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The Election Commission of India on Tuesday called the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency as cancelled.&nbsp;

As per reports, a few days back a large sum of cash was allegedly seized from a DMK candidate's office.&nbsp;

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-no-order-issued-for-cancellation-of-election-in-vellore-says-election-commission-210782">Accepting the recommendation of EC dated 14th April 2019</a>, the President has rescinded the election to Vellore parliamentary constituency, Tamil Nadu," the Election Commission said today. &nbsp;

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Election Commission: Accepting the recommendation of EC dated 14th April 2019, President has rescinded the election to Vellore parliamentary constituency, Tamil Nadu. <a href="https://t.co/iyqw9uTkcV">pic.twitter.com/iyqw9uTkcV</a>
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Last month, the Income Tax department and Election Commission officials had raided DMK treasurer Durai Murugan's residence in Vellore, and reportedly seized a large amount of unaccounted cash.

Raids were also conducted at Kingston Engineering College and Durai Murugan B.Ed College, which are owned by Kadhir Anand.&nbsp;

Vellore was supposed to go polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election, scheduled this Thursday.&nbsp;

As per the seat-sharing arrangement of Congress-DMK alliance, the Vellore seat has gone to DMK. Similarly, an alliance of BJP-AIADMK and other regional parties has conceded the seat to AIADMK.

The DMK has fielded Kadhir Anand from Vellore Parliamentary constituency against AIADMK's AC Shanmugam.

 
&nbsp;

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday called the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency as cancelled. As per reports, a few days back a large sum of cash was allegedly seized from a DMK candidate's office.

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday called the Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu's Vellore constituency as cancelled. As per reports, a few days back a large sum of cash was allegedly seized from a DMK candidate's office. "Accepting the recommendation of EC dated 14th April 2019, the President has rescinded the election to Vellore parliamentary constituency, Tamil Nadu," the Election Commission said today. Election Commission: Accepting the recommendation of EC dated 14th April 2019, President has rescinded the election to Vellore parliamentary constituency, Tamil Nadu. pic.twitter.com/iyqw9uTkcV — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019 × Last month, the Income Tax department and Election Commission officials had raided DMK treasurer Durai Murugan's residence in Vellore, and reportedly seized a large amount of unaccounted cash. Raids were also conducted at Kingston Engineering College and Durai Murugan B.Ed College, which are owned by Kadhir Anand. Vellore was supposed to go polls in the second phase of the Lok Sabha election, scheduled this Thursday. As per the seat-sharing arrangement of Congress-DMK alliance, the Vellore seat has gone to DMK. Similarly, an alliance of BJP-AIADMK and other regional parties has conceded the seat to AIADMK. The DMK has fielded Kadhir Anand from Vellore Parliamentary constituency against AIADMK's AC Shanmugam.

Election Commission calls off polls in Tamil Nadu's Vellore over cash haul

The second technical level talks on the Kartarpur corridor took place on Tuesday at the 'zero point' at Dera Baba Nanak border. Engineers and other officials were present during the meeting.&nbsp;

India has offered to make a flyover from Darshni Sthal, from where the holy site could be seen from the Indian side, till the 'zero point' where India-Pak corridors meet.

India had proposed Tuesday's meeting to address the outstanding technical issues. Currently, the project is being implemented on the ground with speed.

The first meet took place last month on March 19. During that meeting, which included engineers and surveyors, the survey of the site was done and the alignment of the corridor was also discussed.

Last month, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks on Kartarpur corridor after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-keeps-mum-on-indias-concerns-over-presence-of-khalistani-separatists-on-kartarpur-panel-207936">New Delhi raised concerns over the presence of Khalistanis on Pakistan's committee</a> that will oversee the implementation of the corridor.

The first India-Pak officials' meet took place on March 14. India had then proposed that the corridor should be open to Indian citizens and Indian diaspora with 5,000 people allowed every day.&nbsp;

Islamabad wasn't keen on the Indian proposal saying they can only allow 700 people, that too only Indian citizens, on designated days with a paid permit.

India has already clarified that the talks do not mean the resumption of a dialogue process. The corridor has been a long-standing demand of Indian citizens of Sikh faith. Pakistan agreed to the demand after India announced last year in November that it will build the corridor.

The second technical level talks on the Kartarpur corridor took place on Tuesday at the 'zero point' at Dera Baba Nanak border. Engineers and other officials were present during the meeting.

The second technical level talks on the Kartarpur corridor took place on Tuesday at the 'zero point' at Dera Baba Nanak border. Engineers and other officials were present during the meeting. India has offered to make a flyover from Darshni Sthal, from where the holy site could be seen from the Indian side, till the 'zero point' where India-Pak corridors meet. India had proposed Tuesday's meeting to address the outstanding technical issues. Currently, the project is being implemented on the ground with speed. The first meet took place last month on March 19. During that meeting, which included engineers and surveyors, the survey of the site was done and the alignment of the corridor was also discussed. Last month, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks on Kartarpur corridor after New Delhi raised concerns over the presence of Khalistanis on Pakistan's committee that will oversee the implementation of the corridor. The first India-Pak officials' meet took place on March 14. India had then proposed that the corridor should be open to Indian citizens and Indian diaspora with 5,000 people allowed every day. Islamabad wasn't keen on the Indian proposal saying they can only allow 700 people, that too only Indian citizens, on designated days with a paid permit. India has already clarified that the talks do not mean the resumption of a dialogue process. The corridor has been a long-standing demand of Indian citizens of Sikh faith. Pakistan agreed to the demand after India announced last year in November that it will build the corridor.

Second India-Pak technical talks on Kartarpur corridor conclude

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland chopper scam, moved a Delhi court Tuesday seeking 7-day interim bail to celebrate Easter with his family.

Special Judge Arvind Kumar directed the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate which have filed cases against him to respond to his bail application by April 18, when the court will hear the mater.

"It is submitted that the applicant was in the ED custody even during Christmas week ie. December 22 to 28, 2018 and was interrogated by the agency even during the Christmas day. Being a Christian, he was not even allowed to offer a Holy mass even during Christmas...," said the application moved by the accused.

"It is submitted that the week commencing form 14th April to 21st April is a holy week for the Christian's and 21st April is the Easter which will be celebrated universally. The petitioner wishes to attend the holy mass on the Easter day and would like to make offerings during the Easter day," it said.

The ED filed a supplementary charge sheet against Michel and others on April 4,&nbsp;Michel was arrested by the ED on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai.

He is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the chopper scam by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa.&nbsp;

The agency had earlier told the court that Michel received 24.25 million euros and 1,60,96,245 pounds from the AgustaWestland deal.&nbsp;

The ED told the court that it had identified Michel's properties purchased with the proceeds of the crime.

The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland.

The CBI, in its charge sheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros.&nbsp;

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland chopper scam, moved a Delhi court Tuesday seeking 7-day interim bail to celebrate Easter with his family.

Christian Michel, the alleged middleman arrested in the AgustaWestland chopper scam, moved a Delhi court Tuesday seeking 7-day interim bail to celebrate Easter with his family. Special Judge Arvind Kumar directed the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate which have filed cases against him to respond to his bail application by April 18, when the court will hear the mater. "It is submitted that the applicant was in the ED custody even during Christmas week ie. December 22 to 28, 2018 and was interrogated by the agency even during the Christmas day. Being a Christian, he was not even allowed to offer a Holy mass even during Christmas...," said the application moved by the accused. "It is submitted that the week commencing form 14th April to 21st April is a holy week for the Christian's and 21st April is the Easter which will be celebrated universally. The petitioner wishes to attend the holy mass on the Easter day and would like to make offerings during the Easter day," it said. The ED filed a supplementary charge sheet against Michel and others on April 4, Michel was arrested by the ED on December 22 last year after his extradition from Dubai. He is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the chopper scam by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation. The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. The agency had earlier told the court that Michel received 24.25 million euros and 1,60,96,245 pounds from the AgustaWestland deal. The ED told the court that it had identified Michel's properties purchased with the proceeds of the crime. The ED, in its charge sheet filed against Michel in June 2016, had alleged that he had received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland. The CBI, in its charge sheet, has alleged an estimated loss of 398.21 million euros (about Rs 2,666 crore) to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010, for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros.

VVIP chopper case: Christian Michel seeks bail to celebrate Easter

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-cathedral-was-probably-caused-by-accident-say-french-prosecutors-210901">Notre-Dame cathedral fire was probably caused by accident: French prosecutors</a>

The fire that tore through Notre-Dame cathedral was probably caused by accident, French prosecutors said on Tuesday after firefighters doused the last flames in the ruins overnight.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-sign-accord-backing-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-switzerland-210910">Will sign accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative: Switzerland</a>

Switzerland will sign an accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) when President Ueli Maurer visits China this month, cementing ties with a major trading partner as other Western countries view the gargantuan project with scepticism.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-2-islamic-state-leader-abdulhakim-killed-in-somalia-air-strike-us-military-210906">Islamic State No 2 Abdulhakim killed in Somalia air strike: US military</a>

The US military has confirmed that it had killed the second-ranking Islamic State leader in Somalia in an air strike. US Africa Command said that Abdulhakim Dhuqub was killed on Sunday in the strike vicinity of Xiriiro in the Bari region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-shatrughan-sinhas-wife-poonam-sinha-joins-samajwadi-party-210893">Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins SP, set to take Rajnath Singh from Lucknow</a>

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/jet-airways-shares-sink-8-amid-reports-of-temporary-shutdown-of-operations-210939">Jet Airways shares sink 8% amid reports of temporary shutdown of operations</a>

Shares of Jet Airways plunged nearly 8 per cent Tuesday amid reports that the company is likely to temporarily shut down its operations. The scrip tumbled 7.62 per cent to close at Rs 241.85 on the BSE. During the day, it plummeted 18.56 per cent to Rs 213.20.

Notre-Dame cathedral fire was probably caused by accident: French prosecutors The fire that tore through Notre-Dame cathedral was probably caused by accident, French prosecutors said on Tuesday after firefighters doused the last flames in the ruins overnight.

Notre-Dame cathedral fire was probably caused by accident: French prosecutors The fire that tore through Notre-Dame cathedral was probably caused by accident, French prosecutors said on Tuesday after firefighters doused the last flames in the ruins overnight. Will sign accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative: Switzerland Switzerland will sign an accord backing China's Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) when President Ueli Maurer visits China this month, cementing ties with a major trading partner as other Western countries view the gargantuan project with scepticism. Islamic State No 2 Abdulhakim killed in Somalia air strike: US military The US military has confirmed that it had killed the second-ranking Islamic State leader in Somalia in an air strike. US Africa Command said that Abdulhakim Dhuqub was killed on Sunday in the strike vicinity of Xiriiro in the Bari region. Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins SP, set to take Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav. Jet Airways shares sink 8% amid reports of temporary shutdown of operations Shares of Jet Airways plunged nearly 8 per cent Tuesday amid reports that the company is likely to temporarily shut down its operations. The scrip tumbled 7.62 per cent to close at Rs 241.85 on the BSE. During the day, it plummeted 18.56 per cent to Rs 213.20.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Last month, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks on Kartarpur corridor after New Delhi raised concerns over the presence of Khalistanis on Pakistan's committee that will oversee the implementation of the corridor.

Kartarpur corridor: Second India-Pak technical talks conclude

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era.&nbsp;

BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991.

After Vajpayee, this seat was won by Lalji Tandon and then by Rajnath Singh in 2014. Rajnath Singh is seeking a second term form Lucknow.

Singh had contested from Lucknow parliamentary constituency for the first time in 2014 and registered an easy victory over the Congress candidate. Singh's nearest rival then was Rita Bahuguna Joshi who is now in BJP and a minister in UP government.

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 483px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>State</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Uttar Pradesh</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Constituency number</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">35</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Constituency Status</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">General</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Current Member of Parliament</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Rajnath Singh (Bharatiya Janata Party)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Assembly Constituencies</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Lucknow West, Lucknow North, Lucknow East, Lucknow Central, Lucknow Cantt.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Total voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">19,49,956</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Female voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">8,97,785</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Male voters</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">10,52,171</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Reserved</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">No</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Delimited</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">Yes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td style="width: 339px;">&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Samajwadi Party has fielded Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha against Rajnath Singh.

According to sources, the Congress is likely to extend support to Sinha’s candidature, with the aim to dent BJP’s votes and keep Singh confined to his constituency. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party is banking on the caste equation of Lucknow. There are four lakh Kayastha voters and 1.3 lakh Sindhi voters in Lucknow, apart from 3.5 lakh Muslims. Poonam Sinha is a Sindhi while her husband Shatrughan Sinha is a Kayastha.&nbsp;

Lucknow naturally meets all requirements to be a prominent seat by being a Lok Sabha constituency that has been represented by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for five times.

Vajpayee who contested from Lucknow five times scarcely ever needed to confront a political heavyweight of his stature as a rival.&nbsp;

Most popular of the individuals who lost against him were senior Advocate Ram Jethmalani as an independent candidate, Dr Karan Singh of Congress, movie producer Muzaffar Ali and Raj Babbar from Congress in 2004, 1999, 1998, 1996 separately. And&nbsp;every one of them was defeated with huge margins.

Lucknow is going to polls on May 6 along with a total of 51 constituencies across seven states in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991.

The Lucknow parliamentary seat is considered to be a BJP bastion and has been its stronghold since the Atal Bihari Vajpayee era. BJP has been on a winning spree here winning the prestigious parliamentary seat continuously since 1991. After Vajpayee, this seat was won by Lalji Tandon and then by Rajnath Singh in 2014. Rajnath Singh is seeking a second term form Lucknow. Singh had contested from Lucknow parliamentary constituency for the first time in 2014 and registered an easy victory over the Congress candidate. Singh's nearest rival then was Rita Bahuguna Joshi who is now in BJP and a minister in UP government. State Uttar Pradesh Constituency number 35 Constituency Status General Current Member of Parliament Rajnath Singh (Bharatiya Janata Party) Assembly Constituencies Lucknow West, Lucknow North, Lucknow East, Lucknow Central, Lucknow Cantt. Total voters 19,49,956 Female voters 8,97,785 Male voters 10,52,171 Reserved No Delimited Yes Samajwadi Party has fielded Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam Sinha against Rajnath Singh. According to sources, the Congress is likely to extend support to Sinha’s candidature, with the aim to dent BJP’s votes and keep Singh confined to his constituency. Samajwadi Party is banking on the caste equation of Lucknow. There are four lakh Kayastha voters and 1.3 lakh Sindhi voters in Lucknow, apart from 3.5 lakh Muslims. Poonam Sinha is a Sindhi while her husband Shatrughan Sinha is a Kayastha. Lucknow naturally meets all requirements to be a prominent seat by being a Lok Sabha constituency that has been represented by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for five times. Vajpayee who contested from Lucknow five times scarcely ever needed to confront a political heavyweight of his stature as a rival. Most popular of the individuals who lost against him were senior Advocate Ram Jethmalani as an independent candidate, Dr Karan Singh of Congress, movie producer Muzaffar Ali and Raj Babbar from Congress in 2004, 1999, 1998, 1996 separately. And every one of them was defeated with huge margins. Lucknow is going to polls on May 6 along with a total of 51 constituencies across seven states in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election. (With inputs from agencies)

Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha’s wife Poonam takes on Rajnath Singh in BJP's stronghold

The electoral battle in Jaipur Rural constituency in Rajasthan can easily be billed as a clash of the titans as two former Olympians - the BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore and Congress's Krishna Poonia - are pitted against each other from here for the Lok Sabha polls.

Rathore, a former Colonel in the Indian Army, started his political innings by joining the BJP in September 2013 after taking voluntary retirement.

In 2014, he was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) in Lok Sabha from Jaipur Rural seat and was sworn in as the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting.

In 2017, the Padma Shree awardee was given independent charge of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Krishna Poonia, who is the first Indian woman track-and-field athlete to win an individual gold in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, represents Churu district's Sadulpur assembly seat. She was named the Congress candidate from Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat on April 1.

She joined Congress party at an election rally in Churu in 2013 and believes that Congress was the natural choice for her as her family has traditionally supported the party.

The Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat, which has 19.33 lakh electorates, 9.12 lakh of them female, is dominated by the Jat community, followed by Brahmin, Yadav and Scheduled Caste voters. The caste equation is favourable for Poonia who belongs to the Jat community.

Of the eight assembly segments in the Lok Sabha constituency, the ruling Congress has five seats, two are with the BJP and one is with an Independent MLA. During the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had five seats while the Congress had two assembly seats falling under the Jaipur Rural constituency.

The 25 parliamentary constituencies of Rajasthan will go to polls in two phases.

Polling will be held in 13 constituencies in the fourth phase on April 29.

The rest of the 12 seats including Jaipur Rural will vote in the fifth phase on May 6.

(With inputs from agencies)

The electoral battle in Jaipur Rural constituency in Rajasthan can easily be billed as a clash of the titans as two former Olympians - the BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore and Congress's Krishna Poonia - are pitted against each other from here for the Lok Sabha polls.

The electoral battle in Jaipur Rural constituency in Rajasthan can easily be billed as a clash of the titans as two former Olympians - the BJP's Rajyavardhan Rathore and Congress's Krishna Poonia - are pitted against each other from here for the Lok Sabha polls. Rathore, a former Colonel in the Indian Army, started his political innings by joining the BJP in September 2013 after taking voluntary retirement. In 2014, he was elected as Member of Parliament (MP) in Lok Sabha from Jaipur Rural seat and was sworn in as the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting. In 2017, the Padma Shree awardee was given independent charge of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Krishna Poonia, who is the first Indian woman track-and-field athlete to win an individual gold in the 2010 Commonwealth Games, represents Churu district's Sadulpur assembly seat. She was named the Congress candidate from Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat on April 1. She joined Congress party at an election rally in Churu in 2013 and believes that Congress was the natural choice for her as her family has traditionally supported the party. The Jaipur Rural Lok Sabha seat, which has 19.33 lakh electorates, 9.12 lakh of them female, is dominated by the Jat community, followed by Brahmin, Yadav and Scheduled Caste voters. The caste equation is favourable for Poonia who belongs to the Jat community. Of the eight assembly segments in the Lok Sabha constituency, the ruling Congress has five seats, two are with the BJP and one is with an Independent MLA. During the 2014 Lok Sabha election, the BJP had five seats while the Congress had two assembly seats falling under the Jaipur Rural constituency. The 25 parliamentary constituencies of Rajasthan will go to polls in two phases. Polling will be held in 13 constituencies in the fourth phase on April 29. The rest of the 12 seats including Jaipur Rural will vote in the fifth phase on May 6. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha elections 2019: Two Olympians slug it out in Rajasthan’s Jaipur Rural

The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-u-turn-tweet-suggests-youre-not-interested-in-alliance-kejriwal-slams-rahul-gandhi-210728">an alliance with the AAP in Delhi</a> and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision.

A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it.

"Party president Rahul Gandhi has made it pretty clear that an alliance can be formed just in Delhi in a ratio of 4:3," he told reporters, in response to a question on an alliance.

"People have expressed their doubts to us over AAP but despite that we have shown a big heart and for a common objective we have agreed to form an alliance in Delhi.&nbsp; 
Senior party leader Randeep Surjewala has made it clear on the party's stand on alliance in other states," he said.

He accused Kejriwal of playing "hide and seek" and said Gandhi has made its stand clear.

Surjewala had last week said that if an alliance has to be made it can only be made in the national capital and not in other states.

Amid a continuing blame game over seat-sharing in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal Monday engaged in a public spat, with the Congress president accusing the AAP of making a 'U-turn' over alliance talks prompting the Delhi chief minister to hit back at him.

The Congress chief had said while the doors of his party are open, time is running out, but Kejriwal slammed him, questioning what U-turn was he talking about as the talks were still on.

The Congress has offered the AAP 4:3 seat-sharing formula - four Lok Sabha seats for the ruling party and three seats for itself while the AAP has proposed 5:2 ration keeping five seats for itself and two for the grand old party.

The arrangement has been arrived at on basis of the vote share of both parties in 2017 civic polls here.

The Congress has accused the Kejriwal-led outfit of backing out from its commitment, as it is demanding seats in Goa, Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh, besides Delhi for a pre-poll understanding with the Congress.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh said in response to Gandhi's tweet, "The Congress is not giving even a single seat to the AAP in Punjab where it has four MPs and 20 MLAs and in Haryana."

"In Delhi where the Congress has zero MPs and MLAs, it is demanding three seats. Is this how an agreement happens? Why do not you want to stop the BJP in other states," he asked.

The AAP has already announced its candidates on the seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi, while the Congress has finalised names of its candidates which could be announced soon.&nbsp;

The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision.

The Congress Tuesday asserted that it has shown a "big heart" by agreeing to form an alliance with the AAP in Delhi and said the ball is now in the court of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party to take a decision. A day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal indulged in a public spat over the issue, the grand old party said it has already offered AAP four seats in the national capital and now the decision has to be taken by it. "Party president Rahul Gandhi has made it pretty clear that an alliance can be formed just in Delhi in a ratio of 4:3," he told reporters, in response to a question on an alliance. "People have expressed their doubts to us over AAP but despite that we have shown a big heart and for a common objective we have agreed to form an alliance in Delhi. Senior party leader Randeep Surjewala has made it clear on the party's stand on alliance in other states," he said. He accused Kejriwal of playing "hide and seek" and said Gandhi has made its stand clear. Surjewala had last week said that if an alliance has to be made it can only be made in the national capital and not in other states. Amid a continuing blame game over seat-sharing in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal Monday engaged in a public spat, with the Congress president accusing the AAP of making a 'U-turn' over alliance talks prompting the Delhi chief minister to hit back at him. The Congress chief had said while the doors of his party are open, time is running out, but Kejriwal slammed him, questioning what U-turn was he talking about as the talks were still on. The Congress has offered the AAP 4:3 seat-sharing formula - four Lok Sabha seats for the ruling party and three seats for itself while the AAP has proposed 5:2 ration keeping five seats for itself and two for the grand old party. The arrangement has been arrived at on basis of the vote share of both parties in 2017 civic polls here. The Congress has accused the Kejriwal-led outfit of backing out from its commitment, as it is demanding seats in Goa, Haryana, Punjab and Chandigarh, besides Delhi for a pre-poll understanding with the Congress. AAP leader Sanjay Singh said in response to Gandhi's tweet, "The Congress is not giving even a single seat to the AAP in Punjab where it has four MPs and 20 MLAs and in Haryana." "In Delhi where the Congress has zero MPs and MLAs, it is demanding three seats. Is this how an agreement happens? Why do not you want to stop the BJP in other states," he asked. The AAP has already announced its candidates on the seven parliamentary constituencies in Delhi, while the Congress has finalised names of its candidates which could be announced soon.

Ball is in AAP's court to take a decision on alliance in Delhi: Congress

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bangladeshi-actor-ferdous-ahmed-campaigns-for-tmc-in-west-bengal-bjp-alleges-code-violation-210619">Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigning for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal</a>.&nbsp;

The move comes following reports that Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly took part in campaigning for TMC's Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal.

The Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) Kolkata has been asked to send a detailed report whether Ahmed has violated visa conditions by allegedly participating in the Lok Sabha poll campaigning, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

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Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous campaigning for TMC in West Bengal. <a href="https://t.co/9uj22bZvEn">pic.twitter.com/9uj22bZvEn</a>
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Ahmed is said to be visiting India on a Business Visa.

The Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border.

The FRRO is responsible for providing visa services in the area under its jurisdiction.

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday took notice of the incident and had raised the issue of Model Code of Conduct violation.&nbsp;

The BJP moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigning for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed campaigning for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal. The move comes following reports that Bangladeshi star Ferdous Ahmed, along with a few Indian actors, allegedly took part in campaigning for TMC's Raiganj candidate Kanhaiyalal Agarwal. The Foreigner Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) Kolkata has been asked to send a detailed report whether Ahmed has violated visa conditions by allegedly participating in the Lok Sabha poll campaigning, news agency PTI reported. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked for a report from Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous campaigning for TMC in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/9uj22bZvEn — ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2019 × Ahmed is said to be visiting India on a Business Visa. The Bangladeshi film star was reportedly seen seeking votes for Agarwal at campaign rallies across Hemtabad and Karandighi near the Indo-Bangladesh border. The FRRO is responsible for providing visa services in the area under its jurisdiction. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday took notice of the incident and had raised the issue of Model Code of Conduct violation. The BJP moved the Election Commission and filed a complaint against the Trinamool Congress. BJP claimed that participation of a foreign national in an election campaign is a sheer violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). BJP also claimed that the Trinamool Congress was trying to consolidate minority votes in the Raiganj seat by roping in a famous Bangladeshi actor - Ahmed. (With inputs from PTI)

Centre seeks report on Bangladeshi actor Ferdous Ahmed's campaign for Trinamool Congress in West Bengal

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined&nbsp;Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav.

The development comes just 10 days after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-shatrughan-sinha-to-challenge-ravi-shankar-prasad-in-bihars-patna-sahib-208336">Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress</a> and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib. Poonam Sinha is set to take Union Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Poonam Sinha will&nbsp;file nomination on April 18.

The SP has urged Congress party not to field a candidate from Lucknow to ensure BJP's defeat.&nbsp;

"We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated," Samajwadi Party's Ravidas Mehrotra told media on Tuesday.

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Ravidas Mehrotra, SP: Poonam Sinha ji (wife of Shatrughan Sinha) will be the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow. She will file nomination on April 18. We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Xp2y3M6Wz1">pic.twitter.com/Xp2y3M6Wz1</a>
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Samajwadi Party MP and chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav welcomed Sinha to the party. Yadav has been critical in inducting key candidates into the party. She was instrumental in foraying talks with the Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh which didn't end up materialising.&nbsp;

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Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party in presence of Dimple Yadav. <a href="https://t.co/sgFg3C5oRm">pic.twitter.com/sgFg3C5oRm</a>
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANINewsUP/status/1118091817877065728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Shatrughan Sinha is set to take BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Bihar's key Patna Sahib&nbsp;constituency.&nbsp;

Shatrughan Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term.

He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav. The development comes just 10 days after Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib.

Veteran actor and former BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joined Samajwadi Party on Tuesday in the presence of Kannauj MP Dimple Yadav. The development comes just 10 days after Shatrughan Sinha joined Congress and was given a ticket from Bihar's Patna Sahib. Poonam Sinha is set to take Union Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh from Lucknow Lok Sabha seat. Poonam Sinha will file nomination on April 18. The SP has urged Congress party not to field a candidate from Lucknow to ensure BJP's defeat. "We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated," Samajwadi Party's Ravidas Mehrotra told media on Tuesday. Ravidas Mehrotra, SP: Poonam Sinha ji (wife of Shatrughan Sinha) will be the SP-BSP-RLD candidate from Lucknow. She will file nomination on April 18. We appeal to the Congress that do not field your candidate from here so that BJP can be defeated. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/Xp2y3M6Wz1 — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019 × Samajwadi Party MP and chief Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav welcomed Sinha to the party. Yadav has been critical in inducting key candidates into the party. She was instrumental in foraying talks with the Congress' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for an alliance in Uttar Pradesh which didn't end up materialising. Lucknow: Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins Samajwadi Party in presence of Dimple Yadav. pic.twitter.com/sgFg3C5oRm — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2019 × Shatrughan Sinha is set to take BJP leader and Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the Bihar's key Patna Sahib constituency. Shatrughan Sinha had a long association with the BJP. He was the minister for shipping and health and family welfare during former Prime Minister Vajpayee's term. He won the Patna Sahib Lok Sabha seat in 2009 and then again during the BJP wave under Narendra Modi in 2014.

Shatrughan Sinha's wife Poonam Sinha joins SP, set to take Rajnath Singh from Lucknow

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday announced that he will file a defamation case against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged "all thieves have Modi in their surnames" comment.

"I will file a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi in Patna High Court within two days," Modi told reporters here.

The BJP leader claimed that Gandhi has hurt the sentiments of crores of people with Modi surname. The Deputy Chief Minister said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) has referred to crores of people with 'Modi'&nbsp;surname as 'chor'&nbsp;and hurt their sentiments."

He asked whether it is a crime to have used the title. "Is it a crime to have `Modi` surname?" he asked. Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Maharashtra on Monday, asked how come all "thieves" have Modi as the common surname as he attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of corruption.

"But tell me one thing... Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi... how come they all have Modi as a common name. How come all the thieves have Modi as the common name?" Gandhi had asked.

In a separate case, the Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Congress president on a petition filed against him by BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi for allegedly making contemptuous remarks in connection with its order on the admissibility of the certain document in the Rafale deal.

The contempt petition accused Rahul Gandhi of misquoting the order when he said the apex court had accepted that "chowkidar" (a reference to PM Narendra Modi), is a "chor (thief)".&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday announced that he will file a defamation case against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged "all thieves have Modi in their surnames" comment.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday announced that he will file a defamation case against Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his alleged "all thieves have Modi in their surnames" comment. "I will file a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi in Patna High Court within two days," Modi told reporters here. The BJP leader claimed that Gandhi has hurt the sentiments of crores of people with Modi surname. The Deputy Chief Minister said, "He (Rahul Gandhi) has referred to crores of people with 'Modi' surname as 'chor' and hurt their sentiments." He asked whether it is a crime to have used the title. "Is it a crime to have `Modi` surname?" he asked. Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Maharashtra on Monday, asked how come all "thieves" have Modi as the common surname as he attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of corruption. "But tell me one thing... Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi, Narendra Modi... how come they all have Modi as a common name. How come all the thieves have Modi as the common name?" Gandhi had asked. In a separate case, the Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Congress president on a petition filed against him by BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi for allegedly making contemptuous remarks in connection with its order on the admissibility of the certain document in the Rafale deal. The contempt petition accused Rahul Gandhi of misquoting the order when he said the apex court had accepted that "chowkidar" (a reference to PM Narendra Modi), is a "chor (thief)".

Bihar Deputy CM to file defamation case against Rahul Gandhi for calling all Modis thieves

Flanked by several party leaders and scores of supporters, <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/they-came-together-knowing-that-theyll-be-swept-away-in-modi-wave-rajnath-singh-on-sp-bsp-alliance-in-uttar-pradesh-210289">Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Tuesday filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Before filing the nominations, Singh offered prayers at the Hanuman Setu temple and addressed party workers at the BJP state headquarters situated at Hazrathang Chauraha.

He also held a 6-kilometre-long road show in the region to the collector's office for filing nomination.

This will be the second time that the 67-year-old leader will contest Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow.

In 2014, he bagged the seat by defeating the then Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who is now in BJP and a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government.

It is believed that Lucknow is a prestigious constituency for the BJP as it was once held by former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Lok Sabha elections in Lucknow will be held on May 6 and the counting of the votes will take place on May 23.&nbsp;

Flanked by several party leaders and scores of supporters, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Flanked by several party leaders and scores of supporters, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday filed his nomination for the Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Before filing the nominations, Singh offered prayers at the Hanuman Setu temple and addressed party workers at the BJP state headquarters situated at Hazrathang Chauraha. He also held a 6-kilometre-long road show in the region to the collector's office for filing nomination. This will be the second time that the 67-year-old leader will contest Lok Sabha elections from Lucknow. In 2014, he bagged the seat by defeating the then Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who is now in BJP and a minister in the Uttar Pradesh government. It is believed that Lucknow is a prestigious constituency for the BJP as it was once held by former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Lok Sabha elections in Lucknow will be held on May 6 and the counting of the votes will take place on May 23.

Lok Sabha Polls 2019: Rajnath Singh files nomination from Lucknow

A bench headed by Justice S A Bobde issued notice to the Centre and asked it to respond to the plea filed by a Pune-based couple. The petition have added that a life of dignity and equality is the most sacrosanct fundamental right and a Muslim woman cannot be prohibited from entering a mosque.

SC admits plea on entry of women in mosques

The Supreme Court Tuesday sought responses from Congress leader P Chidambaram's wife Nalini and son Karti on an appeal of the Income Tax department against the Madras High Court order quashing criminal prosecution against them in an alleged black money case.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, while issuing notices to the two, made it clear that it will not stay the Madras High Court's 2018 order quashing criminal prosecution against the Chidambarams.

The issue relates to alleged non-disclosure of overseas assets and bank accounts held by Chidambaram's wife, son Karti and daughter-in-law Srinidhi.&nbsp;

According to the I-T Department, the three had not disclosed a property they jointly owned in Cambridge in the UK worth Rs 5.37 crore in their returns which amounted to an offence under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) Act and Imposition of Tax Act.

The Madras High Court on November 2 last year had said no case was made out and quashed the criminal prosecution.

Family members of the former union minister had filed writ petitions challenging the criminal prosecution.

The department has also alleged that Karti Chidambaram had not disclosed an overseas bank account he holds with Metro Bank in the UK and investments he had made in Nano Holdings LLC, USA.

He had also "failed" to disclose investments made by Chess Global Advisory, a company co-owned by him, which amounted to committing an offence under the Black Money Act, the department had said in its complaint in the special court in May last year.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Tuesday sought responses from Congress leader P Chidambaram's wife Nalini and son Karti on an appeal of the Income Tax department against the Madras High Court order quashing criminal prosecution against them in an alleged black money case.

The Supreme Court Tuesday sought responses from Congress leader P Chidambaram's wife Nalini and son Karti on an appeal of the Income Tax department against the Madras High Court order quashing criminal prosecution against them in an alleged black money case. A bench headed by the Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, while issuing notices to the two, made it clear that it will not stay the Madras High Court's 2018 order quashing criminal prosecution against the Chidambarams. The issue relates to alleged non-disclosure of overseas assets and bank accounts held by Chidambaram's wife, son Karti and daughter-in-law Srinidhi. According to the I-T Department, the three had not disclosed a property they jointly owned in Cambridge in the UK worth Rs 5.37 crore in their returns which amounted to an offence under the Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) Act and Imposition of Tax Act. The Madras High Court on November 2 last year had said no case was made out and quashed the criminal prosecution. Family members of the former union minister had filed writ petitions challenging the criminal prosecution. The department has also alleged that Karti Chidambaram had not disclosed an overseas bank account he holds with Metro Bank in the UK and investments he had made in Nano Holdings LLC, USA. He had also "failed" to disclose investments made by Chess Global Advisory, a company co-owned by him, which amounted to committing an offence under the Black Money Act, the department had said in its complaint in the special court in May last year.

Supreme Court seeks response from P Chidambaram's wife, son Karti on IT department plea

Union minister Prakash Javadekar has said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will lose Lok Sabha elections from Amethi and this is the reason why he chose to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-files-nomination-from-wayanad-parliamentary-constituency-207840">contest from Kerala's Wayanad</a> too.

"Legally and as per the practice strategy, anyone can fight from two constituencies. The issue is not that he is fighting from Wayanad, the issue is why he has ran away from Amethi. Because we won all the panchayat elections, zilla parishad elections and other major elections in the last five years. Also, Smriti Irani has worked hard. So the people are with us. Amethi has defeated his uncle Sanjay Gandhi and I'm absolutely sure that Rahul Gandhi will lose from Amethi," Javadekar told WION.

When asked about Congress general secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-with-congress-tight-lipped-about-varanasi-candidate-speculations-pit-priyanka-gandhi-against-pm-modi-in-his-home-constituency-210397">Priyanka Gandhi Vadra</a>'s entry into mainstream politics, the Union HRD minister said, "She can fight elections from anywhere. She has campaigned in last three general elections but could not achieve desired results." Javadekar also said that the BJP takes elections far more seriously than Rahul Gandhi.

Javadekar, who is also the in-charge of Rajasthan, said that like 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP will sweep all 25 seats in the state. The senior minister said that reverses faced by BJP in assembly will not affect the general elections as issues are different today. He said that in 1999, the BJP and Samajwadi Party alliance did very well in Lok Sabha elections but lost the government in Maharashtra as people cast their votes differently for the Centre and the state.

He insisted that the BJP will increase its tally in the Lok Sabha and also refused to give much credence to BSP-SP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh.

Javadekar admitted that nationalism has indeed become an issue in the Lok Sabha elections "but it does not mean that BJP has given up on sabka saath sabka vikas". "Economic progress remains central to BJP manifesto, but India requires a terror free environment to develop. Narendra Modi has provided that environment," he said. Javadekar also said that elections of 2019 will give a clear mandate to Narendra Modi as there is no other leader who stands as tall as him.

Speaking on issues such as Articles 370 and 35(A), which grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Javadekar said that BJP has not changed its ideological position on these two issues for the last 50 years.

"As the mandate was fractured in Jammu and Kashmir, we decided to experiment, but we parted ways when we felt that we will have to compromise on core issues. People in India want Jammu and Kashmir to be treated like any other state," he said.

He also said that NDA is opposed to restoration on pre-1953 status and would oppose it at any cost. The demand made by some Jammu and Kashmir parties, including the National Conference, talks about greater autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir which is vehemently opposed by BJP.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar has said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will lose Lok Sabha elections from Amethi and this is the reason why he chose to contest from Kerala's Wayanad too.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar has said that Congress president Rahul Gandhi will lose Lok Sabha elections from Amethi and this is the reason why he chose to contest from Kerala's Wayanad too. "Legally and as per the practice strategy, anyone can fight from two constituencies. The issue is not that he is fighting from Wayanad, the issue is why he has ran away from Amethi. Because we won all the panchayat elections, zilla parishad elections and other major elections in the last five years. Also, Smriti Irani has worked hard. So the people are with us. Amethi has defeated his uncle Sanjay Gandhi and I'm absolutely sure that Rahul Gandhi will lose from Amethi," Javadekar told WION. When asked about Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's entry into mainstream politics, the Union HRD minister said, "She can fight elections from anywhere. She has campaigned in last three general elections but could not achieve desired results." Javadekar also said that the BJP takes elections far more seriously than Rahul Gandhi. Javadekar, who is also the in-charge of Rajasthan, said that like 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP will sweep all 25 seats in the state. The senior minister said that reverses faced by BJP in assembly will not affect the general elections as issues are different today. He said that in 1999, the BJP and Samajwadi Party alliance did very well in Lok Sabha elections but lost the government in Maharashtra as people cast their votes differently for the Centre and the state. He insisted that the BJP will increase its tally in the Lok Sabha and also refused to give much credence to BSP-SP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh. Javadekar admitted that nationalism has indeed become an issue in the Lok Sabha elections "but it does not mean that BJP has given up on sabka saath sabka vikas". "Economic progress remains central to BJP manifesto, but India requires a terror free environment to develop. Narendra Modi has provided that environment," he said. Javadekar also said that elections of 2019 will give a clear mandate to Narendra Modi as there is no other leader who stands as tall as him. Speaking on issues such as Articles 370 and 35(A), which grant special status to Jammu and Kashmir, Javadekar said that BJP has not changed its ideological position on these two issues for the last 50 years. "As the mandate was fractured in Jammu and Kashmir, we decided to experiment, but we parted ways when we felt that we will have to compromise on core issues. People in India want Jammu and Kashmir to be treated like any other state," he said. He also said that NDA is opposed to restoration on pre-1953 status and would oppose it at any cost. The demand made by some Jammu and Kashmir parties, including the National Conference, talks about greater autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir which is vehemently opposed by BJP.

We take elections seriously, not Rahul Gandhi: Prakash Javadekar to WION

The terrorists on Tuesday hurled a grenade at the residence of National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Ashraf Bhat's house in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The grenade exploded outside the house.&nbsp;

No injuries or casualties have been reported so far.&nbsp;

However, this is not the first time Bhat’s residence has been targeted. In July 2018, terrorists hurled a grenade at his residence, leaving a CRPF jawan injured.

Bhat is the son of former National Conference MLA Mohammad Subhan Bhat.

(With inputs from ANI)

The terrorists on Tuesday hurled a grenade at the residence of National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Ashraf Bhat's house in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The terrorists on Tuesday hurled a grenade at the residence of National Conference (NC) leader Mohammad Ashraf Bhat's house in Tral area of Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The grenade exploded outside the house. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far. However, this is not the first time Bhat’s residence has been targeted. In July 2018, terrorists hurled a grenade at his residence, leaving a CRPF jawan injured. Bhat is the son of former National Conference MLA Mohammad Subhan Bhat. (With inputs from ANI)

J&K: Grenade hurled at former National Conference leader Mohammad Ashraf Bhat's house

Income tax officials Tuesday carried out coordinated<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-raids-continue-at-various-locations-in-madhya-pradesh-security-heightened-208681&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi0_Yr7itThAhUM6XMBHSm7AzYQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3oa_gTVL_qZZMX3hh6t4Mz"> raids</a> at premises owned by people allegedly linked to JD(S) in Mandya and Hassan districts, where party supremo H D Deve Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna are contesting their maiden Lok Sabha elections.

Sources in the I-T department said the searches were conducted by four teams, each comprising 15 officials at the offices, residences and factory premises of people allegedly associated with the JD(S) leadership.

The officials were accompanied by CRPF personnel.

JD(S) and its ally Congress have been alleging that the BJP-led government at the Centre has been "misusing" central agencies to pursue its "politics of vendetta."

On March 28, leaders of both the parties led by chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara had staged a demonstration outside the income tax office when the raids began.

The Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Karnataka-Goa region) B R Balakrishnan had even written to the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka seeking action against those who staged demonstrations, threatened the officials and interrupted them from discharging their duties under various sections of the IPC.

Meanwhile, an income tax department release said, "Today the Income-tax department is carrying out searches in Hassan, Mandya and Bangalore.

The searches being conducted today are based on credible intelligence that certain businessmen have earned income not disclosed to tax and are in possession of undisclosed assets."

"The taxpayers covered in today's search operations are engaged in real estate, quarrying and stone crushing, executing government contracts, operating petrol bunks, sawmill and managing cooperative Banks.

These are sectors which are prone to generation of black money," it said.

The release further said five residences in Hassan, one in Bangalore and one in Mandya along with their business premises were covered as part of the search operations.&nbsp;

Income tax officials Tuesday carried out coordinated raids at premises owned by people allegedly linked to JD(S) in Mandya and Hassan districts, where party supremo H D Deve Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna are contesting their maiden Lok Sabha elections.

Income tax officials Tuesday carried out coordinated raids at premises owned by people allegedly linked to JD(S) in Mandya and Hassan districts, where party supremo H D Deve Gowda's grandsons Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Prajwal Revanna are contesting their maiden Lok Sabha elections. Sources in the I-T department said the searches were conducted by four teams, each comprising 15 officials at the offices, residences and factory premises of people allegedly associated with the JD(S) leadership. The officials were accompanied by CRPF personnel. JD(S) and its ally Congress have been alleging that the BJP-led government at the Centre has been "misusing" central agencies to pursue its "politics of vendetta." On March 28, leaders of both the parties led by chief minister H D Kumaraswamy, former chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister G Parameshwara had staged a demonstration outside the income tax office when the raids began. The Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Karnataka-Goa region) B R Balakrishnan had even written to the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka seeking action against those who staged demonstrations, threatened the officials and interrupted them from discharging their duties under various sections of the IPC. Meanwhile, an income tax department release said, "Today the Income-tax department is carrying out searches in Hassan, Mandya and Bangalore. The searches being conducted today are based on credible intelligence that certain businessmen have earned income not disclosed to tax and are in possession of undisclosed assets." "The taxpayers covered in today's search operations are engaged in real estate, quarrying and stone crushing, executing government contracts, operating petrol bunks, sawmill and managing cooperative Banks. These are sectors which are prone to generation of black money," it said. The release further said five residences in Hassan, one in Bangalore and one in Mandya along with their business premises were covered as part of the search operations.

IT raids at premises of people linked to JDS in Mandya, Hassan

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The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to consider BSP supremo Mayawati's plea challenging the EC's 48-hr campaign ban on her and expressed satisfaction over the poll body's action against leaders making hate speeches.&nbsp;

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked Mayawati's counsel to file a separate appeal against the poll panel's order.

Taking note of the EC action, the court said<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-has-finally-woken-up-to-its-power-supreme-court-on-campaign-ban-on-politicians-210816"> it seems the poll body has "woken up"</a> and barred various politicians from poll campaigning for varying hours.

The bench also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna made it clear that no further order was required for now.

The Election Commission on Monday imposed a nationwide campaign ban on Adityanath for 72 hours and on Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and Mayawati for 48 hours from Tuesday for their "provocative" communal remarks, which it said had the "propensity to polarise the elections".

A 72-hour campaign ban has also been imposed on Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan for his alleged "khaki underwear" jibe against actor-politician Jaya Prada, who is his rival BJP candidate in Rampur Lok Sabha seat.&nbsp;

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by an NRI Yoga teacher based in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeking a direction to the EC to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on caste and religion in the media in the run-up to general elections.

The all-India ban on all four leaders -- two from the ruling BJP and two from opposition parties -- came into force from 6 am Tuesday.

While Adityanath, Mayawati and Gandhi were found guilty of violating the model code, the EC said Khan not only violated the poll code, he also disregarded its November 2013 directive asking politicians to desist from "deeds or actions construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women".

For the first time a pan-India ban has been imposed on politicians, while any restriction on a chief minister and a union minister is unprecedented.

Mayawati alleged the order has been passed "under pressure" and it would be remembered as a "black day" in the EC's history. She has faced action for appealing to Muslims to not vote for the Congress to avoid their anti-BJP votes getting divided.&nbsp;

Her alliance partner and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav asked the EC whether it is capable to issue similar directives to the prime minister to stop him from asking for votes in name of the Army.

The EC order to bar Adityanath and Mayawati came soon after the Supreme Court asked the poll watchdog about the action it has initiated against them.

The apex court had on Monday expressed displeasure over the Election Commission not taking quick action against politicians for communal and hate speeches during the Lok Sabha campaigning and decided to examine the ambit of its power following submission that it was "toothless".

The bench had taken the cases of alleged communal speeches of Mayawati and Adityanath and asked the EC about the action taken so far against them while deciding to examine the statutory powers of the poll panel to deal with the violation of the model code of conduct (MCC).

The EC's counsel had said: "The power of the EC in this behalf is very limited. We can issue notice and seek reply but we cannot de-recognise a party or disqualify a candidate...We can only issue advisories and in case of a repeat offence, register a complaint."

Reacting sharply, the bench had said, "So you are basically saying you are toothless and powerless against hate speeches."

It had then said that besides sending a notice, an advisory and a criminal case can be filed only against such leader.&nbsp;

"It is stated by the counsel appearing for the EC that the power of the ECI for violation of the Model Code of Conduct by making hate speeches on grounds of religion, caste etc is circumscribed to issuing of notice and upon consideration of the reply to issue advisories.&nbsp;

"Only in case of repeated violation of the advisories, the EC has the power to file an FIR with the Police for initiation of criminal proceedings," the bench had noted in the order.

The apex court, on April 8, had issued a notice to the Centre and the poll panel on the PIL seeking direction to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on castes and religions in the media in the run-up to general elections.&nbsp;

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to consider BSP supremo Mayawati's plea challenging the EC's 48-hr campaign ban on her and expressed satisfaction over the poll body's action against leaders making hate speeches.

The Supreme Court Tuesday refused to consider BSP supremo Mayawati's plea challenging the EC's 48-hr campaign ban on her and expressed satisfaction over the poll body's action against leaders making hate speeches. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked Mayawati's counsel to file a separate appeal against the poll panel's order. Taking note of the EC action, the court said it seems the poll body has "woken up" and barred various politicians from poll campaigning for varying hours. The bench also comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna made it clear that no further order was required for now. The Election Commission on Monday imposed a nationwide campaign ban on Adityanath for 72 hours and on Union Minister Maneka Gandhi and Mayawati for 48 hours from Tuesday for their "provocative" communal remarks, which it said had the "propensity to polarise the elections". A 72-hour campaign ban has also been imposed on Samajwadi Party's Azam Khan for his alleged "khaki underwear" jibe against actor-politician Jaya Prada, who is his rival BJP candidate in Rampur Lok Sabha seat. The bench was hearing a PIL filed by an NRI Yoga teacher based in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), seeking a direction to the EC to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on caste and religion in the media in the run-up to general elections. The all-India ban on all four leaders -- two from the ruling BJP and two from opposition parties -- came into force from 6 am Tuesday. While Adityanath, Mayawati and Gandhi were found guilty of violating the model code, the EC said Khan not only violated the poll code, he also disregarded its November 2013 directive asking politicians to desist from "deeds or actions construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women". For the first time a pan-India ban has been imposed on politicians, while any restriction on a chief minister and a union minister is unprecedented. Mayawati alleged the order has been passed "under pressure" and it would be remembered as a "black day" in the EC's history. She has faced action for appealing to Muslims to not vote for the Congress to avoid their anti-BJP votes getting divided. Her alliance partner and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav asked the EC whether it is capable to issue similar directives to the prime minister to stop him from asking for votes in name of the Army. The EC order to bar Adityanath and Mayawati came soon after the Supreme Court asked the poll watchdog about the action it has initiated against them. The apex court had on Monday expressed displeasure over the Election Commission not taking quick action against politicians for communal and hate speeches during the Lok Sabha campaigning and decided to examine the ambit of its power following submission that it was "toothless". The bench had taken the cases of alleged communal speeches of Mayawati and Adityanath and asked the EC about the action taken so far against them while deciding to examine the statutory powers of the poll panel to deal with the violation of the model code of conduct (MCC). The EC's counsel had said: "The power of the EC in this behalf is very limited. We can issue notice and seek reply but we cannot de-recognise a party or disqualify a candidate...We can only issue advisories and in case of a repeat offence, register a complaint." Reacting sharply, the bench had said, "So you are basically saying you are toothless and powerless against hate speeches." It had then said that besides sending a notice, an advisory and a criminal case can be filed only against such leader. "It is stated by the counsel appearing for the EC that the power of the ECI for violation of the Model Code of Conduct by making hate speeches on grounds of religion, caste etc is circumscribed to issuing of notice and upon consideration of the reply to issue advisories. "Only in case of repeated violation of the advisories, the EC has the power to file an FIR with the Police for initiation of criminal proceedings," the bench had noted in the order. The apex court, on April 8, had issued a notice to the Centre and the poll panel on the PIL seeking direction to take "strict action" against political parties if their spokespersons make remarks based on castes and religions in the media in the run-up to general elections.

Supreme Court refuses to consider Mayawati's plea against Election Commission order

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.

There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader further said "Operation Kamala 2.0" will not succeed as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to return to power at the Centre.

"Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus) refers to the successful attempt of the BJP to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka in 2008. It is widely believed that the saffron party is attempting "Operation Kamala 2.0" to form the government in the southern state by trying to lure the legislators of the ruling coalition.

The BJP had tried to engineer defections soon after the May 2018 Assembly polls when it emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but fell short of a majority. However, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was on guard.

"They may try Operation Kamala again and I do not think they will succeed," Siddaramaiah told PTI in an exclusive interview.

He was responding to a query on the possibility of the BJP, if it returns to power at the Centre, reviving its "poach-all" operation to stake claim to form the government in Karnataka.

"The BJP cannot come to power at the Centre as it will not win a good number of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, it had won 102 of the 120 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it possible to win the same number of seats again? How can you say the BJP will come to power?," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the saffron party may not get 50 per cent of the seats it had bagged in these two states five years ago.

"In Gujarat, the BJP had won all the 26 seats and do you think it is possible this time? Where is the Modi wave? Why is the Modi wave created? I want to know what factors are contributing to the Modi wave," he said.

Dismissing reports of any threat to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, he said, "We do not have any fear. It is the BJP which is saying the government is not stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also saying it."

The Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 MLAs, whereas the BJP has 104. The saffron party will have to get at least 13 legislators from the ruling alliance to resign from the Assembly in order to bring down the strength of the House, allowing it to stake claim to form the government in the southern state.

The defecting MLAs cannot join the BJP straightaway as in that case, they will attract disqualification under the anti-defection law.

Karnataka goes to the polls in the second and third phases on April 18 and 23.

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said.

The BJP is likely to revive its "Operation Kamala" to topple the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka after the ongoing general election, but it will not succeed in its effort, Coalition Coordination Committee chairman Siddaramaiah has said. There is no "threat" to the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) government, which is "very much stable" and functioning smoothly without hiccups, he told PTI on Monday. The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader further said "Operation Kamala 2.0" will not succeed as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is unlikely to return to power at the Centre. "Operation Kamala" (Operation Lotus) refers to the successful attempt of the BJP to engineer the defection of opposition legislators to ensure the stability of the BS Yeddyurappa government in Karnataka in 2008. It is widely believed that the saffron party is attempting "Operation Kamala 2.0" to form the government in the southern state by trying to lure the legislators of the ruling coalition. The BJP had tried to engineer defections soon after the May 2018 Assembly polls when it emerged as the single-largest party with 104 seats but fell short of a majority. However, the Congress-JD(S) coalition was on guard. "They may try Operation Kamala again and I do not think they will succeed," Siddaramaiah told PTI in an exclusive interview. He was responding to a query on the possibility of the BJP, if it returns to power at the Centre, reviving its "poach-all" operation to stake claim to form the government in Karnataka. "The BJP cannot come to power at the Centre as it will not win a good number of seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, it had won 102 of the 120 seats in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Is it possible to win the same number of seats again? How can you say the BJP will come to power?," the former Karnataka chief minister said, adding that the saffron party may not get 50 per cent of the seats it had bagged in these two states five years ago. "In Gujarat, the BJP had won all the 26 seats and do you think it is possible this time? Where is the Modi wave? Why is the Modi wave created? I want to know what factors are contributing to the Modi wave," he said. Dismissing reports of any threat to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, he said, "We do not have any fear. It is the BJP which is saying the government is not stable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also saying it." The Congress-JD(S) coalition has 117 MLAs, whereas the BJP has 104. The saffron party will have to get at least 13 legislators from the ruling alliance to resign from the Assembly in order to bring down the strength of the House, allowing it to stake claim to form the government in the southern state. The defecting MLAs cannot join the BJP straightaway as in that case, they will attract disqualification under the anti-defection law. Karnataka goes to the polls in the second and third phases on April 18 and 23.

BJP may revive 'Operation Kamala' post LS polls, but it will not succeed: Siddaramaiah

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he has "failed" to fulfil the promises made during the last five years.

"The promises Modi has given to you, he has not fulfilled. But Anil Ambani gets Rs 30,000 crore in Rafale deal."

"The Prime Minister is speaking of nationalism and he gave the biggest defence deal to a person who has not made a single aircraft," Gandhi charged.

The Congress President was addressing an election rally at the St Stephen college grounds here in Kollam district.

Hitting at the Sangh forces, the AICC chief alleged the country is now under attack from the BJP-RSS and there was an ideological fight going on between the BJP on one side and Congress on the other.

"No matter how many times you (BJP/RSS) attack us, we will use love and non-violence to convince you are wrong," he said.

"In the last five years, our Prime Minister promised several things. Two crore job opportunities... Rs 15 lakh deposits in bank accounts and price support for farmers," he said.

Gandhi asked the people how many of them had received the money in their bank account promised by the Prime Minister.

Gandhi assured the cashew farmers in the state that his party if voted to power, will to take up their cause.

"We will start a conversation to help make cashew growing a viable alternative", he said adding that it was an "honour" for him to fight elections from Kerala.

Rahul Gandhi arrived here last night on a two-day visit to Kerala.

Besides Kollam, he would address rallies in three more districts.

Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad district as a second constituency besides the Congress stronghold of Amethi, will be addressing meetings in his constituency on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he has "failed" to fulfil the promises made during the last five years.

Coming down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress chief Rahul Gandhi Tuesday said he has "failed" to fulfil the promises made during the last five years. "The promises Modi has given to you, he has not fulfilled. But Anil Ambani gets Rs 30,000 crore in Rafale deal." "The Prime Minister is speaking of nationalism and he gave the biggest defence deal to a person who has not made a single aircraft," Gandhi charged. The Congress President was addressing an election rally at the St Stephen college grounds here in Kollam district. Hitting at the Sangh forces, the AICC chief alleged the country is now under attack from the BJP-RSS and there was an ideological fight going on between the BJP on one side and Congress on the other. "No matter how many times you (BJP/RSS) attack us, we will use love and non-violence to convince you are wrong," he said. "In the last five years, our Prime Minister promised several things. Two crore job opportunities... Rs 15 lakh deposits in bank accounts and price support for farmers," he said. Gandhi asked the people how many of them had received the money in their bank account promised by the Prime Minister. Gandhi assured the cashew farmers in the state that his party if voted to power, will to take up their cause. "We will start a conversation to help make cashew growing a viable alternative", he said adding that it was an "honour" for him to fight elections from Kerala. Rahul Gandhi arrived here last night on a two-day visit to Kerala. Besides Kollam, he would address rallies in three more districts. Gandhi, who is contesting from Wayanad district as a second constituency besides the Congress stronghold of Amethi, will be addressing meetings in his constituency on Wednesday.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: PM Modi failed to fulfil promises, says Rahul Gandhi in Kerala rally

India's MET Dept. predicts near-normal monsoon rains this year. Let's Listen in what IMD has to say on this.

WION Wallet: IMD expects monsoons to be near normal

The 'Madadgaar' helpline set-up by the Central reserve police force in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is helping the common people every day. &nbsp;

From resolving the local grievance to assisting Kashmiris students outside the state, they have been at the forefront of it all.&nbsp;

Located on the outskirts of Srinagar, this helpline number receives hundreds of calls every day, not only from the local residents but also Kashmiris living outside the state.&nbsp;

Since the Pulwama terror attack, they have attended distress call by Kashmiris living outside and deputed officials for the assistance.&nbsp;

Started in 2017, with an aim to assist students studying all over the country who face security issues, the helpline has evolved itself and gown over the years.&nbsp;

Led by a young Commandant Gul Junaid Khan, a Kashmiri from north Kashmir, this force has taken a pledge to help the common man.

Junaid hails from a volatile area in Baramulla district where terrorists often attack men in uniform. He was rare to be retained in Srinagar, seeing his commitment and dedication to work by his officers.&nbsp;

"The basic idea of Madadgar is to help Kashmiris in distress who are in the state or outside. We provide several kinds of assistance to people. We have received 3.59 lakh calls till now for various kind of assistance," says Junaid while monitoring his team at work.&nbsp;

On average, this helpline receives 400 to 500 calls each day regarding a wide range of issues from road status to employment.&nbsp;

CRPF says on every day they get 15 to 20 service calls are related to medical issues. These men in uniform have also been donating blood and helping financially poor people on just a phone call.&nbsp;

"We are very happy in helping the people. We also get calls for blood donation and when we help them, they give us blessings," says Sub-Inspector, Sanjay Kumar.&nbsp;

The 'Madadgaar' helpline set-up by the Central reserve police force in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is helping the common people every day. From resolving the local grievance to assisting Kashmiris students outside the state, they have been at the forefront of it all.

The 'Madadgaar' helpline set-up by the Central reserve police force in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is helping the common people every day. From resolving the local grievance to assisting Kashmiris students outside the state, they have been at the forefront of it all. Located on the outskirts of Srinagar, this helpline number receives hundreds of calls every day, not only from the local residents but also Kashmiris living outside the state. Since the Pulwama terror attack, they have attended distress call by Kashmiris living outside and deputed officials for the assistance. Started in 2017, with an aim to assist students studying all over the country who face security issues, the helpline has evolved itself and gown over the years. Led by a young Commandant Gul Junaid Khan, a Kashmiri from north Kashmir, this force has taken a pledge to help the common man. Junaid hails from a volatile area in Baramulla district where terrorists often attack men in uniform. He was rare to be retained in Srinagar, seeing his commitment and dedication to work by his officers. "The basic idea of Madadgar is to help Kashmiris in distress who are in the state or outside. We provide several kinds of assistance to people. We have received 3.59 lakh calls till now for various kind of assistance," says Junaid while monitoring his team at work. On average, this helpline receives 400 to 500 calls each day regarding a wide range of issues from road status to employment. CRPF says on every day they get 15 to 20 service calls are related to medical issues. These men in uniform have also been donating blood and helping financially poor people on just a phone call. "We are very happy in helping the people. We also get calls for blood donation and when we help them, they give us blessings," says Sub-Inspector, Sanjay Kumar.

'Madadgaar': A CRPF helpline dedicated to common man in Jammu and Kashmir

Jet Airways pilots body, the National Aviator's Guild, Monday appealed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jet-airways-pilots-body-defers-no-flying-call-ahead-of-lenders-meet-210467">State Bank of India</a> (SBI) to release Rs 1,500 crore, which was proposed to be infused in the ailing carrier as part of a debt-restructuring plan last month.

The airline is operating just 6-7 planes, with almost its entire fleet being grounded due to non-payment of rentals to lessors amid severe paucity of cash.

"We would like to appeal SBI to release Rs 1,500 crore funds for the airline to help it continue operations. We also appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save 20,000 odd jobs at the airline," National Aviator's Guild ( NAG) vice president Adim Valiani told reporters at the airline's headquarter, Siroya Centre, here Monday.

Earlier, the airline's pilots, engineers and cabin crew members assembled at the headquarters to show their solidarity.

The airline's pilots along with engineers and senior staff were last paid for December 2018. This apart, the airline has also defaulted on the March salary of other categories of employees as well.

Last month, an SBI-led consortium of lenders had taken management control of the airline post a debt-recast deal, following which the lenders had proposed to infuse as much as Rs 1,500 crore to the carrier to keep it afloat till the time it gets an investor.&nbsp;

The Monday meeting with lenders is reportedly expected to take a final decision on the quantum of funds to be infused immediately to avert a possible shut down. A meeting between the airline management and its major lender SBI last Friday could not take a decision on the fund infusion issue.

Jet Airways pilots body, the National Aviator's Guild, Monday appealed the State Bank of India (SBI) to release Rs 1,500 crore, which was proposed to be infused in the ailing carrier as part of a debt-restructuring plan last month.

Jet Airways pilots body, the National Aviator's Guild, Monday appealed the State Bank of India (SBI) to release Rs 1,500 crore, which was proposed to be infused in the ailing carrier as part of a debt-restructuring plan last month. The airline is operating just 6-7 planes, with almost its entire fleet being grounded due to non-payment of rentals to lessors amid severe paucity of cash. "We would like to appeal SBI to release Rs 1,500 crore funds for the airline to help it continue operations. We also appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save 20,000 odd jobs at the airline," National Aviator's Guild ( NAG) vice president Adim Valiani told reporters at the airline's headquarter, Siroya Centre, here Monday. Earlier, the airline's pilots, engineers and cabin crew members assembled at the headquarters to show their solidarity. The airline's pilots along with engineers and senior staff were last paid for December 2018. This apart, the airline has also defaulted on the March salary of other categories of employees as well. Last month, an SBI-led consortium of lenders had taken management control of the airline post a debt-recast deal, following which the lenders had proposed to infuse as much as Rs 1,500 crore to the carrier to keep it afloat till the time it gets an investor. The Monday meeting with lenders is reportedly expected to take a final decision on the quantum of funds to be infused immediately to avert a possible shut down. A meeting between the airline management and its major lender SBI last Friday could not take a decision on the fund infusion issue.

Jet Airways pilots appeal to SBI for funds, also ask PM to save 20,000 jobs

Crisis at Jet Airways continues: Will banks rescue Jet?

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