 and 1999, but the charm was broken by Congress's Manvendra Singh who swept the seat in 2004. In 2009, the Rashtriya Lok Dal's Jayant Chaudhary won the Lok Sabha elections from here. The party had fought the election here in an alliance with the BJP. In 2014, the BJP fielded Hema Malini from the seat who registered a landslide win from the constituency, defeating Chaudhary by over three lakh votes. BSP's Yogesh Kumar Dwivedi trailed, finishing in the third spot. This time around Malini, who is confident of seizing another term from the seat, is pitted against RLD's Kunwar Narendra Singh and Congress's Mahesh Pathak. And she depends on the Modi wave. In the birthplace of Lord Krishna, one's 'karma' is what matters. And almost all voters agree that PM Modi did well to retaliate against Pulwama terror attack. Mathura has a sizeable but influential Jat community. The farmers aren't too happy and the general impression is that Hema Malini has not done much for rural areas, where Jats (4.5 lakh) heavily outnumber others. The BJP is trying to project Hema Malini as a Jat owing to her marriage with Bollywoood icon Dharmendra, who has also campaigned for her, but locals here think all this has little meaning. "The government increased the wheat procurement price. But the cost of fertilizer too went up. Everything else relating to farming is under the GST. Diesel cost too is raised. There are more issues, but no one is ready to hear us," says Jagpal Singh, a farmer from Phenchari village. The locals say that Hema Malini has support base only in the city, not in rural areas which she ignored in the last five years. The Mathura Lok Sabha constituency is part of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh and comprises five assembly segments - Chhata, Mant, Goverdhan, Mathura and Baldev. Muslims form the second most important vote bank here. For Congress, it looks like Mathura has offered a tough field to plough. The party has not been able to win elections from here since Manvendra Singh's victory in 2004. The RLD is fighting this year's polls in an alliance with Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. It must be noted that both BSP and SP has had a poor report card in Mathura. The only time when an RLD candidate won from the seat was when the party was in an alliance with the BJP.

In Mathura, tough road ahead for Hema Malini in re-election bid

A 67.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/general-elections-2019-voters-politicians-celebrities-queue-up-to-vote-in-second-phase-211518">second phase of Lok Sabha polls</a> on Thursday in 95 seats spread in 11 states and a Union Territory, the Election Commission said.

Barring <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tension-prevails-in-bengals-chopra-amidst-voting-raf-deployed-211424">sporadic incidents of violence</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">union territory of Puducherry</a>.

While elections were cancelled in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency over the fear of abuse of money power, poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants.

Two violence-related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, including that of a woman polling personnel who was killed by suspected Maoists on Wednesday in Odisha. Another death was reported Thursday. Two other people, including a voter and a polling officer, died of an apparent heart attack.

There was reports of the electronic voting machines being damaged in Manipur and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal.

The interim voter turnout stood at 43.4 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir, the lowest, and 78 per cent, the highest, in Puducherry.

Udhampur and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir went for polls in this phase.

West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu reported a turnout above 70 per cent.

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.

He said if a ballot unit or control unit is replaced, the paper trail machines need to be replaced along with it. "Hence the higher number of replacements."

Fourteen seats in Karnataka also went to polls along with 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry.

Elections were also held in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha while bypolls are being held in 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

A 67.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls on Thursday in 95 seats spread in 11 states and a Union Territory, the Election Commission said.

A 67.84 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the second phase of Lok Sabha polls on Thursday in 95 seats spread in 11 states and a Union Territory, the Election Commission 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, poll was postponed to April 23 in Tripura (East) seat as there were apprehensions that law and order could be disturbed by miscreants. Two violence-related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, including that of a woman polling personnel who was killed by suspected Maoists on Wednesday in Odisha. Another death was reported Thursday. Two other people, including a voter and a polling officer, died of an apparent heart attack. There was reports of the electronic voting machines being damaged in Manipur and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal. The interim voter turnout stood at 43.4 per cent in Jammu and Kashmir, the lowest, and 78 per cent, the highest, in Puducherry. Udhampur and Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir went for polls in this phase. West Bengal, Assam, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu reported a turnout above 70 per cent. 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. He said if a ballot unit or control unit is replaced, the paper trail machines need to be replaced along with it. "Hence the higher number of replacements." Fourteen seats in Karnataka also went to polls along with 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry. Elections were also held in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha while bypolls are being held in 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. 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.

67.84% turnout in second phase of Lok Sabha polls: Election Commission

Malegaon blast accused&nbsp;Sadhvi Pragya Singh&nbsp;Thakur on Thursday broke down while recalling the ‘torture’ she faced in the custody of law enforcing agencies.

Interacting with&nbsp;BJP&nbsp;workers here, Thakur said: “When they took me away illegally, they kept me for 13 days. On the first day itself, they started beating me. When they used to hit me with a belt, the entire nervous system used to go blank. They used to beat me day and night.”

“They used to hurl abuses while beating me. They used to threaten me to hang me upside down. I was threatened to be stripped off. It is unbearable for me to recall the torture I suffered in the custody,” she said in a choked voice.

Thakur, whom the&nbsp;BJP&nbsp;has fielded against&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;veteran&nbsp;Digvijaya Singh&nbsp;from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, said: &nbsp;“I am not recalling my pain before you but all I am saying is that no sister should undergo what I have faced.”

“Did I indulge in some corruption or did I snatch someone’s post? But this did not happen due to these reasons. They told me not to talk about patriotism. They told me not to speak for the country,” she said.

She also claimed that she was beaten because the interrogators wanted her to confess that she had carried out a blast and killed Muslims.

“I never knew why they were beating me? The only reason which I later got to know was that they wanted me to say that I have carried out an explosion and killed Muslims. This was their politics. This was their act of sedition.&nbsp; 
This was their conspiracy to break the country,” she said.

“They kept asking me -- You carried out those explosions. I said -- I did not. Then they said that you are a terrorist. RSS is a terrorist organisation. I realised that Hindutva was being targeted,” said Sadhvi.

Terming those who allegedly framed her in Malegaon blast case as atheists, she said: “They never knew the power of patriots. What would these people know about the power of patriots? They get sold just for money and clothes.”

She said: “They used to beat me for the entire night and stopped only when they feared that now blood would begin to come out from my hands. They used to bring hot water, mix salt in it and then they used to dip my hand in that so that they become soft and they can beat me again.”

Pragya claimed that due to several narco, polygraph, and brain-mapping tests conducted on her, she was diagnosed with cancer.

“Three narco tests, three polygraph tests, and three brain-mapping tests were conducted on me. These are tests where chemical are injected into your body, which causes cancer,” she said.

She further alleged that there were attempts to kill her on the pretext of an encounter.

“They tried to encounter me. I thought it will not matter even if they will kill me but I won’t let them reach the heart where the Mother India lives,” said Pragya.

She also claimed that former Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Hemant Karkare died because she cursed him.

“I called Hemant Karkare and asked him to let me go if there is no evidence (against me). He (Karkare) said that he will bring evidence but will not leave me. I told him -- You will be ruined," she said.

Karkare was martyred along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during 26/11 attack in Mumbai in 2008.

Urging the people to stay vigilant from those who are trying to brand “saffron” colour as terrorism, she said: “Our nation is in danger because of these traitors. Our soldiers sacrifice themselves for us, but they question their valour. They praise the enemy country.”

Taking a dig at&nbsp;Congress&nbsp;candidate from Bhopal and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister&nbsp;Digvijaya Singh, she said: “Will we allow such “vidharmis” to stay in Bhopal? Sixteen years ago, you saw the rule of someone for 10 years. Forget vehicles. He doesn’t even have the right to walk barefoot here.”

“If you want our Bhopal safe, then remove such people, and chase them away. Don’t tolerate them. If you want Bhopal to prosper, then even their shadow should not fall here.”

Terming the Lok Sabha election as “Dharm Yudh,” Thakur said: “I am not contesting elections. I am a ‘sanyasi.’ This is a ‘Dharm Yudh.’ I am here considering it as the order of god. I am not here to do ‘netagiri.’ I have been instructed by the god to take part in this Dharm Yudh.”

Sadhvi also said that she was begging to the people for their votes.

“I beg because I am a sanyasi. So, I will beg for one vote for the nation, vote for the integrity of the country. If ‘vidharmis’ win, then we will not be able to show our face to our children,” she said.

Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. A bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra’s Malegaon on September 29, 2008.

Bhopal will go to polls on May 12. The results will be announced on May 23.

Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Thursday broke down while recalling the ‘torture’ she faced in the custody of law enforcing agencies. Interacting with BJP workers here, Thakur said: “When they took me away illegally, they kept me for 13 days.

Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Thursday broke down while recalling the ‘torture’ she faced in the custody of law enforcing agencies. Interacting with BJP workers here, Thakur said: “When they took me away illegally, they kept me for 13 days. On the first day itself, they started beating me. When they used to hit me with a belt, the entire nervous system used to go blank. They used to beat me day and night.” “They used to hurl abuses while beating me. They used to threaten me to hang me upside down. I was threatened to be stripped off. It is unbearable for me to recall the torture I suffered in the custody,” she said in a choked voice. Thakur, whom the BJP has fielded against Congress veteran Digvijaya Singh from Bhopal Lok Sabha seat, said: “I am not recalling my pain before you but all I am saying is that no sister should undergo what I have faced.” “Did I indulge in some corruption or did I snatch someone’s post? But this did not happen due to these reasons. They told me not to talk about patriotism. They told me not to speak for the country,” she said. She also claimed that she was beaten because the interrogators wanted her to confess that she had carried out a blast and killed Muslims. “I never knew why they were beating me? The only reason which I later got to know was that they wanted me to say that I have carried out an explosion and killed Muslims. This was their politics. This was their act of sedition. This was their conspiracy to break the country,” she said. “They kept asking me -- You carried out those explosions. I said -- I did not. Then they said that you are a terrorist. RSS is a terrorist organisation. I realised that Hindutva was being targeted,” said Sadhvi. Terming those who allegedly framed her in Malegaon blast case as atheists, she said: “They never knew the power of patriots. What would these people know about the power of patriots? They get sold just for money and clothes.” She said: “They used to beat me for the entire night and stopped only when they feared that now blood would begin to come out from my hands. They used to bring hot water, mix salt in it and then they used to dip my hand in that so that they become soft and they can beat me again.” Pragya claimed that due to several narco, polygraph, and brain-mapping tests conducted on her, she was diagnosed with cancer. “Three narco tests, three polygraph tests, and three brain-mapping tests were conducted on me. These are tests where chemical are injected into your body, which causes cancer,” she said. She further alleged that there were attempts to kill her on the pretext of an encounter. “They tried to encounter me. I thought it will not matter even if they will kill me but I won’t let them reach the heart where the Mother India lives,” said Pragya. She also claimed that former Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) Hemant Karkare died because she cursed him. “I called Hemant Karkare and asked him to let me go if there is no evidence (against me). He (Karkare) said that he will bring evidence but will not leave me. I told him -- You will be ruined," she said. Karkare was martyred along with two other senior police officers while fighting terrorists during 26/11 attack in Mumbai in 2008. Urging the people to stay vigilant from those who are trying to brand “saffron” colour as terrorism, she said: “Our nation is in danger because of these traitors. Our soldiers sacrifice themselves for us, but they question their valour. They praise the enemy country.” Taking a dig at Congress candidate from Bhopal and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh, she said: “Will we allow such “vidharmis” to stay in Bhopal? Sixteen years ago, you saw the rule of someone for 10 years. Forget vehicles. He doesn’t even have the right to walk barefoot here.” “If you want our Bhopal safe, then remove such people, and chase them away. Don’t tolerate them. If you want Bhopal to prosper, then even their shadow should not fall here.” Terming the Lok Sabha election as “Dharm Yudh,” Thakur said: “I am not contesting elections. I am a ‘sanyasi.’ This is a ‘Dharm Yudh.’ I am here considering it as the order of god. I am not here to do ‘netagiri.’ I have been instructed by the god to take part in this Dharm Yudh.” Sadhvi also said that she was begging to the people for their votes. “I beg because I am a sanyasi. So, I will beg for one vote for the nation, vote for the integrity of the country. If ‘vidharmis’ win, then we will not be able to show our face to our children,” she said. Thakur is among the seven accused facing trial in Malegaon blast case, wherein six people were killed and a dozen others were injured. A bomb placed on a motorcycle exploded in Maharashtra’s Malegaon on September 29, 2008. Bhopal will go to polls on May 12. The results will be announced on May 23.

Sadhvi Pragya breaks down recalling 'torture' during custody

Political heavyweights in Tamil Nadu cast votes as polling begins

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/digvijaya-singh-needed-proper-challenger-bjps-ram-madhav-on-pragya-thakur-211565">Pragya Singh Thakur</a> from contesting the Lok Sabha election.

The application was filed by Nisar Sayeed, who lost his son in the blast, a day after the BJP fielded Thakur from the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat against Congress veteran Digvijay Singh.

Special National Investigation Agency cases judge V S Padalkar sought replies from both the NIA and Thakur and posted the matter for Monday.

The applicant sought that Thakur, who is out on bail, be asked to attend court proceedings in Mumbai and be barred from contesting the election as the trial is in progress.

It further mentioned that Thakur got bail on health grounds. If she was "healthy enough to fight elections in the crippling summers heat", then she has misled the court, the complainant alleged.&nbsp;

A petition seeking cancellation of her bail was pending before the Supreme Court, it said.

Six people were killed and over a hundred injured in a bomb blast at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Thakur and others in the case, alleging that they were part of a Hindu extremist group which carried out the blast.

The NIA later gave Thakur a clean chit, but the court did not discharge Thakur.

It dropped charges against her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, but she is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code sections.

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from contesting the Lok Sabha election.

The father of one of the victims of the 2008 Malegaon blast moved the special NIA court here Thursday, urging it to bar prime accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur from contesting the Lok Sabha election. The application was filed by Nisar Sayeed, who lost his son in the blast, a day after the BJP fielded Thakur from the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat against Congress veteran Digvijay Singh. Special National Investigation Agency cases judge V S Padalkar sought replies from both the NIA and Thakur and posted the matter for Monday. The applicant sought that Thakur, who is out on bail, be asked to attend court proceedings in Mumbai and be barred from contesting the election as the trial is in progress. It further mentioned that Thakur got bail on health grounds. If she was "healthy enough to fight elections in the crippling summers heat", then she has misled the court, the complainant alleged. A petition seeking cancellation of her bail was pending before the Supreme Court, it said. Six people were killed and over a hundred injured in a bomb blast at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Thakur and others in the case, alleging that they were part of a Hindu extremist group which carried out the blast. The NIA later gave Thakur a clean chit, but the court did not discharge Thakur. It dropped charges against her under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, but she is still facing trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Indian Penal Code sections.

Malegaon victim's father asks court to ban Sadhvi from contesting polls

india-news

India, News on India, stories on India, articles on India, India stories at Wion, India news, India latest news

india news